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2023-12-31-accounts

ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2024

Contents

1. Chair of Trustees’ Report (Page 2)

2. Financial Report: Accounts for 2023 (Page 3)

3. Independent Examiner’s Report for 2023 (Page 4)

4. Project Reports

a) Food and Community Hub (Pages 5-6)

incl: Citizens’ Advice Report (Page 7)

b) The Plot (Page 8)

c) Next Steps Project (Pages 9-10)

5. Minutes of 2023 AGM (Pages 11-12)

Chair of Trustees Report

Welcome to the Annual Report for Hope for Belper for 2024, which covers our activities over the past 12 months.

Hope for Belper was founded in 2008 as part of the nationwide Hope ’08 initiative with the simple aim of demonstrating the love of God through random acts of kindness and bringing the Christian message of hope to our community by practical acts of service. We continue to be inspired by this original vision.

Over its 16 years in existence the charity has overseen a variety of local projects including the ‘Dreamscheme’ from 2008-12 in which groups of young people got together to carry out improvement works to various neglected areas of the town, the Belper Street Angels project which ran from 2012 to 2022, and the Belper Town Chaplaincy which now operates as an independent project.

More recently our energies have been focused on the project for which the charity is best-known - the Belper food bank, originally known as the Basic Idea and since renamed the Food and Community Hub. Demand for the hub increased significantly during 2023, but has since seen a slight fall. As ever the generous giving of townsfolk and local churches, businesses and organisations enabled us to keep pace with demand and the charity has been able to maintain a healthy financial position.

Two years ago, we made a conscious effort to re-engage with the churches and with Christians in the town with the aim of seeing ideas for new projects brought forward together with new volunteers.

Two new projects have since been established, both closely related to the work of Food and Community Hub. A group of volunteers launched The Plot, a gardening project based at Strutts Community Centre, while the Next Steps Project aims to help hub clients work towards goals, for example where someone may be stuck in an unhealthy pattern of behaviour. Earlier this year we appointed a dedicated co-ordinator to lead this project.

Hope for Belper now stands at something of a crossroads. Do we continue to seek to be an all-embracing umbrella organisation for community projects by churches and individual Christians in the town, or should we focus purely on the project with which we are now most closely identified, the Food and Community Hub and its associated projects? We will be considering this further as trustees in the autumn.

Allied to this is the question of how to get ‘new blood’ into the leadership of the charity. The small group of Christians who founded Hope back in 2008 have continued to help sustain it over its 16 years of existence, but a fresh injection of energy - and vision - is now needed.

I will be seeking re-election as chair at the AGM for a final year in which, together with my fellow trustees, I hope to be able to help chart the way forward for the charity before handing on the baton next summer.

The two key questions I would put to Hope supporters and church members are: what do you want to see Hope doing, and what part might you be able to play in that? The responses - both in terms of new project ideas and new volunteers - will largely shape which direction we ultimately go in.

Paul Linford, Chair of Trustees

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Project Reports:

(a) Food & Community Hub

Number of referrals:

2023 2024
Weekly Average:
Jan 2022 28
Sep 2022 50
Aug 2023 64
Jan 2024 60
June 2024 40
Yearly Total:
2022:
2062
2023: 3192
2024: 1311 (to date 08/08/2024)

2024 is the first year for many that I can report that we have seen a slight decline in the weekly average number of referrals and at the moment we are unable to tell if this is a consistent trend or a short-term reprise!

In May this year we took the decision to change the way in which people are referred the hub, historically this has been via several outside agencies and the experience people have of this has been quite wide. Ranging from just having to request a food parcel through to a full interview looking at income and expenditure. In order to make this a more consistent approach we have begun to take our referrals in house and now have someone from Citizens Advice to do our referrals at the hub. (It will be a slow move over to this system but currently all new referrals are being done in this way). This means the experience of receiving a referral will be the same across the board, we have a better understanding of the reasons people are attending the hub, offer better more targeted support and ensure people are able to access that support.

This approach has so far been going well, we have established a good relationship with the advisor and are working together to get the best outcome for clients. This approach though may be one of the reasons for the decline in numbers as not everyone wants to go through this process, and some have chosen to stop receiving food parcels. Whilst we do not want to prevent anyone from receiving support that needs it, we also need to ensure that we are using our resources in the best way that we can, and ensuring those who come for emergency food parcels are those that need the support is our top priority.

Lunch – Serving in the region of 30-40 lunches every session and despite the decline in food parcel numbers the number coming to share food with us remains constant. Sharing a meal has been great for those who

find themselves lonely and isolated and we continue to spread the word that anyone is welcome at The Hub, not just those in receipt of food parcels.

