OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

← Hartlepool Foodbank CIO

2024-12-31-accounts

Hartlepool Foodbank Together with Trussell Annual Report 2024

Annual Report 2024

Contents

Letter from the Chair....................................................................3 Coordinator’s Report....................................................................5 Local Organiser's Report.............................................................9 Financial Report.........................................................................12 Appendix I (Notes to the Accounts)......................................................15 Appendix II (Hartlepool Foodbank Registration Details)...............................17 Appendix III (Members Churches).......................................................18 Appendix IV (Examiner’s Report for 2023 Accounts)...................................19

Page 2 of 19

Registered Charity No: 1152046

Annual Report 2024

L etter from the Chair

In September 2024 we held a conference in Greatham (thanks to the trustees and employees of the Hospital of God who provided the venue free of charge). This was, in effect, a mid-point review of Hartlepool Foodbank’s 5-year strategy. The strategy is intended to reduce (in the long term, to do away with) the need for people to use foodbanks. We seek to achieve this by identifying and addressing the reasons for food insecurity and poverty, signposting clients to partner organizations that can help them address particular issues (e.g. Homelessness, poor mental health, substance abuse and addictions), helping clients with debt and better financial management and advocating for necessary changes in public policy. Our partnership with West View Advice & Resources has delivered quantifiable benefits to clients and undoubtedly enabled some of them to progress away from needing handouts of food. We hope that, working with the Community Store at Oxford Road Baptist Church, we will soon be able to identify that more individuals and families have been lifted out of food poverty. Over 2024 as a whole there was a small reduction in the number of people that had to use the foodbank compared with 2023. Given that economic conditions have not markedly improved for the most vulnerable groups during this period, these are the first indications that the strategy is having some effect in addressing food insecurity, reducing the need for handouts.

Our franchisor Trussell Trust has been re-branded Trussell and is in the process of reordering its strategy. It has fully funded a community influencer/organizer working in Hartlepool. Tracey Cartwright has contributed to local campaigns to increase knowledge of, and access to, benefits (“ Guarantee our Essentials” ); ensure that children have good beds to sleep in ( Zarach ); address poverty in Hartlepool generally ( Strategic Poverty Group ); and give a voice to people living on the margins (The Poverty Truth Commission ). She is fostering partnerships, developing a communications strategy and building a team, to work with public authorities and (in collaboration with our MP and Trussell) national government, advocating for policy changes that will help us achieve our strategic aims.

Early in 2024 Teagan Burns resigned as deputy coordinator to pursue a new venture and Jayne Gray came in as warehouse manager, developing the logistical side of our operations with competence and enthusiasm. Hilary Sowden resigned as a trustee to become our deputy coordinator and Abi Knowles resigned as a trustee to become Trussell’s new area manager in the North East. I am very grateful to Teagan, Jayne, Hilary and Abi for all of their outstanding contributions to our work and ethos over the year. Thanks go out to our new trustees John Harvey and Linn Eklund. I greatly look forward to bringing their enthusiasm and abilities to bear, working with them to direct our operations and strategic endeavours to ameliorate poverty and reduce dependency. In particular I would like to thank our coordinator Lisa Lavender, who is the mainstay of the organization, and whose social intelligence, compassion and, now, significant experience are a priceless resource for the wellbeing of employees, volunteers and, especially, clients.

There are both challenges and opportunities in 2025. We have always been blessed with generous supporters, both in goods and money, but we would now like to put the foodbank on a more secure financial footing. Lisa has taken over the task of preparing funding applications with support from trustee Susan Atkinson and our other employees without whom she could not have the capacity to raise funds as well as run our

Page 3 of 19

Registered Charity No: 1152046

Annual Report 2024

operations. In 2024 we started collecting data from clients to support Tracey’s work (on bed poverty and voter participation). More quantitative as well as qualitative ( Poverty Truth ) data could shed light on whether and how support has been effective in the past for our clients - and supplement the information and advice we are able to give to the public and political movers. This is groundwork for a communications strategy. Another challenge is re-connecting the foodbank with our members (Hartlepool’s churches). Trussell instigated a project called Church Ambassadors in 2023 but we need more invitations for trustees and employees to come and present about our work to churches and related groups.

We continue to be grateful for a small group of people (the Food Network) who help direct surplus food from supermarkets and other outlets to organizations able to distribute it, and to Embleton Hall Dairy for supplies of fresh milk.

We are very grateful to the schools, churches, supermarkets and individuals that have continued collecting food for us. We are also very grateful for continued generous financial support from the Council, our member churches, individuals, retailers (including Tesco , the supporter of Trussell nationally), employers and charitable trusts. A list of donors is given in Appendix 1 of this report. Support from private sector organizations and employers is also very welcome, including from some of the larger retailers. We are especially grateful to those individuals and organizations that support us every year, giving us some confidence in a regular core income.

I would also like to thank my fellow trustees, especially our treasurer Angela Carrick who also provides payroll services at the same time as carrying out her own full-time job, Susan Atkinson who continues to oil our wheels administratively and financially and Alan MacDonald who has brought expertise, energy and commitment to the heart of our organization.

At the core of our operation is our corps of volunteers. Some of them work behind the scenes at the warehouse, handling tonnes of foodstuffs and driving the van; some in the back of the premises, assembling food bundles; and some in client-facing roles at the front. I’d like to make special mention of two others – Alison Deer who cleans our premises without charge, which is equivalent to a huge financial donation, and Gabriel Gustard who now masterminds our presence on social media. All of our volunteers are fabulous. Your contributions are beyond price. A heartfelt thanks to all.

I would also like to thank Mrs Josie Watson who continues to let us use 28 Church Street rent free; the owners and managers of Middleton Grange for providing us with our warehouse free of charge; and Clive Rathbone our pro bono auditor.

All of all our volunteers, supporters, donors, employees and fellow trustees – and those individuals and organizations that work in partnership with us – have done marvellous work that make a material change to the lives of hundreds of people who might otherwise face destitution. I give thanks to God for all of it and pray that it may continue and grow for the benefit of the vulnerable, troubled and marginalised in our town. Luke 6:20-21.

Yours sincerely,

Rev’d Dr Andrew Craig, Chair of Trustees

Page 4 of 19

Registered Charity No: 1152046

Annual Report 2024

H artlepool Foodbank Coordinator's Annual Report

Summary

We continue to remain constant as a foodbank providing a safe space for those who need us. We now have a new telephone number 01429 405543, please note this for your records.

As you are aware, we are a franchise of Trussell (formerly Trussell Trust). In September of 2024 we saw a rebrand from Trussell. The commitment remains the same to work towards ending the need for foodbanks. So much work is done behind the scenes to enable each and every foodbank within the network, up and down the UK, to have creative resources available to tackle the issue of the need for foodbanks. This year some of us had the pleasure of being part of a lobby day at the Houses of Parliament. This was an opportunity to bring to attention some of the wider issues that need addressing to end the need for foodbanks.

