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2025-12-31-accounts

URSULINE LINKS

TRUSTEE’S REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 Registered Charity Number: 1160034

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URSULINE LINKS

TRUSTEE’S REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

CONTENTS Page
Reference and Administrative Information 3
Trustees' Report 4 - 10
Statement of Financial Activities 11
Balance Sheet 12 – 13
Notes to the Accounts 14 - 15

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URSULINE LINKS

TRUSTEE'S REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Reference and administrative information

Trustees

Sr Kathleen Colmer Mrs Bridget Durrant Mrs Polly Francis Harrison Ms Karen Reilly Ms Pamela Johnson Mrs Alice Baird

Registered Office

38 Grosvenor Road London E7 8JA

Charity Number: 1160034

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URSULINE LINKS

Year ending 31st December 2025 TRUSTEE’S REPORT The company is registered with the Charity Commission (No. 1160034)

INTRODUCTION

The Trustees present their report and accounts for the period ended 31[st] December 2025. Ursuline Links was established in 2010 and it gained Charity Status (no 1160034), as a charitable incorporated organisation, with its own constitution on 20[th] January 2015. Trustees are appointed for three years. New trustees are appointed by the trustees.

PUBLIC BENEFIT

The Trustees have consulted the guidance made available by the Charity Commission for England and Wales on the Public Benefit requirement of the Charities Act 211. The Trustees are confident that they have complied with their duty under section 4 of the Charities Act 2011 in that they had due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Commission. In furtherance of the Trust’s charitable purposes for the public benefit, the Trustees have given details of their activities in this report.

URSULINE LINKS ACTIVITIES

2025 has been a successful year for Ursuline Links; we have achieved so much in a short amount of time. The completion of our summer projects, leading into the Alumni Reunion Day, and then the launch for the 2026 cohort, has driven Ursuline Links forward as we continue to develop the mission and the direction of the charity. After reviewing the 5-year plan, proposed at interview in December 2024, this has been expanded to reflect where Ursuline Links can grow and how it will move forward to benefit the young people who sign up to be a part of the programme. The 5-year plan is on track and slightly ahead as new ideas develop. Ursuline Links is now a member of CYMFed (Catholic Youth Ministry Federation of England and Wales), which will open up networking opportunities and support from others in the field. The Alumni Reunion Day allowed us to create a further vision, put together by the young people, on how we move forward, and the development now moves towards creating an internship programme for young people starting in autumn 2027.

School Visits across the year

Strong links were already in place with the schools; these have been built on. Monthly meetings were held in January, March and May. The themes were Leadership, A Balanced Life – Prayer and Service, and Attributes of Service. Planning has already commenced to develop these sessions into 2026. The launch assemblies for the 2025/2026 programme were greatly encouraging.

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Discipleship Day 8[th] February

We had 65 students from five schools at this successful event. The day was set in two parts: the first half looking at ‘discipleship’, focusing on what discipleship means to each of them. The second half focused on ‘The Call to Serve’. Students reflected on the issues and needs in their local community and then focused on how they are all individually called to serve.

Retreat Day and 15[th] Anniversary of Ursuline Links 14[th] June

The Retreat Day was themed ‘Pilgrimage’ and ‘Hope’, in line with the Church’s Jubilee year. In the afternoon Ursuline Links celebrated its 15-year anniversary. The Ursuline Sisters gathered, as well as many friends, and those who had been involved previously with Ursuline Links. Mass was celebrated by Fr Dan Mason, followed by a delicious meal. Young people were commissioned as a part of the Mass and handed their pilgrim cross, badge, and prayer card from the sisters. Sr Kathleen was presented with a Jubilee Papal Blessing from Pope Leo, as a part of her commitment to Ursuline Links and the amazing hard work carried out over the years.

Once the Retreat Day concluded, all thoughts turned to the summer projects. A Training Day in July was attended by every young person who would serve later that month. They were trained in safeguarding, expectations, and key information for the summer camp and the social justice week.

St Ursula’s Greenwich – Year 11 students

St Ursula’s students undertook their projects in June. On the first day the students volunteered at the Convent in Forest Gate. They had a variety of tasks including helping the sisters with their technology and phones, sorting in the library, and archiving documents.

