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← Light Project Peterborough

2025-03-31-accounts

Charity Registration No. 1159764

LIGHT PROJECT PETERBOROUGH

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

LIGHT PROJECT PETERBOROUGH

CHARITY INFORMATION

Registered Address

The Garden House Gravel Walk Minster Precincts Peterborough PE1 1YU

Trustees

T Alban Jones S Bristow P Greaves M Green M Jackson P Logan A Lidgett

Bankers

CAF Bank Limited 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ

Independent Examiner

Robert Anderson BSC (Hons), FCA, CTA Streets Chartered Accountants Enterprise House 38 Tyndall Court Commerce Road Lynchwood Peterborough PE2 6LR

LIGHT PROJECT PETERBOROUGH

TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The Trustees present their report and financial statements of Light Project Peterborough for the year ended 31 March 2025.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).

Charitable object

The purpose of the charity is the relief and prevention of poverty and the promotion and preservation of good health by way of providing funds, goods and services to vulnerable individuals, specifically but not exclusively to the homeless or socially isolated, including the provision and facilitation of accommodation, information, advice and guidance, as well as quality support, also via churches to be determined by the charity.

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

Achievements and performance

The vision of Light Project Peterborough (LPP) is ‘Enabling and equipping the church and community to heal the brokenhearted, set free the oppressed and bring good news to the poor.’ To this end LPP serves the Greater Peterborough area through several different exciting projects and activities.

The Garden House

The Garden House project has been running since October 2018 and has established itself as Peterborough’s ‘Homeless Hub’. When someone is experiencing homelessness and needs support and hope, they are signposted to this project.

Between April 2024 and March 2025, 1,039 people were supported through the project with a total of 23,148 visits. This is a rise of those in significant need compared to the previous financial year (820 people and 13,879 visits). We were also able to help 596 people to move off the streets and into accommodation during this period.

Since November 2023, we have provided a seven day a week service, including being open all Bank Holidays and the Christmas period. This has been greatly appreciated by our Garden House guests.

By opening at weekends, people can continue to access a safe and secure place to keep themselves distracted from turning to substance misuse. This also helps with mental health and the feeling of loneliness.

When people first come to the project seeking support, our Project Workers are on hand to meet them and understand the situation that they’re experiencing. Care and attention are essential so we can identify the right level of support and how best to provide it.

Everyone has their own story and will come to us as a result of various reasons. Some become homeless after a breakdown in a relationship or with family, some will have lost their jobs, whilst others may have had a decline in their physical or mental health meaning they can no longer support themselves fully. There will be some who are fleeing modern slavery or domestic violence. Often, a person will have experienced a combination of these challenges.

LIGHT PROJECT PETERBOROUGH

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Across the city, there are many access centres such as community hubs, specialists such as offending and drugs/alcohol, and civic offices. Without the Garden House project, the homeless community would be lost in the middle of multiple services, spending much of their time bouncing from one to another. This is one of the reasons why we believe in the importance of a multi-agency approach.

We are able to provide showers and a laundry service to our Garden House guests. Access to washing facilities brings both physical and mental benefits to its users. The combination of the showers and our Health Outreach Bus providing on-site wound management, means people have a stronger chance of avoiding infections. 796 showers were provided over 2024-25.

In late 2024, we secured funding to create a Health and Wellbeing Garden on-site. This space will enable our guests to develop employability and living skills as well as building confidence for personal growth. There will be a dedicated outdoor kitchen and fitness area along with growing and natures areas.

We continued providing a unique support group called ‘Seasons’. The aim of the group is to provide a safe space for families, friends and loved ones of people who have been or currently are sleeping rough.

Homeless Health

A big part of the support we provide through the Garden House project involves facilitating access to health services for the people we help. This is called the Homeless Health Hub. Having access to health and care professionals on-site and through Outreach on the Heath Outreach Bus helps to overcome barriers that prevent them from accessing mainstream services and improves their health and wellbeing.