We continue to work with our partner agencies especially West View Advice & Resource Centre. Our partnership began in 2022 and has been a successful asset to the foodbank; providing on-site financial advice.

Our Operational Local Mobilier (OLM), Tracey Cartwright, has continued to network across the town building relationships and looking at local issues. Please see Tracey’s report.

We saw our Deputy Coordinator, Teagan Burns, move onto pastures new. Teagan started at the foodbank as a volunteer and joined the staff in 2020, she has been a fabulous part of the team. We wish her all the best for her next venture.

My thanks go to Hilary Sowden who has now been in post as Deputy for the last 6 months. She does a grand job of deputising and supporting all aspects of the project. Thanks also go to Jayne Gray, our warehouse assistant, who has maintained excellent running of the warehouse during 2024 along with the team of volunteers. All stock is processed at the warehouse before coming to Church Street for distribution. Jayne and the team have done a sterling job.

Our on-going work continues with the joy of welcoming new volunteers both corporate and regular to the foodbank team.

One of the highlights for us in 2024 was our visit from Bob the therapy dog. He, along with his owner, spent the morning with the team assisting at one of our sessions. This was such a valuable insight to a different approach that was bought to the session. We hope for another visit in 2025. Another highlight was a visit from the 18th Hartlepool Scout Group Beaver Section. I visited the group to talk about the foodbank and the work that we do. The Beavers then visited the foodbank bringing with them a generous donation.

Page 5 of 19

Registered Charity No: 1152046

Annual Report 2024

Volunteers

Our volunteers are the foodbank's best asset. They continually serve the community on a twice weekly basis. I mentioned last year the monetary value of the hours they put in but the truth is that their value is so much more. They listen to stories, pack, clean and move hundreds of kilograms of food, they remain faithful and loyal to the foodbank, always ready to help where they can; doing an extra shift, assisting with taking a parcel where it needs to be. Our Trustees are also volunteers, another commitment that cannot really be measured. The foodbank as a project is indebted to all that serve as a volunteer.

Thank you, Trustees, and the front-line team for all your hard work.

Donations and Distributions

In 2024 Hartlepool Foodbank volunteers processed 3000 vouchers which equates to 5554 people supported, of whom 4044 were adults and 1510 were children. This is a 3.6% reduction on the previous year. A positive step in the right direction. A total of 67 tonnes of food were given out in 2024.

The local community of Hartlepool continues to give generously. Donations come in varying forms; our permanent collection points in the supermarkets, drop offs at Church Street and our warehouse in Middleton Grange. Christmas was no exception, throughout the month of December a whopping 7.4 tonnes was donated this year. These amazing donations came from residents, local businesses, schools and churches. Incredible!

Financial contributions have also been constant again in this last year both from local businesses, community groups and individuals. Some of our highlights are;

Main donors and amounts are listed in Appendix I to the accounts. Once again, we are thankful for every contribution made.

Page 6 of 19

Registered Charity No: 1152046

Annual Report 2024

Thank you for your support to keeping the foodbank going.

I would like to give special thanks this year to Kerry Foods.

We have 2 wonderful volunteers from their staff who assist us every Friday. They have also supported us with generous donations throughout the year alongside offering practical help where we may need it.

Our grateful thanks to Kerry Foods.

Part of our work is to give bulk donations, when we have temporary surpluses. We support the Kilmarnock Children’s Centre with dog food, baby products and any surplus stock that may bless them. The West View Project is given donations of beans and pasta to help support an after school club. West View Advice & Resource Centre, along with Belle Vue Community Centre, is supported with dog food. It is a joy to be able to share resources across the town.

A small supply of single parcels and ‘grab bags’ goes to the Food Network based on the Headland and the Preventative Mental Health Team based in Burbank Street. This means that food is made available outside our normal sessions.

Household Support Fund

We were once again granted funds from the household support funding pot (government funds administered through Hartlepool Borough Council). This year the money was spent on food going directly to those attending the foodbank. This has been such a great help to the foodbank.

Financial Inclusion

We continue to offer financial advice in each of our sessions with our partner agency West View Advice & Resource Centre. This has been a great success with access being available instantly for our clients. Below is a snippet from our Financial Inclusion Manager at Trussell, Michelle Llewellyn;

Hartlepool has achieved outstanding F.I. gains and Debt managed, results have surpassed Trussell targets. An amazing £857,192.90 has been the monetary value of F.I. gains and debt managed, £28k of this people’s debt has been written off. Additionally, 26 people have been prevented from homelessness which is truly fantastic and the social value will be significant.

The foodbank is pleased with the service as they advise this has added value to their offer – holistic now rather than transactional.

We look to continue this service into the future. It has proven to be effective and fruitful.

Page 7 of 19

Registered Charity No: 1152046

Annual Report 2024

Facebook

We have seen a new look to our Facebook page this last year. With thanks to our volunteer Gabriel for taking this on. Gabriel is a local art student who joined the foodbank a couple of years ago. Using his artistic flare and passion for communication he has bought something new to the page. Please check us out – Hartlepool Foodbank.

Supermarket Collections

Our sincere thanks and gratitude to the fabulous stores in Hartlepool. All of the major stores hold permanent collection points for us to receive donations from shoppers.

Tesco Hartlepool Extra – 6426.8kg

Asda – 3617.3kg

Morrisons – 3216.4kg

Sainsbury – 1012.9kg

A huge thank you to the local community who donated to each of these points and to the smaller stores across the town including One Stop and Spar. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Looking to the future

We will continue alongside Trussell to work towards ending the need for foodbanks. In the mean time we will work to keep our financial advice service available to all who need the foodbank. Our OLM will continue to be out and about in the community looking at local issues. We shall continue to be there.

Lisa Lavender

Project Coordinator, Hartlepool Foodbank.

Page 8 of 19

Registered Charity No: 1152046

Annual Report 2024

Local Organiser’s Annual Report

As the cost of living crisis continues to affect the people who can least afford it, it’s more important than ever that we help make change happen. I thoroughly enjoy being part of the food bank sessions, this enables me to have conversations with people using the service and to gain invaluable insight from the volunteers who carry out an incredible job. The briefing sessions allow me to keep staff and volunteers up to date with the Guarantee our Essentials campaigns, together with ideas and findings for my local campaign. Food banks were intended as a temporary measure to provide emergency food aid, they are a stopgap rather than a long-term solution. As detailed in our 5-year plan, we need measures to reduce or even eliminate the need for food banks in the UK.

Guarantee Our Essentials Campaign

Together, we achieved so much last year, and I’m excited about the opportunities ahead to strengthen the Guarantee our Essentials campaign and collaborate on new activities in this coming year. I have registered to be involved in sector catch-ups with Trussell and Joseph Rowntree Foundation to hear political insights and impact progress. The meetings are held bi-monthly and celebrate two years of driving real change and look ahead to exciting plans for 2025.

