2024-03-31-accounts

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Island (Community Action ANNUAL REPORT 2024

CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT

I am proud to say that every year is a challenge for ICA because every year is a challenge for our community. I am proud to say that your trust in ICA continues to grow, and I’m proud to say that this trust allows ICA to reflect, advise and promote your preferred choices to the decision-makers and decision-takers who need to know. Portland has a strong community and a strong community voice; ICA plays a significant role in ensuring your voice is heard in all its variety. ICA delivers what it says on the tin – Island Community Action.

Indeed, your voice is behind everything we do, which is essential because the speed of change leaves little time to react to the ongoing crises that have profoundly affected our community. However, your feedback, gathered via our consultations, help ensure we have the insights and confidence we need ahead of time. Change-makers need and want to know what the Portland community thinks.

Every year, we hold a Public Speaking workshop (the world's number one phobia) for Portland Youth Council. In just two hours, they become ‘transformers’ emerging from a quiet nervous cocoon to stand up and speak loudly and coherently in front of their peers for one minute on a topic they’ve just been given. Now, that is what I call futureproofing Portland’s voice.

At a more personal level, I am proud that ICA improves the quality of life of individual Portland residents. I was heartened to hear from a critical Portland service provider that no one needs to be lonely because we have ICA. I had to get the ‘hanky’ out. It's feedback like that that makes it all worthwhile.

I am also proud of our ICA volunteers. Their desire to give something back is phenomenal. The powerful word ‘endorphins’, often referred to as the body’s natural “feel-good” chemical, play a crucial role in promoting wellbeing and fostering positive social behaviours. Released during acts of kindness, physical activity, and moments of joy, endorphins act as a natural reward system, encouraging behaviours that benefit both individuals and their communities. When people help others, whether through volunteering, offering support, or engaging in communal activities, the release of endorphins creates a sense of happiness and fulfilment and reinforces the desire to repeat such acts. This biochemical response strengthens social bonds, cultivates empathy, and fosters a sense of belonging, making endorphins essential for building compassionate and thriving communities. Endorphins power our ICA Volunteer Army, so why not come along and grab some for yourself?

Finally, I am proud of my ICA Team of Ferrets. Why Ferrets? The collective name for a group of ferrets is a business because they are always busy thinking, creating and delivering the community services you have told us you need. They are fantastic at their business!

For the ICA, this period has also been a time of opportunity amidst adversity. We’ve seen a notable increase in workload as we engage more deeply with large-scale initiatives to address the island's pressing challenges. Our collaborative efforts with Dorset Council, our partnerships with Portland and Weymouth Town Councils, Activate Performing Arts, b-side, Portland Sculpture & Quarry Trust, and We Are Weymouth have been remarkably fruitful.

Looking ahead, ICA will continue to enjoy supporting Portland as a place and Portland as a community. We are approaching the final year of support from the National Lottery, our key funder. With your support, we are determined to be here in two years, pumping out those endorphins and ensuring that Portland’s community's voice is heard and acted upon.

Thank you for supporting and trusting ICA to be an influential voice on and off Portland.

Doug Pigg Chair – Island Community Action (ICA)

KEY FUNDERS & SPONSORS

GRANTS

ICA gratefully received grant funding contributions from the following organisations in 2023

GRANT FUNDING

The National Lottery Community Fund: Reaching Communities – Funding contribution towards a range of new and expanded workstreams. Funding running 2021-26.

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.
Dorset Council – Funding contributions towards our core costs and Helping Hands (older and vulnerable people), Tails & Trails, and Year of Youth Action projects.
Dorset NHS’s Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund (via the Dorset Community Foundation) – Contribution towards a year of wellbeing activities.
Hall & Woodhouse – Funding towards our Community Crafters project.
UK Research Institute (UKRI) – Funding to cover delivery of the Weymouth & Portland Research Network’s – 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

Portland Court Leet – Towards Helping Hands
The Rotary Club of Island & Royal Manor of Portland – Towards our Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and Helping Hands (our older people’s project)
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

For 2024, ICA restructured its workstreams to reflect our current workload.

All workstreams developed in response to our island’s key challenges and the key needs and wants of local residents identified through ongoing consultation.

IN SUMMARY

IN DETAIL

1. HELPING HANDS – OLDER PEOPLE + THOSE IMPACTED BY DISABILITY AND / OR SERIOUS, LIFE-LIMITING OR TERMINAL ILLNESS (UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED):

Advice
Befriending (face-to-face and telephone)
Dog walking
Brain Games – conversation and games (suitable for those with mild dementia)
Chat A Latte: Coffee, cake and good conversation.
Chesil Art Group (Portland and Wyke Regis)
Exercise: Get Together – gentle seated
Exercise: Osteocise – mid-range
Exercise: Fit+ – advanced aerobic
Exercise: Yoga – mind and body (16yrs+)
Food: The Dining Room, Sunday Lunch Club and other foodie outings
Shopping: In-store @ Tesco
Songs R Us: Singing group featuring harmonies and a wide range of songs.
Special events (e.g. Senior’s Christmas lunch and Christmas hampers)
Social: Bingo (cash and prize)
Social: Coffee mornings
Transport: Medical and essential appointments
Transport: Other (e.g. social outings, visiting relatives in care homes etc.)
Good Neighbour Scheme (small tasks and errands e.g. admin, DIY, prescriptions, shopping etc.)

2. CHILDREN, YOUTH, FAMILIES – ICA is 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 large-scale events. ICA also manages the Portland Youth Council and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme (DofE).

ICA’s ambition is to work both independently and in partnership to help strengthen Portland’s ‘youth voice,’ ensuring young people are not only part of the local decisionmaking process but are also empowered to proactively lead and contribute to the development and delivery of collaborative solutions (built on robust and meaningful peer-led research and consultation) that not only respond to their key challenges and priorities but also build confidence, skills, and aspirations, leading to reduced incidences of marginalisation and improved long-term prospects and opportunities.

Current identified youth priorities include more affordable activities; employment, training and volunteering; protecting the environment; equality and diversity and improving public spaces.

3. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (ALL AGES) – Currently includes:

Community Connectors – Residents, volunteers and organisations trained to identify and signpost those in potential need of support.
Community Forum – A space for local organisations to network, coordinate support, forward plan and build capacity.
Community Hub – Advice, information and signposting to local residents around non-ICA-related subjects.
Events – One-off large-scale community events, including national celebrations
Infrastructure support – Advice, information and training delivered or organised through ICA for other local community-based organisations.
Volunteer Bureau – Support for those wishing to volunteer or offer volunteer roles, from recruitment to training and DBS checks.

