Ideas hub Community Space & Education Registered charity No. 1164085 Annual Report & Audited Financial Statements FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31" March 2025 Independent Examiner: Nicola Deackes . COMMUNITY FUND / i.a Chelmsford J City Council Funded By Essex Community Foundation Affordable Law For You Ltd Empowerin8 YOU to Iitl8ate in person (n Lets Talk arts Essex cen NCVO MHFA England MEMBER Ideas hub CART, 07880990443 Community 4 frducgtion An Ideas Hub Project The Art Place, Unit 6/7, Meadows Shopping Centre, High Street, Chelmsford. CM26FD FB: TheArtPlaceChelmsford Insta: artplacechelmsford edithmiller ideashubchelmsford.or Ideas Hub Chelmsford 20 Roxwell Road Chelmsford Essex CMI 2PP www.ideashubchelmsford.or FB: Ideas Hub Chelmsford Instagram: artplacechelmsford
ideas hub Communky 5•ac• a Ethicodon ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 CONTENTS Reference and administrative information Trustees Annual Report Statement of financial activities Balance Sheet Notes forming part of the financial statements 10-12 Independent examination report 13 ideas hub 5p•< t a Edurolk¥y st In the year to 31 March 2025 A safe and inclusive Community Space 16,850 conversations to tackle loneliness 22,000 hours of volunteering WORKSHOP 21,000 hours of learning & 1,000 individual I:Is, including 350 asylum seekers 700 creative workshops & socials events delivered and 6 community exhibitions 100,000 people have experienced The Art Place
ideas hub Communlty 5pKe a educotlon ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Charity Name: Ideas Hub Chelmsford Charity Registration No: 1164085 Registered and Principal Office: 20 Roxwell Road Chelmsford Essex. CMI 2PP Charity trustees Mr M Noble Dr P Probert Ms K Fulcher Mr K Miller Chief Executive: Edith Miller Independent Examiner: Nicola Deackes Bankers The Co-operative Bank P.0. Box 250 Delf House Southway Skelmersdale. WN8 6WT
'deas hub (1Mn Spaee a ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE, AND MANAGEMENT The trustees have pleasure in presenting their report and the independently examined financial statements for the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. Charity constitution The Ideas Hub Chelmsford became a charitable Incorporated organisation (CIO) on the 23rd of October 2015. Ideas Hub Chelmsford is registered as a charity with the Charity Commission for England and Wales and is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. Trustees are appointed by the Board of Trustees, in accordance with the Charity's governing document. Organisational structure Ideas Hub Chelmsford's Board of Trustees meets at least quarterly and are responsible for the strategic direction and policies of the Charity. To facilitate effective operations the day-to-day management of the Charity is delegated to the Chief Executive, who reports to the Board of Trustees. No employee received remuneration of more than £60,000 during the year. Related parties None of our Trustees receive remuneration or other benefit from their work with the Charity. In the current year there are no related party transactions to be reported. Public Benefit Statement The Trustees confirm that they have had due regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on Public Benefit. Ideas Hub Chelmsford's objects are clear in that they will promote any charitable purposes that are for the benefit of the community; its aims and activities detailed further on are in accordance with the regulations on public benefit. Risk Management Trustees regularly review the risks to which the Charity could be exposed, particularly those related to the operations and finances of the Charity. Trustees are satisfied that the Charity has taken all reasonable steps to minimise risk and has policies and procedures in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks. Risk management processes are subject to periodic review and priorities adjusted as new risks arise and others become less significant. The challenging funding climate continues to highlight the need to maintain a tight control on expenditure and to have plans in place to reduce expenditure should the need arise. Objectives and Aims of the Charity The objectives and aims of the charity are to further or benefit the residents of Chelmsford 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: (a) advance education (b) provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreational and leisure time occupation (c) 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.