The Essentials Guarantee would ensure that social security payments never fall below the amount needed to afford the essentials to live, including household bills, food and transportation. Hartlepool Foodbank and the public have been taking action for a stronger social security system. Over 150,000people signed our petition for an Essentials Guarantee. In the run-up to the General Election over 5,000 people contacted their parliamentary candidates to sign our pledge, which urged them to use their voice if elected to advocate for changes to ensure our social security system protects people from needing a food bank to survive.

We must continue to strive to create a society in which every individual has access to the necessities, and no one is forced to rely on a food bank to survive.

Labour’s election-winning manifesto said:

Labour is committed to reviewing Universal Credit so that it makes work pay and tackles poverty. “ We want to end mass dependence on emergency food parcels, which is a moral scar on our society .”

We built on the Essentials Guarantee with the “Laying it all out on the table” activity. During food bank sessions in Hartlepool, clients, volunteers and staff wrote on tablecloths to bring together stories of hardship and hope. More than 1000 messages were collected from staff, volunteers; MPs; celebrities; and people with lived experience of hardship, across hundreds of events over the summer. This resulted in copies of “The Hardship Times” being distributed around Parliament Square and delivered to Westminster. This one-off

Page 9 of 19

Registered Charity No: 1152046

Annual Report 2024

publication was filled with stories of hope and hardship that had been gathered from across the UK by food banks, charities, faith groups and businesses.

Networking

During my time as a Local Organiser, I have maintained and established new relationships with people who have a wealth of knowledge, experience and passion for change. I continue to play a significant role in Hartlepool’s Poverty Truth Commission and the Strategic Poverty Group. I have established a great new working relationship with Zarach, the bed poverty charity, since it began working in the town last July. I am in contact with our newly elected local MP, Jonathan Brash. He has visited the foodbank and taken an active interest in the support we provide and the actions we are taking to reduce the need for food banks.

Hartlepool Poverty Truth Commission

The Poverty Truth Commission involves engaging with people with lived experience of poverty and leaders in the community to discover and address the causes of poverty. The Commission was formed in 2023 and we meet on a monthly basis, with regular contact maintained between meetings. A launch event took place in May 2024 and was very well received by all who attended. The Poverty Truth Commission seeks to discover the answer to the question “What if people who struggled against poverty were involved in making decisions about tackling poverty?” The Commission comprises two groups of people. A group with lived experience of the struggle against poverty meets with local leaders/decision makers within Hartlepool. Collectively we work to understand the nature of poverty, elucidate the underlying issues that create poverty and explore creative ways of addressing them. Following the launch event, the 3 main issues identified were housing, access to services and community spaces.

I am part of the housing group. The group has so far, identified a vision of “Safe and wellmaintained homes.” The goals, actions and aspirations of the group include work on bringing derelict properties back into use; accessible information to improve access to resources that support tenants e.g. addressing condensation and damp issues; how to contact landlords and understand tenant rights; guidance on financial help for household bills, rent, or white goods.

Strategic Poverty Group

This is a group of like-minded professionals, who meet fortnightly to discuss how we can make positive changes for the residents of Hartlepool, struggling with poverty. The meetings are chaired by Tracey Herrington from Thrive and have been running for several years. I have been an active member of this group since July 2023. We class ourselves as a “doing group” and our priorities include maximising household incomes; making work a route out of poverty and the best start in life for the next generation.

The” Did you Know” Campaign came about as a result of the group's findings. Lisa and I played a large part in deciding the content and layout for the campaign. I allocated part of

Page 10 of 19

Registered Charity No: 1152046

Annual Report 2024

my campaign budget to financially support the publication. The 4-page wraparound published in October 2024 was a huge success. Advice agencies across the town confirmed there has been an increase in people requesting a benefit check in response to the £80 million figure unclaimed in Hartlepool being publicised. Hartlepool Borough Council also recorded a peak in people accessing their on-line services following the publication.

Local Campaign Idea

The cost of living crisis has deepened the impact of child poverty. Children need a good night’s sleep in order to thrive, yet research is showing that families in crisis are having to prioritise essentials such as food, heating and electricity over things like replacing mouldy bedding or fixing a broken bed. This also ties in with the national “Guarantee Our Essentials” campaign. With help from volunteers and staff, I carried out a survey in foodbank sessions from October to December 2024. 69 Families with a total of 126 Children completed a bed survey. 53 Families with a total of 102 Children stated each child had their own bed. 16 Families stated that 24 Children did not have a bed of their own. Zarach have estimated the number of children in bed poverty in Hartlepool is 1,576. Between 1[st] July to 31[st] December 2024, they have delivered 203 beds in Hartlepool and now have 73% of schools registered to refer to them.

Currently Zarach largely relies on schools to spot signs of bed poverty and refer children to them for support. It wants to extend the partnership to local authorities across the country to continue its momentum and make even more of a difference.

The next part of my campaign is to work with Zarach on extending the partnership with Hartlepool Borough Council, to see what can be achieved when a local authority gets involved and how many more people can be helped. I held a meeting with staff, trustees and volunteers in January to get their ideas on how we could raise issues with the council, local MP and media. The group came up with some great creative ideas and were keen to be involved in different ways.

Future Plans

I am looking forward to another very busy and exciting year ahead. My plan is to arrange further meetings with volunteers; to build and act on the ideas provided at the meeting in January and bring them to fruition.

Thank you for being part of this journey - together we can make 2025 another impactful year.

Tracey Cartwright: Local Organiserenl 7,384 children living in poverty in your area.

Page 11 of 19

Registered Charity No: 1152046

Annual Report 2024

W Financial Report 2024

The accounts are unaudited. The independent examiner's report on the 2023 accounts is given in Appendix IV (the 2024 accounts will be examined later in the year).

Many thanks are due to our independent examiner, Clive Rathbone, for contributing to the work of the foodbank by carrying out the independent examination of the accounts without payment.

Income 2024

Description Note Unrestricted
funds £		 Restricted
funds £		 Total funds
£		 2025 budget
£
Private donations 27,840.34 0.00 27,840.34 27,840.34
30,000.00
Church donations 1,238.00 0.00 1,238.00 2,000.00
Corporate donations 1 32,051.08 0.00 32,051.08 32,051.08
40,000.00
Grant funding 14,479.10 118,594.00 133,073.10 80,000.00
Gift aid tax recovered 2,795.83 0.00 2,795.83 3,000.00
Bank Interest 2,620.25 233.47 2,853.72 3,000.00
Total receipts 81,024.60 118,827.47 199,852.07 158,000.00