Between April 2024 and March 2025, there were 808 engagements made with drug and alcohol support including from Aspire CGL Recovery Service and Alcoholics Anonymous. We’ve continued to maintain a strong relationship with Boroughbury Medical Centre who help with GP registrations and provide GP and Nurse consultations onsite. Of the 545 people who presented as homeless for the first time, 243 of them weren’t previously signed up with a doctor. We managed to register 84 of these.

During this period, the NHS Immunisations and Vaccinations team have provided vaccinations for flu and COVID19. Terrence Higgins Trust and I-Cash Sexual Health Services have given sexual health advice, guidance and screening. For counselling and mental health support, both Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Foundation Trust’s Dual Diagnosis Outreach Team (DDOT) and Greater Peterborough Network’s specialist GP and Psychotherapist have delivered one-to-one sessions.

As well as running I-Cash Sexual Health, NHS Cambridgeshire Community Services also provides us support with dentistry and physiotherapy. This means a more rounded health support package can be offered.

One of the new services we’ve facilitated is Optometry with the support of First Vision Eyecare. Once a month, opticians came to the Garden House to provide eye tests and eye health screening, and if required, prescription glasses were provided.

Fitness Rush is a mobile gym providing Personal Training. Since 2023, they’ve been visiting every week providing guests with access to gym equipment and advice. This opportunity to exercise brings many benefits to people’s physical and mental health. People are also able to complete Personal Training qualifications.

LIGHT PROJECT PETERBOROUGH

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Health outreach bus

Since September 2023, we’ve been using our Health Outreach Bus to facilitate health services, primarily at The Garden House, but also during outreach into the community. The facilities onboard replicate a doctor’s consultation room and can be accessed by anyone via its ramp.

We regularly take the bus with a Healthcare professional from Greater Peterborough Network and a member of Peterborough City Council’s Rough Sleeper Outreach team to where Peterborough soup kitchens provide food and drink to those who are homeless and hungry. This gives us a captive audience to offer examinations as well as spread awareness of the support available across the city to those who are unaware of our work.

We’re proud we’ve also been able to help facilitate other health services for the wider community. North West Anglia Foundation Trust have carried out prostate screening sessions and The Greater Peterborough Network have used the bus for cervical cancer screenings in various locations across the North of Cambridgeshire. Hundreds of men and women have been checked, thanks to having access to this medical resource.

Peer advocacy

This programme was built upon our previous Peer Support project; a group of volunteers with Lived Experience of homelessness who wanted to give something back by supporting others.

We have now developed this further and have launched our Homeless Health Peer Advocacy project. This is a training programme for people to harness their own knowledge and understanding, whilst learning new skills and experience to help them move further along their journey.

Between April 2024 and March 2025, our Peer Advocates supported 207 people and made 444 engagements. They gave 1,265 hours of their time to support others.

Peer Advocates are trained to provide practical and emotional support to those experiencing homelessness. This includes helping to navigate services such as healthcare, mental health support, substance misuse, benefits, housing and being there when things get tough.

The programme is for six months and by the end of this period, many will have gained practical skills and valuable experience. This means they will be better positioned to move into long-term employment opportunities.

We also regularly collect feedback from our Peer Advocates and others with Lived Experience on different topics and challenges they face. Lived Experience discussion groups are often held so we can listen and seek to understand how we can better support people.

Feedback we receive helps not only us but also informs policy makers and service providers so key issues can be tackled within the city.

Street Chaplains

The charity originated from the good work that City Centre Chaplains started back in 2009. Since then, the project has rebranded, but the aim has continued to be the same. Street Chaplains are volunteers who engage with people in and around the city centre who need a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on. 1,481 hours of volunteering have been given by 27 Street Chaplains during April 2024 and March 2025.

