Island Community Action ANNUAL REPORT 2023
CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT
As the chairman of Island Community Action, I regularly reflect on the journey and the unique ability of our charity to adapt to the constant changes in funding, policy, and services dictated by community needs and funders' requirements. Supporting an island community that prides itself on being unique, self-reliant and family-oriented brings complexity and joy to supporting this place we call home.
Island Community Action is a volunteer organisation that has been providing activities and services to the Portland community since 1999. We are currently three years into our five-year initiative, The Portland Project, which is part funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, with match funding being provided under an innovative five-year Service Level Agreement with Portland Town Council.
To date, the initiative has seen us grow our offer to deliver a much more comprehensive range of activities, including expanded workstreams for volunteering, creativity, food and the environment, children, families, young people, and community development. It is an approach that has enabled us to work more creatively, holistically and, where possible, collaboratively to address some of the broad challenges impacting local residents.
Our longest running project, Helping Hands, provides over 20 essential services and activities to support to the island's older residents and those impacted by disability and / or long-term significant illness. The project, which aims to facilitate and support independent living, receives no long-term grant funding for its older people’s activities and relies on local fundraising activities, smaller short-term project grants and local and legacy giving. Regarding the latter support, it’s worth pointing out that if you leave a legacy or contribute to a national charity, your gift is rarely spent locally and, instead, goes into the charity's general funding pot. It’s an important point should you wish to give, donate, or leave money to a local cause. Naming Island Community Action is, therefore, a great way to ensure your gift remains on the island.
Our charity has always been driven by the desire to make a meaningful difference to the lives of those around us. Through the dedication of our volunteers, the generosity of our donors and our staff's unwavering commitment, we have touched the lives of countless individuals and families, providing vital support in times of need and fostering a sense of unity and belonging within our community. Whether it's through initiatives that support older people, educational opportunities for our youth, or activities that seek to reduce loneliness or improve our environmental, ICA always been at the forefront of positive change, responding to the evolving needs of our community with creativity and passion.
As chair, I am continually inspired by the big-heartedness that defines our community. The outpouring of support for our charity's initiatives, the countless hours volunteered by dedicated individuals, and the profound acts of kindness that permeate our island are a testament to our community's incredible strength and resilience.
I am humbled by the tireless efforts of everyone involved in making our charity a force for good in our community. As we look to the future, I am confident that our charity will continue to be a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision of compassion and solidarity.
Thank you all for your unwavering support, and to the ICA team who make it all happen, our volunteers who make it all work and our funders who make it all possible. I look forward to continuing this incredible journey of positive change with every one of you.
Doug Pigg Chair – Island Community Action (ICA)
KEY FUNDERS & SPONSORS
GRANTS
ICA gratefully received grant funding contributions from the following organisations in 2023:
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The National Lottery Community Fund: Reaching Communities – Funding contribution towards a range of new and expanded workstreams. Funding running 2021-26.
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Portland Town Council – Match funding contribution under a new five-year Service Level Agreement contribution for The Portland Project. Cover several extended and new services.
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iWill (via the Dorset Community Foundation) – Contribution towards the Portland Youth Council.
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John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation – Contribution towards the Duke of Edinburgh’s Aware scheme.
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Sport England (via Active Dorset) – Contribution towards Tales and Trail
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The Big Green Week (via Save the Children) – Contribution towards Growing Local
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UK Research Institute (UKRI) – Funding to cover delivery of the Weymouth & Portland Research Network’s Stage 1 – Voices from a Forgotten Town: Young and Vulnerable People Share Their Visions for the Future project.
NON-GRANT DONATIONS & FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES
In addition to ICA’s successful grant applications, the charity was grateful to benefit from a range of local funding opportunities over the past 12 months, including
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Portland Court Leet – Towards Helping Hands
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The Rotary Club of Island & Royal Manor of Portland – Towards young people’s First Aid training
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Portland residents – Legacy and local donations towards our core costs.
GENERATED INCOME
ICA generates income through a range of activities, including:
The Giving Lottery – An online alternative to ICA’s original lottery at: www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/island-community-action
One-off or regular donations – Made by cash, cheque, standing order or via Local Giving at: www.localgiving.com/charity/islandcommunityaction
Legacy gifts – Made via the donor’s will, these contributions range from direct donations instead of flowers at a funeral to specified sums of money, a % of an entire estate or a particular item.
– Donations of prizes From unwanted gifts to free experiences, trips and treatments.
Merchandise
ICA sells cards, lottery tickets, merchandise and more. 2020 also saw us open our Teemill website at: https://islandcommunityaction.teemill.com
PROJECTS & SERVICES
The Portland Projects 11 workstreams have been developed in response to our island’s key challenges and the identified needs and wants of local residents.
1. HELPING HANDS – OLDER PEOPLE + THOSE IMPACTED BY DISABILITY AND / OR SERIOUS, LIFE LIMITING OR TERMINAL ILLNESS (UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED): Current services:
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Advice
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Befriending (face-to-face and telephone)
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Dog walking
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Brain Games – conversation and games (suitable for those with mild dementia)
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Chat A Latte: Coffee, cake and good conversation. ICA’s follow-on project for our 2022 Warm Bank.
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Chesil Art Group (Portland and Wyke Regis)
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Exercise: Get Together – gentle seated
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Exercise: Osteocise – mid-range
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Exercise: Fit+ – advanced aerobic
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Exercise: Yoga – mind and body (16yrs+)
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Food: The Dining Room, Sunday Lunch Club and other foodie outings
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Shopping: In-store @ Tesco
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Songs R Us: Singing group featuring harmonies and a wide range of songs.
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Special events (e.g. Senior’s Christmas lunch and Christmas hampers)
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• Social: Bingo
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Social: Coffee mornings
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Transport: Medical and essential appointments
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Transport: Other (e.g. social outings, visiting relatives in care homes etc.)
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• Good Neighbour Scheme (small tasks and errands e.g. admin, DIY, prescriptions, shopping etc.)
2. CHILDREN, YOUTH, FAMILIES – ICA are working in collaboration to develop and deliver a range of youth focused services and activities. These include a youth volunteering scheme, life and leadership skills training, consultation activities and events. ICA also manage the Portland Youth Council.
3. COMMUNITY CRAFTERS (ALL AGES) – Community-based creative and crafting projects for good causes. Aimed at reducing isolation and loneliness and strengthening community and intergenerational bonds.
4. GROWING LOCAL (ALL AGES) – Providing opportunities for residents to volunteer and participate in ‘hands-on’ activities that develop their skills and interest in food and growing, encourage their passion for nature and the environment and increase their understanding around the links between climate change, the natural world and food.
The emphasis is on simple and fun community-based activities that keep participants engaged and empowered to progress, whatever their passion or skill level, from simple Do One Thing for Portland activities, like building a bug hotel, to signing up for a litter pick or foraging walk, taking part in beginner’s or specialist cookery course or volunteering for (or driving) a large scale environment / nature based project.
