Travellerspace Annual Report April 2024 - April 2025 Charity Number 1150075 Company Registration 8283049 ## **Charity Registration Number: 1150075** ## **Company Registration Number: 8283049** **Trustees:** Emma Joyce; Stephanie James; Deborah Fox; Jenifer McFadden; Kayleigh Fleming; Sally Bowers, Oliver Trafford, Tash Trafford Caroline Dann **Chief Executive Officer:** Registered Office: Room 401, Fourth Floor, PZ360, St Marys Terrace, Penzance, Cornwall TR18 4DZ Independent Examiner: Dick Maule Bankers: Reliance Bank Ltd, Faith House, 23-24 Lovat Lane, London EC3R 8EB ## **Our Aims and Objectives** ## OBJECTS The Charity’s objects (“Objects”) are specifically restricted to the following: To promote health, advance education and relieve the needs of Gypsy, Traveller, Roma & travelling groups regardless of ethnicity, culture or background, primarily in the South West of England, in particular but not exclusively by: a) Providing information, advocacy, advice and support to Gypsies, Travellers, Roma and travelling groups; (b) Working with statutory and non-statutory agencies or bodies to help provide better services that are needed by Gypsies, Travellers, Roma and travelling groups. The promotion of equality of treatment and diversity particularly in relation to Gypsies, Travellers, Roma & travelling communities for the public benefit by: (a) informing and educating the public about the traveller way of life and the needs of Gypsies, Travellers, Roma & travelling groups; and (b) promoting activities that foster good relations between Gypsies, Travellers, Roma & travelling groups and the communities in which they live. Ensuring our work delivers our aims We review our aims, objectives and activities each year. This review looks at what we achieved and the outcomes of our work in the previous 12 months. The review looks at the success of each key activity and the benefits they have brought to Gypsy & Traveller communities. The review also helps us to ensure our aim, objectives and activities remained focused on our stated purposes. We refer to the Charity Commissions general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aim and objectives and in planning our future activities. In particular the trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set. ## **TravellerSpace Committee** _**Chair**_ Zoe Fox _**Treasurer Emma Joyce Secretary**_ Jeni McFadden ## **Trustees** Sally Bower Kayleigh Fleming Steph James Oliver Trafford Trish Trafford ## **Staff** _**Director**_ Caroline Dann _**Operations Manager**_ Karen Walton Matt Smith _**Policy and Development Officer Senior Worker (Cornwall)**_ Vanessa Boase _**Family Support Worker**_ Sophie Belcher _**Youth Support Worker**_ Lorna Lambert _**Early Years Worker**_ Elizabeth Chambers _**Sessional Workers**_ Jess Chambers, Saffy English _**Senior Worker (Devon)**_ Angie Whitehead-Gardner _**Support Workers**_ Jasmin Whitehead, Sarah Cate, Liz Watkins _**Playbus Support Worker**_ Rachel Sherlock ## **Volunteers** Angel Lee, Lucky Lee, Beth Skuse, George Dunscombe, Becky Johnson, Rob Cloudsley Daughton, Molly Alexander ## **TravellerSpace is committed to a trauma informed approach to working with project users, volunteers and staff.** ## **Reserves Policy** The trustees continuously review their policy on free reserves, taking advice from the auditor and consulting Charity Commission guidance, and the Company continues to aim to build up its free reserves to three months’ normal operating costs, circa £110,000 ## **Funders** TravellerSpace’s activities were funded by Big Lottery Community Fund, Children In Need, Cornwall Community Foundation, Lloyds Bank Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, the People’s Health Trust and Cornwall Housing ## **Financial Review** Note 2 provides a breakdown of the expenditure on charitable activities from all sources. It will be noted that 73% of the funding is on staff costs. All of the funding detailed in Notes 2 and 3 supports delivery of TravellerSpace’s priorities. The principal financial management policies in force during the year include: Financial records are kept so that TravellerSpace can: Meet its legal and other obligations, e.g. Charities Act 2011, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs and common law. Enable the trustees to fulfil responsibilities and governance role Enable TravellerSpace to meet the contractual obligations and requirements of funders. The financial year will end on the 31st March each year. Accounts will be drawn up within 3 months of the end of each financial year. Prior to the start of each financial year, the trustees will approve a budgeted income and expenditure account for the following year. A report comparing actual income and expenditure with the budget is presented to the trustees at each board meeting (at least 4 times a year). The AGM will appoint an appropriately qualified auditor/examiner to audit/examine the accounts for presentation to the next AGM. The trustees will identify a treasurer in line with Charity Commission guidance. Structure, Governance and Management The Trustees present their report and accounts for the year ended 31st March 2025, which also comprises the Directors’ Report [Trustees report] required by the Companies Act 2006 Reference and administrative information set out on page 2 forms part of this report. The charity is also constituted as a company limited by guarantee, registered under the Companies Act and its governing document is a Memorandum and Articles of Association under company legislation. By operation of law all trustees are directors under the Companies Act 2006 and all directors are trustees under Charities legislation and have responsibilities, as such, under both company and charity legislation. All trustee appointments are confirmed by a majority vote of the Board. ## **Public Benefit Statement** In shaping the objectives for the year and planning activities, the trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit, including the guidance ‘public benefit: running a charity (PB2)’ To meet the legal requirement of ‘benefit’ - a charity’s purpose must be beneficial - any detriment or harm that results from the purpose must not outweigh the benefit To satisfy the ‘public’ aspect of ‘public benefit’ the charity’s purpose must: benefit the public in general, or a sufficient section of the public, and must not give rise to more than incidental personal benefit Based on the activities and details of TravellerSpace’s achievements in 2024 – 2025 that follow, the Trustees consider that both requirements have been fully met. TravellerSpace are also greatly assisted by a number of volunteers and students on placements and by the involvement of the Trustees in the day to day activities of the charity; their support is invaluable to us. This report is for the year from April 2024 to March 2025 ## **Community representation at TravellerSpace** TravellerSpace are committed to employ staff, Trustees and volunteers from Gypsy, Traveller communities. 