4. CULTURE, HERITAGE, NATURE & THE ENVIRONMENT (ALL AGES) –

Currently includes:

Community Crafters – Using creativity and crafting for local good causes, with an aim to reduce isolation and loneliness, strengthen community and intergenerational bonds, and showcase Portland’s amazing artistic talents.
Do One Thing – Activities and events that engage and inspire individuals to protect and enhance Portland’s amazing biodiversity and environment.
High Angle Battery – Supporting Dorset and Portland Town Councils with all volunteer activities related to the HAB Improvements Project and its ongoing offer, to include the formation of a Friends of High Angle Battery group.
Nothe of the Living Dead – An annual fundraiser between ICA, EPIC Games – Dorset and Nothe Fort. Described as a mash-up between The Walking Dead and Crystal Maze, the event sees participants attempt to solve a series of mental and physical challenges while being terrorised by a horde of hungry zombies.
Tales and Trails – Interactive walking experiences that engage participants in Portland’s landscape, biodiversity and environment, culture, history and heritage.
Victoria Gardens – ICA supports the Gardens’ volunteer gardening team.

5. RESEARCH, REPRESENTATION and REGENERATION – Currently includes:

Community Consultations – ICA provides a range of community consultation services for itself and other organisations. Past clients include Eden – Portland, Dorset Council, NHS Dorset and Portland Town Council
Collaborations and Representation – ICA continues to work in partnership with a number of groups and networks to improve Portland’s infrastructure and support offer across a number of strands, including…
- Children and Families e.g. working with Dorset’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAHMS), Chesil Locality – Portland Local Alliance Group (lead – Dorset NHS) and the Portland Family Hub (lead – DC).
- Environment and Biodiversity e.g. supporting the delivery of Portland’s Biodiversity Plan (lead – Portland Town Council).
- Health and Wellbeing e.g. Portland Healthcare Steering Group (lead – Dorset’s Integrated Care System) and Developing an Integrated Care Model for W&P (lead – NHS).
- Research and Development – Weymouth & Portland Community Research Network – non-clinical (leads – ICA, Steps Youth Service, The Lantern Trust and Bournemouth University).

6. FUTURE PORTLAND – Originally delivered as a collaborative project between ICA, b-side and The Portland Association to inspire and empower residents to protect and enhance their local environment, biodiversity, and significant landmarks, Future Portland's founding members have since gone on to form the Future Portland Community Benefits Society (CBS).

Our organisations came together after local consultations revealed a strong desire for increased community-based innovation and vision for our island. Through the Future Portland CBS, we want to help address this ask by providing more support for the community development projects that our community deems important. The first initiative to be developed is The Pulpit Project.

ACHIEVEMENTS

TABLE 1: CLIENT / PARTICIPATION NUMBERS ACHIEVED FOR 2024

WORKSTREAM	NO. OF COURSES OR	NO. OF PARTICIPANTS	TOTAL INTERACTIONS
	ACTIVITY SESSIONS	ENGAGING IN ACTIVITY	(CALCULATION VARIES
			DEPENDING ON

			ACTIVITY)
	YEAR 3 ACHIEVED	YEAR 3 ACHIEVED	YEAR 3 ACHIEVED
HELPING HANDS(OLDER PEOPLE + THOSE IMPACTED BY CHRONIC/SERIOUS ILLNESS OR DISABILITY)
Befriending (face-to-face and telephone sessionswithbefrienders)	N-A	N-A	1,170
Club activities (art, exercise, games)	N-A	N-A	3,417
ChatA Latte (coffee, conversationandinformalspeakers)	N-A	N-A	375
Food based activities (e.g. lunchclubs andfoodie outings)	N-A	N-A	809
Good Neighbours errands (Includes basic DIY, prescription collections and deliveries, shopping and othersmallerrands)	N-A	N-A	1,012
Purely socialactivities (non-food celebrationand bingo)	N-A	N-A	3,165
Transport (essentialappointments and activities)	N-A	N-A	2,890
Transport (in-store shopping)	N-A	N-A	292
Telephone catch-ups (by ICA office staff and volunteers– based on a minimum ten calls per day x 5 days weekly x 48 weeks)	N-A	N-A	2,400
SUB-TOTAL– ACTUALS ACHIEVED		835	15,530
CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES
Duke of Edinburgh’sAward Scheme	71	10	710
Portland Youth Council (PYC) – Intro sessions (delivered to 11-16 year oldsvia education/ youthbased groups)	1	13	403
Portland Youth Council–Council sessions	31	13	375
PYC – Events/campaigns: Remembrance Day (200+ attendees), Christmas Sparkle (500+), Incinerator Public Day (150+), Equalities Day (500+),Easter Hunt (500+),PirateDay (200+) andIslandVibes (300+)	7	2,350+	2,350+
PYC – Collaborations: Atlantic Academy, b-side, CAHMS, Casterbridge Speakers, Chesil Youth Pride, Court Leet, DofE, The Drop In, Future Portland, King Ramps, Portland Rotary, Portland Town Council, Save the Children, UK Parliament,	14	10	140
PYC – Training: Team Building, Running a Meeting, Public Speaking, European Democracy, UK Parliament, Campaign Delivery, Event Planning,PR&Marketing	8	13	130
SUB-TOTAL	132	2,409	4,108

Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789

office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org

WORKSTREAM	NO. OF COURSES OR	NO. OF PARTICIPANTS	TOTAL INTERACTIONS
	ACTIVITY SESSIONS	ENGAGING IN ACTIVITY	(CALCULATION VARIES
			DEPENDING ON ACTIVITY)

