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← The Soundroom Community Music Project

2025-03-31-accounts

THE SOUND ROOM COMMUNITY MUSIC PROJECT CIO

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2025

Charity Number 1157494

THE SOUND ROOM COMMUNITY MUSIC PROJECT CIO TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT

For the year ended 31 March 2025

The Trustees are pleased to present the Annual Report together with the financial statements of the Charity for the period ended 31 March 2025, which are also prepared to meet the requirements for a Directors Report and Accounts for Companies Act purposes.

The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities, preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standards, applicable to the UK and Republic of Ireland( FRS 102)[effective 1st January 2019].

benefit when reviewing the Charities objectives and planning its future activities. This Annual Report aims to demonstrate the link between our charitable activity and how this benefits our service users.

1. OUR HISTORY

The Soundroom was originally set up as a recording resource for The Deckham Music Collective (DMA) in 1985, under the ethos of an affordable and accessible way to make, perform and record music for local people. The project has a unique social

been housed in a few different venues over the years before settling at its current

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THE SOUND ROOM COMMUNITY MUSIC PROJECT CIO

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT

For the year ended 31 March 2025

location in the year 2000; the Old Redheugh Library building, one of the first community libraries in Gateshead.

The Soundroom Community Music Project was subsequently founded as a standalone project in the year 2000, part of the millennial projects and became a non-profit Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in 2014. Responsibility of the building was transferred to the Charity in the form of a 35-year lease from the local authority in 2019.

2. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

The Charity continues to provide a vital space for music expression and learning, reinforcing the value of arts engagement in supporting people�s well-being.

We believe that access to music and the arts greatly improves the quality of life for people in our community.

The Charity works for the public benefit and aims to provide a high quality resource for the development of music and the related arts for the residents of Gateshead and surrounding areas, identify and meet musical needs of different age groups in our community; elderly people, disabled people, families, children, and young people, and focus the project on marginalised and/or vulnerable groups, including those from deprived socio-economic backgrounds.

As we continue on our journey, we remain committed to making a significant and lasting positive impact on the health and wellbeing of all our participants, particularly those facing social isolation, mental health challenges, and economic hardship.

Our participants come from wide range of backgrounds, with a significant proportion living in areas of deprivation. Many participants experience complex and overlapping needs, including long-term mental health conditions, disabilities, life-limiting health conditions, and financial insecurity.

3. OUTCOMES AND AIMS

The outcome of the Charity is to:

And the Charity wishes to achieve these outcomes in with the following aims:

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THE SOUND ROOM COMMUNITY MUSIC PROJECT CIO TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT

For the year ended 31 March 2025

4. ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

This has been our busiest year to date, and the Charity has continued to make a significant positive impact in improving and learning new skills and the health and wellbeing of our community over the past year.

a) Group Activities

  1. Loud & Proud Drumming (20 sessions)

  2. Music Cafes Monday & Thursdays (84 sessions)

  3. Guitar Social Group (42 sessions)

  4. Community Chest - mental health and well-being groups (82)

  5. Mix Motions DJ workshops � Tuesday Afternoon

Music 4 Mental Health sessions Thurs Afternoon

b) Additional Activities

12. Community Recording one to one sessions (160)

c) Festivals/ Events

We are thrilled to share that the organisation delivered 556 professional learning, development, and community music sessions totalling an incredible 1,668hrs of creative music-making this year.

These sessions were consistently well attended, with up to 175 individual attendances recorded across our weekly studio programme, reflecting strong community interest and ongoing participation.

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THE SOUND ROOM COMMUNITY MUSIC PROJECT CIO TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Community Learning & Well-being Activities

The ever-popular Music Cafes are well attended on both days, with two separate

regular set lists for the first half of the session and after a short break, service users sing their requested songs with the band during the second half of session

Thursdays are led by our newer volunteers, who perform their set lists during the first half and after collecting the requested songs from the service users, enable the service users to sing karaoke along to their favourite tracks.

Percussion instruments, electric drum kit and keyboard are set up and available for use by service users at both sessions.

Our weekly Guitar

Social drop-in sessions for the local community continue to be popular with people of differing ages and from all walks of life. This group is led by a prior youth member of the Soundroom, who facilitates this group in addition to running his own Guitar Tuition School.

