2025-01-31-accounts - Support U Ltd

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Annual report for the year ending 31.1.2025

Structure, Governance and Management

The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 18 July 2011 and registered as a charity on 9 January 2012. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1.

charity.

The Board of Trustees has been further strengthened, and this will continue into 2025, recruiting expertise as identified by a skills audit of existing Trustees. The Charity continues to operate an open-ended Trustee recruitment program for new individuals to apply to join the Trustee Board, utilising local advertisement methods (such as Reading Voluntary Action) and website-based advertisements.

When recruiting, potential Trustees are requested to complete an application form which is presented to the trustees and CEO. The trustees are permitted to scrutinise applications to ensure that the new trustees bring value and input to the Board for the benefit of the charity. If the application is approved, the trustee is invited to attend an interview with 2 trustees and the CEO. If they are successful, they are then given a formal induction by the CEO and are expected to complete E-Learning training sessions which include courses on Safeguarding and Management before commencing trustee duties. Furthermore, each trustee is required to attend a training course which covers the essential elements of the Trustee Role and is provided by our local authority-approved provider.

Purpose and Aims

Our charity’s purposes as set out in the objects contained in the company’s memorandum of association are to:

The promotion of equality and diversity particularly in relation to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons (in particular but not exclusively those residents in Reading) for the benefit of the public by:
the elimination of discrimination on the grounds of gender or sexual orientation;
advancing education and raising awareness in equality and diversity;
promoting activities to foster understanding between people from diverse backgrounds;
cultivating a sentiment in favour of equality and diversity.
are socially excluded on the grounds of their sexual orientation or gender re-assignment to relieve the needs of such people and assist them to integrate into society.
To relieve the charitable needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons (in particular but not exclusively those residents in Reading) by the provision of a centre to oZer advice and support.

The overall aim for the charity is to provide a safe place for people to discuss LGBT related issues and to oZer opportunities to socialise with LGBT people.

Ensuring our work delivers our aims

Each year, we assess our goals, objectives, and actions. This evaluation examines our accomplishments and the results of our eZorts over the past 12 months, gauging the eZectiveness of key activities and the advantages they've provided to the specific groups we exist to support.

Moreover, this review guarantees the continued alignment of our goals, objectives, and activities with our stated mission. When evaluating our aims and objectives and charting our future initiatives, we consult the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit. Specifically, the Board of Trustees evaluates how planned activities will further the aims and objectives they've established.

Our work

within the organisation. The Trustee Board was refreshed bringing in expertise in finance, safeguarding and HR. A new Chair was appointed in October 2024

Funding for many of the paid roles came to an end which led to a refocus of activities to ensure that the organisation remained viable and sustainable. Emphasis was placed on running funded group activity whilst a vision for the future of the organisation was agreed. Activities such as the helpline and counselling was suspended during this process and has not been restarted.

A part time interim CEO managed day to day activities, liaising with funders and stakeholders and supporting staZ and volunteers.

were agreed with funders and stakeholders.

This year was focused on stabilising the organisa5on, iden5fying future direc5on. We want to express our deep appreciation for the unwavering dedication of our volunteers and staZ, without whom none of our services would be possible. We value the understanding and feedback from our service users as we adapt our services to support more people.

trustee board remains impressed and immensely proud of the organization's achievements year after year. We remain committed to delivering best-in-class support to our service users.

Financial Review

Financial Stability and Cost Management:

Maintaining steady funding through reliable revenue sources like grants and donations allows the organization to meet its financial needs and plan future projects. At the same time, managing expenses carefully ensures resources are used wisely and programs that benefit the community most are prioritized. Strategic budgeting and ongoing financial oversight help balance investment in essential services with eZicient administration and operations. This strategy supports organizational sustainability and flexibility in responding to changing needs and challenges.

Sta<ing and Wage Structure:

Support U operated on a minimum staZ level as a result of ongoing budgetary restrictions. A review of volunteer capacity and capability was undertaken to ensure they were able to work safely and eZectively. Support U is committed to providing support to all staZ and volunteers and recognising their contribution to the services delivered. Support U remains committed to oZering a transparent and equitable wage structure whilst investing in staZ development to ensure the team is capable of supporting people eZectively.

Principal Funding Sources: A Year in Review

Currently Support U is primarily funded from its Grants and donations.

