11 I l ¥ ANNUAL REPORT 2022123
CONTENTS
| CONTENTS | |
|---|---|
| INTRODUCTION | 4 |
| STRATEGIC & OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS | 6 |
| STRATEGIC & OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS | 8 |
| STRATEGIC & OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS | 10 |
| KEEPING EVERYONE SAFE - | 12 |
| SAFEGUARDING & PASTORAL CARE | 12 |
| LOOKING AHEAD | 13 |
| FINANCIAL SUMMARY | 14 |
| FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 16 |
| FINANCIAL STATEMENT SUPPORTING NOTES | 19 |
| SCL GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK | 20 |
2 | ANNUAL REPORT
3 | ANNUAL REPORT
INTRODUCTION
During this year the operational model established to deal with Covid restrictions has been successfully delivered, with the continued use of both St Mary de Castro (SMDC) and St Margaret’s Pastures (SMP)
The choir meets at SMDC on a Monday. We begin with refreshments and communal signing of popular songs aided by both the music and the songs being provided electronically. We then rehearse the set music directed by Emma Trounson whose leadership of the choir continues to be outstanding. On 4 July the choir gave a performance of Captain Noah to a supportive and enthusiastic audience at SMDC.
We hold a creative workshop at SMDC on Wednesday which includes poetry, art, cake and other refreshments in an atmosphere of friendship and fun. The number of guests attending the creative workshop has grown considerably this year
On Tuesday, we are at St Margaret’s Pastures where the Leicester City in the Community team lead our guests in football within the safe environment available. On 7 July there was an inaugural homelessness football tournament with [10] teams competing. The tournament was a great success and was covered in the sports section of BBC East Midlands news. We are immensely grateful to Leicester City for all they have done for Sound Café this year; and congratulate Maria O’Brien who continues to lead this project with great skill and enthusiasm in addition to her other work for the charity.
The Speaking of Homelessness project, funded by Arts Council England, enabled our guests to share their experience of homelessness with the support of a professional dramatist. The film is a collection of stories that raise awareness of the challenges of being homeless or vulnerably housed and what it is to be on the edge of society and ignored. A very significant amount of
work was done last year to produce a powerful short film which was released to great acclaim on 24 June 2022 at the Community Hub, King Power Stadium. The film is available on our website to download and was made available to schools from the Autumn of 2022. There was also, on 1 March 2023, an evening at Bishop’s Lodge hosted by the Bishop of Leicester with various invited guests when the film was shown and discussed; and work is ongoing on a book based on the film. Most importantly, all this is an opportunity for our guests to share their own unique stories and experiences so we can all learn together.
We have a number of volunteers who do excellent work at our various sessions but we need a significant number of additional volunteers in order to ensure services can be delivered. In addition, like all charities, Sound Café continues to face an extremely challenging time in raising the funding we need so we can deliver our services. Significant time and expertise is devoted to making bids for funding from a variety of organisations. Some of these bids are successful but the financial climate means that an increasing number of bids are being unsuccessful. In addition, the levels of core inflation and the continual raising of interest rates in an effort to reduce inflation have created a financial climate which puts increasing pressure on the finances of companies and individuals who are cutting back on discretionary spending which, of course, includes financial donations to charities. We are making significant efforts to be able to continue to offer the welcome and hospitality that Sound Café is known for so we can be there to support our guests as part of the Sound Café family; but there is no escaping the fact that this has become extremely difficult.
Alan Fletcher
Chair of Trustees
A fun recording
“we need a significant number of additional volunteers in order to ensure services can be delivered”
----- Start of picture text -----
5 | ANNUAL REPORT
----- End of picture text -----
4 | ANNUAL REPORT
STRATEGIC & OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
2022/23 saw our first full year based in our new home at St Mary de Castro Church. It equally provided the opportunity to consolidate our new service delivery model and explore how we could respond to our guests needs and requirements.
In April 2022 we appointed an Actvity Coordinator to help shape and develop our workshop sessions on a Wednesday afternoon. The creative café has grown in both numbers and range of work undertaken. With seasonal themed sessions that integrate all activities. The creative writing never ceases to amaze with new prose each week shared by the guests.
The creative writing table provides a space where Guests can feel welcome, and if they wish, enjoy writing poems and short stories, with volunteers’ support and keen interest.
