REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1162404
Report of the Trustees and Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 September 2023 for SIMPLE GIFTS: UNITARIAN CENTRE FOR SOCIAL ACTION
EARL & GREY ACCOUNTANTS Docklands Business Centre 10-16 Tiller Road London E14 8PX
SIMPLE GIFTS: UNITARIAN CENTRE FOR SOCIAL ACTION
Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 September 2023
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 1 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 2 |
| Community Benefit | 3-5 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 6 |
| Balance Sheet | 7 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 8-9 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 10 |
SIMPLE GIFTS: UNITARIAN CENTRE FOR SOCIAL ACTION
Report of the Trustees
for the Year Ended 30 September 2023
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 30 September 2023. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities' issued in March 2005.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number
1162404
Principal address
SIMPLE GIFTS: UNITARIAN CENTRE FOR SOCIAL ACTION 117 MANSFORD STREET LONDON E2 6LX
Trustees
Rev. Martin Whitell (Chairperson) Roy Clark (Secretary) Christopher Brown (Trustee)
Independent examiner
RAZAUL KABIR ACCA IFA MIPA EARL & GREY ACCOUNTANTS Docklands Business Centre 10-16 Tiller Road London E14 8PX
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a constitution and constitutes an incorporated charity.
Risk management
The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.
Approved by order of the board of trustees on ............................................. and signed on its behalf by:
............................................. Trustee
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of SIMPLE GIFTS: UNITARIAN CENTRE FOR SOCIAL ACTION
I report on the accounts for the year ended 30 September 2023 set out on pages four to seven.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under Section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act)) and that an independent examination is required.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under Section 145 of the 2011 Act
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to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under Section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act); and
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of the independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statements below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements
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to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act
have not been met; or
- (2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
RAZAUL KABIR ACCA IFA MIPA EARL & GREY ACCOUNTANTS Docklands Business Centre 10-16 Tiller Road London E14 8PX
Date: 30/07/2024................................
SIMPLE GIFTS: UNITARIAN CENTRE FOR SOCIAL ACTION Community Benefit
Charitable objects
- To further or benefit the residents of Bethnal Green, East London and the neighbourhood, without distinction of sex, sexual orientation, race or of political, religious or other opinions by associating together the said residents and the local authorities, voluntary and other organisations in a common effort to advance education and to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation and leisure time occupation with the objective of improving the conditions of life for the residents.
in furtherance of these objects but not otherwise, the trustees shall have power:
To establish or secure the establishment of a community centre and to maintain or manage or co-operate with any statutory authority in the maintenance and management of such a centre for activities promoted by the charity in furtherance of the above objects.
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To provide the necessary facilities for the daily care, recreation and education of children and young people during out of school hours and school holidays
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To advance in life and relieve the needs of young people through:
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The provision of recreational and leisure time activities provided in the interest of social welfare, designed to improve their conditions of life;
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Providing support and activities which develop their skills, capacities and capabilities to enable them to participate in society as mature and responsible individuals.
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To develop the capacity and skills of the members of the socially and economically deprived community of Bethnal Green, East London in such a way that they are better able to identify, and help meet, their needs and to participate more fully in society.
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Such other charitable purposes for the public benefit as are exclusively charitable according to the laws of England and Wales as the trustees may from time to time determine.
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.
SimpleGifts fulfils its charitable objects by offering programming to benefit the local community, including children and young people, parents, older people, women, new immigrants, and socially isolated residents. Our programmes primarily support people in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets; however we have users who attend from other areas of London.
Our projects delivered during the year provide opportunities for the local community to engage in positive activities, which contributes to social and personal development. We respond to the needs of the communities and develop programmes which are co-designed and led by local people. All our programmes are free to attend.
Chai & Chat
Opportunities for women to meet socially and take part in positive activities over a cup of tea, interacting with others locally, developing friendships and social networks that reduces isolation and loneliness. They benefit from regular talks and workshops from external agencies which includes, information sessions on health, welfare, housing, mental health, employment & training, and skills-based workshops.
