## WASHINGTON COMMUNITY FOOD PROJECT REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2020 Charity number 1156409 ## WASHINGTON COMMUNITY FOOD PROJECT |Contents||| |---|---|---| |||Page| ||Trustees report|1-4| ||Independent examiners report|5| ||Statement of Financial Activities|6| ||Balance Sheet|7| ||Statement of Cash Flows|8| ||Notes to Financial Statements|9| WASHINGTON COMMUNITY FOOD PROJECT ## TRUSTEES REPORT ## YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2020 The trustees are pleased to present their report with the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2020. The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 and 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). ## Our purposes and aims The purpose of the charity is to prevent or relieve poverty or financial hardship in Washington and Springwell Village in particular but not exclusively by the provision of emergency food parcels, items, services and facilities to individuals in financial need, contributing to and cooperating with charities and other organisations working to prevent or relieve poverty within Washington and Springwell Village. The strategy employed to achieve the charity’s aim is to operate weekly foodbanks for people in need. Donations are collected and distributed to people referred to Washington Community Food Project by professional and voluntary organisations working in the area. ## Volunteers The charity is run by volunteers with no paid staff. The total number of regular volunteers is 37. They gave a minimum of 11,232 hours of their time during the year. The volunteers work in the following areas |Warehouse|Distribution centres|Delivering| |---|---|---| |Supermarket collections|Trustees meetings|Purchasing| |Administration|Events|Fundraising| |Signposting||| The volunteers’ contribution in financial terms, if each hour was paid in accordance with the new National Living wage, is £93,900 at least. ## Achievements and performance Whilst shaping the objectives for the period and planning activities, the trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. The trustees are confident the activities meet the guidance. The achievements and performance of the charity are set out in the attached brochure. WASHINGTON COMMUNITY FOOD PROJECT ## TRUSTEES REPORT ## YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2020 ## Achievements and performance - continued The aim of WCFP is to relieve food poverty in Washington and Springwell, as stated in the constitution. To this end we work with other agencies to provide advice and support to look at the underlying problems which contribute to financial hardship and thus food poverty. In recent years, our profile with the general public has increased, as have the donations and support and we now find we are in a position to fulfil another aim in our constitution “contributing to and co-operating with charities and other organisations working to prevent or relieve poverty” During 2020/21 we have supported St. George’s Church with donations of food, equipment and capital enabling them to provide over 1,500 lunches/meals, for local children, during the school holidays and lockdown periods. Similarly, Oxclose Church has also provided meals during the holidays and been supported by WCFP, both financially and with food supplies. The Church has also bought a bus which is being converted into a cafe and community resource and we are committed to supporting this project both financially and with food supplies. The Salvation Army, Barnardo’s, and the Woman’s Refuge have all received food support as have several schools, churches and Gentoo tenants during our ‘one off’ Christmas support project. COVID has restricted our work to issuing food parcels, but hopefully this will soon end and we will return to our full range of support. ## Financial review Monetary donations amounted to £68,694 from regular gifts to one-off donations. Grants amounting to £2,425 were received. The costs of operating were £17,282. The bank balance at the yearend was £75,473. ## Reserves policy and going concern Reserves are needed to bridge the gap between the spending and receiving of income and to cover unplanned emergency repairs and other expenditure. The charity is building reserves with the aim to hold up to twelve months normal expenditure in the bank. The trustees are also wary about food donations dropping so plan to have a fighting fund to be able to finance six months food purchases. The trustees consider the charity is currently in a stable financial position. They do not believe there is any problem on the Charity’s existence in twelve months time. This review of going concern has been carried out in accordance with the Charity Commission guidelines. WASHINGTON COMMUNITY FOOD PROJECT ## TRUSTEES REPORT ## YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2020 ## Plans for the future Prior to Covid, WCFP’s intention was to provide a central community hub for the people of Washington and Springwell. Several agencies had expressed an interest in working with us from our unit in the Galleries. The refreshment service was working well and people were beginning to wander in for tea and a chat and we had held a couple of reasonably successful craft sessions. The publicity was prepared for the young children’s sessions but not issued. In order to provide