Future Plans and Commitments

Support U is committed to becoming a sustainable organisation with diverse revenue sources and broader outreach to the LGBTQIA+ community. For 2025/26, our focus is on providing safe, inclusive services while reducing reliance on project grants by growing business income and fundraising. We are also reviewing costs to ensure sustainable growth and financial health. Our charity remains dedicated to diversity, sustainability, and supporting all members of the LGBTQIA+ community as we pursue a more inclusive future.

Reserves Policy

Charity’s "Financial Expenditure" policy guides consistent management of resources, forming part of onboarding for new staZ and trustees. The Board of Trustees assesses reserve requirements based on key risks, maintaining unrestricted funds at 3–6 months of core spending. With increased committed expenditure, the reserves policy was updated to £80,000 for this financial period to ensure suZicient working capital and continuity in case of reduced funding. The Board will consider adjusting activities and spending if necessary.

Company registration number: 07708702 Charity registration number: 1145334

SUPPORT U LIMITED TRUSTEES' REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025

Holy Brook Associates Ltd

Support u Limited Contents

	Page
Trustees' Report	1—3
Independent Examiner's Report	4
Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account)	5
Comparative Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account)	6
Balance Sheet	7
Notes to the Financial Statements	8—12

Support u Limited Company No. 07708702 Trustees' Report For The Year Ended 31 January 2025

The trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 January 2025.

Objectives and Activities

Aims and Objectives

During the 2024/25 financial year, Support U delivered community-based wellbeing and inclusion groups for adults and young people. These sessions provided a safe and supportive space for individuals to connect, explore personal challenges, and build confidence. The groups were focused on emotional wellbeing, inclusion, and comm/unity connection through semi- structured group sessions, workshops, and peer support.

Public Benefit

Our charity’s purposes as set out in the objects contained in the company’s memorandum of association are to:

● The promotion of equality and diversity particularly in relation to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons (in particular but not exclusively those residents in Reading) for the benefit of the public by:

the elimination of discrimination on the grounds of gender or sexual orientation;
advancing education and raising awareness in equality and diversity;
promoting activities to foster understanding between people from diverse backgrounds;
cultivating a sentiment in favour of equality and diversity.
To promote social inclusion for the public benefit by working with people in Reading who are socially excluded on the grounds of their sexual orientation or gender re-assignment to relieve the needs of such people and assist them to integrate into society.
To relieve the charitable needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons (in particular but not exclusively those residents in Reading) by the provision of a centre to offer advice and support.

The overall aim for the charity is to provide a safe place for people to discuss LGBT related issues and to offer opportunities to socialise with LGBT people.

The trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.

Achievements and Performance

Chairs report and future plans

The climate for the LGBT+ community has been significantly affected through recent legal , health, funding and social issues.

As a result, we have to innovate and re-think many of our services.

During the course of this period, the new Chair has carried out an operational review which has instigated a range of changes and initiatives to improve impact and build sustainability. The new plan which has been developed with all the Trustees and takes account of community feedback will begin to take effect during the following financial year.

Some of the noteworthy changes will include:

A focus on sustainability – with diversified efforts to remove the reliance on large bids which have become increasingly scarce and competitive.

A retrenchment towards a new operational team that has the skills and enthusiasm to deliver many of our new plans Innovation around the work and services we deliver – helping us change attitudes and build resilience for our community (as well as being ‘present’ for people during times of difficulty)

Creating more streamlined processes and IT core ‘tools’ to help us simplify and build robustness into our core delivery To improve safeguarding at every level of the charity

To improve governance by recruiting new Trustees, ensuring they have the development needing to improve governance and innovate around the needs of the wider community

Ensuring our ‘educational’ work continues and creates the capacity for external organisations and bodies to become more inclusive and supporting, whatever the prevailing culture

Making sure we are more visible and continue to celebrate some of the fine work that the charity has delivered over the past number of years

We are confident that these changes will ensure we remain relevant and at the heart of our community for the coming years.

Page 1

Support u Limited Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 January 2025

Reference and Administrative Details

Trustees

Mr Laurence Jenkins (appointed 22/03/2024) Ms Gillian Russell - Chair (appointed 12/09/2024) Ms Zoe Grant (appointed 13/06/2025) Mr Kenneth Pennington (appointed 22/03/2024)

Charity Number

1145334

Company Number

07708702

Principal Address

9 Greyfriars Road Reading Berkshire RG1 1NU

Independent Examiner

Rachel Eden FCMA Holy Brook Associates Ltd Curious Lounge Reading Berkshire RG11NH

Page 2

Support u Limited Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 January 2025

Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities

The trustees (who are also the directors of Support u Limited for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law the trustees must not approve the financial statement unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing the financial statements the trustees are required to:

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP;
make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business.

