**Droylsden & District Foodbank** **(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation) Charity number 1159438** **Trustees Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2024** ## **Charity Name** Droylsden & District Foodbank **Charity registration number** 1159438 ## **Board of Trustees** Mrs Patricia Catterall Mrs Alison Ferriday Mrs Glynis Shaw Mr Peter Feeley 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 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 2024 the Foodbank continued to partner with 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** For Droylsden & District Foodbank 2024 has seen a steady number of vouchers fulfilled and the number of people fed. During 2024 we fulfilled 660 vouchers from 377 unique households. The average number of visits from each household was therefore 1.75. From this average figure we can see that for many families we are the answer to a short-term crisis. There are some households that need longer term support but this is in exceptional circumstances. There were 282 first time referrals and for these families making the initial step to ask for support will have been a big decision. The referral agency they spoke to will have understood their individual circumstance and offered additional support where appropriate. The total number of people fed was 1724 of which 726 were children. 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. ## **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. We have however noted that donations through the store have reduced during the year. 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. As part of the governments Household Support Fund allocation the foodbank received a grant from Tameside MBC. This enabled us to purchase stock to supplement food donations made. Statistics were provided to Tameside to advise on how the grant had benefitted the families in need of our services. The stock recorded into the warehouse during 2024 was 12,311 kgs and stock out was 9,589 kgs. The weight of food purchased was 4,812 kgs. The stock level at 31[st] December 2024 was 7718.96 kgs. ## **Operational issues** One of our major challenges during 2024 has been the status of the warehouse where we both store our food and distribute to our clients. The rear of the unit, which is the distribution area, has suffered from a badly leaking flat roof. We have, and are continuing to, work with Tameside MBC to find the source of the leak and hopefully rectify the problem. This has not been an easy task but we are grateful to the various Tameside departments and Droylsden Councillors for their support. Environmental Health visited to confirm that there is no impact on our food stock because of the water ingress. We are also working with the landlord of our unit to find an alternative site for our warehouse and distribution centre which we hope will remain within Droylsden precinct. 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. ## **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, treasurer and warehouse management. The Project Manager has indicated her wish to step down from this position within 2 years and the Trustees will consider the way forward for the management of the Foodbank. She will remain as a volunteer and session lead. A number of volunteers have attended 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 2024 were £17,388 (2023 £5,580) Total outgoings were £12,719 (2023: £9,262) The balance at 31 December 2024 was £43,299 (2023:£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 11 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. 2024 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. Droylsden & District Foodbank has met these challenges and will continue to serve our community. A huge thank you goes to our many volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the weekly service we provide to our clients. Their dedication, support for each other and sense of humour defines our sessions and without them 1724 people, including 726 children would not have been fed. Alongside Trussell 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 & DISTRICT FOODBANK ACCOUNTS ACCOUNTS 2024 INCOME 2024 Income 3023 Cosh Donorions Vorionce 138.25 412.63 -362.88 -880.74 *e below 125C(t.l￿ See below Cash Donation5 tKJnors Just Givirbg Top upsTrusell Trust Grants Vouchers Glft Ald 1728.90 1312.63 644.45 1202.20 125O).00 1590.65 Just GivAng Top ups Trusell Trust Gronts Vouchers Gift Aid ICKJ7.53 2082.94 o.co ** Totsl 17388.18 5580.92 11807.26 EXPENDITURE 2024 Expendlture 2L723 Worehouse/Dlstriburlon Srock Srotlonery Pgstgqe Phone top up Insurance Utllities Rote5 Governance Grunt Volunteer Costs SundriES WarehouselDlstrlbuth Stock Stationery Posta8e Phone top up In5uranc¢ utllltles Rates Governance Grant Volunteer costs Sundrie5 Total 346.93 518.25 8.58 726.79 6922.97 -379.86 -6404.72 209.14 fK15.21 149.70 395.00 10326.45 29.15 162.62 424.28 153.60 505.CQ 46.52 180.93 -IiO.LX7 10326.45 see bebw -272.14 70.80 3456.88 301.29 12719.21 9262.33 Net 2023 4668.97 2023 -3681.41 8350.38 BALANCE SHEET 2024 •Trussell Trust Winter collection122-231 Jul- Dec Tesco rr122-231 Jan- Jun Th Top up MUFC 2023 2024 241.57 499.87 460.76 2023 Variance 212.65 28.92 1193.14 -693.27 457.E4J 5.16 219.55 -219.55 2082.94 -880 74 Opening Balance 11112024 I&Enet 4 386￿.61 4668.97 aosln 8•l•nce 3VIV2024 1202.20 Cash sn Hand 31.12.24 Cash In Bank 31.12.24 Vouchers 31.12.24 627.48 42672.10 •• Grlnts Grants Income EMP 12500.1)) -10326.45 To swd 2173.55 aosl B•lan¢•3V1212024 43299.58 Accounts IndeperKlently checked and e¥amlned by Slgnature Prlnt Name Date