our full range of intended services we will need to purchase three computers, (not laptops) workstations and chairs, small tables and chairs for the refreshment area, a large folding table for craft sessions, and children’s toys (although these will probably come from donations). The volunteers are brimming with ideas which they would like to promote and may need funding for, a sewing machine, projector, board games, and we are now in a position to meet these requirements. ## Reference and administrative details |Charity number||1156409|| |---|---|---|---| |Trustees|||| ||M Bowman|
S Laws|K Wake| ||C Bowman|M Prince|J Petherick| ||M Natton|L Scott|| ||C Rowe|C Spellman|| ## Structure, Governance and Management The charity is a registered unincorporated charity governed by a constitution adopted on 10 December 2013. The constitution has been amended in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. The trustees meet on a regular basis to review finances how the charity is performing and to strategise for the future. New trustees are recruited by way of recommendation and are provided with training in the charity’s operations when joining the board of trustees. Trustees are not remunerated for the work they carry out for the charity. There are two members who play a part of the management team. N Jobson - G Duffy 4 WASHINGTON COMMUNITY FOOD PROJECT TRUSTEES REPORT ## YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2020 Structure, Governance and Management - continued The trustees have a risk management strategy which comprises Understanding religious restrictions when preparing food parcels for people with different faiths Being aware of food allergies when issuing food stuffs Ensuring the safety of trustees and volunteers when carrying out tasks for the charity Safeguarding vulnerable beneficiaries By order of the board of trustees C Bowman 10 May 2021 WASHINGTON COMMUNITY FOOD PROJECT 5 Report of the Independent Examiner to the trustees of Washington Community Food Project I report on the financial statements of Washington Community Food Project for the period ended 31 December 2020 which are set out on pages 6 to 9. ## Respective responsibility of trustees and examiner The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011(the 2011 Act) and 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 Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act To follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act) and To state whether particular matters have come to my attention. ## Basis of independent examiner’s report My examination was carried out 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 financial statements presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. ## Independent examiner’s statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention : - (1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements - . to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and - . to prepare financial statements which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities, - have not been met ;or - (2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached. R A Page FCCA 511 Durham Road Low Fell Gateshead Tyne & Wear NE9 5EY 10 May 2021 WASHINGTON COMMUNITY FOOD PROJECT STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2020 6 |CHARITABLE INCOME
Gifts in kind
Public and corporate donations
Rates refund
Grants
TOTAL INCOME
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Value of food donated and distributed
Top up food purchases
Covid funding
Provision of free school meals during
holidays and lockdown
Events
Venue rents
Rates
Insurance
Light and heat
Telephone and broadband
ICT
Office costs
Training
Travel
Equipment
Repairs and Covid PPE
Donation
Sundries
Accountancy
PayPal charges
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
NET INCOME
Reconciliation of funds
Funds at 1 January 2020
Funds at 31 December 2020|2020
£
39,028
68,694
1,446
2,425| |---|---| ||111,593| ||39,028
3,946
3,428
740
110
515
1,446
214
1,522
430
99
535
10
115
3,050
82
250
141
360
289| ||56,310| ||55,283
19,830| ||75,113| WASHINGTON COMMUNITY FOOD PROJECT 7 ## BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2020 |Current assets
Paypal
Bank account
Cash in hand
Liabilities
Creditors – amounts falling due in one
year
Net current assets
Total net assets
Unrestricted income funds|£
3,435
71,361
677|2020
£
75,113| |---|---|---| ||75,473
360|| |||| |||75,113| |||75,113| Approved by the Board of Trustees on 10 May 2021 and signed in their behalf by C Bowman WASHINGTON COMMUNITY FOOD PROJECT 8 ## STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS ## YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2020 |Cash used in operations
Net movement in funds
Increase in accruals
Net cash generated from operations
Change in cash in year
Cash brought forward
Cash carried forward|2020
£
55,283
360| |---|---| ||55,643| ||55,643