Guests have written about a wide variety of topics, including the Coronation, favourite animals, enjoying nature - and aliens from outer space! Several Guests have had their work published in the recently produced book on SoundCafe’s “Speaking of Homelessness” film, and in other publications. Riichard Byrt, Volunteer Creative Writing, SCL.
A guest working on their poem
“SoundCafe Leicester is a unique and diverse family, built on trust, support, care & compassion for one another.”
Creative arts and crafts have included the painting of an amazing memory tree which is now a permanent display feature within St Mary de Castro.
What a fantastic year we have had at Creative Cafe on Wednesday afternoons at St. Mary de Castro. By the end of the year we had a number of sessions that reached capacity and these had a real buzz and that sense of SoundCafe family we are so familiar with. Each week we used our themes to provide opportunities for guests to take part in many varied creative activities on both our craft table and creative writing table. The guests have enjoyed both the activities and the sense of togetherness that the sessions offer, which has supported their sense of belonging and well-being.”
Jenny Barrett, Activity Co-ordinator, SCL.
6 | ANNUAL REPORT
7 | ANNUAL REPORT
STRATEGIC & OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
A key focus and highlight for 2022 was the launch of our Speaking of Homelessness project and we premiered the film at the Community Hub King Power stadium in June. The project initially commenced in 2020, but with the pandemic was changed to deliver a series of 11 short films produced on location in Leicester City.
The project was funded through the Arts Council and our supporting display materials and future book with funding from the Laing Foundation.
The film was made possible through our work with Peter Rumney, Dragon Breath Theatre, Nathan Obokoh Film Director and the support and commitment of our guests, volunteers, partner agencies and staff.
The individual stories were combined to create the overarching Speaking of Homelessness film which is available to download on our website www.soundcafe.org.uk. The project aimed to realise the hopes and aspirations of many of our guests to tell their own story in a unique and powerful way.
For SoundCafe the project not only provided the opportunity for guests to develop new skills and find a voice but likewise the chance to showcase the charity’s services and how it influences and impacts on the lives for those on the edge of society.
‘It gave me a chance to speak out and be more confident’ ‘Loneliness is homelessness on the inside’ 8 | ANNUAL REPORT
New football strip
Another first for SoundCafe was hosting the homeless and well-being football tournament the first in the East Midlands in July 2022.
SoundCafe Foxes had a new strip sponsored by Ingeus and the tournament was made possible by sponsorship from Ingeus, Paradigm Wills & Legal Services, Everything Community at Everything Branded and Fanatics Supplies, along with the ongoing support by Leicester City in the Community and St Margaret’s Pastures.
“ Football is more than just a sport, it is a universal language that brings people together and we see this with our players through teamwork, discipline, and a shared passion and a willingness to unite communities.
The team continues to improve, and we are looking forward to hosting our next tournament in the Summer of 2023. ”
Maria O’Brien, Service Co-ordinator, SCL.
SoundCafe Foxes were joined by players from other homeless providers in the city including City of Sanctuary, LCiTC Inclusion Team, Help the Homeless and The Bridge Homelessness to Hope, Unity House and No5. Health & well-being teams joined the tournament from Derby County FC Community Foundation and Notts County FC Community Foundation all competing for the SoundCafe Foxes Fair Play Cup and the Ingeus Fair Play Trophy.
SoundCafe Football Health & Well-Being workshops use the power of sport and recreation to promote wellbeing, with a special focus on encouraging physical activity and social interaction contributing to good mental health.
9 | ANNUAL REPORT
STRATEGIC & OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
In July, we also held our first public choir concert since the pandemic, Captain Noah and his floating zoo, followed in December 2022 a Celebration of Christmas which included a selection of songs from the Greatest Showman and some classic carols. The choir were also recorded singing ‘Over the Rainbow’
‘It was wonderful to get back to singing together properly after the pandemic. The choir come to the sessions full of energy and enthusiasm. It is fantastic to see the guests develop in confidence and their willingness to learn and improve is truly inspirational!. Special thanks to Andrew who has dedicated time to providing piano accompaniment for the choir rehearsals and performances throughout the Autumn and Spring terms.’
Emma Trounson, SCL Choir Lead.”
