OpenCharities

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

← Veterans Outreach Support

2024-07-31-accounts

REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 08479090 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1154429

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND

UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

FOR

VETERANS OUTREACH SUPPORT

Gibson Whitter Chartered Accountants and Chartered Tax Advisers Larch House Parklands Business Park

VETERANS OUTREACH SUPPORT

Denmead Hampshire PO7 6XP CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT S FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

Page
Report of the Trustees 1 to 10
Independent Examiner's Report 11
Statement of Financial Activities 12
Balance Sheet 13
Cash Flow Statement 14
Notes to the Cash Flow Statement 15
Notes to the Financial Statements 16 to 28

VETERANS OUTREACH SUPPORT

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 July 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).

Page 1

VETERANS OUTREACH SUPPORT

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Charitable Objects The

Charity's Objects are:

Vision

The vision of the Trustees is: "A nation in which ex-service personnel are valued, understood and supported according to their needs".

Mission Statement

The mission of Veterans Outreach Support is "To meet the welfare, wellbeing, and mental health needs of veterans".

Main Activities

Veterans Outreach Support (VOS) provides monthly Drop-Ins in a friendly and sociable environment on the first Wednesday of the month in Portsmouth, and on the third Wednesday in Newport, Isle of Wight (IOW). The Drop-In is available to ex-service personnel from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, the British Army, the Royal Air Force and the Merchant Navy, both Regular and Reservist, and their close families (spouse/partners/carers). Those who meet the eligibility criteria and make use of VOS services are known as Service Users (SUs). Those attending can find:

Other activities - Veterans Places, Pathways and People Programme (now Thrive Together)

The Veterans Places, Pathways and People Programme for the South-East (VPPPSE), funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (AFCFT) commenced at the beginning of January 2022. The two-year programme, delivering under the VOS collective title of 'Partnership in Mind', brought together a diverse, thematic and geographical, group of nine partners from across the South-East of England to provide a safe, more joined-up, and professional approach to the delivery of mental health and wellbeing support for veterans.

In the first two years of the VPPP programme the region delivered over 8000 interactions with veterans and provided support to approximately 3000 individual beneficiaries, developing a new, collaborative approach to veteran support.

In the Autumn budget 2023, the Chancellor announced a further £10m funding for VPPP (now renamed nationally as 'Thrive Together' to run from April 2024. Interim funding for 3 months was awarded for Portfolio management.

Following its successful bid for continuation funding for Phase 1 of the follow-on programme to VPPP, the VOS team conducted a public consultation of those both seeking and providing support, analysing and incorporating this feedback into a strategic submitted to the AFCFT in August 2024.

In September 2024, VOS was nominated as the Portfolio Lead Organisation for the South East of England, under the new national programme name of 'Thrive Together' (formerly VPPP). VOS will lead this programme until March 2027, empowering Veterans and their families, through creating connections and building futures, by harnessing the support of supportive organisations, identifying pathways and providing a full picture of what's available to those who have served and their families.

Page 2

VETERANS OUTREACH SUPPORT

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Principles

In addition to the above, the charity also provides the following support and services outside of our regular Drop-Ins, during normal office hours and at other times:

Values

VOS embraces and seeks to promote the following values:

Key Principles

The key principles that guide the organisation are to ensure:

Contribution made by Volunteers

The Portsmouth and IOW Drop-Ins are backed by are backed by a dedicated team of approximately 40 volunteers. They manage the front of house, offer social support, and oversee the engagement of service users with delivery partners. Some team members have completed Mental Health First Aid training and serve as peer supporters, leading weekly social and activity groups. Additionally, our diligent volunteers represent VOS at various information events and public displays throughout the year.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Delivery Partners

The monthly Drop-Ins have seen attendance from over 30 representatives from partner charities and organisations, delivering general welfare support to service users. Both Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight have welcomed several new delivery partners throughout 2023-2024, joining our existing network each month alongside the following established partners:

Page 3

VETERANS OUTREACH SUPPORT

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

Public benefit

In setting our objectives and planning our activities our trustees have had due regard to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit.

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE Charitable activities Drop-In Attendance

During the reporting period of these accounts, we registered a total of 166 new registrations at Portsmouth and 63 new registrations at the IOW Drop-In, a total of 229 combined. With a further 133 registered through other contact - by phone, walk-in or outreach visits in Gosport, Fareham, IOW, such as Ventnor, Freshwater and also various social groups. This compares with 175 total new registrations during the last reporting period in 2022-23.

Mental Health Support

During this reporting period, VOS has delivered over 630 hours of clinical face to face activity. The team has provided triage at both Portsmouth and Isle of Wight drop-in, psychiatric assessments and review, psychological assessments, therapies offered have been EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), and a combination of interventions which have included coping strategies, grounding techniques and stabilisation skills. Many sessions have been provided in person, with the offering of telephone and virtual methods where service users prefer.