	YEAR 3 ACHIEVED	YEAR 3 ACHIEVED	YEAR 3 ACHIEVED
CULTURE, HERITAGE, NATURE & THE ENVIRONMENT
Community Crafters: •Octopai (53 volunteers / 197 items) •Christmas Cosies (36 volunteers / 152 items) •Winter Warmers (25 volunteers / 94 blankets, scarfs and hats) •Easter Treasure Hunt (61 volunteers / 500 participants / 1,336 items) WoollyWaters(54 volunteers / 382 items)	5	229	1,170
CommunityCrafters/Spin A Yarn sessions	16	17	214
Nothe of the LivingDead(75 volunteers / 192participants)	1	192	192
Specialist Activities/Courses •Wreath making (2 volunteers/19 participants) •Crochet one-to-one lessons x 2 (8 volunteers/11 adult participants + 43 children) •Growing Group – Portland Youth Council (2 volunteers/5 participants) •Kitesurfing – Youth (5 participants) •Maker’s Market – Youth (12 participants) •Orchid workshop (2 volunteers/6 participants) •Local historywalks x 3(3 volunteers/97participants)	10	198	890
Environment Activities: Large-scale activities with Atlantic Academy (x 2 – BioBlitz and Do One Thingevent – same students attended both events	2	292	292
Environment Activities: Portland Pickers (9 people doing weekly picks / joint litter pick with St George’s YR 5 class / beach litter pick with W&P Marine Litter Project / practice DofE walk and litter pick / Island Vibes Youth Event)	436	63	436
SUB-TOTAL	470	991	3,194

Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org

WORKSTREAM	NO. OF COURSES OR	NO. OF PARTICIPANTS	TOTAL INTERACTIONS
	ACTIVITY SESSIONS	ENGAGING IN ACTIVITY	(CALCULATION VARIES
			DEPENDING ON

			ACTIVITY)
	YEAR3 ACHIEVED	YEAR3 ACHIEVED	YEAR3 ACHIEVED
COMMUNITY
AdventAngels	24	24	24
Consultation events: •Portland Healthcare & Wellbeing (various/in-depth face-to- face/minimum 104 respondents) •Portland Family Hub (various/digital – for Dorset Council/552 respondents) •Pulpit Inn (various/digital – for Future Portland/551 respondents •ICA (1 session/older people = 1 session/85 participants) PortlandYouthCouncil –Skatepark(1sessions/85 participants)	5	1,377	1,377
Portland Community Forum (Healthcare x 2 sessions = 154 participants andFuturePortlandx 1sessions=52)	3	205	205
Community Connectors – Pilot with ICA volunteers and staff (includes everything from sorting Portland Foodbank vouchers for individual and family use to supportwithGPeConsults)	N-A	600+	600+
Infrastructure Support for local third sector community-based organisations (numberoforganisations supported)	N-A
Minibushires to support otherorganisations and groups	47	810	810
SUB-TOTAL	79	3,016	3,016
GRAND-TOTAL	681	7,251	25,848

ADDITIONAL ‘OTHER’ KEY STATS:

• Enquiries

23,228 = total ICA-related phone calls, digital conversations and face-to-face enquiries
7,889 = 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…

Facebook – Island Community Action = 2,284 likes / 2,731 followers
Facebook – Island Community Action Community Crafters = 476 members

The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789

Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978

office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org

Additional activities, like venue Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 and tutor hire, and engaging local support services also contributed (around £33,000). In addition, office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 ICA collaborated / www.islandcommunityaction.org with 103 organisations during the period.

CLIENT DEMOGRAPHICS –

Number of clients/participants engaged:

The total number of clients/participants engaged across ICA’s active workstreams are as follows:

Helping Hands = 835
Children, Youth and Families = 2,409
Culture, Heritage, Nature and The Environment = 991
Community = 3,016

TOTAL = 7,251 (excludes participants engaged via Portland representation events)

NB: The numbers above do include repeats. However, we are confident that the number of separate individuals engaged exceeds 3,000.

Age and gender breakdown of ICA clients/participants (figures are approximations based on a selection of key activities).

Age:

7% = 5-10yrs
22% = 11-15yrs
3% = 16-24yrs
3% = 25-34yrs.
13% = 55-64yrs
15% = 65-74yrs
22% = 75yrs+
1% prefer not to say
6% = 35-44yrs
8% = 45-54yrs

Gender breakdown

64% female
1% = Other
35% male

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 ‘HELPING HANDS’ FOR 2024

WORKSTREAM AND QUESTIONS	YES %	NO %	N/A %

HELPING HANDS (OLDER PEOPLE + THOSE IMPACTED BY DISABILITY AND / OR SERIOUS,			LIFE
OR TERMINAL ILLNESS)
Has ICA’s activities made you feel happier and / or more confident?	99	0	1
Have ICA’s activities helped you feel less lonely and / or worried	98	1	1

Has ICA helped you socialise with others?	98	0	2
Have ICA’s activities helped your mobility / health	93	3	4

Has ICA helped you feel safer?	94	2	4
CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES
In-depth evaluation not undertaken in Year 3	N/A	N/A	N/A
CREATIVE - COMMUNITY CRAFTERS

In-depth evaluation not undertaken in Year 3	N/A	N/A	N/A
			12

Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org

TABLE 3: CLIENT / PARTICIPANT IMPACT ‘COURSES and TRAINING’ FOR 2024

WORKSTREAM AND QUESTIONS	YES	A LITTLE	NOT SURE	NO	N/A
	%	%	%	%	%

COURSES AND TRAINING

Did you enjoy this activity?	100
Did this activityincreaseyour knowledge and skills	90			OTY…	10
Did this activity increase your overall confidence?	97	3
Did this activity make you feel happier/more positive?	96	2	2
Did this activity increase your opportunities to socialise?	92				8
Did this activity make you feel healthier?	76	9			15
Did this activity make you more involved in your community?	89	11		4
Did this activity make you more likely to get involved with other community-based activities?	96	4

Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org

VOLUNTEERS

TABLE 4: VOLUNTEER NUMBERS ACHIEVED 2024

WORKSTREAM	NO. OF INDIVIDUAL	NO. OF VOLUNTEER
	VOLUNTEERS	HOURS

	ACHIEVED	ACHIEVED
VOLUNTEER BUREAU
HelpingHands(includes older and vulnerable)	152	19,182
Families, children and young people (includes Portland Youth Council, DofE and Maker’s Market)	38	2,502
Culture, Heritage, Nature and the Environment (includes Community Crafters, Portland Pickers and Tales & Trails)	234	3,072
Nothe of the LivingDead	75	1,200
Events andproject support	24	576
ICA Board of Trustees	5	528
ICA staff team (extra hours in addition to paid hours)	4	1,662
TOTAL	538	28,722

NB: Allowing for 25% repeats, we’re confident the number of individual volunteers lies around 403.

In addition, ICA delivered:

83 x individuals to non-ICA volunteering roles
The Advent Angels Christmas Campaign (celebrating formal and informal volunteer heroes across the island)

Age and gender breakdown of ICA clients/participants (figures are approximations based on a selection of key activities).