LIGHT PROJECT PETERBOROUGH

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

This project also helps to improve the feelings of safety for everyone within the community, especially in public spaces and the night-time economy, and for women. The Street Chaplains are in active partnership with emergency services which speeds up help to be accessed by those in need.

Some chaplains go out at night time to provide support to those enjoying the nightlife in Peterborough. They help by giving out bottled water, provide First Aid when necessary, and help people into taxis so they can safely get home. We also have flip-flops for people who end up needing alternative footwear at the end of their night.

Chaplains will also be found in other places such as local pubs, Central Park, Community Hubs as well as supporting guests at the Garden House. Many people feel lost or are struggling with tough situations such as having loved ones or friends being in hospital.

Volunteering

We are truly thankful to have such a wonderful and caring team of volunteers. Without their contribution, we wouldn’t be able to provide the same level of support to those needing help. Between April 2024 and March 2025, 7,230 hours were given in total by volunteers. This equates to a cost contribution of £91,098 to the city

Over the years, we have established a group of people of all ages and backgrounds who have brought different attributes and experiences. They offer their time for various reasons. Some want to build up their skills and knowledge, some are retired and want to keep busy, others use it as a way to make friends or overcome grief, whilst others simply just want to make a positive impact in their community.

Through the Garden House project, volunteers serve food and drink with a friendly smile and a listening ear. Over time, volunteers can build up a strong rapport with some of the Garden House guests, which can have such a positive impact especially on those who might feel anxious or alone.

We also have volunteers who have supported us in other ways such as helping to maintain or improve our buildings and grounds. Having a network of people with different skill sets and attributes really helps us to deliver the quality of service we provide.

We feel it’s important that we show appreciation to our volunteers and so we organise a couple of events each year to achieve this. We held our yearly Volunteer and Supporter Celebration evening in May 2024 and our Curry and Carols night took place in December. Thank you to the ‘Little Punjab Food Company’ who support the event with food each year and help to make the evening as special as possible.

Peterborough night shelter

The Peterborough Night Shelter provides emergency accommodation to those living on the streets and are facing barriers or challenges in securing temporary accommodation. This accommodation comes in the form of singleperson units which are sited across four church sites in Peterborough. Each unit includes a single bed, shower, toilet, sink, a window, storage, and radiators.

Between April 2024 and March 2025, 25 people were supported with Emergency Accommodation and 2,279 bed nights were provided.

We have seven emergency pods situated across the Salvation Army Citadel, Southside Methodist Church, Peterborough International Christian Centre, and Christ the Carpenter. Dogsthorpe. Guests are referred by our Project Workers and Peterborough City Council’s Rough Sleeper Outreach team.

LIGHT PROJECT PETERBOROUGH

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Guests are picked up from their unit every morning by a Project Worker in our mini-bus and then taken to the Garden House project to be further supported on their action plans throughout the day. They are then returned to their pod in the evening.

The church communities further support this project by providing water and electricity into the units while volunteers supply hot meals, visit them regularly and invite guests to take part in church activities to avoid feelings of loneliness. In total, these amazing volunteers gave 1,448 hours between April 2024 and March 2025.

Furthermore, if this and other accommodation in the city is full or not accessible we strive to not see anyone at risk on the streets. Where this is the case we will source emergency hotel accommodation to give people whose health is spiralling or at risk of abuse such as fleeing domestic violence some respite and safety.

Across Peterborough

Across Peterborough is a communication tool with a website, social media and newsletter. Our aim is to showcase some of the amazing work done in our city and provide resources that will help improve the Peterborough community. On our website, we have a directory of over 100 churches and Christian groups. This enables people to connect and find out how they can engage with the city and receive help if required.

Furthermore, other examples of good work we lead on are the Peterborough Civic Prayer Breakfast, Peterborough Christian Leaders Forum and Peterborough Christians for Social Action.

Peterborough civic prayer breakfast

Every year, we organise an event to bring together Christian and Civic Leaders to consider their work in the city and for those in need and to pray for the City Council, the Police and Health Services.