Page 4

VETERANS OUTREACH SUPPORT

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

Welfare Support

This year has been a busy one for VOS Welfare services, from walk-ins at monthly Drop-Ins to office appointments and a small number of home visits. In the reporting period, VOS Welfare dealt with 87 cases that involved individual appointments, with a total of 190 sessions, each lasting 1-2 hours, with additional time on background work and administration. The majority of the veterans supported are ex-Army, followed by Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Royal Marines, Merchant Navy and partners/carers, with around 80% of those helped of working age.

Multi-disciplinary Working

VOS has carried out an increased number of joint clinical and welfare assessments, as well as more home visits. Applications for War Pension or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme claims, and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims remain the most common reasons for service users seeking welfare support; these include Mandatory Reconsideration activity and support to veterans involved in appeals. Accompanying service users for PIP assessments, carried out online, has also been a regular feature. Outside of this support, important help with completing forms, replacing lost medals and claiming Merchant Navy pensions, is also valued by our service users.

The most difficult area to deal with remains housing, especially when combined with applications for benefits, and, along with homelessness, can sometimes require urgent intervention. Excellent working relationships with Portsmouth City Council and local DWP Armed Forces Champions, alongside a collaborative approach has enabled us to achieve good outcomes for service users. Other partnership working with a Citizens' Advice specialist Armed Forces advisor, has helped in cases involving significant debt. Partnership working with the University of Portsmouth Student Support Team, QA Hospital's Veteran Liaison Nurse, and Op Nova (for veterans in the criminal justice system), Alabaré (veteran housing), and Op Fortitude, the government scheme assisting homeless veterans, has also resulted in positive outcomes for our beneficiaries.

Social Groups

Our weekly social groups in Southsea, Stubbington have grown from strength to strength, attracting a growing community of around 20 attendees at Southsea and up to 40 at Stubbington each week. On the Isle of Wight, we held weekly social groups in four different locations around the Island - Cowes, Sandown and Brighstone and now Freshwater, where we have seen collectively 60 SU a month across these locations, with around 20-30 attendees at each venue.

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE Wellbeing Activities

The third quarter of 2023 has been busy for VOS, despite the holiday period. Our attendance at events like the Big Charity Bash has significantly boosted community outreach and awareness, leading to new local connections. Activities have been well attended, with more weekend and evening options for working-age veterans. The VOS Choir, meeting every Tuesday at the Royal Maritime Hotel and directed by a Royal Marines Bandsman, will perform at St Mary's Church on December 5th and at the WRNS Association Christmas party on December 12th.

Our holistic approach with Clinical and Welfare joint working has proven to be effective, offering face-to-face meetings and support plans. Our social media following is growing, with 2,500 Facebook followers and 1,193 on LinkedIn. The IOW team continues to provide social groups and activities, averaging four per month, with steady attendance.

As we near the end of the year, VOS has provided nearly 200 activities, with strong attendance at social groups in Portsmouth, Stubbington, and the IOW. The Wellbeing program has offered diverse activities, a trip on the Waverley Paddle Steamer, Tangmere Aviation Museum, and a guided tour of the submarine HMS Alliance. The variety of activities ensures something for everyone, regularly planning around community suggestions.

The VOS Choir has been a lifeline for some, providing purpose and routine. Their hard work will be showcased at the VPPP Veterans Voices event and two Christmas parties in December. The choir will continue in 2024, and have performed at Portsmouth Drop-ins and with the Chelsea pensioners at a joint event.

Page 5

VETERANS OUTREACH SUPPORT

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

Volunteers

Volunteers continue to provide great support and energy to events, activities, and social groups. Outreach into the community is increasing with more visits to housing courts, information stands at local supermarkets, and local authority events in Gosport, Fareham, Portsmouth, and the IOW. Recently, staff and volunteers have helped at Sophie's Legacy, a children's charity providing food, toys, and toiletries to hospitals. The Wellbeing and Clinical Managers have represented VOS at World Mental Health Day at QAH and other Portsmouth events, enhancing our community presence through collaboration and information sharing.

Evaluation of Benefits

VOS is committed to monitoring and evaluating the benefits of its work to ensure that all its activities are having the desired outcomes and outputs, and its charitable aims are being achieved.

Evaluation works at 2 levels:

Feedback comments are also collected through an in-house VOS wellbeing activity feedback form.

Marketing and Communications

The VOS website enables the charity to communicate its services and support, champion the charity's partners, share news, blogs and updates, and further VOS's mission and vision by reaching more beneficiaries. Additionally, VOS has invested in a more consistent and collaborative social media engagement plan; and (acknowledging that not all our target audience is on social media) managing a proactive approach to running ads or reaching out into local magazines and newspapers.

