UNLOCK A LIFE FOR LOCKEY ANNUAL REPORT 2023-24
Purpose
Unlock a Life for Lockey exists to:
(1) To promote and protect the physical and mental health of paediatric sufferers of cancer through the provision of items, facilities, financial assistance, support and practical advice.
(2) To relieve sickness and promote good health by providing information to the general public about all areas relating to stem cell donation.
In fulfilling these aims, the trustees of Unlock a Life for Lockey are fully aware of the need to ensure the charity works for the public benefit in line with Charity Commission guidance.
Activities
Unfortunately the work of Unlock a life for Lockey predominantly remained standstill due to the caring and work commitments and ill health of the Trustees.
Unlock Boxes and gifts to children fighting cancer
2023-2024 – No craft boxes sent out due to the charity being on hold.
Gifts and craft activities totalling £709.95 were made to children fighting cancer and their families.
The Happy Shack (Mk II):
In 2023-24 the Happy Shack was unable to be used due to the charity being on hold. The trustees have been looking into selling the Beach Hut.
Achievements and performance
Over the past decade Unlockalifeforlockey has improved the awareness of stem cell transplants and the need for donors, as well as raising awareness to the general public of the isolation these children face for months on end while preparing for and recovering from a transplant. There has been feedback from families and play workers that the creation and provision of Unlock boxes has had a significant impact in supporting and encouraging the children in their recovery.
When in isolation or bereavement, families need to know they are not alone, forgotten. The boxes help to remind them that there are people outside the transplant ‘bubble’ who are supporting them from afar. Both the activities in the boxes and the opportunity for a day out together enable all their children to still be kids, and to find some hope and positivity through treatment. There is also the opportunity for families to share their experiences, hope and fears with others who have had personal experience of children’s treatment for cancer.
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Fundraising
Due to the inactivity of the charity over the past year a total of £100.00 was raised by the charity in 2023-24. We are extremely appreciative of the kindness, generosity and commitment of both those who in the past have donated money and arranged fundraising events to support the work of the charity.
Finances - Treasurer's report
At the end of the 2023-24 financial year, Unlock a Life for Lockey had a balance of £50,026.51, and additional assets worth £7,000.00 (The Happy Shack Beach Hut).
In 2023-24 a total of £214.16 income was received, while £709.95 was paid out in expenditure This resulted in a balance of £50,026.51 at the end of 2023-24, a decrease of £495.75 (-1%) over the year.
However the total value of the Charity is the balance of the bank plus the value of assets (Beach Hut) = £50,026.51 + £7,000.00 = £57,026.51.
During the year we received notice that our current bank, Barclays, gave notice that it would be closing the existing account as they had decided that these types of account were only appropriate for clubs and societies. As a result, a new account was opened with the Cooperative Bank, with most of the funds transferred to this account. The Barclays account remains open as the bank is yet to close the account. Therefore at the end of 2023-24, the balance at each of these accounts was: Barclays £ 1,026.51 Cooperative £49,000.00 Total £50,026.51
The total assets at the end of 2023-24 is 931% of the charity's average annual expenditure. The current level of reserves would enable the charity to continue to operate at the average level of expenditure for over 9 years without further income.
Current reserves will be allocated to the above activities, or any other activities agreed by the trustees that fulfil the charitable aims of Unlock a Life for Lockey.
Summary of income and expenditure are as follows:
| SUMMARY | 2023-24 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Income | £ 214.16 | ||
| Expenses | £ 709.95 | 331% | of annual income |
| Balance | -£ 495.79 | -231% | of annual income |
| Amount raised | £ 100.00 | 47% |
of annual income |
| Spend on fundraising | £ - | ||
| Spend on charitable aims | £ 705.56 | N/A | of amount raised |
| Spend on administration | £ 4.39 | N/A | of amount raised |
| Balance at bank | -£ 50,026.51 | ||
| Assets | £7,000.00 | ||
| Value of charity | £57,026.51 |
A full record of the 2023-24 accounts is also available.
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The charity spent less than 1% on administration.
Publicity and promotion
Due to issues with the website provider the Unlockalifeforlockey website has been taken down. The Facebook page continue to be our key means of communication with supporters and donors.
Structure and Management Registered charity name: Unlock a Life for Lockey Registration number: 1159826 Registration date: 07.01.15 Registration type: Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) Current trustees: Andrea Poyser - Reappointed for 3 years until 06.01.27 John Whiteley - Reappointed for 3 years until 06.01.26 Raymond Poyser - Reappointed for 3 years until 06.01.25
The charity thanks all those involved as trustees and management over 2023-24 for their commitment, hard work, teamwork and care for the children and families affected and bereaved by cancer.
Unlock a Life for Lockey structure Governing document - CIO constitution dated 16.08.14 Organisational structure - Foundation model Charitable Incorporated Organisation - only voting members are the Charity Trustees Appointment/training of trustees - See Constitution Decision making - See Constitution
Future directions
Given that the charity has been largely at a standstill for 2 years, the Trustees have been discussing the possibility of closing the charity. While no decision has been taken as yet, if this was to occur the assets of the charity would be donated to another charity with similar aims, in line with Unlock a Life for Lockey’s constitution.
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ADDENDUMS
List of Trustees (2023-24) John Whiteley Andrea Poyser Raymond Poyser
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