The overall aspiration is to provide participants with the confidence and knowledge to make simple changes that benefit themselves and the planet. The project also focuses on bringing people together in settings that not only help them feel more connected to their community, but also helps them understand the benefits of engaging with and protecting Portland’s amazing natural environment for today’s and future generations.
ICA are collaborating with a range of organisations to deliver linked activities:
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EDEN Portland + Exeter, Nottingham Trent and Bournemouth Universities to deliver significant environment related projects.
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Atlantic Academy to develop a new wildlife and growing garden + cookery, growing and environment-based activities.
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b-side to deliver Future Portland, a multifaceted project aimed at empowering residents to protect and enhance their local environment, biodiversity and significant landmarks.
5. VOLUNTEER BUREAU – Supporting those wishing to volunteer or offer volunteer roles, from recruitment to training and DBS checks.
6. COMMUNITY HUB – Providing advice, information and signposting to local residents around a host of different subjects. ICA deals with around 7-8,000 queries a year.
7. COMMUNITY CONSULTATIONS – ICA’s three qualified Community Organisers provide a range of community consultation services for ICA and other organisations. Past consultation clients include Eden – Portland, Dorset Council, NHS Dorset and Portland Town Council.
8. COMMUNITY CONNECTORS – Residents trained by ICA’s Community Organiser team to identify and signpost those in potential need of support.
9. COMMUNITY FORUM – A space for local organisations to network, coordinate support, forward plan and build capacity.
10. COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT – Providing advice, information and training for other local community-based organisations.
11. COLLABORATIONS – ICA continues to work in partnership with a number of groups and support structures to improve Portland’s infrastructure and support offer, including:
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The Integrated Care System (ICS) Portland Steering Group
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Portland Hospital Development Group
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Dorset Community Mental Health Alliance Group
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Weymouth and Portland Innovation Group (Mental Health & Wellbeing)
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Weymouth and Portland Community Research Network
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High Angle Battery Delivery Group
ACHIEVEMENTS
| ACHIEVEMENTS | ACHIEVEMENTS | ACHIEVEMENTS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TABLE 1: CLIENT / PARTICIPATION NUMBERS ACHIEVED FOR YEAR 2 (2022-23) | ||||||
| WORKSTREAM KEY N/A = NO INDIVIDUAL TARGETS ORIGINALLY SET 1= FIGURE BASED ON KNOWN NUMBERS OR INDIVIDUALS PARTICIPATING ONCE ONLY |
NO. OF COURSES OR ACTIVITY SESSIONS |
NO. OF INDIVIDUALS PARTICIPATING ACROSS COURSES / SESSIONS |
NO. OF INTERACTIONS (PEOPLE X ATTENDANCES – UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED) |
|||
| YEAR 2 TARGET |
YEAR 2 ACHIEVED |
YEAR 2 TARGET |
YEAR 2 ACHIEVED |
YEAR 2 TARGET |
YEAR 2 ACHIEVED |
|
| HELPING HANDS (OLDER PEOPLE + THOSE IMPACTED BY DISABILITY AND/ OR SERIOUS, LIFE | **LIMITING OR TERMINAL ILLNESS) ** | |||||
| Befriending (face-to-face and telephone sessionswithbefrienders) | N-A | N-A | N-A | N-A | N-A | 666 |
| Club activities (art and exercise) | N-A | N-A | N-A | N-A | N-A | 2,539 |
| Good Neighbours errands (Includes basic DIY, prescription collections and deliveries, shopping and othersmallerrands) |
N-A | N-A | N-A | N-A | N-A | 979 |
| Food based activities (e.g. lunchclubs andfoodie outings) | N-A | N-A | N-A | N-A | N-A | 834 |
| Purely socialactivities (non-food celebrationand bingo) | N-A | N-A | N-A | N-A | N-A | 3,499 |
| Transport (essentialappointments and activities) | N-A | N-A | N-A | N-A | N-A | 1,743 |
| Transport (in-store shopping) | N-A | N-A | N-A | N-A | N-A | 206 |
| Telephone catch-ups (by ICA office staff and volunteers– based on a minimum five calls perdayx five daysweeklyx 48weeks) |
N-A | N-A | N-A | N-A | N-A | 1,200 |
| SUB-TOTAL– ACTUALS ACHIEVED | 500 | 576 | 9,000 | 11,666 | ||
| CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES | ||||||
| Portland Youth Council – Intro sessions (delivered to 11-16 year olds via education/ youthbased groups) |
5 | 5 | 400 | 545 | 400 | 5451 |
| PortlandYouthCouncil – Councilsessions | 32 | 32 | 10 | 10 | 300 | 320 |
| Portland Youth Council – Public events / campaigns: Coronation Cinema (500+ attendees), Pride Month (300+ attendees), Pirate Day (200+ attendees) andPortland Sparkle (500+attendees) |
4 | 4 | 1000 | 1500 | 250 | 10001 |
| Portland Youth Council: Project collaborations (with local organisations – Atlantic Academy, b-side, Casterbridge Speakers, Court Leet, Dorset Youth Association – VoiceX,KNEED,PortlandTownCouncil + TheDropIn) |
4 | 8 | 4 | 8 | 4 | 81 |
| Portland Youth Council: Thorpe Park trip | 0 | 1 | 0 | 48 | 0 | 48 |
| Youth based life and leadership skills training: Team Building, Manifesto Creation, Consultation Planning, Consultation and Research Skills, Interview Skills, Recording Skills. First Aid, Public speaking and Presentation Skills |
6 | 8 | 10 | 19 |
80 | 1031 |
| SUB-TOTAL– ACTUALS ACHIEVED | 51 | 58 | 1,424 | 2,130 | 1,034 | 2,024 |
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789
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office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
| WORKSTREAM KEY N/A = NO INDIVIDUAL TARGETS ORIGINALLY SET 1= FIGURE BASED ON KNOWN NUMBERS OR INDIVIDUALS PARTICIPATING ONCE ONLY |
NO. OF COURSES OR ACTIVITY SESSIONS |
NO. OF COURSES OR ACTIVITY SESSIONS |
NO. OF INDIVIDUALS PARTICIPATING ACROSS COURSES / SESSIONS |
NO. OF INDIVIDUALS PARTICIPATING ACROSS COURSES / SESSIONS |
NO. OF INTERACTIONS (PEOPLE X ATTENDANCES – UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED) |
NO. OF INTERACTIONS (PEOPLE X ATTENDANCES – UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YEAR 2 TARGET |
YEAR 2 ACHIEVED |
YEAR 2 TARGET |
YEAR 2 ACHIEVED |
YEAR 2 TARGET |
YEAR 2 ACHIEVED |
|
| CREATIVE | ||||||
| Advent Angels | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 241 |
| Community Crafters: •Wild ‘n’ Woolly (61 volunteers / 700 items •Winter Warmers (16 volunteers / 25 items) •Crowns for the Coronation (56 volunteers / 56 items) •Pride Feathers (52 volunteers / 300 items) •Octopi (17 volunteers / 17 items) •Butterflies (44 volunteers / 203 items) •Book Binding and Printing (7 volunteers / 14 items) •Hand Puppets (4 volunteers / 12 items) •Digestive System(1 volunteer/10items) |