Guitar Social group

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THE SOUND ROOM COMMUNITY MUSIC PROJECT CIO TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Gid night for our Youth Music

We currently run two open-access youth groups, and a free rehearsal night for Youth Bands we have also continued to deliver term-time activities for young people thanks to funding from the Community Foundation and Barbour Foundation.

Tuesday After-School Breakdance and Music Group called The Soundees for Key Stage 2 children, and Thursday Gateshead Youth Music Night for young people

Both sessions are facilitated by Soundroom and skilled freelancer staff, including a local singer-songwriter, a mental health music practitioner, an occupational therapist, and staff members who act as Lead Safeguarding Officer and Sound

sessions have centred on music creation and recording opportunities. The funding received has not only covered essential core costs but has also enabled us to create a welcoming and supportive environment, where young people are encouraged to explore their musical talents through songwriting, studio recording, music jamming, and professional skills workshops for instrument tuition. Delivered in a relaxed and inclusive setting, these activities have helped participants build confidence and develop valuable skills that contribute to their personal growth and overall well-being.

Both sessions are fully subscribed every week and attended by a diverse group of children and young people with a wide range of abilities. Healthy fruit, snacks, and refreshments are provided at each session, helping to support participants who may be affected by food insecurity.

In addition to our term-time provision, we have also delivered holiday clubs as part of the Brighten Your Day Scheme . During these sessions, over 20 children worked alongside professional education, musician and dance choreographers, the children developing creative skills, confidence building, and overall positive wellbeing.

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THE SOUND ROOM COMMUNITY MUSIC PROJECT CIO TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Celebrating the MOBOs 2025

The Soundroom Tuesday after-school music and dance club, in partnership with, Glow Newcastle and Tyneside Cinema were invited to collaborate on a brand-new music video and documentary, made by young people from across the region. The work was inspired by a song from Mercury Prize winning ensemble Ezra Collective and the music choice was especially poignant for us as the Ezra Collective often speak about the importance of access to � great youth clubs� in shaping their own creative careers. Our talented young people were given the opportunity to see themselves represented on the big screen at Tyneside Cinema, and as part of the wider national MOBO event hosted here in the region where they attended the premiere of their music video at Tyneside Cinema. There was also a documentary screening, local musician performances and a Q&A, giving audiences a behind-the scenes look at how the whole creative experience came together.

It was a tremendous opportunity for our little Charity, joining a powerful celebration of youth creativity, through working in collaboration with regional arts organisations, and receiving much appreciated recognition of what happens in our own accessible arts space.

The young people reflected on the event saying it was incredible,

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THE SOUND ROOM COMMUNITY MUSIC PROJECT CIO TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Photograph of Young Blood album cover recorded at The Soundroom in 1989

Community Heritage Project

Our new National Lottery Heritage project Collective Sounds celebrating our 40-year history of community music-making, was launched at The Late Shows in 2024 is now underway and the new Collective Sounds Research Group successfully completed several outreach sessions, actively informing the local community about the project and our full range of planned activities. As awareness of the heritage-funded initiative has grown, we have been delighted to see the emergence of many wonderful stories

Deckham. Both volunteers and staff have also benefited from professional training in archiving methods, delivered by Tyne & Wear Museums local archives and museums

This project has become a popular conversation starter among our participants, sparking renewed interest and engagement from both current and former users. We have been delighted to welcome back individuals who previously benefited from the project some returning to use our rehearsal rooms, and in one notable case, even rejoining us as a volunteer. Due to newly discovered musical archive material, the project has been extended for another year. This extension will support our ongoing research goals and enable us to catalogue and preserve the expanding collection of musical archives for future generations to listen to.

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THE SOUND ROOM COMMUNITY MUSIC PROJECT CIO

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Interviews exploring how The Soundroom was formed as part of Deckham Music Collective (DMC) have begun, and black and white photo digitisation has been completed. We aim to culminate the project with an exhibition and celebration of youth music history at our next Late Shows event in May 2025, followed by a further external exhibition in the summer.

Community Chest � Thanks to UKSPF funding from Gateshead Council, this year has seen a truly transformative growth in community music-making offer, bringing people together and opening up new creative opportunities.

This led to the introduction of several accessibility music sessions including.