Expenditure 2024

Description Note Unrestricted
funds £		 Restricted
funds £		 Total funds
£		 2025 budget
£
Premises
Premises maintenance,
repairs & alterations		 2,175.00 0.00 2,175.00 2,260.00
Premises insurances & rates 1,963.44 0.00 1,963.44 2,040.00
Utilities 2,243.10 0.00 2,243.10 2,331.00
Equipment 0.00 0.00
Running Expenses
Subscriptions 245.40 36,225.00 36,470.40 28,000.00
Telephone & Broadband 935.00 132.08 1,067.08 1,109.00
Office Supplies 2,911.83 0.00 2,911.83 3,025.00
Food Purchases 19,563.83 32,258.37 51,822.20 50,000.00
Transport 3,680.57 0.00 3,680.57 3,824.00
Depreciation 3,149.80 0.00 3,149.80 0.00
Volunteers
Volunteers & Training 803.00 0.00 803.00 834.00
Hospitality 2 918.20 0.00 918.20 954.00
Employee Costs
In.Honorarium M Fulton		 60,791.30 31,937.76 92,729.06 96,345.00
OLM Expenses 0.00 751.68 751.68 781.00
Total payments 99,380.47 101,304.89 200,685.36 191,503.00

Page 12 of 19

Registered Charity No: 1152046

Annual Report 2024

Balance Sheet as at 31/12/2024

Description Notes 2024
£		 2023
£
Assets
Fixed assets 0.00 3,149.80
Current assets
Foodbank a/c 35,704.58 54,733.94
Virgin Money Deposit 74,419.67 55,122.71
Virgin Money Current 10.00 10.00
Cambridge Fixed Rate Bond 50,000.00 50,000.00
Debtors 0.00 0.00
Total Assets 160,134.25 163,016.45
Liabilities
Creditors (falling due within 1 year) 3 10,794.12 12,843.03
Total Liabilities 10,794.12 12,843.03
Net current assets
(Totalassetsless current liabilities)		 149,340.13 150,173.42
Creditors (falling due after 1 year) 0.00 0.00
Total Net Assets 149,340.13 150,173.42
Funds
Unrestricted 74,920.46 105,439.45
Restricted 4 74,419.67 44,733.97
149,340.13 150,173.42

The notes to the accounts can be found in Appendix I

The main contributions are from employers, corporate donors and charitable trusts and these are listed in Appendix I. The Foodbank's trustees, partners, employees, and volunteers are very grateful to all the individuals and organizations that have provided financial support.

We try to acknowledge all gifts over £100 (for corporations) and £50 (for individuals and churches) by letter, providing we have the necessary contact details. For individuals who are income taxpayers, we would also be able to claim your income tax back on donations you made if you endorsed a declaration form* including your address and postcode.

Page 13 of 19

Registered Charity No: 1152046

Annual Report 2024

The treasurer would be very pleased to hear from any individual or organization where a donation has not been acknowledged, or you have not signed a Gift Aid declaration. To donate please see the website.

*Download a form from the website, or contact the treasurer on angela.carrick@vishay.com.

Grant funding enables us to continue to run our services and pay the staff. In 2024 we were fortunate to be the recipients of the third and final tranche of the major grant from the Trusell Trust towards the provision of a financial advice service for foodbank users in partnership with West View Advice and Resource Centre. We also received from the Trussell Trust the second tranche of funding for the local mobilising officer to campaign for awareness of the effects of poverty. Support to purchase food has come from the Household Support Fund through Hartlepool Borough Council.

Page 14 of 19

Registered Charity No: 1152046

Annual Report 2024

Appendix I: Notes to the Accounts

1 Corporate Donors over £500.00 Amount £
Hartlepool Power Station (EDF) 3,294.00
Hart Biologicals 600.00
Teesside Charity 1,000.00
Hadley Shipping Company 2,500.00
Tesco (via Trussell Trust) 2,285.49
Utilita Giving 1,325.00
Asda (via Trussell Trust) 1,596.36
Hartlepool Swimming Club 2,859.85
Richardson Westgarth Social Club 810.00
Cubic Transport 500.00
Hartlepool Mayor's Fund 6,542.67
CEO Sleepout 500.00
Trust Alliance 3,250.00
Catcote Academy 1,268.15
One O'Clock Club 500.00
Total 28,831.52
1 Grants Amount £ Restricted to:
Greatham Hospital Trust 1,000.00
Hartlepool Borough Council (£2,000.00 unrestricted) 42,000.00Food 42,000.00Food
Trussell Trust (£5,624.10 unrestricted) 43,118.10Financial Inclusion 43,118.10Financial Inclusion
Trussell Trust (£5,355.00 unrestricted) 41,455.00OLM Project 41,455.00OLM Project
PFC Trust 5,000.00Food 5,000.00Food
Neighbourly/ Sainsburys 500.00
Total 133,073.10

Page 15 of 19

Registered Charity No: 1152046

Annual Report 2024

2 Includes cost of volunteer refreshments and Christmas party drinks
3 Utility and maintenance/Telephone accruals/WVARC accruals paid in 2025 and PAYE
4 Description
£ Carried
over from
previous
year (2023)
£ Restricted
grants received
£ Spent
during 2024
£ December
payments
£
Restricted
reserve at
year end
Trussell Trust Financial Inclusion
26,851.50
37,494.00
36,225.00
9,373.50
37,494.00
HBC Support Parcels and Food
6,600.00
40,000.00
27,258.37
19,341.63
PFC Trust Food
5,000.00
5,000.00
0.00
Trussell Trust OLM Project
11,282.47
36,100.00
32,821.53
2,789.63
17,350.57
Interest
233.47
233.47
Total restricted funds
44,733.97
118,827.47
101,304.90
12,163.13
74,419.67

Page 16 of 19

Registered Charity No: 1152046

Annual Report 2024

Appendix II: Registration Details

Hartlepool Foodbank CIO

Hartlepool Foodbank is registered with the Charity Commission as a Charitable Incorporated Organization (CIO)(Charity Number 1152046).

Address : 28 Church Street, Hartlepool TS24 7DH; telephone 01429 598404; Website: www.hartlepool.foodbank.org.uk

Its Objects are:

The relief and prevention of poverty for persons in Hartlepool who are in a condition of need, hardship or distress ('Beneficiaries') in such ways as the Trustees think fit, in particular but not exclusively by:

The Trustees are:

Rev’d Dr Andrew Craig - Chair of Trustees Mrs Angela Carrick – Treasurer

Mrs Finola Andelic-Pearson – Secretary Mrs Susan Atkinson

Mr Alan MacDonald

Mr John Harvey

Ms Linn Eklund

Page 17 of 19

Registered Charity No: 1152046

Annual Report 2024

Appendix III: Member Churches

Church of the Nazarene

Grace Church

Headland Baptist Church

New Life Fellowship

Owton Manor Baptist Church

Oxford Road Baptist Church

St. Peter’s Church, Elwick

Stranton Church

In order to become a member of foodbank, a Church should:

Page 18 of 19

Registered Charity No: 1152046

Annual Report 2024

Appendix IV: Examiner's Report

Page 19 of 19

Registered Charity No: 1152046

Hartlepool Foodbank Together with Trussell Annual Report 2024

Annual Report 2024

Contents

Letter from the Chair....................................................................3 Coordinator’s Report....................................................................5 Local Organiser's Report.............................................................9 Financial Report.........................................................................12 Appendix I (Notes to the Accounts)......................................................15 Appendix II (Hartlepool Foodbank Registration Details)...............................17 Appendix III (Members Churches).......................................................18 Appendix IV (Examiner’s Report for 2023 Accounts)...................................19