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at anytime the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Small Company Rules

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to companies subject to the small companies regime within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees' report was approved by the board of trustees and signed on its behalf by:

Mr Laurence Jenkins Trustee 20/11/2025

Page 3

Support u Limited Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Support u Limited For The Year Ended 31 January 2025

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 January 2025.

Responsibilities and Basis of Report

As the charity trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (“the 2006 Act”).

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent Examiner's Statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:

accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view' which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Rachel Eden FCMA 20/11/2025 Curious Lounge Reading Berkshire RG11NH

Page 4

Support u Limited Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) For The Year Ended 31 January 2025

Unrestricted funds £ 734 461 747	Restricted funds £ 47,723 - -	2025 Total funds £ 48,457 461 747	2024 Total funds £ 165,011 1,150 606
1,942	47,723	49,665	166,767
(1) (119,702)	- (21,320)	(1) (141,022)	- (183,984)
(119,703)	(21,320)	(141,023)	(183,984)
(117,761)	26,403	(91,358)	(17,217)
(117,761) 163,342	26,403 63,895	(91,358) 227,237	(17,217) 244,453
45,581	90,298	135,879	227,236

The notes on pages 8 to 12 form part of these financial statements.

Page 5

Support u Limited Comparative Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account)

For The Year Ended 31 January 2025

Unrestricted funds £ 54,913 1,150 606	Restricted funds £ 110,098 - -	2024 Total funds £ 165,011 1,150 606
56,669	110,098	166,767
(183,984)	-	(183,984)
(23,378)	6,161	(17,217)
(23,378) 186,719	6,161 57,734	(17,217) 244,453
163,341	63,895	227,236

The notes on pages 8 to 12 form part of these financial statements.

Page 6

Support u Limited Balance Sheet As At 31 January 2025

Unrestricted funds £ 660	Restricted funds £ -	2025 Total funds £ 660	2024 Total funds £ 2,669
660 216 136,830	- - 90,298	660 216 138,395	2,669 4,185 221,107
137,046 (92,125)	90,298 -	138,611 (3,392)	225,292 (725)
44,921	90,298	135,219	224,567
45,581	90,298	135,879	227,236
45,581	90,298	135,879	227,236
		90,298 45,581	63,895 163,341
		135,879	227,236

For the year ending 31 January 2025 the charitable company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

The members have not required the charitable company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

On behalf of the board

Mr Laurence Jenkins

Trustee 20/11/2025

The notes on pages 8 to 12 form part of these financial statements.

Page 7

Support u Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31 January 2025

1. General Information

Support u Limited is a company limited by guarantee, incorporated in England & Wales, registered number 07708702 and registered charity number 1145334. The registered office is .

2. Accounting Policies

2.1. Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)", Financial Reporting Standard 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Companies Act 2006.

The charitable company is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

2.2. Incoming Resources

Income is included in the accounts once the charity has entitlement, the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability and there is the probability of receipt.

Earned income is included in the period in which the service is provided, if any performance conditions attached have been met or are fully within the control of the charity.

Donations are included when given, together with an estimate of the related gift aid due thereon. Donated services are included in the accounts when received at the value of the gift to the charity provided the value of the gift can be measure reliably. The equivalent amount is recognised as an expense under the appropriate category. Legacies are included when the date of probate is ascertained and the amount receivable can be reliably estimated. Income which is subject to conditions that the charity has yet to fulfil, or which is specifically for use in a future accounting period, is treated as deferred income.

2.3. Resources Expended

Expenditure is included on an accruals basis when incurred, that is when a legal or constructive obligation arises, and includes related irrecoverable VAT. Future liabilities are included at the best estimate of the amount required to settle them. Future liabilities are included at the best estimate of the amount required to settle them.

2.4. Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation

Tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of the fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases:

Plant & Machinery	33%
Computer Equipment	33%

2.5. Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assets and include cash in hand and deposits held at call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments that mature in no more than three months from the date of acquisition and are readily convertible to a known amount of cash with insignificant risk of change in value, and bank overdrafts.