19,830| ||75,473| WASHINGTON COMMUNITY FOOD PROJECT ## NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS ## YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2020 ## 1 Accounting Policies ## Basis of preparation The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102) and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland. ## Grants Grants for immediate expenditure are accounted on a receivable basis. Grants where related to performance and specific deliverables, are accounted for as the charity earns the right to consideration by its performance. ## Gifts in kind Gifts in kind received for distribution are included in the Statement of Financial Activities as gifts and costs when distributed by the Charity. ## Resources expended Resources expended are included in the Statement of Financial Activities on an accruals basis, inclusive of any VAT which cannot be recovered. ## Costs Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them. All costs are allocated between the expenditure categories of the SoFA on a basis designed to reflect the use of the resource. Costs relating to a particular activity are allocated directly and other are apportioned on an appropriate basis such as staff time. ## Annual Report ## **Introducton** Washington Community Food Project is a food bank serving the local area and is part of the _Independent Food Aid Network_ (IFAN) which is a network of independent, grassroots food aid providers working together to secure food security for all. IFAN membership includes over 400 independent food banks over the whole of the United Kingdom and is a free service. The WCFP project was founded in 2012 by the late Joanne and Malcolm Dawson and since then has expanded to provide donations to Washington and Springwell. We also provide food parcels to people in Shiney Row, Houghton and Hetton but mostly to all Washington villages. Since the beginning of 2020 over 35 volunteers have helped to promote the project. The food bank receives referrals from: Gentoo, Sunderland City Council agencies, National Health Services, Housing associations, voluntary support services, schools, churches and signposting from DWP and Wear Recovery. The service users then obtain food from our distribution points St George’s Church, Barmston Furniture, Oxclose Church and our main outlet, Unit O, situated on the first floor of Washington Galleries. 1 ## Table of Contents **1** INTRODUCTION **3-9** COMMITTEE REPORTS ## **10-12** STATISTICS **13-16** TEAM REPORTS **17** THE WAY FORWARD ## **18** CONTACT INFORMATION 2 ## **Commitee Reports** ## **Chairman’s Report** ## _**by Clive Bowman**_ It has been a completely different year than we were expecting at the last WCFP annual meeting. The year started as always with an assessment of stock after the previous year’s harvest and run up to Christmas donations. This stocktake allows us to advise the Treasurer as to the possible food expenditure and to take into account any concerns over Brexit. Unit L items were sorted into products and then datal order and an estimate made of all stock available. Because we make up a standard 1 to 5-person parcel and we have years of figures to hand we are able to estimate approximately what supplies we will need. It may seem to be early in the year but the trustee’s thoughts turn to the year-end Christmas Eve Give Away. How the previous year was run and what changes could be made to make it more efficient. Both the previous venues, the Lighthouse and St Michael’s had their own problems so an alternative was sought and Oxclose Academy was contacted. They agreed that the 2020 Christmas giveaway could take place there with the possible assistance of some of the school children. This would give WCFP a larger indoor area to _Stock organised for parcel packing_ accommodate the large number of people who attend on Christmas Eve and allow for better control and monitoring. Preparation was made for the annual AGM to report on the activities of 2019 which took place in March and was held, for the first time, in Unit O. Plans were discussed for the development of the front of house in Unit O to be more welcoming and to have other community facilities. WCFP started the year with four outlets, Unit 0 operating 4 days a week, St Michael’s, two mornings a week, Barmston Furniture 6 days a week, and St George’s Church on 1 day. The decision had been made to stop operating out of MIND and the Millenium Centre because of storage difficulties and the need to transport food parcels on the day. We also felt that the Galleries was a more central location. All of our plans soon came to a halt as a result of the Covid Pandemic. 3 It became apparent that Unit O could not function safely according to the information being given out by Governmental Health agencies. However, the WCFP lead volunteer at St Michael’s Church indicated that that outlet would continue to remain open as long as possible _Sainsbury's keeping supplies flowing to the WCFP during the first lockdown_ at least until early April. Unit O closed to the public and the lead volunteers then concentrated on maintaining stock levels and supplies to the WCFP outlet at St Michael’s. Unit O had always delivered weekly supplies to St. Michael’s. The lead WCFP volunteer at St Michael’s was given full access to Unit O. It was decided that rather than taking existing stock from Unit O to St Michael’s (supplies in supermarkets had reduced considerably as a result of panic buying), WCFP would talk to supermarkets and have stock delivered directly to St Michael’s. This was arranged by the Project Manager and Treasurer. Sunderland City council became involved in supporting WCFP regarding supply of food stocks and the offer of volunteers. The lead WCFP volunteer at St Michael’s was regularly asked if additional