Community Lunch
Regular community-based lunches, provide the opportunity people from diverse backgrounds to mix, breaking down barriers and promoting community cohesion. We encourage social action and communities take the lead to organise and deliver the community lunches, they bring food items and share with others.
Mindful Men
A user led session supported by the NHS which consists of gentle exercise delivered by an experienced life coach followed by meditation, reflection, and discussions on health matters. The sessions cater for working and non-working men in a safe and non-judgmental environment which provides the opportunity for men to take part in exercise, express their emotions and receive peer support, develop friendships, social networks as well as share life experiences and skills such as cooking, yoga, stretching, dealing with stress, family, and welfare.
Holiday Programmes:
Positive social and recreational activities for children and young people, including sports and arts and crafts and cultural activities. We provided a nutritious hot meal to those eligible for free school meals and the took part in workshops on topics that contribute to their personal development such as living and eating healthy, bullying, and staying safe etc. They have achieved outcome such improved confidence and resilience, learn new skills and more aware of healthy living.
Women’s Health & Fitness
Responding to local need we provided weekly sessions to improve the health and wellbeing of women through exercise. Sessions are facilitated by qualified trainer improving their general health and fitness.
Sewing Club:
Weekly sessions co-designed with women who requested a sewing activity which helps them to learn new skills, repair and renew clothes, make new friends, and socialise with others reducing isolation and loneliness.
Tech Club:
Aimed at those that are digitally excluded or struggling to use and access online activities/programmes. Some do not have the correct equipment or do not have access to broadband or do not have the skills. We offer access to equipment and broadband and training. In partnership with Unconnected we offered SIM cards for mobile phones to those that are struggling to pay for monthly phone contracts.
ESOL:
Classes are delivered from our centre and this enabled residents, new migrants to improve their skills and experiences, develop new friendships and to further their integration in society. They are offered opportunities to volunteer and can take part in a range of different activities at the centre. Volunteering Programme:
As a community led organisation, we offer opportunities for local people to volunteer with SimpleGifts. Social action is core to what we do and this gives communities input into the development of the programmes on offer ensuring it is led by them and meets their needs. Volunteers help us to connect locally and gives prospective volunteers opportunities to learn new skills, build knowledge and progress into employment, education, or training.
Achievements and Performance
We have continued to fulfil our mission through a programme of activities that have deepened existing partnerships and welcomed new service users. We recognise that communities have had to deal with challenges such as cost of living crisis, food, and fuel poverty, which have had a long tern detrimental impact and we have continued to support communities with programmes and activities which can help them navigate these challenges.
We have launched new initiatives in consultation with local communities such as the Mindful Men, providing opportunities for older men to get support from each other and have better mental health. Women’s health & fitness sessions as a response to local need helps women to improve their health and fitness and ensure we are meeting the needs of the communities we serve.
We have supported children and young people during school holidays Christmas, Easter and Summer with positive activities and a hot meal for those that are in need. This reduced pressure on families during these challenging times.
Chai & Chat and community lunches helped people to create local connections and develop new friendships, which leads to more community support and stronger bonds between people. Through this they were able to improve their awareness of local services and improve their confidence and learn new skills, gain experience through volunteering and organising community lunches.
We have helped people deal with the new way of communication and our Tech Club, helps them to get online and ensure they are not excluded from essential services and support and in partnership with Unconnected we have provided mobile phone sim cards which gave free calls, texts, and data for 6 months to households without broadband.
We support women and particularly those from disadvantaged households to improve their confidence, skills, and knowledge through our sewing club and ESOL classes.
We have provided information advice and guidance to help families to deal with the cost-of-living crisis and have signposted them to other support services which can help them with welfare, health, and housing and improve their social and economic circumstances.
SIMPLE GIFTS: UNITARIAN CENTRE FOR SOCIAL ACTION
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 30 September 2023
| 30.9.23 Unrestricted fund Restricted fund £ £ INCOMING RESOURCES Grants: LB Tower Hamlets - - LB Tower Hamlets - HAF - 16192 LB Tower Hamlets - Small grants - 4000 NHS North East London - 3245 ELATT 5500 - Queen Adelaide's Charity - 550 5500 23987 Other income: Donations 260 Interest 113 Rental income 19785 25658 23987 RESOURCES EXPENDED Operating costs 16166 15721 Governance costs 900 - Total resources expended 17066 15721 NET INCOMING RESOURCES 8592 8266 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 48005 - TOTAL FUNDS C/F 56597 8266 |
Total funds £ - 16192 4000 3245 5500 550 29487 260 113 19785 49645 31886 900 32786 16858 48005 64863 |
30.9.22 Total funds £ 2667 10400 - - 5500 - |
|---|---|---|
| 18567 1036 12632 |
||
| 32235 27591 900 |
||
| 28491 3744 44261 |
||
| 48005 |
SIMPLE GIFTS: UNITARIAN CENTRE FOR SOCIAL ACTION
Balance Sheet
At 30 September 2023
| Notes CURRENT ASSETS Cash at bank & in hand Debtors CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 3 NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES NET ASSETS TOTAL FUNDS FUNDS OF THE CHAIRTY: Restricted Unrestriced: Designated Funds General Funds Total Unrestricted Funds Total Funds |
Unrestricted fund £ 60149 -900 59249 59249 59249 |
Restricted fund £ 3314 2300 - 5614 5614 5614 £ 5614 10000 49249 59249 64863 |
30.9.23 Total funds £ 63463 2300 -900 64863 64863 64863 64863 |
30.9.22 Total funds £ 49455 - -1450 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48005 | ||||
| 48005 | ||||
| 48005 | ||||
| 48005 | ||||
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on ............................................. and were signed on its behalf by:
............................................. Trustee
SIMPLE GIFTS: UNITARIAN CENTRE FOR SOCIAL ACTION
Notes to the Financial Statements
for the Year Ended 30 September 2023
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008), the Charities Act 2011 and the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities.
Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included on the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
Resources expended
Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
2. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
For the year ended 30 September 2023, the charity team (Trustees, Chief Executive, Management Committee, Project Leaders, Fundraisers and Volunteers) have spent considerable personal time voluntarily without receiving any remuneration or other benefits.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 30 September 2022 nor for the year ended 30 September 2023.
3. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| Trade creditors | 30.9.23 30.9.22 £ £ 900 1,450 |
|---|---|
SIMPLE GIFTS: UNITARIAN CENTRE FOR SOCIAL ACTION
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 30 September 2023
4. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
| Unrestricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS |
At 1.10.22 £ 48,005 0 48,005 |
Net movement in funds £ 8,592 8266 16,858 |
At 30.9.23 £ 56,597 8,266 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 64,863 |
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 25,658 23987 49,645 |
Resources expended £ 17,066 15721 32,787 |
Movement in funds £ 8,592 8,266 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16,858 |
SIMPLE GIFTS: UNITARIAN CENTRE FOR SOCIAL ACTION
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 30 September 2023
| 30.9.23 Unrestricted fund Restricted fund £ £ INCOMING RESOURCES Grants: LB Tower Hamlets - - LB Tower Hamlets - HAF 16192 LBTH - Small grants - 4000 NHS North East London - 3245 ELATT 5500 - Queen Adelaide's Charity 550 5500 23987 Other income: Donations 260 Interest received 113 Rental income 19785 Total incoming resources 25658 23987 RESOURCES EXPENDED Operating costs: Wages 10313 12313 Programming Expenses 2919 Publicity 159 Volunteer Expenses 30 330 Premises Cost Light & heat 3321 Administrative Expenses Tel, PPS 886 - Website 65 - Repair & Maintenance 120 - Insurance 629 - LBTH Business Rates 741 - Financial Expenses Bank Charges 60 - Governance costs Accountancy 900 Total resources expended 17,066 15,721 Net income 8,592 8,266 |
Total funds £ 29487 260 113 19785 49645 22627 2919 159 360 3321 886 65 120 629 741 60 900 32,786 16,858 |
30.9.22 Total funds £ 2667 10400 - - 5500 - |
|---|---|---|
| 18567 1036 12632 |
||
| 32235 15221 5525 90 400 2546 802 1734 550 613 - 110 900 28,491 |
||
| 3,744 |