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Droylsden & District Foodbank
(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation) Charity number 1159438
Trustees Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2023
Charity Name
Droylsden & District Foodbank
Charity registration number
1159438
Board of Trustees
Mrs Patricia Catterall Mrs Alison Ferriday Mrs Patricia Ankers Mrs Glynis Shaw Mr Peter Feeley Mr Bryan Bancroft – resigned 22/01/2024 Mrs Veronica Warrington Mrs Gwen Barr Mr Stephen Williams Revd John Hemsworth (Chair) Mrs Giovanna Palmieri Mr Anthony Ellis
Partner churches
St Mary’s Droylsden St Stephen’s Droylsden St Martin’s Droylsden St Andrew’s Droylsden Droylsden Methodist Dream Centre
Website: https://droylsdendistrict.foodbank.org.uk
Contact: info@ droylsdendistrict . foodbank . org . uk
Structure, Government & Management
Governing Document/Constitution
Governing Document/Constitution Charitable Incorporated Organisation Registered 2 December 2014 Trustee selection method Election by Trustees
Charity Objectives
To relieve persons in Droylsden and local surrounding areas that are in financial hardship in such other ways as the trustees from time to time think fit, in particular, but not exclusively by:
- a) providing emergency food, essential toiletries, and household items to individuals and families in need and/or for distribution by charities or other organisations working to prevent or relieve poverty
b) such other means, including (but not limited to) the provision of support or signposting to relevant information and other advisory services
Aims of the Charity
Our aims are to assist in alleviating poverty through the provision of food parcels to those in crisis, in partnership with local care agencies who refer clients in crisis to us. By signposting to care agencies, advice services and other support agencies, we aim to help resolve a client’s immediate crisis, which is causing their need to use the Foodbank.
Anyone in need can be referred to the Foodbank.
Charitable Activities
Droylsden & District Foodbank has now been in operation since December 2013.
We work in partnership with six local churches all who provide volunteers and food donations.
We continue to work in partnership with the Trussell Trust and follow their operational procedures.
The Foodbank provides 3 days of emergency food to those who have been issued with a voucher. Referrals are made electronically by agencies who have identified people as being in crisis.
These agencies vary from national organisations, such as Citizens Advice and the Probation Service to schools, children’s centres and local charities working with specific demographic groups such as victims of domestic violence or homelessness.
During 2023 the Foodbank has partnered with Tameside East and Tameside South and Longdendale Foodbanks to provide direct access to a Citizens Advice adviser through the
Financial Inclusion project. The adviser will assist the client with benefit checks, debt, bereavement or other areas as needed.
Achievements and Performance
Overview
2023 has seen a marked increase in the number of vouchers fulfilled and the number of people fed.
During 2023 we fulfilled 723 vouchers which was a 33% increase on 2022.
The total number of people fed was 1859 a 28% increase on 2022. Included in this total were 729 children an increase of 10% on the previous year.
The main reasons for clients requiring the support of the Foodbank continues to be changes and delays to welfare benefit payments. Other reasons include low income, debt, ill health, homelessness and domestic abuse.
We have seen an increase in the number of people in work who are being referred to us.
Stock levels
The permanent collection point in Tesco Droylsden is well supported by shoppers and the annual national collection at the store provides a boost to our stock levels.
The local churches continue to support us with donations as do the local schools at harvest time and Christmas. Businesses and individuals also donate food and personal hygiene items during the year. A local company donates toilet rolls on a regular basis.
Despite the regular donations it has been necessary during the year to bulk buy certain food items as demand has not been met by donations. The cost of these purchases has been met by cash donations and from cash reserves. The total weight purchased was 3,335 kgs.
The stock recorded into the warehouse during 2023 was 12,347 kgs and stock out was 11,675 kgs. The stock level at 31 December 2023 was 4,997 kgs.
Operational issues
The operation of the Foodbank continues to be conducted from the warehouse. There is currently no capacity within the warehouse to invite clients in for a drink and a chat. Clients receive their bags in the rear area of the warehouse and can choose any fresh items donated by Tesco that week. Extras (such as sauces and pickles etc) are also available.
If any client wishes to make an appointment to speak with the Citizens Advice adviser they are directed to the front of the warehouse where the appointment can be made in private.
The precinct owners have been approached about us occupying a larger unit where a café style area can be created. This will be pursued during 2024.
Volunteers
The Foodbank has no paid staff and is run entirely by volunteers. Many of the volunteers have been with the Foodbank from the start covering positions such as Project Manager, Distribution centre sessions and warehouse management.
The Project Manager has indicated that she will step down from this position within 2 years and the Trustees will consider the way forward for the management of the Foodbank.
A new deputy Safeguarding officer is in post and along with the current Safeguarding officer has undergone training during 2023.
A number of other volunteers have attending Trussell Trust training, seminars, roadshows and Greater Manchester Foodbank meetings.
Summary of financial position
There are generous cash supporters of the Foodbank, some giving regularly by Standing Order and others with donations throughout the year.
Total receipts for the calendar year 2023 were £5,580.92 (2022 £12,594)
Total outgoings were £9,262.33 (2022: £3839)
The balance at 31 December 2023 was £38,630.61
The Trustees have designated the sum of £10,000 to be held in reserve for future stock purchases.
Trustees receive regular reports outlining the charity’s financial position.
And finally
After 10 years the Droylsden & District Foodbank continues to be supported by the community and remains an integral part of emergency food provision throughout the area. It is a credit to our community, the region and indeed the network as a whole.
2023 has been a challenging but rewarding year for all connected to the Foodbank. Wider publicity has thrown a spotlight on food poverty and the cost-of-living challenges have seen an increased awareness and take up of the support we provide. Droylsden & District Foodbank has met the recent increasing need and will continue to serve our community.
Alongside the Trussell Trust we look to a future where all can afford the essentials and there will no longer be a need for Foodbanks in the UK.
DROYLSDEN & DISTRicf FOODBANK AccouKrs ACCOUNTS 2023 INCOME 2023 Donations Top up5 Trusell Trust 6r8nts Vouthers Glft Ald 3497.98 2082.94 o. Totsl 5WI.92 EXPENDITURE 2023 Warehouse/DistTibution Stock Stationery Postage Phone top up Insuran Utilities Rates Goveman Grant Volunteer costs Sundries Total 726.79 6922.97 5.78 162.62 424.28 153. 301.29 9262.33 Net 2023 -3681.41 BALANCE SHEET 2023 Opening Balance yI/2023 I&Enet 42312.02 -3681.41 C105ing Ban 31IW2023 3WO.61 Cash in Hand 31.12.23 Cash in Bank 31.12.23 vouche 31.12.23 1173.46 37457.15 Closlng Balan 3111212023 38630.61 Accounts independentw checked and examined bv Signatu Print Name Oate