volunteer support was needed but declined any assistance. Food stocks were accepted from SCC and purchases made from other suppliers and delivered directly to St Michael’s. The Project Manager continued to collect daily from our suppliers but gradually the WCFP volunteers based at St. Michael’s took over and by the end of April the Project Manager was only picking up stock from irregular donors. Arrangements were in place between St. Michael’s Church and St George’s Church to take any surplus fresh produce to assist the population in St George’s area. During April the trustees were approached by the lead volunteer at St. Michael’s for financial assistance as Church income was falling. The WCFP trustees agreed to double the amount of rent being paid each month to St. Michael’s Church for allowing the Church be an outlet for WCFP. **----- Start of picture text -----**
Premier Singh convenience
store, Oxclose
**----- End of picture text -----**
At the beginning of May a non-factual post was put on the WCFP Facebook page about WCFP being closed- in fact WCFP **had never closed** . WCFP were informed on the 4[th] May that St Michael’s were no longer going to operate as an outlet for WCFP. St Michael’s subsequently joined the Trussell Trust Sunderland Food bank as one of its outlets. As a result of the failure of St Michael’s to continue to support WCFP an emergency meeting was held on the Monday afternoon as to the way forward. During the meeting the lead volunteer at St Michael’s tended her resignation with immediate effect. Because of the 4 closure of Unit O, Barmston Furniture and St George's Church owing to COVID restrictions WCFP had no outlet open. The trustees contacted Oxclose Church and were given permission to operate from there immediately and stock was taken from Unit O. The Project Manager recommenced collecting from all outlets and storing the items in Unit O. All referral agencies were then informed of the change to WCFP operations. During the restrictions placed in the Galleries, as result of COVID, the volunteers were monitoring the situation regarding queues near Unit O, forming outside banks and building societies, how and where queues were forming and the busiest times. As restrictions on shops were gradually lifted in consultation with the Galleries management it was deemed possible that with COVID protection measures in place that Unit O could reopen by moving the opening times to less busy periods. Plastic screens were put in place as well as floor markings for social distancing. Unit O opened in June and Oxclose Church became a limited emergency outlet. Since June, Unit O has remained open with the volunteers working in bubbles: only present at certain times and in specific locations. In September three trustees were independently advised, by a member of the Washington Store, that Asda was no longer supporting independent food banks and that the end of aisle donation box was being removed. WCFP contacted IFAN, as this would have a country wide effect on all independent foodbanks. IFAN contacted Trussell Trust and Asda for confirmation. WCFP were informed that this was a local decision by the Washington store and was not a head office decision. _Our collection point at ASDA, Washington_ In early October WCFP were informed of a positive Covid contact who had entered Unit O, all known people who may have been in contact were informed, the Galleries management was also informed and the unit was deep cleaned that afternoon. Consequently, there was no disruption in service. The Trustees decided to offer packed lunches during school holidays for younger children. The first of which took place in the summer from Unit O with support given to Oxclose Church, St George’s Church and Washington MIND, as other outlets. This continued during the October and December holidays at Unit O and the two churches. _Blackfell Primary School’s Harvest Festival donation_ As a result of publicity, the amount of food donations and financial donations increased considerably leading up to Christmas. Harvest donations were still being donated from schools despite the COVID restrictions imposed. In early October the WCFP trustees were debating how the Christmas Eve give away could operate. Various suggestions and proposals were discussed which would allow last minute decisions to be made. It was decided to send out letters inviting people to phone and make an 5 appointment, during the second week of December, to collect the Christmas foods such as advent calendars, selection boxes, biscuits as well as soft toys. Meanwhile the Galleries management had been approached for use of another unit for the week and they offered us Unit J, which the volunteers were able to make feel more Christmassy. When people called, they were asked if they would like fresh food to be delivered on Christmas Eve. This enabled WCFP driver volunteer rotas to be compiled and on Christmas Eve fresh produce was collected from the local supermarkets and taken to Oxclose Church where the WCFP volunteers made up individual parcels for each family size and these were then delivered to the home addresses. This was a tremendous success and it was done with high COVID protection for everyone. _Non-perishable packs for the Christmas Give Away_ ## **Project Manager’s Report** ## _**by Carol Rowe**_ What a year we have had, no one could have