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

Examples of our activities and outreach can be found on our website www.vosuk.org and across our social media channels on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Funding

VOS received generous funding from a number of grant makers and donors during the reporting period. A breakdown of the grant funding awarded during 2023-24 is as follows:

- Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust £104,866
- Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity £81,000
- Greenwich Hospital £50,000
- Veterans' Foundation £25,000
- Lloyds Bank Foundation £25,000
- Trinity House Maritime Charity £10,000
- HM Prison & Probation Service £10,000
- Royal Naval Benevolent Trust £8,990
- Queen Mary's Roehampton Trust £12,000
- AgilityEco £1,000

Other support and donations have been gratefully received from ASDA Foundation, Exton Church, Hants & IOW Masonic Lodges, HMS Hermes Association, The King's Theatre Portsmouth, the Mayor of Fareham, Persimmon Homes, Portsmouth Lottery, Queen Alexandra RN Nursing Association, St Ann's Church (HMNB Portsmouth), Zurich Community Trust, Blyth Charitable Trust, Defence School of Policing & Guarding, a

Page 6

VETERANS OUTREACH SUPPORT

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

number of donations from individuals, collections at individual events, donations via online platforms such as Just Giving, Charities Trust, CAF Donate, Much Loved and PayPal.

VOS is grateful for all donations received and for the work involved by Staff and Volunteers who represent VOS, raising both funds and awareness at local events.

The charity is also indebted to the Royal Maritime Hotel (RMH) for the provision of office space, therapy and function rooms at discounted rates, and for the partnership it has with VOS. From the establishment of the charity to the period covered in this report, VOS would not have achieved what it has without the strong support of RMH.

FINANCIAL REVIEW Financial position

This has been a successful period for VOS, and we ended the year in a good financial position. There was an excess of expenditure over income of £95,608, comprising a surplus of £13,983 on restricted funds and a deficit of £109,591 on unrestricted funds. Restricted funds are those where donors have placed specific requirements on their use. Income for the year decreased by £90,267 compared with the previous year.

The total funds brought forward from 31 July 2023 were £312,093 while total funds carried forward to the next financial year are £216,485. Details are in note 17 of the Notes to the Financial Statements.

At the end of the period cash assets (cash at bank) totalled £343,154. This includes grants received in the year that are deferred to 2024-25 - £153,908 is deemed to cover the next and subsequent financial years. Most cash funds are held in higher interest and fixed term deposit accounts, with a smaller amount held in a deposit account and only transferred to the current account as required for immediate expenditure. This deposit account is interest bearing. The Trustees reviewed the bank accounts and decided to open accounts with other providers, in addition to the existing accounts, to improve returns and mitigate the risk of bank failure.

Management accounting reports are provided in advance of management and trustee meetings to all Board members.

The principal risk facing the Charity is that of long-term financial sustainability. Given the uncertainty of future funding streams, additional sources are continually investigated.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Reserves policy

During the reporting period, a financial reserve of £150,000 was held. It is estimated that this sum would be sufficient to cover a minimum of three months' operating costs, to provide the drop-in facility and essential clinical services - three months is the usual length of a course of clinical treatment delivered to Service Users, so ensuring treatments could be completed. If Net Assets were to approach this level, the reserve would allow the Trustees to take action to address the funding issue and enable an orderly handover of services if necessary.

The reserve level is kept under regular review to ensure that it meets the needs of the charity, whilst not exceeding that required for the purposes above.

The relatively high balance of funds more than our financial reserve being carried forward into the next financial year reflects restricted funds that are held against future delivery of specific projects. For some restricted grants, where activities have occurred at a slower pace than anticipated due to a variety of factors, we have agreed extensions to those grant funding periods with our funding partners - we are most grateful for their cooperation and assistance in enabling our programmes to continue.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document

Articles of Association.

Page 7

VETERANS OUTREACH SUPPORT

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

Charity constitution

The Charity is a company limited by guarantee (Company number 08479090) incorporated on 8 April 2013 and a registered Charity (number 1154429) registered 1 November 2013. The Charity's constitution is set out in its Articles of Association (adopted 16 October 2013, amended 24 March 2022 and 29 September 2022).

Trustees Appointments

The Charity is governed by a Board of Trustees with responsibility for the strategic management of the Charity. The board consists of a minimum of four trustees and has no maximum number.

Annually, one third of the Trustees are required to retire by rotation dependent on the length of their service. Trustees may serve for a maximum of nine years unless they have served as Chair in which case that is extended to 12 years; they must then retire and may not be re-appointed (if eligible) without an interval of at least 12 months. The Charity recognises that the creation of a diverse Board is an important factor in recruiting the professional competence required to administer the Charity successfully while increasing the accountability and public confidence in the overall management of the organisation.

Full meetings of the Board took place on 20 September 2023, 14 December 2023, 27 March 2024 and 27 June 2024.

Induction and Training of Trustees

New Trustees are inducted by the Chair, the CEO and the other VOS staff. Trustees make use of the online training packages offered by the National Council of Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), of which VOS is a member.

