REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: CE002343 IEn8land and Wales) REGISTERED CHARifi NUMBER: 1157993 REPORTOF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 FOR SMETHWICK CHURCH ACTION NETWORK J W Hlnk5 LLP Chartered Accountants 19 Hlghfield Road Edgbaston 81rmlngham West Mldlands B1533H
SMETHWICK CHURCH ACTION NETWORK CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Pa8è Report ol the Trustees Ind•p•ndent Examln•r's Report Statement of Flnanclal Actlvltles io Balance Sheet li to 12 Notes to the Flnanclal Statements 13 to 21
SMETHWICK CHURCH ACTION NETWORK {REGISTERED NUMBER: CE002343) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 The trustees who are a150 directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The trustee5 have adopted the provision5 of Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Ststement of Recommended Practice appllcable to charities preparing thelr accounts in accordance wlth the Financial Reportlng Standard applicable In the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 leffective I january 20191. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Objectlves and alms Smethwick Church Action Network Is a grassroots organisation that seeks to support our neighbours in time5 of crlsis and walk with thern to a place of hope and 5elf-sufficiency. Smethwick CAN is an asset-based communlty organlsation, grown from the premise that we can achleve much more together than we ever could in isolation. We have an establlshed foodbank, communlty pantry, slgnpostlng, and volunteering servlces, as well as supporting the churches In the network to develop their own soclal action projects and Initiatlves. How we go about our work Is as Important for us a5 the work Itself. Therefore, all our endeavour5 are underplnned by an ethos that we are always stronger worklng together. Smethwlck Church Actlon Network has a set of 12 Core Values that underpln how we work.. Collaboratlve and Partnerlni We work together as a group of churches, partnerln8 Wlth local In5tiative and resources to slgnpost our nelghbours to additlonal support wlthln the communltv. • Incluslve and Accepting Anyone Is welcome to come and Serve or be served regardless of age, disablllty, gender rea55ignrnent, marriage ond clvll partnershlp, pregnancy and maternlty, race. religlon or bellef, Sex, and sexual orientation. * Intentlonal and Respon51vÈ To Sove our nelghbours and comrnunlty well, we need to be watchful of the needs and Intentional about how we respond., stewarding our resources to where they are needed and wanted * Integrity and Excellence We want to dellver hlgh quèllty projects with transparency. ThSs includes the food we provide Ihlgh quallty and healthyl, the way we recruit and treat our team (safeguarding and staff carel, the way we treot our neighbours and colleagues IwSth dlgnity and respect) and the way we handle our flnances,. as we steward ALL aspects of what God has entrusted to us In a responslble way. * Advocacy and Empowerlni We want to pay attentlon to the Ideas, dreams and voice5 wlthln our neighbourhood as well as speaking up for those who don't have a volce through advocacyi whlle a150 working to empower them to hove one through campaignlng and see king change at a structural and governmental level. • Prayerful ¥nd Motlvated by the Love of Chrlst All our work is done in prayer because we belleve God love5 Smethwick and wants to see our neighbours and our community f lourish. Page I
SMETHWICK CHURCH AcfioN NETWORK IREGISTERED NUMBER: CE002343) REPORTOF THÉ TrUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIE5 Slgnlficant artivltles Srnethwlck Foodbank 2025 The demand on Smethwlck Foodbank has remained steady over the past 12 months due to the Cost-of-Living crisis, rlse in fuel prlces and other factors affectlng the local community. The demand has remained very consistent over the last twelve months, after the steep increase in April 2020, however, overall, 440 parcels have been given out on average each month durlng the last financial yea r, compared with an average of 483 p3rce15 being given out each month in 202312024. As a comparison, 190 parcels per month were given out in 2019120. The maln causes of crlsls throughout the year have been the rising cost of essentlals, the ongolng impact of a phy51cal or mental health condltlon, and insecufft housln& a change from previous years where havlng no recourse to public funds and benefit delays and benefits changes due to the re-evaluatlon of their ellglbility for speclflc beneflt5, namely PIP and ESA, were common reasons for referral. In the last twelve months there ho5 been a 5hlft in the household structure of people requirlng Foodbank support: currently, 38% of people accesslng the Foodbank are farnilies (with 19% of these belng single parent householdsl, up from 36% last year. 62% are slngle; 3% are couples. The blgge5t increase has been In the number of homele55 and Insecurely housed people accessing our seNSces as support for famllles has been a priorlty in 5andwell over the last few years whlch has consequently reduced the number of famS1ies th at need emergency foodbank 5UPPOrt, for example In the provislon of food and vouchers for durlng school holldays for chlldren who receive free school meals. As In prevlous years, 60% of Foodbank users are from the four Smethwick ward5, wlth resident5 of the remainder of Sandwell an d of Birmlngham each making up around 20% of users each month. To address the needs of client5 accessing Foodbank and not seeking additional help for thelr monetary crlsls, we have successfully implemented a varlety of strategies to encourage cllents to seek help from other organisations. We host a Signposting Hub wlth representatives from the Cost of Livlng Team ICOLTI, Cltlzen'5 Advice, H ealthy Mlnds Sandwell, Action for Chlldren and Sandwell Communlty Offer, NHS Stop Smoking 5andwell and other local ènd national organlsations each Foodbank session. Advlce and slgnp05tlng leaflets are provlded to each client and are updated monthly. There is also a telephone servlce for addltlonal signpostln8. We have subsequently seen an increase In clients who would