2025-03-31-accounts - Carelinks

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Charity Registration Number: 1157202 Company Registration Number: CE001988

Carelinks

Unaudited financial statements

Year ended 31 March 2025

Independent examination completed 09 September 2025

Carelinks

Administrative Details

CHARITY DATA

Registered in England and Wales Number 1157202

Company Registration Number CE001988

REGISTERED OFFICE ADDRESS

27 Castle Gardens, Bath, BA2 2AN

TRUSTEES AT DATE OF APPROVAL OF REPORTS

S H Gretton

J Field

A Taylor (resigned 8 October 2024)

P Eichhorn

R Clements

N Stock

D Hemingray

D Cwiecek

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER

Linden Accountants, 21 Sevier Street, St Werburghs, Bristol, BS2 9LB

Trustees’ report for the year ended 31 March 2025

The trustees have pleasure in presenting their Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Introduction

The main aims of the charity are to advance Christianity, primarily by distributing Bible and other Christian literature, and to relieve poverty by providing support to those in need. These aims are reflected in our formal objectives, which follow the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. During the year the main focus for our work has been to support both these objectives at the same time.

Structure, governance and management

Carelinks is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered in England and Wales: Number 1157202, governed by Constitution. The Board of Trustees meets regularly and is responsible for the governance of the charity. Carelinks does not employ any staff. The trustees and volunteers undertake the day-today management of the charity.

Risk management

We have a risk register which enables us to monitor our activities under four main headings – safeguarding, regulatory and compliance risk, financial risk and operational risk. This helps us to implement measures that allow us to mitigate any risks which we feel are at unsatisfactory levels.

Objectives and activities

Our formal objectives are:

(1) The advancement of the Christian religion for the benefit of the public in accordance with the statement of faith appearing in the schedule to the charity’s constitution, in particular but not exclusively by distributing Christian literature at cost or free of charge.

(2) The prevention or relief of poverty by the providing of grants, items, and services to individuals in need and/or charities, or other organisations working to prevent or relieve poverty.

Our main focus has always been on the advancement of Christian religion by providing practical support for those in need alongside the distribution of Bible-based material. This is mostly provided face to face in the UK and in other countries but our Bible app, launched five years ago, has continued to allow us also to be very active in many parts of the world, providing spiritual and other support throughout the year.

Activities and performance

Our relatively new project in the borough of Croydon has become a mainstay of our domestic work. It comprises two parts: a weekly ‘Church in a Pub,’ where those attending are given lunch as well as being able to enjoy a low-key Bible talk; and the ‘Croydon Lunchtime Church,’ where a similar approach is taken on weekdays at a town-centre venue. These have been very successful with good numbers attending, and many of those coming have committed themselves to Jesus Christ through baptism as a result. A considerable number of those attending are homeless or otherwise challenged in life, so the meals are much appreciated, as is other material help such as clothing. What is more, a strong sense of community and mutual support has developed as a result. This has been reinforced during the year by two weekends at a residential centre in Kent which have provided excellent fellowship and support for many who have never before experienced something similar.

The Croydon sessions are streamed on YouTube which means that they have been enjoyed by many from other parts of the UK and round the world, awakening their interest in the Bible and Christianity in general. As a result of this and our other activities (see below), more than 120 people in the UK and 160 in other countries, supported by us, committed themselves to Jesus Christ during the year through baptism. A number of these were refugees and asylum seekers, some in the UK and others in countries such as Turkey, Germany and Israel. Others still live in countries where as Christians they are liable to persecution, such as Iran and Afghanistan. Online support in particular remains very important to these people, though this has become increasingly difficult as the local authorities have blocked direct internet access to our (and many other) websites and apps, forcing them to use Virtual Private Networks.

We have also delivered both practical and pastoral support to those in need in several countries overseas, ranging from help for a number of people seriously affected by the war in Ukraine to providing welfare, clothing and firewood to those in poverty in western Europe.