Retirements

During the period of this report Mike Bowles and Ruth White retired from the Board. The Board of Trustees express their sincere thanks for the work of all retirees over many years.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Staff and Volunteers

Cdr Ian Millen RN (Retd) remains in post as CEO, supported by a team of permanent staff managing VOS's three pillars of service delivery: Clinical, Wellbeing and Welfare, with an additional, programme-based pillar for the AFCFT's Veterans Places, Pathways and People (VPPP. The VOS core team is supplemented by external contractors providing clinical and other services. VOS is pleased to be a member of the National Council for Volunteer Organisations (NCVO), which helps underpin our management of and support to VOS Volunteers. VOS has approximately 40 volunteers supporting the charity. A majority of our volunteering team (primarily in peer support) having completed a series of training commitments, including: Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), Professional Boundaries and Safeguarding.

VOS is pleased to be a member of the National Council for Volunteer Organisations (NCVO), which helps underpin our management of and support to VOS Volunteers. VOS has 42 active volunteers supporting the charity. A majority of our volunteering team (primarily in peer support) having completed a series of training commitments, including: Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), Professional Boundaries and Safeguarding. VOS has run several inhouse training sessions for Volunteers which have included First Aid at work, Dementia awareness with RBL Kitbags provide their time in the activity programmes: welcoming participants, recording data, taking photographs, and reporting back; this development has underpinned our ability to deliver an increased & more locationally-diverse portfolio of opportunities, as well as serving to increase the confidence of our volunteers.

Additionally, we have proactively invited volunteers to contribute blogs and other copy, to publish on our website and social media material, thereby increasing the types of engagement with the charity's talented volunteer team. Our volunteers also supported us in attending 17 different community events during this year - from Portsmouth Pride to Armed Forces Day both in Portsmouth and the IOW; from ASDA and Morrisons, to stalls at HMS Collingwood open day, Ventnor Day, Suicide Awareness Event, IOW County Show and The Big Charity Bash.

During the reporting year 2023-2024, Veterans Outreach Support volunteers contributed a total of 25,320 hours across various activities, including Drop-Ins, social groups, and community activities. The equivalent

Page 8

VETERANS OUTREACH SUPPORT

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

monetary value of this contribution is estimated at £346,884. This remarkable dedication underscores the invaluable role our volunteers play in achieving our mission.

Clinical Governance

VOS are currently working towards Quality Network for Veterans Mental Health Services (QNVMHS) accreditation through the Royal College of Psychiatrists. QNVMHS peer review took place on 25th July 2024. Further evidence will be provided to meet outstanding requirements with presentation to the QNVMHS Accreditation Committee anticipated in 2025. VOS sees QNVMHS accreditation as a central plank of our quality outputs.

Delivery Partners Code of Conduct

A Code of Conduct has been established to ensure that Delivery Partners share VOS's values and can be regarded as trustworthy for our SUs. All Delivery Partners are invited to sign up to the Code, by which they agree to a range of points from regular attendance, to behaviour, standards, provision of insurances, safeguarding and other matters.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Company number

08479090 (England and Wales)

Registered Charity number

1154429

Registered office

Larch House Parklands Business Park Denmead Hampshire PO7 6XP Trustees

Lt Cdr RN (Retd) J Scivier (Chair from 27 Mar 2023) Cdr RN (Retd) M E Emerton (Elected 27 Mar 2023 - Vice Chair) Cdr RN (Retd) R Williams (Elected 11 Dec 2018) Mr M Dawe (Elected on 18 Mar 2021) Lt Cdr RN (Retd) A Sard (Elected on 18 Mar 2021) Professor C Kinane (Elected 27 Mar 2024) Mr J Porter (Elected 27 Mar 2024) Mr M Powell (Elected 27 Mar 2024) The following trustees resigned during the year: Col (Retd) J M Bowles (Retired 27 Mar 2024) Mrs R C White (Retired 27 Mar 2024)

President

General Lord David Richards of (Elected 12 December 2024) Herstmonceux GCB CBE DSO DL Rear Admiral Sir Jeremy de Halpert KCVO CB (Retired 12 December 2024)

Honorary Vice Presidents

Surg Capt RN (Retd) M R O'Connell CPO (Retd) Joe Erskine Mrs A E M Townsend (deceased 13 May 2024) WO1 RN (Retd) David Watts Maj (Retd) M Powell

Page 9

VETERANS OUTREACH SUPPORT

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

Independent Examiner

Gibson Whitter Chartered Accountants and Chartered Tax Advisers Larch House Parklands Business Park Denmead Hampshire PO7 6XP

Bankers

CAF Bank Ltd 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 24 April 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

Mr M R Powell - Trustee

Page 10

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF VETERANS OUTREACH SUPPORT

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Veterans Outreach Support ('the Company')

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 July 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of Section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

  4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)).