0 | 9 | 0 | 112 | 0 | 1,337 |
| Spin A Yarn monthly get togethersocialcrafting sessions | 0 | 3 | 0 | 32 | 0 | 661 |
| Cratetivity hampers (activities for vulnerable clients, including those who are housebound or impacted by disability / serious illness). |
N-A | N-A | 80 | 146 | 80 | 1461 |
| Nothe of the Living Dead | 1 | 1 | 150 | 192 | 150 | 1921 |
| The Portland Shed (NOW AN INDPENDENT PROJECT) | N-A | N-A | N-A | N-A | N-A | N-A |
| SUB-TOTAL– ACTUALS ACHIEVED | 25 | 37 | 254 | 506 | 254 | 1,765 |
| GROWING LOCAL (FOOD AND THE ENVIRONMENT) | ||||||
| Cooking Courses | 24 | 8 | 30 | 15 | 120 | 60 |
| Growing Courses | 24 | 0 | 30 | 0 | 120 | 0 |
| Specialist Courses | 6 | 6 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 |
| Environment Activities: Large-scale activities with Atlantic Academy (x 2 – BioBlitz and Do One Thing event– same students attended both events |
0 | 2 | 0 | 300 | 0 | 3001 |
| Environment Activities: Large-scale activities with b-side (x 3 – How To Look After An Island=50, Environment Fayre=300+and Future Portland=72) |
0 | 3 | 0 | 422 | 0 | 4221 |
| Environment Activities: Portland Pickers (includes 4 individuals doing weekly picks x 48) |
4 | 3 | 30 | 34 | 90 | 308 |
| Environment Activities: Hedgehog Heroes | 0 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 11 |
| SUB-TOTAL– ACTUALS ACHIEVED | 58 | 23 | 150 | 842 | 390 | 1,161 |
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789
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office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
| WORKSTREAM KEY N/A = NO INDIVIDUAL TARGETS ORIGINALLY SET 1= FIGURE BASED ON KNOWN NUMBERS OR INDIVIDUALS PARTICIPATING ONCE ONLY |
NO. OF COURSES OR ACTIVITY SESSIONS |
NO. OF COURSES OR ACTIVITY SESSIONS |
NO. OF INDIVIDUALS PARTICIPATING ACROSS COURSES / SESSIONS |
NO. OF INDIVIDUALS PARTICIPATING ACROSS COURSES / SESSIONS |
NO. OF INTERACTIONS (PEOPLE X ATTENDANCES – UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED) |
NO. OF INTERACTIONS (PEOPLE X ATTENDANCES – UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YEAR 2 TARGET |
YEAR 2 ACHIEVED |
YEAR 2 TARGET |
YEAR 2 ACHIEVED |
YEAR 2 TARGET |
YEAR 2 ACHIEVED |
|
| COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT | ||||||
| Consultation events: •High Angle Battery (face 2 face and digital @ various locations – for Dorset Council = 2 separate participation routes / 563 participants) •Weymouth & Portland Research Network – Voices from a Forgotten Town (young people’s consultation = 3 sessions / 216 participants) •Portland Youth Council (younger people = 2 sessions / 109 participants) •ICA (older people=1 session / 85 participants) |
6 | 8 | 750 | 973 | 750 | 9731 |
| Portland Community Forum (includes physical sessions x 4 and digital interactions x multiple / total current membership = 109 / final figure based on members engaging with two sessions, though most engaged more) |
4 | 4 | 100 | 109 |
100 | 218 |
| Community Connectors – Pilot with ICA volunteers and staff (includes everything from sorting Portland Foodbank vouchers for individual and family use to support with GP eConsults) |
0 | 0 | 0 | 541 | 0 | 541 |
| (number of referrals) |
||||||
| Infrastructure Support for local third sector community-based organisations (number of organisations supported) |
N-A- | N-A- | 8 | 8 | 24 | 24 |
| Portland community representation on steering groups (x 7) | 36 | 76 | N-A- | N-A- | 36 | 76 |
| SUB-TOTAL– ACTUALS ACHIEVED | 46 | 88 | 858 | 1,631 | 910 | 1,832 |
| GRAND-TOTAL– ACTUALS ACHIEVED | 180 | 206 | 3,186 | 5,685 | 11,588 | 18,448 |
ADDITIONAL ‘OTHER’ KEY STATS:
• Enquiries
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22,387 = total ICA related phone calls, digital conversations and face-to-face enquiries
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7,484 = total non-ICA related phone calls, digital conversations and face-to-face enquiries
NB: We are confident these significant numbers have much to do with ICA’s increasing role as a trusted information source, especially for older residents who may feel wary of other sources, have limited access to other sources or may not be digitally active or confident.
• Digital…
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Facebook – Island Community Action = 2,068 likes / 2,357 followers
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Facebook – Island Community Action Community Crafters = 458 members
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789
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office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
CLIENT DEMOGRAPHICS
Number of clients / participants engaged:
The total number of clients / participants engaged across ICA’s active workstreams are as follows:
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Helping Hands = 576
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Youth based activities = 2,130
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Creative = 506
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Growing Local = 842
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Consultations = 973
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Portland Community Forum = 109
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Community Connectors = 541
TOTAL = 5,667 (excludes Portland representation and infrastructure support)
NB: The numbers above do include repeats. However, we are confident that the number of separate individuals engaged exceeds 2,500.
Age breakdown of ICA clients / participants
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15% = 5-10yrs
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22% = 11-15yrs
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3% = 16-24yrs
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4% = 25-34yrs.
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12% = 55-64yrs
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16% = 65-74yrs
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21% = 75yrs+
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1% prefer not to say
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6% = 35-44yrs
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9% = 45-54yrs
Gender breakdown
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57% = Women / girls
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1% = Other
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42% = Men / boys
CLIENT / PARTICIPANT IMPACT
ICA regularly seeks feedback regarding the impact of its activities, services and support offer. This feedback enables us to measure impact and assess areas for improvement.