Peterborough Christian leaders forum

It was recognised by us that senior Christian leaders across denominations and charities were not meeting or considering their social action work together. Early 2025 we worked with denominational leaders from such as

The purpose of the Forum is to:

PC4SA (Peterborough Christians for Social Action)

The group was formed in May 2021 and originated out of the Peterborough Winter Night Shelter meetings. There was a realisation that the churches coming together to open their doors to the homeless in Peterborough were also interested in further social action initiatives. The group meets quarterly to discuss specific social action topics. This has led to increased involvement from churches on issues of food poverty, homelessness, health, substance misuse, sex working, the environment, youth work, and immigration.

Our digital and social media presence is important to our work, focussing on getting good news out to the community, increasing awareness of our work and encouraging others to help those in need. At end of March 2024 on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter we had a total of 8,426 followers. Our Light Project Peterborough monthly newsletter continues with innovative infographics and video content. In March 2024 this had 827 subscribers and feedback continues to be positive on the content and information given.

LIGHT PROJECT PETERBOROUGH

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

In Summary

Another good year in maintaining and developing our charitable services. We were really pleased to received words of support from local leaders.

“As the Chief Executive of Peterborough City Council, I get to meet some amazing charities and people who are helping to make our city a better place. Light Project Peterborough (LPP) is one of these brilliant organisations. Across all their projects, LPP aims to improve and support people’s lives in a positive way. They are a great employer with a dedicated staff team, and I was astonished to hear that they enabled over 7,000 volunteering hours this year! Great people in our city are working together every day to bring hope and guidance to those who cross their paths.

One of LPP’s remarkable achievements is their support in providing accommodation, and in particular over the winter, which has provided warmth and safety to many individuals during the harshest months. LPP’s successes have come from establishing strong networks and forming key partnerships over many years of dedicated service. By connecting up vital services and reaching out to every part of the city, more lives have benefitted and been improved. LPP is truly a shining beacon in the community, and it continues to meet the needs of those who are most vulnerable.”

Matt Gladstone, Chief Executive, Peterborough City Council

“I feel inspired and encouraged by the work that Light Project Peterborough provides and leads on across the city. Their Christian values are evident throughout each project delivered. At the Garden House, staff and volunteers give hope and love to those who are on the edges of society. Street Chaplains express their faith throughout the city centre to give a listening ear, prayer and comfort to people feeling isolated and lost.

Light Project Peterborough demonstrates leadership and initiative as well by bringing together the Christian communities in the city. By building a unified network, more can be achieved to help our neighbours and those in need. They truly do carry out their vision to “enable and equip the church and community to heal the brokenhearted, set free the oppressed, and bring good news to the poor.”

The charity has also inspired both St Luke’s Youth Group and the Order of Malta Cadets to fundraise and learn more about their commitment to helping others, especially those experiencing homelessness.”

The Very Revd. Fr Jeffrey Downie, Catholic Dean of Peterborough & Parish Priest of St. Luke’s Orton

“ Light Project Peterborough has led the way in improving positive outcomes for the homeless community not only in the city but wider afield too. There are always pressures on health services but with the help of LPP, the NHS has been able to support more people including those experiencing homelessness and the community. Their Health Outreach Bus has been of huge benefit and enables health provision to be accessed both at the Garden House and into the city.

For some of those homeless, there are several barriers preventing them to access a health service and due to their living situation, it would only lead to further repercussions with their wellbeing. Getting a consultation with a GP or nurse, helps to alleviate health inequality and provides a huge step in their journey out of homelessness.

The public have been able to undergo prostate and cervical screenings which has led to cancer diagnoses to be detected, meaning lives have been saved as a result of the vehicle.

For the charity to deliver over 2,400 health consultations across 2024-2025 is an incredible feat. A big thank you to all who were involved in achieving this outcome. I look forward to continuing working with LPP and looking at more and new ways in providing health services to the homeless population and Peterborough residents.”