We are very grateful to all those who cook for us at the hub including some outside catering companies/restaurants – Smiths Kitchen, Freedem Feedem & The Vegan Spice Company

Citizens Advice - Please see 2023/2024 Project Report Below. CA continues to be a real asset to the hub.

Bish Bash Nosh – The recipe book that we created last year in conjunction with Fleet Arts has been well received and some of the poems created at the hub, as part of this project are a great testament to what is on offer and have been part of Belper Arts Trail and the Poet-Trees. (Some of our clients performed these at an event during the Arts Trail which was amazing to watch)

We are reviewing what happens next with BBN in September but hope this will continue in some form.

Community Engagement:

Health & Wellbeing: (visits to hub from)

Christmas 2023:

We put together just over 100 Christmas hampers at the end of last year and served Christmas dinner to 70+ people!

The Plot:

As you will hear from The Plot report the veggies are starting to appear and these are being donated to The Hub and received very gratefully by the clients. It has been a very positive move to be able to offer some fresh vegetables alongside the food parcels.

We will look to develop the relationship with The Plot as we move through 2024/25.

As always, we are very grateful to all who support the work of The Hub in many and varied ways – THANK YOU!

Jo Lambourne,

Food and Community Hub Co-ordinator.

D•lp•r Fwl and Communlty Hub Impart Data Annual r•port Aprfwarth 2023124 cltlzens advlce Derbyshlre Distrlcts <25 yrs 25-29 y 31>34 yrs 35-39 yrs 4CF44 yrs 4549 yrs S(k54 yrs 55-59 yrs 61>64 yrs 65+ Female Male 6496 3696 While 98% 6% Asian Other Disabled or Long term health condition 71% 11% 26% byty•• Thls past year we have.- 993 Asststed 21 115 27$ Deali with 42 clients wirh )using problems erquiries about PIP 42 54 77 Deakwilh 227 separa i55l￿ surrounthr Uni¥ersal Credit & Cw• A(fv15ed 44 clients requiring 8uidante with heakh and community care Prov¢ded advice io 34 clients wffh utslity issues 30 14 10 75 14 Belper Towffl co￿¢41 O ￿rti￿nS Athce De Register hire Oisiricts 2024. Charity Nts1094369 {b) The Plot

The aim of the project, very broadly speaking, is to grow fresh food to distribute via the Food Hub to people who need fresh foods!

As a corollary we also get to work with a team of volunteers who are given the opportunity to spend some constructive time outdoors, meeting each other and relaxing into the mental and physical space that engagement with nature offers.

Looking back at pictures from 2023 is quite a surprise to me! I’m reminded of just how far we have come with The Plot project.

Jamie (who many of you will know) and myself had removed a load of the paving stones that scattered the site at Strutts ; the rickety and ugly fence was still in place; we hadn’t yet broken through to the lower garden, and all we had planted were some potatoes (that ultimately got eaten by squirrels!) and a few random squash plants that did actually yield a harvest later in the year.

In summary, The Plot is fully up and running and now we regularly deliver the freshest fresh food imaginable to you, as per the initial dream!

And thanks to our fundraising and support from Foundation Derbyshire we are self-financing and selfsustaining.

We have a great crew of highly knowledgeable volunteers - currently Barbara, Sara, Rick, Elv, Dan, Christine and Sian are all fairly regular and all bar Elv are experienced growers and gardeners. Various other lovely people have been involved and it’s been a pleasure to meet them all. Some have gone on to choose other stuff to fill their time and we’re happy to have provided a welcoming space while they’re happy to join us.

We have reached a kind of ‘cruising altitude’ with work on the land - each week just requires a little maintenance and weeding/ watering, so there is not much of a burden of urgent things to do. When we have some loose time we continue to work on the lower garden. The plan there is to create a good ecological space with wildflowers; many seeds have been scattered and ‘weeds’ transplanted for a fine show next year. Edible herbs and shrubs will be planted, and a fresh-lined and slightly altered pond will be better for wildlife.

We discovered a colony of newts living in the pond among the water lilies, marigolds and oxygenators in the pond so work is postponed until September when we won’t disturb the wildlife. We have pumpkins and courgettes in the new bed (oddly, it seems I haven’t taken any pictures of these!) and expect to be able to deliver some to you soon.

It also should be mentioned that the human side of things has been immensely rewarding and I know it has made a positive difference to the lives of all our volunteers. We all meet up and hang out and do good things together and get to know each other. It’s been lovely!

Thanks to you at Hope for Belper for being great people and for your cheerful and easygoing support and facilitation.

Also thanks to Strutts volunteers for their support and peppercorn rent deal, and thanks to Foundation Derbyshire and all the donors at Freedom Feed Em for allowing us to rest easy financially.

