## Annual Report & Accounts **York**
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Access Services
Perinatal Support
School Readiness Home Visiting
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**2024-25**
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Manager’s Report 3
What is Home-Start York? 3
Chair’s Report 4
Volunteer Magic Moments 4
Referrals and Needs 5
Our Support 5
New Referral Sources and Referrer Feedback 6
Outcomes, Impact and Family Feedback 7
Progress and Achievements Report 8-9
Perinatal Infant Mental Health Support (PIMHs) 10
Big Hopes Big Futures 10
Our Volunteers 11
Thank You to Our Sponsors & Supporters 12
Structure, Governance and Management 13
Financial Review 13
Trustee Responsibilities in Relation to the Financial Statements 14
Statements of Accounts 15
Notes to the Financial Statements 16-18
Independent Examiner’s Report 18
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## **Contents**
Maria Farrar Scheme Manager
Eleanor Carswell Administrator
Susan Deery Family Support Coordinator
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Adele Hunter
Family Support Coordinator
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**Staff Team 2024 -25**
**Manager’s Report**
**Maria Farrar (O’Keeffe)**
Over the past few years, Home-Start York has experienced a period of significant growth and evolution. We proudly launched new services aimed at supporting women during the later stages of pregnancy, demonstrating our continued dedication to meeting the changing needs of families across our community.
Our work remains centred on delivering impactful early intervention for York’s parents. We were proud to take part in meaningful collaboration with the City of York Council, contributing to their Early Help event. This gathering brought together professionals from across the city to showcase and celebrate the early intervention efforts being carried out locally—work that we are proud to be actively contributing to.
None of these achievements would have been possible without the remarkable commitment of our volunteers and highly dedicated staff team. Their ability to deliver timely and effective support to parents is the cornerstone of our service. Our rigorous training and matching system ensure that families are paired with volunteers who are not only skilled, but deeply passionate about making a difference. These volunteers are the true heart of Home-Start York, offering consistent, compassionate support that empowers parents every single week.
To our staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters—thank you. Your contributions have helped make this year a strong and successful one. We look ahead with optimism and determination as we continue our mission to support and uplift families in our community.
## **What is Home-Start York?**
Home-Start York is an independent charity offering parents in York with pre-school children, confidential support since 1988.
Providing a unique, in-home, volunteer-led service, Home-Start York fills a local community need by reaching some of the most vulnerable families in York as well as those who are simply finding parenting difficult due to stresses.
Volunteers receive training to support families with at least one child under 5 years old. Following a thorough needs assessment, families are matched with the volunteer best suited to help them meet their personal challenges.
Through weekly visits, our volunteers provide confidential, non judgmental support to parents helping them overcome challenges, build confidence and promote positive relationships, giving their children the best possible start in life.
Our service aims to promote family resilience through early intervention, preventing difficulties escalating into crisis.
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**Chair's Report Sandra Furby MBE**
I am so pleased that we can share with you another successful year of supporting families in York. The information contained in this report illustrates the range of assistance that our staff team and wonderful volunteers have provided during the last twelve months. Home-Start York is fully embedded in the heart of the community and receives referrals from multi-agencies, all working together. Our reputation in the city has grown over the years and as new projects begin our team works hard to ensure all appropriate agencies and organisations are fully aware of who and how we can help.
None of this would be possible without our amazing staff team and outstanding volunteers who work so closely together to provide the best quality service. My thanks and the thanks of the Board of Trustees go out to you all for the fantastic job that you do.
I would also like to thank all the funding organisations and charities that enable us to continue offering the service. It is getting more and more difficult to obtain financial support and we are very grateful to those who have confidence in our ability to achieve these outcomes.
We have a strong board of trustees that guide and support the staff team. The trustees come from a variety of backgrounds and have a wealth of skills and experience. We are always looking to expand the membership of the Board and if you feel becoming a trustee is something you would be interested in, please get in touch with Maria or Eleanor to find out more. I would like to take this opportunity to give a heartfelt thanks to Val Bowman who has been our trusted treasurer for the last seven years and is stepping down. She has been an absolute asset to Home-Start York and will be sorely missed!
We hope to continue to offer our service for a long time and to be able to respond to the needs of York families in the future. I hope you find this report of interest, thank you for taking the time to read it.