TABLE 2: CLIENT / PARTICIPANT IMPACT FOR YEAR 2 (2022-23)
| WORKSTREAM AND QUESTIONS | YES % | NO % | N/A % |
|---|---|---|---|
| HELPING HANDS (OLDER PEOPLE + THOSE IMPACTED BY DISABILITY AND / OR SERIOUS, LIFE OR TERMINAL ILLNESS) |
|||
| Has ICA made you feel happier and / or more confident? | 99 | 1 | 0 |
| Have ICA’s activities helped you feel less lonely and / or worried | 99 | 1 | 0 |
| Has ICA helped you socialise with others? | 98 | 0 | 2 |
| Have ICA’s activities helped your mobility / health | 91 | 5 | 3 |
| Has ICA helped you feel safer? | 90 | 5 | 5 |
| CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES - YOUTH COUNCIL | |||
| In-depth evaluation not undertaken in Year 2 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| CREATIVE - COMMUNITY CRAFTERS | |||
| In-depth evaluation not undertaken in Year 2 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 10 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789
| WORKSTREAM AND QUESTIONS | YES % | A LITTLE % | NO % | N/A % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GROWING LOCAL – HAS PARTICIPATING IN THIS ACTIVITY… | ||||
| Increased your knowledge and skills | 100 | |||
| Increased your understanding of the benefits associated with buying, cooking and / or growing your own or locally produced food(e.g. health, social, environmental and financial)? |
83 | 17 | ||
| Made you more likely to buy locally produced / grown food? | 80 | 20 | ||
| Made you more likely to cook at home / expand your repetoire at home? |
100 | |||
| Made you feel happier / more positive? | 100 | |||
| Increased your opportunities to socialise? | 100 | |||
| Made you feel healthier? | 64 | 9 | 27 | |
| Increased your overall confidence? | 84 | 16 | ||
| Made you feel more involved in your community? | 75 | 25 | ||
| Made you more likely to get involved with your local community e.g. as a volunteer, by joining an existing project (food, growing or environment based)or starting your own? |
75 | 15 | 10 | |
| Did you enjoy this activity? | 100 |
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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VOLUNTEERS
TABLE 3: VOLUNTEER NUMBERS ACHIEVED FOR YEAR 2 (2022-23)
| WORKSTREAM | NO. OF INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEERS |
NO. OF INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEERS |
NO. OF VOLUNTEER HOURS |
NO. OF VOLUNTEER HOURS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TARGET | ACHIEVED | TARGET | ACHIEVED | |
| VOLUNTEER BUREAU | ||||
| Helping Hands | 0 | 125 | 0 | 24,000 |
| Nothe of the Living Dead | 0 | 107 | 0 | 1,284 |
| Portland Youth Council | 0 | 10 | 0 | 2,280 |
| Community Crafters | 0 | 112 | 0 | 896 |
| Growing Local | 0 | 61 | 0 | 666 |
| Events | 0 | 12 | 0 | 125 |
| Project support | 0 | 2 | 0 | 41 |
| ICA Board of Trustees | 0 | 5 | 0 | 240 |
| ICA staff team (staff who have done volunteer hours in addition to paid hours) |
0 | 4 | 0 | 1,738 |
| SUB-TOTAL | 0 | 438 | 0 | 31,270 |
In addition, ICA delivered:
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34 x individuals to non-ICA volunteering roles
-
12 x Volunteer of the Month awards (celebrating volunteers from across different organisations on the island)
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The Advent Angels Christmas Campaign (celebrating formal and informal volunteer heroes across the island)
Age breakdown of ICA volunteers
-
1% = 5-10yrs
-
4% = 11-15yrs
-
7% = 16-24yrs
-
7% = 25-34yrs
-
9% = 35-44yrs
-
8% = 45-54yrs
-
20% = 55-64yrs
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33% = 65-74yrs
-
11% = 75yrs+
Gender breakdown
-
65% female
-
1% other
-
34% male
Total volunteer hours
We can only provide an estimate for this figure because so much volunteering goes unlogged e.g. odd errands carried out by befrienders or Good Neighbour volunteers. However, based on what we do know, we can say that volunteers gave a total of 31,270 hours during the year. This equates to £375,240 back into the local economy (based on UK Living Wage, £12 per hour).
ICA’s evaluation survey showed the key reasons people decide to volunteer are that it:
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Makes them feel happy / positive
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Allows them to give something back to their community
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Helps them feel connected to their community
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Extends their social networks
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Makes them feel needed and useful
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Gives them the opportunity to participate in activities that interest them
100% reported that volunteering with ICA also increased their confidence awareness around the island’s wider support offer, volunteering opportunities and other activities in general.
We also experience individuals transitioning from client to volunteer and back again.
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789
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office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
YOUTH
PORTLAND’S FIRST YOUTH COUNCIL
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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ACHIEVEMENTS
In its first year, the Portland Youth Council identified five key priorities, these were identified through the Youth Councillor’s own manifestos, additional consultation with peers and evidenced local need. These priorities were as follows:
1. Improve employment, training and volunteering opportunities
2. Promote equality and diversity
3. Protect the environment
4. Increase social opportunities and affordable activities
5. Improve Public spaces.
Regular sessions – Councillors attended 32 regular sessions and participated in 5 face-2-face introductory sessions with 545 11-16 year olds (ahead of the Yr 2 elections)
Training sessions – Eight completed: Team Building Day, Manifesto Creation, Consultation Planning, Consultation and Research Skills, Interview Skills, Recording Skills, First Aid and Public speaking and Presentation Skills.
Consultations – Two consultations delivered, with 109 young people participating.
Collaborations – Atlantic Academy, b-side, Casterbridge Speakers, Community Crafters, Court Leet, Dorset Youth Association, Portland Town Council and The Drop In.
Events:
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Coronation Cinema event with Portland Town Council – Portland Town Council originally quoted over £10,000 to deliver an outdoor cinema event for the Coronation. PYC secured an alternative at just over £2,000)
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Pride Window – PYC collaborated with ICA’s Community Crafters to deliver over 500 crotchet/knitted feathers and create a stunning pair of Pride wings for ICA’s window.
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Pirate Fun Day – PYC delivered a range of low cost activities, including a Basketball Challenge and Treasure Hunt
Summer Trip – Raised £710 towards a Thorpe Park trip for 48 young people AND secured a free coach from local company, Excelsior Coaches. Included 20 free tickets (for identified young carers and volunteers + those from disadvantaged backgrounds) and a 28 reduced price tickets).
Representation – PYC represented Portland’s youth at various Dorset wide events (including Portland’s Beating the Bounds. celebration) and fed into local projects.
Portland’s Youth Council is managed by ICA, with the support of Portland Town Council,
BEGINNER’S COOKERY COURSE
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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ICA collected feedback from students and young people after the cookery sessions. 100% said they enjoyed their experience.
Critically, the cookery sessions also enabled us to engage a number of students with SEND needs.
GROWING LOCAL: SPECIALIST
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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GROWING LOCAL: ENVIRONMENT
This year ICA worked in collaboration with Atlantic Academy, b-side, Hedgehog Friendly Portland and a number of local enthusiasts to deliver a range of activities and events focused on the environment, climate change and biodiversity. These included…
How To Look After An Island – Three linked events delivered in collaboration with b-side:
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How To Look After An Island – Focused on bringing experts and enthusiasts together in order to discuss the ways in which we can work to balance sustainability and profitability, ensuring we meet the needs of the present without compromising the needs of the future.
-
Environment Fayre – Aimed at engaging the wider community through a mix of hands-on activities, with particular emphasis on families.
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Future Portland – Open to all and aimed at showcasing best practice examples of those leading the way in developing sustainable, community-based solutions.
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Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978
The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789
office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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16
Hedgehog Heroes – Working together, ICA and Hedgehog Friendly Portland ran an event to inspire primary aged children to care for one of the UK’s most endangered species, from how to create a hedgehog home to providing the right food.