80% our Board of Trustees and 50% of our staff & volunteer team are community members. ## **Chair’s Report** _TravellerSpace continues to work in an inclusive, collaborative and innovative way. We work with the communities we serve, partners and organisations and the wider community with genuine fact based consideration, to further the aims of the charity._ _This year has seen both unprecedented demand and increasing challenges for the organisation. However, we continue to do trailblazing and outstanding work, delivering projects which are well considered, practical and serve to meet the needs of some of the most marginalised people living in precarious circumstances._ _As this report sets out, the charity has developed new projects, worked with partners and undertaken education and support work, all based on participative and up-to date research undertaken. The new Devon office has blossomed and developed. Whilst The Cornwall office has continued the established core activities that remain highly valued, whilst diversifying to meet new identified needs. Funding is an ongoing challenge in a straitened financial landscape and this has led to a reduction in hours for some staff in Cornwall, who themselves are affected by the ‘cost of living crisis’._ _Sadly the resources needed to tackle deprivation, need and social challenge are increasingly thinly spread. It is a testament to the dedication of TravellerSpace staff that they have continued in their work, despite the economic constraints. Many thanks to our team and congratulations for all that you have achieved._ ## _**Zoe Fox Chair**_ ## **TravellerSpace in Devon** We have moved our Totnes office to the Mansion. The Mansion houses other community groups and describes itself as ‘a hub for community interaction and involvement’. Alongside our office we have access to meeting rooms and other facilities and a lovely cafe. We will be taking part in the Mansion’s Open Day, which will give an opportunity to showcase the work of TravellerSpace to a wider public. The **playbus** now has a regular circuit of visits to Traveller sites and also a Dartington community centre. We hope to establish a women’s group at the centre in the next year. We collaborate with _**Devon Education Service** ’s Gypsy, Roma, Traveller & Showmen Advisory Teacher_ and currently 8 children are directly supported jointly with this agency. TravellerSpace has worked closely with residents living on the _**Haldon Hill site**_ and with the landlord Teign Housing to address the concerns of both the tenants and _Teign Housing_ . We support a weekly **mental health drop in** at the site, co-designed by the site’s residents, _Real Life Psychology - reallifepsychology.org_ - and TravellerSpace. We were also able to support Devon based support service _Pete’s Dragon – petesdragons.org.uk_ - to run a very well attended suicide awareness workshop on the site. TravellerSpace continue to refer and support clients to access _FLOW Independent Mental Health Service_ , a **Traveller led specialist psychiatric service** for individuals in crisis. In partnership with _Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service_ we have distributed free fire alarms fire-retardant bedding and CO2 detectors across sites in Devon. We intend to re establish the _**South Hams Gypsy and Traveller forum**_ , following the well attended forum last year, with guest speaker planning consultant Dr Simon Ruston. Over the past year, as our reputation has grown and our presence has become more established, we have experienced a significant increase in Gypsies and Travellers accessing our services in Devon. As of April 2025 there are 225 project users registered with TravellerSpace in Devon. Of these 80% have accessed support over the last year and 28% of those registered are under 18 (more children may be supported through the project but not registered on system).10% of project users currently receive regular/ongoing support which includes weekly visits, regular communication, attendance at TAFS/CIN meetings, but this figure varies according to need. 30% of users make regular use of the Playbus across various locations in Devon. This growth highlights an increasing need for our support, and we see great potential to further expand TravellerSpace’s reach and impact in the county, dependent on available funding. ## **Playbus** TravellerSpace has continued to deliver dedicated play and creative sessions for young children from Gypsy and Traveller communities with our playbus. Many of these children feel unable to access mainstream playgroups or early years settings due to fear of prejudice or past experiences of discrimination. As a result, they often miss out on vital opportunities for social development, learning through play, and building confidence in a safe and welcoming environment. Over the last year we have delivered thirty seven playbus sessions on five Traveller sites, hired venues, or at other events. Travellers now living in bricks and mortar housing are supported to attend sessions, helping the children and parents to remain in touch with their community and culture. Our playbus sessions provide a nurturing space where children can explore, create, and connect with others in a culturally sensitivesetting. Activities are designed to support early learning and emotional