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The little girl aged 4 developed her
language and social skills. I was able
to assist with the transition from
nursery to primary school, giving
support for parent induction
meetings and child settling in
sessions. Together with the Family
Support Coordinator we helped thislittle family to improve their living Volunteer
conditions by accessing external
help.
Magic
Moments
Visiting a new mum who had
gone through a very difficult
time prior to and after the birth
of her baby. Watching how she
went from a scared, traumatised
person into one that grew in
confidence, able to go out and
enjoy her baby was immensely
rewarding.
I think generally the
happiness on the faces of
my family when I arrive
and a feeling that I slot
into life and help and
support without her really
needing to ask me as we
know each other well.
This sounds like a really small moment but
it really was huge..... when one of my family’s
mums found the confidence to phone the
council about her garden fence which had
blown down month’s before leaving her
garden unsecure for her children. She had
previously believed that no-one would listenconversation and - she did it and it was fixedto her....but we talked about the
within 2 weeks! I was so proud of her and
she was really pleased with herself too. It
was lovely to see her small children enjoying
the garden across the summer as a result.
I loved working with an asylum
seeking mother and baby. She
and I got on so well and it was
great to show her parts of York
she hadn’t known were on her
doorstep. She told me so much
about her culture and
appreciated having a friend in
such a lonely situation.
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**Referrals and Needs**
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73%
of families
referred had low self
esteem and confidence
176
babies and children aged 0-2
years referred for
Perinatal Support
80%
134
of families referred were
New
struggling with their
Referrals Received
mental health 76%
of families
referred were feeling
isolated
2/3
of parents wanted to be
more involved in their
children's development
and learning
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## **Our Support**
Offering weekly home visits our volunteers support parents with:
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Home
Visiting
Support from 30 weeks antenatally , to prepare for their new-born.
Multiples, twins, triplets or several pre-school children.
Postnatal illness or depression.
Loneliness and isolation.
Lone or First-time parents.
Routines, behaviour management and play.
Ill health, bereavement, disability or special needs.
Access
Services
School
Readiness
Perinatal
Support
Telephone
Support
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- Accompanying to appointments and accessing local services.
Preparing children with the skills for their school or nursery experience.
Support is based on need and engagement. Families progress and achievements are celebrated.
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New Referral Sources
134 Referrals
By Ward By Organisation
Gathered from: Portage, Healthy Child Team, Community Mental
Referrer Feedback Health Team, Perinatal Mental Health Team, Social Workers,
Education Settings, Social Prescribers, IDAS, Midwives,
25 70
25
64
60
20
50
17
15
40
30
10
10 10
9
8
7 7 20
5
5 5 5 5 5
4 4 3 14 11 11 10
10 10
2
1 1 1 0 5 3 3 2 1
0
PMHT Midwife Portage IDAS
Westfield Ward Holgate Ward Fishergate Ward Guildhall Ward Hull Road Ward Heworth Ward Clifton Ward Micklegate Ward Acomb Ward Rural West York Ward Strensall Ward Bishopthorpe Ward Haxby & Wiggington Heworth without Ward Wheldrake Ward Copmanthorpe Ward Outside York area Health Visitor Self Referral CBT Therapist
Pre School Education NHS Social Prescriber
Rawcliffe & Clifton Without Ward Osbaldwick & Derwent Ward Huntington & New Earswick Ward Dringhouses & Woodthorpe Ward Fulford & Heslington Ward City Of York Council Early Help City of York Council Social Care
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A great service tailored to the individual’s needs. I have seen a massive change with the many mums I have referred.
_Home-Start York understood the difficulties facing one of our families and prioritised their allocation to reflect this. The match was so thoughtfully considered and the family could not speak highly enough of the service and the volunteer and said they felt they 'couldn't believe their luck'. The volunteer had supported them in getting out into the community which built their confidence to do it more and they could see the benefit this had on the children's learning, development and behaviour as well as their own and on the home environment. The relationship they built with their volunteer and them valuing 'the extra set of hands' had a huge impact and as a referrer I was so grateful that Home-Start were able to support so promptly. Thank you._
The Home-Start York team were responsive and made contact quickly. They offered my client flexibility with support and this helped her to feel more able to parent with confidence.
_Families benefit from the support and knowledge of the volunteer. The emotional support that having someone outside the family visiting regularly can be invaluable when a family is struggling._
Families find Home-Start York really helpful and supportive. It enables them to get out and have much needed support when perinatal support is not available any longer.