normally self-refer attendSn8 Wlth voucher5 and re¢eivln8 benef5ts revlews, bud8etln& and income ma¥imlsatSon advice etc. and needing less long-term 5UPPOrt from u5, We have continued to operate a pre-packed only service and to provide a range of personal care and household cleanlng items, fresh frult, and vegetables, and fresh bread and bakery items donated by Warburtons. We a150 provide speciflc pre-packed parcels for homele55, vegetarian, and Halal Foodbank users and have these available each session. Smethwick Foodbank operate5 a 'donatlons day, each Wednesday where Holy Trinity Church Is open for donations from the local community and corporate and business donors. We have again Increased the number of Referral Agencies, focusing on local servlces that are providlng face-to-face provi51on, Including all doctor's 5vrgerles and schools wlthin Smethwlck, and a wide range of local charitle5, includlng refugee support charitie5 and those offerln8 debt and addiction support, and those supportlng the elderly. It is vltal to work in partner5hlp with our referral agencies to ensure that the full spectrum of advice arbd support is offered to our nelghbours in financlal hardship. Training has been a prioflty in the last twelve months, wlth volunteers and staff accessing an unprecedented level of traSning and support. We have trained staff and volunteers in Safeguardlng, Manual Handlin& Health and Safety and Allergen Trainin8. Going forwards, the focus is agaln on maintainlng fundlng- working in partnership wlth Sandwell Council in their new food distribution hub for foodbanks and pantries; developlng our strategic goals.. developing the tralning and 5UPPOrt we offer to all volunteers. regardless of needs- and in ensurlng that clients contlnue to receive tlmely help and avoid long term Foodbank use where possible. Page 2
SMETHWICK CHURCH AcfioN NETWORK (REGISTERED NUMBER: CE0023431 REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Your Local Pantry: Smethwlck Food Pantry 2025 Your Local Pantry Smethwick Is o member of the Your Local Pantry network and operates as a longer-term and 5UStalnable option for addressing food poverty wlthln the local area. It operates as a member-led nelghbourhood hub that provldes low-cost, quality food to Its members, as well a5 being a springboa rd into other community Initiatives and support services, for a cost of lust £6 per week. The Pantry has been able to help mernbers save an average of £33.96 per week on their grocery bill, plu5 free fresh frult and ve8etables and personal hygiene products whlch are provlded in addition to their main shopping. Over the past twelve months, members have struggled wlth the cost.of-Ilvlng crlsls and rhe rlsSng cost of energy bills. Member5 have continued to report that they were not U51n8 their conventional gas cookers to make hot meals as they were worried about thelr utility bllls,. we Contlnued to provlde alr fryers and slow cookers to new members and we agaln offered 'Don't Waste Food, cookery classes and demonstration5 for Pantry member5 to share innovatlve and low cost ways of uslng fresh produce and typlcal Items that could be purchased at the Pantry, along wlth healthy tSnned produce. Tenderstem 8roccoll, who are a partner of Action Agalnst Hunger, contlnue to support Your Local Pantry Smethwlck which ha5 enabled us to maintain the Increased openlng hours of the Pantry to Tuesday afternoon and all day Wednesday. 8ecause of this, the waiti ng list has significantly come down from 120 to 13 and we have been able to accommodate dlrect referrals frorn the Foodbank and other partner5. We have bullt good working relationship5 wlth PRL@Sainsbury's where we have a local donatlon point. We provlde a 'w15h Ilst, of scarce Items and donors are generous in their response. Smethwlck Pantry 15 workln8 closely with a local Independent Supermarket and now has a donatlon polnt in their prernises whlch is collected weekly. These relatlonships help malntain the sustainability of the Pantry. This year the pantry has been concentratlng on providing members with healthy nutritious food and culture awareness food. Th is year we have added on Dur portal more members from ethnic mlnority backgrounds whose dietary needs are holal or kosher food. Also havlng staple foods Ilke lentils for members from the south Indlan communlty has been a real succes5. Member5 quotes.. "I do not know when we had halal chlcken food, my chlldren were soooo happy that I criedll" "l cannot afford lentlls, but your cooking tlps and time savlng Ideas have really helped us, we would be lost wlthout you. "Thank you for your cooking reclpe Idea5 for halal food, we really eat well now." 'If I didn't 8et any halal meat f rom you I would have resorted to eatlng non-halal as I wa5 $0 desperate. Towards the end of 2024, we partnered wlth St Mary's Church In Bearwood to set up a new Your Local Pantry to Serve the commun ity of Bearwood. The Pantry opened wSth 15 mernbers In December 2024 and has since doubled its weekly member vlslts and has built a team of dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers and supporters. The Pantry takes place at the 5arne time on Mondays as the 5t M ary's drop in cafo 'The Waterlng Can, ond also enable5 mernbers to access support services such as The Cost-of-Living-Team ICOLTI and Citizen'5 Advice, while they are picklng up their Pantry shop. Church Network Meeting monthly for prayers. encouragement, havlng a moanl11 is becoming a hablt again I Church Leaders are encouraged to look beyond their own responsibilities and begln to dream dreams ft)r the future of our work together. New friendships and partnerships are being established, and It is from these new foundations that future ministry and ideas will flow for each of us as we learn from the Holy Spirit through one another. Crucia Ily, we hear what others are doing or not dolng and take advantage to learn afresh. Page 3