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Gavin Whitter

Gibson Whitter Chartered Accountants and Chartered Tax Advisers Larch House Parklands Business Park Denmead Hampshire PO7 6XP

24 April 2025

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

31.7.24 31.7.23

Page 11

VETERANS OUTREACH SUPPORT
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Notes
£
£
£
Donations and legacies
2
165,767
1,000
166,767
Charitable activities
4
Veterans welfare
124,375
415,891
540,266
Investment income
Total
EXPENDITURE ON
3
10,971
-
10,971
Charitable activities
5
Veterans welfare
410,704
402,908
813,612
(INCORPORATING AN INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
(109,591)
13,983
(95,608)
Total funds brought forward
167,589
144,504
312,093
301,113
416,891
718,004		 Total
funds
£
61,510
742,567
4,194
787,330

VETERANS OUTREACH SUPPORT TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 57,9988

57,9988 158,487 216,485 312,093

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 12
BALANCE SHEET
31 JULY 2024
Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
13
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
14
Cash at bank and in hand
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
NET CURRENT ASSETS
15		 31.7.24
£
18,803
20,397
343,154
363,551
(165,869)
197,682		 31.7.23
£
23,816
50,193
486,798
536,991
(248,714)
288,277
VETERANS OUTREACH SUPPORT
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES
NET ASSETS
FUNDS
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS
17		 216,485
216,485
57,998
158,487
216,485		 312,093
312,093
167,589
144,504
312,093

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 July 2024.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2024 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 24 April 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:

Mr M R Powell - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 13

VETERANS OUTREACH SUPPORT

CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
1
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Interest received
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents
in the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the

beginning of the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the end
of the reporting period		 31.7.24
£
(152,753)
(152,753)
(1,862)
10,971
(143,644)
486,798
343,154
9,10
9		 31.7.23
£
134,170
134,170
(32,797)
4,194
105,567
381,231
486,798
(28,60
3
)

Page 15

VETERANS OUTREACH SUPPORT

1.

The notes form part of these financial statements

NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

RECONCILIATION OF NET (EXPENDITURE)/INCOME TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net (expenditure)/income for the reporting period (as per the
Statement of Financial Activities)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
Interest received
Decrease/(increase) in debtors
(Decrease)/increase in creditors
Net cash (used in)/provided by operations		 31.7.24
£
(95,608)
6,875
(10,971)
29,796
(82,845)
(152,753)		 31.7.23
£
20,941
5,513
(4,194)
(14,380)
126,290
134,170

2. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS

At 1.8.23 Cash flow At 31.7.24
£ £ £
Net cash
Cash at bank and in hand 486,798 (143,644) 343,154
486,798 (143,644) 343,154
Total 486,798 (143,644) 343,154

Page 16

continued...

VETERANS OUTREACH SUPPORT

1.

The notes form part of these financial statements

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland and the Companies Act 2006.

Income

Donations and legacies and grants that provide core funding or are of a general nature are recognised where there is entitlement, the receipt is probable and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability. Such income is only deferred when:

Investment income is recognised on a receivable basis.

Income from charitable activities includes income received under contract or where entitlement to grant funding is subject to specific conditions is recognised as earned (as the related goods and services are provided). Grant income included in this category provides funding to support activities and is recognised where there is entitlement, the receipt is probable and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability.

Volunteers and donated services

The value of services provided by volunteers is not incorporated into these financial statements.

Where goods or services are provided to the charity as a donation that would normally be purchased from suppliers, this contributions is included in the financial statements at an estimate based on the value of the contribution to the charity.

Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised when a liability is incurred. Contractual arrangements are recognised as goods or services are supplied.

Irrecoverable VAT

All resources expended are classified under activity headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Irrecoverable VAT is charged against the category of resources expended for which it was incurred.

Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end date are noted as a commitment but not accrued as expenditure.

Page 17

VETERANS OUTREACH SUPPORT

1.

Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Improvements to property - 20% on cost Fixtures and fittings - 25% on cost Computer equipment - 33% on cost Individual fixed assets costing £500 or more are capitalised at cost.

Page 18

continued...

VETERANS OUTREACH SUPPORT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

1.

ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits

The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

Donated goods and services
Donations
3.
INVESTMENT INCOME
Deposit account interest
4.
INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Activity
Grants
Veterans welfare
Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:
Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity
The Seafarers' Charity
RAF Benevolent Fund
Greenwich Hospital
HIWCF
Queen Mary's Roehampton Trust		 31.7.24
£
106,101
60,666
166,767
31.7.24
£
10,971
31.7.24
£
540,266
31.7.24
£
81,000
13,750
-
50,000
-
12,000		 31.7.23
£
40,453
21,057
61,510
31.7.23
£
4,194
31.7.23
£
742,567		 31.7.23
£
4,194
31.7.23
£
90,000
1,250
7,500
50,000
5,000
11,000

Page 19

continued...