**Referrer Feedback**
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## **Outcomes, Impact and Family Feedback**
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87%
237
of parents felt more able to
Children aged 0-5
manage their children's
Nurtured
behaviour 77%
of parents reported an
75%
71%
increase in their self
were more esteem and confidence
of parents felt more
confident with the
involved in their child’s
day to day running
development and learning
of their home 178
Families worked
with this year
81%
284
of parents reported an
improvement in their 87% Visits by
mental health of parents were
Family
feeling less isolated
Support
Coordinators
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Our volunteer is family, she chose us. She was always thoughtful, never judgmental. This opportunity changed my life and the tone of my days - thank you.
_Home-Start York helped us at a very vulnerable time as we struggled having a medically complex child. Our volunteer was able to support me to find my confidence with my son and in my abilities. She helped me to feel strong when I felt at my weakest. She created a beautiful bond with my son who previously struggled to trust adults. We cannot put into words our thanks to HomeStart York - they have been an hugely important part of our journey and progress._
Having a Home-Start York volunteer visit weekly helped me gain confidence in getting out of the house, was someone to talk to, some much needed support and also helped me feel less alone. There was practical help as well as emotional support, just having someone to talk to and to know I wasn’t the only person struggling with being a new mum and that it was okay. I had a really tough time with my mental health postpartum and I found the support team from Home-Start York invaluable and I would definitely recommend.
_Our Home-Start York volunteer came to me with kindness and compassion and helped me feel like I could trust myself and cope looking after my baby and gave me confidence to start getting out of the house when even a walk felt stressful. I am so appreciative of all the support provided by Home-Start York, such a valuable service. Special thanks to the volunteer we were assigned who was a perfect match for our family and put me instantly at ease._
My volunteer was so friendly and supportive and non judgemental. It was amazing to have someone to talk to and to help build my confidence up with getting out of the house more with my baby. She helped me build up better support networks and strategies for coping with life management and managing my illness. It’s honestly made such a difference. This scheme is incredible and I am so grateful for the support.
**Family Feedback**
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**Progress and Achievements Report**
## **Spreading Joy at Christmas**
We were once again incredibly grateful to Cameron from Overbury, who kindly donated Christmas presents for local families for the third year. In December, volunteers collected gifts during a festive gathering at the Home-Start York office, where they also enjoyed a warm mince pie with our team.
## **Supporting Families with Minister Lions**
Home-Start York was proud to be chosen again by the Minister Lions as one of their supported charities from October 2024 to March 2025. Through this partnership, we identified families in need of essential items such as heated blankets and safety gates. Thanks to the generosity of the Minister Lions, we were able to supply these vital items and offer additional comfort and safety at home during the colder months.
## **Minster Tree Festival: Celebrating 35 Years of Service**
Our contribution to the 2024 Minster Tree Festival celebrated 35 years of Home-Start York. Each ornament on our tree represented a family we’ve supported, symbolising the heartwarming journeys they’ve shared with us. The decorations also paid tribute to our dedicated volunteers who generously give their time to nurture special parent-child relationships. The Christmas lights illuminated not only the tree but the enduring spirit of compassion and community that defines our work. Here’s to 35 years of making a difference—and many more to come.
## **Happy Healthy Homes Campaign**
With the help of a £1,000 grant from Public Health, we launched the Happy Healthy Homes campaign to support families in learning how to prepare healthy meals at home. Families participated in cookery classes where they learned the basics of healthy food preparation in a fun and supportive environment.
## **Tadcrafters Apron Donation**
We were thrilled to receive handmade aprons from Tadcrafters, gifted to parents participating in our cookery classes. These thoughtful and practical gifts added an extra layer of joy and usefulness to the experience.
## **Support from Smyths Toys**
A heartfelt thank you to Smyths Toys for their generous donation of two “Next to Me” cribs. These were gifted to new parents who would otherwise have struggled to afford them, ensuring a cosy night’s sleep for their babies.
## **Makaton Training with Jo Bryenton**
We were delighted to offer Makaton training in May, delivered by Jo Bryenton. The session provided an engaging introduction to Makaton, using songs, games, and activities to help volunteers practice signs and symbols especially useful for families with young children. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive:
“Jo was excellent and very passionate, really enjoyed the session so thank you. I have been practicing on my 87-year-old Mum—she loves it! Thank you so much for the opportunity.”