Warm Welcome Space

Further to receiving a Warm Spaces grant from Gateshead Council, and as part of Gateshead�s Warm Space Network, we provided a Warm Welcome Space from October 2024 to March 2025. This included our Cinema Club and Guitar Socials held every Wednesday afternoon, and our new creative WordBank sessions ran by some amazing volunteers, held on Friday evenings - an open mic for all ages, a chance to share poems/raps/stories or any other wordy things. Both sessions offered a warm, welcoming environment with film screenings, alongside free hot drinks, snacks and buffet food.

Thanks to Barchester group 6 themed Afternoon Tea Dances were organised by volunteers , with an offer food and refreshments all served on vintage tea and coffee sets with live music entertainment and a film screening.

Rehearsal and Recording

Providing affordable rehearsal and recording space continues to be a high priority for the Charity which due to a trial of extended opening

Special acknowledgement to Skipton Building Society who provided much needed grant funding to replace and renew essential music equipment.

We have 20 plus regular weekly rehearsal band customers with opportunity for additional rehearsal times being easily booked via the online booking app. Even with the slight increase in charges for renting space, the continual bookings show that we remain affordable and often a first choice for our local community groups and general public.

As a result of all the hard work our staff and volunteers put into ensuring our facility is ready and welcoming to all who use our rehearsal facilities, we have continued to

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THE SOUND ROOM COMMUNITY MUSIC PROJECT CIO TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT

For the year ended 31 March 2025

deliver on our charitable values of providing affordable spaces as well as raising important core costs to ensure future sustainability of the Charity. This income revenue continues to steadily rise particularly now the online booking system for rehearsals and community space is familiar to our bookers.

Our recording studio bookings continue to serve our diverse community, popular with local songwriters, local primary schools, youth groups and the Jewish community.

Building

Building repairs and refurbishment continued throughout the year to ensure our premises remain accessible, safe, secure and welcoming for all users. Essential maintenance was prioritised, including the installation of a new fire alarm system and control panel, made possible through the support of Community Foundation Gateshead�s Community Infrastructure Fund and Persimmon Homes Grant, alongside planned improvements to enhance the overall appearance and functionality of the building. These works ensure that our facilities remain fit for purpose and continue to support the diverse range of people participating in our community music activities. Smaller-scale maintenance works were carried out throughout the year with invaluable support from our dedicated volunteers.

Our bold plans to pursue capital development have come to fruition. Through securing support from a range of funders for our raising the roof project, we are now able to progress with the redevelopment of our building. Work has now commenced on the most severely damaged sections of the roof. This funding will ensure the building remains watertight for current users and, through core funding support, will enable our part-time staff member to focus on further fundraising activities to help deliver additional capital works.

Future redevelopment will focus on create additional space to showcase live musicand arts-based events, alongside a much-needed dedicated social seating and refreshment area. A strong focus on fundraising has been central to achieving this milestone. The Trustees are pleased that grant funding was secured from Awards for All and Sir James Knott Trust to begin the �Raise the Roof� campaign journey for a full roof replacement.

Building maintenance and improvements continue to remain an ongoing financial challenge for the Charity; however, the Trustees recognise the importance of maintaining a safe and secure building to support long-term sustainability. Looking ahead, along with the full replacement of the roof area, together with upgraded insulation, to improve energy efficiency, reduce running costs and ensure the longterm protection and sustainability of the building.

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TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Staffing & Volunteers

Our small, dedicated staff duo supported by our dedicated band of volunteers have gone above and beyond to ensure the Charity�s continuance in the expanding of our programme of activities.

This means that �whatever your sound� music continues to be heard throughout our community building from 10am to 10pm most days.

Volunteer Contribution

Community music would not be possible at The Soundroom without acknowledging the support received by over 30 volunteers this year. Our dedicated volunteer team have pledged over 2500 hours of their time to ensure our community building remains open from 10am - 10pm weekdays and occasional weekends. This dedicated group of volunteers, both from within our local community, user groups and further afield, continue to contribute time to ensure the Charity is supported in whichever way it is required.

Learning & Development

Staff and keyholder volunteers have updated Fire Warden Safety Training, Health & Safety training and Safeguarding Leads have undertaken Level 3 Safeguarding training. A Trustee has undertaken their Level 2 & 3 Safeguarding training. We have continued to offer hosting work experience programmes for University, college and school students.

