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← The River Manchester

2024-03-31-accounts

THE RIVER MANCHESTER

A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION (CHARITY No. 1153700) Annual Report & Accounts For the year ending MARCH 2024

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THE RIVER MANCHESTER SIGNIFICANT INFORMATION

Registered Name

Charity Incorporated Organisation The River Manchester Registration no. 1153700

Trustees

Terence Carthy, Chairman stepped down 9[th] December 2023 Deborah Fuller, became Chair on 9[th] December 2023 Sefadzi Kofi Amesu, Treasurer Ernest Edifor joined 9[th] December 2023

Registered Office

3 Pepperhill Road Moss Side Manchester M16 7PD

Independent Examiners

Rana & Co P O Box 145 Manchester M19 IUY

Bankers

The Co-operative Bank Delf House, Southway, Skelmersdale, Lancashire WN8 6NY

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The River Manchester Trustees Annual Report YEAR ENDED 31ST March 2023

Charity Incorporated Organisation registered with The Charity Commission on 6[th ] September 2013.

The Trustees, present their report and the audited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31[St] March 2024.

The Trustees throughout the Year and to the date of this report and their advisors are set out on the accompanying Information Page.

Structure, Governance and Management

The management and administration is carried out by the Chief Executive, Mrs Lydia Chan who reports to the board of trustees on a quarterly basis. She is assisted in the day to day operation by 2 core staff members Project Coordinator, Donna Barber and Café & Charity Shop Manager, Carol Dalton, the part-time driver and a core of 10 volunteers. The volunteers have a daily briefing to keep them updated with the developments and health and safety matters in the charity. The CEO meets individually and jointly with staff members for supervision as well as team meetings and feedback sessions with volunteers to share insights and concerns.

The board of Trustees meet quarterly, also regularly at other times to review progress, and to plan for the future development of the Charity. At present they are actively seeking to recruit additional trustees.

Trustees Statement - Public benefit

Our objectives, as outlined below, have been designed with the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit in mind. Throughout this year we have pursued these objectives as we have reviewed our activities both informally and in our official trustees meetings. At all times we have had regard to the Commissions guidance on the public benefit requirement.

Risk Management

The Trustees are responsible for the management of the risks faced by the charity as they provide controls that provide reasonable although not absolute assurance against material misstatement, loss or exposure to risk. Risk reviews are undertaken regularly to ensure internal risks are minimised through the implementation of policy and procedure. One of the risks presented was the renewal of the lease of the building which could mean a higher rental or the

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owners could decide to sell off the building. In respect of this, the trustees have proceeded on getting a development report to apply funding to secure the building at risk.

Objectives and Activities

The Charity has the following objectives which are:

The relief and support of persons who have suffered or are in danger or suffering, from social and emotional difficulties, whether fleeing domestic violence from sex related violence or abuse, their children and dependants by the provision of food, clothing, furniture, friendship, training and other assistance.

Activities

Fundamental to the work of the charity is our faith in Jesus Christ; our Christian faith brings hope and change where we demonstrate our faith in practical ways in being able to offer a safe place for connections to be made, a place where practical provision of food, clothing, furniture and practical training is made available to help people move on in their lives and most importantly prayer is offered.

Activities in the year

Fundraising/Income generation

Our income strategy has 3 strands of income generation which are:

We understand the risk on being too dependent from one income stream and this is especially critical this year when there was a drop in grants. The overall income was £156 589 compared to previous year of £183 637, a decrease of 15%. The National Lottery Cost of Living grants played a crucial role as it helped us provide funding to cover the rise in energy cost and living cost suffered by our clients without which we would have to reduce our services. The grants also enabled us to employ short term temporary staff, and we secured paid posts for service users to give them the opportunity to rebuild their confidence and become employable. We continued to sustain 2 part-time staff till the end of May 2023.

The income generated helped us to further develop the charity’s intervention programme providing 1-2-1 emotional wrap around support when referrals for moves to safety were made, as well as increase the provision in mental health workshops.