Our Bible Companion app therefore continues to be a crucial and well-used tool in our work. The app, which is cost- and advertisement-free, comprises a full Bible text including audio; deeper commentary on every verse; basic devotionals, an audio and a youth message on every chapter; a daily sermon and thought for the day, a reading planner; a Bible Basics study course; and powerful search functionality. We believe that this app offers more features and resources than any other free Bible app. It is available on both Android and Apple, in English, Russian, Farsi, French, Spanish and Ukrainian.

Alongside the app, we run a ‘Virtual Church’ (www.virtualchurch.cc) which is a gateway to both pastoral support and to regular online communion services along with Q&A sessions and talks.

There were no serious incidents during the year.

Financial Review

Our finances continue to be in a healthy state. Funding is in place for the work of Croydon Church for the next 24 months. The other work of Carelinks is funded for the foreseeable future.

Reserves policy

Our formal reserves policy is that we will aim to maintain our reserves held in cash or near-cash at a level of not less than 50 per cent of our expenditure in the preceding financial year. If the reserves fall below that level for a period of three months, the trustees will consider what action needs to be taken to rectify the situation. The reserves throughout the period were found to have been well in excess of that limit.

Plans for future periods

Our plans for the future are to continue with the range of largely demand-led activities exemplified above. That is likely to be a mix of online and in-person work. Our organisation is such that we can often act flexibly and at short notice and we always aim to meet needs where we can. We will also continue to use our online resources as flexibly as we can as these had a highly positive impact on bringing many people to faith.

Statement of trustees’ responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for preparing this annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law. They are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the applicable charity law, Charity Commission guidance and the provisions of the Constitution. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Trustees

The Trustees/Members of Carelinks throughout the year were David Hemingray, Debs Cwiecek, Jean Field, Norman Stock, Pete Eichhorn, Rob Clements and Steve Gretton. Andy Taylor resigned as a trustee on 8 October 2024.

This report was approved by the trustees on 4 September 2025 and signed on their behalf by Steve Gretton.

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF CARELINKS

I report to the charity’s trustees on my examination of the accounts of Carelinks for the period ended 31 March 2025.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

As the charity trustees of the CIO you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 (2) of the 2011 Act. and that an independent examination is needed.

Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under the 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) 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 General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required by 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 the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect:
the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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.
(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Michael Grant ACPA

Linden Accountants, Scrapstore House, 21 Sevier Street, St Werburghs, Bristol, BS2 9LB

Michael Grant Date ..........28 August 2025 …………………

Charity Number: 1157202

CARELINKS

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (Including Income and Expenditure Account) YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

Note Incoming resources Income from charitable activities 2 Other income 3 Total income and endowments Resources expended Costs of generating funds Expenditure on charitable activities 4 Total resources expended Net income/(expenditure) Transfers between funds Net movement in funds 10 Total funds at 1st April 2024 Total funds at 31st March 2025	Unrestricted Funds £ 59,143 10,305 69,448 0 47,276 47,276 22,171 0 22,171 251,050 273,221	Restricted Funds £ 23,883 0 23,883 0 100,452 100,452 (76,569) 0 (76,569) 145,735 69,166	Total Funds 2025 £ 83,025 10,305 93,330 0 147,728 147,728 (54,398) 0 (54,398) 396,785 342,387	Total Funds 2024 £ 101,857 25,840 127,697 0 143,917 143,917 (16,220) 0 (16,220) 413,006 396,785

All of the activities of the charity are classed as continuing

The notes on pages 10 to 17 form part of these financial statements

Company Number: CE001988

CARELINKS

BALANCE SHEET

YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

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||||| |---|---|---|---| |2025|2024| |Note|£|£| |Fixed assets|7|379|3,596| |Current assets| |Debtors and prepayments|8|3,769|5,321| |Cash at bank and in hand|186,538|233,108| |COIF Ethical Investment Fund|154,006|156,309| |Creditors paid in advance|0|0| |344,313|394,738| |Creditors : Amounts falling| |due within one year|9|2,305|1,549| |Net current assets| |342,007|393,189| |Net assets| |342,387|396,785| |Funds| |Restricted funds|69,166|145,735| |Unrestricted funds|11|273,222|251,051| |342,387|396,785|

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For the year ending 30 June 2024 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 ('the Act') relating to small companies. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Act. The directors acknowledge their responsibility for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and for the preparation of accounts.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for:

(i) ensuring that the charity keeps proper accounting records which comply with section 386 of the Act, and

(ii) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of the financial year and of its profit or loss for the financial year in accordance with the requirements of section 396 of the Act, and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Act relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charity.