Page 2 of 19

Registered Charity No: 1152046

Annual Report 2024

L etter from the Chair

In September 2024 we held a conference in Greatham (thanks to the trustees and employees of the Hospital of God who provided the venue free of charge). This was, in effect, a mid-point review of Hartlepool Foodbank’s 5-year strategy. The strategy is intended to reduce (in the long term, to do away with) the need for people to use foodbanks. We seek to achieve this by identifying and addressing the reasons for food insecurity and poverty, signposting clients to partner organizations that can help them address particular issues (e.g. Homelessness, poor mental health, substance abuse and addictions), helping clients with debt and better financial management and advocating for necessary changes in public policy. Our partnership with West View Advice & Resources has delivered quantifiable benefits to clients and undoubtedly enabled some of them to progress away from needing handouts of food. We hope that, working with the Community Store at Oxford Road Baptist Church, we will soon be able to identify that more individuals and families have been lifted out of food poverty. Over 2024 as a whole there was a small reduction in the number of people that had to use the foodbank compared with 2023. Given that economic conditions have not markedly improved for the most vulnerable groups during this period, these are the first indications that the strategy is having some effect in addressing food insecurity, reducing the need for handouts.

Our franchisor Trussell Trust has been re-branded Trussell and is in the process of reordering its strategy. It has fully funded a community influencer/organizer working in Hartlepool. Tracey Cartwright has contributed to local campaigns to increase knowledge of, and access to, benefits (“ Guarantee our Essentials” ); ensure that children have good beds to sleep in ( Zarach ); address poverty in Hartlepool generally ( Strategic Poverty Group ); and give a voice to people living on the margins (The Poverty Truth Commission ). She is fostering partnerships, developing a communications strategy and building a team, to work with public authorities and (in collaboration with our MP and Trussell) national government, advocating for policy changes that will help us achieve our strategic aims.

Early in 2024 Teagan Burns resigned as deputy coordinator to pursue a new venture and Jayne Gray came in as warehouse manager, developing the logistical side of our operations with competence and enthusiasm. Hilary Sowden resigned as a trustee to become our deputy coordinator and Abi Knowles resigned as a trustee to become Trussell’s new area manager in the North East. I am very grateful to Teagan, Jayne, Hilary and Abi for all of their outstanding contributions to our work and ethos over the year. Thanks go out to our new trustees John Harvey and Linn Eklund. I greatly look forward to bringing their enthusiasm and abilities to bear, working with them to direct our operations and strategic endeavours to ameliorate poverty and reduce dependency. In particular I would like to thank our coordinator Lisa Lavender, who is the mainstay of the organization, and whose social intelligence, compassion and, now, significant experience are a priceless resource for the wellbeing of employees, volunteers and, especially, clients.

There are both challenges and opportunities in 2025. We have always been blessed with generous supporters, both in goods and money, but we would now like to put the foodbank on a more secure financial footing. Lisa has taken over the task of preparing funding applications with support from trustee Susan Atkinson and our other employees without whom she could not have the capacity to raise funds as well as run our

Page 3 of 19

Registered Charity No: 1152046

Annual Report 2024

operations. In 2024 we started collecting data from clients to support Tracey’s work (on bed poverty and voter participation). More quantitative as well as qualitative ( Poverty Truth ) data could shed light on whether and how support has been effective in the past for our clients - and supplement the information and advice we are able to give to the public and political movers. This is groundwork for a communications strategy. Another challenge is re-connecting the foodbank with our members (Hartlepool’s churches). Trussell instigated a project called Church Ambassadors in 2023 but we need more invitations for trustees and employees to come and present about our work to churches and related groups.

We continue to be grateful for a small group of people (the Food Network) who help direct surplus food from supermarkets and other outlets to organizations able to distribute it, and to Embleton Hall Dairy for supplies of fresh milk.

We are very grateful to the schools, churches, supermarkets and individuals that have continued collecting food for us. We are also very grateful for continued generous financial support from the Council, our member churches, individuals, retailers (including Tesco , the supporter of Trussell nationally), employers and charitable trusts. A list of donors is given in Appendix 1 of this report. Support from private sector organizations and employers is also very welcome, including from some of the larger retailers. We are especially grateful to those individuals and organizations that support us every year, giving us some confidence in a regular core income.

I would also like to thank my fellow trustees, especially our treasurer Angela Carrick who also provides payroll services at the same time as carrying out her own full-time job, Susan Atkinson who continues to oil our wheels administratively and financially and Alan MacDonald who has brought expertise, energy and commitment to the heart of our organization.

At the core of our operation is our corps of volunteers. Some of them work behind the scenes at the warehouse, handling tonnes of foodstuffs and driving the van; some in the back of the premises, assembling food bundles; and some in client-facing roles at the front. I’d like to make special mention of two others – Alison Deer who cleans our premises without charge, which is equivalent to a huge financial donation, and Gabriel Gustard who now masterminds our presence on social media. All of our volunteers are fabulous. Your contributions are beyond price. A heartfelt thanks to all.

I would also like to thank Mrs Josie Watson who continues to let us use 28 Church Street rent free; the owners and managers of Middleton Grange for providing us with our warehouse free of charge; and Clive Rathbone our pro bono auditor.

All of all our volunteers, supporters, donors, employees and fellow trustees – and those individuals and organizations that work in partnership with us – have done marvellous work that make a material change to the lives of hundreds of people who might otherwise face destitution. I give thanks to God for all of it and pray that it may continue and grow for the benefit of the vulnerable, troubled and marginalised in our town. Luke 6:20-21.

Yours sincerely,

Rev’d Dr Andrew Craig, Chair of Trustees

Page 4 of 19

Registered Charity No: 1152046

Annual Report 2024

H artlepool Foodbank Coordinator's Annual Report

Summary

We continue to remain constant as a foodbank providing a safe space for those who need us. We now have a new telephone number 01429 405543, please note this for your records.

As you are aware, we are a franchise of Trussell (formerly Trussell Trust). In September of 2024 we saw a rebrand from Trussell. The commitment remains the same to work towards ending the need for foodbanks. So much work is done behind the scenes to enable each and every foodbank within the network, up and down the UK, to have creative resources available to tackle the issue of the need for foodbanks. This year some of us had the pleasure of being part of a lobby day at the Houses of Parliament. This was an opportunity to bring to attention some of the wider issues that need addressing to end the need for foodbanks.

We continue to work with our partner agencies especially West View Advice & Resource Centre. Our partnership began in 2022 and has been a successful asset to the foodbank; providing on-site financial advice.

Our Operational Local Mobilier (OLM), Tracey Cartwright, has continued to network across the town building relationships and looking at local issues. Please see Tracey’s report.