Retail and cafe:

The charity operates two enterprises i.e. the charity shop and a cafe. The café

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which included a trial food club was created to generate an income as well as giving the opportunity for training and empowerment for our women to gain skills and employment. The café also helped us provide a warm hub and free meals which were funded by the National Lottery for our clientele. By the end of May 2023, we lost our charity shop manager due to loss of funding and the strategy was to cover these positions with a future budget allocation for 2024/2025. In the meantime, the CEO and Project Co-ordinator with the help of volunteers stepped into this role. Those who were involved in the café underwent Food Safety Level 2 training to provide a safe delivery of food in our café and a warm hub serving 30 clients during the winter months in December 2023-March 2024. It is a concern that it would cost us more in our energy bill to keep our facility warm and cook food for our clients. The charity shop continues to serve our purpose by enabling us to donate a resettlement package to our clients as well as serving the local community in East Manchester.

Removal service

With a dedicated team of volunteers via our volunteer/paid drivers and 2 assistants, we were able to provide an emergency moving service. We were able to secure funding to provide this as a low cost/free service to direct referrals for women and children.

Training and skills

Our project co-ordinator (who is also our specialist domestic abuser worker) was able to deliver 1-2-1 emotional support and recruited 56 trainees to train in our retail areas. The counselling support has grown in reputation as there is a short waiting list of 6 weeks compared to statutory waiting times. Our 3 counsellors are registered with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy. Staff and volunteers also attended a 6 weeks course on Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) and trauma training to become a trauma informed to support our clients who have suffered trauma.

Training courses

The following courses were delivered to support those with mental health as mental health and trauma is a consequence of domestic abuse:

Several workshops were delivered at The River Manchester:

- Living life to the full x 2 (cbt) course 6 weeks sessions. This course helps with mental health and looks at mood, emotions and behaviours and having a healthy routine. Clients were given an option of having an extra session 2 weeks after we had finished to check in and see how they were doing which supported their mental health and reduced feelings of isolation.

- Domestic abuse awareness in the Recovery tool kit, 2x6 week sessions. This looks at different types of abuse, the power and control wheel, leaving the perpetrator, the effects of abuse on mother and child and healthy relationships.

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Events organised by us during the year:

Volunteers

This year 56 volunteers were recruited of which 18 of them managed to find paid work with the nurturing that we provide at the River, the coaching, boosting of self-esteem, and confidence building really helps our volunteers have a good grounding for the real world of work places. We also pride ourselves on providing a family at The River and helping create social networks for people who would be otherwise isolated. The volunteers help each other, as they know how it feels to be new and welcome each person with enthusiasm. We took our volunteers to Blackpool pleasure beach as a treat for all their hard work. This really boosted the morale of the volunteers. We have a volunteers policy which is available on request.

Impact and achievements

The pandemic from March 2020-2021 highlighted the need for our frontline key services and gave a validation for our services. Our objectives to tackle food, furniture and financial poverty and supporting those who have fled domestic abuse had the following impact:

  1. Provision of emergency food parcels. In 2023 there was 1435 referrals. Over all referrals including food parcels and all our services is 1,247.

  2. We also gifted 993 emergency food parcels to clients, including a refuge with 7 single women in weekly in Chorlton where we drop of the food for them. The food parcels come in through referrals and sometimes walk-ins off the street.

  3. Counselling hours overall were 135 hours.

  4. We were able to tackle furniture poverty by gifting over £5140 worth of

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furniture from our charity shop.

  1. Move to safety –supporting 43 moves for single mothers and their children to move on to a safe place of tenancy.

  2. There were also 490 referrals for other services which include domestic abuse workshops, 121 support, emotional counselling, advice, and signposting.

We continue to have an impact supporting people to recover from their wounds into people who are safe, connected, and confident to become independent people who can realise their dreams, move into jobs, feel secure and improved well-being. Beneficiaries felt connected, found 1-2-1 support, were confident, happier and found their own voice and improved outcomes in mental health and job aspirations. Our referrals are mainly from high-risk beneficiaries referred from Women’s Aid, Independent Domestic Advisors, Early Help, Children’s Services, Social Services and WAST.