wellbeing while also empowering parents and carers through positive engagement. These sessions help lay the foundations for smoother transitions into education and wider community participation. ## **Cornwall** ## **The Teyluva Centre** The Teyluva Centre continues to act as the de facto community centre for the nearby **Wheal Jewel** residential site and has had another busy year. Although some of the families have moved away from site into bricks and mortar accommodation, they have continued to attend regularly, travelling some distance to do so. Others, who are now living on the road, have stayed in contact and have also introduced new people to our charity. &B Fad The Teyluva Centre is host to a variety of groups, meetings, health initiatives and activities. We continue to run sessions for individual families, a monthly women’s group, a youth group, baby sessions, zumba and keep fit, health drop in sessions, craft club, numeracy and literacy support and provide a space for the Teyluva midwives. The centre is widely recognised by the Gypsy and Traveller communities as a safe and welcoming space. As a result, we regularly host meetings with partner agencies, including social services, to ensure collaborative and accessible support. In December we were delighted to be awarded a grant from _Cornish Lithium Fund_ to buy new toys for the centre. **The Health Drop-In** is an informal session held once a month, designed to make healthcare advice and support more accessible to Gypsy and Traveller communities in a safe and trusted environment. These drop in sessions offer a space where individuals can speak with health professionals without needing an appointment or facing barriers that may be found in mainstream services. A range of professional bodies and services attend the drop-ins, including: _health visitors, the school nurse, Teyluva Midwives, Drug and Alcohol Support Workers, oral health and dental health promotions team_ and _Healthy Cornwall_ By bringing these services directly into a familiar and supportive space, the drop-ins help improve access to health care, build trust, and support better outcomes for the community. **Literacy and numeracy** - Between September and Christmas numeracy sessions were delivered by an Adult Education teacher as part of the Multiply initiative organised by Seetec Plluss **The Teyluva Steering Group** - The Teyluva Steering Group is made up Gypsies and Travellers who use the Centre. The group meet monthly to share ideas, make decisions about which activities we run and how they’re delivered, and raise any issues that need attention. Community volunteers play a key role, regularly checking in with project users to ensure everyone’s voice is heard when it comes to how the Centre is run. The group also discusses funding opportunities, visits from funders, fundraising ideas, and helps choose any new equipment needed for the Centre. Being part of the Steering Group gives members the chance to build skills and confidence - not just in running the Centre, but in engaging with the wider world and taking part in community life beyond Teyluva. ## **Wheal Jewel Refurbishment** _Cornwall Housing_ have secured funds from central government to refurbish the Wheal Jewel site. Already much delayed, it is hoped that work will commence this year. Over time the site has become run down and is in a state of disrepair. The refurbishment will give an opportunity to redesign the site, with the potential for safer access, bigger pitches, a children’s play area, replacement of gravel with hard standing and a community space. TravellerSpace’s role is to ensure the residents’ voices are heard at all stages of this process and their needs and wishes are accounted for. The work is likely to cause a lot of disruption for the families on site and there is still a possibility that they will be decanted elsewhere while the work takes place. ## **Dental Screenings** TravellerSpace were asked by _SMILE Dental CIC_ and _Cornwall Council_ for help reaching Cornwall’s Gypsy and Traveller communities. We knew from our experience the difficulties encountered accessing dental care for all communities in Cornwall and recognised the additional barriers that may be faced by Gypsies and Travellers. With _SMILE_ we organised two screening days to assess the dental needs of Gypsies and Travellers. Alongside brief dental examinations, SMILE provided a dental nurse offering oral health education and advice and a training session for TravellerSpace staff and volunteers. Urgent dental care appointments were made where necessary. 11 Adults and 25 children were seen over the two days. Everyone seen needed some form of dental treatment and ten urgent appointments were made Further screening days are planned for summer 2025 ## **TravellerSpace worked with national Gypsy and Traveller charity** _**Friends, Families and Travellers**_ **(FFT) for three separate pieces of work this year.** ## **Transit Site Project Community Members Survey** This project aimed to hear from Gypsies and Travellers about what local authorities and councils should do to make travelling better. The survey wanted to find out about current living and travelling situations, as well as experiences of transit provision in the last 12 months. The information helped to create a landmark report with the voices of Gypsy and Traveller families living on roadside camps or without a pitch of their own, providing evidence to support better accommodation provision for Gypsies and Travellers. TravellerSpace arranged and conducted interviews with Gypsies and Travellers at the transit site near Liskeard and with other Travellers. The transit site is well used and provides Gypsies and Travellers a safe place to stay for up to three months while in Cornwall. Cornwall Council has stated their intention to develop a second transit in mid-Cornwall, although this has been much delayed and it is currently unclear when work will start. _gypsy-traveller.