Northumbrlan Hedgehog Rescue Trust Reglstered Charlty No. 1152034 Trustees, Annual Report for the perlod I" Aprll 2023- 31" March 2024 Objectives and Activities The Northumbrian Hedgehog Rescue Trusvs primary objective5 are: l. to rescue, care for and rehabilitate Injured and sick hedgehogs, the ultimate aim being to reintroduce healthy hedgehogs back into the wild, or into appropriate protected sites; 2. the education of the general public in the methods of treatment, nursing and conservation of hed8ehogs. The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's General Guidance on Public Benefit when reviewing the Trusvs aims and objectives, and in the planning of the Trusvs future activities. The Trust has provided advice and education to the general public with regard to the care of hedgehogs by means of tslks, attendance at selected events and the distribution of leaflets. Further information has been provided on the Northumbrian Hedgehog Rescue Trusys website, via the press and also uslng social media. Advice is also provided when the public visit theTrusYs Principal Address for any reason and lastly, via telephone. Care is provided to hedgehogs in accommodation at the Trusvs Principal Address by the Trust's founder and Chair, Carole Catchpole, together with a group of volunteers. The Trust would be unable to operate without the support and help provided by the dedicated group of volunteers who assist with the cleaning out of hutches, fundraislng and many other duties as requlred. Foster carels also provided by volunteers who care for orphaned or recovering hedgehogs within their own carefully vetted properties. Some provide safe gardens and protected areas for hedgehogs that cannot be introduced back into the wild. Achlevements and Performance The Trust has been In existence since 2013, taking over the previous activities, assets and liabilities of Northumbrian Hedgehog Rescue. Since its inception, the Trust has continued to develop into an essential element in the welfare provision for hedgehogs within Northumberland, Tyneside, Wearside and County Durham. During this reporting period the Trust has administered care to 1138 hedgehogs in total which was significantly higher than previous years, predorninantly due to the autumn weather conditions, which caused the Rescue to be extremely busy. The nurnber of hogs taken into care is usually (changed from always) higher in the summer months when hedgehogs are most active. the summer and autumn of 2023 was no exception with many hedgehogs remaining in care over the winter period as continuation of their medical treatment was required. This prepared many for release into the wild in spring 2024. There were 27 fosterers caring for 95 hedgehogs over the winter period and approximately 151>2(X) hedgehogs at the Rescue over winter.
Volunteers attend the Rescue Centre on a daily basis and throughout the year. Approximately 39 volunteers supported the work of the Trust, in addition, fosterers provided an essential element in providing additional care throughout the year. The work carried out by the Trust remains funded entirely by donations frorn the public. Funds are also raised by way of collection tins, raffles, other fundraising events and the sale of a small amount of merchandise promoting hedgehogs. Reserves Pollcy Prior to 2021 a reserves figure of up to £40,000 had been considered adequate. In 2022 this was increased to £75,000. As at 31 March 2024 the total funds amounted to £135,623 with the reserves held at the same level of £75,000 and the unrestricted balance being £60,623. Again, this figure is deemed sufficient to meet approximately two years of expenses at the level 4ncurred to the ended 31 March 2024. The Trustees are mindful of the cornlng increases to electrlc and heating costs, though at this point do not wish to restrict further funds. Spedal Thank5 The Trustees would like to thank all the volunteers who contribute to its work in any way, including those who offer foster care. They would also like to extend thanks to Cheviot Vets In Powburn who have provided veterinary support during the period covered by this report. The charity would not be able to continue to care for the many hedgehogs who find themselves in need of help without the continuing support of the regular donors who provide monthly standing order payments, together with people who kindly donate rnoney and provide gift aid support for the running of the charity. We are also grateful for those who provide collection tins at their premises and raise awareness for the charity. Our humblest thanks go to you all. Oeclaratlon The Trustees declare that they have read and approve this Trustees, Report. Signed on behalf of Northumbrian Hedgehog Rescue Trust's Trustees: Signature: Name: Carole Catchpole Position: Chair Date..
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF NORTHUMBRIAN HEDGEHOG RESCUE TRUST I report on the Income & Expenditure of the Trust for the year ended 31" March 2024. Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner The ChariWs trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 14412) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act; Follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5){b) of the 2011 Act; State whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent examinerfs report My examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and. seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts represent a "true and fair vie, and the report 15 limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent examinerfs statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: {1) Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements: To keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; To prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met: or {21 To which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn on order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signature: Name.. ro l a.o¥<....................................................................................... Date: