## **York & District LGBT Forum**
## **Charitable Incorporated Organisation**
Charity Number 1162234
**Trustees’ Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31st July 2024**
Charity accounts preparation & independent examination service
## **York & District LGBT Forum**
Charity number 1162234
|**Contents**||
|---|---|
|**Index**|**Page**|
|**Report of the Trustees**|**1**|
|**Independent Examiner’s Report**|**8**|
|**Receipts & Payments Accounts**|**9**|
|**Statement of Assets & Liabilities**|**10**|
|**Notes to the Accounts**|**11**|
**York & District LGBT Forum**
(Charity Number 1162234)
## **Trustees’ Annual Report**
**From: August 2023 To: July 2024 Charities Full Name:** York & District LGBT Forum **Registered Charity Number:** 1162234
## **Objectives and Activities**
## **Summary of the purposes of the charity set out in its governing document**
1. To promote equality and diversity for the public benefit by:
- The elimination of discrimination in relation to lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer, questioning (LGBT) and allies and associates living within the city of York and its environs;
- Challenging homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, or any associated negative attitudes and behaviour within society;
- Working with partners and organisations, public and private, in developing initiatives that will enhance and safeguard LGBT people’s lives, ensuring their inclusion in all aspects of life, and that their human rights are protected; and by
- Advancing education, raising awareness and promoting a culture based on equality and diversity.
2. To promote social inclusion for the public benefit by preventing lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer, questioning people (LGBT) and allies and associates from being socially excluded from society on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity; and
3. To further any other purpose which is charitable according to the law of England and Wales for the public benefit as the trustees see fit from time to time.
These aims and objectives are achieved in various ways, including through casework, advocacy, policy and advisory work, mapping local crime analysis, training, projects, outreach and through schools and education.
The Forum believes that where barriers exist, there is inequality!
The diversity within the LGBT community enriches all aspects of life and should be encouraged and promoted. This is why the York LGBT Forum strives to improve the social inclusion of LGBT people in the area.
The Forum actively promotes awareness and understanding of LGBT people’s needs to enable full participation in society and works with many others to reduce the fear of crime and bullying, particularly in schools, the workplace and in later life. It also encourages greater participation in the prevention and detection of homophobic, transphobic and biphobic discrimination. We aim to improve people’s wellbeing and sense of community.
1
**York & District LGBT Forum**
(Charity Number 1162234)
## **Trustees’ Annual Report**
## **Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts**
## Activity report: Our core focuses and projects Open meetings
As a charity, we focus on building, facilitating and promoting community support. Core to this is recognising where we are similar to and different from other organisations and looking at where our member bases overlap. In much of our collaborative work, we have supported individuals who experience marginalisation for reasons other than their sexual orientationity or gender identity.
This year, we have used this intersectional emphasis to underpin the structure for our Open Meetings. Relevant stakeholders in related professions – such as local businesses, charities, community groups, local government departments and statutory organisations – are invited to participate in discussion around topics of importance to the LGBTQ+ community, such as mental health, hate crime, disability, and active leisure. This is an opportunity to share expertise; to learn more about how being LGBTQ+ can create unique challenges - for example in healthcare - which can be overlooked when providing services; and to reflect on the role that individuals, organisations and communities can play in making improvements.
We’re delighted to have been able to create spaces to facilitate conversation and promote collaborative working between service providers, charities and other stakeholders in the city. We hope to continue these invaluable sessions in the coming months, and welcome suggestions for future themes.
## York Socials
Our weekly York Socials (previously called the Coffee Socials) have continued to flourish, with attendance from around 30-35 people each week. The change in venue to the York Travellers’ Trust has proven to be a lasting success, and we remain deeply grateful for their continued support and hospitality.
As mentioned in the trustee report, we are happy to share that we have secured multi-year funding for the York Socials, thanks to the generous support of the Brelms Trust and the Wharfedale Foundation. This crucial funding will help ensure the long-term sustainability of the project, allowing us to continue offering this safe, welcoming space for the community.
The York Socials have become a gateway for our members to participate in other community activities, encouraging members to engage more deeply with the Forum and other opportunities. They have also proved to be an effective jumping-off point for further groups and projects: within the past year, community members from this group have established a trans swimming group, a fashion project, and an online awareness initiative. This demonstrates how bringing people together can create new opportunities, and we have offered support and mentoring to develop these projects.
Feedback from our attendees has remained overwhelmingly positive. Members consistently share how much they value the inclusive, alcohol-free space, which allows them to truly be themselves without fear of judgment.