SMETHWICK CHURCH AcfioN NETWORK (REGISTERED NUMBER: CE002343) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES As churches we have an opportunlty to offer leadership in our local community in areas such as climate change, community coheslon, welcoming of newly arrived people and setting the tone and manner for that as we seek to live the gospel we try to live by. We do thls not over against another but by celebrating difference and working to make the public space we inhabit a safe and creative space for all. Our collectlve thank you goes to Hannah Girling, Trustee responsible for the Church Network, who Is energlslng us all and making sure we are on time and in the right church every month! Thanks, Hannah, for the continued blessing you are to us all! Public benefit Smethwick Church Action Network ICANI aims to serve otjr nelghbours In tlmès of crlsls and help facilltate a transltlon from belng a place of need, to one of opportunity, hope, and self-sufflciency. Smethwlck CAN started out as a grassroots network of churches who gathered in 2011 with the alrn of supporting those in the local communlty who were experienclng food poverty. From thls, Smethwlck Foodbank Ipart of the national Tru55ell Trust network) was launched. Sadly, our Foodbank Is now busier than ever, wlth thSs trend only set to contlnue as the cost-of-livin8 crS515 and aftermath of the pandemlc take their toll. In 2014 Smethwlck CAN became a re81stered charlty and since then the churches have launched numerous other projects. We currently run a Community Pantry In Smethwlck Llbrary as well as aldlng local churches to expand and develop thelr community activities. The churches In the network host a variety of Coffee mornlngs, chlldren and youth actlvities, Places of Welcome and communSty lunche5. We collaborate closely wlth nLtmerou5 partner or8anlsations and, wlth thanks to fundlng from SCVO, have expanded our Informatlon and signposting hubs at both Foodbank and Pantry, to include a wide range of advice and support partner5. We would love to see a day when there is no need for Foodbanks and are actlvely looking at ways we can support our nelghbours out of places of cri515 and food poverty and into places where they can thrive. Volunteers We continue to work closely wSth the Blrmingham Youth Offendlng Team IBYOTI offerlng our in-house training to Parolee volunteers completSng their reparation order5. Thls trainlng includes Manual Handllng, Safeguardlng, and occasionally Level 2 Food Hygiene. additlon, we have worked with BYOT to develop an accredlted, very basic communlcation sk1115 course that align5 Wlth the exlsting training delivered by BYOT. This will further improve the chances for Parolees flnding work in the future. Allowing Parolee5 to volunteer wlth Lts has provSded an opportunity to see the posStlve effect of workSng with us has on thelr outlook and behavlour. There 15 somethlng about the welcome and support they receive here, along with the fact that they are helping oth ers who are In a worse situatlon than they are themselves, that leads to real personal change In these young people. Thi5 ha5 also been acknowledged and is valued by BYOT. The Volunteer Co-ordlnator has provlded formal and informal support to all volunteers over the last year at both project venues. The Informal support offers the chance to glve positNe feedback, Identify any low-level ¢oncerns that can be addressed 'in the moment, arsd identify any learnlng needs. More formal 5UPPOrt has been offered where people have become stressed elther due to theSr own life events or to stress related to their volunteerlng role. The use of the Reflection Tool introduced last year ha5 proved effectlve in helping Sndividuals to dlsCUSS thelr distre55 and identify what coplng mechani5rn5 work for them. The tool is now offered for personal use as part of the Basi¢ SafeEuardln8 tralning. Page 4
SMETHWICK CHURCH AcfioN NETWORK {REGISTERED NUMBER: CE0023431 REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Volunteer Recrultment As ever, over the last year we have 105t some volunteers but galned other5. We contlnue to attract potentlal new volunteers from the local community wlth a wlde varlety of skllls and experien. Stage of Recrultment No. Comments Expressed an Interest Number we declined Completed appllcations reviewed Number fully recrulted Number who volunteered 68 li 39 13 12 All who rang or emailed expresslng a wish to volunteer All who were not ellglble to become a volunteer at SCAN All completed applicatlons recelved All who completed the full recruitment proces5 All who carried out at least I sesslon as a volunteer. Additlonal st•tlstlcs Percentage of all appllcants who expressed an Interest in volunteerlng who became volunteers 17,6% PercentaBe of applicant5 who expressed an interest in volunteerSng minus Inapproprlate applicatlons 21,0% Reasons for declined applicatlon5: l. Under 17yr5 old 2. 8eing on the Sex Offenders Reg15ter & barred from worklng around chlldren 3. Mental Health Conditlon causing Inapproprlate behaviour 4. Inapproprlate appllcation, asklng for a health care placement 5. Proof of dlshonesty 6. Inadequate references 7. Volunteer Co-ordlnators lack of capacity to support, l.e. several applicatlons at the same time from people wlth additlonal needs Reasons for leavlng in descendlng order: l. Declined a 08S check 2. Inadequate references 3, To commence full tlme educatlon 4. To start a new job 5. Moved to a new area CHARITABLE AcfiviTIES Smethwl¢k Foodbank Over the 12-month perlod from 1st Aprll 2024 to 31st March 2025 we provlded 5101 emergency food parcels15796 in 2023-2024 providing over 45,909 meals for people in crlsls. Through fundlng from Harbome Parlsh Lands Charltyl the Eve50n Trust, Turner Trust, the Alex Ferry Foundatlon, St Mary's Mis51on Givlng Group, Trusthouse Charitable Foundation and The Trusse15 Trust, we were a ble to maintain our part-time staff team to Include a Foodbank Co-ordinator1181, Warehouse Coordinator1121, Warehouse Assistant15I, and an Administrator1151, 35 well as shared staff with the Pantry and other projects of a Lead Project Manager, Financial Adminlstrator and cross-project Warehouse Assistant. Page 5
