## **Trustees Annual Report for Chell Heath Residents Association** ## **For period Feb 2020 – Jan 2021** ## **Registered Charity 1163591** During the period February 2020 to January 2021 we have continued our work to support local residents, and have continued to work alongside partners to achieve our goals: - At the start of this reporting period we were continuing to put on events and activities for local residents. - The start of lockdown measures due to the Covid-19 pandemic meant that all of our regular activities and planned events were cancelled for most of the reporting period. - During the Covid-19 lockdowns, we worked hard to support residents, whilst staying within the governments guidelines for social distancing etc. - We applied for grants that allowed us to provide essential food and sanitary items for residents who we shielding or isolating due to infection with Covid 19. Many local families struggled throughout the pandemic due to having children at home when they would usually be in school (and receiving free school meals) and we also have quite a large elderly population who were shielding and could not shop for themselves. Many of the older people are also unable to do online shopping and had no-one available to help them during this period. - We also collaborated this support with other local groups who were providing support to residents, notably Families 2gether who provided a lot of extra assistance to families with younger children. Their support consisted of food parcels and activity packs to help keep younger children occupied. - Where necessary we signposted people to the City Council’s support helpline, so that people could access services such as prescription collections, befriending calls, and other services. - Where possible, and when restrictions were lifted and allowed for it to happen, we carries out some smaller-scale events. We held a Santa Day at the centre where children could see Santa (Santa himself was behind a glass window) and collect a small present from the elves. We maintained social distancing throughout and advised everyone attending to wear masks to minimise the risks to all involved and attending. - In January 2021, our Chairperson, Jim Gibson, contracted Covid-19 and was hospitalised for around a month. The rest of the volunteers continued to work hard throughout this period to continue to support residents with their needs. - Where we have been able to open the venue we have had drop-in food collections so that local residents who are struggling financially can access food help. - We were also successful in obtaining a grant from Stoke-on-Trent City Council some improvements to our Centre. This has allowed us to buy a number of laptops and a TV; these will be used to help local residents who do not have home computers or internet to apply for jobs and benefits, and learn how to use home computers. The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted our ability to implement these plans and we are currently planning to implement these soon. ## **Chell Heath Residents Association** # **Registered Charity 1163591** ## **Statement of Account Feb 2020 – Jan 2021** Opening Balance - £25,344.78 ## **Income** Raised from fundraising activities and events - £2,036.27 Raised from grants and services – £33,325.53 **TOTAL** - £35,361.80 ## **Expenditure** Related to fundraising activities and events – £2,510.36 Related to running & improving RA centre – £5,605.09 Crisis Support - £8,210.15 Collaborative crisis support - £7,550.00 **TOTAL** - £23,875.60 Opening balance – £25,344.78 Income – £35,361.80 Expenditure – £23,875.60 **Closing balance** - £36,830.98 Your reference Our reference Date 01/10.21 Mr J Gibson 20 Homer Place Chell Heath Stoke-on-Trent ST6 6HX **Housing and Customer Services** Floor 2 Civic Centre Glebe Street Stoke-on-Trent **ST4 1HH** Dear Mr Gibson I am writing to confirm that I have completed an examination of the accounts belonging to Chell Heath Residents Association for the period of January 2020-February 2021. The accounts for this period were in good order and contained no areas for concern. If you have any queries regarding this matter, please contact me using the details given below. Yours Sincerely ## **Mark Bourne Tenant Involvement Officer, Tenant and Leaseholder Involvement Team** **Email** mark.bourne@stoke.gov.uk **Contact number** 01782 238515 ## Please tell us if you need this letter in an alternative format **contacting the council: Telephone:** 01782 23 4234 **Text:** 07786 200 700 **Email:** Enquiries@stoke.gov.uk **stoke.gov.uk**