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REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 07886315 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1148731
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022 FOR REAL DEAL PLUS LTD
Contents
Annual Report of the Trustees Pages 1-4 Financial Statements Pages 5-7 Independent Examiner’s Report Page 8
REAL DEAL PLUS LTD
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022
The trustees, who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2019. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities’ as applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (FRSSE) effective January 2015.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Registered Company number
07886315 (England and Wales)
Registered Charity number
1148731
Registered Office Bank 29 Leander Avenue HSBC Bank Choppington 110 Grey Street Northumberland Newcastle upon Tyne NE62 5AX NE1 6JG Trustees Independent Examiner Rev D Falcus Rev’d. A. A. Clements MA, ACIB, ACIE. A Hargreaves 15 Carleton Road, A. Lodge-Johnston Great Knowley, Chorley PR6 8TQ
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.
Recruitment and appointment of new trustees
Trustees are appointed according to the memorandum and articles of association.
Risk Management
The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.
Reserves policy
It is the intention of the Trustees to have available the equivalent of 3 months income to satisfy normal expenditure wherever possible. Any surplus funds to be deposited in an interest-earning account.
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OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Our aims and objectives.
Our charity’s purpose as set out in the objects contained in the company’s memorandum of association is thus:
RELIEF OF HOMELESS AND OTHER PERSONS WHO ARE IN NEED, HARDSHIP OR DISTRESS, IN PARTICULAR (WITHOUT LIMITATION) THROUGH THE PROMOTION AND PROVISION OF SUPPORTED ACCCOMMODATION, THE PROVISION OF RESPITE, EDUCATION, TRAINING, INFORMATION AND ADVICE FOR SUCH PERSONS BY PROVIDING FACILITIES WHICH WILL LEAD TO SELF-RELIANCE AND INDEPENDENT LIVING WITHIN THE COMMUNITY
HOW OUR ACTIVITIES DELIVER PUBLIC BENEFIT
Our main activities and who we try to help are described above. The trustees are mindful of the Charity Commission guidance on Public Benefit.
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BRIEF REPORT OF ACTIVITIES 2022
This year has been another challenging one for Real Deal Plus. As the pandemic continued to significantly affect businesses and community organisations we were pleased to be able to offer ongoing support for vulnerable local residents throughout all lockdowns and restrictions. Our foodbank, homeless support and furniture scheme continued to be available throughout the week with the Community Café, Teen Bar, Job Club and Benefit & Welfare services needed more than ever.
This year we have continued to see a huge increase in the need for support by vulnerable members of the local community especially in the areas of food poverty and isolation (and the associated mental health issues & stresses due to cost of living increases and the fuel crisis). Our Community café has seen an increase in demand for healthy, affordable food options and the need for food parcels and referrals has also unfortunately increased due to redundancies, reductions in hours, benefit waiting times, the long period between application and first payment and a huge increase in the cost of living. There has also been an increased demand for Benefit and Welfare advice, especially with form-filling and support with tribunals/appeals following changes to disability benefits.
Teen Bar attendance has also increased continuing to focus on young people’s mental health and our art sessions & music sessions provide a vital outlet for expressing emotions and sharing issues.
Our furniture scheme continues to provide good quality donated furniture to families in need and those being rehoused following a period of homelessness (normally by statutory services referral). Refugees and Asylum seekers are now included in our client list and numbers are expected to increase in the current economic and world climate.
We are extremely grateful to both members of the community and local businesses who have helped us by fundraising, volunteering and supporting the work we are doing and to all our funders and fundraisers who have helped us support so many vulnerable people.
Specific thanks go to the following for supporting our project, vision and community:
National Lottery Fund RC North East Region The Northumberland Children’s Trust The Coalfields Regeneration Trust The Ballinger Charitable Trust Ashington Town Council Northumberland County Council The Asda Foundation Carbon Homes The Arnold Clark Community Fund The Bernicia Foundation The E.G Foundation
Use of Volunteers
Volunteers are a vital resource in our Community work and are involved in all our community activities. We currently have approx 15 volunteers freely donating their time and resources to support the Charity and its work. Volunteer availability has decreased substantially following Covid with older people now having to step in to support family with childcare. We encourage all of our clients to become involved in voluntary activities and share their skills with others. All staff & volunteers working with children in our Teen Bar and other vulnerable groups are DBS checked.