## **Other Local Networking**
Attendance at Maternity Voices Partnership, York CVS, Volunteer Management Forum, ICS consultation events, York St John’s University, University of York.
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## **York Careers Fair – August 2024**
We were invited to attend the York Careers Fair in August which proved a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of our work and recruit new volunteers. Several attendees registered their interest in joining us to support local families.
## **Signposting Event with The Retreat Clinics**
We participated in a valuable signposting event organised by The Retreat Clinics, which provided an excellent opportunity to connect with other local services. The event fostered discussions about how we can collaborate to offer enhanced support for families across York, particularly around mental health, neurodiversity, and legal and financial issues.
## **Tesco Stronger Starts – Community Support**
We were delighted to be selected for Tesco’s Stronger Starts blue token scheme over the Christmas and New Year period, which resulted in a generous donation of £1,000. In addition, Tesco Community Champion Jo Meier reached out to provide much-needed items including highchairs, clothing, and bedding.
## **University of York Student Placement**
In February, we welcomed Chantelle Smart from the University of York for a 70 day student placement. Chantelle contributed meaningfully to our projects, gaining valuable experience while offering much-appreciated support to our team.
_“During my 70-day placement with Home-Start York, I gained valuable, hands-on experience in family support work. I carried out initial assessments, built relationships through regular home visits, and managed my own caseload of families. I also shadowed professionals from other agencies, which deepened my understanding of multi-agency working._
_I attended Child in Need (CiN) and FEHA (Family Early Help Assessment) meetings and accompanied the Family Support Coordinators to review visits and Safeguarding meetings. These experiences helped me understand the importance of collaborative working and the different procedures followed by partner organisations._
_Regular reflective supervision with Maria, Adele, and Susan supported my learning throughout. These sessions helped me evaluate my practice, particularly around communication and professional confidence. Observing multi-agency work enhanced my ability to support families through signposting and participation in meetings._
_The Home-Start York team played a key role in building my confidence. When I encountered areas of anxiety—such as unfamiliar topics on referral forms—I received practical guidance and encouragement. This support enabled me to prepare effectively for visits and reflect on what went well and what could improve._
_Overall, this placement has been a rewarding and transformative experience. It has developed my practical skills, built my confidence, and encouraged me to become a more reflective and resilient practitioner. A big Thank you to everyone at Home Start York.”_
9
## **Perinatal Infant Mental Health Support (PIMHs)**
Since 2023, Home-Start York expanded its service to include _Perinatal Infant Mental Health Support (PIMHs)_ , providing practical and emotional support for mothers from 30+ weeks of pregnancy through to when their babies are around six months old. This new service has empowered women through weekly volunteer visits, helping them to prepare positively for birth and build stronger emotional connections with their babies.
We believe that early intervention during the perinatal period can significantly impact long-term wellbeing— preventing the development of more complex challenges and helping parents feel more confident in finding their own way forward.
## **Our impact in the last 12 months:**
22 volunteers trained to deliver perinatal support
19 referrals received for antenatal support
176 babies and children aged 0–2 years referred
## Volunteers praised the training as:
_“Really interesting and informative, giving clear guidelines on what is expected of a volunteer giving perinatal mental health support.”_
They also valued the open group discussions, which offered space to reflect on lived experiences, explore the many factors influencing perinatal mental health, and develop skills to provide empathetic, informed support to families during this critical time.
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Our school readiness
project
Big Hopes Big Futures
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Our School Readiness Programme, Big Hopes Big Futures was originally established by HSUK. No longer receiving funding or training through them we have continued to provide tailored support to families, responding directly to early childhood development needs identified during initial visits. Referral reasons are varied and include establishing routines, setting boundaries, supporting speech and language development, toileting, and encouraging engagement with early learning activities. These interventions aim to help children prepare for the transition to educational settings.
To enhance our school readiness efforts, we have collaborated with the City of York Council’s Early Talk for York initiative. This partnership allows us to align resources and ensure a smooth and consistent transition for children moving from preschool into primary education.