We saw our Deputy Coordinator, Teagan Burns, move onto pastures new. Teagan started at the foodbank as a volunteer and joined the staff in 2020, she has been a fabulous part of the team. We wish her all the best for her next venture.

My thanks go to Hilary Sowden who has now been in post as Deputy for the last 6 months. She does a grand job of deputising and supporting all aspects of the project. Thanks also go to Jayne Gray, our warehouse assistant, who has maintained excellent running of the warehouse during 2024 along with the team of volunteers. All stock is processed at the warehouse before coming to Church Street for distribution. Jayne and the team have done a sterling job.

Our on-going work continues with the joy of welcoming new volunteers both corporate and regular to the foodbank team.

One of the highlights for us in 2024 was our visit from Bob the therapy dog. He, along with his owner, spent the morning with the team assisting at one of our sessions. This was such a valuable insight to a different approach that was bought to the session. We hope for another visit in 2025. Another highlight was a visit from the 18th Hartlepool Scout Group Beaver Section. I visited the group to talk about the foodbank and the work that we do. The Beavers then visited the foodbank bringing with them a generous donation.

Page 5 of 19

Registered Charity No: 1152046

Annual Report 2024

Volunteers

Our volunteers are the foodbank's best asset. They continually serve the community on a twice weekly basis. I mentioned last year the monetary value of the hours they put in but the truth is that their value is so much more. They listen to stories, pack, clean and move hundreds of kilograms of food, they remain faithful and loyal to the foodbank, always ready to help where they can; doing an extra shift, assisting with taking a parcel where it needs to be. Our Trustees are also volunteers, another commitment that cannot really be measured. The foodbank as a project is indebted to all that serve as a volunteer.

Thank you, Trustees, and the front-line team for all your hard work.

Donations and Distributions

In 2024 Hartlepool Foodbank volunteers processed 3000 vouchers which equates to 5554 people supported, of whom 4044 were adults and 1510 were children. This is a 3.6% reduction on the previous year. A positive step in the right direction. A total of 67 tonnes of food were given out in 2024.

The local community of Hartlepool continues to give generously. Donations come in varying forms; our permanent collection points in the supermarkets, drop offs at Church Street and our warehouse in Middleton Grange. Christmas was no exception, throughout the month of December a whopping 7.4 tonnes was donated this year. These amazing donations came from residents, local businesses, schools and churches. Incredible!

Financial contributions have also been constant again in this last year both from local businesses, community groups and individuals. Some of our highlights are;

Main donors and amounts are listed in Appendix I to the accounts. Once again, we are thankful for every contribution made.

Page 6 of 19

Registered Charity No: 1152046

Annual Report 2024

Thank you for your support to keeping the foodbank going.

I would like to give special thanks this year to Kerry Foods.

We have 2 wonderful volunteers from their staff who assist us every Friday. They have also supported us with generous donations throughout the year alongside offering practical help where we may need it.

Our grateful thanks to Kerry Foods.

Part of our work is to give bulk donations, when we have temporary surpluses. We support the Kilmarnock Children’s Centre with dog food, baby products and any surplus stock that may bless them. The West View Project is given donations of beans and pasta to help support an after school club. West View Advice & Resource Centre, along with Belle Vue Community Centre, is supported with dog food. It is a joy to be able to share resources across the town.

A small supply of single parcels and ‘grab bags’ goes to the Food Network based on the Headland and the Preventative Mental Health Team based in Burbank Street. This means that food is made available outside our normal sessions.

Household Support Fund

We were once again granted funds from the household support funding pot (government funds administered through Hartlepool Borough Council). This year the money was spent on food going directly to those attending the foodbank. This has been such a great help to the foodbank.

Financial Inclusion

We continue to offer financial advice in each of our sessions with our partner agency West View Advice & Resource Centre. This has been a great success with access being available instantly for our clients. Below is a snippet from our Financial Inclusion Manager at Trussell, Michelle Llewellyn;

Hartlepool has achieved outstanding F.I. gains and Debt managed, results have surpassed Trussell targets. An amazing £857,192.90 has been the monetary value of F.I. gains and debt managed, £28k of this people’s debt has been written off. Additionally, 26 people have been prevented from homelessness which is truly fantastic and the social value will be significant.

The foodbank is pleased with the service as they advise this has added value to their offer – holistic now rather than transactional.

We look to continue this service into the future. It has proven to be effective and fruitful.

Page 7 of 19

Registered Charity No: 1152046

Annual Report 2024

Facebook

We have seen a new look to our Facebook page this last year. With thanks to our volunteer Gabriel for taking this on. Gabriel is a local art student who joined the foodbank a couple of years ago. Using his artistic flare and passion for communication he has bought something new to the page. Please check us out – Hartlepool Foodbank.

Supermarket Collections

Our sincere thanks and gratitude to the fabulous stores in Hartlepool. All of the major stores hold permanent collection points for us to receive donations from shoppers.

Tesco Hartlepool Extra – 6426.8kg

Asda – 3617.3kg

Morrisons – 3216.4kg

Sainsbury – 1012.9kg

A huge thank you to the local community who donated to each of these points and to the smaller stores across the town including One Stop and Spar. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Looking to the future

We will continue alongside Trussell to work towards ending the need for foodbanks. In the mean time we will work to keep our financial advice service available to all who need the foodbank. Our OLM will continue to be out and about in the community looking at local issues. We shall continue to be there.

Lisa Lavender

Project Coordinator, Hartlepool Foodbank.

Page 8 of 19

Registered Charity No: 1152046

Annual Report 2024

Local Organiser’s Annual Report

As the cost of living crisis continues to affect the people who can least afford it, it’s more important than ever that we help make change happen. I thoroughly enjoy being part of the food bank sessions, this enables me to have conversations with people using the service and to gain invaluable insight from the volunteers who carry out an incredible job. The briefing sessions allow me to keep staff and volunteers up to date with the Guarantee our Essentials campaigns, together with ideas and findings for my local campaign. Food banks were intended as a temporary measure to provide emergency food aid, they are a stopgap rather than a long-term solution. As detailed in our 5-year plan, we need measures to reduce or even eliminate the need for food banks in the UK.

Guarantee Our Essentials Campaign

Together, we achieved so much last year, and I’m excited about the opportunities ahead to strengthen the Guarantee our Essentials campaign and collaborate on new activities in this coming year. I have registered to be involved in sector catch-ups with Trussell and Joseph Rowntree Foundation to hear political insights and impact progress. The meetings are held bi-monthly and celebrate two years of driving real change and look ahead to exciting plans for 2025.

The Essentials Guarantee would ensure that social security payments never fall below the amount needed to afford the essentials to live, including household bills, food and transportation. Hartlepool Foodbank and the public have been taking action for a stronger social security system. Over 150,000people signed our petition for an Essentials Guarantee. In the run-up to the General Election over 5,000 people contacted their parliamentary candidates to sign our pledge, which urged them to use their voice if elected to advocate for changes to ensure our social security system protects people from needing a food bank to survive.