Inclusion, Diversity and Equality

5. PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

Following on from our successful grant applications, the Trustees plan to continue the capital building development work in 2025/26, hoping that a range of funders will be able to support our redevelopment work. This will enable us to increase our capacity to include more young people and adults and give us additional space to showcase music and arts based events, and provide a much-needed dedicated social seating and refreshment zone.

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THE SOUND ROOM COMMUNITY MUSIC PROJECT CIO TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Both Trustees and staff continue to work towards providing a greater range of services for all, whilst maintaining the very popular present activities that are well attended by the local community. We continue to be a not-for-profit Charity, additional revenue, fundraising, donations or support is put back into providing activities and services for our community.

We additionally hope that by securing more funding to support our employees and to continue to grow our organisation to meet the needs of our community.

6. CUSTOMER AND VOLUNTEER FEEDBACK

We�ve been receiving increasing feedback from our customers, and below is a selection of their comments:

�The Soundroom is the most important place in my life. I have anxiety and multiple health problems and this is the only place I feel comfortable going to that I am able to join in and listen to music.�

�I didn�t know about the Soundroom a year ago, now I do I feel like the world is a better place to live in.�

�The place needs more recognition, it offers so much support to people like me, everywhere is closing and reducing the services especially in mental health but thankfully this place keeps going.�

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THE SOUND ROOM COMMUNITY MUSIC PROJECT CIO TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT

For the year ended 31 March 2025

�People have time to listen to me at the Soundroom, I meet up with other people who understand about life being difficult sometimes, I always feel better after being at the Soundroom�

�The Soundroom caters to so many different people, it is fantastic place a real gem and such great value for money, they even offer free music activities to the community�

7. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REVIEW

As a Charity with the community at its heart, we are committed to providing a better life experience for all. That is why we are prioritising becoming a greener Charity and making sure we implement Environmental and Sustainability Strategies. The Soundroom acknowledge the connection between the climate and environmental crises. We recognise our responsibility to reduce both our carbon and environmental footprint and commit to be an environmentally responsible Charity. To achieve this, we commit to the following actions:

Our Commitment:

  1. The Soundroom has appointed the Centre Manager to take responsibility for enacting and reporting on its commitment to becoming an environmentally responsible organisation.

  2. Staff, volunteers and contractors will be expected to help The Soundroom in carrying out its aim of being an environmentally responsible organisation, particularly in the way they carry out their day-to-day duties.

  3. Induction procedures for new staff/volunteers/contractors will include information on the Charity�s environmental practices.

8. FINANCIAL REVIEW

The review of the financial year to 31st March 2025 shows the project generated income of £100,426 (2024: £ 57,703) which comes from a range of different sources. Earned income through room rental, rehearsals and recording, and café sale, ticket sales, Donations and Public Grants.

The financial position for the year was net incoming funds of £100,426 (2024: £57,703) and total outgoing resources of £86,041 (2024: £ 51,077). This leaves total funds of £45,815 (2024: £ 31,430), of which £20,660 is restricted (2024: £ £11,787) and £25,155 (2024: £19,643) is unrestricted.

Reserves Policy

It is the policy of the Charity to try to build up free reserves of the Charity, (unrestricted funds not invested in tangible fixed assets) to a level that equates to approximately six

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THE SOUND ROOM COMMUNITY MUSIC PROJECT CIO TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT

For the year ended 31 March 2025

months of expenditure. This will provide enough funds to cover management and administration support costs and any emergencies that may arise from time to time.

At 31 March 2025 the free reserves were £19,028 (2024: £19,643) which equates to approximately four months of expenditure.

9. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISORS

Charity Name

The Sound Room Community Music Project CIO

Registered Charity 1157494 Number Registered Office and Redheugh Studios, Operational address Cuthbert Street, Gateshead, NE8 1PH

Trustees

Jus n Hancock Lisa Leonard Barbara Donkin Stephen Ferrell

10. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Charitable Incorporated Organisation - Foundation Model - whereby the only voting members are the Charity Trustees. We have adopted the Charity Commissions Model Constitution to ensure we comply with the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and the General Regulations. This helps us to ensure we:

Trustees are appointed for their individual knowledge, experience and skills that are considered essential to ensure the Charity�s effective administration and its continued sustainability, growth and development. Trustees are appointed by the Board of Trustees in a properly convened meeting. Trustees are also screened using a needs and skillsets assessment. This approach enables us to:

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THE SOUND ROOM COMMUNITY MUSIC PROJECT CIO TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Organisation

The Trustees meet each quarter and deal with the administration of the Charity encompassing the strategic vision, financial accountability and risk management. The operational management of the organisation is undertaken by the paid staff team.