Testimonies from clients:

“I find myself struggling to find the right words to express the depth of my gratitude for everything you have done for me. During one of the darkest and most challenging periods of my life, battling anxiety and depression amidst family struggles, domestic violence, and the aftermath of a terrible car accident. You were the light that guided me back to hope and healing. Through your unwavering support, encouragement and kindness, you helped me rebuild not just my confidence but my ability to connect with the world around me. The sense of community you offered gave me the strength to step out of my comfort zone and develop the communication skills I thought I had lost forever.

Your belief in me reminded me of my own inner strength and for that, I am eternally grateful. You didn’t just help me recovery you empowered me to rediscover the joy and possibility in life. Thank you for being such an integral part of my journey, for standing by me when I felt lost, and for showing me that I was never alone. With all my heart thank you.”

“The River are like a family to me, they helped me build my confidence to have a voice, helped me with my inner voice to stop over thinking they taught me that I am not alone in a world and to deal with situations I would normally hide away from I am truly grateful.”

“The River has helped me with domestic violence. Bringing back hope in my life and you are the only ones that seem to have really listened and understood me” you are my family”.

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Building space:

The charity operates from a 2 shop floor unit with 2 rooms upstairs. The limited space confines our ability to grow in terms of having more staff, resources and capacity to grow our services. During the year, we managed to refurbish the building’s lights to energy saving lights to cut the high cost of energy and we changed the old, tattered flooring with grants and support from the corporate sector.

Plans for the future and challenges

The charity’s plan is to continue empowering people through its services and build stronger relationships with other referral agencies and recruit more trainees to participate in our training programme. We continue working and collaboration with Openshaw Community Organisations, Gorton Hub, Women’s Aid, IDVAs, Manchester City Council social services and other agencies for referrals and signposting. The charity continues to operate from a limited space and would like to refurbish the upstairs stock room and training room.

Key areas of focus for year will be to generate more income from the food club and shop, improve overall IT and Digital Inclusion for The River, update info on website, improve marketing and promotional needs with the support from our trustee, Edem Edifor.

Financial review

We are as with many charities, dependent on income from voluntary donations and our charity shop, so we remain dependent on the generosity of our donors and grant givers to continue in operation. Any reduction in donation income will impact on our ability to maintain operations and in the worst-case scenario, could result in us ceasing to operate. The charity currently has been able to build a 6 months reserve (£60,000) to cover 6 months operating costs, objectives and risks that The Charity may face as well as plans for growth and expansion. The charity has also set aside £20,000 for plans to purchase a van through the carbon emission strategy implementation in the city of Manchester. Our current fundraising strategies and reserves policy provide adequate protection against this eventuality. We are now exploring the possibility of purchasing the building we are occupying, and a valuation and development plan has been undertaken to proceed with this.

Independent Examiner

Rana & Co has been appointed as independent examiner for the year.

Deborah Fuller

Chair of Trustees

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THE RIVER MANCHESTER

A Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CHARITY No. 1153700)

ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS

for the year ending 31/03/2024

THE RIVER MANCHESTER

Statement of financial activities

for the year ended 31 March 2024

Statement of financial activities
for the year ended 31 March 2024
2024 2024 2024 2023
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Prior Period
Notes Fund Fund Fund Total funds Total funds
Income and Endowments from: 3 £ £ £
£
Donations and Legacies 3.1 26030 55925 0 81955
121561
Other Trading Activities 3.2 74634 0 0 74634
62076
Total 100664 55925 0 156589
183637
Expenditure On: 4
Charitable Activities 4.1 & 4.2 85301 73137 0 158438
170127
Other 4.3 996 0 0 996
814
Total 86297 73137 0 159434
170941
Net Gains/(losses) on Investments 0 0 0 0
0
Net Income (expenditure) 14368 -17212 -2844
12697
Transfers between funds 0 0 0 0
0
Net Movement in Funds 14368 -17212 0 -2844
12697
Reconciliation of Funds
Total funds brought forward 99052 28944 127996
Total Funds carried forward 113420 11732 125152

