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← Sparks Of Hope

2025-06-30-accounts

SPARKS OFHOPE SPARKS OF HOPE ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Balance sheet 18 SSE

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Trustees’
report
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‘ . Independent a - examiner’s 6 15 ~4a report a— 22 7 . 16

Draft Financial * Statements

Statement of financial activities

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LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Mr. M Gluck Mr. B Muller Mr. N Honig (Appointed 9 July 2025) te 4 \ - : - Charity number (England and Wales) 1160997 tl ~~ 2 . — ~~. » . ~e Table of a 4 ag ~ — - ~<—| a _ ~~ " “a Principal address 2a Northfield RoadLondon 4 “te, am" i" : Notes to the N16 5RN financial Contents statements Independent examiner* Berish Hoffman FCA 327-325 Oldfield Lane North Greenford 19 Middlesex ————— UB6 0FX ———

Sparks of Hope was established nine years ago by a group of professionals who observed the long-term impact of poverty and deprivation on families living in disadvantaged areas of London. Many individuals lacked access to education, training, and structured support, which limited their ability to progress and provide stability for their families.

for the Year Ended 30 June 2025

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 30 June 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).

In response, the charity was created with a clear purpose: to provide practical support, education, and guidance that enables individuals and families to move towards independence and stability. Over time, the organisation has developed a more structured and responsive approach, allowing it to better understand the needs of those it supports and deliver SS more targeted and effective interventions.

Our focus has increasingly included the specific challenges experienced within BAME communities, where financial hardship is often combined with complex family and social pressures. We are committed to delivering services that are sensitive, relevant, and accessible to the communities we serve.

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Our overall objective is to reduce poverty and hardship by supporting individuals and families through practical and emotional interventions. We achieve this through the following core areas:

• Helping individuals and families facing illness to build emotional strength and cope with daily challenges

2. Skills Development and Education

1. Emotional and Therapeutic Support

• Promoting resilience and emotional well-being through structured support

• Supporting individuals in gaining practical knowledge for employment or self-employment

• Providing guidance to help participants move towards financial independence

• Enabling those impacted by illness to continue developing skills and remain engaged in learning

3. Family and Parenting Support

• Running regular sessions focused on strengthening parent-child relationships

• Providing guidance and support for families facing challenging circumstances

• Creating a structured space for open discussion and advice

• Supporting households affected by illness to maintain stability and healthy family dynamics.

4. Financial Support and Independence

• Providing financial assistance to newly married couples

• Supporting individuals in accessing employment opportunities

• Encouraging entrepreneurship and sustainable income development

• Assisting families dealing with illness to manage financial pressure and maintain daily living

Through these activities, the charity aims to strengthen families, improve wellbeing, and enable long-term self- sufficiency.

The trustees have had due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and confirm that the charity’s activities are carried out for the public benefit.

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services delivered directly by the internal team was increased. This approach enabled greater control over the quality of support, while also strengthening relationships and engagement with the families receiving assistance.

The following outlines the key activities and achievements during the year:

1. Strengthening Families Programme

During the year, the charity continued to operate in a stable and effective 4 manner under the ongoing management of the Trustees and the working group. The working group is responsible for reviewing applications for assistance, liaising with relevant professional bodies, and referring applicants to appropriate services, including qualified therapists. At the same time, full SS” compliance is maintained with safeguarding procedures, health and safety requirements, and up-to-date DBS checks for all staff and volunteers.

SS” OED

This year, significant emphasis was placed on improving the overall service experience and internal processes when working with applicants. Structured procedures were developed for collecting information, clear schedules were established for staff and volunteers, and communication methods with beneficiaries were enhanced. These improvements resulted in more efficient processes, greater availability, and more tailored and responsive support for each individual.

2. Employment and Financial Progression

3. Youth Support

In addition, the strategic direction of strengthening the charity’s internal operations • Regular check-ins ensured that progress was maintained and that continued and expanded significantly. Building on changes introduced in the additional support could be provided where required previous year, reliance on external providers was reduced, and the scope of ~~ee~~ 10

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4. Financial Education and Entrepreneurship

·• 74 individuals attended sessions focused on financial management, gaining practical tools for effective money handling and introductory guidance on developing future income opportunities

5. Parenting and Emotional Well-being Support

6. Support for Newly Married Couples

The charity’s work throughout the year reflects continued growth in both the scale and quality of its services. Through focused delivery, improved processes, and personalised support, Sparks of Hope has strengthened its impact and

continued to provide meaningful assistance to individuals and families in need.

During the year ended 30 June 2025, the charity reported total income of £94,883 (2024:

£91,189), comprising primarily donations and voluntary income. Total expenditure for the year amounted to £82,250 (2024: £101,048). This resulted in a surplus for the year of £12,633, compared with a deficit of £9,859 in the

previous year.

The improvement in the charity’s financial position reflects both an increase in income and a reduction in overall expenditure. In particular, fundraising and publicity costs reduced significantly during the year. Expenditure on charitable activities remained broadly consistent with the prior year, reflecting the charity’s continued commitment to delivering high-quality support to beneficiaries.