Miles Haplin

(c) Next Steps Project

Ann Walker was appointed to the Next Steps Coordinator role on a 16hr/week contract on 17 April 2024.

Having clarified the goal of the project and the scope she agreed the following project timescales with the Next Steps Steering Committee.

31 May 2024

30 June 2024

30 Aug 2024

In a nutshell, Next Steps is still developing along the lines below:

  1. A survey conducted by the Next Steps Coordinator to ask Hub users what they would like in terms of additional support from Hope for Belper.

  2. The needs identified by the Group will be collated, reviewed and prioritised for action by the Next Steps Coordinator and Coaches. These priorities are to be agreed with the Next Steps Steering Group to ensure alignment to the goal and purpose of the project. Key internal and external resources will be engaged to develop appropriate solutions.

  3. Individuals who want a coach are identified and allocated a coach.

  4. Coaches will have an introductory ‘contracting’ session with participants to cover expectations of both parties and to agree a schedule for their coaching sessions (Initially 6 sessions will be offered).

  5. Coaching sessions will typically be held on Tuesdays and Fridays (9.30-11.30 and 2-3pm) in the Baptist Church. Coaches will need to book their slots via the Next Steps Coordinator to ensure that there is space and safeguarding protocols are observed (A WhatsApp group has been set up to facilitate this)

  6. Coaches will help participants to capture their goals in writing (where appropriate) so that a record of what has been agreed can be reviewed at the next session.

  7. The coach will record the number and generic type of goal set eg Social/Emotional, Housing, Education /skills, Health, Financial

  8. Coaches will run their coaching sessions in line with the schedule agreed with the participant

  9. It is anticipated that monthly peer support sessions for Coaches will be set up which will also include a member of the CAB team. Coaches will have regular 1 x 1 reviews with the Next Steps Coordinator.

  10. Whilst it is anticipated that there will be a Participant Review session for all those attending Coaching sessions, the form, structure and frequency of these reviews will be determined by the Next Steps Coordinator and the Coaches in a Peer Support session with the aim of agreeing the best way forward.

Initial Numbers (26/6/2023)

Participants who have taken part in the survey : 20 (13 Female/7 Male). Plus 7 Ukrainians

Participants taking part in the survey who have requested a Coach = 14*^

Length of time they have attended the Hub: Range is: Less than 4 weeks - 1/2 years

Referral routes to the Hub? No clear pattern of referral – highly varied

Main reason given for using the hub

Initially, financial. This was closely followed by the Social and Emotional support they get from attending the Hub

Coaches = 5 (with an additional person starting in September). All Coaches have been DBS checked and completed their online Safeguarding training (Provided by Church of England). The coaches are currently setting up contracting and initial 6 coaching sessions with participants who have requested a Coach.

Ann Walker, Next Steps Co-Ordinator.

Minutes of Hope for Belper AGM, 26th September 2023 at Belper Baptist Church

Present: Paul Linford, Roy and Anne Stratton, Amie Brown, Robert Foster, Jamie Gains, Greg and Catherine Hall, Jo Lambourne, Gareth and Helen Greenwood, John Braley, Tony Ward, David Meredith, Mel Bridges.

Apologies: Andrew Pollett, Sarah Bradbury, Jenny Lesley, Richard Poyser.

1. Welcome

Paul welcomed everyone and began the meeting in prayer. There was then a time of introductions, and apologies were noted (see above)

2. Minutes of Previous Meeting

These were agreed to be an accurate record.

3. Matters arising

No additional matters were brought for discussion

4. Approval of accounts and financial reports (attached)

The accounts for January to December 2022 were approved by the trustees a week ago.

Questions: Greg asked about funds for the Hub over the winter, and David advised that £41,000 is set aside, but to note that this same figure has already been spent so far this year. There is approximately a 50/50 split between donated funds and account funds being spent on food at the moment; regular financial donations total around £500 per month.

Approval of accounts was proposed by Gareth, and seconded by Tony.

5. Election of Officers/Trustees

Paul was nominated to continue as Chair by Amie and seconded by Roy David was nominated to continue as Treasurer by Paul and seconded by Roy Gareth put himself forward to continue as the Safeguarding Trustee and this was seconded by Jo

Jenny Lesley previously held the role of secretary, but has resigned. Thanks to Jenny from all of the trustees for her work in this role. This position still needs to be filled.

Trustees

Current Trustees: Paul, Amie, Gareth and Helen, Roy, and Sue Allen (with Jenny having resigned) Roy nominated Sue to continue, and this was seconded by Tony Roy nominated Amie to continue, and this was seconded by Jo Paul nominated Gareth to continue, seconded by Helen Jo nominated Helen to continue, seconded by Amie Paul put himself forward to continue, seconded by Jo Roy was nominated to continue by Amie, seconded by Gareth

Additional Trustees: Jamie and Robert both requested to become trustees. Jamie put his name forward, and was seconded by Robert Roy put Robert's name forward, and was seconded by Paul

It was noted that Andrew Pollett had been approached about becoming a trustee, but had declined this time. There was a short discussion about other churches being represented across the Hope for Belper Trustees.