The day also included a talk about Portland’s wild flowers and an opportunity to create ‘Wild Art’.
Do One Thing for Portland – Young and old were invited to complete challenges in order to support Portland’s environment and biodiversity. With every 10 challenges completed, participants are awarded a nature themed prize.
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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ENVIRONMENT DAY AND BIOBLITZ
Throughout the 2022-2023 funded period ICA’s Growing Local BioBlitz and Environment Days engaged with over 300 separate Atlantic Academy students. During these sessions students got hands-on with a multitude of different insects and plants, created bird feeders, bug hotels and toad abodes, and potted up plants for pollinators. We received 100% positive feedback from participating students.
To deliver the sessions, ICA worked with a range of local experts and enthusiasts, all of whom have committed to collaborate with the project long-term.
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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The Atlantic Academy’s Environment Days were supported by Portland Youth Council, who also came up with the idea for our Bob the Blobfish sculpture (shown in the last shot). Bob was created to highlight the dangers of plastic pollution in our oceans.
His creation and evolution story are shown on the next page…
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
COMMUNITY CRAFTERS
Community Crafters (crafting for community-based good causes) aims to reduce isolation and loneliness and strengthen community and intergenerational bonds through a range of large-scale crafting projects.
CROWNS FOR THE CORONATION
OCTOPI AND BUTTERFLIES
Octopi created for every new baby born on the island during 2023, the octopi also formed a central display at this year’s Portland Marina, Portland Week event.
Butterflies created and turned into brooches and bag tassels to raise funds for ICA’s older people’s activities and services.
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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Created to support communication with SEND primary students at Atlantic Academy.
HAND PUPPETS
SPIN A YARN
ICA’s monthly crafting club, which has grown out of the Community Crafters project. The club brings people of all ages together to socialise, share skills and create ways to celebrate community creativity.
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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CONSULTATIONS
During the funded period ICA delivered a number of consultations. The most significant was a consultation for Dorset Council – an extremely positive development for us because it was the first time we’ve been approached by a county wide, statutory organisation to deliver consultation services.
The consultation focused on Portland’s High Angle Battery and formed part of a large scale (successful) Heritage Lottery Fund bid to restore, enhance and protect the landmark for current and future generations.
563 responses were received in total – a response rate that Dorset Council were thrilled about.
One of the most controversial questions asked was whether the Battery’s tunnels should be closed, which Dorset Council were seriously considering.
For many local people, the Battery holds a special place in their hearts. This is particularly relevant when it comes to the tunnels, which have played an important role in the lives of residents and visitors, often from childhood.
The question regarding the tunnel closures was, therefore, always going to be provocative.
Significantly, over 90% of those responding stated that they felt this was not an appropriate action. In response, Dorset Council reversed this decision – evidencing the power of community.
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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PARTNERSHIPS
TABLE 4: COLLABORATIONS LISTS FOR YEAR 2 (2023) – TOTAL 76 ORGANISATIONS
| PARTNER | NATURE OF PARTNERSHIP | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Atlantic Academy | Consultations, events, Growing Local activities |
| 1 | b-side | Events and collaborative projects |
| 2 | Chemists, including Boots Easton and Fortuneswell | Prescriptions |
| 4 | Domiciliary care providers | Cross-referrals |
| 1 | Dorset Blind Association | Transport for their trips |
| 1 | Dorset Citizen’s Advice Bureau | Cross-referrals |
| 1 | Dorset Community Action | Advice, information sharing, events |
| 2 | Dorset Council–Adult Social Care & Children’s Services | Advice, information sharing, cross-referrals |
| 3 | Dorset Council – Other (Communities & Partnerships; Environment, Policy & Partnerships; Social Mobility Commissioning) |
Joint projects, funding, advice, information sharing, input into Dorset’s evolving statutory offer, Portland based project support. |
| 1 | Dorset Integrated Care System (NHS, Dorset Council and a range of voluntary organisations) |
ICA a lead partner on the Portland Healthcare Steering Group and Portland Hospital & Healthcare Development Group |
| 1 | Dorset Mind | Advice, information sharing. cross-referrals |
| 3 | Dorset hospitals (Dorset County, Westhaven and Weymouth) |
Support referrals for hospital leavers |
| 1 | Dorset Fire & Rescue | Advice, information sharing. cross-referrals |
| 3 | Dorset NHS (Transformation Team, Strategic Commissioning, Urgent Care) |
Support referrals for hospital leavers |
| 1 | Dorset Super League Darts | Transport for their trips |
| 1 | The Drop-In Youth Service | Shared staffing, collaborative events and activities |
| 1 | Eden Portland | Consultation, collaborative events and activities |
| 1 | EPIC Games Dorset | Collaborative events |
| 1 | Friends of Victoria Gardens | Collaborative events |
| 1 | Housing & Care 21 (Foylebank Court) | Lunch clubs, training kitchen |
| 1 | Island & Royal Manor of Portland Rotary | Funding, information sharing |
| 1 | Lantern Trust | Cross-referrals |
| 1 | Macpherson House | Transport for their trips |
| 1 | Nothe Fort | Collaborative events |
| 1 | Opera Circus | Staff and resource sharing |
| 1 | Portland Carers Group | Advice, information sharing, cross-referrals |
| 1 | Portland Churches | Information sharing, cross-referrals |
| 1 | Portland Community Hospital | Service support, cross-referrals |
| 1 | Portland Community Partnership (PCP) | Advice, information sharing |
| 1 | Portland Connect / Tricuro | Cross-referrals |
| 1 | Portland Community Fridge | Information sharing |
| 1 | Portland Foodbank | Shared resources, cross-referrals |
| 1 | Portland Library | Information sharing |
| 1 | Portland Permaculture Group | Growing Local stakeholder |
| 1 | Portland Town Council | Portland Project co-funder, information and resource sharing, Growing Local stakeholder |
| 1 | Portland United Football Club (Youth) | Transport for their trips |
| 1 | Public Health Dorset | Growing Local stakeholder, ICA also member of the Dorset Health & Wellbeing Board |
| 1 | Rotary Club of Portland | Funding, event support and transport for their trips |
| 1 | Royal Manor Health Centre | Data sharing, cross-referrals, volunteer recruitment and Growing Local stakeholder |
| 1 | Southwell Area Living Together (S.A.L.T) | Event support and transport for their trips |
| 1 | South West Path | Development linked projects |
| 1 | Steps Youth Service | Joint projects, Information sharing, joint funding bids, |
| 3 | Universities (Bournemouth, Exeter and Nottingham Trent) | Information sharing, joint projects and funding bids and conference ./ event support |
| 9 | Venues | C2000, Easton Methodist Church, Lobster Pot, Masonic Hall, Royal Manor Health Centre, St. George’s Centre, St. John’s Hall, Wellworthys Sports & Social Club and YMCA |
| 1 | Volunteer Centre Dorset | Joint projects, advice, information sharing, DBS checks, PR, general support (including VC Connect) |
| 9 | Voluntary Sector groups | Joint events, shared resources, volunteer recruitment / training |
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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OTHER
CHRISTMAS
SENIOR’S CHRISTMAS MEAL
ICA’s annual festive lunch for 85 older residents at The Lobster Pot, Portland Bill
ADVENT ANGELS
Special treats for 24 local community champions, from those who’ve supported another person or cause to those who’ve survived a challenging period in their life. Nominated for by the community.