Risk Management

The Charity is managed by the board of Trustees which meets quarterly and delegates the day to day running of the organisation to the Chief Officer and staff. The Trustee board maintains responsibility for the strategic direction of the Charity and for its funding and financial management. There is an AGM meeting each year.

The Trustees have conducted its own review of the major risks to which the Charity is exposed, and systems have been established to mitigate those risks. Internal risks are minimised by the implementation of procedures for authorisation of all transactions and projects and for ensuring the consistent quality of the delivery of all operational aspects of the charitable company. These procedures and risk register are periodically reviewed to ensure that they still meet the needs of the Charity.

11. STATEMENT ON PUBLIC BENEFIT

The Trustees have considered the guidance produced by the Charity Commission on the provision of public benefit and they confirm that the range of activities has provided the public benefit as described above. How our Aims reflect the purpose of the Charity:

12. STATEMENT OF TRUSTEE RESPONSIBILITIES

The Charity Trustees are responsible for preparing a Trustee�s annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

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THE SOUND ROOM COMMUNITY MUSIC PROJECT CIO TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT

For the year ended 31 March 2025

The Charity Trustees are required to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of incoming resources and application of resources. In preparing financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity. 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.

Approved by the Trustees on and signed on their behalf by: 29 January 2026

NAME: Justin Hancock POSITION: Trustee

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THE SOUNDROOM COMMUNITY MUSIC PROJECT

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES

For the year ended 31 March 2025

I report on the financial statements of The Soundroom Community Music Project for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 17 to 28.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 ("the Charities 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:

to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner's statement

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 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 material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or

I 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.

Jim Dodds 33 The Glebe Morpeth Northumberland NE61 6HW

Date:

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THE SOUNDROOM COMMUNITY MUSIC PROJECT

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

For the year ended 31 March 2025

----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
Funds Funds 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Income from:
Donations and legacies 6 4,134 901 5,035 5,093
Charitable activities
Grants and contracts 7 - 63,418 63,418 20,275
Other trading activities 8 31,973 - 31,973 32,335
Total income 36,107 64,319 100,426 57,703
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 9 291 - 291 704
Charitable activities
Operation of the charity 10 37,896 47,854 85,750 50,373
Total expenditure 38,187 47,854 86,041 51,077
Net income/(expenditure) ( 2,080 ) 16,465 14,385 6,626
Transfers between funds 7,592 ( 7,592 ) - -
Net movement of funds 5,512 8,873 14,385 6,626
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 19,643 11,787 31,430 24,804
Total funds carried forward 25,155 20,660 45,815 31,430
Notes
----- End of picture text -----

The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities

The notes on pages 19 to 28 form an integral part of these accounts.

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Charity Number 1157494

THE SOUNDROOM COMMUNITY MUSIC PROJECT

BALANCE SHEET

As at 31 March 2025

----- Start of picture text -----
Total Total
2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 17 6,127 -
Total fixed assets 6,127 -
Current assets
Debtors 18 1,249 408
Cash at bank and in hand 19 39,379 32,477
Total current assets 40,628 32,885
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year 20 ( 940 ) ( 1,455 )
Net current assets 39,688 31,430
Total assets less current liabilities 45,815 31,430
Total net assets or liabilities 45,815 31,430
Funds of the charity
Unrestricted income funds 25,155 19,643
Restricted income funds 20,660 11,787
Total funds 45,815 31,430
Notes
----- End of picture text -----

The notes on pages 19 to 28 form an integral part of these accounts.

These financial statements were approved by the Board on:

and are signed on its behalf by:

Justin Hancock Chair

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THE SOUNDROOM COMMUNITY MUSIC PROJECT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

1 Accounting Policies

The principle accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:

2 Basis of accounting

2.1 Basis of preparation

These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts.