SMETHWICK CHURCH ACTION NETWORK {REGISTERED NUMBER: CE002343) REPORTOFTHETRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 OBJEUIVES AND ACTIVITIES We contlnve to be 5UPPOrted by a fantastlc team of dedlcated volunteers, including some volunteers who have aided slnce the Foodbank opened In 2012. De5Plte the unanticlpated cost of living crlsis that ha5 followed the Pandemic, and the ongoing need for our service5. we were able to keep up with the demand, includin8 fresh bread and other bakery Items (donated by Warburton51, hygiene and pe rsonal care Item5 (supported by Bloody Good Perlod and Beauty Bank). We have Increased o¢Jr volunteer team and our signposting and 5UPF)Ort servlces to those in financial crls15. We worked wlth over partner referral agencies and continue to work with partners such as Cltizen'5 Advice, Brush5troke5, Help Through Hardship, Local Welfare Provision and The Communlty Offer to provide support to people experiencln8 a range of issues includlng redundancy, unemployment, beneflt delays, domestlc violence, and addictlon. Your Local Pantry: Smethwlck The Pantry continues to provide sUPPOrt wlth new members signln8 up weekly,. we have extended our opening tlmes by openlng an additional afternoon each week and have Increased membershlp, with plans to Increase this further. We have worked in partnershlp wlth Smethwlck Library to create an Information and signFJOStlng hub durlng Pantry's openln8 htsurs. This has included Cltlzen's Advice, mental health support and local children's centre services. As a charlty, two of our core value5 are to be Inclusive and a¢ceptin& and therefore we are passlonate about ensurlng not on IV the quality and standards of the food we provlde, but to offer a ray of hope to those who are In flnanclal Crisls. Case Study.. A pantry member with 9 chlldren who has lost Income due to a change in her eliglblllty for certain benefits was havln8 to borrow money to pay her £6 pantry membershlp fee. As well as providln8 a referral to Cltlzen'5 Advice, we were able to provlde free nappies, sanltary products and baby food to the member to help reduce the burden on her Income. Church Network The churches that had fundlng to develop theSr kltchen space5 last year have now been able to reopen prevlous communlty inltlatives as well as stort new ones, for example, a 'chatty cafe, to support those learnlng Engllsh,. a communlty youth group that involves the young people cooklng and eating together,. stay and play session5 that include family cooklng time; places of Welcome and coffee mornings. Renew Wellbeing Cafo at one of the churches In our network has now been open for over a year and is successfully welcoming members of the local community In need of 5UPPOrt and frlendship. FINANCIAL REVIEW Flnanclal p051tlon The Statement of Financlal Actlvltles for the year ended 31 March 2025 shows Incomlng resource5 totalling £150,08112024.. £187,980) and resources expended totalllng £169,888 12024: £190,3881, generatlng net our8oln8 resources of £19,807 12024.. net outgoing resources of £2,4081. The charlty'5 balance sheet15 recordlng total net assets of £79,598 as at 31 March 202512024.. £99,405). Page 6
SMETHWICK CHURCH ACTION NETWORK IREGISTERED NUMBER: CE002343) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 FUTURE PLANS Like all organlsations, the Pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis has continued to have a major impact on our setvices, with demand continuing to be at all-time hlgh. This is a trend that unfortunately is likely to continue. As we look to the f uture, our aim is to continue to focus on supportlng people to move from crisis to self-sufficiency, whilst also belng realistic about our own limitatlons and a desire to do all things well. Although much has been achleved in thls area over the past 12 months, golng into the new financial year we are planning to focus on: Contlnulng to develop a sustalnable funding strategy, not only wlth grant applications but deepening our relatlonships wlth local or8anisatSon5, for example surplus food donations, corporate support lincludln8 our partnership with Action Agalnst Hunger) and e¥plorlng how we can share resources with other local charltles and partners, Including belng a lead organlsation In the Sandwell-wide dlstribution hub for Foodbank5 and Pantrles which opens later thls year. As a gra55roots or8anSsatlon, the relationshlp between the charlty and assoclated churches ha5 been one that has grown and developed or8anlcally over the course of the charSty'5 existence. As a result of the work that began in March 2022 to con51der the question of "What makes a church a Smethwlck CAN Church7" a more formalised membership statement that churches can sign up to has been created, wlth the focus being on partnership work and on proactively seekln8 OPPOrtunitles to collaborate. Thls col laboratlve work culminated in a celebratory event in October 2023. The church leaders, gatherln8 wlll remain open to all church leaders, whether members or not. Further increase the openlng hours for Pantry to be able to increase the number of members that we can welcome on weekly ba51s, with a particular focu5 on direct referrals from the Foodbank. Energy advlce Services will begln attending Pantry se5slons in the summer of 2024. Focus on Increaslng the cultural diverslty of food on offer at the Pantry to ensure that it reflects the multi-cultural need5 and backgrounds of our members. Continued development and Integration of signposting and informatlon hubs at both Foodbank and Pantry, Including further exploration of advocacy seNices and how we can better 5UPPOrt people to advocate for themselves in tlmes of cr1515. Formatlon of a steerlng group for both Pantry and Foodbank, compromising of trustees, staff, volunteers, donors, and service users to ensure those with lived experlence remain at the heart of all we do, and their voices are heard at all levels of decision making. We are contlnuing to explo longer term bids for both core and addltlonal costs, and also more sustainable mlxed models of fundraislng. To further develop the impact and scope of our dedlcated Volunteer Coordlnator to ensure volunteers of all needs and abilities are well supported and thelr volces are heard at all operational and strate8ic levels. In 2024.25 there wlll be a focus on recrulting and supportlng volunteers with additlonal needs, both at Foodbank and Pantry, as well as at projects wlthln the church network. In addition, we are looklng at developlng our volunteerln8 offer through seeking accreditation for all volunteer tralnin& sourcing new avenues from whlch to recrult new volunteers and further developlng collaboration workSng wlth Youth Offending Servlces to provide a wider variety of placements for young people le.g. at the Community Orchard). Alongside thls development we are hopin8 to begin the proce55 towards Investlng in Volunteers Quallty Standards accreditation, however thlsls dependent on Securing fund Ing.7 STRucfuRE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governlng dorument The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust. and constitute5 a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companles Act 2006. Page 7