ideas hub ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 FOCUS, USPS, AND OUTPUTS To achieve these aims Ideas Hub Chelmsford has structured its delivery as follows: Our Focus: IMPROVING THE CONDITIONS OF LIFE OF CHELMSFORD RESIDENTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF WELLBEING Our Vision: To improve life for the residents of Chelmsford. To create connections and community. and To help people live well Our mission: Bringing people together through a socio-cultural centre and activities in the City Centre Supporting wellbeing so people can live well (including removing the stress/ barriers impeding wellbeing) by signposting to supporting services and/ or providing supporting projects where none exist for a specific need. o Our USPS: Expertise in: (l) Diversity & creativity (2) Creating routine, purpose, & hope (3) Building skills and confidence. o Our Outputs (shaped based on feedback, community demand, & use of existing services): Signposting, Supporting, & Connecting as group or I:1 intervention Providing a safe & inclusive socio-cultural community space Providing learning opportunities including classes, workshops and mentoring. OUTPUTS & ASSOCIATED AcfiviTIES PER PROJEcr l. The Art Place o The Art Place Shop & Gallery (also acting as a fundraiser) ostin su ortin & connectin with afocus on giving a sense of purpose (including via selling arts & crafts) with a focus on giving a sense of belonging.. by initiating conversations with passing visitors/ footfall to the Art Place (tackling loneliness & identifying where further support is needed, and supporting, connecting, &/or signposting accordingly). Return to work by providing 'Supported Volunteering, to build/ rebuild skills, experience, &/or confidence Learnin by providing a structured course in customer service, work experience (NEET, Schools, Colleges), and Duke of Edinburgh work experience The Art Place Socio-cultural Community Space: Safe welcomin & inclusive socio-cultural s ace in the city centre area with high passing footfall offering a wide ran e of inclusive and creative worksho s and socials inclusive initiatives, run by the community to tackle issues identified as gaps by lived experience. 6 community exhibitions based on social themes: women, immigration, dying etc 2. Chelmsford Integration Project Delivered in partnership with 10 organisations including British Red Cross, Migrant Help, SVP, ARU, and schools. o Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) Distribution of essential items o ESOL classes
ideas hub ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 OUTCOMES AND ACHIEVEMENTS Our approach is solution-based and rests on 3 frameworks: l. the 'NHS 5 steps to wellbeing, 2. the'Human Givens, framework and 3. the 'Positive Psychology, framework. Our delivery is focused on supporting residents to meet the following basic needs: l. Physical Needs: food, housing, health (access to medical care/ routine/ exercise) 2. Financial Needs: employment (or help to return in employment) / benefits/ education 3. Emotional Needs: feeling safe, feeling of purpose, feeling of belonging Our Impact The figures below are drawn from the final 2024-2025 Impact Assessment for each project. They are in addition to 720 signposting interventions (excluding CIP) and 105 hours of free legal service. l. Chelmsford Integration Project Delivered in partnership with 10 organisations including British Red Cross, Migrant Helps, SVP, ARU and schools. Volunteering: A total of 8,383 volunteer hours was delivered. Activities included: 22.9%: Help to move on 16.5%: accessing health services 14%: employment support 21%: housing support 21%: digital support domestic violence 3%: hate crime support Beneficiaries: 314 individuals supported, including 276 new asylum registrations and 38 refugees receiving ongoing support. Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG): 350 sessions (3 hours each) delivered, resulting in: 27 cases of homelessness prevented 98 children supported into school 5 employment visa issues resolved 2 concerns of radicalisation reported 6 cases of exploitation reported Essential items distributed: 656 SIM cards 28 mobile phones 10 computers 20 kg of wool 156 items of clothing 200 bicycles ESOL classes: 7,200 hours of learning 450 classes 36 students
I wanted to express my sincere gratitudefor the incredible support we have receivedfrom Ideas Hub since the day we arrived in the UK as asylum seekers. In those early, vulnerable months - when everythingfelt unfamiliar and uncertain - the warm, welcoming environment youfostered had a truly healing effect on me and myfamily, Asylum Seeker beneficiary. 'Supported Volunteering, Project (18-25 NEET) and 'Work Experience, Project (14-18 years old) These programmes delivered substantial learning and employment outcomes: Supported Volunteering (18-25, NEET): 36 beneficiaries completed 5,400 hours of structured learning. Participants were referred by local partners including DWP & EPUT. The programme resulted in 18 employments. Work Experience (14-18 years old): 67 bepeficiaries completed 8,550 hours of learning and work experience. This project led to 16 employments. Audience profile: 97% of all beneficiaries identify as neurodiverse. 