The accounts 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 2019) �Charities SORP (FRS 102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

The Soundroom Community Music Project meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.

2.2 Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis

The charity reported total unrestricted funds at the year end of £25,155 and has already secured a significant amount of funding for the current year. The trustees are of the view that the immediate future of the charity for the next 12 to 18 months is secure and that on this basis the charity is a going concern.

3 Income

3.1 Recognition of income

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the resources, any performance conditions attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is more likely than not that the resources will be received and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliably.

3.2 Offsetting

There has been no offsetting of assets and liabilities, or income and expenses, unless required or permitted by FRS102 SORP or FRS102.

3.3 Grants and donations

Income from government and other grants, whether �capital�grants or �revenue�grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.

Income received in advance or provision of other specified service is deferred until the criteria of income recognition are met.

3.4 Volunteer help

The value of volunteer help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees' annual report.

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THE SOUNDROOM COMMUNITY MUSIC PROJECT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

3.5 Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the Bank.

3.6 Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the charities' work or for specific projects being undertaken by the charity.

4 Expenditure and liabilities

4.1 Liability recognition

Liabilities are recognised when it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.

4.2 Charitable activities

Expenditure on charitable activities includes the costs of music activities and other activities undertaken to further the purposes of the charity and their associated support costs.

4.3 Governance and support costs

Support costs have been allocated between governance cost and other support. Governance costs comprise all costs involving public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice.

Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

4.4 Irrecoverable VAT

Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.

4.5 Creditors

The charity has creditors which are measured at settlement amounts less any trade discounts.

4.6 Provisions for liabilities

A liability is measured on recognition at its historical cost and then subsequently measured at the best estimate of the amount required to settle the obligation at the reporting date.

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THE SOUNDROOM COMMUNITY MUSIC PROJECT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

5 Assets

5.1 Tangible fixed assets for use by the charity

Individual fixed assets costing £1,000 or more are capitalised at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful economic lives on a straight line basis as follows:

Leasehold property improvements Fixtures and fittings Office and music equipment

Straight line over life of lease Straight line over four years Straight line over four years

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The Soundroom Community Music Project

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Analysis of income

6
7
8		 Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Income from grants
Community Foundation
Other income
Other trading activities
Refreshments
Fundraising
Other trading activities
Other income
Recordings and rehearsals
Donations and gifts
Raise the roof donations
Post Code Lottery - Local Giving
Summer 2023
Sir James Knott
Barchester Charitable Foundation
The National Lottery Awards for All
The Community Infrastructure Levy
Youth Music
GMBC Holiday Activities & Food Programme
The Percy Bilton Charity
Persimmon Homes
GMBC Warm Spaces
British Science Association
Barbour Foundation
Lady Skinners NAV Grant
The Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust
Community Chest Fund
GMBC UKSPF Youth Work
Skipton Building Society
Tesco Groundwork
The Asda Foundation
The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Room hire		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
4,134
-
4,134
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
26,321
1,762
3,336
-
554
31,973		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
901
901
2,000
-
1,000
10,000
-
4,596
-
-
2,000
5,000
-
-
-
2,000
6,000
500
400
-
20,000
9,922
-
-
63,418
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Total
2025
£
4,134
901
5,035
2,000
-
1,000
10,000
-
4,596
-
-
2,000
5,000
-
-
-
2,000
6,000
500
400
-
20,000
9,922
-
-
63,418
26,321
1,762
3,336
-
554
31,973		 Total
2024
£
5,093
-
5,093
-
500
-
-
1,637
5,040
6,127
1,728
1,000
-
500
1,000
500
-
-
-
-
960
-
-
750
533
20,275
27,425
2,229
1,628
50
1,003
32,335

Income was £100,426 (2024: £57,703) of which £36,107 was unrestricted or designated (2024: £37,961) and £64,319 was restricted (2024: £19,742).