At 30 June 2025, the charity held total unrestricted funds of £19,750 (2024: £7,117), all of which are held as cash and other net current assets. The trustees are satisfied that the charity ended the year in a stable financial position and was able to meet all of its obligations as they fell due.

At the end of the financial year, the charity held a bank balance of £25,974 and free reserves of £19,750 The reserves policy aims to maintain sufficient funds to cover at least three months of operating costs.

The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and

are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.

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Looking ahead, the Trustees will continue to strengthen and develop the charity’s services in response to growing needs within the Future Periods of N (=: communities we serve, with a focus on families facing financial pressure and social challenges.

A key development for the coming period is the launch of the Family Spark project, a structured programme designed to improve family relationships and reduce conflict within the home. This initiative will focus on equipping parents with practical tools to engage more effectively with their children, strengthen communication, and create positive shared experiences.

The project will begin with structured training courses, providing parents with skills in group dynamics, communication, and activity-based engagement. This will be followed by ongoing supervision sessions and regular practical sessions, enabling parents—particularly fathers—to apply these skills directly through guided activities with their children. These sessions will include structured games, collaborative exercises, and interactive storytelling, all aimed at strengthening family bonds and improving children’s emotional well-being.

In addition, the charity is developing a dedicated collection of structured and creative games specifically designed to strengthen the relationship between fathers and their children. This resource will provide practical, easy-to-use activities that encourage meaningful interaction and ongoing engagement within the home environment.

The programme is designed to address key challenges identified within the community, including social isolation, excessive screen time, and limited opportunities for meaningful parent-child interaction. It has been developed following direct consultation with families and will continue to evolve based on participant feedback and ongoing engagement.

The charity is also in the process of developing a new website to improve accessibility and awareness of its services. This platform will provide clear and user-friendly information about available support, offer practical resources for families, and guide individuals seeking assistance. It will also serve as a central communication hub, enabling more efficient engagement with beneficiaries, volunteers, and partner organisations.

The Trustees are confident that these developments will strengthen the charity’s ability to deliver high-quality, accessible, and impactful services, while continuing to promote family stability, emotional well-being, and long- term independence within the communities we support.

The

charity was

incorporated as a

Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) on

20 March 2015 and is governed by a Foundation document dated 20 March 2015.

The power to appoint new Trustees is vested in the present Trustees, who seek to appoint such individuals who can call on their specialist skills and competences, to assist the charity to meet its ends. They will be introduced to the workings of the charity by the existing trustees, and will of course be encouraged to study the various appropriate publications on trustees published by The Charity Commission.

The Trustees have regular quarterly meetings, to which certain competent individuals in the community are invited, who are also engaged in various aspects of community welfare, and who are consulted on the different cases that might arise, for their advice and opinion.

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

Mr. M Gluck

Mr. B Muller (Resigned 11 July 2025) Mr. M Damen Mr. N Honig (Appointed 9 July 2025)

The trustees’ report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

..............................

Mr. M Damen

Trustee

Dated: ................................ 30/04/2026

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Draft Financial Statements

SPARKS OF HOPE

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

Draft Financial Statements SPARKS OF HOPE

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)

TO THE TRUSTEES OF SPARKS OF HOPE

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Sparks of Hope (the charity) for the year ended 30 June 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.

Independent examiner's statement

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the financial statements in accordance with the relevant version of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements 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 the financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

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:

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
Income and endowments from: Notes £ £
Donations and legacies
Other income		 3
4		 82,483
12,400		 84,529
6,660
Total income 94,883 91,189
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 5 4,986 20,604
Charitable activities 6 77,264 80,444
Total expenditure 82,250 101,048
Net income/(expenditure) and movement in funds 12,633 (9,859)
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 July 2024 7,117 16,976
Fund balances at 30 June 2025 19,750 7,117

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

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 financial statements to be reached.

Berish Hoffman FCA

325-327 Oldfield Lane North Greenford Middlesex UB6 0FX Date: ............................ 30/04/2026

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Draft Financial Statements SPARKS OF HOPE

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 30 JUNE 2025

2025 2024
Notes £ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 12 368 490
Current assets
Debtors 13 6,500 5,629
Cash at bank and in hand 25,974 16,476
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year		 14 32,474
(13,092)		 22,105
(15,478)
Net current assets 19,382 6,627
Total assets less current liabilities 19,750 7,117
The funds of the charity
Unrestricted funds		 15 19,750 7,117
19,750 7,117

30/04/2026 The financial statements were approved by the trustees on .........................

.............................. Mr. M Damen Trustee

Draft Financial Statements SPARKS OF HOPE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Sparks of Hope is a registered charity in England and Wales and is registered as a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO). The address of the principal office is 2a Northfield Road, London, N16 5RN

1.1 Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "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)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a statement of cash flows.

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, modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value. 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.

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.

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.

Grants payable are charged in the year when the offer is made except in those cases where the offer is conditional, such grants being recognised as expenditure when the conditions attaching are fulfilled. Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end are noted as a commitment, but not accrued as expenditure.