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

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||| |---|---| |These financial statements were approved by the trustees on ………………. and are signed on their behalf by:|15 Sept 25| |……………………………….| |Charity Registration Number: 1157202| |"|

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The notes on pages 10 to 17 form part of these financial statements

CARELINKS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies
a) The financial statements have been prepared under the historic cost convention. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (FRS 102 SORP) issued in July 2014, and applicable UK Accounting Standards and the Charities Act 2011.
b) Income from donations/grants is included as income when these are receivable, except as follows:

i) When donors specify that donations given to the charity must be used in future accounting periods, the income is deferred until those periods.

ii) When donors impose conditions which have to be fulfilled before the charity becomes entitled to use such income, the income is deferred until the pre-condition have been met.

c) Resources expended are recognised in the period in which they are incurred. Resources expended include attributable VAT which cannot be recovered.
d) Most expenditure is directly attributable to specific activities, and have been included in those cost categories. Support cost have been allocated 100% towards the charitable activities of the charity.
e) Rentals applicable to operating lease agreements where substantially all of the benefits and risks of ownership remain with the lessor are charged against profits on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.
f) Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the trustees.
g) 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.
h) Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of an asset, less its estimated residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:

Vehicles - 25% straight line

Computer equipment - 50% straight line

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CARELINKS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

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2 Income from Charitable activities
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Total Funds
Funds Funds 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Gift Aid Donations 17,085 500 17,585 26,669
Gift Aid entitlement 4,247 156 4,404 7,365
Non Gift Aid Donations 34,058 2,422 36,479 32,465
Overseas Donations 3,753 20,805 24,557 35,359
59,143 23,883 83,025 101,858
3 Other Income
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Total Funds
Funds Funds 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Other Income - Canada 0 0 0 2,628
Investment Income 0 0 0 18,134
Interest Received 7,945 0 7,945 5,078
Legacies Income 2,360 0 2,360 0
10,305 0 10,305 25,840
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CARELINKS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

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4 Expenditure on Charitable activities
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Total Funds
Funds Funds 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Accountancy 960 0 960 944
Advertising and PR 3,530 0 3,530 5,756
Bank Charges 1,438 200 1,638 704
Depreciation 3,975 3,975 3,596
Equipment small charges 406 25 431 530
Exchange differences & charges 189 189 67
Impairment loss on COIF Fund 2,303 2,303 0
Insurance 610 610 565
Literature charges 65,099 65,099 55,063
Postage, Telephone and admin 1,867 1,867 1,203
Printing 0 0 0 77
Professional Fees 0 0 0 0
Room hire 974 8,844 9,818 15,978
Software and subscriptions 134 0 134 1,887
Travel and subsistence 22,744 6,756 29,500 30,041
Translation services 0 0 0 0
Wages & salaries 0 0 0 0
Charitable grants
Food & welfare 1,402 18,992 20,394 25,657
Transport 903 270 1,173 1,343
Utilities 0 265 265 145
Accommodation 5,481 0 5,481 0
Governance costs
Independent examination fees 360 0 360 360
47,276 100,452 147,728 143,917
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CARELINKS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

5 Staff costs and numbers

The aggregate payroll costs were:

Wages & salaries	2025 £ 0 0	2024 £ 0 0

Particulars of employees:

The average number of staff employed by the charity during the financial year amounted to: 0

Project Staff Support staff	No. 0 0 0

No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000.