Jonathan Bartram, Programme Director, Strategic Commissioning, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Integrated Care System (ICS)

LIGHT PROJECT PETERBOROUGH

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

“The Constabulary have a great working relationship with Light Project Peterborough and together we are able to support some of the most vulnerable people in the city. By having a strong partnership and communication between our teams, we can help prevent and deter people from anti-social behaviour and crime as well as provide safety to those whose life is spiralling out of control.

The Garden House and Street Chaplain teams use their knowledge and experience to deliver a non-judgemental and efficient service to those in need. Across the city, some people become homeless as a result of modern-day slavery, sex working or human trafficking. LPP are on hand to give the right help, so they can escape and not return to such horrible and desperate situations.

The presence of LPP within the city has benefitted our work greatly in keeping Peterborough a safer place for its residents.”

Superintendent Ben Martin, Area Commander, Peterborough and Fenland,Cambridgeshire Constabulary

Risks

The trustees and senior team regularly review the principal risks facing the charity and have created a full risk register during the year. The principal risks facing the charity are:

Financial review and reserves policy

The charity's income comes almost entirely from grants and donations. The majority of the expenditure relates to the direct delivery of the projects being run.

The trustees aim to maintain reserves sufficient to cover the general running costs and to allow the charity to continue with its existing projects as well as embarking on new ones.

The trustees reviewed the reserves policy during the year and aim to keep 6 months' rent in accordance with the break clause within the new property lease plus between 3 and 6 months' operating expenditure in unrestricted reserves. In addition the trustees have set aside a number of designated funds relating to specific projects and longer term objectives.

The reserves policy equates to maintaining between £154,000 and £297,000 (2024: £131,000 - £251,000) of available funds. The actual amount of available funds at the end of the year was £220,914 (2024: £217,725) which falls within the range set by the policy.

LIGHT PROJECT PETERBOROUGH

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Structure, governance and management

The charity trustees are responsible for the general control and management of the charity. The trustees give their time freely and receive no remuneration or other financial benefits.

The existing trustees are responsible for the recruitment of new trustees and they have developed a comprehensive induction process.

The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

T Alban Jones S Bristow (Appointed 11 December 2024) S Bucknell (Resigned 10 April 2024) P Greaves (Appointed 11 December 2024) M Green M Jackson P Logan A Lidgett

Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by: Gen Nm M Green Trustee 10 December 2025

LIGHT PROJECT PETERBOROUGH

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF LIGHT PROJECT PETERBOROUGH

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Light Project Peterborough (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiners' report

Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of The Institute Of Chartered Accountants In England and Wales (ICAEW), which is one of the listed bodies.

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared financial statements in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn.

I understand that this has been done in order for financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the financial statements do not accord with those records; or

  3. the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Robert Anderson BSC (Hons), FCA, CTA

Streets Chartered Accountants Enterprise House 38 Tyndall Court Commerce Road Lynchwood Peterborough PE2 6LR

19 December 2025

LIGHT PROJECT PETERBOROUGH

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Note
Income
Donations and legacies
3
Income from charitable activities
4
Investment income
Other income
5
Total incoming resources
Expenditure
Cost of generating funds
6
Expenditure on charitable activities
7
Total expenditure
Net income / (expenditure)
and net movement in funds
Gross transfers between funds
Net movement in funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 Total
Total
Unrestricted Designated
Restricted
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
2025
2024
£
£
£
£
£
94,852
-
2,111
96,963
103,943
420
-
580,014
580,434
609,102
14,962
-
-
14,962
8,631
-
-
-
-
1,170
110,234
-
582,125
692,359
722,846
15,491
-
18,947
34,438
27,165
71,554
22,623
626,395
720,572
681,545
87,045
22,623
645,342
755,010
708,710
23,189
(22,623)
(63,217)
(62,651)
14,136
(20,000)
20,000
-
-
-
3,189
(2,623)
(63,217)
(62,651)
14,136
217,725
187,802
153,620
559,147
545,011
220,914
185,179
90,403
496,496
559,147

The notes on pages 15 to 23 form part of these accounts.