Both families and volunteers have responded positively to the programme’s short-term, solution-focused model. The structured nature of the intervention has been especially effective in guiding families through the process. A core element of the programme is its strengths-based approach, which is also reflected in our home visiting support. Volunteers play a crucial role in helping families recognise their strengths and successes, thereby promoting confidence and resilience in parenting. This empowering method helps families manage everyday challenges while providing a nurturing environment for their children’s development.
10
**Our Volunteers**
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October 2024
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As always, we wish to thank these wonderful people, the volunteers who work tirelessly with Home-Start York to support families in York, without their kindness and generosity, it would not happen.
## **Volunteers in year 2024-25: 49**
Adrienne, Alison B, Alison T, Amanda, Angela, Angie*, Ann*, Anneliese*, Cath, Di*, Elle*, Evie*, Fiona, Glenys, Hazel, Iris*, Jane B*, Jane, Janet, Jenny, Jo, Josie*, Jorge-Ann, Julia, Kathy*, Katie*, Laura, Lesley, Lisa*, Lyn P*, Lynda, Lynn*, Maggie I, Maggie S*, Natalie B*, Natalie P, Penny, Pippa*, Rachel, Ruth R, Sandrine, Sara H, Sara L, Sue M, Sue, Tricia, Val C, Yvonne, Zephine.
* retired this year
_**A huge thank you and congratulations to Lesley who has been with Home-Start York for an amazing 10 years and Hazel and Cath who have been with us for 5 years. Thank you for everything you do and the amazing support you give to families in York.**_
_**We were saddened by the passing of our longest serving volunteer Ruth at the end of September 2024 after a three year battle with cancer. Ruth had been involved with Home-Start York for over 25 years both as a volunteer and trustee, supporting many families in York and helping new volunteers. We were extremely touched that Ruth kindly chose Home-Start York as one of the collection charities at her memorial service.**_
Just knowing how much the families appreciate you being there to help and be supportive. It makes you feel you’re doing something very worthwhile.
_Do IT!! Home-Start York genuinely helps so many local families - you WILL make a difference in their lives. Also....you’ll feel all warm and fuzzy when you know that you have really helped them._
Bring your life experiences to share with another family and you will both learn so much from each other and find joy in seeing families grow in confidence and enjoy their family.
_Seeing changes that seem small each week build into huge changes over time and feeling proud to be a part of that. You’ll be amazed by what a difference you can make to a family just by being there alongside them when they need some extra support. It can be life changing for them and you!_
The training is high quality and sensitively delivered. Giving a few hours of your time every week feels so worthwhile and rewarding.
Being able to share your knowledge and skills with another family and hopefully help to make something easier in their everyday life and help them appreciate and enjoy seeing their child achieve and grow up.
_If you can spare a few hours a week to help a family that is struggling with a baby or young children, the rewards of seeing what a difference Home-Start York and our visits make is a heart warming experience._
**Volunteer Feedback**
11
## **Thank You to Our Sponsors and Supporters**
We express our sincere gratitude to all our funders, donors and supporters this financial year.
Without you, all the stories of change for individual families in York contained within this report just couldn’t happen. Your contribution has helped us improve the lives of hundreds of children and their parents, so thank you!
Arlish & Chambers Charity of Jane Wright City of York Council City of York Public Health Feoffees of St Michaels Spurriergate Gail Tams Minster Lions of York CIO NHS Humber & North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board Overbury PLC Richard & Alison Baldwin Ruth Somerville's - Memorial Collection Tescos Stonger Starts The Community Fund The Jack Brunton Charitable Trust
The Liz & Terry Brammall Grant The Norman Collinson Charitable Trust The Purey Cust Trust Tina Funnell Whitwam Family Charitable Foundation WL Pratt Charitable Trust York Children's Trust York Common Good Trust York CVS Grants York Energy Advice York Rotary Club
**An enormous “Thank you” to all the amazing staff, volunteers, trustees and supporters who all make HomeStart York the wonderful charity it is today.**
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## **Structure, Governance & Management**
Home-Start York is a company limited by guarantee governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. It is a charity registered with the Charity Commission. Retiring and new trustees sharing Home-Start York’s objectives are each year elected to the Trustee Board at an Annual General Meeting. The procedure for the induction and training of trustees follows carefully the policies and guidelines laid down by Home-Start UK, the national body for all Home-Start schemes.
