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2022-03-31-accounts

Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From April 2021 Period start date To March 2022 Period end date

Charity name: Lewisham Pensioners Forum LPF

Charity registration number: 1158175

Objectives and Activities

Objectives and Activities Objectives and Activities Objectives and Activities
SORP
referenc
e
Summary of the
purposes of the charity
as set out in its
governing document.		 Para
1.17		 Lewisham Pensioners' Forum was established to
benefit the older people who work, live within, or visit
the London Borough of Lewisham by:
(a)
Preventing or relieving poverty experienced by
older people, by disseminating information on
financial matters and seeking support for campaigns
in the interests of older people;
(b)
Advancing education and life-long learning for
older people to acquire information;
(c)
Promoting the good health and well-being of
older people by providing information, thereby
enabling and empowering those who may be
encountering ill-health, disability, financial hardship,
isolation or any other disadvantage;
(d)
Promoting social inclusion among older people
and combating negative perceptions of age and the
elderlyin the media and elsewhere.
Summary of the main
activities in relation to
those purposes for the
public benefit, in
particular, the activities,
projects or services
identified in the
accounts.		 Para
1.17 and
1.19		 Certain activities of LPF are open to all irrespective of
whether they are members of the Charity or not. In
pre-pandemic times these have included:
The bi-monthly Speaker meetings held in January,
March, May and July.
• "Pensioners Day" — an afternoon of packed
lunch, Speakers and entertainment held in the
800-seater Broadway Theatre, Catford with an
average of 450 people attending.
• The November AGM — Speaker meeting with
Christmas sales (although only members may
vote on the formal business).
• Ad hoc hustings and other public events,
Fayres and meetings.
With the end of funding sourced to increase the
distribution and size of the newsletter, the bi-monthly
Newsletter was returned to its normal size, and
changes in the waymanyfood banks operated,
meant there was a reduced need and so a reduction
in the number printed. Nevertheless, the bi-monthly
Newsletter during this period was sent or delivered
to all members, despite many being unable to pay
their dues as a result of lock-down rules. (The
importance of disseminating trustworthy information,
especially to those without easy access to the
internet is our priority). We therefore maintained our
deliveries to a fair proportion of the organisations we
made contact with during the first pandemic year and
also delivering copies to the 18 sheltered schemes
managed by the Local Authority, partnering with
Lewisham Homes.
The annual membership fee to join the Charity,
which brings other benefits like access to the
monthly social outings and delivery of a hard copy of
the Newsletter to an individual's address, is
deliberately kept at a low level to be open to as
many people as possible (£5 for new members and
£10 per annum thereafter). Free to join in the last
quarter of the membership year.
Statement confirming
whether the Trustees
have had regard to the
guidance issued by the
Charity Commission on
public benefit.		 Para
1.18		 The Trustees have had regard to the guidance issued
by the Charity Commission in respect of public
benefit.

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SORP
referenc
e
Policy on grant making. Para
1.38
Policy on social
investment including
program related
investment.		 Para
1.38
Contribution made by
volunteers.		 Para
1.38		 LPF is a volunteer and community led organisation.
Its Trustees are elected from the general
membership, although Trustees may also be co-opted
to provide specialist skills or strengthen the Board.
LPF's strength is the good-will and enthusiasm of its
Trustees and other volunteers who undertake a
number of roles to promote the aims of the Charity
and with the staff reduced in the previous year are
increasinglyinvolved in day-to-dayadministration.
Other.