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/FFT_TransitProvisionFOIReportNov2024_FINAL1.pdf_ ## **Focus group as part of The Electoral Commission Voter Project** TravellerSpace organised a focus group to elicit feedback on voting, registration, and voter ID requirements on behalf of FFT and the Roma Support Group in partnership with the Electoral Commission. Six people attended and the discussions fed into the creation of a range of resources designed to help break down each stage of the voting process and ensure it is suitably accessible for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. _electoralcommission.org.uk/resources/democratic-engagement-resources/resources-support-specific-groups_ ## **Work in Prisons** ## _**Addressing the Impact of the Criminal Justice System on Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller Communities**_ TravellerSpace has been working in partnership with FFT on a two-year project focused on understanding the impact of the Criminal Justice System (CJS) on young adults from Romany Gypsy, Roma, Irish Traveller, and New Traveller communities, as well as their families. As part of the project, TravellerSpace and FFT staff visited HMP Exeter and HMP Channings Wood, engaging with individuals to hear their personal experiences within the CJS. Additionally, conversations were held with family members outside of the prison system. Supported by the T _ransition to Adulthood Alliance_ (T2A) and the _Barrow Cadbury Trust_ , the project aimed to elevate the voices of young adults from these communities, ensuring their experiences were heard by policy makers, commissioners, and service leaders. The goal was to advocate for meaningful, practical changes that would improve rehabilitation efforts and support desistance from crime. _Trapped in the Turnstile: Understanding the Impacts_ FFT’s findings were compiled in their report, _of the Criminal Justice System on Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller Young Adults and their Familie_ ## **Key Findings** : • A significant lack of support throughout the custodial journey for Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller individuals and their families. • Inadequate access to culturally appropriate education, practical courses, and workshops, as well as insufficient mental health support. • A general lack of awareness and understanding of the specific needs of Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities. _https://www.gypsy-traveller.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Executive-Summary-Trapped-in-theTurnstile-Report-final.pdf_ TravellerSpace was invited by the Equality and Diversity Officer at HMP Channings Wood to support the relaunch of the prison’s Gypsy and Traveller Forum, which had been inactive since the COVID-19 pandemic. The forum provides a vital space for Gypsy and Traveller prisoners to come together, share their experiences, and have their voices heard within the prison environment. Working in partnership with the Equality and Diversity team, TravellerSpace is now actively supporting prison staff in running the forum. To date, we have facilitated the first session, bringing culturally appropriate resources and helping to encourage open and respectful dialogue between Gypsy and Traveller prisoners and staff. There is strong enthusiasm from all involved to ensure the forum continues regularly. Plans are already underway to mark Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month in June with a celebration inside the prison. Through our ongoing prison outreach and partnership with FFT, TravellerSpace is currently supporting an individual facing complex challenges related to sentencing and mental health. Our team has visited him in prison and is maintaining regular contact with his family to offer practical and emotional support. FFT has raised this case with the _Minister of State for Prisons, Parole and Probation_ , Lord Timpson, highlighting both our broader work in prisons and the specific circumstances of this individual. As a result of this intervention, arrangements have been made for his transfer to a facility that can provide a more appropriate programme to support his rehabilitation and work towards release. We have been asked into Guy Marsh Prison and are currently discussing the potential to work in partnership on this with Dorset based Gypsy and Traveller organisation K _ushti Bok._ ## **Support With Planning Applications** A lack of safe appropriate places to live has always been a defining factor in Gypsy and Traveller lives and there is still a shortfall of available pitches in Devon and Cornwall. TravellerSpace regularly provide support to Gypsies and Travellers putting in planning applications, usually on land they have purchased. We are able to sign post to planning agents and give general advice and guidance about the planning process. Planning applications for Gypsy and Traveller sites almost always attract objections and can be a very stressful process for the applicants. They may face organised campaigns against their applications, which can sometimes considerably escalate tensions. In the past year TravellerSpace has assisted a number of Gypsy and Traveller individuals and groups with planning applications. Although we are not able to give detailed advice on individual applications, we are able to signpost to trusted planning experts and provide general advice and guidance about the application process. We have also supported applicants to get offensive comments removed left by objectors on various planning authority websites and to make complaints about the conduct of some Parish Councillors. TravellerSpace has for some time supported a group of young Travellers in Devon, most who have been born and brought up on unauthorised sites and roadside park-ups and had been subjected to repeated evictions which had contributed to some serious welfare issues. The group includes two teenagers. We linked them in with a range of external agencies including _Traveller Education_ , and therapy providers. On two occasions where social services have made enquiries we have supported families by ensuring that mainstream services understand their welfare and living circumstances and cultural preferences, as well as providing a supportive presence at formal meetings with schools or social workers. Supported by TravellerSpace and planning