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

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Draft Financial Statements SPARKS OF HOPE

Draft Financial Statements SPARKS OF HOPE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

(Continued)

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:

Office equipment

25% reducing balance

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 the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.8 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.

1.9 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

Basic financial liabilities

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably. Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide. Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised within interest payable and similar charges.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

(Continued)

1 Accounting policies

1.10 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

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 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Donations and gifts 82,483 84,529
4 Other income
Unrestricted
funds		 Unrestricted
funds
2025 2024
£ £
Other income 12,400 6,660
5 Expenditure on raising funds
Unrestricted Unrestricted
Fundraising and publicity funds
2025
£		 funds
2024
£
Printing and advertising 4,071 6,680
Professional fees 915 13,924
4,986 20,604

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Draft Financial Statements SPARKS OF HOPE

Draft Financial Statements SPARKS OF HOPE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

6 Expenditure on charitable activities

2025 2024
£ £
Direct costs
Staff costs 23,092 26,173
Therapy costs - 4,100
Marriage and parenting courses 20,495 15,390
43,587 45,663
Grant funding of activities (see note 7) 10,835 10,178
Share of support and governance costs (see note 8)
Support 20,592 22,443
Governance 2,250 2,160
77,264 80,444
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 77,264 80,444
7 Grants payable
2025 2024
Grants to institutions: £ 0
Friends Of Beis Soroh Schneirer - 1,750
Merkos Hatora Belz
Mifal Hachesed Vehatzedokoh		 -
-		 1,750
1,750
One Heart Lev echod
Other < £1,000		 -
3,276		 1,750
2,485
3,276 9,485
Grants to individuals 7,559 693
10,835 10,178

Institutional grants are made to institutions which share the same objectives and ethos as the Charity and include educational grants and grants to provide financial assistance to families.

Grants to individuals consist of grants made to needy families.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

8 Support costs
Support Support
Governance		 2025 Support Support
Governance		 2024
costs costs
costs		 costs costs
costs
£ £ £ £ £ £ £ £
Staff costs 9,707 9,707 - 9,707 8,881 8,881 - 8,881
Depreciation 123 123 - 123 164 164 - 164
Insurance 330 330 - 330 - - - -
Bank charges 288 288 - 288 227 227 - 227
Advertising - - - - 180 180 - 180
Accountancy fees 364 364
2,250		 2,614 291 291
2,160		 2,451
General expenses 658 658 - 658 1,643 1,643 - 1,643
Office costs 2,622 2,622 - 2,622 5,057 5,057 - 5,057
Rent 6,500 6,500 - 6,500 6,000 6,000 - 6,000
20,592 20,592
2,250		 22,842 22,443 22,443
2,160		 24,603
Analysed between
Charitable activities 20,592 20,592
2,250		 22,842 22,443 22,443
2,160		 24,603
9 Net movement in funds 2025 2025 2024
£ £ £
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable for the independent examination of the charity's financial
statements 2,250 2,250 2,160
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets 123 123 164

10 Trustees

During the period a trustee was paid £9,706 (2024: £8,881) as an employee of the charity (not for trustee services).

11 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2025 2024
Number Number
4 4
Employment costs 2025 2024
£ £
Wages and salaries 32,799 35,054

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Draft Financial Statements SPARKS OF HOPE

Draft Financial Statements SPARKS OF HOPE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

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||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---| |11|Employees|(Continued)|15|Unrestricted funds|(Continued)| |Previous year:|At 1 July 2023|Incoming|Resources|At 30 June| |resources|expended|2024| |There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.|£|£|£|£| |General funds|16,976|91,189|(101,048)|7,117| |12|Tangible fixed assets| |Office| |equipment|16|Analysis of net assets between funds| |£| |Cost|Unrestricted| |At 1 July 2024|6,534|funds| |2025| |At 30 June 2025|6,534|£| |At 30 June 2025:| |Depreciation and impairment|Tangible assets|368| |At 1 July 2024|6,043|Current assets/(liabilities)|19,382| |Depreciation charged in the year|123| |19,750| |At 30 June 2025|6,166| |Carrying amount|Unrestricted| |At 30 June 2025|368|funds| |2024| |At 30 June 2024|490|£| |At 30 June 2024:| |Tangible assets|490| |13|Debtors|Current assets/(liabilities)|6,627| |2025|2024| |Amounts falling due within one year:|£|£|7,117| |Other debtors|6,500|5,629| |17|Related party transactions| |14|Creditors: amounts falling due within one year|During the year the charity received donations totalling £nil (2024: £4,427) from the trustees and their family| |2025|2024|members.| |£|£| |Other creditors|10,842|12,778| |Accruals and deferred income|2,250|2,700| |13,092|15,478|

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15 Unrestricted funds

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|||||| |---|---|---|---|---| |At 1 July 2024|Incoming|Resources|At 30 June| |resources|expended|2025| |£|£|£|£| |General funds|7,117|94,883|(82,250)|19,750|

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