LIGHT PROJECT PETERBOROUGH

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Prior financial year

Note
Income
Donations and legacies
3
Income from charitable activities
4
Investment income
Other income
5
Total incoming resources
Expenditure
Fundraising expenditure
6
Expenditure on charitable activities
7
Total expenditure
Net income / (expenditure)
and net movement in funds
Gross transfers between funds
Net movement in funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 Total
Total
Unrestricted Designated
Restricted
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
£
103,227
-
716
103,943
91,093
-
-
609,102
609,102
459,004
8,631
-
-
8,631
695
237
-
933
1,170
329
112,095
-
610,751
722,846
551,121
4,075
-
23,090
27,165
3,600
70,585
20,392
590,568
681,545
403,565
74,660
20,392
613,658
708,710
407,165
37,435
(20,392)
(2,907)
14,136
143,956
(20,000)
90,162
(70,162)
-
-
17,435
69,770
(73,069)
14,136
143,956
200,290
118,032
226,689
545,011
401,055
217,725
187,802
153,620
559,147
545,011

LIGHT PROJECT PETERBOROUGH

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025

Note 2025 2024
£ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 10 65,179 87,802
Current assets
Debtors 11 42,395 141,636
Cash at bank and in hand 445,496 434,009
487,891 575,645
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 12 (56,574) (104,300)
Net current assets 431,317 471,345
Total assets less current liabilities 496,496 559,147
Funds
Restricted 16 90,403 153,620
Designated 17 185,179 187,802
Unrestricted 220,914 217,725
496,496 559,147

The accounts were approved by the Trustees on 10 December 2025

Mark Jackson Trustee

LIGHT PROJECT PETERBOROUGH

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Note
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from / (absorbed by) operations
15
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Net cash used in investment activities
Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		 £
£
£
£
11,487
(31,817)
-
(70,162)
-
(70,162)
11,487
(101,979)
434,009
535,988
445,496
434,009
2024
2025

LIGHT PROJECT PETERBOROUGH

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Light Project Peterborough is a charitable incorporated organisation registered in England and Wales.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted general funds are funds which can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the trustees.

Designated funds are funds set aside by the trustees out of unrestricted general funds for specific future purposes or projects.

Restricted funds are funds that can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

LIGHT PROJECT PETERBOROUGH

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure is included on an accruals basis. All costs have been allocated directly to a charitable activity and therefore there are no support costs to allocate between activities.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Mobile health unit 20% straight line Computer and equipment 33% straight line Motor vehicles 20% straight line

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year.

1.7 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.8 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

LIGHT PROJECT PETERBOROUGH

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

3 Donations and legacies

Regular donations
One off donations
Gift aid reclaim
Church donations
Other donations
Legacies
Other income		 Total
Total
Unrestricted Designated
Restricted
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
2025
2024
£
£
£
£
£
11,319
-
296
11,615
9,269
31,003
-
590
31,593
41,412
11,588
-
-
11,588
10,928
12,698
-
600
13,298
7,418
26,331
-
625
26,956
24,916
-
-
-
-
10,000
1,913
-
-
1,913
-
94,852
-
2,111
96,963
103,943

4 Income from charitable activities

Peterborough City Council
DLUCH
The National Lottery
Grants: other
5
Other income
Other income		 Total
Total
Unrestricted Designated
Restricted
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
2025
2024
£
£
£
£
£
-
-
118,675
118,675
253,816
-
-
99,999
99,999
57,283
-
-
151,734
151,734
145,890
420
-
209,606
210,026
152,113
420
-
580,014
580,434
609,102
Total
Total
Unrestricted Designated
Restricted
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
2025
2024
£
£
£
£
£
-
-
-
-
1,170