SMETHwia( CHURCH AcfioN NEtWORK (REGISIERED NUMBER: CE0023431 REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAACH 2025 REFERENCE AND ADMINISTIIATIVE Alls Re8lstered Company number CE002343 (England and Wales) Re8lstèred Chatlty numb•r 1157993 Rrflsternd offlce HolyTrinty CDmmunityOffico Church Hill Street Smethwlck West Mldlands 867 7AH Trustees D R Gould NMRoss W Dyke K J Penlkèt J R Crewes Ire518ned 31.3,251 J Cannln85 SJ 8entham H Girfin8 G D Brown Company Secr•tsry W0e Independent Examln•r J W Hlnks LLP Charted Accountants 19 HlghfTeld Road Ed8baston 8lrmln8ham West Midlands B15 3BH Approved by order of the boa of trustees on.... £..¥..Iio..J.zoL5...... and slgned on its behalf by: Ulntr. Trustee IL S Page 8
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF SMETHWICK CHURCH AcfioN NETWORK Independent examlner's report to the trustee5 of Smethwlck Churth Artlon Network ('the Company,) I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2025. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity's trustees of the Company land also its directors for the purFioses of company lawl you are responslble for the preparation of the accounts In accordance wlth the requirements of the Companies Act 20061'the 2006 Act'l. Having satlsfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are ellgible for Independent examlnatlon, I report in respect of my examlnation of your charity's accounts as carried out under Sectlon 145 of the Ch3ritles Act 20111'the 2011 Act'l. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions glven by the Charlty Commission under Section 145151 Ibl of the 2011 Act. Independent examlner's statement I have completed my examlnatSon. l Conflrm that no matters have come to my attention In connection wlth the examinatlon glving me cause to believe: accountlng records were not kept In respect of the Company as requlred by Sectlon 386 of the 2006 Act: or the account5 do not accord wlth those records: or the atcount5 do not comply with the accountSng requlrements of 5ettion 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requlrement that the accounts glve a true and fair vlew which 15 not a matter considered as part of an Independent examinatlon; or the accounts have not been prepared in accordance wlth the methods and prlnciples of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accountSn8 and reporting by charities lappllcable to charitles preparlng thelr accounts in accordance with the Flnancial Reportlng Standard appllcable In the UK and Republlc of Ireland IFRS 10211. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in thls report In order to enable o proper understandlng of the accounts to be reached. James Cruse FCA, FCCA J W Hlnks LLP Chartered Accountants 19 Hlghfleld Road Edgbaston Blrmin8ham West Mldlands B15 3BH Date: .. l4Jl o.l.z.o l.5....... Page 9
SMETHWICK CHURCH AcfioN NETWORK STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 2025 Total lunds 2024 Totsl funds Unrestrlcted funds Restrlcted fund5 Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENT5 FROM Donations and grants 34,924 101.547 136,471 176,507 Other tradlng activities 13,610 13,610 11,473 Total 48,534 101,547 150,081 187,980 EXPENDITURE ON Charltable artlvltles Charitable activitles Support costs Governance costs 63,112 9,108 3,537 93,318 786 27 156,430 9,894 171,128 16,464 2,796 Totsl 75,757 94,131 169,888 190,388 NET INCOMEI(EXPENDITUREI {273231 7,416 {19,807) 12,4081 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 70,175 29,230 99,405 101,813 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 42,952 36,646 79,598 99,405 The notes form part of these financlal statements Page 10
SMETHWICK CHURCH AcfioN NETWORK (REGISTERED NUMBER: CE0023431 BALANCE SHEET 31 MARCH 2025 2025 Total funds 2024 Total funds Unrestrlcted funds Restricted funds Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 3,053 353 5,014 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Cash at bank and In hand 79 99,790 44,211 36,643 8054 44,211 36,643 80,854 99.869 CREDITORS Amounts falllng due wlthln one year 14,3091 {4.3091 15,4781 NET CURRENT ASSETS 39,902 36,643 76,545 94,391 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 42,955 36,643 79,598 99,405 NET ASSETS 42.955 36,643 79,598 99,405 FUNDS Unrestrlcted funds Restricted fund5 42,955 36,643 70,175 29,230 TOTAL FUNDS 79,598 99,405 The charltable company Is entitled to exemptlon from audlt under Section 477 of the Companles Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2025. The members have not requlred the company to obtsin an audlt of Its financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 In accordance with Sectlon 476 of the Companles Act 2006. The trustees acknowledge thelr responsibilitles for en5urin8 that the charitable company keeps a¢¢ountlng records that comply with Sectlon$ 386 and 387 of the Companles Act 2006 and preparlng financial Statements which 8ive a true and fair view of the State of affair5 of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of it5 Surplus or deficit for each flnancial year In accordance wlth the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwlse comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relatlng to financial statement5, 50 far as appllcable to the charitable company. Ibl The notes form part of these financlal statements Page 11 contlnued..