predicted 2020, but we at WCFP have gone above and beyond to make sure our clients have not done without during the pandemic. In March, because it was not safe to operate from unit O, St Michaels, which was one of our outlets at the time, became our operating station for approximately 6 weeks. We then moved to Oxclose Church (our original home) until June, giving us time to make Unit O more COVID friendly. People of Washington and various companies, have been so kind and _£200 from Sudz Valeting Services_ completely overwhelmed us with their generosity, making this our most successful year. _Schiedel donation_ Never a dull moment at WCFP, roll on 2021, we’re ready for you. Huge thanks to our fabulous team! 6 ## **Secretary’s Report** ## _**by Maureen Bowman**_ What a year 2020 turned out to be! It began well in January/February with the opening of our Community Drop-in. We were able to offer free refreshments, cakes, and biscuits and spend more time, just chatting, with the clients. We also managed to run a couple of successful but rather small craft sessions (8 – 10 people) and had big plans and great enthusiasm for all the activities we wanted to offer. Then came COVID and in March we were forced to close unit 0 in the Galleries because it was not safe to operate from there. We kept one outlet open as people were able to work outside and it was much safer. This arrangement was initially for three weeks, however, it lasted for six weeks. During that time, we invested over £4,000 in stock, rent and expenses to keep St. Michael’s Church open as our prime distribution site. Carol, the Project Manager, continued to collect donations on a daily basis and purchase extra _Collecting donations from AFI Uplift_ stock in order to provide as full a service as was possible at that time. Several of our volunteers were either in lock-down due to age/vulnerability or having to remain at home to care for school-age children. At the beginning of May there was a resignation by one of our trustees who at the time was running the WCFP outlet at St. Michael’s. This was with immediate effect on May 4[th] , 2020 at 5.00pm. They, as an organisation had decided to start up their own charity taking with them almost half of the WCFP clients. This came as a terrible shock to WCFP volunteers and we were then left with no outlet. Thanks to Gavin Rushton at Oxclose Church we were able to open on the Wednesday and continue to operate without missing a session. The volunteers were desperate to get back and we had enough to make it a success. We were in Oxclose Church for six weeks. During that time our Front of House Lead, Sue, organised the reopening _Front of house, Unit O, with children’s super artwork_ of unit O. The hours had to be changed to avoid busy times at the bank opposite, the unit had to be reorganised – all the children’s art work had to come down, everything had to be covered in wash down plastic and new screens and PPE ordered. Sue then organised the volunteers into bubbles of three, to work in each area and there is no mixing of the groups. This system continues to work. Only one client is allowed into the unit at a time and food 7 parcels are put onto a table for collection. All donations that come in are left for 72 hours before being unpacked and hand sanitiser and frequently changed gloves are used at all times. So we were back up and running in unit O by mid-June. The village Summer Fayre was cancelled so we lost an opportunity to get out and share our message with the public but three wonderful members of the community organised fundraising events for us. Our grateful thanks go to Lauren Stone, Cameron Thompson and Matthew Crichton for all their help and hard work. _Packed lunches go down a treat!_ During July/August we offered free school packed lunches to any primary aged child. Oxclose Church, St. George’s Church, MIND, and the Galleries all took part and we averaged 160 meals a week plus lots of activity packs and other goodies which were being donated by the public. During October week we decided that if children needed a meal then possibly their parents needed one too. We provided 80 adult meals and 216 for children from St. George’s and the Galleries. This continued over the Christmas Holiday with 272 meals given out in the eight days of opening. The vicar’s wife from St. George’s wanted to continue the provision for older children and with WCFP’s support provided 103 hot toasted sandwiches during the first week in January and is continuing to offer a hot sandwich or a baked potato along with fruit, biscuits, crisps and a drink which makes up a packed lunch and the numbers are growing every day. The client base has changed during this year. We are now getting many more families and new clients who are suffering due to reduced income because of COVID. We collect daily from M&S and Greggs, therefore, our clients leave with much more than a food parcel, very often they get flowers from M&S which is a real treat for many who would not be able to spend money on such a luxury. There were fewer Harvest Festivals this year but we thank those schools which did contribute to our stock levels. This year the community and local stores have really upped their contributions. We have had so many donations of goods and cash that we are in a very good position both financially and stockwise to meet any