6 Taxation

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

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CARELINKS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

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7 Tangible fixed assets Equipment Vehicles Total
£ £ £
Cost
At 1st April 2024 444 13,495 13,939
Additions 759 0 759
Revaluations 0 0 0
At 31st March 2025 1,203 13,495 14,698
Depreciation
At 1st April 2024 222 10,121 10,343
Charge for the period 601 3,374 3,975
At 31st March 2025 823 13,495 14,318
Net book value
At 31st March 2025 379 0 379
At 31st March 2024 222 3,374 3,596
8 Debtors
2025 2024
£ £
Trade Debtors 0 0
Prepayments 2,945 4,894
Other debtors 823 427
Accrued income 0 0
3,769 5,321
9 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2025 2024
£ £
Accruals 1,616 1,302
Creditors 689 247
Other creditors - loans 0 0
2,305 1,549
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CARELINKS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

10 Movement in funds Restricted funds Christadelphian Advancement Trust Croydon Church Riga Welfare Programme Unrestricted funds General funds Designated Fund - Ukraine Relief Designated Fund - Carroty Wood COIF Investment funds Total funds	At 01-Apr 2024 £ 111,603 28,192 5,940 145,736 98,504 (3,763) 0 156,309 251,050 396,786	Income £ 0 22,759 1,124 23,883 56,893 100 4,518 7,937 69,448 93,330	Expenditure £ (65,099) (28,289) (7,064) (100,452) (38,514) (2,231) (6,532) 0 (47,276) (147,728)	Transfers between funds £ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0	At 31-Mar 2025 £ 46,504 22,662 0 69,166 116,883 (5,893) (2,014) 164,246 273,222 342,387

Restricted & Designated Fund Summaries

Christadelphian Advancement Trust (CAT) merger - Restricted

A merger between Carelinks and a sister charity, Christadelphian Advancement Trust (CAT) to simplify administrative processes and provided targeted support in line with the aims and objectives of Carelinks more effectively.

Croydon Church - Restricted

This fund is for the work undertaken at, and in connection with the activities, 'Church in the Pub', (currently at The Orchard in Croydon) and 'Lunchtime Church' (currently at The Venue , High Street, Croydon.)

Riga Welfare Programme (RWP) closure - Restricted

Due to Covid-19 restrictions and the shared objectives of Carelinks and Riga Welfare Programme, the closure of RWP was agreed and the funds transferred to Carelinks in order to carry out the relief of financial hardship amongst the people of Riga and Latvia, in accordance with the objects of RWP which coincide with those of Carelinks.

Ukraine Relief - Designated

Donations received put into a designated fund to provide physical and financial support for displaced Ukrainians, and subsequent pastoral support for re-housed Ukrainians in Poland, Hungary and Germany.

Carroty Wood - Designated

Donations received to remove the barrier to and offset the cost of accommodation, food and transport for a retreat in Kent for beneficiaries to gather together for a time of fellowship, teaching and sharing life experiences.

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CARELINKS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

Movement in funds - previous year Restricted funds Christadelphian Advancement Trust Croydon Church Riga Welfare Programme Unrestricted funds General funds Designated Fund - Ukraine Relief COIF Investment funds Total funds	At 01-Apr 2023 £ 166,666 17,630 12,446 196,742 78,089 0 138,175 216,264 413,006	Income £ 0 45,060 449 45,508 63,304 750 18,134 82,189 127,697	Expenditure £ (55,063) (34,497) (6,956) (96,515) (42,889) (4,513) 0 (47,402) (143,917)	Transfers between funds £ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0	At 31-Mar 2024 £ 111,603 28,192 5,939 145,735 98,504 (3,763) 156,309 251,051 396,785

Restricted & Designated Fund Summaries

Christadelphian Advancement Trust (CAT) merger

Croydon Church

Riga Welfare Programme (RWP) closure

Ukraine Relief

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CARELINKS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

11 Analysis of net assets between funds Restricted funds Unrestricted funds General funds	Tangible Fixed assets £ 0 379 379	Other Net assets £ 69,166 272,842 342,008	Total £ 69,166 273,222 342,387

12 Related party transactions

During the financial period no payments were made from the charity to the trustees or persons or entities connected to them. Total donations made by trustees to the charity during the financial period were £14,680.

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