THE RIVER MANCHESTER

Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2024

Notes
Fixed Assets
Tangible Assets
5.1
Total Fixed Assets
Currents Assets
Debtors
5.2
Cash at bank and in hand
Total Current Assets
Liabilities
Creditors: Amount falling due
5.3
within one year
Net Current Asset/(liabilities)
Total Net Assets or Liabilities
The Funds of the Charity
5.4
Restricted Income funds
Unrestricted Fund
Total Funds		 2024
2023
Total
Total
5,710
3,256
5,710
3256
3,900
2,600
120,437 126,122
124,337 128,722
4,895
3,982
119,441 124,740
125,152 127,996
11732
28,944
113,420
99,052
125,152 127,996

THE RIVER MANCHESTER

Notes to financial statements

for the year ended 31 March 2024

1. Basis of preparation

These accounts have been prepared on the basis of historic cost in accordance with:

This set of accounts represent The River Manchester 11th year financial reporting.

2. Accounting policies

This standard list of accounting policies has been applied by the charity except for those deleted. Where a difference or additional policy has been adopted then this is detailed in the box below.

INCOMING RESOURCES

Recognition of Incoming These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (Sofa) When:
resources * the charity becomes entitled to the resources;
* the trustees are virtually certain they will receive the resources; and
* the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Incoming resources with Where incoming resources have related expenditure (as with fundraising or contract
related expenditure income) the incoming resources and related expenditure are reported gross in the SOFA.
Grants and donations Grants and donations are only included in the SOFA at the same time as the gift to which
they relate.
Gifts in kind Gifts in kind are accounted for at a reasonable estimate of their value to the charity or
the amount actually realised.
Gifts in kind for sale or distribution are included in the accounts as gifts only when sold
or distributed by the charity.
Gifts in kind for use by the charity are included in the SOFA as incoming resources when
receivable.
Donated services and These are only included in incoming resources (with an equivalent amount in resources
facilities expended) where the benefit to the charity is reasonably quantifiable, measurable and
material. The value placed on these resources is the estimated value to the charity of the
service or facility received.
Volunteer help The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described
in the trustees' annual report.
Investment Income This is included in the accounts when receivable.
Expenditure and Liabilities Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing
Liability recognition the charity to pay out resources.
Governance costs Include costs of the preparation and examination of statutory accounts, the costs of trustee
meetings and cost of any legal advice to trustees on governance or constitutional matters.
Support Costs Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories
on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Assets These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least
a thousand pounds. They are valued at cost

3. Analysis of Incoming resources

3.1 Voluntary Income
Donation from Sponsors/ individuals
Gift Aid Tax Claimed
Grants Received
3.2 Activities for generating funds
Sponsorship -HMRC 80% Job Retention Grant
Sales of Donated Goods
3.3 Investment Income
Bank Interest Received
3.4 Charitable Activities Income
Van Donation Received		 2024
Total
£
17513
7317
57125
81956
Unrestricted
funds
£
-
74634
74634
funds
£
-
0
funds
-
0		 2023
Total
£
6313
-
115248
121561
Unrestricted
funds
£
-
62076
62076
funds
£
-
0
funds
-
0