Achievements and Performance

Achievements and Performance Achievements and Performance Achievements and Performance
SORP
reference
Summary of the main
achievements of the
charity, identifying the
difference the
charity’s work has
made to the
circumstances of its
beneficiaries and any
wider benefits to
society as a whole.		 Para 1.20 Our normal former activities, events and outreach were
severely affected by a continuation COVID restrictions
and fears throughout the year under review but, where
we could, we enhanced other provision to compensate.
Newsletters and disseminating hard-copy
information
With the Newsletter being our principal means of
contacting members, and the LCR funding having been
exhausted, we returned to pre-pandemic size while
maintaining an increase in our distribution levels. We
continued to deliver to the 18 sheltered schemes
managed by Lewisham Homes (Managers of the Local
Authority owned social housing) and other foodbanks
and groups we had linked to in the first year of the
pandemic, outreaching to the isolated and digitally
excluded throughout the Borough.
We continued to receive positive feedback to the effect
that the LPF Newsletter was a valued enhancement to
services provided for vulnerable clients; this is also
echoed amongst our own membership and reflected in
our survey issued to our member s ‘seeking their views
on the impact of C-19 and priorities for going forward’,
asking them to give feedback on how useful they found
our services, for example, Monthly C-19 special edition
newsletters, the telephone outreach, interim email
updates. Etc.
We were pleased to return the "Diary Dates" column,
promoting places and activities that were now
reopened, and sharing information about essential key
events/meetings going on throughout the Borough.
Contact with members/networks
After a few stop-start moments, the Monday Project (a
weekly open-house for socialising and activities), was
reopened.
We continued to experience the increase in phone
enquiries by our members and non-members about
services and support available in the Borough; both
staff and volunteers responded signposting and offering
following up calls if requested. Staff were present in the
office throughout the year under review and monitoring
and responding to messages throughout.
We held a ‘two-month membership drive’ giving those
unable to pay their membership during the lockdown,
time and space to update their membership and
physically connect with others.
Campaigning Issues and Surveys
We issued three surveys to measure the digital
confidence of our members;toget their views on the

‘impact of C-19 and the priorities of the organisation moving forward’. Members were also invited to participate in ‘Do Not Attempt Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation survey. In the previous year we collaborated with the PR firm conducting the Lewisham Centre development survey sending a hard copy to 450 LPF members in the questionnaire that explored the needs of Pensioners in Lewisham, this year this was followed up by us rolling out at four focus group meetings held at the Monday Project, for our members to tell us about Town Centre: what is good about it, what needs to change and what the opportunities there are. We held focus groups discussions on ‘experiences of living at home during the pandemic’, and the availability of housing support services in Lewisham, to ensure that all older people are able to live in decent homes of their own choosing for as long as they wish. Our members participated in a survey reviewing on the way people access their General Practice, ‘Time for a National review of GP access’ Survey. We sent information from ‘Keep our NHS Public’ and the experienced campaigners of the ‘Save Lewisham Hospital’ movement, whose meetings were greatly attended by our members online. Our members joined and participated in campaign activities alongside Age UK to remind the Prime Minister of promises regarding the Government’s Health and Social Care commitment. Meetings We were unable rto esume our usual bi-monthly faceto-face meetings at the start of the year, and focused on delivering the first few online only. Thereafter our meetings were hybrid. A successful all day "Health Fayre" virtual event organised at the usual time in January attended by up to 45 people. Once again we took advantage of the flexibility of using Zoom to invite a yoga teacher who used to deliver seated yoga sessions face to face to contribute to this event even though she now lives in Germany. Likewise, we also delivered a postal/virtual AGM in March, with the theme of the day focusing on launching the ‘Warm Homes’ champions initiative, and hearing from experts on financial planning of the Health & Care Bill, the cost of care and why it’s changing. In June we held an online meeting focusing on Scams ‘Don’t be Fooled’ hosted by experts from Scotland Yard, exploring different scams and what the key signs re to look out for, and how not to be scammed, National Take Five Campaign. Additionally, we held our Care & Repair forum meeting in July, and delivered a talk and workshop on this national Charity’s work on improving homes and living

conditions for older people who are all entitled to living in decent homes of their own choosing. We organised a face-to face Pensioners Day, on the theme of ‘Leaving the Pandemic Behind and finding your feet again!’, which was attended by between 250300 people, restricted as result of the social distancing rule in indoor spaces. People thoroughly enjoyed themselves as this was the first time many had been out amongst so many others. We held four social outing events, Broadstairs (attended by 26 members) and Kentwell Hall, (attended by 21 members) which was fully attended. Our Christmas lunch was attended by 40 members. Volunteers attended and facilitated our presence at three festivals in the Borough.