----- Start of picture text -----
Launch Night Singing
----- End of picture text -----
----- Start of picture text -----
Finding a Voice
----- End of picture text -----
January 2023, we introduced a group singing community café before our choir sessions. The sounds of many pop artists are now a regular feature at St Mary de Castro church using our projector and screen we were able to purchase in Autumn 2022.
Guests had missed the opportunity for informal singalongs, and this has added a new dynamic to our sessions.
Our total guest attendances for 2022 are outlined below. The reduced attendances in April and December reflect the Easter and Christmas closures.
SCL Guest Attendances 2022
----- Start of picture text -----
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
Choir Football Creative Café
JanuaryFebruary March April May June JulySeptember OctoberNovemberDecember
----- End of picture text -----
----- Start of picture text -----
10 | ANNUAL REPORT
----- End of picture text -----
11 | ANNUAL REPORT
KEEPING EVERYONE SAFE - SAFEGUARDING & PASTORAL CARE
At SoundCafe Leicester we are responsible for safeguarding our guests, volunteers and employees. We take this matter extremely seriously and ensure that everyone follows the guidelines at all times.
We recognise that everyone has different levels of vulnerability and that each of us may be regarded as vulnerable at some point in our lives. We are fortunate that the Samaritans are able to attend our Wednesday sessions and continue to provide invaluable support. Together with our staff and volunteers we are able to offer the safe creative space for which SoundCafe is known.
Our policy is updated regularly so that everyone is aware of any changes. Issues that arise are reported to the Director or the Trustee responsible for safeguarding, records are kept and we liaise with the Diocese of Leicester where necessary. Finally, a report is made to the Trustee Board.
Transforming Lives
LOOKING AHEAD
Like so many other small charities SoundCafe is facing a number of financial challenges to continue to be able to support our guests and deliver the range of services currently on offer.
We have rationalised our staffing model and ensued the continuity of our service delivery for the next twelve months. Beyond this we have yet to realise the financial stability that we strive for.
Our key focus as we look ahead is to identify new sources of regular income that will enable the amazing work to continue but most importantly grow. We have aspirations to develop the scope of services across the week, responding to the needs of our guests in developing new skillsbased activities.
Partnership is at the heart of what we do and looking for new ways to partner and secure the continuity of SoundCafe for the next decade is a priority.
SoundCafe will host its second Football Health & Well-Being workshop in July 2023, focusing on mental health & well-being.
Our next year is likely to be one of the most challenging yet financially and will result in changes in the level of special events and experiences we can offer our guests but most importantly we will continue to offer a welcome and hospitality to our guests as part of our SoundCafe Family for as long as we are able.
We are grateful to all those who have believed in SoundCafe and who have been a part of our step-by-step journey of learning and development, never losing sight of why we are here.
Rachel Griffiths - Director
Creativity remains at the centre of what we deliver we have the launch of our book Speaking of Homelessness in Summer 2023 which will document the journey in realising the films produced in 2022. The book will give a further insight into our guest’s stories and their journey through life as they address the challenges of homelessness in its many forms.
‘Partnership is at the heart of what we do’
----- Start of picture text -----
12 | ANNUAL REPORT
----- End of picture text -----
13 | ANNUAL REPORT
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
In total, our income in the financial year to 9 March 2023 was £27,936 (2022 - £57,394). This was around 51% lower than the previous financial year.
We are tremendously grateful to the Friends of SoundCafe Leicester; those who have donated through the Parish Giving Scheme; those organisations which have given us grants; and those organisations and individuals who have donated money.
-
The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust;
-
• Next plc and Simon Wolfson.
We also are grateful to have been gifted a Legacy of £10,000 in the year.
Our expenditure for the year was £67,487 (2022 - £57,051). Part of the increase in expenditure was associated with the delivery of Speaking of Homelessness, funded by the Arts Council, in which we spent £12,261 (2022 - £5,297). We also spent more money on Football totalling £1,955 (2022 - £2,365) which was from restricted funds. Fundraising and Media costs were £9,523 in the year (2022 - £4,994) as we continued to promote the good work of our organisation.
The remaining increases broadly relate to salaries. This reflects both an increase in pay and an increase in the number of hours worked; the latter was required because of the enhanced service model delivered in this financial year. Overall, the costs were more than the income for the year and resulted in a net deficit of £39,551 (2022 – Surplus of £343). With the funds carried over from the previous year, the total assets brought forward on 10 March 2022 were £92,021. Of these funds, £60,100 is classified as unrestricted and £31,920 is classified as restricted. At the 9 March 2023 we hold total funds of £52,470, of which £42,995 is classified as unrestricted and £9,475 as restricted.