The second day they found themselves at St Vincent’s Centre in Brixton, where they supported vulnerable adults with a sewing club and helped set up the centre’s food and clothes bank. The two days were a success for the St Ursula’s group; the students were an asset to their school and Ursuline Links. These days paved the way for the summer, in which the larger cohort would take up their service projects.

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The Day Camp

14 students signed up for the summer camp, where they helped lead a group of 30 primary school children aged between 7 and 11, over five days. The students arrived on time every day even though many of them had long journeys, sometimes over a couple of hours. They were always ready to take on the challenge. The days at the Summer Camp varied, with the young people leading sports, arts and crafts, talent shows, drama workshops and board games. One of the highlights of the week was the outing to Lambourne End Activity

Centre in Essex, where the children experienced life on a working farm, were given an agricultural workshop, took part in an archery session, and finished with teambuilding exercises. Our feedback shows that the students valued the experience of leading the children through the day and could see the impact this had on their lives. The young people worked hard at building relationships with the other volunteers and the children looked up to them. They were all very responsible, mature, showed initiative, creative in their thinking and took the lead at various points throughout the week. They volunteered with a can-do attitude and worked in a compassionate way. This was a fantastic way to begin the summer projects.

Social Justice Projects:

34 students signed up to take part in the social justice week. Ursuline Links teamed up with 12 organisations across Essex, London East, West and Central, and Kent. The young people volunteered at foodbanks, care homes, refugee centres, homelessness day projects, religious communities, and a children’s summer camp at Holy Island, Lindisfarne. Our students served with passion; they showed empathy to each person they met and were compassionate to all. They led with integrity and stepped up in all situations. Many stories were shared at our reunion day about the various organisations and initiatives our young people volunteered at, with some of them returning to complete a second week.

Impact

The impact that the programme has had on the young people is reflected in their feedback forms which we distributed at our Alumni Reunion Day. Below are some of the comments

that were expressed:

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“The programme gave memories that I will cherish”

“The programme has been fun and meaningful, and I can see how my actions truly affect people”

“It made me view different people’s situations more openly and compassionately”.

“I feel more gratitude towards the things in my life that I used to feel as simple”.

Young people were asked to describe their experience in three words; here are the most common:

Unforgettable, impactful, compassionate, eye-opening, spiritual, rewarding, community, uplifting, togetherness, Serviam, commitment, enjoyable, worthwhile, joyful, fulfilling, exciting, inspiring, energetic, inviting, empowering, engaging, perfect, caring, thoughtful,

Chaperones and adult volunteers

We were very lucky to have 13 adult chaperones support our social justice projects as without them the week wouldn’t have run so smoothly. We are very thankful to each of them for giving their time and supporting Ursuline Links in this way. Here are some of the comments we have received from our chaperones about what they enjoyed most about the summer projects:

“ Watching the students gain in confidence and make a real difference”

“The activities, seeing the young leaders grow in confidence in their work with children”

“The enthusiasm of the young students”

“The varied programme of activities on offer and being encouraged to fully participate”

Organisations we worked with in 2025:

Chestnut Manor Care Home – Wanstead Don's Local Action Group - Wimbledon Jesuit Refugee Service – JRS Wapping Minster Abbey – Minster, Kent Redbridge Foodbank - Ilford S.M.I.L.E Romford

St Austin and St Gregory Foodbank – Margate, Kent The Welcome Centre Ilford St Vincent’s Brixton SVP Southend Wimbledon Foodbank The Morland Road Initiative - Ilford

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Alumni Reunion Day

The Alumni Reunion Day took place on the 13[th] October at the Wimbledon Ursuline. 24 young people attended the day as well as 13 18+ students who were previous alumni and chaperones for the summer. The young people heard a keynote speech from Fatima Dar, focusing on ‘How Ursuline Links shaped my life’. Fatima had volunteered for five summers and now works for a charity. She gave reflection questions to the students which gave them the opportunity to see how Ursuline Links has impacted them. Fatima’s speech can be found on our website. Lunch was ordered from Efes, a Turkish restaurant in Wimbledon, as a treat for everyone. There was plenty of time to share stories around the table and hear others’ feedback. Young people reviewed the summer through feedback forms; nineteen of them want to continue to volunteer and help drive the mission forward.