Age:

1% = 5-10yrs
4% = 11-15yrs
6% = 16-24yrs
7% = 25-34yrs
7% = 35-44yrs
8% = 45-54yrs
22% = 55-64yrs
35% = 65-74yrs
10% = 75yrs+

Gender:

63% female
36% male

Total volunteer hours

This figure is an estimate 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 28,722 hours during the year. This equates to £361,897 back into the local economy (based on UK Real Living Wage, £12.60 per hour).

ICA’s evaluation survey showed the key reasons people decide to volunteer are that it:

Makes them feel happy/positive
Allows them to give something back to their community
Helps them feel connected to their community
Extends their social networks
Makes them feel needed and useful
Allows them to participate in activities that interest them

100% reported that volunteering with ICA also increased their confidence and 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 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org

WORKSTREAM PROJECTS

YOUNG PEOPLE

PORTLAND YOUTH COUNCIL (PYC)

PYC priorities remain:

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.

Achievements:

13 Youth Councillors (76% retention rate throughout Yr 2)
31 regular PYC sessions
1,027 total hours
14 organisations partnered with
1,000+ public interactions with PYC activities
200 11-16 year-olds presented to (ahead of the Yr 2 elections)

DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD

ICA worked with Dorset Council to pilot the DofE Bronze Award for young people on Portland.

The pilot was open to all 11-16 year-olds but those from low-income/disadvantaged backgrounds were prioritised and ICA put special measures in place to ensure they could participate e.g. securing additional funding to cover participation and equipment.

Achievements:

10 participants
13 sessions
1,049 total hours (participants)/220 total hours (supporting volunteers)
14 organisations partnered with
1,000+ public interactions with PYC activities
200 11-16 year-olds presented to (ahead of the Yr 2 elections)

Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org

PORTLAND YOUTH COUNCIL ACHIEVEMENTS

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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

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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September 2023 - July 2024

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 Vibes – Portland Youth Council’s large-scale event for 2024

July saw hundreds enjoy a day of free fun on Portland. Delivered by ICA, the event was developed and planned for local children and young people through Portland’s Youth Council (PYC) – a group of 11–16-year-olds who represent the youth wing of Portland Town Council.

The event included a youth activity showcase, a young entrepreneur’s market, and a Skate Jam with competitions, tuition, and demonstrations.

The PYC meet regularly to discuss the issues impacting Portland’s young people and their potential solutions. The concept for Island Vibes originated during one of these meetings, following a series of youth-led consultations that evidenced a lack of affordable activities for young people across the island. After further research, to discover what was actually available, the PYC proposed the event as a way of showcasing the activities they’d found.

A total of 17 groups attended, all providing free taster sessions, information and demonstrations. Organisations ranged from b-side, The Community Boxing Hub, CS Boardsports Power Kiting, Dorset Council and The Drop In to Platinum Dance School, Portland Museum, Royal Manor Theatre Playmakers and St John Ambulance.

Gavin Sandford from The Community Boxing Hub, said, “Attending this event has taken our organisation to another level. It was a fantastic day that gave us the opportunity to meet potential new members, engage with new beneficiaries and raise our profile in the community.”

Mairead Smith, PE Teacher at Atlantic Academy added, “ I wasn’t aware of the number of physical activities available on the island that I could signpost our students to.”

Alongside established groups like 1[st] Portland Scouts and Reay’s Traditional Taekwondo, PYC also demonstrated free activities that can be enjoyed independently at home. This included arts and crafts, environment, and gardening activities. The latter was showcased after seven PYC members started a project, with support from Isle of Portland Orchids, to grow native Portland wildflowers from seed. 150 of these plants were given out free, with 177 people in total engaging with the event’s environment-based activities.

Stephanie Rowland–Pilgrim toured the activities on offer with her 6 year old daughter Elora while her older child Isabelle, aged 12yrs ran a Youth Council stall. Stephanie said, “I couldn’t believe how much is available locally and to be given the chance to try different activities out is such a wonderful idea. Because of today Elora is going to be starting Taekwondo and is feeling confident and excited about it, because she’s now met the leaders and knows exactly what to expect.”

Thanks to a kick starter legacy donation from the family of Ben Milner, a local man who unexpectedly and tragically passed away in 2022, PYC were also able to promote skateboarding through a series of lessons prior to the event and a Skate Jam during it. Ben had a passion for skateboarding and grew up skating along the seawall at Chesil Beach. As a teenager, he was also part of a small group of friends who petitioned the council to construct a skatepark in its current location, adjacent to Portland Beach Road.

Ben’s family felt it was a fitting tribute to use the donation to bring the community together for an event promoting the benefits of skateboarding. The PYC agreed, with members spending the entire year leading up to it raising additional funds to cover the cost of Bournemouth-based company King Ramps to deliver the Skate Jam element, which included professional scooter, BMX and skateboard demos, competitions and tuition.

Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org

Crowds of all ages thoroughly enjoyed this element, with many not only feeding into a consultation around the island’s skateboarding facilities but also requesting for it to become an annual event. Local 17 year old Alfie Leggit said, “This has got me on my BMX again for the first time in a year and I think that I’ll definitely start using the skatepark again after this. It’s been a really good, really inspiring day.”

The young entrepreneur’s market, selling products created by local children and young people, included everything from cakes and stickers to jewellery and hair braiding.

Glitter tattoos and face painting were offered by 10 year old friends Ruby Hope and Imogen Burley. When asked about the day Ruby said, “We’ve had brilliant fun, I’ve learnt a lot about hard work and earning my own money. I can’t wait to do it again because I’m saving up for a new skateboard.”

Combined, the young entrepreneurs made an impressive £800, which they say has certainly motivated them to continue.

Overall the event was a huge success, with many new sign-ups to local activities by children and young people, a heightened awareness of the wide range of activities available, new opportunities for collaboration between local community and youth organisations and an insight into how different community spaces can be used creatively to bring the community together.

As the PYC enters its third year, their hope is to offer more positive activities and solutions, and to also attract more members and support. For more information, please contact Island Community Action at office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk or call 01305 823789.

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

DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD – IN DETAIL

Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org

COMMUNITY

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 volunteered or supported another person or cause to those who’ve survived a challenging period in their life.

Advent Angels are nominated for by the community. Each receives a hamper package donated by local residents or businesses.

Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org

CULTURE, HERITAGE, NATURE & THE ENVIRONMENT

BIO-BLITZ FOR 2024

Throughout the 2023-2024 funded period ICA’s BioBlitz and Environment Days engaged with 292 separate Atlantic Academy students. During these sessions students got hands-on with a multitude of different animals and plants/ 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

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 largescale crafting projects.