The Charity Commission needs to have a key person to communicate with. Often this is the secretary. Currently Roy/Gareth. Agreed that Gareth will continue.

6. Food and Community Hub Report

Jo presented a report on the Hub (attached)

Numbers are continuing to grow. A recipe book - in collaboration with Fleet Arts - is to be launched soon. Outside agencies are involved, including a charity called Remedi - with an emphasis on reform. Together with a strong team of regular volunteers (around 40), others also volunteer from schools and community groups, together with some corporate volunteering. Local businesses are involved in providing lunches.

Gareth sincerely thanked Jo on behalf of the trustees for her strengths in leading the team of volunteers.

Questions were put to Jo about referrals to the Hub, fundraising and gift aid, and those accessing help who have arrived from Ukraine. Many Ukrainians using the Hub are now working.

Grateful for support from Belper Town Council, which increases each year. Fundraising for Christmas hampers (113 were given last year) raised £9000. A Christmas meal is also planned again this year

7. Other project reports:

Jamie gave a presentation about The Plot, which was started in July by Miles. This was in response to feedback from residents at Chevin House that they would like something to do. No-one from Chevin House has been involved to date, possibly due to the timing? (mornings)

Things grown at the project can be used at the Hub, for example pumpkins soon to be used by Miles. There is room for the garden to expand.

Tools and a wheelbarrow were offered by Roy. Question of whether secure storage is needed for tools.

Next Steps Project

A new mentoring project, currently in the planning stages. Initially for people who already attend the Hub, but others may be referred in; to work alongside the Hub to support people in working towards goals, for example where someone may be stuck in an unhealthy pattern of behaviour.

To run as a pilot for 18 months. Project to come under the steering group for the Hub initially, and then be reviewed.

Seeking funding, in particular for one part-time paid staff member, but funds may be requested from Hope for Belper.

8. AOB

Hope For Belper

2023 MANAGEMENT REPORT (as at 31/12/23)

FUND
General Funds
Just Giving (Guy Wimhurst)
Designated Funds
Bless Project
Reserve (Note 1)
Food and Community Hub (Note 2)
Guy Wimhurst (Challenge costs) (Note 3)
Restricted Funds
Food and Community Hub
Bish Bash Nosh
Street Angels
Christmas Hampers
Chaplaincy Project (Restricted)
ACTS 435
TOTAL CASH FUNDS
Balance at Co-op Bank
Less unpresented cheques
Add outstanding credits
Bank balance per books of account
Petty cash
TOTAL CASH
Gift Aid claim (to be made) for 2023		 Starting
Balance
£
39,630
3,881
19
5,000
5,000
2,415
36,398
2,625
-
2,956
264
-
98,188		 Money
In
£
31,587
-
-
-
-
-
45,067
25
-
8,268
-
775
85,722		 Money
Out
£
(979)
-
-
-
-
-
(73,666)
(1,878)
-
(8,258)
-
(878)
(85,659)		 Fund
Transfers
£
(30,103)
-
-
-
30,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
103
-		 Closing
Balance
£
40,135
3,881
19
5,000
35,000
2,415
7,799
772
-
2,966
264
-
98,251
95,595
-
2,580
98,175
76
98,251
2,050

Note 1 - £5,000 designated as reserves Note 2 - £5,000 designated from General Funds. An additional £30,000 from General Funds in 2023 for purchase of food. Note 3 - Costs of Guy Wimhurst Everest Base Camp Challenge set aside in a designated fund for payment

Independent examiner's report on the accounts

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|||| |---|---|---| |Section A|Independent Examiner’s Report| |Report to the trustees|Charity Name| |HOPE FOR BELPER| |On accounts for the year|Charity no|1146148| |31 DECEMBER 2023| |ended|(if any)| |Set out on pages|1 & 2| |(remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)| |I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above| |charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended|31 DECEMBER 2023.| |Responsibilities and|As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the| |basis of report|accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011| |(“the Act”).| |I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out| |under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I| |have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity| |Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.|

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Independent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have examiner's statement come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below *) which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

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.

Signed: Date: 22 MARCH 2024 Name: CHRISTINE ANNE MARLOW Relevant professional SLCC qualification(s) or body: Address: 37 MONYASH WAY, BELPER, DERBYSHIRE, DE56 1FW

Oct 2018

1

IER

Section B Disclosure

Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).

Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose

Oct 2018

2

IER