The Trustee Board meets four times a year to agree on policies, budgets, to consider operational reports and to decide on future strategies. The staff are responsible to the Scheme Manager, who reports to the Board via the Chair and Deputy Chair. The volunteers’ activities are supervised and monitored by the Coordinators.
In addition to its internal reports and the Annual Report, Home-Start York also issues reports on its performance and funding state to its two primary funders, the City of York Council and NHS Vale of York CCG. The Trustees review significant risks to the charity’s continued operation regularly and ensure Home-Start UK’s policies on risk mitigation are followed. The main risks are funding shortfalls, availability of suitable operating premises, and the personal safety of staff and volunteers.
## **Financial Review**
## **RESERVES POLICY**
The Trustees aim to maintain an unrestricted reserve equivalent to at least 12 months’ normal operating expenditure so that the core activities could continue through a period of unforeseen financial difficulty. In addition, a designated fund is maintained to cover the costs involved in closing the Scheme if that eventuality were to arise. The designated fund also covers potential liabilities arising from certain staff’s membership of the Pensions Trust pension scheme and any significant contingent liabilities. All reserves are maintained in a readily realisable form.
Funds materially in deficit: none.
## **FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE**
Home Start York’s total incoming resources were £126,615 an increase of £47,664 on the previous year.
The total resources expended were £117,994, a decrease of £16,332 on the previous year, the vast majority of which was staffing costs. The decision to operate with two Family Support Coordinators rather than three made a significant difference to operating cost. We intend to maintain our service above national and local expectations in future years and seek new funding for services but doing so may change our current balances. We have held our designated fund at last year’s level after re-assessment of future costs, the potential liabilities that could arise on closure of the charity and continued difficulties in sourcing new funding as a result of the issues faced by charities and businesses alike in the wake of continued economic turmoil and the reduction in the levels of funding available.
## **RESTRICTED FUNDS**
Restricted funds received or expended during the year are showing a small surplus of £1,092.
Val Bowman Treasurer
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**Trustee Responsibilities in Relation to the Financial Statements**
Company law requires the directors (trustees) to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the income and expenditure of the company for the year. In preparing those financial statements the directors (trustees) are required to:
- Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, or explain
- departures therefrom;
- Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to
- presume that the company will continue on that basis.
The directors (trustees) are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities, as well as exercising proper financial controls. Members of the Board of Trustees, who are Directors for the purpose of company law, and Trustees for the purpose of charity law, who served during the year and up to the date of this report are set out inside the rear cover of this report.
## **DISCLOSURE**
In accordance with company law, as the company’s Directors, each of the Board of Trustees certifies that so far as they are aware:
- There is no relevant information of which the charity’s Independent Examiner is unaware;
• As Directors of the company they have taken the necessary steps to be aware of the information which would be relevant for independent examination purposes and have communicated such to the Independent Examiner.
## **EXEMPTIONS**
The trustees have taken advantage of the exemption available to small companies, including the audit exemption (as detailed in Note 1.2 to the financial statements).
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the Board of Trustees
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Sandra Furby
Chair
8th August 2025
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14
**Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31st March 2025**
||||||2025|2024|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||Unrestricted|Designated|Restricted|Total|Total|
|||Funds|Fund|Funds|Funds|Funds|
||Note|
£|£|£|£|£|
|INCOME FROM:|||||||
|Donations and Grants|3|122,917||1,510|124,427|76,360|
|Events|3||||||
|Investment Income|3|2,188|||2,188|2,591|
|Total Income||125,105||1,510|126,615|78,951|
|RESOURCES EXPENDED:|||||||
|Raising funds|4||||||
|Charitable activities|4|117,305||689|117,994|134,326|
|Total Resources Expended||117,305||689|117,994|134,326|
|Net Income/(Expenditure)||7,800||821|8,621|(55,375)|
|Funds brought forward||105,357|37,000|271|142,628|198,003|
|Transfers between Funds|||||||
|Total funds carried forward||113,157|37,000|1,092|151,249|142,628|
## **Balance Sheet as at 31st March 2025**
||||2025|||2024||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||Note|£||£|£||£|
|Current Assets||||||||
|Debtors and Prepayments 3|||||2|||
|Cash in hand||184|||18|||
|Cash at Bank||151,701|||143,396|||
|||||151,885|||143,416|
|Liabilities: Amounts falling due within one year||||||||
|Creditors and accruals|4|(636)|||(788)|||
|Net Current Assets||||151,249|||142,628|
|Total Net Assets||||151,249|||142,628|
|Represented by:||||||||
|Funds||||||||
|Unrestricted Fund|8|||113,157|||105,357|
|Designated Fund|8|||37,000|||37,000|
|Restricted Funds|8|||1,092|||271|
|||||151,249|||142,628|
Dated: 8th August 2025 Sandra Furby , Chair For and on behalf of Home-Start York
All of the charity’s operations are classed as continuing. There are no recognised gains or losses other than those stated above. The notes to the accounts on pages 16-18 form part of these financial statements
15
**Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st March 2025**
## 1.BASIS OF PREPARATION
## 1.1 Basis of accounting
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities – Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP 2015) and with Accounting Standards.