EASTER TREASURE HUNT – 2024

1,366 individual items were distributed to over 500 children during ICA’s 2024 Easter Hunt.

The items were provided by ICA’s Community Crafters team who made and donated 200 small, knitted egg decorations (each containing a small egg), 78 large Easter toys (each with one or more eggs), 200 individual cakes, 30 hot chocolates and 60 small Easter chocolates.

Separate fundraising also enabled ICA to donate a further 80 large eggs, 250 small eggs, 90 mixed Easter treats and 100 sunflower growing kits.

Here are a few shots of the event, including our Lucky Ducky star prize hamper winner.

Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org

WOOLLY WATERS – SUMMER 2024

This public art installation was created by 54 crochet and knitting legends, who made and donated 400 items. A team of supporting ladies then volunteered nearly 100 hours, over five weeks, to sew all the crafted items onto the fishing net backdrop. The oldest contributor was 89yrs and the youngest 14yrs. The installation also formed part of b-side’s 2024 Fringe Festival.

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OCTOPI – 2024

Octopi created for every new baby born on the island continued throughout 2024.

Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org

COMMUNITY REPRESENTATION

Over the last year ICA has also represented Portland’s community across a range of different steering/working groups, including:

1. Continued from the previous year…

The Integrated Care Partnership (ICP)…
- Portland Health & Wellbeing Steering Group
- Family Hubs Development Group
- Integrated Neighbourhood Working Group (frailty, falls etc.)
Portland Hospital Development Group
Dorset Community Mental Health Alliance Group
Weymouth and Portland Innovation Group (Mental Health & Wellbeing)
Weymouth and Portland Community Research Network
High Angle Battery Delivery Group
Bibby Stockholm Community Group.

2. New for this year…

Portland Local Alliance Group (Children, Young People and Families)
Dorset Towns of Culture (Weymouth and Portland chosen for 2025).

Of these, the most significant over the year has been our work with the ICP.

As referenced in last year’s evaluation, this work started with a public meeting, chaired by ICA, regarding the increasing challenges with Portland’s healthcare. ICA was asked to take a position on the Portland Health & Wellbeing Steering Group to represent the island’s residents.

The following slides describe the journey of that partnership work to date.

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 Community-based (non-statutory) services office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org

recognition of Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 the importance of working together 54 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org with p ~~eople and communities - with~~ you.”

Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org 8.30 ~~-9PM (REFRESHMEN~~ TS)

PORTLAND’S

eye and mobile breast units + MRI scanner), Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 56 COVID-19 vaccine The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 clinics and Citizens Advice. office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org

Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 57 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 Portland creating blue print for rest of Dorset. office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org

FAMILY HUB – As part of ICA’s ongoing representation work across health and wellbeing, we have also supported Dorset Council with the development of Portland’s Family Hub.

Initially, the proposal was to deliver this offer via a range of small satellite hubs across the island. However, following conversations with local residents, ICA proposed that a central hub should be provided in addition to any satellite offer, putting it in line with other areas of Dorset. To test this proposal, Dorset Council asked ICA to deliver a community consultation exercise on behalf of Dorset Council.

The consultation covered everything from the type of services to be delivered to the method of delivery and their physical location. When it came to location, the results were clear with 75% opting for a main hub with satellite support. – 552 responses were received in total.

As a direct result of this consultation, Dorset Council are now working with NHS Dorset to develop the Family Hub at Portland’s Community Hospital. This will be complemented by a smaller satellite offer at the top of the island.

Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org

ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY CONSULTATIONS

During the funded period ICA have delivered a range of other consultations, including...

The Pulpit Inn – A local consultation to ascertain the community’s interest in purchasing The Pulpit Inn for community use.

In addition to the question of ‘purchase’ the consultation asked residents about their service/activity preferences and key priorities e.g. affordability and accessibility for the site.

We received 551 responses, with 91% stating an interest to purchase.

As a direct result of this consultation, ICA and b-side collaboratively registered the venue as an Asset of Community Value.

Along with The Portland Association, ICA and b-side are also in the process of forming the Future Portland Community Benefit Society, which will allow us to take a more collaborative and proactive role in large-scale community-based initiatives.

The Pulpit Inn represents the first of these initiatives. We are now progressing this work to look at purchase and development options.

Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 59 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org

PARTNERSHIPS and COLLABORATIONS TABLE 5: LIST FOR 2024 – TOTAL 103 ORGANISATIONS

	PARTNER	NATURE OF PARTNERSHIP
1	1stPortland Scouts	Event,promotion, referrals and transport support
1	Ants on a Rock	Transport support and provided group with promotional opportunityvia Island Vibes event.
1	Atlantic Academy	Consultations, events, Growing Local activities, and project delivery
1	Bobbys Bargain Bookcase	Collaborative project, promotion and donation coordination
1	Bibby Stockholm Barge	Volunteer recruitment, and funding advice and infrastructure support for community groups applying for Asylum Seeker CommunityFund.
1	b-side	Events and collaborative projects, including Future Portland collaboration
1	Bournemouth University	Joint project delivery – UKRI funded ‘Weymouth and Portland Research Network’
1	Casterbridge Speakers	Collaborative workshop
1	Chemists, includingBoots Easton	Prescriptions
1	Chesil Equestrian	Event
1	Chesil Walled Garden	Volunteer recruitment andpromotion
1	Chesil Youth Pride (Dorset Council, Space Youth Project, The Drop In Portland, Weymouth College, Dorset Police)	Youth consultation
1	Children's and Adolescent Mental Health Service	Advice and Youth consultation
1	Domiciliarycareproviders	Volunteer recruitment and collaborativeprojects
1	Dorset Blind Association	Volunteer recruitment,promotion and referrals
1	Dorset Citizen’s Advice Bureau	Advice, information sharingand collaborative events
1	Dorset CommunityAction	Cross-referrals
3	Dorset Council – Adult Social Care & Children’s Services	Transport for their trips
3	Dorset Council – Other (Communities & Partnerships; Environment, Policy & Partnerships; Social Mobility Commissioningand Refugee Resettlement Team)	Joint projects, funding, advice, information sharing, input into Dorset’s evolving statutory offer, Portland basedproject support.
1	Dorset Integrated Care Partnership (NHS, Dorset Council and a range of voluntary organisations)	Joint project delivery. 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
1	Dorset Memory Box Library	Volunteer recruitment, donation coordination and joint evaluation / client consultation.
3	Dorset NHS (Transformation Team, Strategic Commissioning,Urgent Care)	Support referrals for hospital leavers
1	Dorset Super League Darts	Transport for their trips

Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978

The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org

	PARTNER	NATURE OF PARTNERSHIP
1	The Drop-In Portland Youth Service	Events,activities and referrals.
1	Duke of Edingburgh’s Award	Collaborative trainingandproject delivery
1	Eden Portland	Consultation,collaborative events and activities
1	EPIC Games Dorset	Collaborative events
1	European Parliament	Youth consultation and workshop
1	Friends of Victoria Gardens	Volunteer management, recruitment and infrastructure support
1	Grove Prison Museum	Volunteer recruitment and donation coordination
1	Housing& Care 21(Foylebank Court)	Lunch clubs,trainingkitchen
1	Island & Royal Manor of Portland Rotary	Funding, information sharing, event support and transport for their trips.
2	Isle of Portland Orchids	Collaborative workshops
1	Islanders Youth and Community Centre	Advice, volunteer recruitment, referrals and collaborativeproject
1	King Ramps	Collaborative skateboarding workshops and Island Vibes event
1	Lantern Trust	Cross-referrals and joint project delivery – UKRI funded ‘Weymouth and Portland Research Network’
1	Macpherson House	Transport for their trips
1	NHS Health Visitor team	Collaborative project, information sharing and referrals.
1	Nothe Fort	Collaborative events
1	Opera Circus	Staff and resource sharing, activities and project delivery.
1	Platinum Dance & Acrobatics School	Provided group with promotional opportunity via Island Vibes event.
1	Portland Carers Group	Advice,information sharing,cross-referrals
1	Portland Churches	Information sharing,cross-referrals
1	Portland CommunityHospital	Service support,cross-referrals
1	Portland CommunityPartnership (PCP)	Advice,information sharing, project support.
1	Portland Connect / Tricuro	Cross-referrals
1	Portland CommunityFridge	Information sharing
1	Portland Foodbank	Shared resources,cross-referrals
1	Portland GigRowingClub	Advice
1	Portland Marina	Jointprojects
1	Portland Library	Information sharingandproject delivery
1	Portland Outdoor Centre	Event andpromotion
1	Portland Permaculture Group	GrowingLocal stakeholder
1	Portland Town Council	Portland Project co-funder, information and resource sharing,GrowingLocal 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 & WellbeingBoard

Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org

	PARTNER	NATURE OF PARTNERSHIP
1	Raeys Martial Arts	Provided group with promotional opportunity via Island Vibes event.
1	Room 2 Reward	Promotion andproject delivery
1	Royal Manor Health Centre	Data sharing, cross-referrals, volunteer recruitment and GrowingLocal stakeholder
1	Royal Manor Theatre	Event, promotion and volunteer recruitment
1	Save The Children	Advice and bespoke training workshop for Portland Youth Council
1	Southwell Area LivingTogether(S.A.L.T)	Event support and transport for their trips
1	St George’s PrimarySchool	Projectpromotion
1	St John Ambulance Portland	Promotion, advice, collaborative workshop and training
1	Steps Youth Service	Joint project delivery – UKRI funded ‘Weymouth and Portland Research Network’
1	Sweethill farm	Event, promotion,collaborativeproject and advice
1	The Community Hub Boxing Academy	Provided group with promotional opportunity via Island Vibes event.
1	The Open Arms	Promotion,referrals and advice
1	The Portland Association	Future Portland collaboration
1	The Sanctuary	Volunteer recruitment, cross-referrals, infrastructure support for fundingandgovernance.
1	UK Parliament	Collaborative training workshop for Portland Youth Council
3	Universities (Bournemouth, Exeter and Nottingham Trent)	Information sharing, joint projects and funding bids and conference ./ event support
13	Venues	C2000, Easton Methodist Church, Lobster Pot, Masonic Hall, Islanders Youth and Community Centre, Royal Manor Health Centre, St. George’s Centre, St. Georges primary school, St. John’s Hall, Wellworthys Sports & Social Club, Sweethill Farm, Wyke Regis CommunityCentre,and YMCA
1	Volunteer Centre Dorset	Joint projects, advice, information sharing, DBS checks,PR, general support(includingVC Connect)
1	Weldmar Hospice Dorset	Advice and event support, volunteer recruitment, signpostingandproject delivery
1	Weymouth and Portland Marine Litter Project	Signpostingandpromotion
1	Wyke Regis / Lanehouse Medical Practice	Data sharing, cross-referrals and volunteer recruitment

Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org

FINANCE

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|||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978| |Bank|and|cash balances|31|March|2024|11,784|90,863|102,647| |The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789|

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office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org

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

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.

Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org

walls between services. Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 So we can provide you with the right care and support The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 rather than ~~working~~ office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk ~~in a little bubble. Getting~~ / www.islandcommunityaction.org ~~this right will take time~~ .

"We don't get to people early enough and we don't identify them early

Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org

DorsetECHO

Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org

Weymouth and Portland faced competition from Sherborne, with Sherborne

Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org

FACEBOOK

Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org

WEBSITE

Island Community Action: Registered Charity 1157978 The Easton Centre, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1EB / 01305 823789 office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk / www.islandcommunityaction.org

REFLECTIONS & THE FUTURE

Like last year, 2024 has been a year of ups and downs – with the downs taking centre stage, from the continued impact of the ongoing financial and political crisis to the devasting news that the government had approved Powerfuel’s plans for an incinerator at Portland Port. The repercussions of these events have been felt by most of us, whether as residents or local organisations.

The impact on ICA has been significant. We have seen a continued increase in our volume of work, as we become more involved in the larger-scale initiatives set up to combat the island’s ongoing challenges. These initiatives have included positive ongoing collaborations with Dorset Council around the soon-to-be-opened Portland Family Hub and Dorset NHS’s Integrated Neighbourhood Working Group, focusing on frailty and falls.

We have also experienced success working in collaboration with Portland and Weymouth Town Councils, Activate Performing Arts, b-side, Portland Sculpture & Quarry Trust and We Are Weymouth, which culminated in a successful partnership bid to host the 2025 Dorset Town of Culture initiative. Run by the Arts Development Company, with Dorset Council input, will see this partnership come together with the wider community to deliver an inspirational year of cultural activity across 2025.