The autumn

In September we launched our 2025-2026 programme, where initially 193 young people showed interest. We have since received over 70 applications, to join the programme from across all six schools. The students that applied will now have the opportunity to attend events which will develop their skills in serving others, leadership, teamwork, communication, problem solving, and more.

Two projects took place before the Christmas holidays: a Christmas Lunch for the elderly and housebound residents of Heron Court, in Ilford and a Christmas Tea Party at St Ursula’s School in Greenwich for local residents.

Christmas Lunch, Ilford:

The Christmas Lunch in Ilford was attended by 30 elderly/housebound residents, who were served by eight students from two Ursuline schools. The young people were inspirational, sitting with the residents listening and sharing stories, serving food, washing up, and playing games. The impact on the resident’s lives was truly visible, with laughter, friendship and gratitude. They couldn’t thank the young people enough for the afternoon.

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Christmas Tea Party, St Ursula’s Greenwich:

On Tuesday 16th December, 23 young people from the St Ursula’s Ursuline Links Group led the Christmas Tea Party for a group of local residents. The students began the morning by setting up, they then served food, led quizzes and bingo. The young people, most importantly, spent their time talking to the guests, getting to know them and sharing stories. They planned the entire morning, and it was wonderful to see their motivation to serve the local community.

We look forward to working with many more students, children and organisations in 2026.

TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES WITH REGARD TO THE ACCOUNTS

The trustees present their report along with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2025. These unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity's trust deed, the Charities Act 2011 and the Statement of Recommended Practice (FRS102 1A).

In preparing these financial statements, generally accepted account practice entails the trustees :

The Trustees are required to act in according with the trust deed of the charity, within the framework of trust law. They are responsible for keeping proper account records, sufficient to disclose at any time, with reasonable accuracy, the financial position of the charity at that time, and to enable the trustees to ensure that, where any statements of accounts are prepared by then under section 132(1) of the Charities Act 2011, those statements of account comply with the requirements of regulations under that provision. They have general

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responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonable open to them to safeguard the assets the charity and to prevent fraud.

RESERVES POLICY

The Trustees have a reserves policy in place. At the end of each financial year, we aim to have a reserve of £10,000. Such a sum allows us to pay for temporary staff should there be a long-term absence, a deposit for the following year’s activity before a funding grant is received and any unforeseen expenditure. On 31 December 2025, the reserves stood at £74,523, which puts the charity in a comfortable position.

RISK MANAGEMENT

The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, those related to the operations and finances of the Charity and are satisfied that systems are in the place to mitigate our exposure to major risks. The Trustees work under the auspices of the Religious Life Safeguarding Service for all the Protection Against Abuse issues, DBS clearance is obtained for all employees and adult volunteers. The Director has an Ursuline Links credit cards. Monthly expenditure is monitored and an account given to the Finance Manager. Single expenditure of £200 must be approved in advance.

The Trustees have a Child Protection policy which is discussed with all employees and adult volunteers. Safeguarding and Health and Safety training is given to all adult and Youth Leader volunteers. James Ryan, Director, is our safeguarding officer and trained First Aider. His training is kept up to date. Ms Keran Reilly is the trustee link person for safeguarding.

Risk Assessments are conducted for all our Youth Projects; additional insurance is taken out for overseas projects.

FUTURE PLANS

Now that we have a full-time Director we have prepared a five-year development plan which aims to show how we wish the charity to grow. By the middle of 2026 we will appoint a parttime Development Manager who will advertise the good work of the charity to attract additional external funding.

Plans are well advanced for a service project in Lourdes, France in Easter 2027. In autumn 2027 we intend to start an internship programme for two young people 18+. By January 2028 we hope to have an Assistant Director to support the internship programme and to assist with the further developments of the charity.

Approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:

Date 22[nd] June 2026

Sr Kathleen Colmer

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Chair of Trustees

URSULINES LINKS

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Notes
Incoming resources from generated funds
Donations : Roman Union of St Ursula
: General donations
Contributions from participants
Bank Interest received
Total Incoming resources
Resources Expended
Expenditure on Charitable activities
Facilities
Administration and support
2
Total Expenditure
Net income/(expenditure) and net movement in funds
for the year
Reconciliation of Funds
Funds at 1 January 2025
Funds at 31 December 2025		 2025
2024
£
£
43266
81153
39346
1506
910
0
709
264
84231
82923
10354
421
0
2699
57819
10233
68173
13353
16058
69570
74523
4953
70867
74523

Continuing operations

None of the charity’s activities were required or discontinued during the above two financial year

Statement of total recognised gains and losses

The charity has no recognised gains or losses other than those shown above and therefore no separate statement of total gains and losses has been prepared

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URSULINE LINKS 13

BALANCE SHEET

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Notes
Current Assets
Debtors
5
Cash and Bank and in hand
Creditors : amounts falling due within in one year
6
Net Current assets
Total Assets less current liabilities
Funds :
General Fund
Total Funds		 2025
2024
£
£
10500
3510
70867
71650
81366
75160
(79)
(637)
81445
74523
81445
74523
70867
74523
70867
74523

For the financial year ended 31st December 2025, the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 Companies Act 2006, relating to small companies. No members of the company has deposited a notice pursuant to section 476, requiring an audit of these financial statements under the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Director Responsibilities :

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to the small companies regime within art 15 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the Financial Reporting Standard (FRS102 1A effective January 2016)

Date: 22[nd] June 2026

___ Sr Kathleen Colmer Trustee

Charity Registration No : 1160034

URSULINES LINKS

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STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Note
A
Cash used in operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Investment income
Cash provided (used) in investing activities
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents in year
(Decrease) Increase in cash at bank and in hand		 2025
2024
£
£
6975
67337
709
264
709
264
7684
67601
7684
67601

A.Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities

Net movement in funds
Deduct investment income
Increase (decrease) in creditors
(Increase) decrease in debtors		 2025
2024
£
£
16058
69570
(709)
(264)
116
(469)
(8490)
(1500)
6975
67337

URSULINE LINKS

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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

1 Accounting policies .

Accounting convention

The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention as modified by the inclusion of investments at market value and in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011. Applicable accounting standards and the Statement of Recommended Practice “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” (SORP 2015) have been followed.

The trust constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS102.

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Trust’s ability to continue as a going concern.

Income

All income is recognised by the charity and this can be measured reliably. Donations are recognised with the Trustee’s notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date. Interest on funds held on deposit in included when received and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity. This is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure on charitable activities comprises direct expense incurred on the defined charitable purposes of the charity and includes staff costs attributable to the activity.

Governance costs comprise of expenditure on compliance with and advice on constitutional and statutory matters.

As all expenditure can be attributed to specific categories no apportionment between heading has been necessary. Irrecoverable VAT is included in the items of expenditure to which it relates.

Fund accounting

The general fund comprises those monies, which may be used towards meeting the charitable objectives of the charity as the discretion of the Trustees.

Taxation

The Trust, as a registered charity, is exempted from taxation on its income and gains falling within Section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extend that they are applied to its charitable objectives. No tax charge has arisen in the year.

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URSULINE LINKS NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

2.Administration and support
Staff costs
Courses and Conferences
Travel
Office expenses
Website
Accountancy charges
Other professional fees
3.Staff costs and trustee’s remuneration
Staff costs
Wages and salaries
Redundancy
Social Security costs
Pension costs		 2025
2024
£
£
42206
5430
587
310
4253
295
5400
2289
1178
1050
840
840
8589
0
63043
10233
40284
3199
0
2226
1008
0
914
5
42206
5430

Trustee remuneration

No trustee received any remuneration or reimbursement of expense in respect of services a trustee during the year or in the previous year.

4.Taxation

Ursuline Links is a registered charity and therefore is not liable to income tax or corporation tax on income derived from its charitable activities, as it falls with the various exemptions available to registered charities.

5. Debtors

5. Debtors
2025 2024
£ £
Other Debtors 10500 3510
Prepayments - -
______
10500 3510
______
6.Creditors: amounts falling due within one year.
2025 2024
£ £
Other Creditors 79 37
Accruals -600 600
______
-521 637
______

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