## 1.2 Exemptions
The trustees are satisfied that the company is entitled to exemption from the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 (the Act) relating to the audit of the financial statements for the year by virtue of section 477, and that no member or members have requested an audit pursuant to section 476 of the Act.
## 2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
## 2.1 Incoming Resources
These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when: The charity becomes entitled to the resources. Receipt of the resources is probable, and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability. When incoming resources have related expenditure the incoming resources and related expenditure are reported gross in the SoFA. Grants and Donations are only included in the SoFA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources, Investment income is included in the SoFA when receivable.
## 2.2 Resources Expended
Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources, using the accrual basis.
## 3. INCOME
|3. INCOME||||
|---|---|---|---|
|Donations and Grants:
City of York Council grant
CYC Public Health Grant
Vale of York C.C.G. (N.H.S.) grant
Donations from Trusts
Other Projects
Other Donations
Trading Activities:
Events
Investment Income:
Bank and Deposit Account Interest
Total incoming resources|23,063
21,000
15,649
50,967
7,842 1,010
4,396 500
122,917 1,510
2,188
Unrestricted
Funds 2025
£
Restricted
Funds 2025
£|23,063
21,000
15,649
50,967
8,852
4,896
124,427
2,188
~~126,615~~
2025 Total
Funds
£
|17,297 17,297
15,649 15,649
33,063 33,063
863 7,067 7,930
2,421 2,421
69,293 7,067 76,360
2,591 2,591
~~71,884 7,067~~ ~~78,951~~
Unrestricted
Funds 2024
Restricted
Funds 2024
2024 Total
Funds
£|
||~~125,105 1,510~~|||
## 4. RESOURCES EXPENDED
|RESOURCES EXPENDED|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|**2025**
Payroll costs
Staff other costs
Volunteer costs
Family Activities
Office & premises running costs
Total resources expended
**2024**
Payroll costs
Staff other costs
Volunteer costs
Family Activities
Office & premises running costs
Total resources expended|Raising Funds
Unrestricted Restricted
£
£
Raising Funds
Unrestricted Restricted
£
£
|
Total
£
Total
£|Charitable Activities
Unrestricted Restricted
£
£
Charitable Activities
Unrestricted Restricted
£
£
689
689
92,188
1,227
2,105
100
18,347
113,967
13,660
15
500
2,264
3,920
20,359
117,305
94,782
695
2,492
419
18,917|Total
£
94,782
695
2,492
1,108
18,917
2025
Totals
£
94,782
695
2,492
1,108
18,917|
|||||117,994
Total
£
105,848
1,242
2,605
2,364
22,267
117,994
2024
Totals
£
105,848
1,242
2,605
2,364
22,267|
|||||134,326
134,326|
## 4.1 Trustees expenses
No Trustee received remuneration for services rendered during the year.
4.2 Independent Examiners’ fees 2025 2024
For reporting on the financial statements 350 340
16
**Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st March 2025**
## 5. PAID EMPLOYEES
2025 2024 5.1 Staff Costs Gross salaries and benefits in kind 85,941 95,786 Employer National Insurance 1,894 2,189 Employer pension contribution 6,947 7,873 Total staff costs 94,782 105,848 5.2 Full-time equivalent employees Average number of full-time equivalent employees in the year 2.75 3 Working in Charitable activities 2.75 3 Working in Fundraising activities
## 5.3 Pension arrangements
Staff may elect to join a pension scheme operated with The Pensions Trust. The scheme is a contracted-in occupational money purchase plan, currently growth plan 4. There is a contingent liability in relation to the guaranteed element of pension entitlement up to October 2001.