reasonable increase which may arise. _Bede Gaming- one of our biggest supporters in 2020_ 8 Before Christmas we contacted all local schools, churches and Gentoo, asking if they knew of anyone who would benefit from a one-off Christmas Surprise Parcel. We gave out over two hundred parcels, included in each was a leaflet asking people to come into the Galleries on Tuesday or Wednesday morning before the foodbank opens and talk to Sue. We need to get the message out that you do not have to be unemployed or homeless to use our services. WCFP are there for anyone who is suffering a temporary loss or reduction in income. This seems to have had an effect and people who would ‘never use a foodbank’ are now coming in and asking for advice and help. The Christmas Give Away was a huge success – read about that in the Treasurer’s report. The Christmas Eve delivery of fresh food went very well. Our thanks go again to Oxclose Church for _Xmas Eve parcels of fresh meat, fruit, veg and baked goods._ allowing us to use the Church and car park to sort out all the deliveries. We delivered a joint of meat, and more fruit, veg and extras than a person could carry to over 70 houses after the shops closed on Christmas Eve. There are no words to express my thanks to the volunteers. The Chair and myself have been in lockdown since March and I foolishly imagined that without us things would soon begin to fall apart!! I couldn’t have been more wrong. The Project Manager, Carol, the Front of House Lead, Sue and the Treasurer, Michelle took over and with the help of some fantastic volunteers everything has progressed well. I think they are using the bubble system to keep me out! They are managing very well without me. I have got my appointment letter so their time is running out. 9 **2020 Statstcs** ## **1) Reason for need:** This information is dependent upon the referral agency ticking the appropriate box(es) as to the reason for the referral |Beneft|155|33.05%| |---|---|---| |Bereavement|4|0.85%| |Change in Circumstance|23|4.90%| |COVID|53|11.30%| |Debt|80|17.06%| |Delayin Wages|8|1.71%| |Fleeing Domestc
Violence|20|4.26%| |Homeless|12|2.56%| |Low Income|63|13.43%| |One-of loss|28|5.97%| |Sanctoned beneft|5|1.07%| |Sickness|18|3.84%| |TOTAL|469|100.00%| ## **2) Year on year table:** ||2019 clients|2019parcels|2020 clients|2020parcels| |---|---|---|---|---| |Jan|367|185|321|139| |Feb|299|156|309|161| |March|287|152|335|153| |April|354|185|293|123| |May|307|174|123|73| |June|267|161|167|89| |July|358|174|200|85| |Aug|351|175|182|81| |Sept|314|167|238|93| |Oct|355|182|199|86| |Nov|337|155|224|103| |Dec|317|141|464|185| During the early part of the COVID lockdown, from April onwards, food became more available from other sources to assist the population and along with the withdrawal by St Michael’s and the closure of other of our outlets the take up of parcels issued by WCFP was reduced to approximately half. 10 ## **3) Average number of people supported by a parcel:** ||2020|2019| |---|---|---| |Jan|2.31|1.98| |Feb|1.92|1.92| |March|2.19|1.89| |April|2.38|1.91| |May|1.68|1.76| |June|1.88|1.66| |July|2.35|2.06| |Aug|2.25|2.01| |Sept|2.56|1.88| |Oct|2.29|1.95| |Nov|2.19|2.17| |Dec|2.53|2.25| The trend towards bigger families is clearly highlighted ## **4) Number of people in household:** There has been a significant increase in the number of 4 person families. |Year|2020|2019|2018| |---|---|---|---| |1person|48.33%|53.88%|57.25%| |2person|18.41%|20.61%|15.51%| |3person|12.97%|11.21%|13.55%| |4person|11.09%|7.65%|9.43%| |5person|6.49%|6.65%|3.98%| |6person|2.30%||| |8person|0.42%||| ## **5) Number of visits:** ||% in 2020|% in 2019| |---|---|---| |Oneparcel onlyinyear|41.18%|31.87%| |Twoparcels inyear|18.05%|16.61%| |Threeparcels inyear|14.20%|12.66%| |Four Parcels inyear|8.52%|9.35%| |Fiveparcels inyear|5.07%|6.90%| |Six Parcels inyear|4.87%|5.25%| |Sevenparcels inyear|3.04%|3.35%| |Eightparcels inyear|1.01%|2.60%| |Nineparcels inyear|1.01%|2.05%| |Tenparcels inyear|1.01%|1.70%| |Elevenparcels inyear|0.20%|1.20%| |Twelveparcels inyear|0.41%|| |Thirteenparcels inyear|0.20%|| |Sixteenparcels inyear|1.22%|| The number of people making only one, two or three visits per year to the foodbank is _increasing,_ however the number making several visits per year are _decreasing_ . 11 ## **6) Areas in which WCFP support has been received:** |Wards|Referrals|Villages| |---|---|---| |East|70|Barmston/Fatield/Harraton| |North|158|Usworth/Concord/Sulgrave| |West|53|Donwell/Springwell/Albany/Blackfell| |Central|79|Washington Village/Town Centre/