SMEfHW5CK CHURCH AcfioN NETWORK (REGISTERED NUMBEL CE0023431 BALANCE SHEET- continued 31 MARCH 2025 These financial statements have been prepared In accordance with the provisions applicable to tharitable companies subjttt to the small companies regime. The flnanclal statements were approved by the Board of Trusteos and authorlsed for Issue on 518ned on Its behalf by: .4.1..10 /..ZOZ5 and were rustae Th• nrtesfDrm part of these finandal statements Pa8e 12
SMETHWICK CHURCH AcfioN NETWORK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 ACCOUNTING POLICIES BASIS OF PREPARING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The financial statements of the charitable company. which Is a public beneflt entlty under FRS 102, have been ppared in accordance with the Charlties SORP (FR5 1021 'Accountln8 and Reporting by Charitie5'. Statement of Recommended Practlce applicable to charities preparlng their account5 In accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable In the UK and Republlc of Ireland IFRS 1021 leffective l January 20191,, Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reportlng Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of I reland, and the Companles Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the hlstoric31 c05t convention. INCOME All Income Is retognlsed in the Statement of Flnanclal Activltles once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it Is probable that the income wlll be recelved and the amount can be measured reliably. EXPENDITURE Liabllities are recognlsed as expenditure as 500n as there Is a legal or constructive obllgatlon commlttlng the charity to that expendlture, It Is probable that a transfer of economic beneflts will be requlred in settlement and the amount of the obllgation can be measured rellably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basls and has been classified under headings that aggregate al cost related to the category. Where costs connot be dlrectly attrlbuted to partlcular headin8S they have been allocated to actSvities on a bas15 consistent wlth the use of resources. TANG18LE FIXED ASSETS Depreciatlon is provlded at the followlng annual rates In order to wrlte off each asset over Its estlmated useful lrfe. plant and machlnery Fixtures and fitting5 Computer equlpment 20% on cost at varying rates on cost 25% on cost TAXATION The charity Is exempt from corporatlon tax on Its charltable actlvltles. FUND ACCOUNTING Unrestricted funds can be used In accordance with the charltable objectives at the dlscretion of the trustees, Restricted fund5 con only be used for particular re5trlcted purp05e5 Wlthln the objects of the charlty. Restrictions arlse when speclfied by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restrlcted purposes. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund Is included in the notes to the flnancial Statements. PENSION COST5 AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS The charitable company operate5 a defined contribution pension Scheme. Contrlbutions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Flnancial Activltles in the period to which they relate. Page 13 continued...
SMETHWICK CHURCH AcfioN NETWORK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- contlnued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 OTHER TRADING A1VITIEs IOZ5 2024 Shop Income 13,610 11,473 NET INCOMEI{EXPENDITUREI Net Income/lexpenditurel Is stated after charglnFJlcredltingl: 2025 2024 Independent examiners fees Depreclation - owned assets 2,340 2,365 1,800 2,291 TRUSTEES, REMUNERATION AND BENeFITS There were no trustees, remuneratlon or other beneflts for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024. TRUSTEES. EXPENSES There were no trustee5' expenses pald for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024. STAFF COSTS The average monthly number of employees during the year wa5 a5 follows: 2025 2024 Employees No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000. Page 14 contlnued...
SMETHWICK CHURCH AcfioN NETWORK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - cont5nued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Fixture5 and fittings Plant and machinery CompLrter equipment Tt)tsls COST At l Aprll 2024 Additlons 1,518 6,256 3,117 404 10,891 At 31 March 2025 1,518 6,256 3,521 11295 DEPRECIATION At l Aprll 2024 Charge for year 755 303 3,556 1,251 1,566 811 5,877 2,365 At 31 March 2025 1,058 4,807 2.377 8,242 NET BOOK VALUE At31 March 2025 460 1,449 1,144 3,053 At 31 March 2024 763 2,700 1,551 5,014 DEBTORS. AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2025 2024 Other debtors 79 CREOITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2025 2024 Soclal 5e¢urlty and other taxes Other creditors Credlt card Accrued expense5 289 170 1,510 2,340 283 173 3,222 1,800 4,309 5,478 Page 15 ontlnued.