The cost of the scheme to the charity in the year 2,028 2,028
## 6. CREDITORS AND ACCRUALS
Independent Examination 350 340 Volunteers’ expenses 286 448 636 788
## 7. DETAILS OF FUNDS
## 7.1 Funds held
## Endowment Funds:
There were no such funds held during the year.
Restricted Funds: Funds held during the year were;
Big Hopes Big Futures: Grants were made to this project by HSUK.
Perinatal Infant Mental Health: Funds were received from the Ed de Nunzio Trust and Whitwam Trust for this project and used towards training with full commencement in April 2023. Following commencement in April 2023, costs were allocated against staff, volunteers and operating expenses. Minster Lions: Covered the cost of equipment requirements for supported families. Monies were requested and provided on a case by case basis. Training: Funding for training was received through the Tesco Blue Token scheme.
A designated fund is maintained to cover the costs involved in closing the Scheme if that eventuality was to arise. The designated fund also covers potential liabilities arising from certain staff’s membership of the Pensions Trust pension scheme and any other significant contingent liabilities.
|7.2 Movement of funds|Balance|Incoming|Outgoing|Transfers|Total|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||B'fwd|Resources|Resources||Funds|
|Unrestricted Fund||||||
|General Funds|105,367|
125,105|117,305||113,157|
|Restricted||||||
|Minster Lions|240|1,010|689||
561|
|BHBF|29||||
29|
|Perinatal Infant Mental Health|2||||2|
|Training||500|||500|
|Designated Fund|
271
37,000|1,510|689||1,092
37,000|
|Closing balance|142,628|126,615|117,994||151,249|
17
**Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st March 2025**
## 8. NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
||Unrestricted|Restricted|Designated|Total|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||Funds|Funds|||
|Balances as at 31st March 2025|||||
|Current Assets|113,793|1,092|37,000|151,885|
|Current Liabilities|(636)|||(636)|
||113,157|1,092|37,000|151,249|
|Balances as at 31st March 2024|||||
|Current Assets|106,145|271|37,000|143,416|
|CurrentLiabilities|(788)|||(788)|
||105,357|271|37,000|142,628|
## 9. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
There is a contingent liability of £2,028 (2024 - £2,028) relating to the pension scheme, which would fall due to the scheme provider if Home-Start York had no members in the scheme. The amount of the liability is as advised by the Pensions Trust following their latest Scheme Valuation.
## **Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Home-**
## **Start York**
HOME-START YORK, Charity Number: 1161151
I report on the accounts of Home-Start York for the year ended 31st March 2025, which are set out on pages 15-18.
## **RESPONSIBILITIES AND BASIS OF REPORT**
As the charity trustees of the Trust 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 2011 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 EXAMINER'S STATEMENT**
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material 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 Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or
2. the accounts do not accord with these records
3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Report) 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.
8th August 2025
Jeff Todd FCA Outsource Independent Examination Service 24 First Avenue York
YO31 7YQ
18
**York**
## **PRESIDENT**
Richard Baldwin
## **PATRONS**
Alison Baldwin Barbara Cooke Sir Ron Cooke Sallie Gray David Miller
## **DIRECTORS AND TRUSTEES**
Sandra Furby - Chair, Training & Supervision Val Bowman - Treasurer Sarah Blower - Vice Chair & Research Penny Heptonstall - Volunteer Representative & Health & Safety Lesley Murphy - Volunteer Representative Jane Keel - Safeguarding Samantha Beardsley - GDPR & Policies Jess Harrison - Sustainability
## **STAFF TEAM**
Maria Farrar (O’Keeffe) - Scheme Manager Susan Deery - Family Support Coordinator Adele Hunter - Family Support Coordinator Eleanor Carswell - Administrator
## **PRINCIPAL ADVISOR**
Home-Start UK
Home-Start York The Gatehouse, Cemetery Road, York, YO10 5AJ T: 07519 976946
E: support@homestartyork.org W: www.homestartyork.org
@homestartyork1 @homestartyork1 homestartyork
Home-Start York is a charity registered with the Charity Commission, incorporated as a company limited by guarantee. Registered Company No: 09471420 Registered Charity No: 1161151
All images: Home-Start York, HSUK & Canva
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