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Achievements against
objectives set.		 Para 1.41
Performance of fundraising
activities against objectives
set.		 Para 1.41 Applied for funding from NICL funds.
Investment performance
against objectives.		 Para 1.41
Other.

Financial Review

Financial Review
Review of the Charity’s
financial position at the end
of the period.		 Para 1.21 At the end of the year the charity position
was relatively secure with restricted funds
held against developmental work and plans
in hand to pursue further fundraising for
core cost expenditure.
Statement explaining the
policy for holding reserves
stating why they are held.		 Para 1.22 The Trustees maintain sufficient reserves
to cover the costs of winding up the
Charity, including staff redundancy and
outstanding contractual arrangements. As a
matter of prudence, despite the redundancy
liability being reduced by one member of
staff leaving in January 2021 and not being
replaced, the Trustees have decided to
continue to maintain this fund at or slightly
above theprevious level.
Amount of reserves held. Para 1.22 £56,321 (i.e. £57,420 reported cash re-
serves plus £1,080 assets less £2,179 liab-
ilities).
Reasons for holding zero
reserves..		 Para 1.22
Details of fund materially in
deficit.		 Para 1.24
Explanation of any
uncertainties about the
charity continuing as a going
concern.		 Para 1.23 Local Authority funding for the Charity
ended March 2022. The Trustees are
seeking funds from elsewhere, and if
necessary, plan to use more volunteers to
help deliver services.

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The Charity’s principal
sources of funds (including
any fundraising).		 Para 1.47 During 2021-2022 we continued to receive
Local Authority funding which was more
than adequate to cover the Charity’s costs
with only one staff member and further
fundraising was actively pursued resulting
in us getting NICL funding.
Investment policy and
objectives including any
social investment policy
adopted.		 Para 1.46
A description of the principal
risks facing the Charity.		 Para 1.46 Failure to raise adequate funding to cover
the Charity's expenditure and or failure to
recruit more voluntary helpers with the
required skills.
Other.

Structure, Governance and Management:

Description of Charity’s
trusts.		 n/a (we don’t have any)
Type of governing document
(trust deed,royal charter).		 Para 1.25 Constitution
How is the Charity is
constituted?
(e.g unincorporated
association,CIO).		 Para 1.25 Unincorporated Association
Trustee selection methods
including details of any
constitutional provisions e.g.
election to post or name of
any person or body entitled
to appoint one or more
Trustees.		 Para 1.25 Either elected by members at a general meeting
(usually the AGM) or co-opted by Trustees.
The Constitution also makes provision for one or
two trustees or special advisers, being Councillors
nominated by the Local Authority, but since the
pandemic and its associated pressures the Local
Authority has not exercised that option.
All new EC members attend induction and Strategic
planningAwayDays.

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Policies and procedures
adopted for the induction and
training of Trustees.		 Para 1.51
The Charity’s organisational
structure and any wider
network with which the
Charity works.		 Para 1.51 We have one aid officer who works closely with the
Honorary Officers and volunteers to administer the
Charity and delivery our services.
We are monitored by the London Borough of
Lewisham.
We are affiliated with the National Pensioners
Convention and the Greater London Pensioners
Association..
We work closely with Age UK London, Lewisham
and Southwark and other local groups and
Charities serving the same beneficiary cohort.
We work with a wide range of groups which
include, WHO (world Health Organization),
Westminster Health Forum, the Fuel Poverty Action
Group, the NHS Support Group, The International
Longevity Centre UK, The International Federation
on Ageing and the Public Sector Executive
(PSE365), NPC, The Greater London Forum for
Older People; Seniors, Ageing Well etc.
Relationship with any related
parties.		 Para 1.51 Informal links have been established and
maintained with other local charities for older
people.
Some of our Trustees are also Trustees of other
Charities with similar objectives.
Other.

