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
W0￿e
Independent Examln•r
J W Hlnks LLP
Charte￿d 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
I￿L 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
3￿53
5,014
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
Cash at bank and In hand
79
99,790
44,211
36,643
80￿54
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 p￿pared 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 A￿1VITIEs
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 A￿lON 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