2025-03-31-accounts - Alexandria Lighthouse

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Trustees' Annual Report for the period From Period start date To Period end date ~~aA~~ Day1 MonthApril Year2024 Day31 MonthMarch Year2025 Section A Reference and administration details ~~a~~

Charity name Alexandria Lighthouse ~~ee~~ Other names charity is known by ~~ee~~

Registered charity number (if any) ~~Lo~~ 1154327 Charity's principal address 247 Wilmslow Road Manchester Postcode M14 5LW

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

Name of person (or Dates acted if not for whole Trustee name Office (if any) body) entitled to year appoint trustee (if any)

1 Chung Yin Joanie Yeung
2 Grace Robinson
3 Chee Weng Yong
Chair
Secretary
Treasurer

Holy Trinity Platt

MCCC
4 Revd John Brett
5 Pablo Pascoe

Until August 2024

6 Ramprasad Shresta
7 Magdi Monier
8 Harmienke Jerphanion

Arabic Church Grace Church

Names of the trustees for the charity, if any, (for example, any custodian trustees)

Name Dates acted if not for whole year

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Type of adviser Name Address

Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)

Section B Structure, governance and management

Description of the charity’s trusts

Type of governing document Constitution (eg. trust deed, constitution) How the charity is constituted CIO (eg. trust, association, company) Trustee selection methods Appointed from participating churches and charities. (eg. appointed by, elected by)

Additional governance issues (Optional information)

You may choose to include additional information, where relevant, about:

policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees;
the charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works;
relationship with any related parties;

Trustees are appointed from the founding group of churches and leaders. One significant participating trust has also been represented. Given that the project is ecumenical, some care is taken to ensure that the trustee group is ecumenical.

Four of the eight trustees represent important donors to the charity. Funding levels have remained constant and the reserves policy has also been followed. However the Alexandria relies on funding that is committed by partner churches, usually annually and policy can change. The charity takes steps to palliate these risks, including investing time in communication, and maintaining relationships with supporting churches.

trustees’ consideration of major risks and the system and procedures to manage them.

Section C Objectives and activities

Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objects (include within this section the statutory declaration that trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit)	To advance the Christian faith/religion for the benefit of the public in accordance with the statements of belief within the Christian doctrine through education and training, the holding of prayer meetings, lectures, public celebration of religious festivals, producing and/or distributing literature, including that on Christian text and doctrines to enlighten others about the Christian religion.
	1. Public contact and communication During 2024–2025 the charity continued public-facing activity across its sites, with a primary focus on the Rusholme venue. Public contact took place mainly through the bookshop and activities based there, enabling engagement with a wide range of people. Referrals continued from other agencies for spiritual or emotional support, English classes, and practical help. Churches using the premises also acted as points of contact, inviting people into the space. The charity’s digital platforms remained an effective means of communication and engagement, helping to connect new individuals with church and religious activities. 2. Bible Studies Bible studies were held throughout the year. In Manchester, studies were usually held around three times a week, with more limited or occasional provision outside Manchester. Studies were openly advertised and accessible to all, with some offered in languages other than English. A range of trained volunteers continued to support and lead these studies. 3. Supporting Churches The charity continued to provide a venue and facilities for churches, charities, and community groups, primarily in Manchester, enabling partner churches to run services, Bible studies, and outreach activities within the premises. 4. Other services to the local community The charity continued to offer informal support to people in need during the year. This included signposting, listening support, and practical advice, as well as referrals from job centres and other public and community support networks. 5. Free English lessons and cultural activities Free English classes continued in Manchester throughout the year. These classes regularly attracted between 25 and 40 students per week and remained an important point of contact for people from a wide range of cultural and language backgrounds. 6. Continuing work on structure, shop, and set-up costs The physical structure and day-to-day functioning of the shop remained generally sound throughout the year, with ongoing attention given to maintenance, operational needs, and managing running costs. 7. Fundraising Fundraising during 2024–2025, including support from churches, private individuals, and grant-making bodies, continued at a level sufficient to enable the charity to operate effectively and sustain its core activities.

Summary of the objects of the
charity set out in its
governing document
Summary of the main
activities undertaken for the
public benefit in relation to
these objects (include within
this section the statutory
declaration that trustees have
had regard to the guidance
issued by the Charity
Commission on public
benefit)

To advance the Christian faith/religion for the benefit of the public in
accordance with the statements of belief within the Christian doctrine
through education and training, the holding of prayer meetings, lectures,
public celebration of religious festivals, producing and/or distributing
literature, including that on Christian text and doctrines to enlighten others
about the Christian religion.