In September we celebrated the 10th anniversary of our weekly York socials, marking a decade of togetherness, laughter, and community spirit. We marked the occasion with a special anniversary event featuring performances from some of our members, reflections on the last decade, and a pizza party. With more than 40 people attending, the event was a great success and a testament to the power of community.
## Northallerton Socials
Over the past year, the Northallerton Socials have continued to thrive. Attendance has remained positive and has grown steadily throughout the year, thanks to a combination of our strong social media presence and word-ofmouth referrals. Not only has the group retained many of its regular members, but it has also attracted new faces, with more than 20 people attending each month on average.
The Northallerton Socials have become a key meeting point for the local LGBTQ+ community, but the accessibility of the group has also widened beyond the immediate area, especially with the town’s convenient location on the East Coast rail line. This has made it easier for people from further afield to join the group, contributing to the growing diversity of attendees.
Looking forward, we are focusing on expanding our outreach and engagement in the local area even further, with plans to collaborate with other local LGBTQ+ initiatives and events. We are also committed to continuing our efforts to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels supported, whether they are attending for the first time or have been part of the group for years.
2
**York & District LGBT Forum**
(Charity Number 1162234)
## **Trustees’ Annual Report**
Our Northallerton Socials have directly contributed to an increase in LGBTQ+ activities within the area. Owing to the success of our socials, our partner organisation GeneraTe have started a drop-in session for trans and non-binary people. Additionally, this year the Open Table at Northallerton (a Christian LGBTQ+ space to worship; the only one in York and North Yorkshire directly dedicated to LGBTQ+ people) has seen an increase in regular attendance from our members and their direct involvement in leading services. We express our thanks to Reverend David Johnson and All Saints Church.
## Older people
We have continued to deliver our Free to be Me in Care training, working with care homes and other elder care organisations so they can better support their LGBTQ+ residents. While it has been a quiet year for our Free to be Me in Care presenters , reasons being reconnecting with care homes after the pandemic , they have nonetheless delivered several sessions, including multiple sessions at the British Legion’s Lister House Care Home in Ripon. Additionally, the training materials and resources remain freely accessible on the Forum website.
We have also continued to work closely with our partner organisations. With Dementia Forward we have delivered Opening the Closet Door on Dementia, our hour-long training on dementia and how it impacts LGBTQ+ individuals. Our representative, Neil continues to lead on LGBTQ+ matters giving talks, advising on LGBTQ+ inclusion in future strategies and helping with displays and events. Thanks to Sally Hanby at Lister House, he is now an integral part of their induction process with new members of staff, making sure LGBTQ+ awareness is fully understood and practised.
Additionally, we have continued to collaborate closely with Ageing Without Children (AWOC) York to ensure that LGBTQ+ issues are considered in their work, and that the Forum delivers effective support and advocacy for older LGBTQ+ people. AWOC York and York LGBT Forum shared a stand at York Pride and at Kyra’s International Women’s Day event, and the Forum has supported and promoted AWOC’s events such as its ‘My Perfect Day’ hybrid event for York International Women’s Week.
## Trans support
This year has been focused on expanding and strengthening our provision of support for the trans and non-binary community. Our trans peer support socials have continued to grow and now take place twice a month: one session online, and the other in person at Over The Rainbow Café.
Attendance has notably increased, particularly during our popular open mic nights which provide a creative outlet for exploring trans identities. These evenings have had a positive impact on mental wellbeing, offering members a supportive space to express themselves through art, music, and performance.
As the group continues to expand, we are considering the need for a larger venue to accommodate the rising number of participants. The success of this growth reflects the strong community bonds that have formed, and we want to ensure everyone feels welcome and supported. Phil and Sophie, our dedicated Trans Coordinators, have been instrumental in driving this progress, and their continued efforts have been key to the success of these initiatives.
Looking ahead, we are excited about exploring new options, including a variety of workshops themed on topics of interest to our community members.
## International
Advocacy for all LGBTQ+ people isare at the heart of our work, with international advocacy a key part of that. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “no one is free, until we all are free”. This year we’ve focused on raising awareness and supporting our members in some of the individual work they are doing to help LGBTQ+ people around the world.
Some of our members and facilitators have raised funds for LGBTQ+ refugees in Kenya who are experiencing persecution, and have advocated for this issue to Amnesty International and the United Nations Human Rights Council. We’re also delighted to that a Forum member from Kenya has rejoined us after seeking asylum in York. They are now settled into an honorary degree course and are an active participant in our LGBT People of Faith work.
If you’re interested in becoming involved in our international work, please contact the trustee board - we’d really welcome your participation.