VETERANS OUTREACH SUPPORT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

The Veterans' Foundation
The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust
Groundwork UK
Lloyds Bank Foundation for England & Wales
Carried forward
Brought forward
BGF Foundation
HM Prison and Probation Service
Trinity House Maritime Charity
Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB (NHS)
5.
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS
Veterans welfare
4.
INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES - continued
6.
DIRECT COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Staff costs
Digital marketing support
Direct charitable costs
Training costs
Subcontracted clinical fees
Travel and subsistence
DBS checks
VPPP Partner payments
VPPP development expenditure
7.
GRANTS PAYABLE		 Direct
Costs (see
note 6)
£
459,715		 32,083
8,990
300,985
-
26,125
524,933
31.7.24
£
524,933
-
-
10,000
5,333
Support
costs (see
note 8)
£
353,897
31.7.24
£
182,792
~~46,575~~
24,748
609
20,275
17,362
800
160,317
6,237
31.7.24
459,715
540,266		 32,500
8,475
496,926
1,500
17,416
721,567
31.7.23
£
721,567
5,000
10,000
3,333
2,667
Totals
£
813,612

Page 20

continued...

VETERANS OUTREACH SUPPORT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

£
Veterans welfare
-
The total grants paid to institutions during the year was as
follows:
31.7.24
£
Soldiers Arts Academy CIC
-
8.
SUPPORT COSTS
Governance
Management
costs
£
£
Veterans welfare
341,437
12,460
Support costs, included in the above, are as follows:
Management
Wages
Social security
Pensions
Insurance
Telephone
Postage and stationery
Advertising
Sundries
Rent
Computer and software costs
Repairs and renewals
Subscriptions
Recruitment expenses
Bookkeeping and accountancy support
Bank charges
Depreciation of tangible assets
Governance costs
Trustee recruitment
expenses Accountancy and
independent examination
fees Legal fees
31.7.24
Veterans
welfare
£
150,779
9,766
3,882
8,044
4,750
2,029
1,777
3,111
117,451
9,982
1,064
5,011
10,800
5,950
166
6,875
341,437
31.7.24
Veterans
welfare
£
10,800
1,660
-
12,460		 £
12,000
31.7.23
£
12,000
Totals
£
353,897
31.7.23
Total
activities
£
116,756
6,639
2,754
5,612
4,801
2,182
1,592
3,518
47,054
10,305
(2,266)
4,588
2,067
14,035
-
5,513
225,150
31.7.23
Total
activities
£
-
1,610
2,400
4,010

Page 21

continued...

VETERANS OUTREACH SUPPORT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

9. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):

31.7.24 31.7.23
£ £
Depreciation - owned assets 6,875 5,513

10. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

During the year no (2023: no) trustee directors were remunerated by the charitable company.

During the year one (2023: one) trustee made donations to the charitable company totalling £25 (2023: £160).

Trustees' expenses

Trustees' expenses Trustees' expenses
11. During the year three (2023: two) trustee directors were reimbursed expenses by the charitable
company totalling £490 (2023: £205) for travel costs. 31.7.24 31.7.23
£ £
STAFF COSTS 318,198 228,193
23,823 17,211
Wages and salaries 5,198 3,890
Social security costs
Other pension costs		 347,219 249,294

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:

Direct charitable
Support
12.
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES		 31.7.24
6
4
Restricted
funds
£
10		 31.7.23
4
4
Total
funds
£
8

Page 22

continued...

VETERANS OUTREACH SUPPORT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

-
570,901
-
570,901
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Veterans welfare
Investment income
Total
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
Unrestricted
funds
£
61,510
171,666
4,194
237,370
Veterans welfare
214,390
572,940
12.
COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
£
£
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
22,980
(2,039)
Transfers between funds
(16,395)
16,395
13.
14.
Net movement in funds
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
COST
At 1 August 2023
Additions
At 31 July 2024
DEPRECIATION
At 1 August 2023
Charge for year
At 31 July 2024
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 July 2024
At 31 July 2023
Improvements
to
property
£
23,715
-
23,715
3,653
4,743
8,396
15,319
20,062
6,585
161,005
167,590
Fixtures
and
fittings
£
6,399
-
6,399
4,212
729
4,941
1,458
14,356
130,147
144,503
Computer
equipment
£
7,940
1,862
9,802
6,373
1,403
7,776
2,026
1,56
7		 61,510
742,567
4,194
808,271
787,330
Total
funds
£
20,941
-
20,941
291,152
312,093
Totals
£
38,054
1,862
39,916
14,238
6,875
21,113
18,803
23,816

Page 23

continued...

VETERANS OUTREACH SUPPORT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Trade debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
15.
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
16.
Other creditors
Accrued expenses
Deferred income
Deferred income
Deferred income comprises grants received for future financial periods.
Balance brought forward
Amount released to incoming resources
Amount deferred in the year
Balance carried forward
ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
Unrestricted
funds
£
Fixed assets
18,486
Current assets
78,848
Current liabilities
(39,336)
57,998
Restricted
funds
£
317
284,703
(126,533)
158,487
2,18
7		 31.7.24
£
1,000
19,397
20,397
31.7.24
£
10,341
1,620
153,908
165,869
31.7.24
£
233,893
(233,893)
153,908
153,908
31.7.24
Total
funds
£
18,803
363,551
(165,869)
216,485
 31.7.23
£
-
50,193
~~50,193~~
31.7.23
£
11,009
3,812
233,893
248,714
31.7.23
£
85,956
(85,956)
233,893
233,893
31.7.23
Total
funds
£
23,816
536,991
(248,714)
312,093

Page 24

continued...