Reference and Administrative details

Charityname Lewisham Pensioners Forum
Other name the charityuses LPF
Registered charitynumber 1158175
Charity’s principal address Fifth Floor, Laurence House, Catford Road, London. SE6 4RU

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

Trustee name Office (if any) Dates acted if
not for whole
year		 Name of person (or body)
entitled to appoint trustee (if
any)
Bridgit Sam-Bailey Chairman LPF members in AGM
Stella Amogbokpa-Nortey LPF members in AGM
Anthony Atherton Secretary LPF members in AGM
Paul Brownlow LPF members in AGM
Jean Goodison LPF members in AGM
Elizabeth Nwawudu Treasurer LPF members in AGM
Bridget Unegbu LPF members in AGM
Kiran Patel Treasurer June 2021 LPF members in AGM
Peter Refarn March 2021 LPF members in AGM
Kevin Wheelan LPF members in AGM

Corporate trustees – names of the directors at the date the report was approved Director name

Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity

----- Start of picture text -----
Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year
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Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

Description of the assets n/a held in this capacity. Name and objects of the Charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian Charity’s objects. Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the Charity’s own assets.

Additional information (optional)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Ty Name Address pe of adviser Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)

Exemptions from disclosure

Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details

Other optional information

Declarations

The Trustees met on 27 January by zoom when it was agreed that the TAR was a true reflection of the Forum.

Signed on behalf of the Charity’s Trustees:

Signature(s) Full name(s) Bridgit A Sam-Bailey Elizabeth Nwawudu Position (eg Secretary, Chairman Trustee Chair, etc) Date 30 January 2023

Lewisham Lewisham Pensione/sForum
1158175
accou GC16a
Forthe neriod froml 1slApril2021 lo 31stlrarch2022
Section ARecei and
Unrestrict
edfunds		 Restricte
dfunds		 Endom
ent
funds		 Total
funds		 Lastyear
tose bso toSe
A1
LB Lewisham main grant
HMRC HRS (Fuilough)crant
Hyde Housing
NCDP Lewisham grant		 37,000 37-000 26,251
10,09c
2,611
2-40A
97
Groundwo*UK 6,400
Membe6hip subscdptons and Donations
E{srnalOonations&fund€Eng		 2.763
227		 2,763
227		 5,000
201
SELCE
417
Poslage and printinq conhbutions 43A 438
Pensionets Day sales & raffie 1.205 1,205
Lewisham ShoppingCenreEngagement
KentuelIBroadsiai6dayrrps		 616 2,000 2,000
616
Xmas dinner- 2021 1,015 1.015
PeftinsSM FB
Sub tofa, (Grcss,,hcomeforAR) 43,598 2,009 45,607 56,180
A2Asset and investment sales,
(seetable).
rotarrecerpts@l l.Totl 56,180
-
21,759 21,759 36,502
1,273 1,273 712
Printing, postage, stationery 2,118 2,118 1,310
1,74
Teephoneandinternel 1,186 1,186 1,660
1,715 1,715 1,377
Franking 775 775
A@unbncy,bookkeeping, payrott
l.surane& DBS checks		 876
v1		 876
g1		 996
527
Ome. adminsubs & pubicty 50 50 75
850 s0 230
8g 894
220
Depreciation Expense
LeqshamCommunity Transpod 5E3 563
Sub total 32,550 32,650 48,385
Computer 1,069
Sub total 1,069
Totatpaymens@ 49,e54
Netofrecei pts/(payments)
A6 Cashfundslast year end
Cashfunds thisyar qd		 I0,949
5,808
17,756		 - 2,009
39,6&		 tttJ 12,957
4,163
57,424		 6,726
737
44,4U
BStatementof
Section		 assets and liabilitiesat theend of the
Restricte
0ategories Details ted
funds		 dfunds funds
BlCashfunds 27,511
17,735 12.050
casl, funds 17,75G 39,664
io@swthre@ipts and payments accounr(s))
Unrestric Restricte Endowment
ted dfunds funds
funds
to nearest€
82 Other monetary assets