The Charity carries out a wide range of projects and community activities in pursuance of its Charitable Aims. The Trustees consider that these activities provide benefit to the residents of South East Northumberland and in particular to Ashington. Current projects and activities are as follows (local restrictions permitting):
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Youth work –The Teen Bar provides a safe, healthy environment for young people to “hang out” with friends and get involved in supervised activities if they choose to. We offer all the young people that come to The Teen Bar the opportunity to do something positive and provide alternatives to getting into trouble on the streets, which can lead to difficult, dangerous or anti-social behaviour, petty crime or vulnerability to drug and substance misuse. We have seen a significant rise in the numbers of young people with mental health issues and are successfully supporting these youngsters by providing practical and emotional care and support.
We give encouragement, support and a warm welcome to disengaged young people. Non-judgemental groups and activities, advice, support, guidance, access to health advice/support including sexual health, contraception and relationship issues, encourage healthy relationships; build self-esteem and independence, school holiday meal provision and a safe place to be, educational information sessions on drug/alcohol awareness, online safety and the dangers of the internet/grooming, arts and other programmes of activities, day trips & excursions.
Homeless & Crisis support - Our on-site Emergency Food Bank supplies dried and tinned foods, which complements the existing local Food Bank by covering the hours when the regular Food Bank is closed e.g late nights, weekends and bank holidays helping combat food insecurity and supporting the reduction of food waste. The food bank provides vital support to families in the area as well as support for street sleepers and ‘sofa surfers’. Our Community Shower is available to people with no access to hot water (e.g broken boiler, financial hardship) and those who are homeless, increasing their self-respect by enabling them to wash, shampoo their hair, shave and feel normal – something most of us take for granted. A Crisis Day Bed-sitting Room for street sleepers and 'sofa surfers' provides a safe place for a few hours’ sleep, some much-needed privacy and the opportunity to relax in their ‘own space’ for a while. The day room is part of a service which includes showering and laundry facilities as well as meals and hot drinks, signposting, and the provision of a change of clothing and other items needed for living on the streets. The day room also doubles as a ‘crisis room’ for social/statutory services referrals. We also provide tents, sleeping bags, emergency shelters, clothing, laundry facilities, hot meals, telephone access and referrals to the local council homeless team/ other housing organisations and emergency accommodation provision
Our second hand Furniture Scheme/Furniture Bank supplies referrals from Social Services, Northumbria Healthcare, Women's Refuge, and Jobcentre as well as benefit recipients, refugees & asylum seekers.
The directors of the company are also charity trustees for the purposes of charity law. At the balance sheet date the charity is managed by a board of four trustees (3 active, 1 pending appointment) selected because they strongly endorse the charitable objectives of the organisation and support its Christian ethos. When selecting trustees, the charity aims to ensure there is a broad range of relevant skills. Trustees are appointed after interviews with existing trustees and formal visits to the organisation, to ensure that they understand our vision and values. Trustees are subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks where applicable.
Public benefit statement In accordance with the Charities Act 2006, Real Deal Plus is required to confirm that the activities it undertakes to achieve its objectives are all carried out for the public benefit as described by the Charity Commission. The beneficiaries of the charity are members of the public who are in need because of homelessness, poverty and associated issues. Through its activities, Real Deal Plus seeks to relieve poverty by delivering life-changing services. The Trustees have described in this report the charitable public benefit of our activities. The Trustees regularly review Real Deal Plus’ progress against its aims and objectives and confirm that they have complied with their duty in the Charities Act 2008 to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission.
……………………………………………………………… Date…… 23/04/2023
A. Lodge-Johnston – Trustee
Real Deal Plus Ltd
Statement of Financial Activities
For the period from 01 January 2022 to 31 December 2022
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Endowment | Total | Prior year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | funds | funds | total funds | |
| Income and endowments from: | |||||
| Donations and legacies | 15,231.14 | 122,779.71 | - | 138,010.85 | 147,007.62 |
| Income from charitable activities | 7,117.00 | 1,000.00 | - | 8,117.00 | 7,213.00 |
| Other trading activities | 1,105.00 | - | - | 1,105.00 | 2,044.00 |
| Investments | - | - | - | - | - |
| Other income | 5,871.68 | 34,745.00 | - | 40,616.68 | 9,719.44 |
| Total income | 29,324.82 | 158,524.71 | - | 187,849.53 | 165,984.06 |
| Expenditure on: | |||||
| Raising funds | - | - | - | - | - |
| Expenditure on charitable activities | 33,851.63 | 100,253.79 | - | 134,105.42 | 145,727.32 |
| Other expenditure | 980.00 | 18,525.63 | - | 19,505.63 | 8,396.16 |
| Total expenditure | 34,831.63 | 118,779.42 | - | 153,611.05 | 154,123.48 |
| Net income / (expenditure) resources before transfer | (5,506.81) | 39,745.29 | - | 34,238.48 | 11,860.58 |
| Transfers: | |||||
| Gross transfers between funds - in | 7,399.84 | - | - | 7,399.84 | 3,000.00 |
| Gross transfers between funds - out | - | (7,399.84) | - | (7,399.84) | (3,000.00) |
| Other recognised gains / losses | |||||
| Gains/losses on investment assets | - | - | - | - | - |
| Gains on revaluation,fixed assets,charity's own use | - | - | - | - | - |
| Net movement in funds | 1,893.03 | 32,345.45 | - | 34,238.48 | 11,860.58 |
| Reconciliation of funds | |||||
| Total funds brought forward | 79,387.37 | 83,190.36 | - | 162,577.73 | 150,717.15 |
| Total funds carried forward | 81,280.40 | 115,535.81 | - | 196,816.21 | 162,577.73 |
(23 February 2023 1:19 pm) Page 1 of 1
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Approved by the Trustees at their meeting on 23/06/2023 and signed on their behalf by Arthur Lodge-Johnston
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Real Deal Plus Limited Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31[st] December 2022.