We must continue to strive to create a society in which every individual has access to the necessities, and no one is forced to rely on a food bank to survive.

Labour’s election-winning manifesto said:

Labour is committed to reviewing Universal Credit so that it makes work pay and tackles poverty. “ We want to end mass dependence on emergency food parcels, which is a moral scar on our society .”

We built on the Essentials Guarantee with the “Laying it all out on the table” activity. During food bank sessions in Hartlepool, clients, volunteers and staff wrote on tablecloths to bring together stories of hardship and hope. More than 1000 messages were collected from staff, volunteers; MPs; celebrities; and people with lived experience of hardship, across hundreds of events over the summer. This resulted in copies of “The Hardship Times” being distributed around Parliament Square and delivered to Westminster. This one-off

Page 9 of 19

Registered Charity No: 1152046

Annual Report 2024

publication was filled with stories of hope and hardship that had been gathered from across the UK by food banks, charities, faith groups and businesses.

Networking

During my time as a Local Organiser, I have maintained and established new relationships with people who have a wealth of knowledge, experience and passion for change. I continue to play a significant role in Hartlepool’s Poverty Truth Commission and the Strategic Poverty Group. I have established a great new working relationship with Zarach, the bed poverty charity, since it began working in the town last July. I am in contact with our newly elected local MP, Jonathan Brash. He has visited the foodbank and taken an active interest in the support we provide and the actions we are taking to reduce the need for food banks.

Hartlepool Poverty Truth Commission

The Poverty Truth Commission involves engaging with people with lived experience of poverty and leaders in the community to discover and address the causes of poverty. The Commission was formed in 2023 and we meet on a monthly basis, with regular contact maintained between meetings. A launch event took place in May 2024 and was very well received by all who attended. The Poverty Truth Commission seeks to discover the answer to the question “What if people who struggled against poverty were involved in making decisions about tackling poverty?” The Commission comprises two groups of people. A group with lived experience of the struggle against poverty meets with local leaders/decision makers within Hartlepool. Collectively we work to understand the nature of poverty, elucidate the underlying issues that create poverty and explore creative ways of addressing them. Following the launch event, the 3 main issues identified were housing, access to services and community spaces.

I am part of the housing group. The group has so far, identified a vision of “Safe and wellmaintained homes.” The goals, actions and aspirations of the group include work on bringing derelict properties back into use; accessible information to improve access to resources that support tenants e.g. addressing condensation and damp issues; how to contact landlords and understand tenant rights; guidance on financial help for household bills, rent, or white goods.

Strategic Poverty Group

This is a group of like-minded professionals, who meet fortnightly to discuss how we can make positive changes for the residents of Hartlepool, struggling with poverty. The meetings are chaired by Tracey Herrington from Thrive and have been running for several years. I have been an active member of this group since July 2023. We class ourselves as a “doing group” and our priorities include maximising household incomes; making work a route out of poverty and the best start in life for the next generation.

The” Did you Know” Campaign came about as a result of the group's findings. Lisa and I played a large part in deciding the content and layout for the campaign. I allocated part of

Page 10 of 19

Registered Charity No: 1152046

Annual Report 2024

my campaign budget to financially support the publication. The 4-page wraparound published in October 2024 was a huge success. Advice agencies across the town confirmed there has been an increase in people requesting a benefit check in response to the £80 million figure unclaimed in Hartlepool being publicised. Hartlepool Borough Council also recorded a peak in people accessing their on-line services following the publication.

Local Campaign Idea

The cost of living crisis has deepened the impact of child poverty. Children need a good night’s sleep in order to thrive, yet research is showing that families in crisis are having to prioritise essentials such as food, heating and electricity over things like replacing mouldy bedding or fixing a broken bed. This also ties in with the national “Guarantee Our Essentials” campaign. With help from volunteers and staff, I carried out a survey in foodbank sessions from October to December 2024. 69 Families with a total of 126 Children completed a bed survey. 53 Families with a total of 102 Children stated each child had their own bed. 16 Families stated that 24 Children did not have a bed of their own. Zarach have estimated the number of children in bed poverty in Hartlepool is 1,576. Between 1[st] July to 31[st] December 2024, they have delivered 203 beds in Hartlepool and now have 73% of schools registered to refer to them.

Currently Zarach largely relies on schools to spot signs of bed poverty and refer children to them for support. It wants to extend the partnership to local authorities across the country to continue its momentum and make even more of a difference.

The next part of my campaign is to work with Zarach on extending the partnership with Hartlepool Borough Council, to see what can be achieved when a local authority gets involved and how many more people can be helped. I held a meeting with staff, trustees and volunteers in January to get their ideas on how we could raise issues with the council, local MP and media. The group came up with some great creative ideas and were keen to be involved in different ways.

Future Plans

I am looking forward to another very busy and exciting year ahead. My plan is to arrange further meetings with volunteers; to build and act on the ideas provided at the meeting in January and bring them to fruition.

Thank you for being part of this journey - together we can make 2025 another impactful year.

Tracey Cartwright: Local Organiserenl 7,384 children living in poverty in your area.

Page 11 of 19

Registered Charity No: 1152046

Annual Report 2024

W Financial Report 2024

The accounts are unaudited. The independent examiner's report on the 2023 accounts is given in Appendix IV (the 2024 accounts will be examined later in the year).

Many thanks are due to our independent examiner, Clive Rathbone, for contributing to the work of the foodbank by carrying out the independent examination of the accounts without payment.

Income 2024

Description Note Unrestricted
funds £		 Restricted
funds £		 Total funds
£		 2025 budget
£
Private donations 27,840.34 0.00 27,840.34 27,840.34
30,000.00
Church donations 1,238.00 0.00 1,238.00 2,000.00
Corporate donations 1 32,051.08 0.00 32,051.08 32,051.08
40,000.00
Grant funding 14,479.10 118,594.00 133,073.10 80,000.00
Gift aid tax recovered 2,795.83 0.00 2,795.83 3,000.00
Bank Interest 2,620.25 233.47 2,853.72 3,000.00
Total receipts 81,024.60 118,827.47 199,852.07 158,000.00

Expenditure 2024

Description Note Unrestricted
funds £		 Restricted
funds £		 Total funds
£		 2025 budget
£
Premises
Premises maintenance,
repairs & alterations		 2,175.00 0.00 2,175.00 2,260.00
Premises insurances & rates 1,963.44 0.00 1,963.44 2,040.00
Utilities 2,243.10 0.00 2,243.10 2,331.00
Equipment 0.00 0.00
Running Expenses
Subscriptions 245.40 36,225.00 36,470.40 28,000.00
Telephone & Broadband 935.00 132.08 1,067.08 1,109.00
Office Supplies 2,911.83 0.00 2,911.83 3,025.00
Food Purchases 19,563.83 32,258.37 51,822.20 50,000.00
Transport 3,680.57 0.00 3,680.57 3,824.00
Depreciation 3,149.80 0.00 3,149.80 0.00
Volunteers
Volunteers & Training 803.00 0.00 803.00 834.00
Hospitality 2 918.20 0.00 918.20 954.00
Employee Costs
In.Honorarium M Fulton		 60,791.30 31,937.76 92,729.06 96,345.00
OLM Expenses 0.00 751.68 751.68 781.00
Total payments 99,380.47 101,304.89 200,685.36 191,503.00