CHRISTMAS WREATH WORKSHOP
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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WARM BANK
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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FUNDRAISING
ICA continues to deliver large scale fundraisers, including Nothe of the Living Dead.
The theme for this year’s event was Dead Men Tell No Tales, a marine inspired adventure featuring zombie pirates and a host of marine monsters. The event, which sold out and attracted 107 volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, is a charity fundraiser between ICA, EPIC Games Dorset and Nothe Fort.
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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ADVERTISING & PR
ICA has continued to benefit from promotion across a range of media platforms, including BBC Radio Solent, Wessex FM, 105 FM, the Dorset Echo, the Free Portland News, partner newsletters and social media.
TV – The two most significant were:
1. BBC South Today – A week-long series of TV features in January based on the 2022 Forgotten Towns : Weymouth, Portland and the Coastal Community report, written by Philip Marfleet and Jenny Lennon-Wood.
Original BBC South report - www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lvXzNgKPzI
2. Community Action Network – Film, featured at the 2023 VSC EXPO, Dorset.
Film can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aVk7vTrGs&list=PLqaLVXqZXdmfwHkSRWQqsH9-CDSsUfgTe&index=1
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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Dorset Echo –
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
31
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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WEBSITE
SUMMARY FOR YEAR 2
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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FINANCE
ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
| Note Receipts Grants and donations 2 Sales Fundraising and sponsorship Motor vehicles/Minibus Clubs and Memory Café Memberships Interest Total receipts Payments Portland Shed purchases and consumables Portland Shed demerged from ICA Souvenirs of Place and Love purchases Salaries and wages 3 Pension Shop Purchases and Consumables Rent Rates, water and electric Insurance Telephone Postage, stationery, printing and advertising Photocopier Hire Motor Travel, accommodation and subsistence Repairs and maintenance Subscriptions and membership fees Sundries IT Christmas box donations Training, tutors and speakers Fundraising P.R. and marketing Room hire Accountancy fees Catering Costs Capital Computer equipment Fixtures, fittings and equipment Total payments Net receipts before transfers Transfers between funds Net movement in funds at bank and in hand for the year Bank and cash balances 31 March 2022 Bank and cash balances 31 March 2023 |
Unrestricted Funds £ 11,472 - 2,011 11,305 17,272 - 27 42,087 - 4,867 - - - 617 8,718 2,940 - - 200 (401) 2,324 - 1,037 96 867 782 - - 390 214 108 450 - - - 23,209 18,878 (6,122) 12,756 7,300 20,056 |
Unrestricted Funds £ 11,472 - 2,011 11,305 17,272 - 27 42,087 - 4,867 - - - 617 8,718 2,940 - - 200 (401) 2,324 - 1,037 96 867 782 - - 390 214 108 450 - - - 23,209 18,878 (6,122) 12,756 7,300 20,056 |
Unrestricted Funds £ 11,472 - 2,011 11,305 17,272 - 27 42,087 - 4,867 - - - 617 8,718 2,940 - - 200 (401) 2,324 - 1,037 96 867 782 - - 390 214 108 450 - - - 23,209 18,878 (6,122) 12,756 7,300 20,056 |
Unrestricted Funds £ 11,472 - 2,011 11,305 17,272 - 27 42,087 - 4,867 - - - 617 8,718 2,940 - - 200 (401) 2,324 - 1,037 96 867 782 - - 390 214 108 450 - - - 23,209 18,878 (6,122) 12,756 7,300 20,056 |
Restricted Funds £ 119,874 - - - - - - 119,874 - 5,050 9,035 87,772 1,912 2,455 918 - 2,073 10 237 - 6,719 - - 135 46 1,304 - 7,408 831 1,043 6,612 1,266 2,290 - (725) 136,391 (16,517) 6,122 (10,395) 99,064 88,669 |
Restricted Funds £ 119,874 - - - - - - 119,874 - 5,050 9,035 87,772 1,912 2,455 918 - 2,073 10 237 - 6,719 - - 135 46 1,304 - 7,408 831 1,043 6,612 1,266 2,290 - (725) 136,391 (16,517) 6,122 (10,395) 99,064 88,669 |
Total Funds 2023 £ 131,346 - 2,011 11,305 17,272 - 27 161,961 - 9,917 9,035 87,772 1,912 3,072 9,636 2,940 2,073 10 437 (401) 9,043 - 1,037 231 913 2,086 - 7,408 1,221 1,257 6,720 1,716 2,290 - (725) 159,600 2,361 - 2,361 106,364 **108,725 ** |
Total Funds 2022 £ 142,821 5,872 353 12,163 8,245 45 - 169,499 1,986 - 85,616 3,809 1,656 14,040 2,121 5,811 140 1,547 3,260 6,172 304 1,732 1,409 499 1,196 131 6,257 1,852 738 4,621 1,554 956 2,474 1,910 151,791 17,708 - 17,708 88,656 106,364 |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
36
REFLECTIONS & THE FUTURE
2023 was yet another year of ups, downs and roundabouts. We have seen our island take centre stage on local, national and worldwide news channels. We’ve revelled in the excitement of a Coronation and struggled in the face of shrinking statutory provision and an ongoing cost of living crisis. Throughout all of this, however, one thing has remained constant – our amazing community, along with its generosity, humanity and resilience.
These words are particularly poignant when one considers that under the spotlight of the world’s media there has been increasing awareness raised about our island’s key challenges, particularly around deprivation, employment, social mobility, health and healthcare and the increasing outward migration of the young and inward migration of the old.
This ‘moment in time’ has created an opportunity for change and enabled us to become actively involved in the larger-scale initiatives now being created to respond to Portland’s challenges. These include:
-
Portland Health and Wellbeing Steering Group (with Dorset’s Integrated Care System)
-
Portland Hospital Development Group
-
Weymouth and Portland Community Research Network
Without doubt, this work is taking up a significant amount of our time and is certainly stretching our resources thinly. However, it is critical we find a way to ensure our input and voice continues to be heard because, ultimately, we have a massive responsibility to our community.
We hope our efforts and those of our colleagues has had a positive impact. We’ve certainly begun to see a positive shift from both NHS Dorset and Dorset Council – a recognition that Portland deserves better and a willingness to step and achieve this for the island’s community. There’s still a long way to go and certainly no promise or guarantee of improvement, however, we’re hopeful that the work we are now involved in will deliver positive outcomes, even if only related to the island’s health and wellbeing offer in the first instance.
Looking forward, we have set the following key priorities for the coming year:
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Continue looking at ways to increase our incomings to ensure long-term sustainability.
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Increase our collaborations because, no matter how capable or determined we are, no single person, organisation or sector has the reach, resources or expertise to overcome all of Portland’s challenges in isolation.