3. Income from Donations and Legacies

Donations and gifts Grants	Unrestricted funds £ 734 -	Restricted funds £ - 47,723	2025 Total funds £ 734 47,723
	734	47,723	48,457

Page 8

Support u Limited Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 January 2025

Unrestricted funds £ 5,113 49,800	Restricted funds £ - 110,098	2024 Total funds £ 5,113 159,898
54,913	110,098	165,011
	2025 Unrestricted funds £ 461	2024 Unrestricted funds £ 1,150
	2025 Unrestricted funds £ 747	2024 Unrestricted funds £ 606
	2025 £ 2,009	2024 £ 2,542
	2025 £ 300 2,645 - - 2,945	2024 £ 300 1,550 - -
		1,850

Page 9

Support u Limited Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 January 2025

8. Staff Costs

Staff costs were as follows:

Wages and salaries Social security costs Other pension costs	2025 £ 34,714 1,291 3,805 39,810	2024 £ 110,817 1,895 3,116
		115,828

No employees received employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) for the reporting period of more than £60,000.

9. Average Number of Employees

Average number of employees during the year was: 2 (2024: 5)

10. Tangible Assets

Plant & Machinery £ 1,523	Computer Equipment £ 11,549	Total £ 13,072
1,523	11,549	13,072
1,100 423	9,303 1,586	10,403 2,009
1,523	10,889	12,412
-	660	660
423	2,246	2,669
	2025 £ 216 2025 £ 726 1,151 1,515 3,392	2024 £ 4,185
		2024 £ 508 3,129 (2,912)
		725

11. Debtors

12. Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year

Page 10

Support u Limited Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 January 2025

13. Pension Commitments

The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charitable company in an independently administered fund.

During the year the charge to the statement of financial activities in respect of defined contribution schemes was £3,805 (2024: £3,116).

At the balance sheet date contributions of £NIL were due to the fund and are included in creditors.

14. Movement in Funds

As at 1 February 2024 £ 163,342 16,935 46,960	Income £ 1,942 12,500 35,223	Expenditure £ (119,703) (14,379) (6,941)	As at 31 January 2025 £ 45,581 15,056 75,242
63,895	47,723	(21,320)	90,298

227,237	49,665	(141,023)	135,879
As at 1 February 2023 £ 186,719 431 1,546 - 55,757	Income £ 56,669 17,000 4,002 30,000 59,096	Expenditure £ (80,047) (17,431) (5,548) (13,065) (67,893)	As at 31 January 2024 £ 163,341 - - 16,935 46,960
57,734	110,098	(103,937)	63,895

244,453	166,767	(183,984)	227,236

15. Transactions with Trustees

None of the trustees received any remuneration or any other benefits from an employment with the charity or a related entity during the current or previous year.

No trustee expenses have been incurred.

Page 11

Support u Limited Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 January 2025

16. Related Party Disclosures

There have been no related party transactions in the reporting period that require disclosure.

17. Company limited by guarantee

The company is limited by guarantee and has no share capital.

Every member of the company undertakes to contribute to the assets of the company, in the event of a winding up, such an amount as may be required not exceeding £1.

Page 12

Rachel Eden Holy Brook Associates Ltd Curious Lounge, 1[st] Floor Pinnacle Building Tudor Road Reading RG1 1NH

29 November 2025

The Trustees Support U

Dear Trustees,

RE your Independent Examination

I hope this letter finds you well. As the Independent Examiner for your charity, I am pleased to present my observations following my examination of your financial statements and trustees' annual report alongside the formal examination report.

I have now completed the Independent Examination of your accounts for 2025 and have attached it to this letter. This letter is not part of my report, and nothing in this letter constitutes financial advice, but as a small charity, I believe you may find it helpful to have some additional comments.

As you have had a number of changes in your trustees and management over the last year I would recommend you ensure both existing and new trustees have a good understanding of your financial responsibilities.

I would recommend you use the Charity Commission resources as a good place to start, as some of them are very easy to access – for example, “5-minute guide” videos that are a free resource and a good starting point for helping you to be aware of areas you may wish to receive additional support on.

Secondly, that you work to develop your financial controls, I recommend that you review the recommended policies and procedures that the Charity Commission expects ‘most’ charities to have.

I would also recommend you discuss with a bookkeeping colleague the processes to keep your financial records up to date, and how you will pass information to ensure prompt and accurate record keeping

Finally, I would urge you to work to complete your accounts more promptly for the year ending January 2026. This will enable you to deal in a considered way with queries and also to enable you to provide prompt information to interested parties regarding your financial performance.

Making Accountancy work for your Mission

Thank you for trusting me with your Independent Examination, and I wish you well in your work.

Yours sincerely,

Rachel Eden

Rachel Eden, FCMA (Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) Holy Brook Associates.

Making Accountancy work for your Mission