3
**York & District LGBT Forum**
(Charity Number 1162234)
## **Trustees’ Annual Report**
Free to Be Me in the Workplace
This year, we introduced our updated Free to Be Me in the Workplace, a training workshop for employers, this included a comprehensive training session for employees across Hiscox and there was a worldwide audience. As we look ahead, we plan to expand our “Free to Be Me” team. To support this expansion, we are conducting a review of our resources and presentations and are developing a targeted marketing plan to enhance engagement and awareness.
## Other projects
As ever, we hope to continue to support our current projects and to undertake further development, outreach and awareness raising.
York LGBT Forum welcomes, encourages and supports member projects. If you are currently running, have ideas for a project, or would like to get more involved in an existing project, please contact equiries@yorklgbtforum.org, or speak to one of the trustees.
If you have any ideas, or are interested in setting up your own project supported by York LGBT Forum, please contact enquiries@yorklgbtforum.org or speak to one of the trustees.
## Art Gallery project (Closed)
Our Art Gallery project, which has now come to a successful close, gave volunteers the opportunity to re-examine a wide array of artworks through a queer lens and offer fresh perspectives, challenging traditional interpretations and highlighting the often-overlooked experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals within the art world.
## Our key activities included:
- Writing labels: Volunteers and project members contributed to the creation of thoughtful and reflective labels for various artworks, offering interpretations through a queer lens and encouraging viewers to engage more deeply with the art and consider new meanings and narratives.
- Raising awareness of LGBTQ+ perspectives on art: Through workshops, discussions, and community outreach, we worked to broaden understanding of LGBTQ+ perspectives in the context of art and art history. Our efforts aimed to promote inclusivity within the art world, making it a space where diverse sexualities, genders, and identities can be explored and celebrated.
Our work on this project gained national media coverage, with articles appearing in several newspapers. We succeeded in creating a public dialogue, sparking discussions about representation, inclusivity, and how we approach and understand art. Through this we were able to confront existing biases and encourage more diverse interpretations within the art community.
The Art Gallery Project served as a platform for meaningful exchange, connection, and education. It challenged dominant narratives, broadened perspectives, and created space for LGBTQ+ voices in a traditionally conservative realm. Through the efforts of our volunteers and supporters, we not only left a lasting impact on our local art scene but also made a significant contribution to national conversations about art, identity, and inclusivity.
The trustees consider that they have complied with their duties for the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission.
4
**York & District LGBT Forum**
(Charity Number 1162234)
## **Trustees’ Annual Report**
## **Achievements and Performance**
**Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole.**
This year we made significant strides across multiple areas:
## **Securing financial sustainability**
Financially, we have given our attention to strengthening and diversifying our funding portfolio, thinking both laterally and longer-term to ensure that our core groups have the funding they need to serve the needs of our members. We have secured grants and forged partnerships with local businesses to introduce further income streams; and, for the first time, we have successfully secured multi-year funding from an awarding body, adding an additional dimension of sustainability to our income. We have also strengthened our financial management practices to ensure transparency and accountability.
## **Strengthening our policy base**
We have made significant strides in refining our internal policies and procedures, reviewing and updating our policy documentation to ensure that they are robust, comprehensive, and reflect the latest legal requirements and best practices. Documentation updated this year includes our safeguarding policies and procedures for handling complaints and incidents, giving us the confidence that we are well-equipped to handle any challenges with transparency and integrity.
## **Addressing LGBTQ+ hate crime**
The rise in hate crime targeting the LGBT community has been a significant concern this year, with both local and national figures demonstrating alarming increases in incidents perpetrated against people of minoritised sexualities and genders. In response, we have focused on addressing the issue through:
- Advocacy and awareness: We have actively campaigned against hate crime, working with local authorities and national organisations to raise awareness and advocate for stronger protections and support systems for victims.
- Partnerships with law enforcement: We have collaborated closely with criminal justice partners to improve the reporting and handling of hate . This has included providing consultancy to the Police, and engaging with York Human Rights Indicator Report.
**Working with partner organisations:** We have led open conversations with stakeholders in the public, private and third sectors to discuss and promote the vital roles they can play in preventing and reducing hate crime against LGBTQ+ people.
## **Facilitating essential conversations**
Much of our work this year has focused on creating spaces for open discussion and problem-solving with our membership, our partners and stakeholders, and the wider community, looking at what LGBTQ+ communities in York and North Yorkshire want and need.
- Our bimonthly members’ meetings have served as a platform for community members to voice their concerns, share experiences, and contribute to the development of new initiatives. This feedback has been invaluable in shaping our strategies and ensuring our services meet community needs.