In addition, 2024 saw us continuing to support Dorset Council’s Rediscovering the High Angle Battery Project, managing Portland Youth Council and taking over the non-uniformed delivery of Portland’s Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards programme.

With all this in mind and looking ahead to 2025, our key priorities will focus on:

Growing our income – we currently have only 1.5 years left under our National Lottery Reaching Communities grant and must work hard to raise our income and reduce our reliance on grant funding, if we are to secure our long-term sustainability.
Collaboration and consultation – we will continue to prioritise both activities as key routes through which to tackle Portland’s challenges. This will include strengthening and diversifying our partnerships with statutory and non-statutory organisations.
Community engagement – we will continue to prioritise working with local residents to ensure our approaches, activities and services always reflect their wants and needs. We will also strive to progress and support their engagement to inspire more with the confidence to proactively contribute to (and drive) the delivery of local projects, whatever their skills, knowledge, experience, personal circumstances or availability.
The Future Portland Community Benefit Society – set up to provide a mechanism through which to support and drive the delivery of a more diverse and impactful range of projects that our community deem important.

In conclusion, we can confidently say that this has been our most challenging yet successful year to date. A year that has not only seen us implement many new approaches but has also raised a hugely important conundrum – how do we continue to deliver against the ever-increasing demand being placed on us especially as we enter the penultimate year of National Lottery funding.

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

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 emailor message)	Opening Hours (for calls and visits – outside of these times emailor 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 Project Coordinator – Nicky Turrell

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

ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION

REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

ALBERT GOODMAN

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

LEANNE HOUSE 6 AVON CLOSE WEYMOUTH, DORSET DT4 9UX

ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION

	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

ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION

____________

TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

The Trustees present their report and accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024.

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:

Tackle deprivation.
Improve psychological, physical and social wellbeing.
Reduce the impact of isolation and / or loneliness.
Support individuals to live happier and more independent lives for longer.
Increase life chances and quality of life through ‘hands on’ experiences, learning and training.
Support those wishing to volunteer or offer volunteering roles.
Improves community cohesion
Inspires and facilitates collaborative working and the sharing of best practice across sectors
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.

ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION

TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

___________

3. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (ALL AGES) – Currently includes:

Community Connectors – Residents, volunteers and organisations trained to identify and signpost those in potential need of support.
Community Forum – A space for local organisations to network, coordinate support, forward plan and build capacity.
Community Hub – Advice, information and signposting to local residents around non-ICArelated subjects.
Events – One-off large-scale community events, including national celebrations
Infrastructure support – Advice, information and training delivered or organised through ICA for other local community-based organisations.
Volunteer Bureau – Support for those wishing to volunteer or offer volunteer roles, from recruitment to training and DBS checks.

4. CULTURE, HERITAGE, NATURE & THE ENVIRONMENT (ALL AGES) – Currently includes:  Community Crafters – Using creativity and crafting for local good causes, with an aim to reduce isolation and loneliness, strengthen community and intergenerational bonds, and showcase Portland’s amazing artistic talents.

Do One Thing – Activities and events that engage and inspire individuals to protect and enhance Portland’s amazing biodiversity and environment.
High Angle Battery – Supporting Dorset and Portland Town Councils with all volunteer activities related to the HAB Improvements Project and its ongoing offer, to include the formation of a Friends of High Angle Battery group.
Nothe of the Living Dead – An annual fundraiser between ICA, EPIC Games – Dorset and Nothe Fort. Described as a mash-up between The Walking Dead and Crystal Maze, the event sees participants attempt to solve a series of mental and physical challenges while being terrorised by a horde of hungry zombies.
Tales and Trails – Interactive walking experiences that engage participants in Portland’s landscape, biodiversity and environment, culture, history and heritage.
Victoria Gardens – ICA supports the Gardens’ volunteer gardening team.

5. RESEARCH, REPRESENTATION and REGENERATION – Currently includes:

Community Consultations – ICA provides a range of community consultation services for itself and other organisations. Past clients include Eden – Portland, Dorset Council, NHS Dorset and Portland Town Council.
Collaborations and Representation – ICA continues to work in partnership with a number of groups and networks to improve Portland’s infrastructure and support offer across a number of strands, including…
Children and Families e.g. working with Dorset’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAHMS), Chesil Locality – Portland Local Alliance Group (lead – Dorset NHS) and the Portland Family Hub (lead – DC).
Environment and Biodiversity e.g. supporting the delivery of Portland’s Biodiversity Plan (lead – Portland Town Council).
Health and Wellbeing e.g. Portland Healthcare Steering Group (lead – Dorset’s ICS) and Developing an Integrated Care Model for W&P (lead – NHS).
Research and Development – Weymouth & Portland Community Research Network – non-clinical (leads – ICA, Steps Youth Service, The Lantern Trust and Bournemouth University).

ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION

TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

___________

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.

This report was approved by the Trustees on 30 January 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

D Pigg (Trustee)

L Gallie (Trustee)

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 2024.

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:

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 2025

ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
Funds Funds Funds Funds
Note 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Receipts
Grants and donations 2 9,750 120,256 130,006 131,346
Fundraising and sponsorship 2,392 1,060 3,452 2,011
Motor vehicles/Minibus 15,345 - 15,345 11,305
Clubs and Memory Café 19,082 271 19,353 17,272
Interest 320 - 320 27
Total receipts 46,888 121,587 168,475 161,961
Payments
Portland Shed demerged from ICA - - - 9,917
Souvenirs of Place and Love purchases - - - 9,035
Salaries and wages 3 5,000 86,635 91,635 87,772
Pension - 4,286 4,286 1,912
Shop Purchases and Consumables - 13,912 13,912 3,072
Events tickets - 1,175 1,175 -
Rent 7,800 1,144 8,944 9,636
Rates, water and electric 5,766 - 5,766 2,940
Insurance - 1,408 1,408 2,073
Telephone - - - 10
Postage, stationery, printing and advertising - 540 540 437
Photocopier Hire 1,282 - 1,282 (401)
Motor 3,097 12,073 15,170 9,043
Vehicle hire - 1,215 1,215 -
Repairs and maintenance - 80 80 1,037
Subscriptions and membership fees 200 272 472 231
Sundries 517 208 725 913
IT 1,220 1,260 2,480 2,086
Christmas box donations - - - -
Training, tutors and speakers - 9,285 9,285 7,408
Fundraising 475 2,000 2,475 1,221
P.R. and marketing 499 768 1,267 1,257
Room hire 180 10,095 10,275 6,720
Accountancy fees 102 1,644 1,746 1,716
Consultancy fees - 30 30 -
Catering Costs - - - 2,290
Capital
Computer equipment - - - -
Fixtures, fittings and equipment 386 - 386 (725)
Total payments 26,523 148,031 174,554 159,600
Net receipts before transfers 20,365 (26,443) (6,078) 2,361
Transfers between funds (28,637) 28,637 - -
Net movement in funds at bank
and in hand for the year (8,272) 2,194 (6,078) 2,361
Bank and cash balances 31 March 2023 20,056 88,669 108,725 106,364
Bank and cash balances 31 March 2024 11,784 90,863 102,647 108,725
----- End of picture text -----

ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AS AT 31 MARCH 2024

----- Start of picture text -----
2024 2023
£ £
Current Assets
Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at Bank 102,647 108,725
Cash in hand - -
Total bank and cash balances per receipts and payments account 102,647 108,725
Other Assets and Liabilities:
Fixed Assets
Motor vehicles and trailer 13,081 16,354
Fixtures, fittings and equipment 7,557 8,891
20,638 25,245
Current Liabilities
Creditors (1,614) (1,614)
Net Assets 121,671 132,356
----- End of picture text -----

The accounts were approved by the Trustees on 30 January 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

D Pigg (Trustee)

L Gallie (Trustee)

ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

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 Payments Account.

2. Grants and Donations

Restricted funds Dorset Council National Lottery Community Fund Save the Children Hall & Woodhouse Dorset Community Foundation UKRI John Turner Foundation Portland Town Council Court Leet Charities Aid Foundation Portland Rotary Club Unrestricted General donations Total	£ 21,434 66,750 627 1,186 5,213 5,821 1,700 15,115 250 2,000 160 120,256 9,750 9,750 130,006

ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

3. Staff Costs and Emoluments

----- Start of picture text -----
|||| |---|---|---| |2024|2023| |£|£| |Salaries and wages|75,648|86,124| |Employers National Insurance Contributions|15,987|1,648| |91,635|85,616|

----- End of picture text -----

No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 per annum (2023: £60,000)

The average weekly number of employees during the year, calculated as full time equivalents, were as follows:

----- Start of picture text -----
|||| |---|---|---| |2024|2023| |No.|No.| |Charitable activities|4|4|

----- End of picture text -----

4. Restricted Funds

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

----- Start of picture text -----
|||||| |---|---|---|---|---| |Transfers| |Balance|from/(to)|Balance| |1 April|Income/|General|31 March| |2023|receipts|Payments|funds|2024| |£|£|£|£|£| |-| |Growing Local Project|11,535|5,840|(9,402)|7,974| |-|-| |Helping hands|3,010|(31,647)|28,637| |-| |Portland Project|77,134|93,482|(104,982)|65,634| |-|-|-| |High Angle Battery Project|2,000|(2,000)| |Weymouth & Portland Research Network| |-|-|-| |- Forgotten Towns: Voices project|17,255|17,255| |88,669|121,587|(148,031)|28,637|90,863|

----- End of picture text -----

Growing Local Project received funding from Dorset Community Foundation & Save the Children.

Helping Hands received funding from Joan Turner Foundation, and various individuals. In addition to the restricted funds raised, unrestricted funds were also allocated to this project and this is reflected by the transfer

Portland Project received funding from National Lottery, Portland Town Council, Hall & Woodhouse, Portland Rotary Club and Dorset Council.

High Angle Battery Project received funding from the Charities Aid Foundation.

Weymouth & Portland Research Network - Forgotten Towns: Voices Project received funding from UK Research and Innovation.

CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT

GRANTS

GRANT FUNDING

NON-GRANT DONATIONS & FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES

GENERATED INCOME

Merchandise

PROJECTS & SERVICES

IN SUMMARY

IN DETAIL

1. HELPING HANDS – OLDER PEOPLE + THOSE IMPACTED BY DISABILITY AND / OR SERIOUS, LIFE-LIMITING OR TERMINAL ILLNESS (UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED):

3. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (ALL AGES) – Currently includes:

4. CULTURE, HERITAGE, NATURE & THE ENVIRONMENT (ALL AGES) –

5. RESEARCH, REPRESENTATION and REGENERATION – Currently includes:

TABLE 1: CLIENT / PARTICIPATION NUMBERS ACHIEVED FOR 2024

ADDITIONAL ‘OTHER’ KEY STATS:

• Enquiries

• Digital…

TOTAL = 7,251 (excludes participants engaged via Portland representation events)

Age:

Gender breakdown

CLIENT / PARTICIPANT IMPACT

TABLE 2: CLIENT / PARTICIPANT IMPACT ‘HELPING HANDS’ FOR 2024

TABLE 3: CLIENT / PARTICIPANT IMPACT ‘COURSES and TRAINING’ FOR 2024

TABLE 4: VOLUNTEER NUMBERS ACHIEVED 2024

Age:

Gender:

Total volunteer hours

YOUNG PEOPLE

PORTLAND YOUTH COUNCIL (PYC)

Achievements:

DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD

Achievements:

PORTLAND YOUTH COUNCIL ACHIEVEMENTS

September 2023 - July 2024

Island Vibes – Portland Youth Council’s large-scale event for 2024

SENIOR’S CHRISTMAS MEAL

ADVENT ANGELS

CULTURE, HERITAGE, NATURE & THE ENVIRONMENT

BIO-BLITZ FOR 2024

COMMUNITY CRAFTERS

EASTER TREASURE HUNT – 2024

WOOLLY WATERS – SUMMER 2024

OCTOPI – 2024

COMMUNITY REPRESENTATION

2. New for this year…

PORTLAND’S

ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY CONSULTATIONS

FUNDRAISING

ADVERTISING & PR

"We don't get to people early enough and we don't identify them early

DorsetECHO

REFLECTIONS & THE FUTURE

Kim Wilcocks, CEO – ICA

ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION

Management Committee

Employees

All ICA staff are part-time.

ALBERT GOODMAN

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION

CONTENTS

TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Constitution, objects and policies

Committee and Management

Investment Powers

Public benefit

Objectives, activities and achievements

TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

3. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (ALL AGES) – Currently includes:

5. RESEARCH, REPRESENTATION and REGENERATION – Currently includes:

TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Risk management

Reserves policy

Statement of Trustee’s responsibilities

ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION

Responsibilities and basis of report

Independent examiner’s statement

ISLAND COMMUNITY ACTION