It has been another year of great change, but we remain extremely thankful to all those who have helped us to support many of the most vulnerable in our society.
Lisa Parkes - Treasurer
14 | ANNUAL REPORT
15 | ANNUAL REPORT
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
----- Start of picture text -----
Year end 9 March 2023 Year end 9 March 2022
Receipts Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds rounded to nearest £ rounded to nearest £
Donations 4,553 225 4,778 33,794
Parish Giving Scheme 2,296 - 2,296 503
Friends of SoundCafe 471 - 471 1,701
Legacy 10,000 - 10,000 -
Grants - 7,752 7,752 20,538
HMRC Gift Aid 221 - 221 838
SoundCafe Events 2,368 - 2,368 -
Other - bank interest 50 - 50 20
Total Income 19,959 7,977 27,936 57,394
----- End of picture text -----
| Payments | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manager Salary, NIC, Payroll | 21,344 | - | 21,344 | 25,763 |
| Service Co-ordinator Salary, NIC, Payroll | 6,214 | 138 | 6,352 | 7,268 |
| Activity Co-ordinator Salary, NIC, Payroll | 2,786 | - | 2,786 | - |
| Parking | 90 | 287 | 377 | 260 |
| Room hire and refreshments at sessions | 1,597 | 6,568 | 8,165 | 8,362 |
| Choir | - | 2,029 | 2,029 | 894 |
| Football | - | 1,955 | 1,955 | 2,365 |
| ICT | 654 | 1,064 | 1,718 | 1,134 |
| Equipment | 18 | 110 | 128 | - |
| Insurance | 541 | - | 541 | 574 |
| Fundraising, Media | 7,638 | 1,885 | 9,523 | 4,994 |
| Sundries | 233 | - | 233 | 44 |
| Bank Charges | 75 | - | 75 | 96 |
| Arts Council Project | 81 | 12,180 | 12,261 | 5,297 |
| Total Expenditure | 41,271 | 26,216 | 67,487 | 57,051 |
| Net ( expenditure) / income | 21,312 | 18,239 | 39,551 | 342 |
| Details | Amount | |
|---|---|---|
| Income, 2022 -2023 | 27,936 | |
| Less Expenditure, 2022 - 2023 | 67,487 | |
| Net defcit for the year 2022-2023 | 39,551 | |
| Funds brought forward at 10 March 2022 | 92,021 | |
| Total Funds carried forward at 9 March 2023 | 52,470 |
----- Start of picture text -----
Details Amount
CAF Bank Balance, 9 March 2023 51,139
Co-op Bank Balance, 9 March 2023 1,153
Petty Cash, Held by Trustee, 9 March 2023 108
Petty Cash, Held by Director, 9 March 2023 69
Total Bank and Cash held at 9 March 2023 52,470
----- End of picture text -----
| Details | Amount | |
|---|---|---|
| Restricted Funds Brought Forward | 31,920 | |
| Restricted Income recieved | 7,977 | |
| Restricted Expenditure | 26,216 | |
| Transfer to Unrestricted Funds | 4,206 | |
| Restricted Funds at 9 March 2023 | 9,475 |
| Details | Amount | |
|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted Funds Brought Forward | 60,101 | |
| Unrestricted Income recieved | 19,959 | |
| Unrestricted Expenditure | 41,271 | |
| Transfer to Restricted Funds | 4,206 | |
| Unrestricted Funds Carried Forward 10 March 2022 | 42,995 | |
| Restricted Funds at 9 March 2023 | 9,475 | |
| Unrestricted Funds at 9 March 2023 | 42,995 | |
| Total Funds at 9 March 2023 | 52,470 |
All Restricted Funds are held at CAF Bank.
16 | ANNUAL REPORT
17 | ANNUAL REPORT
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SUPPORTING NOTES
Notes to accompany the Financial Report, 10 March 2022 to 9 March 2023
The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis as required by the Charity Commission for a charity the size of SoundCafe Leicester.