consultant _Dr Simon Ruston_ , this group put in a planning application to make their current site, (a disused council car par in a rural location), a legal home for 5 pitches initially for 3 years. With their consent TravellerSpace coordinated a detailed welfare report for councillors, detailing the personal circumstances of the applicants. The group has appealed two council refusals, but the process has extended their time in one place and enabled them to more easily sustain their existing employment, access education, training and health services and removed some of their fear of being vulnerable on the side of the road. We are continuing to support a further application. The security has improved their mental and physical health and their sense of wellbeing and opened their eyes to the potential opportunities they could have in future. ## **Van Dwellers** Cornwall has long had a population of people living in vans & caravans who are not from recognised travelling backgrounds. We were asked by _Cornwall Council_ to include a sample of van dwellers in the interviews we undertook for the _Gypsy & Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment_ & to do a rough ‘snapshot’ count of vans. This revealed a previously mostly hidden group of people living roadside, on industrial estates, in car parks & sometimes campsites. Since the pandemic TravellerSpace has been increasingly approached by van dwellers needing support, particularly with accessing foodbanks & our crisis support fund . We recognised that in order to tailor any support we were able to give we needed to understand more about this group, so we undertook a survey of Cornwall’s van dwellers. The survey was carried out in person, with TravellerSpace staff & volunteers visiting spots we knew to be used by van dwellers & online via social media. We were gratified to see our survey being shared multiple times amongst van dweller groups on Facebook & WhatsApp. We had fifty five detailed responses. The respondents were aged between 21 & 72, with the time spent on the road ranging from two weeks to thirty five years. The survey highlighted the difficulties of keeping clean, maintaining a healthy diet – often people have no cooking facilities in their van - accessing drinking water, finding places to stop, with many of the respondents reporting moving every few days in order to avoid attracting attention & feeling isolated. A clear majority of respondents said they did not feel safe. Reasons for choosing to live in a van varied, but of one the major drivers is the current housing crisis. Living on the road brings significant challenges. Since the Police Act 2022 those living roadside face potential fines, home confiscation & even imprisonment. They also endure deep societal hostility & discrimination, impacting their daily lives. However, many of the respondents talked of the positive aspects of living in a van & did not necessarily want to return to conventional housing were it available. Based on the results of our survey & further consultation we applied for funding to support opening up the Teyluva Centre for van dwellers. We aim to provide a shower & clothes washing facilities, access to our kitchen & to hot food, access to water & electricity for charging devices & weekly drop in group. The drop in group aims to bring people together to reduce isolation, share experiences & to be able to easily access our information, advice & guidance support. To support this we are setting up a steering group of van dwellers to guide the project. TravellerSpace is prepared to support this group’s development into a fully constituted body capable of advocating effectively on behalf of van dwellers. TravellerSpace will continue to make links with existing homeless services, to enable effective sign posting, to share best practice, ensuring van dwellers get comprehensive support & are included in homelessness strategies. ## **Cultural Awareness Training** TravellerSpace’s cultural awareness training aims to foster a deeper understanding of Gypsy and Traveller communities. This year, we have focused on enhancing our training to reflect the lived experiences of young Gypsies and Travellers. Our aim is to provide organisations with the knowledge and tools they need to break down barriers and deliver truly inclusive services. Our updated training program offers insights into the challenges faced by these communities, including disparities in access to healthcare, education, and housing. We take an evidence-based approach, dispelling myths and misconceptions while highlighting practical strategies to improve service delivery. We aim to empower organisations to create a more equitable and welcoming environment for Gypsies and Travellers, ensuring their voices are heard, respected, and valued. Organisations we have provided training for this year include T _rainee teachers (Marjon University), Mental Health nursing students (Truro College)_ and _The National Trust_ ## **Social Media** TravellerSpace use social media to extend our outreach to Gypsies, Travellers, and van dwellers across the region. While our primary focus is Cornwall and Devon, we sometimes receive enquiries from individuals beyond these areas. Where possible, we refer them to appropriate local services; when such support is unavailable, we provide assistance remotely to ensure no one is left without help. Our digital presence includes accounts on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Bluesky. We also manage the Gypsy and Traveller News Stories Facebook group, a nationally recognised platform that tracks and shares daily media coverage relating to Gypsy and Traveller communities across the UK and Ireland. This group has become a valuable tool for advocacy and awareness, widely used by community activists and organisations such as Travellers’ Times. Through these online platforms, TravellerSpace not only delivers direct support but also plays a role in amplifying Gypsy and Traveller voices and highlighting issues affecting these communities. _facebook.com/groups/106466052265/_ _x.com/MattTspace_ _travellerspace.bsky.social_ ## **Support for People Who are Struggling** The harsh