1. Public contact and communication
During 2024–2025 the charity continued public-facing activity across its
sites, with a primary focus on the Rusholme venue. Public contact took
place mainly through the bookshop and activities based there, enabling
engagement with a wide range of people. Referrals continued from other
agencies for spiritual or emotional support, English classes, and practical
help. Churches using the premises also acted as points of contact,
inviting people into the space. The charity’s digital platforms remained an
effective means of communication and engagement, helping to connect
new individuals with church and religious activities.
2. Bible Studies
Bible studies were held throughout the year. In Manchester, studies were
usually held around three times a week, with more limited or occasional
provision outside Manchester. Studies were openly advertised and
accessible to all, with some offered in languages other than English. A
range of trained volunteers continued to support and lead these studies.
3. Supporting Churches
The charity continued to provide a venue and facilities for churches,
charities, and community groups, primarily in Manchester, enabling
partner churches to run services, Bible studies, and outreach activities
within the premises.
4. Other services to the local community
The charity continued to offer informal support to people in need during
the year. This included signposting, listening support, and practical
advice, as well as referrals from job centres and other public and
community support networks.
5. Free English lessons and cultural activities
Free English classes continued in Manchester throughout the year. These
classes regularly attracted between 25 and 40 students per week and
remained an important point of contact for people from a wide range of
cultural and language backgrounds.
6. Continuing work on structure, shop, and set-up costs
The physical structure and day-to-day functioning of the shop remained
generally sound throughout the year, with ongoing attention given to
maintenance, operational needs, and managing running costs.
7. Fundraising
Fundraising during 2024–2025, including support from churches, private
individuals, and grant-making bodies, continued at a level sufficient to
enable the charity to operate effectively and sustain its core activities.

Additional details of objectives and activities (Optional information)

You may choose to include further statements, where relevant, about:

policy on grantmaking;
policy programme related investment;
contribution made by volunteers.

Volunteers continued to play a vital role in the charity throughout 2025. They served in the bookshop during opening hours as the primary point of contact for visitors, supporting day-to-day operations and welcoming people from a wide range of backgrounds. Volunteers assisted with English language practice, offered practical help and informal advice, shared information about Christianity with the wider public, helped organise prayer gatherings and public events, and contributed to the preparation and distribution of literature.

Section D Achievements and performance

Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year

The key achievements of the charity during 2024–2025 continued to flow from its stated objectives and built on work established in previous years, with developments reflecting current capacity and focus.

The Christian message continued to be promoted primarily through the Manchester bookshop and related activities, alongside ongoing online contact with individuals seeking to use the charity’s facilities or explore Christian faith. Digital engagement remained strong and continued to be an effective means of connecting with new people and church-related activities.
Christian literature continued to be distributed throughout the year, both through sales and free provision. Hundreds of individuals purchased or received Bibles and other Christian books in multiple languages, many encountering Christian resources for the first time.
Regular and publicly accessible prayer and worship opportunities continued, with some changes in format and location over the year. Prayer meetings and informal worship gatherings remained central to the life of the charity and its outreach.
Church groups continued to use the premises, particularly in Manchester, providing services, Bible studies, and pastoral support for people from vulnerable backgrounds, including refugees and those new to the UK.
The charity continued to share learning and experience with a wide network of partner churches and supporters, particularly around Christian witness and discipleship in a multi-cultural and multireligious urban context marked by rapid social change.
Strategic refocusing and closure of the Rochdale site (“4 the Walk”): During the year, the trustees made the considered decision to close the Rochdale outreach known as 4 the Walk , following prayerful review of its outcomes, staffing capacity, and financial sustainability. While meaningful gospel conversations and individual journeys took place, the level of ongoing resource required could not be sustained alongside the charity’s other commitments. The closure has enabled the charity to focus limited staff, volunteer capacity, and funding on its primary strategic location in Rusholme, where footfall, demand, and engagement with people from Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian backgrounds are higher and more consistent. This refocusing supports the charity’s objects by strengthening publicfacing Christian witness, supporting partner churches, and stewarding resources responsibly. Prior to closure, steps were taken to signpost individuals and contacts to local churches and Christian organisations in Rochdale.

Section E Financial review

Brief statement of the charity’s policy on reserves

The charity trustees aim to have three months’ operating costs held in reserve or firmly committed by supporting churches.

Details of any funds materially in deficit

None.

Further financial review details (Optional information)

Fundraising has been undertaken through four principal means.

You may choose to include additional information, where (1) Support from partner churches – Grace Church Manchester, the
relevant about: Arabic Church in Manchester, the Manchester Chinese Church,
● the charity’s principal Holy Trinity Platt (Church of England) and the Antioch Network
sources of funds (including Church. Other churches also supported the work of the trust in
any fundraising); the year under review.
the charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising);
how expenditure has supported the key objectives of the charity;
(2) Individual gifts.
(3) Income from the shop and ancillary premises.
investment policy and objectives including any ethical investment policy (4) Grants from Christian bodies for specific areas of ministry. adopted.