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Continue celebrating our island because no community should be judged on statistics alone. Portland may have significant hurdles to overcome BUT it’s also a place of castles and kings – a unique peninsula with 185 million years of history embedded within its stone. A place where past and present collide and environment, nature, heritage, culture and community thrive.
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Support and empower residents to proactively contribute to and / or drive the delivery of solutions, whatever their skills, knowledge, experience, personal circumstances or availability – from the simple, individual act of signing a petition or taking part in a survey to the joining or leading on a local project. We all have the power to make a difference.
As Henry Ford once said, "If the people really set their minds on anything it is impossible to prevent their getting what they want."
Kim Wilcocks, CEO – ICA
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION
The Easton Centre Portland
Dorset DT5 1EB
Tel: (01305) 823789
Email: offfice@islandcommunityaction.org.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/islandcommunityaction Twitter: https://twitter.com/ICA_PortlandUK Website: https://islandcommunityaction.org
| Opening Hours (for calls and visits – outside of these times email or message) |
Opening Hours (for calls and visits – outside of these times email or message) |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10.00 am – 2.00 pm |
| Tuesday | 10.00 am – 2.00 pm |
| Wednesday | 10.00 am – 2.00 pm |
| Thursday | 10.00 am – 2.00 pm |
| Friday | 10.00 am – 2.00 pm |
| Saturday | CLOSED |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
Management Committee
Chair – Douglas Pigg Secretary – Anita Busby-Wilcocks Treasurer – Mervyn Burden Trustee – Pauline Carlyle
Employees
CEO – Kim Wilcocks Project Manager – Jackie Carpenter Project Manager – Katy Pascoe Project Coordinator – Georgina Bolt
All ICA staff are part-time.
ICA continues to work to a code of practice and ensure its Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities policies are adhered to at all times. ICA has full public and employer’s liability insurance in place. A copy of these documents + our constitution and all other policies can be viewed at the ICA office.
Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org
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ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION
REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
ALBERT GOODMAN
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
LEANNE HOUSE 6 AVON CLOSE WEYMOUTH, DORSET DT4 9UX
ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION
CONTENTS
| CONTENTS | ||
|---|---|---|
| __________ | ||
| Charity Information | 1 | |
| Trustees' Report | 2-4 | |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 5 | |
| Receipts and Payments Account | 6 | |
| Statement of Assets and Liabilities | 7 | |
| Notes to the Accounts | 8-9 |
ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION
CHARITY INFORMATION
__________ Board of Trustees Chairman Douglas Pigg Treasurer Lynda Gallie Secretary Anita Busby-Wilcocks Trustee Diana Bedford Charity Number 1157978 Charity Offices The Easton Centre Portland DT5 1EB Independent Examiner Michelle Ferris FCA Albert Goodman LLP Chartered Accountants Leanne House 6 Avon Close Weymouth Dorset DT4 9UX
1
ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION
____________
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
The Trustees present their report and accounts for the year ended 31 March 2023.
Constitution, objects and policies
The charity was originally administered and managed by way of a Constitution which was first adopted on 23 June 1998. The original charity registered with the Charity Commission on 15 April 1999 under charity number 1075124. A new Charitable Incorporated Organisation was formed and registered with the Charity Commission on 24 July 2014. The new Charitable Incorporated Organisation took over the assets and activities of the original charity with that original charity becoming a linked charity of the new Charitable Incorporated Organisation. The report and accounts for the year include the assets and activities for both charities. The objects of both charities are similar and are to promote any charitable purposes for the benefit of the community of Portland by associating together volunteers and organisations in a common effort to advance education, protect health, relieve poverty, sickness and distress.
Committee and Management
Day to day management of the charity lies with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) reporting to the Board of Trustees, which includes a Chair and a Treasurer. The Board of Trustees holds a minimum of four face-to-face meetings in each year and other ad-hoc digital / online meetings, as required.
Investment Powers
The Constitution authorises the committee to use all money raised to further its objects and for no other purpose.
Public benefit
The charity has the public benefit in focus in all of its activities and all of those activities are directed at improving the quality of life of the residents of Portland.
Objectives, activities and achievements
Island Community Action (ICA) is a small, Dorset based charity. Since 1999, we have been supporting local communities through projects that:
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Tackle deprivation.
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Improve psychological, physical and social wellbeing.
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Reduce the impact of isolation and / or loneliness.
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Support individuals to live happier and more independent lives for longer.
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Increase life chances and quality of life through ‘hands on’ experiences, learning and training.
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Support those wishing to volunteer or offer volunteering roles.
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Improves community cohesion
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Inspires and facilitates collaborative working and the sharing of best practice across sectors
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Enable, support and showcase local enterprises, initiatives and activities that improve infrastructure and the environment, and contribute to regeneration and sustainable development
Under ICA’s new five-year initiative, The Portland Project, 11 workstreams are being developed and delivered to achieve our objectives:
1. HELPING HANDS – Supporting those aged 50 years plus (in particular those impacted by poor mental, physical and / or social wellbeing, including isolation and loneliness) and also those of any age impacted by disability and / or serious, life limiting or terminal illness. Achieved through a range of over 20 activities and services, including befriending, lunch clubs and transport.
2. CHILDREN, YOUTH, FAMILIES – Working in collaboration with other organisations, to support their work and develop other complementary activities, including a youth volunteering scheme, life and leadership skills training, consultation activities, events and a Portland Youth Council.
2
ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
___________
3. COMMUNITY CRAFTERS (ALL AGES) – Crafting for community-based good causes. Aimed at reducing isolation and loneliness, strengthening community and intergenerational bonds and increasing confidence and skills sharing.
4. GROWING LOCAL – Providing opportunities for residents to volunteer and participate in ‘hands-on’ activities that develop their skills and interest in food, encourage their engagement with nature and the environment and increase their understanding around the links between climate change, the natural world and food.
The emphasis is on simple and fun community-based activities that keep participants engaged and empowered to progress, whatever their passion or skill level, from simple Do One Thing for Portland activities, like building a bug hotel or bird feeder, to signing up for a litter pick or foraging walk or taking part in beginner’s or specialist cookery course.
The overall aspiration is to provide participants with the confidence and knowledge to make simple changes that not only benefit them but also the planet. These changes might include them having a better understanding of how to cook healthy, nutritious food on a budget; grow their own fruit and veg or adopt an eco-friendlier lifestyle.
The project also focuses on bringing people together in settings that not only help them feel more connected to their community, but also help them understand the benefits of engaging with and protecting Portland’s amazing natural environment for today’s and future generations.
5. VOLUNTEER BUREAU – Supporting those wishing to volunteer or offer volunteer roles, from recruitment to training and DBS checks.
6. COMMUNITY HUB – Providing advice, information and signposting to local residents around a host of different subjects. ICA deals with around 7-8,000 queries a year.
7. COMMUNITY CONSULTATIONS – ICA has three qualified Community Organisers who provide a range of community consultation services for ICA and other organisations.