LIGHT PROJECT PETERBOROUGH

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

6
Cost of generating funds
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
2025
£
£
£
£
Fundraising costs
15,491
-
18,947
34,438
7
Expenditure on charitable activities
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
2025
£
£
£
£
Salary costs
6,263
-
332,148
338,411
Recruitment costs
51
-
439
490
Other staff related costs
50
-
5,414
5,464
Guest expenses
525
-
40,079
40,604
Direct costs: other
65
-
173,616
173,681
Volunteer expenses
1,111
-
303
1,414
Consultancy & project work
-
-
16,275
16,275
Marketing
6,006
-
1,747
7,753
Rent
16,816
-
3,623
20,439
Rates
3,640
-
460
4,100
Insurance
3,148
-
333
3,481
Electricity
4,213
-
1,200
5,413
Repairs & renewals
1,516
-
8,898
10,414
Cleaning
1,952
-
10,738
12,690
Vehicle costs
(837)
-
10,864
10,027
Travel & subsistence
1,263
-
697
1,960
Printing, postage & stationery
1,492
-
1,566
3,058
Telephone & internet
826
-
2,382
3,208
Computer costs
7,636
-
5,773
13,409
Accountancy
12,591
-
450
13,041
Consultancy & professional fees
2,139
-
500
2,639
Bank charges
2,337
-
-
2,337
Subscriptions
(1,269)
-
8,890
7,621
Other expenses
20
-
-
20
Depreciation
-
22,623
-
22,623
71,554
22,623
626,395
720,572
Analysis
Direct charitable activities
50,363
22,623
626,395
699,381
Support costs
20,711
-
-
20,711
Governance costs
480
-
-
480
71,554
22,623
626,395
720,572		 Total
2024
£
27,165
Total
2024
£
277,553
597
991
19,852
180,212
278
77,450
3,816
18,492
1,286
2,913
10,229
16,291
9,107
6,962
1,192
5,774
1,551
11,072
11,231
260
2,448
1,596
-
20,392
681,545
630,949
50,116
480
681,545

LIGHT PROJECT PETERBOROUGH

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

8 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year. No expenses were reimbursed to trustees during the year.

9 Staff costs

Salaries
Social Security costs
Pension costs
Average actual number of employees		 2025
£
340,485
25,929
6,694
373,108
13		 2024
£
279,541
19,609
4,751
303,901
11

The remuneration of key management personnel relates to the Chief Executive and amounts to £55,812 (2024 - £53,160). No employee earned £60,000 p.a. or more.

10 Tangible fixed assets

Cost
At 1 April 2024
Additions
At 31 March 2025
Depreciation
At 1 April 2024
Charge for the year
At 31 March 2025
Net book value
At 31 March 2025
At 31 March 2024		 Mobile health
unit
Plant &
equipment
Motor
vehicles
£
£
£
97,758
12,023
23,096
-
-
-
97,758
12,023
23,096
13,032
12,023
20,020
19,548
-
3,075
32,580
12,023
23,095
65,178
-
1
84,726
-
3,076		 Total
£
132,877
-
132,877
45,075
22,623
67,698
65,179
87,802

All of the fixed assets are used for direct charitable purposes.

11 Debtors

Accrued income
Prepayments
Other debtors		 2025
2024
£
£
28,886
129,388
13,509
8,884
-
3,364
42,395
141,636

LIGHT PROJECT PETERBOROUGH

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

12 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Trade creditors
Accruals
Taxation and social security
Other creditors		 2025
2024
£
£
31,041
82,488
12,786
4,441
-
134
12,747
17,237
56,574
104,300

13 Lease commitments

At the reporting end date the charity had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments

Expiring within 2 - 5 years 2025
£
86,298		 2024
£
-

14 Related party transactions

During the year the charity paid rent amounting to £20,439 (2024: £18,492) for the rental of the property used for the Garden House project to Peterborough Cathedral, at which T Alban-Jones is a member of the Cathedral Chapter.