1. Accounting Policies.
Basis of Preparation
The financial statements have been prepared under the historic cost convention and in accordance with applicable accounting standards, Statement of Recommended Practice: Reporting and Accounting by Charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (effective January 2015) and the Companies Act 2006 and the provisions of the Charities Act 2011.
Income Recognition
Items of income are recognised in the statement of financial activities when entitlement has passed to the charity and the amounts are certain and measurable. Any income received that relates exclusively to future periods is deferred on the Balance Sheet.
Donated Goods
The great majority of donated goods were gifted for general hospitality purposes and given to those in considerable need and were not resold by means of a charity shop. Such gifts have not been recognised in the accounts in view of their low value and being too numerous to quantify.
The income from donated goods that are subsequently sold is recognised when the sale is made and cash is received.
Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised in the statement of financial activities when there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of that obligation can be measured reliably.
Allocation of Costs
Direct Activity costs comprise those costs that contribute directly to an activity and are allocated to the relevant activity. Support costs comprise of those costs that are necessary to deliver an activity but in themselves do not produce or deliver any activity. They include administration, finance, personnel and payroll, premises costs and legal and professional costs.
Depreciation
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following basis:
Fixtures, fittings and equipment - 25% reducing balance
During the year all capital expenditure was funded from grants received with such expenditure being solely used to fulfil the objects for which the grant was made. The cost of such assets is treated as being the actual cost less the amount of the grant received.
Funds
Restricted funds represent income received which the donor has specified is to be solely used for a particular purpose.
Unrestricted funds are those funds available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the charity.
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IndepwKlent Examinerfs ReporttotheTrustee5 of Real Plus ilmlted. I report on the accounts of the uynpanyforthe year ended 31". December 2022 which are Set OLrt in this ReporL Respectl¥e responsibili¢ie5 of trustee5 and Èxaminer. The trustees Iwho are also the directors of the charTty for the purposes of company lawl are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trLths consider that an audit is not required for the year under section 144121 of the Oharitie5 Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination Es needed. Havin8 satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is elÈlble for Independent examinatlon. it Is my responsibility to.. examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act to follow the procedures laid down In the general Dlrectlons 8fven by the Charlty Commission under section 14515llbl of the 2011 Art, and to stste whether particular matters have Cofne to my attention. Bas15 of the Independent examlnefs rep My examination was carrled out in accordance the general Dirertlon$ 8lven by the Charlty C¢)mmlssion. An examlnètlon Indudes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparlson of the accounts presented wh those records. It also includes conslderation of any unusual Items or dlsclosures In the accounts and seeklng expknatlons from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provKle all the evldence that would be requlred In an audlt and consequently no oplnlon is giN*n as to whether the accounts present a 'true and falr vlev¥ and the report15 limtted tothose matters set out In the statement bel¢)w. Independent examlnerfs statem. connectlon wlth my examination, no matter has come to my attentlon.. 111 which gives rne reaSonae cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements -to keep accountlng records In accordance wth sectlon 386 of the Companies Act 21Y)6,' and -to prepare accounts whlch accord with accounting records. comply with the accountin8 requirements of 5ettion 386 of the Companies Act 2CrfJ6 an(J wtth the methods and princlples of the Statement of Recommended Prartl¢e.' Accounting and Reportlng by Charftles have not been met; Ix 121 to which. in my opinion, attention should be dravm in orderto enable a pr¢)per understandin8 ofthe a¢wunts to be reached. Signed ........... . Date 2. July 2023. Fellow of the Association of Charity Independent Examiners. Addres$ 15 Carieton Road. Great Knowley. Chorley PR6 8TQ