22

The Soundroom Community Music Project

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities

9
10		 Raising funds
Charitable activities
Direct costs
Support costs
Governance costs
Project staff salaries
Training
Project activities
Volunteer expenses
Professional fees
Cost of generating income
Maintenance and repairs
Telephone and IT
Insurance
Independent examiner's fees for reporting on
the accounts
Bank charges
Licences
Depreciation
Rent and utilities
Cleaning
Management staff costs		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
291
291
-
24,698
-
-
42
6,353
919
851
473
1,145
334
704
262
1,465
650
37,896		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
18,620
7,333
77
18,671
389
846
64
1,314
88
-
-
151
301
-
-
47,854		 Total
2025
£
291
291
18,620
32,031
77
18,671
431
7,199
983
2,165
561
1,145
334
855
563
1,465
650
85,750		 Total
2024
£
704
704
8,190
24,914
-
2,863
223
7,456
821
1,477
1,135
1,528
259
517
390
-
600
50,373

Expenditure on charitable activities was £86,041 (2024: £51,054) of which £38,187 was unrestricted or designated (2024: £36,570) and £47,854 was restricted (2024: £14,484).

11 Fees for examination of the accounts

Independent examiner's fees for reporting on the accounts 2025
£
650
650		 2024
£
600
600

There were no other fees paid to the examiner (2024: £nil)

23

The Soundroom Community Music Project

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

12 Analysis of staff costs, and the cost of key management personnel

Pension costs (defined contribution pension plan)
Salaries and wages
Sessional staff		 2025
£
31,638
393
18,620
50,651		 2024
£
24,680
234
8,190
33,104

No employee received remuneration above £60,000 (2024: nil).

The key management personnel of the charity, comprise the trustees and the charity manager. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £0 (2024: £0).

13 Staff Numbers

The average monthly head count was 2 staff (2024: 2 staff) and the average monthly number of full-time equivalent employees during the year were as follows:

The parts of the charity in which the employee's work:
Charitable activities		 2025
Number
1.5
1.5		 2024
Number
1.1
1.1

14 Transactions with trustees

None of the trustees have been paid any remuneration or received any other benefits from an employment with their charity or a related entity.

Trustees' expenses

No trustee expenses have been incurred in the year.

Transaction(s) with related parties

There has been no related party transactions in the reporting period.

15 Defined contribution pension scheme

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.

The employer's pension costs represent contributions payable by the charity to the fund and amount to £393 (2024: £234). There was £76 outstanding as at 31 March 2025 (2024: £0).

16 Corporation Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objectives.

24

The Soundroom Community Music Project

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

17 Tangible fixed assets
Cost
Balance brought forward
Additions
Disposals
Balance carried forward
Depreciation
Basis
Rate
Balance brought forward
Depreciation charge for year
Disposals
Balance carried forward
Net book value
Brought forward
Carried forward
18 Debtors and prepayments (receivable within 1 year)
19
Short term deposits
Cash at bank and in hand
20
Other creditors
Cash at bank and in hand
Trade debtors
Taxation and social security
Independent examination of accounts
Creditors and accruals (payable within 1 year)
Accruals		 Fixtures and
fittings
£
-
6,127
-
6,127
SL
25%
-
1,404
-
1,404
-
4,723
2025
£
1,249
1,249
2025
£
3,647
35,732
39,379
2025
£
76
214
650
940		 Office and
music
equipment
£
-
1,465
-
1,465
SL
25%
-
61
-
61
-
1,404
2024
£
408
408
2024
£
4,645
27,832
32,477
2024
£
200
655
600
1,455		 Total
£
-
7,592
-
7,592
-
1,465
-
1,465
-
6,127

25

For the year ended 31 March 2025

The Soundroom Community Music Project NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

21 Events after the end of the reporting period

No events (not requiring adjustment to the accounts) have occurred after the end of the reporting period but before the accounts are authorised which relate to conditions that arose after the end of the reporting period.

22 Analysis of charitable funds

Analysis of movements in unrestricted funds

Unrestricted funds
General unrestricted fund
Totals		 Fund
balances
brought
forward
£
19,643
19,643		 Incoming
resources
£
36,107
36,107		 Resources
expended
£
( 38,187 )
( 38,187 )		 Transfers
£
7,592
7,592		 Fund
balances
carried
forward
£
25,155
25,155

Purpose of unrestricted funds

General unrestricted fund The 'free reserves' of the charity.