Glebe/Columbia/Biddick| |South|65|Oxclose/Lambton/Ayton/Rickleton| |St Chads|1|| |Copt Hill|2|| |ShineyRow|5|| |Houghton|5|| |Heton|1|| |Gateshead|1|| |Homeless/Unknown|13|| ## **7) Age range of family units:** |Singleperson|unknown|9| |---|---|---| ||18-25|17| ||26-50|129| ||25-64|5| ||50-69|68| ||0ver 70|8| |2-person family|unknown|4| ||1 adult,1 child|40| ||2 adults|44| |3-person family|unknown|1| ||2 children 1 adult|22| ||1 child 2 adults|31| ||3 adults|9| |4-person family|unknown|2| ||3 children 1 adult|26| ||2 children 2 adults|24| ||1 child 3 adults|4| |5-person family|4 children 1 adult|13| ||3 children 2 adults|17| ||1 child 4 adults|1| |6-person family|5 children 1 adult|4| ||4 children 2 adults|9| 12 **Team Reports** ## **Report from Front of House Lead/Deputy Project Administrator** ## _**by Susan Laws**_ This year has been very eventful for all volunteers in front of house, who have shown their continued commitment to WCFP. Throughout the year we have faced many challenges, but I’m proud to say our volunteers have risen to these challenges with patience, understanding and good humour. I would like to thank everyone for their commitment to provide support, advice, and food parcels to those who have needed us throughout the year. The packed lunch scheme has been a resounding success and, as usual, we helped to make Christmas that bit more special for many Washington folk and families. The sheer volume of donations (both monetary and foodstuffs) that has come through our doors over the last year, is a testament to the high regard that WCFP has in _Preparing fresh food hampers for families on Xmas Eve_ Washington and the surrounding areas. _One of several ‘Leave-a-tin’ collections organised by Washington residents_ I am proud to be part of, not only the front of house team in WCFP, but the whole of WCFP who have worked together to provide an exemplary service in this most difficult year. ## **Treasurer’s Report** ## _**by Michelle Natton**_ I started my 2019 team report with ‘ _It’s been quite a year_ ’ Well, 2020 has definitely topped that! I would like to thank our volunteers, who have been truly incredible. They have approached every challenge (and there have been many) with determination, professionalism and amazing resilience. Their dedication enabled our project to operate throughout the lockdowns, provide free packed lunches and activities to children and their families and ensure the magic of Christmas, reached many in our community. I would like to extend my gratitude to the management team, at The Galleries, who allowed us to use a vacant unit to distribute toys, books, gifts and Christmas treats, to our clients in December. In previous years, this happened alongside the surplus food giveaway, on 13 Christmas Eve. As a team, we had already discussed the possibility of distributing gifts earlier, ensuring some certainty for our clients. However, due to COVID 19 restrictions, our Christmas Eve event had to change, and our gift giveaway became a separate event. The generosity of our local community was phenomenal. The donations from individuals, families, neighbours, resident’s group, schools and local businesses, guaranteed lots of Christmas happiness for over 80 families, and really it did spread Christmas joy. One client, whose husband had lost his job due to the COVID situation, commented that they were only just managing, and the prospect of Christmas was filling her with dread. She cried with relief when she saw the toys and gifts and said it would totally change Christmas for their family. Our clients were overwhelmed and wanted me to pass on their thanks, to those who donated. _Well done Washington!_ **----- Start of picture text -----**
Toys and games collected via our
Reverse Advent Calendar
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The generosity of the local community was not restricted to Christmas. This unprecedented situation has led to an exceptional response in donations, both of food and financial support. People have reacted with such kindness and thought so compassionately about those less fortunate. It has been both heart-warming and humbling to witness. Unfortunately, the full economic impact of the pandemic is yet to peak and regrettably, will be felt for many years. The financial donations we have received this year, will cover _Washington Rotary Club give £200 to help us buy Xmas gifts for teenagers_ our running costs for the foreseeable future, thus ensuring the service can continue to provide support, for many years to come. ## **Social Media/Online Editor’s Report** ## _**by Cat Spellman**_ Social media and the online space have been both lively and a valuable tool for WCFP in the past 12 months. Online channels, mainly Facebook, have allowed us to keep our clients and donors informed of the changes going on both organisationally and in response to the pandemic. This includes the usual information such as the stock that we require, but this year also news of opening times, closures across any of the sites, updated safety protocols to be aware of, and also of the various different support schemes we have had running throughout the year such as the packed lunch scheme. _Packed lunches available throughout the holidays to all school children_ 14 This year using social media, WCFP reached out to the community as a reminder that we are here to support everyone who needs it. We are aware that there are still people who may not think our support is applicable or accessible to them, but we hope that our active online presence has raised awareness to new clients. In this way, in what has been a particularly different year for everyone we have supported a varied demographic. The response to our school packed lunch scheme exceeded our expectations. Our post was recognised by both The Sunderland Echo and The Chronicle - both showcasing the work we do but also reaching more of the community of Washington and especially those that need us. ## **New Front-of-house Volunteer’s Report** ## _**by Denise Rand**_ During the last year there have been a few changes so that the personal contact with the service users has not been possible. No sitting down with a cup of tea to reassure those who are upset at having to come to a food bank but we have managed. I have been amazed this year at the kindness of people, the number of people who want to help, it’s so gratifying. The Christmas donations from M&S, Lidl and Aldi shocked me. I couldn’t believe how generous they were. My Friday bubble has me with Maggie and Mary, we are all crafters (I think this was well planned by Marjorie) and we get on so well together. **----- Start of picture text -----**