- Our bimonthly open meetings have brought together our members, allies, and other local organisations to discuss topics and issues of relevance to the LGBTQ+ community and explore collaborative solutions. These meetings have strengthened our network, fostering collaboration with a variety of partners and facilitating more coordinated efforts to address key concerns.
- Our strategic partnerships with organisations such as local councils, health services, and educational institutions helped us to address key issues affecting the LGBT community. These partnerships have enabled us to leverage additional resources and expertise. This has included working with York Football Club’s Football vs Homophobia, where they were nominated for a Football vs Homophobia award.
5
**York & District LGBT Forum**
(Charity Number 1162234)
## **Trustees’ Annual Report**
## **Financial Review**
## **Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period**
As members will be aware , the funding landscape is increasingly challenging, but we’re pleased to have been able to continue to fund our core projects. In 2024 we successfully obtained our first multi-year funding grant with The Wharfedale Foundation and the Brelms Trust. This will enable us to continue to run our vital social inclusion groups in North Yorkshire for several more years.
We continue to seek funding to ensure all our core activities can be delivered, and to enable new projects to take shape.
We would like to extend our thanks to the funders listed above, who make it possible for us to continue to provide the services which are so essential to our members. We’d also like to thank our volunteers, freelance workers and group facilitators - our work would not be possible without these individuals, and we are enormously grateful to everybody who supports us.
We believe that the York LGBT Forum is in a strong financial and stable position.
## **Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held**
Our reserve policy is set at 6 months operational costs incase of liquidation.
## **Amount of reserves held**
£3,941
## **Structure, governance and management**
## **Description of the charity’s trusts**
**Type of governing document** Constitution **(e.g. trust deed, royal charter)**
**How the charity is constituted (e.g unincorporated association, CIO)**
CIO (with membership)
**Trustee selection methods** Open recruitment, interviews, appointed by trustees, **including details of any** probabtionary period of 3 months, members ratify trustees at **constitutional provisions e.g.** AGM. **election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees**
Our trustees have an induction and probation period. This is so we can establish if they are fit with the charity. Policies shared include: Safeguarding Policy; Complaints Policy; Confidentiality Policy; Code of Conduct (Members); Code of Conduct (Trustees); Data Protection Policies; Conflict of Interest; Communitication Policies. We also share the last AGM minutes, the consitution and the last trustee meeting minutes and agenda. Furthermore, we
6
**York & District LGBT Forum**
(Charity Number 1162234)
## **Trustees’ Annual Report**
## **Reference and administration details**
**Charity’s full name**
York LGBT Forum
**Other names the charity is known by Charity’s principal address**
n/a York LGBT Forum C/O York CVS 15 Priory Street York YO1 6ET
## **Names of the trustees who manage the charity**
**Trustee name Office (if any) Dates acted if not Name of person entitled to whole year appoint trustee** Jake Furby Co-Chair Annis Cordy Co-Chair Ian Holdsworth Treasurer Joe McKenzie Secretary Kris Barnfield-Guest Chris Bailey-Munt Sue Lister 15th November 2024 Emily Roach 15th November 2024 Nigel Wilson 15th November 2024
## **Names and addresses of advisors**
**Type of advisor Name Address Independent Examiner** Karen Wood ACMA Outsource Accountancy & Independent Examinations 2 Galligap Lane Osbaldwick, York YO10 3NR
## **Declaration**
## **The trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees Annual Report and Accounts**
## **Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees**
**Signature**
**Full Name** Jake Laurence Alfred Furby
**Position** Co-Chair of Trustees
**Date** ~~28/01/2025~~
7
**York & District LGBT Forum**
(Charity Number 1162234)
# **Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of York & District LGBT Forum**
I report on the accounts of: **York & District LGBT Forum** For the year ended: **31st July 2024**
Which are set out on pages 9 to 12
## **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 those records
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.