VETERANS OUTREACH SUPPORT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

17.

MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Contingency fund
Infrastructure fund
Trinity House
Greenwich Hospital
RNRMC Clinical Services
Restricted funds
RNRMC Helping Hand
RNBT
Veterans Foundation
AFCFT Positive Pathways 3 Outdoor
AFCFT Afghan SS
AFCFT Strand 1 Clinical
AFCFT VPPP
AFCFT VPPP Development
RNRMC Wellbeing
NHS No Wrong Door
AFCFT LGBT+ Veteran Support
AFCFT Vectis Veterans IOW
TOTAL FUNDS
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows
Unrestricted funds
General fund
Trinity House
Greenwich Hospital
Restricted funds
RNRMC Helping Hand
RNBT
AFCFT Positive Pathways 1 IOW
Veterans Foundation
AFCFT Positive Pathways 3 Outdoor
AFCFT Afghan SS
AFCFT Strand 1 Clinical
AFCFT VPPP		 At 1.8.23
£
38,167
100,000
(4,389)
3,333
16,041
14,437
167,589
12,528
8,475
32,500
-
4,967
38,438
15,820
25,675
-
6,101
-
~~-~~
144,504
312,093
~~:~~
Incoming
resources
£
228,613
10,000
62,500
301,113
-
8,990
2,625
19,583
1,750
-
34,286
224,796		 Net
movement
in funds
£
(103,550)
-
-
10,000
(16,041)
-
(109,591)
(316)
8,978
19,583
1,750
(4,967)
7,977
(15,820)
(8,570)
4,149
156
244
~~819~~
Resources
expended
£
(332,163)
-
(78,541)
(410,704)
(316)
(12)
(2,625)
-
-
(4,967)
(26,309)
(240,616)
13,983
(95,608)

Page 25

continued...

VETERANS OUTREACH SUPPORT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

17.
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
AFCFT VPPP Development
RNRMC Wellbeing
NHS No Wrong Door
AFCFT LGBT+ Veteran Support
AFCFT Vectis Veterans IOW
TOTAL FUNDS718,004
(813,612)
Unrestricted funds
General fund
Contingency fund
Trinity House
Greenwich Hospital
RNRMC Clinical Services
Restricted funds
RNRMC Helping Hand
RNBT
AFCFT Veterans Shall not be
Forgotten
AFCFT Positive Pathways 1 IOW
Veterans Foundation
AFCFT Tackling Loneliness
AFCFT Positive Pathways 2 Hants
AFCFT Positive Pathways 3 Outdoor
AFCFT Afghan SS
AFCFT Strand 1 Clinical
AFCFT VPPP
AFCFT VPPP Development
NHS No Wrong Door
AFCFT LGBT+ Veteran Support
TOTAL FUNDS
Comparative net movement in funds,
included in the above are as follows:
Unrestricted funds
General fund
Trinity House
Greenwich Hospital
RNRMC Clinical Services		 -
(8,570)
(8,570)
82,000
(77,851)
4,149
5,333
(5,177)
156
9,750
(9,506)
244
~~27,778~~
~~(26,959~~)
~~819~~
416,891
(402,908)
13,983
(95,608)Comparatives for movement in funds
~~Net~~
~~Transfer~~s
movement
between
At
At 1.8.22
in funds
funds
31.7.23
£
£
£
£
61,005
(10,832)
(16,395)
33,778
100,000
-
-
100,000
-
3,333
-
3,333
-
16,041
-
16,041
-
14,437
-
14,437
161,005
22,979
(16,395)
167,589
19,089
(6,561)
-
12,528
-
8,475
-
8,475
1,898
(238)
(1,660)
-
1,587
(3,844)
2,257
-
-
32,500
-
32,500
43,282
(43,282)
-
-
12,008
(12,118)
110
-
1,275
(16,743)
15,468
-
18,831
(13,865)
-
4,966
11,847
26,591
-
38,438
14,616
1,205
-
15,821
5,714
19,961
-
25,675
-
6,101
-
6,101
~~-~~
~~(220~~)
~~22~~0
-
Incoming
Resources
Movement
resources
expended
in funds
£
£
£
139,037
(149,869)
(10,832)
3,333
-
3,333
50,000
(33,959)
16,041
45,000
(30,563)
14,437
130,147
(2,038)
16,395
144,504
291,152
20,941
-
312,093

Page 26

continued...