4. Analysis of resources expended

4.1 Cost of Charitable activities
Salaries and wages
PAYE/Empoyer & Employee NI
Pension Contribution
Staff Training Cost
Volunteers Training Cost
Vehicle Repair/Hire Cost
Vehicle Petrol Expenses
Volunteer Travel Expenses
Volunteer Expenses
Project Cost
Heat & Light
Rent
Business/Water Rates
Insurances
Caretaking
Repairs & Maintenance
Postage & Stationery/printing
Phone & Internet
Publicity Cost/Website
IT Cost
Equipment Purchase
Cafeteria Purchase
Cafeteria Equipment
4.2 Governance Cost
Audit & Accountancy Cost
Trustee Meeting Expenses
Bank Charges
Fees Paid
4.3 Other Resources Cost
Depreciation Fixture & Fittings
Depreciation Motor Vehicle
Gains and Losses
Asset Write off Van
Total		 2024
Total
£
78901
14579
3804
82
107
1158
1251
1110
2570
6484
10776
12992
1116
2121
660
6437
346
632
1034
210
757
2781
320
150229
£
6750
101
881
477
8209
345
651
996
-
159434		 2023
Total
£
90486
21046
5358
663
1369
834
1309
2000
1657
4571
8991
12840
970
1999
654
1250
849
799
-
678
845
1666
1022
161858
£
6150
112
997
1010
8269
-
814
814
-
170941

5. Notes to accounts Balance Sheet

5.1 Tangible Fixed Assets

5.1 Tangible Fixed Assets
Cost
Cost-Stairlift (19/10/2023)
Depreciation
Balance b/f
Charge for the period
20% reducing
Net Book Value
as at 31 March 2024
As at 31 March 2023
5.2 Debtors
Rent Prepament
Staff Wages advanced
5.3 Accruals
Accountancy & Audit
HMRC- PAYE & NI
Staff Pension Auto Enrolment
Repairs & maintence
IT Cost		 YH63FML
Motor
Fixture/
Van
Fittings
£
£
7200
3,450
3944
651
345
4595
345
2605
3,105
3256
-
£
2,600
1,300
3,900
£
1150
1679
637
1200
230
4895		 Total
£
7200
3450
3944
996
4940
5710
3256

5.4 Charity Funds

Unrestricted Funds
Restricted Funds
Total Charity Funds		 01-Apr-23
Income
Expenditure
£
£
£
99052
100,664
86297
28944
55925
73137		 31-Mar-24
£
113,420
11732
125,152

Independent Examiner's Report on the Trustees of The Rlver Manchester I wSsh to report of the aCCOL¢nts of the Rlver Manchester for the year ended 31 March 2024, whlch are set out on pages I tg 6 Respectlve responsibilities of trustees and e¥amlner: The charity's trustees are responslble for the preparatlon of the accounts. The charlty's trustees consider that an audlt15 not requlred for this year under sertion 144 of the Charitles Act 2011 (the charities Act) and that an Independent examinatlon Is needed. Itls my responsiblllty to.. examlne the account5 under sertlon 145 of the Charlties Act. to follow the procedures lald down the general Dlrertions gSven by the Charlty commisslon lunder sertlon 14515llbl of the Charltle5 Act), and to State whether particular matters have Come to my attentlon. Basls of Independent examlner's Statement My examlnatlon wa5 carrled out In accordance wlth general Dlrertlons glven by the Charlty commlsslon. An examlnatlon includes a revlew of the accountlng records kept by the charSty and a compar150n of the accounts presented with those records. It also Includes conslderatlon of any unusual Items or disclosures In the accounts, and seekln8 explanatlons from the trustees concernlng any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provlde all the evldence that would be reqthred In an audlt, and consequently no oplnlon Is given as to whether the account5 present a "true and falr vlew" and the report Ss Ilmlted to those matters set out In the statement below. Independent examlner'$ Statement In connectlon wlth my examlnatlon, no matter has come to my attentlon: 111 whlch glves me reasonable ¢au5e to belleve that In, any materlal respert, the requlrements.. to keep a¢countin8 record5 In accordance wlth section 130 of the 2011 Charlties Act; to prepare accounts whlch accord wlth the ac¢ountln8 records and comply wlth the accountlng requlrements of the 2011 Charltles Art have not been met; or 121 to whlch, In my oplnlon, attentlon should be drawn In order to enable a proper under5tandln8 of the accounts to be reached. Rana & Co Independent E¥amlner 190- 200 Platt Lone Manchester M14 7DE