economic climate has seen an increasing number of people turn to TravellerSpace for help. We have been able to provde small emergency payments through _Devon Community Foundation’s Food, Fuel and More_ programme which administers grant money from the government’s _Household Support Fund_ . In addition to this we have referred successfully to local food banks, furniture outlets, _Children In Nee_ d white goods distribution and Early Help funding. The targeted small grants are to support essential needs, such as the purchase of gas bottles. This support has been particularly vital for Gypsies, Travellers, and other individuals living roadside or off-grid, who were excluded from the government’s energy grants in response to the rising cost of energy. As a result, they have been especially vulnerable and in need of our help. During the last financial year we have distributed £25590 of crisis funding. Our understanding of the specific challenges faced by the communities we support enables us to identify needs that may be overlooked by other organisations. An example of this was our intervention to assist a Traveller in replacing a tyre on their vehicle, which is also their home. The individual had been stranded in a car park and was at risk of enforcement action, which could have led to their home being impounded. Through our emergency crisis grant, we were able to contribute to the cost of a new tire, allowing them to relocate to a safer and more suitable location. Travellers living on the road often face significant barriers in accessing essential digital services. Mobile phone contracts typically require proof of address and a credit check, which many Travellers cannot provide. Consequently, they often rely on expensive pay-as-you-go SIM cards as their main means of internet access. TravellerSpace successfully applied to _Vodafone’s Charities.Connected_ initiative. This programme offers charities free SIM cards preloaded with 40GB of data per month, unlimited calls, and texts, valid for six months. ## **Funding** TravellerSpace is almost entirely reliant on grant funding, with limited opportunities to raise funds beyond this. In common with many charities, we have struggled to secure funding in the past year, which has led to making the difficult decision to reduce staff hours in Cornwall. Despite this, our commitment to the communities we serve remains unwavering. We are very grateful to the Big Lottery Community Fund, Children In Need, Cornwall Community Foundation, Lloyds Bank Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation and the People’s Health Trust Their contributions have been vital in helping us deliver services to Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities. TravellerSpace will continue to seek grant funding and explore ways to diversify our income. ## **Representation on Forums and Committees** TravellerSpace continues to play an active role in a wide range of forums and committees to ensure the voices of Gypsy and Traveller communities are heard at local and regional levels. Over the past year, we have been represented at: - Cornwall Gypsy & Traveller Keyworker Meeting - Cornwall Gypsy & Traveller Forum - Gypsy & Traveller Health Forum - Cornwall Housing ‘Thinking Differently’ Group - Children’s and Families Alliance Meeting - Teyluva Centre Steering Group - Devon Peninsula Gypsy & Traveller Forum - The Oak Project ## **Cornwall Housing** TravellerSpace has a service level agreement with Cornwall Housing to support residents on the three sites managed by Cornwall Housing. This is reviewed on six monthly basis. ## **Collaborating Organisations and Agencies** TravellerSpace has continued to build strong, effective partnerships across Devon and Cornwall. Over the past year, our collaborations with a wide range of local, regional, and national organisations have been crucial in addressing the diverse needs of the communities we serve. Key Areas of Collaboration: ## _**Education:**_ We have partnered with various schools, colleges, and universities, including _Exeter University_ , _South Devon University College,_ and local primary and secondary schools like _Stoke Hill_ and _South Dartmoor Community College_ . Through our work with education services such as _Devon SEND_ and the _Devon County Council Ethnically Diverse Education Achievement Service_ , we are helping to ensure that children and young people have access to quality education and support. ## _**Gypsy and Traveller Support:**_ Our collaboration with Traveller-focused organisations such as _Kushti Bok_ and _Friends Families and Travellers_ has helped to create a support network for individuals facing challenges related to housing, health, and social inclusion. ## _**Housing:**_ Working with housing associations like _LiveWest_ , _Teign Housing_ , and _Cornwall Housing_ , TravellerSpace has been able to help individuals access stable and secure housing, reducing the risk of homelessness within the community. ## _**Health and Wellbeing:**_ Our partnerships with health and social care providers, including _Cornwall Health Visiting Team_ , _Devon Carers_ , _Public Health England_ , _SMILE Dental CIC_ and the _Teyluva Midwives_ , have facilitated improved access to healthcare services for those in need. We have also worked with drugs and alcohol services, such as _Together Drug and Alcohol Services_ , to support individuals facing additional challenges. ## _**Food and Community Support**_ **:** We have maintained strong connections with local food banks like _Exeter Food Bank (Trussell Trust_ ) and _Torbay Food Alliance_ , ensuring that community members in need can access essential food supplies. Our partnerships with organisations like _Turntable Furniture_ and _Refurnish Newton Abbot_ have helped provide material and practical support to families in need. ## _**Legal and Advocacy Services:**_ Working with law firms such as _Cartriges Solicitors_ and legal advocacy groups, including the _Community Law Partnership_ , we have been able to offer guidance and representation to individuals facing legal challenges, particularly in housing and family matters. ## _**Local Authorities and Government:**_ TravellerSpace