Presented to the Trustees of SoundCafe Leicester on 12th September 2023
Assets
SoundCafe Leicester owns no land, buildings, furniture, investments or trading stock. It owns a small amount of equipment necessary for the running of the charity but this has little financial value and is treated as expenditure in the year of purchase.
Volunteers
At the moment, we do not repay the expenses of volunteers, helpers or Samaritans.
Reserve Policy
The charity maintains a balance on unrestricted funds of four months’ operating costs. This was reviewed in 2023 and is £19,500.
Investment Policy
All money is held in instant access accounts.
Trustee Remuneration and Related-Party
Transactions
No member of the Trustee Board received any remuneration or travel costs during the year. No trustee or any person related to them had any personal interest in any transaction entered into by the charity during the year.
----- Start of picture text -----
Activity table
----- End of picture text -----
----- Start of picture text -----
18 | ANNUAL REPORT
----- End of picture text -----
19 | ANNUAL REPORT
SCL GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK
SCL is governed through a Trustee Board and underpinned by an Operations Group that addresses operational service delivery.
The Trustee Board members and roles are outlined below:
----- Start of picture text -----
Role Scope of
Lead the Trustee Board in ensuring the effective performance
of its’ governance, ensuring there is an effective relationship
between the Board and SCL staff, volunteers and
Chair stakeholders. Lead on the assessment of SCL’s corporate and
Alan Fletcher operational risks; and ensuring risk is appropriately assessed
and mitigated where appropriate.
Appointed as chair Chair Trustee meetings so that the Board functions
1st March 2021 effectively and carries out its duties; and the finances of SCL
are systematically accounted for, audited, independently
examined and publicly available.
Deputising for the Chair at meetings and events and acting
Co-Chair as a representative of SCL on other bodies. Bring particular
Vacant key qualities to the Committee in respect of SCL and
representing the needs of the guests.
Trustee Secretariat
Ensuring the administrative affairs of SCL are conducted
Eileen Coombs within legal requirements; Trustee Board meetings are
properly organised and administratively serviced and the
Appointed Board fulfils its administrative responsibilities and legal
obligations.
February 2023 – June 2023
Treasurer Overseeing SCL’s financial reporting; planning and
Lisa Parkes management; agreeing targets and evaluating performance
against them. Exercise financial controls in order to ensure
the financial stability of the Charity and to scrutinise and
Appointed challenge the trustees in planning, advising on financial
Appointed September 2022 matters, overseeing strategy on development matters.
Providing a business perspective to the board, networking
with local businesses to encourage further support – both
Business Management
financial and practical. Promoting SCL’s use of social media to
Pete Miller
actively engage with its public and the business community.
----- End of picture text -----
----- Start of picture text -----
Role Scope of
Lead on SCL’s guest pastoral support, specifically addressing:
Pastoral • An awareness and appreciation of guests’ needs.
Sandie Sobieraj • Supporting volunteers in their pastoral care of guests.
• Nurturing by empowering guests to seek assistance and
achieve their potential.
Appointed • Ensuring the Trustee Board is aware of the key issues and
March 2015 how SCL can develop to address the needs of guests.
Social Media
Lucy Collins
Advising on the social media format and communications for
the charity
Appointed
January 2023
Creative Marketing/ Business Supporting SCL’s creative development, marketing and
Julie-Ann Heath business specifically:
• Supporting guests in creative projects
Appointed • Developing a marketing strategy for SCL
September 2022 – April 2023 • Providing a business perspective
Ensuring SCL meets the health & well-being need of guests
and appropriately measures the outcome of its services and
Operational Delivery/ Health & Well-Being projects. Ensuring feedback shapes future service delivery.
Advise on specific operational issues and policies that may
Vacant affect SCL service delivery. Ensure the Trustee Board are
aware of any key risk issues and impact for SCL. Provide a
Trustee interface to the Operational Management Group.
Ruth Olugbenga appointed September 2020 – July 2022
Stephen Barney appointed November 2021 – July 2022
In year changes in Trustee Board Members
Funmi Adenle appointed November 2021 – July 2022
Andrew Schofield appointed November 2020 – August 2022
----- End of picture text -----
Three part-time staff are employed:
Director (0.6wte); Service Co-ordinator (0.3wte) and an Activity Co-ordinator (0.1wte).
20 | ANNUAL REPORT
21 | ANNUAL REPORT
14 rp I fy.• I THANK YOU