Expenditure was in five main cost centres—

(1) Personnel costs,
(2) Costs related to the property, including rent,
(3) Stock purchase, and
(4) Other running costs.
(5) Property renovation costs, particularly in Rochdale.

The closure of the Rochdale site also reduced ongoing property and staffing liabilities, contributing to improved financial resilience.

Section F Other optional information

Section G Declaration

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s) Full name(s) Chung Yin Joanie Yeung Chee Weng Yong ~~ee~~ Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc) ~~p~~ Chair Treasurer ~~O~~ Date 20/1/2026 ~~pF~~

Independent Examiner’s Report

To the Trustees of Alexandria Lighthouse,

I report on the accounts of the Trust for the period ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 9 to 11, and which have been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies set out on page 12.

RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUSTEES AND EXAMINER

As the charity’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts; you consider that the audit requirement of Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act) does not apply but that an independent examination is needed.

Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:

(1) Examine the accounts under Section 145 of the Act;
(2) Follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act;
(3) State whether particular matters have come to my attention.

BASIS OF INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT

This report is in respect of an examination carried out under Section 145 of the Act, and in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. 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 a review of the accounts and making such enquiries as are necessary for the purpose of this report. 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 present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S STATEMENT

Based on my examination, no matter has come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect, accounting records have not been kept in accordance with Section 130 of the Act, or that the accounts presented do not accord with those records, or comply with the accounting requirement of the Act. No matter has come to my notice in connection with my examination to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn to enable a proper understanding of the accounts.

16th January 2026

Lorna Haines BSc FCA Chartered Accountant 139 Rosebery Street Manchester M14 4UU

Alexandria Lighthouse

Statement of Financial Activities

Income and endowments from:	Income and endowments from:	Income and endowments from:	Income and endowments from:	Income and endowments from:	Income and endowments from:
Donations &grants 39,405 12,582 51,987 56,131
Charitable activities 19,540 19,540 25,129
Other trading activities: shop income
Investments: Bank interest
Other: rental income 10,245 10,245 7,250
Total 69,190 12,582 81,772 88,510
Expenditure on:
Raisingfunds
Charitable activities 65,001 12,582 77,583 85,341
Other
Total 65,001 12,582 77,583 85,341

Netgains/(losses)on investments
Net income/(expenditure) 4,189 0 4,189 3,169
Total funds carried forward 32,641 0 32,641 28,452
Other recognised gains/ (losses):
Gains/(losses) on revaluation of fixed assets
Actuarial gains/(losses) on defined benefit pension schemes

Alexandria Lighthouse

Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities

1 Apr 2024 – 31 Mar 2025

Activity or programme	Activities undertaken directly	Grant funding of activities	Support costs	Total
	£	£	£	£
Rent costs	19,140	7,920		27,060
Maintenance	0	0		0
Rates	2,225	0		2,225
Utilities	5,021	0		5,021
Other operations	4,862	0		4,862
Stock purchased	8,563	0		8,563
Employment costs	24,913	4,662		29,576
Accountancy fees	275	0		275
Total	65,001	12,582		77,583

Alexandria Lighthouse

Balance sheet

31 Mar 2025

Note ref. Total funds (Unrestricted) £	Note ref. Total funds (Unrestricted) £
Fixed assets:
Total fixed assets
Current assets:
Stocks
Debtors Prepayment of rent
Investments
Cash at bank and in hand 35,050
Total current assets 35,050
Liabilities:
Creditors (Credit card, reviewer’s fee) 2,409
Net current assets or liabilities 32,641
Total assets less current liabilities 32,641
Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year
Net assets	32,641

31 March 2025

Alexandria Lighthouse

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

1. Accounting Policies

The accounts have been prepared under the historic cost convention, in accordance with applicable accounting standards and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (Charities SORP FRS 102).

The following are the accounting policies which have been applied in dealing with material items.

(a) Donated and grant income:

Donated income and grants receivable are taken into account when received by the charity.

(b) Other income and expenditure

Investment income is taken into account when receivable and expenditure, including irrecoverable VAT, when incurred by the charity, regardless of when payment is made.

(c) Funds

Unrestricted funds are donations and other income received or generated for the objects of the charity without specified purpose and are available for purposes as directed by the trustees.

Restricted funds are funds which are subject to specific conditions imposed by the donor. These funds may only be used for the purposes for which they were given.

During the financial period, the charity received restricted funds totalling £12,582 which have been applied in accordance with the donors’ instructions.

2. Trustees

No trustee received any remuneration or reimbursement of expenses during the year.