Page 12 of 19

Registered Charity No: 1152046

Annual Report 2024

Balance Sheet as at 31/12/2024

Description Notes 2024
£		 2023
£
Assets
Fixed assets 0.00 3,149.80
Current assets
Foodbank a/c 35,704.58 54,733.94
Virgin Money Deposit 74,419.67 55,122.71
Virgin Money Current 10.00 10.00
Cambridge Fixed Rate Bond 50,000.00 50,000.00
Debtors 0.00 0.00
Total Assets 160,134.25 163,016.45
Liabilities
Creditors (falling due within 1 year) 3 10,794.12 12,843.03
Total Liabilities 10,794.12 12,843.03
Net current assets
(Totalassetsless current liabilities)		 149,340.13 150,173.42
Creditors (falling due after 1 year) 0.00 0.00
Total Net Assets 149,340.13 150,173.42
Funds
Unrestricted 74,920.46 105,439.45
Restricted 4 74,419.67 44,733.97
149,340.13 150,173.42

The notes to the accounts can be found in Appendix I

The main contributions are from employers, corporate donors and charitable trusts and these are listed in Appendix I. The Foodbank's trustees, partners, employees, and volunteers are very grateful to all the individuals and organizations that have provided financial support.

We try to acknowledge all gifts over £100 (for corporations) and £50 (for individuals and churches) by letter, providing we have the necessary contact details. For individuals who are income taxpayers, we would also be able to claim your income tax back on donations you made if you endorsed a declaration form* including your address and postcode.

Page 13 of 19

Registered Charity No: 1152046

Annual Report 2024

The treasurer would be very pleased to hear from any individual or organization where a donation has not been acknowledged, or you have not signed a Gift Aid declaration. To donate please see the website.

*Download a form from the website, or contact the treasurer on angela.carrick@vishay.com.

Grant funding enables us to continue to run our services and pay the staff. In 2024 we were fortunate to be the recipients of the third and final tranche of the major grant from the Trusell Trust towards the provision of a financial advice service for foodbank users in partnership with West View Advice and Resource Centre. We also received from the Trussell Trust the second tranche of funding for the local mobilising officer to campaign for awareness of the effects of poverty. Support to purchase food has come from the Household Support Fund through Hartlepool Borough Council.

Page 14 of 19

Registered Charity No: 1152046

Annual Report 2024

Appendix I: Notes to the Accounts

1 Corporate Donors over £500.00 Amount £
Hartlepool Power Station (EDF) 3,294.00
Hart Biologicals 600.00
Teesside Charity 1,000.00
Hadley Shipping Company 2,500.00
Tesco (via Trussell Trust) 2,285.49
Utilita Giving 1,325.00
Asda (via Trussell Trust) 1,596.36
Hartlepool Swimming Club 2,859.85
Richardson Westgarth Social Club 810.00
Cubic Transport 500.00
Hartlepool Mayor's Fund 6,542.67
CEO Sleepout 500.00
Trust Alliance 3,250.00
Catcote Academy 1,268.15
One O'Clock Club 500.00
Total 28,831.52
1 Grants Amount £ Restricted to:
Greatham Hospital Trust 1,000.00
Hartlepool Borough Council (£2,000.00 unrestricted) 42,000.00Food 42,000.00Food
Trussell Trust (£5,624.10 unrestricted) 43,118.10Financial Inclusion 43,118.10Financial Inclusion
Trussell Trust (£5,355.00 unrestricted) 41,455.00OLM Project 41,455.00OLM Project
PFC Trust 5,000.00Food 5,000.00Food
Neighbourly/ Sainsburys 500.00
Total 133,073.10

Page 15 of 19

Registered Charity No: 1152046

Annual Report 2024

2 Includes cost of volunteer refreshments and Christmas party drinks
3 Utility and maintenance/Telephone accruals/WVARC accruals paid in 2025 and PAYE
4 Description
£ Carried
over from
previous
year (2023)
£ Restricted
grants received
£ Spent
during 2024
£ December
payments
£
Restricted
reserve at
year end
Trussell Trust Financial Inclusion
26,851.50
37,494.00
36,225.00
9,373.50
37,494.00
HBC Support Parcels and Food
6,600.00
40,000.00
27,258.37
19,341.63
PFC Trust Food
5,000.00
5,000.00
0.00
Trussell Trust OLM Project
11,282.47
36,100.00
32,821.53
2,789.63
17,350.57
Interest
233.47
233.47
Total restricted funds
44,733.97
118,827.47
101,304.90
12,163.13
74,419.67

Page 16 of 19

Registered Charity No: 1152046

Annual Report 2024

Appendix II: Registration Details

Hartlepool Foodbank CIO

Hartlepool Foodbank is registered with the Charity Commission as a Charitable Incorporated Organization (CIO)(Charity Number 1152046).

Address : 28 Church Street, Hartlepool TS24 7DH; telephone 01429 598404; Website: www.hartlepool.foodbank.org.uk

Its Objects are:

The relief and prevention of poverty for persons in Hartlepool who are in a condition of need, hardship or distress ('Beneficiaries') in such ways as the Trustees think fit, in particular but not exclusively by:

The Trustees are:

Rev’d Dr Andrew Craig - Chair of Trustees Mrs Angela Carrick – Treasurer

Mrs Finola Andelic-Pearson – Secretary Mrs Susan Atkinson

Mr Alan MacDonald

Mr John Harvey

Ms Linn Eklund

Page 17 of 19

Registered Charity No: 1152046

Annual Report 2024

Appendix III: Member Churches

Church of the Nazarene

Grace Church

Headland Baptist Church

New Life Fellowship

Owton Manor Baptist Church

Oxford Road Baptist Church

St. Peter’s Church, Elwick

Stranton Church

In order to become a member of foodbank, a Church should:

Page 18 of 19

Registered Charity No: 1152046

Annual Report 2024

Appendix IV: Examiner's Report

Page 19 of 19

Registered Charity No: 1152046

EXAMINER'S REPORT Independent examinerfs report to the trustees of the Hartlepool Food Bank CIO I report on the accounts of the Community Interest Organisation for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 1. Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner The charity's 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 144(2) 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. to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act. and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent examinerfs r8POrt My examination was carried out in accordance wth 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 provlde all the evidence that would be required in an audlt and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view,, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent examiner's 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. and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act. have not been met; or (2) to which. in my opinion. attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Clive Rathbone 21 Wolviston Road Hartlepool. TS25 SAP Dated: 04th May 2025