SMETHWICK CHURCH AcfioN NETWORK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- ¢ontinued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Net movement In funds At 31.3.25 At 1.4.24 Unrestrlrted funds General fund Pantry Member5hlp 60,632 9,543 {27,2201 33,412 9,543 70,175 (27,220) 42,955 Restricted funds Trussell Trust Sandwell MBC Foodbank Harborne Parlsh Lands Sandwell M8C Pantry Trussell Trust IWSnter Support Grant) Alex Ferry Foundatlon Natlonal Grld Communlty Matters Fund TFL Communlty Fund Turner Trust The Eveson Trust Metal Closures Natlonal Lottery SCVO St Marys St Marys Trust House Sustainability Grant 2,250 6,404 12,250) 15,056) 656 675 (2,443) 12,0371 11921 1411 12,0001 iio,000) 1,544 10,000 1.076 1,701 7,358 8AZ2 1,348 656 4,538 3,863 2,443 2,037 192 41 2,000 10,000 1,544 10,000 1,076 1,701 7,358 8,422 29230 7A13 36,643 TOTAL FUNDS 99,405 19,8071 79,598 Page 16 continued..
SMETHWICK CHURCH AcfioN NETWORK NOTESTOTHE FINANaAL STATEMENTS- contlnued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 MOVEMENT IN FUNDS- contlnued Net movement in funds, Included in the above are as follows: Incomlng resources Resources expended Movement In funds Unrestricted funds General fund 48,534 175,7541 127,220) Restrlcted funds Tru55ell Trust Sandwell MBC Foodbank Harborne Parlsh Land5 Sandwell MBC Pantry Te5co Groundwork5 Tru55ell Trust Iwlnter Support Grant) Tenderstem Broccoll Alex Ferry Foundation Natlonal GrSd Communlty Matters Furbd TFL Community Fund Turner Trust Dulverton Trust Fund Warburtonscommunlty Fund The Eveson Trust Metal Closures Natlonal Lottery SCVO St Marys St Marys Trust House Sustalnabillty Grant Woodward wvcA 12,2501 125,306) 116AZII 14,8261 1363) 12,443) 15,8341 12,0371 11921 1411 12,IXIOI 14,9281 14001 {io,0001 {861 12,2501 15,056} 656 675 20,250 17,077 5,501 363 (2,443) S,B34 12,0371 119ZI 141} 12,IXIO) 4,928 400 {io,0001 1,630 10,000 1,600 1,559 9,680 20N25 1,000 300 10,000 1,076 1,701 7,358 8,422 15241 18581 12,3221 112,0031 {I,000) 101,547 {94,1341 7,413 TOTAL FUNDS ISO,081 {169,888) 19,8071 Page 17 continued...
SMETHWICK CHURCH AcfioN NETWORK NOTES TO THE FINANaAL STATEMENTS - contlnued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 MOVEMENT IN FUNDS- contlnued Comp4ratl¥e5 for movement In fund5 Net movement In fLbnds At 31.3.24 At 1.4.23 Unrestrlrted funds General fund Pantry Membershlp 41,158 13,122 19,474 13,5791 60,632 9,543 54,280 15.895 70,175 Restrlcted fund5 Trussell Trust Istrateglc Facilities Grantl Sandwell MBC Foodbank Awards 4 All EPIC fund 2 Harborne Parlsh Lands Julla & Han5 Rau5ing Trust Sandwell MBC Pantry Tesco Groundworks Trussell Trust Iwlnter Support Grant) Alex Ferry Foundatlon Natlonal Grid Community Matters Fund TFL Communlty Fund Turner Trust The Eveson Trust 2,250 7,506 1,948 13,903 3,405 6,393 239 1,540 10,349 2,250 6,404 11,1021 11,9481 113,9031 13,4051 16,3931 3,624 11,540} 17,9061 2,037 192 41 2,000 10,000 3.863 2,443 2,037 192 41 2,000 10,000 47,533 18,3031 29,230 TOTAL FUNDS 101,813 12.408 99,405 Page 18 contlnued...
SMETHWICK CHURCH AlON NETWORK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - contlnued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 MOVEMENT IN FUNDS- contlnued Comparatlve net movement In funds, included In the ab(we are as follows: Incomlng resources Resources expended Movement in funds Unrestrlcted funds General fund Pantry Membershlp 42,392 11,472 122,9181 115,0511 19,474 3,5791 53,864 137,9691 15,895 Restricted funds Trussell Trust Istrategic Facllities Grant) Local Giving Magic Grants Sandwell M8C Foodbank Awards 4 All EPIC fund 2 Harborne Parlsh Lands Julla & Han5 Rausing Trust Sandwell MBC Pantry Tesco Groundworks Trussell Trust Iwlnter Support Grant) Tenderstem Broccoll Alex Ferry Foundation Natlonal Grld Communlty Matters Fund TFL CommunSty Fund Turner Trust Dulverton Trust Fund The Harry Payne Fund Heart of England Community Foundatlon Warburtons Communlty Fund The Eveson Trust 9,000 51K) 47,500 19,0001 15001 148,6021 11,9481 113,9031 124,8281 16.393} 14,3361 14,9921 17,9061 15,LN)01 14631 16,3051 19,9071 11,1021 11,9481 113,9031 13,405 16,3931 3,624 11,5401 17,9061 21,423 7,960 3,452 5,000 2,500 6,497 9,948 2,000 4,436 1,500 2,000 400 10,0 2,037 192 41 2,000 14,4361 11,5001 12,0001 14001 10,000 134,116 152,4191 118,3031 TOTAL FUNDS 187,980 1190,3881 12,4081 Unrestrlrted - General Funds Thls fund represents the free funds of the charity that are not designated for any partlcular purpose. Deslgnated- Pantry Membershlp Funds This fund contains traded income from money paid weekly by Pantry members, and occasional donatlons to Your Local Pantry Smethwlck. Restrirted- Alex Ferry Thls Is a grant from the Alex Ferry foundatlon for Lead Prolect Manager salary costs from April to September 2024, and for rucksacks of equipment and clothing for homeless Foodbank cllents. Page 19 continued...