VETERANS OUTREACH SUPPORT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

17.
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Restricted funds
RNRMC Helping Hand
RNBT
AFCFT Veterans Shall not be
Forgotten
AFCFT Positive Pathways 1 IOW
Veterans Foundation
AFCFT Tackling Loneliness
AFCFT Positive Pathways 2 Hants
AFCFT Positive Pathways 3 Outdoor
AFCFT Afghan SS
AFCFT Strand 1 Clinical
AFCFT VPPP
AFCFT VPPP Development
NHS No Wrong Door
AFCFT LGBT+ Veteran Support
TOTAL FUNDS		 237,370
25,000
8,475
-
19,462
32,500
14,875
1,750
-
13,708
30,357
393,988
22,786
8,000
~~-~~
570,901
808,271		 (214,391)
(31,561)
-
(238)
(23,306)
-
(58,157)
(13,868)
(16,743)
(27,573)
(3,766)
(392,783)
(2,825)
(1,899)
~~(220)~~
(572,939)
(787,330)		 22,979
(6,561)
8,475
(238)
(3,844)
32,500
(43,282)
(12,118)
(16,743)
(13,865)
26,591
1,205
19,961
6,101
~~(220~~)
(2,038)
20,941

Contingency Fund

The contingency fund is calculated to cover a minimum of three months' operating costs to provide the drop-in facility and essential clinical services. In the event of a funding crisis, this will give the trustees time to address the issue and plan the best action to take.

RNRMC- Helping Hands

The Helping Hands grant funds projects that recruit volunteers to provide support, friendship and practical help for Royal Navy beneficiaries, specifically; to combat loneliness and social isolation, to promote health and wellbeing and to prevent escalation of need or deterioration in health.

AFCFT Force for Change

Establishing a dedicated team of volunteers to provide an outreach service to those who are isolated and lonely and / or are unable to visit VOS.

AFCFT Veterans Shall not be Forgotten - Click & Connect project

This shifted VOS's in person operations to the digital domain, with staff and volunteers working remotely during the Coronavirus pandemic, to ensure continuity of service as far as possible. Clinical therapies, peer/social group support and activities were delivered online and by telephone, with hybrid provision now continuing to make VOS's services more accessible.

AFCFT Positive Pathways 1 IOW - Extending activities aimed at combating social isolation and loneliness, through developing new skills and friendships, to the veteran community on the Isle of Wight.

AFCFT Positive Pathways 2 - Hants - Building on the success of VOS's activities programme to extend to more locations in Hamps hire.

AFCFT Positive Pathways 3 - Outdoor - A peer supported programme of outdoor activities aimed at promoting confidence, wellbeing and positive mental and physical health, through learning new skills, helping others and contributing to o ur local communities.

Page 27

continued...

VETERANS OUTREACH SUPPORT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

AFCFT Tackling Loneliness

Providing Welfare Officers in Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight to identify and engage with lonely and isolated veterans of all ages.

Forces Connect South East

This grant from Surrey County Council on behalf of Forces Connect South East and the Armed Forces Covenant Fund contributes to the costs of a Veterans' Hub at Wecock Farm providing activity and support groups.

AFCFT Afghan SS

This grant extends the provision of VOS's outdoor activities and wellbeing support to veterans impacted by the UK's involvement in Afghanistan.

AFCFT Strand 1 Clinical

This funding is to meet the increased demand for, and complexity of, mental health support for veterans and families, by enhancing VOS's clinical team with additional psychological and psychiatric resource, providing improved support to those in need.

AFCFT VPPP

VOS is the grant holder for the Veterans' Places, Pathways and People (VPPP) Programme for the South East, working with a portfolio of nine project partners across the region delivering mental health and wellbeing support to veterans.

AFCFT VPPP Development

This grant was awarded to support the development of the VPPP portfolio through improved management and administration, working to ensure sustainability of projects beyond the VPPP grant period, and strengthening the network in the South East region.

NHS No Wrong Door

This grant is a contribution to the costs of delivering welfare services.

AFCFT LGBT+ Veteran Support

This grant is to fund a Welfare Peer Support Worker, increasing capacity to support the LGBTQ+ veteran community, in response to the independent review by Lord Etherton published in May 2023.

RNRMC Wellbeing

This grant is a contribution towards our running costs and the delivery of our Wellbeing programmes and Welfare services.

AFCFT Vectis Veterans IOW

This grant is building on from the Positive Pathways project, this fund supports two part time staff members to deliver a range of activities on the Isle of Wight.

Page 28

continued...

VETERANS OUTREACH SUPPORT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

18. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

The charity rented room space from the Royal Maritime Hotel, a charity with a Trustee in common, at a rate below market rate. This amounted to £106,101 in the year ended 31 July 2024 (31 July 2023: £40,453) and this has been included as services in kind in the accounts.

There were no other related party transactions in the year ended 31 July 2024 or 31 July 2023 other than those disclosed in note 10.

19. ULTIMATE CONTROLLING PARTY

The charitable company is under the control of its trustees. No one trustee has control of the charitable company.

VETERANS OUTREACH SUPPORT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024 Page 28