Karen Wood (ACMA) Outsource independent examination service 2 Galligap Lane Osbaldwick York
09/03/2025
Date
YO10 3NR
8
## **York & District LGBT Forum**
(Charity Number 1162234)
|**31st July 2024**
**Receipts & Payments Accounts for the year ended**|**31st July 2024**
**Receipts & Payments Accounts for the year ended**|
|---|---|
|**Receipts**
**Total receipts**
Donations
Training & fee income
Grants
**Payments**
Insurance
Facilitation of activities
Independent examination fee
Administration & offce costs
Marketing (banners, leafets etc)
Website
Event costs & merchandise
Volunteer travel & expenses
AGM & annual report costs
Room hire, venue & rent
Consultancy
**Total payments**
Equipment & IT support
Professional fees
**Net of receipts/(payments)**
**Transfer between funds**
**Balance brought forward**
**Balance carried forward**
Grant management
Training|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**2024**
**Total**
**2023**
**Total**
£
£
£
£
735
14,172
14,907
22,630
4,337
-
4,337
3,279
1,271
-
1,271
-|
||**6,343**
**14,172**
**20,515**
**25,909**|
||£
£
£
£
461
-
461
336
209
10,813
11,022
15,909
400
-
400
400
83
685
768
-
-
-
-
717
330
-
330
473
1,374
-
1,374
-
297
1,010
1,307
675
1,091
-
1,091
359
300
4,383
4,683
3,015
-
-
-
525
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,265
1,265
450
-
300
300
300|
||**4,545**
**18,456**
**23,001**
**23,159**|
||**1,798**
**(4,284)**
**(2,486)**
**2,750**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**2,143**
**17,824**
**19,967**
**17,217**|
||**3,941**
**13,540**
**17,481**
**19,967**|
9
**York & District LGBT Forum**
(Charity Number 1162234)
|**31st July 2024**
**Statement of Assets and Liabilities at:**|**31st July 2024**
**Statement of Assets and Liabilities at:**|
|---|---|
|**Assets**
Current bank account
**Cash at bank and in hand**
Independent examination fee
**Liabilities**|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**2024**
**Total**
**funds**
**2023**
**Total**
**funds**
£
£
£
£
3,941
13,540
17,481
19,967|
||**3,941**
**13,540**
**17,481**
**19,967**|
||**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**2024**
**Total**
**Funds**
**2023**
**Total**
**funds**
£
£
£
£
400
-
400
400|
||**400**
**-**
**400**
**400**|
10
**York & District LGBT Forum**
(Charity Number 1162234)
**Notes to the Accounts for the year ended:**
**31st July 2024**
## **1. Basis of preparation**
The Trustees have taken advantage of section 144 (2) of the Charities Act 2011 and prepared the accounts on a receipts and payments basis.
## **2. Funds analysis**
## **2.1 Restricted funds**
**Fund name Purpose** Homeless project Funds to help educate and raise awareness of what it is like to be homeless in organisations that support homeless people.
Northallerton socials Monthly coffee social, funded by Hambleton District Council and Broadacres. 2 hours a month for facilitation.
Awards for all **Coffee socials (York and Northallerton)**
(payment for rent, facilitation freelance workers x 2 and project management)
Morrisons **Trans support**
(payment for rent, facilitation freelance workers x 2 and project management)
Magic Little Grants **Trans support**
(payment for rent, facilitation freelance workers x 2 and project management)
Cost of Living Fund **Trans support**
(payment for rent, facilitation freelance workers x 2 and project management)
Belfry (Two Ridings) **Trans support**
(payment for rent, facilitation freelance workers x 2 and project management)
Wharfdale
Brelms
## **2.2 Designated funds**
Older LGBT
Free to be me in care. Money allocated for older LGBT projects
11
**York & District LGBT Forum**
(Charity Number 1162234)
## **2.3 Movement of major funds**
|**Unrestricted funds**
General funds
Homeless project
Awards for All
Morrisons
Magic Little grants
Belfry (Two Ridings)
Designated funds
Northallerton socials
Wharfedale
Cost of Living Fund
Brelms
**Restricted funds**
**Total funds**|**Balance**
**b/fwd**
**Incoming**
**resources**
**Resources**
**expended**
**Trf between**
**funds**
**Balance**
**c/fwd**
£
£
£
£
£
1,901
6,027
4,545
-
3,383
242
316
-
558|
|---|---|
||**1,901**
**6,343**
**4,545**
**-**
**3,941**|
||£
£
£
£
£
1,494
-
-
-
1,494
201
760
410
-
551
7,159
-
6,972
-
187
6,970
-
6,970
-
-
500
-
500
-
-
500
-
384
-
116
1,000
1,742
1,769
-
973
-
6,000
1,351
-
4,649
-
5,670
100
-
5,570|
||**17,824**
**14,172**
**18,456**
**-**
**13,540**|
|||
||**19,725**
**20,515**
**23,001**
**-**
**17,481**|
## **Approval of accounts for the year ended**
**31st July 2024**
The report and accounts were approved at a meeting
of the trustees held on
Date
Signed for and on behalf of the trustees
Date
Print Name
Position (eg. chair)
12