Analysis of movement in restricted funds

Restricted funds
Barbour Foundation
Barchester Charitable Foundation
Community Foundation
Community Chest Fund
Music & Street Dance
Community Infrastructure Levy
Youth Music
GMBC Holiday Activities & Food
Programme
GMBC Warm Spaces
GMBC UKSPF Youth Work
Persimmon Homes
Skipton Building Society
Sir James Knott
Raise the roof donations
Tesco Groundwork
The Asda Foundation
The Catherine Cookson
Charitable Trust
The National Lottery Awards for
All
The National Lottery Heritage
Fund
Totals		 Fund
balances
brought
forward
£
-
-
-
2,600
6,127
-
1,389
-
-
1,000
-
-
-
-
-
671
-
-
11,787		 Incoming
resources
£
2,000
1,000
10,000
-
-
4,596
-
2,000
5,000
-
2,000
6,000
901
500
400
-
20,000
9,922
64,319		 Resources
expended
£
( 2,000 )
( 1,000 )
( 10,000 )
( 2,600 )
-
( 4,596 )
( 1,389 )
( 2,000 )
-
( 1,000 )
( 836 )
-
-
( 463 )
( 400 )
( 407 )
( 16,018 )
( 5,144 )
( 47,853 )		 Transfers
£
-
-
-
-
( 6,127 )
-
-
-
-
-
( 1,164 )
-
-
( 37 )
-
( 264 )
-
-
( 7,592 )		 Fund
balances
carried
forward
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
5,000
-
-
6,000
901
-
-
-
3,982
4,778
20,661

26

For the year ended 31 March 2025

The Soundroom Community Music Project

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

22 Analysis of charitable funds continued

Transfers between funds

Transfers between funds
Reason for transfer Amount
£
Between unrestricted and This represents the value of equipment purchased by 7,592
restricted funds restricted funds that was transferred to fixed assets.
Purpose of restricted funds
Restricted funds represent income resources used for a specific purpose within the charity as identified by the
donor.
Barbour Foundation Provision of a professional after-school music, dance and arts activity club.
Barchester Charitable Foundation Provision of 6 tea dances including food , entertainment, and volunteer
costs.
Community Foundation -
Community Chest Fund Gateshead UKSPF Community Chest Fund core and project funding for
mental health and learning difficulty workshops.
Music & Street Dance Specialised afterschool music and street dance provision.
The Community Infrastructure New Fire Alarm installation full replacement of the buildings fire alarm
Levy equipment and control panel.
Youth Music Extracurricular well-being project delivering music a recording project for
teenagers in Gateshead.
GMBC Holiday Activities & Food School activities and food provision for Brighten the Day programme.
Programme
GMBC Warm Spaces Provision of open access Warm Welcome Space for community use
during winter months and contribution to core and activity costs.
Persimmon Homes Contribution to Charity projects overall running costs.
Skipton Building Society New music equipment for community music making groups.
Sir James Knott Grant towards roof replacement.
Raise the roof donations Donations specifically for roof replacement.
Tesco Groundwork After school activity groups support grant.
The Asda Foundation Staff volunteer training and warm spaces items and kitchen equipment.
The Catherine Cookson After school club equipment ,and materials to store our music library
Charitable Trust items.
The National Lottery Awards for Core costs, roof replacement and repairs and maintenance.
All
The National Lottery Heritage Heritage project celebrating 40 year music making history culminating in
Fund an event and exhibition.

23 Capital commitments

As at 31 March 2025, the charity had no capital commitments (2024 -£nil).

27

The Soundroom Community Music Project

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

24 Analysis of net assets between funds 2025

Other net current assets/(liabilities)
Cash at bank and in hand		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
18,719
309
25,155		 Restricted
Funds
£
20,660
-
20,660		 Total
2025
£
39,379
309
45,815

Analysis of net assets between funds 2024

Cash at bank and in hand
Other net current assets/(liabilities)		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
20,690
( 1,047 )
19,643		 Restricted
Funds
£
11,787
-
11,787		 Total
2024
£
32,477
( 1,047 )
31,430

25 Guarantee

There have been no guarantees given by the charity at 31 March 2025.

26 Debt

There is no debt outstanding which is owed by the charity and which is secured by an excess charge on any of the assets of the charity at 31 March 2025.

27 Governing document

The organisation is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation - Foundation registered on 17 June 2014 as a body corporate under part 11 of the Charities Act 2011.

28