8. COMMUNITY CONNECTORS – Residents trained by ICA’s Community Organiser team to identify and signpost those in potential need of support.
9. COMMUNITY FORUM – A space for local organisations to network, coordinate support, forward plan and build capacity.
10. COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT – Providing advice, information and training for other local community-based organisations.
11. COLLABORATIONS & REPRESENTATION – ICA continues to represent Portland’s community and work in partnership with a number of groups and support structures where required, including: The Integrated Care System (ICS) Portland Steering Group, Portland Hospital Development Group, Dorset Community Mental Health Alliance Group, Weymouth and Portland Innovation Group (Mental Health & Wellbeing), Weymouth and Portland Community Research Network and Portland High Angle Battery Delivery Group
3
ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
___________
Risk management
The Trustees have examined the major strategic operational risks which the charity faces and confirm that systems have been established to highlight and lessen these risks.
Reserves policy
It is the policy of the charity to maintain sufficient unrestricted funds to meet approximately six months unrestricted expenditure and to assist with funding any future developments.
Statement of Trustee’s responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards relevant to smaller charities preparing their account on the receipts and payments basis.
The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the income and expenditure of the charity for that Year. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements, and
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which 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 Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed/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.
The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial information included on the charity's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Approval
This report was approved by the Trustees on 29 January 2024 and signed on their behalf by:
D Pigg (Trustee)
L Gallie (Trustee)
4
ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION
______________
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Island Community Action (“the charity”) for the year ended 31 March 2023.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the 2011 Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
-
the accounts do not comply with these records
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Michelle Ferris BSc (Hons) FCA DChA Leanne House For and on behalf of 6 Avon Close Weymouth Albert Goodman LLP Dorset Chartered Accountants DT4 9UX
30 January 2024
5
ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
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Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
Funds Funds Funds Funds
Note 2023 2022
£ £ £ £
Receipts
Grants and donations 2 11,472 119,874 131,346 142,821
Sales - - - 5,872
Fundraising and sponsorship 2,011 - 2,011 353
Motor vehicles/Minibus 11,305 - 11,305 12,163
Clubs and Memory Café 17,272 - 17,272 8,245
Memberships - - - 45
Interest 27 - 27 -
Total receipts 42,087 119,874 161,961 169,499
Payments
Portland Shed purchases and consumables - - - 1,986
Portland Shed demerged from ICA 4,867 5,050 9,917
Souvenirs of Place and Love purchases - 9,035 9,035 -
Salaries and wages 3 - 87,772 87,772 85,616
Pension - 1,912 1,912 3,809
Shop Purchases and Consumables 617 2,455 3,072 1,656
Rent 8,718 918 9,636 14,040
Rates, water and electric 2,940 - 2,940 2,121
Insurance - 2,073 2,073 5,811
Telephone - 10 10 140
Postage, stationery, printing and advertising 200 237 437 1,547
Photocopier Hire (401) - (401) 3,260
Motor 2,324 6,719 9,043 6,172
Travel, accommodation and subsistence - - - 304
Repairs and maintenance 1,037 - 1,037 1,732
Subscriptions and membership fees 96 135 231 1,409
Sundries 867 46 913 499
IT 782 1,304 2,086 1,196
Christmas box donations - - - 131
Training, tutors and speakers - 7,408 7,408 6,257
Fundraising 390 831 1,221 1,852
P.R. and marketing 214 1,043 1,257 738
Room hire 108 6,612 6,720 4,621
Accountancy fees 450 1,266 1,716 1,554
Catering Costs - 2,290 2,290 956
Capital
Computer equipment - - - 2,474
Fixtures, fittings and equipment - (725) (725) 1,910
Total payments 23,209 136,391 159,600 151,791
Net receipts before transfers 18,878 (16,517) 2,361 17,708
Transfers between funds (6,122) 6,122 - -
Net movement in funds at bank
and in hand for the year 12,756 (10,395) 2,361 17,708
Bank and cash balances 31 March 2022 7,300 99,064 106,364 88,656
Bank and cash balances 31 March 2023 20,056 88,669 108,725 106,364
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6
ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AS AT 31 MARCH 2023
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2023 2022
£ £
Current Assets
Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at Bank 108,725 105,572
Cash in hand - 792
Total bank and cash balances per receipts and payments account 108,725 106,364
Other Assets and Liabilities:
Fixed Assets
Motor vehicles and trailer 16,354 20,441
Fixtures, fittings and equipment 8,891 10,463
25,245 30,904
Current Liabilities
Creditors (1,614) (1,731)
Net Assets 132,356 135,537
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The accounts were approved by the Trustees on 29 Janaury 2024 and signed on their behalf by:
D Pigg (Trustee)
L Gallie (Trustee)
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ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
1. Accounting Policies
Basis of preparation of accounts
The accounts are prepared under the historical cost convention and include the results of the charity's operations which are described in the Committee's Report and all of which are continuing.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards.
Amounts in the Receipts and Payments Account are included as amounts are received and paid by the charity. The Receipts and Payments Account does not therefore include any accruals or prepayments.
Value added tax
Value added tax is not recoverable by the charity, and as such is included in the relevant costs in the Receipts and
2. Grants and Donations
| Restricted funds Dorset Youth Association Dorset Council National Lottery Community Fund Active Dorset Hall & Woodhouse Dorset Community Foundation J Hornby John Turner Foundation Portland Town Council Nothe Fort Unrestricted General donations Total |
£ 11,499 10,000 64,718 5,500 800 7,275 2,640 500 15,000 1,942 119,874 11,472 11,472 131,346 |
|---|---|
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ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
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||||
|---|---|---|
|3.|Staff Costs and Emoluments|
|2023|2022|
|£|£|
|Salaries and wages|86,124|79,328|
|Employers National Insurance Contributions|1,648|6,287|
|87,772|85,616|
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No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 per annum (2022: none)
The average weekly number of employees during the year, calculated as full time equivalents, were as follows:
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||||
|---|---|---|
|2023|2022|
|No.|No.|
|Charitable activities|4|4|
|4.|Restricted Funds|
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The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following balances of grants and donations held on trust and to be applied for specific purposes. Please note the that information below
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|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Transfers|
|Balance|from/(to)|Balance|
|1 April|Income/|General|31 March|
|2022|receipts|Payments|funds|2023|
|£|£|£|£|£|
|Growing Local Project|14,706|5,500|(8,671)|11,535|
|Helping hands|4,490|5,882|(16,494)|6,122|-|
|Portland Project|74,818|108,492|(106,176)|77,134|
|Portland Shed|5,050|-|(5,050)|-|
|99,064|119,874|(136,391)|6,122|88,669|
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Growing Local Project received funding from Sport England (via Active Dorset)
Helping Hands received funding from Hall & Woodhouse, John Turner Foundation, John Hornby and Nothe of the Living Dead.
Portland Project received funding from National Lottery, Portland Town Council, Dorset Community Foundation, Dorset Youth Association and Dorset Council
The Portland Shed de merged from Island Community Action in the year
9