continues to engage with multiple local government bodies,These partnerships ensure that the needs of the Traveller community are acknowledged within local policies and that we have access to necessary resources. ## _**Prison and Criminal Justice Support:**_ We have worked closely with Channings Wood Prison, Exeter Prison, and Devon and Cornwall Police to provide support for individuals involved with the criminal justice system, ensuring they have access to the services they need for successful reintegration into the community. Through these ongoing partnerships, TravellerSpace has been able to extend our reach and enhance the services we provide, ensuring that individuals and families within the Gypsy, Traveller, and van-dwelling communities have access to the resources and support they need to thrive. ## **Trustees’ responsibilities** The trustees (who are also directors of TravellerSpace for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual 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, which 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 these financial statements, the trustees are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP 2015 (FRS 102); make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation. The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. In so far as the trustees are aware: there is no relevant information of which the charitable company’s independent examiner is unaware; and the trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant information and to establish that the independent examiner is aware of that information. Zoe Fox Independent Examinerfs Report to the Trustees of Travellerspace I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31st March 2025 which are set out on pages 19 to 26. 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 company'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 examlnerfs statement Since the company's gross income exceeded £250,01)O your examiner must be member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that l am qualified to undertake the exarnination because l am a member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies. 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 that in any material respect: accounting records were not kept in ￿SPect of the company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord wrth those records" or 3. 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 4. 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 accordan￿ with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)]. I have no concems 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. Dick Maule FCA The Cross House. South Woodchester GL5 SEL Date ,E (CA 18 Travellerspace statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31st. March 2025 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds Notes 2025 2025 2025 2024 Income from Donations 67 Investment income Choritoble activities Grants and contracts Training and other earned income 34,459 277,546 312,005 454,489 Total 34,459 277,546 312,005 454,556 Expendlture on: Charitable activities 36,163 360,880 397,043 390,564 Net income / [expenditure] (1,704) {83,3341 {85,0381 63,992 Total funds brought forward 112,714 134,078 246,792 182,800 Transfers between funds Total funds carrled fonvard iii,010 50,744 161,754 246,792 19 Travellerspace Balance Sheet as at 31st. Marth 2025 2025 2024 Notes Tangible assets 131 7,171 9,561 Current assets Debtors and prepayments Cash at bank and in hand {41 6,197 149,261 34,541 203,565 Total current assets 155,458 238,106 Current liabllltles Creditors.. amounts falling due within 12 months {5) 875) {8751 Net Current assets 154,583 237,231 Net Assets 161,754 246,792 The funds of the charity Unrestricted funds Desi8nated funds iii,oio 77,714 35,000 Restrlcted funds 50,744 134,078 Total charity funds 161,754 246,792 For the year ended 31st March 2025: The company was entitled to the exemptSon from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 The rnembers have not requested the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. The directors acknowledge their responsibility for complylng with the requirements of the act with respect to accounting records and for the preparation of the accounts. The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the trustees on dated:. and signed on their behalf by: On behalf of the Trustees IL 20 Trav¢ll¢rSpae¢ Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31sL March 2025 (l) Prln¢ipal Accounting Policies The prinGipal accounting policies adopted in the Preparation of the financlal statements are sel out below and have remalned unchanged from the previou6 year. (a) Basis of preparation The charity conslitute8 a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. Thè financlal statements have been prepared in accordance wllh Accounting and Reporting by Ch8rlties.' Statement of Recommended Pracllce applicable to Charitles preparing their accounts in accordance with the Flnancial Reporting Standard appllcable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) 2nd edition the Charities Act 2011 and the Companies Act 2006, The financial statements have been prepared under the hlstorlcal cost convention. (b) Fund accountlng 111 Unreslricted funds are available for use at the dlscretlon of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charlty. liilDesign8ted funds a￿ unrestricted funds earmad(ed by the Managemenl Commlttee for particular purposes. liiil Restricted funds are subjected to restrsctions on their expenditure Imposad by the donor or through the t8rms ofan appeal. Ic) Income Income is included in Ihe statement of financial a¢tlvitle$ when the charity Is enlltled lo the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The followlng speclfic policies are applled to partlcular calegorles of Income. lil Income recelved by way of grants, donations and gifts and Is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable. Grants, where entitlement is nol conditional on the delivery of a specific perfomian¢e by the charity, are recognlsed when the charlty becomes unconditionally enlStled to the grant. lill