15 Cash generated from operations

Surplus / (deficit) for the year
Adjustments for:
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
Movements in working capital:
(Increase) / decrease in debtors
Increase / (decrease) in creditors
(Decrease) in deferred income
Cash generated from / (absorbed by) operations		 2025
2024
£
£
(62,651)
14,136
22,623
20,392
99,241
(138,809)
(47,726)
78,502
-
(6,038)
11,487
(31,817)

LIGHT PROJECT PETERBOROUGH

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

16 Restricted funds

The income funds of the charity include restricted The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants unexpended balances of donations and grants unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes: for specific purposes:
Balance at Balance at Balance at
31 March Incoming Resources 31 March Incoming Resources 31 March
2023 resources expended Transfers 2024 resources expended Transfers 2025
£ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £
Homelessness 47,105 234,103 (249,300) - 31,908 234,234 (261,844) - 4,298
Overnight provision 17,571 276 (2,226) - 15,621 276 - - 15,897
Peer advocacy 3,315 44,668 (13,858) - 34,125 25,401 (49,468) - 10,058
Volunteer support - 5,366 (5,366) - - - - - -
Pods: DLUHC 42,718 57,283 (98,794) - 1,207 99,999 (86,848) - 14,358
Pods: other 34,559 50,614 (46,824) - 38,349 31,612 (52,558) - 17,403
Mobile health unit 72,404 - - (70,162) 2,242 - (2,242) - -
Health hub - 190,969 (169,116) - 21,853 146,088 (167,941) - -
Fenland health project - 21,120 (13,200) - 7,920 - (7,920) - -
Community garden - - - - - 40,000 (14,869) - 25,131
Chaplaincy 9,017 6,352 (14,974) - 395 1,215 (898) - 712
United Christian projects - - - - - 3,300 (754) - 2,546
226,689 610,751 (613,658) (70,162) 153,620 582,125 (645,342) - 90,403

The homelessness, overnight provision and pods funds are restricted funds set up to receive grants and donations specifically related to the overnight and day care provision for the homeless. They consist of a variety of grants from different organisations as well as many one off private donations and some regular monthly donors.

The mobile health unit relates to a grant to build a specialised mobile health vehicle unit, which was completed in the year and the expenditure was transferred to the designated fixed asset fund.

The health hub and Fenland health funds are for health related projects linked to people in need.

Funds were received specifically to support a peer support worker and volunteer coordinator.

The chaplaincy and united Christian projects funds relate to joint projects between churches and chaplaincy work across the city.

LIGHT PROJECT PETERBOROUGH

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

17 Designated funds

The income funds of the charity include the following designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes:

Fixed asset fund
Property development
New opportunities fund		 Balance at
31 March
2023
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Transfers
Balance at
31 March
2024
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Transfers
Balance at
31 March
2025
£
£
£
£
£
38,032
-
(20,392)
70,162
87,802
-
(22,623)
-
65,179
70,000
-
-
20,000
90,000
-
-
20,000
110,000
10,000
-
-
-
10,000
-
-
-
10,000
118,032
-
(20,392)
90,162
187,802
-
(22,623)
20,000
185,179

The fixed asset fund relates to the book value of fixed assets.

The property development fund has been set up to begin to set aside a capital sum for potential future property development.

The new opportunities fund has been set up to ensure funds are available to support a new project that the trustees believe the charity should pursue.

LIGHT PROJECT PETERBOROUGH

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

18 Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds
Fixed assets
Current assets / (liabilities)		 Total
Total
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
funds
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
funds
funds
funds
funds
2025
funds
funds
funds
2024
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
-
65,179
-
65,179
-
87,802
-
87,802
220,914
120,000
90,403
431,317
217,725
100,000
153,620
471,345
220,914
185,179
90,403
496,496
217,725
187,802
153,620
559,147