Christmas goodies from
our friends at Iceland
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One thing that has surprised me recently has been the number of homeless people coming in. They have no referrals and usually come in for a sandwich or take some of the ‘randoms’ (assorted items that we don’t routinely put into parcels). I didn’t think Washington had a homeless problem, and maybe it didn’t in years gone by, but it certainly does now and apparently there are no hostels in Washington so they would have to try and get to Sunderland to find a roof for the night. As a result, they are sleeping under bridges and in subways. Although these people need a food bank so badly, they can’t take much as they have nowhere to store or even cook the food so we’re very limited in what we can give them. I’m hoping that very soon the pandemic will be over the lockdown eased and we can have our little seating area back and be able to have a cup of tea and actually socialise a little with the service users. Bring it on!! 15 ## **New Volunteer’s Report** ## _**by Judith Petherick**_ I began volunteering with WCFP in January 2020, having taken early retirement from my NHS nursing role. I was aware of the project through my church, Holy Trinity Washington, who have a longstanding supportive relationship with it. I joined WCFP at an exciting time in their history, having just moved into a unit at The Galleries with the intention of not simply being a food bank, but also offering community resources and space. Plans were made to offer refreshments and space and time for social interaction, a craft group began to meet, and other activities were in the pipeline to compliment the work already being carried out. _Our fantastic Friday Craft Club, pre-COVID_ Then coronavirus happened and along with it, a whole raft of challenges. The Galleries unit closed very temporarily and food bank operations were transferred to Oxclose Church to meet the continuing and indeed increasing demand from our community. We were able to return to The Galleries in June 2020 and have continued our work from there ever since, although purely as a food bank and welfare rights advice service. We have also offered a packed lunch scheme to support families when their children have had long gaps in their education, and we continue to do so. Measures to keep our clients and ourselves safe have temporarily suspended our plans for a more social space but this will resume when it is safe to do so. It has been far from a normal introduction to a volunteer role with WCFP but I have been struck by how totally committed to offering the best possible service to our clients the whole team have been. Some have continued ‘on the front line’ as it were, while others have been forced to take a more ‘hands off’ role due to their own health circumstances, and have been beavering away in the background. My own role was initially ‘front of house’ but I now do some collecting and sorting of donations (drivers are really useful!) and preparing food parcels. The _Collecting donations from Bombay Barn_ generosity of our local community has been staggering throughout. There is a real recognition of need and a desire to help in any way possible. It is humbling to see. I feel privileged to be able to play a part in the work of WCFP. It has been a real eye opener for me and shattered some of the misconceptions I suspect many people have of who food banks can support and the myriad reasons why people need to use them. I have met some incredible colleagues and clients from so many backgrounds. I suspect the need for our services will increase in the coming months as the economic uncertainties and challenges related to coronavirus continue to affect more and more people. I am certain our community will rise to the challenge. 16 ## **The Way Forward** Until life returns to near normal, we will continue to meet the ever-increasing demands of the communities of Washington and Springwell. As soon as we can we will reopen ‘The Meeting Place’ community drop-in and resume our planned programme of events. We have money ring fenced to buy the computers and equipment we need and we have the enthusiasm and commitment to make it a success - all we need now is the vaccine. Let’s pray that 2021 is a better year for everyone, that resources are more evenly distributed throughout the community and that the spirit of sharing and support that we have seen at WCFP continues to grow and help make Washington a fairer and happier place to live 17 ## **WCFP Washington Community Food Project** ## Charity number 1156409 ## **You can help us to help others. Please donate any tinned or packet food. No fresh food.** **Contact us at:** **Unit O, The Galleries, Washington, NE38 7SD** **07450766226** **Washingtoncfp@gmail.com** **Washington Community Food Project** **wcfp.org.uk** 18