Donated servi¢e8 and facllitles are included at the value to the charity where thls can be quantified. IIIIIThe value of seNlces provlded by volunteers has nol been included in these accounts. liv] Investment income is included when receivable. IvJlncA)me from charitable trading activily are accounted for when eamed. Ivi]Income from grants, where related to performance and specific deliverables. are accounted for as the charity earns the right to consideration by its performance. Id) Expendlture Expenditure is recognlsed on an accrual basls as a Ilability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered [iJCosls of generating funds Gomprise the Costs associated with attracting voluntary income and the costs of Iradlng for fundraising purposes. {iiJ Charitable expenditure comprisès those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its aclivitles and seniices for its beneficiaries. It includès both costs thal can be allocated dirctly lo such activlties and th08e costs of an indirect nature ￿e￿$s8ry to support them [iii]All cost5 are allocated between the expenditure categories of the SOFA on a basis designed to reflect the use of the resource. Costs relating to a partlcular activity are allocated direGtly, others are apportioned on an appropriate basis. 21 TravellerSpac¢ Notes to the accounts for the yur ended 31st. Mar¢h 2025 (l) Principal Accounting Policies (e) Flxed assets Tangible fixed assets are wrstten off over the expected usefiil life of the assel, at 250/0 per annum on a reducing balance basis. (2) Expendlture Charitable Activities Total 2025 2024 Crisis payments Play equipment Travel and vehicle costs Insurance and other office costs Rent Telephone Wages Independent examiner's fees Depreciation Projects Volunteer expenses Non-capitalised equipent Bank charges Tralnlng Professlonal fees Repairs and maintenance 25,606 701 21,057 12,368 13,874 3,470 289,221 875 2,391 13,041 4,000 10,369 181 43,538 10,439 13,470 4,511 276,888 875 3,187 14,593 6,733 390 443 1,752 450 2,746 259 2,373 5,821 397,044 390,564 (31 Flxed Assets Motor Vehicles Cost . balance brou8ht forward Additions Disposals 72,554 72,554 62,992 2,391 Depreciation: balance brought forward charge for the year Disposals 65,383 7,171 9,561 Net book value 31st. March 2025 Net book value 31st. March 2024 22 Travellerspace Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31st. March 2025 (4) Debtors 2025 2024 Grants and contracts receivable Other debtors and prepayments 34,416 125 6,197 6,197 34,541 (S) Creditors: amounts falllng due wlthln 12 months Sundry creditors 875 875 875 875 (6) Movements In funds Balance at 1.4.2024 Transfers In year Balance at 31.3. 2025 Income Expenditure Restrlcted funds Garfleld Weston Police Big Lottery Children In Need Crisis Devon and Cornwall Devon Community Toys Cornwall Council: GTAA Devon Lottery Cornwall Housing Peoples Health Trust Lloyds Awards for All ESF Building Futures FFT 25,000 5,000 99,737 30,750 30,091 1,098 116,665) 14,799) {124,794) 132,000) (25,590) 156) (19,931) 176,970) 122,500) 19,860) 14,000) (10,704) (5,511) 17,500 {360,880 8,335 5,000 9,916 2,750 14,665 1,042 4,799 34,973 4,000 10,164 19,931 24,112 22,5(M) 2,088 4,000 52,858 7,772 19,740 9,036 5,511 134,078 277,546 50,744 Unrestrlcted funds Designated funds Shortfall Reserve 35,000 35,OQM) 77,714 112,714 (35,0001 (35,OlJJl 35,000 General funds 34,459 34,459 136,163) 136,163) iii,oio iii,oio Designated funds. The trustees have designated a fund to fund a future shortfall in funding. 23 Travellerspace Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31st. March Z025 Movements in funds [prior year] Balance at 1.4.2023 Tran5fer5 in year Balance at 31.3. 2024 Income Expenditure Restricted funds Growlng Communities Police Big Lottery Children In Need Crisis Devon and Cornwall Time To Move Cornwall Council: GTAA Devon Lottery Cornwall Housing Peoples Health Trust Lloyds Lush ESF Building Futures FFr 3,218 4,799 92,111 24,000 18,145 {3,218) 4,799 34,973 4,000 10,164 56,984 (114,122) {20,0001 {9.470) {400) 113,735) (72,3401 1,489 400 8.750 24,916 96,452 22,500 19,430 25,000 19,931 24,112 22,500 2,088 4,000 2,088 4,OCK) 5,000 (19,430) (25,000) (5,000) 111,361 2,000 443,932 (105,850) 5,511 2,000 134,078 78,711 383,565 (5,000) Unrestricted funds Designated funds Shortfall ReseNe 40,081 40,081 64,008 104,089 5,081) (5,081) 10,081 5,000 35,000 35,000 77,714 112,714 General funds 10,624 10,624 6,999) 16,9991 24 Travellerspa Notes to the accounts for the year ended 315t. March 2025 (71 Employee informatlon 2025 2024 Number of employees Average monthly head count No employee received emoluments of more than £60,0(Y). Salaries and wages Pension Social securlty Costs 272,825 7,769 8,627 289,221 253,984 7,312 15,592 276,888 (8) Trustees Informatlon Trustees remuneration and expenses The trustees received no remuneration in the year. {9) Analysls of net assets between funds General Funds Deslgnated Funds Restricted Funds Total Tangible fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities 7,171 104,714 875) 7,171 155,458 {875 50,744 Net assets at 31st March 2025 Iii,010 50,744 161,754 25 Travellerspace Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31st. March 2025 110) Analysls of prlor year funds to comply wlth FRS 102 requirements Travellerspace Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31st. March 2024 Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds Total Funds Notes 2024 2024 2024 2023 Income from Donations 67 67 50 Investment income Charitable activities Grants and contracts Trainin8 and other earned income 10,557 443,932 454,489 314,391 Total 10,624 443,932 454,556 314,441 Expenditure on: Charitable activities 6,999 383,565 390,564 333,530 Net Income / [expendltureJ 3,625 60,367 63,992 (19,089) Total funds brought forward 104,089 78,711 182,800 201,889 Transfers between funds 5,000 15,ChJO) Total funds carried forward 112,714 134,078 246,792 182,800 26 _travellerspace-cornwall.org_ tspace@travellerspace-cornwall.org tspace@travellerspace-devon.org _0753 498 3046_ _0747 126 3058_ Room 401 Fourth Floor PZ360 St Marys Terrace Penzance Cornwall TR18 4DZ The Mansion 36 Fore Street Totnes Devon TQ9 5RP