SMEfHWICK CHURCH ACTION NETWORK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 MOVEMENT IN FUNDS- contlnued Restricted - Dulverton Thi5 is a grant from the Heart of England Birmlngham and Black Country Cornmunlties Fund in conjunctlon with the Dulverton Trust for Pantry food costs. Restrlrted- Eve50n Th15 is a grant from the Eveson Trust towards staff costs from Aprll 2024 to March 2025. Restrlrted . H•rborne Parlsh Land5 Charlty Thls Is a grant towards Foodbank staff costs from July 2024 to June 2025. Restricted - Metal Closure5 Llmited Thls Is a 8rant from Metal Closures LSmlted Staff Welfare Fund for food hyglene tralnlng and laptops. R•strlcted - Natlonal Grld Thls Is a grant from Natlonal Grld Communlty Matters Fund for foodbank staff costs, warm home packs for foodbank clients, and addltlonal heating costs. R•strlrted - Natlonal Lottery This is a gra nt from the Natlonal Lottery Comrnunlty Fund for Foodbank Coordinator and Foodbank Administrator salary costs Aprll to September 2025. Restrirted- SCVO vla St Marys Thls is a grant from Sandwell Councll for Voluntary OrEanlsations for Foodbank Manager and Flnance Admlnlstrator Salary c05t5, in respect of a5slstance glven in the setup and management of Bearwood Pantry. Re5tflcted . 5andwell MBC (Foodbank) Thls Is ongoln8 fundlng from Sandwell MBC speclftcally deslgnated for food costs and carrier bags for use wlthln our Foodbank project. Re5tficted - Sandwell MBC (Pantrvl Thi5 is a grant from the Household Support Fund for food for members of Your Local Pantry Smethwick, Restrlcted - St Mary's Mlsslon GlYln8 Group This is a grant from St Mary'5 Church Bearwood, for Foodbank Coordinator salary costs from December 2024 to November 2025. Restrlcted- Tenderstem Broccoll This is a grant from Action against Hunger In conjunctlon with Tenderstem Broccoll to support Your Local Pantry Smethwick wlth stafflng c05t5, winter warmer hampers, and addStlonal culturally appropriate foods leg.. halal food. vegetarian foodl- Re5trlcted - Tesco Groundworks These are ongoing small grants from Tesco for the provision of fresh fruit and ve8etable5 for Foodbank users. Restrlcted - TFL Communlty Fund This was a grant for Foodbank staff costs from January to March 2024. Restricted - Trusthouse This 15 a grant from Trusthou5e Charitable Foundation for rent Costs and Volunteer CoordSnator Salary costs from January to Decernber 2025. Page 20 continued...
SMETHWICK CHURCH AcfioN NETWORK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- contiNed FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 MOVEMETrTh IN FUNDS- continued Re5tricted- TT Sustainablllty Grant This is a Trussell Trust grant of £20,ocKJ for Foodbank food costs. Restricted - TT Strate8lc Facllltles Grant Thls funding is a Trussell Trust grant towards the cost of rent cost5 from July 2021 to June 2025, and foodbank shelvlng. Restrlcted - Winter Support Grant Thls Is a Trussell Trust grant deslgnated to addltlonal stafflng costs. food costs, and slow cookers for foodbank clients. An underspend was allocated to rental costs. Restricted - Turner Trust This Is a grant towards core costs, whlch has been Intemally allocated to Warehouse Admlnlstrator salary costs from Aprll to June 2024. Restrlcted - Warburtons Thls Is a small grant from Warburtons for Foodbank Coordlnator salary costs from January to February 2025. Restrlcted - Wolverharnpton Voluntary & Communlty Artlon Thls Is a payment from WVCA for Volunteer Coordinator salary costs, In respert to NHS Integrated Care Board research carried out in June-july 2024. Restricted - Woodward This 55 a 8rant from Woodward Charitable Trust for rental costs. Desl8nat•d Corporate Donatlons These are corporate donatlons for our general funds, whlch have been Internally designated to cover partlcular fundlng needs: Richardson Brothers - £3,oc - desl8nated to Foodbank Admlnlstrator salary costs from Aprll to July 2024. Enflnlum - £6,ty)O - de518nated to Lead Project Manager salary costs from Aprll to September 2024. ASDA Foundatlon - £l,OCM) - designated to Foodbank food costs from October to December 2024. Richardson Brothers - £3,000 - designated to Foodbank Admlnlstrator salary c05ts from December 2024 to March 2025. Cole Charltable Trust - £1,500 - designated to Volunteer Coordinator salary costs from January to June 2025. io. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2025. Page 21