3. Socio-cultural Centre and Activities (including Chelmsford LGBTQIA+) Delivered in partnership with 150 organisations, including Farleigh Hospice, Chelmsford CVS, Meadows, and The Outhouse Colchester. Befriending support: 16,858 conversations Workshops: 474 sessions and 2,754 participants Community exhibitions: 6 community exhibitions attracting 103,948 visitors The above has been delivered through the dedication of 188 volunteers over 22,347 hours of volunteering hours (CIP: 8,383; CEO: 3,640. Shop: 8,712, w/shops: 1,400 and legal service: 212) and provided 21,100 hours of learning. FINAL OVERVIEW AND PLANS FOR THE FUTURE Within the next financial year, the Ideas Hub Chelmsford will focus on its charitable work delivered at The Art Place, particularly: Consolidate its work on inclusion. This year has focussed on providing a structured and reliable integration support service to support asylum seekers, refugees and migrants in Chelmsford by a dedicated team and creating a specific website: www.chelmsfordinte ration.or Next steps are to consolidate this work and Create a 'Guest Housing Project Set up an Advisory Integration Committee; and Formalise this work in a self-contained project with its own budget and plans for its own premises. o Maintain its delivery of befriending, signposting and creative activities/ workshops to support residents, wellbeing and community cohesion. o Pursue advancement of education as a core focus by building a dedicated social action Youth Group with a leadership programme, a tailored ESOL programme, and investigate how to better support refugees into work. Finally, Ideas Hub Chelmsford will focus on its long-term strategy to develop its long-term sustainability, including plans to own its own premises to reduce the associated strategic risks and operational costs. RESERVE POLICY The trustees agree that a minimum sum of £80,000 is retained to act as a reserve to ensure that the basic costs can be covered. Approved by order of the board of trustees on and sign d on its behalf by: Miifer- Trustee
ideas hub ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcfiviTIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Unrestricted Restricted Total 2025 Total 2024 Notes Incoming from: Donations and grants Charitable Activities Investments Total income 20,210 103,892 880 124,982 20,000 40,210 103,892 880 144,982 25,165 96,881 20,000 122,046 Expenditure on: Charitable activities Cost of raising funds 32,509 70,860 32,509 70,860 37,981 66,703 Total Expenditure 103,369 103,369 104,684 Net income/(expenditure) 21,613 20,000 41,613 17,362 Net movement in funds 21,613 20,000 41,613 17,362 Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward at l April 2024 st 118,626 118,626 101,264 st Total funds carried forward at 31 March 2025 140,239 20,000 160,239 118,626 All the charitable company's activities derive from continuing operations during the above period.
ideas hub Communlty Spucy & EduLvtlon ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025 Notes 2025 2024 Fixed assets Tangible assets Current assets Debtors Current account balance Saving account balance Cash on hand 4,463 84,564 80,010 1,508 170,545 2,529 126,487 735 129,751 Creditors: amount falling due within one year 10,306 11,125 Net current Assets 160 239 118 626 160 239 118 626 Total assets less current liabilities Funds of the charity Restricted funds Unrestricted funds Total Funds 12 20,000 140,239 160 239 118,626 118 626 These financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on January 2026 and were signed on their behalf by: Kevin Miller Tr Date: 19/1/26
ideas hub ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 l. Accounting Policies Basis of preparation The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statements on Recommended Practise applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective l January 2015) - (Charities SORP (FRS102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) and the Companies Act 2006. Recommended Practice (SORP) issued in October 2000, revised 2005. Incoming resources Income from donations and grants, including capital grants, is included in incoming resources when these are receivable. When donors specify that donations and grants, including capital grants are for a restricted purpose, this income is included in incoming resources of restricted funds when receivable. Resources expended and recognition of liabilities. All expenditure is incurred on a receipts and payments basis. Most of the costs are directly attributable to the specific Charitable activities. Liabilities are recognised on the receipts and payments basis in accordance with the Charity Commission accounting principles for small charities. Management and administration of the charity represent costs incurred in the management of the Charity's assets, organisational administration and compliance with Charitable and statutory requirements. Depreciation Depreciation is provided to write of the cost of fixed assets over their expected useful lives. All assets: 33% Straight Line Trade debtors Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid. Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and bank deposits. Trade creditors Creditors are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors are normally recognised at their settlement amount. Fund structure Unrestricted General Funds - these are funds which can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the trustees. Designated Funds- these are funds set aside by the trustees out of unrestricted funds for specific future purposes or projects. Taxation The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities 10
Ideas hub Communlty Space & Educodon ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 2. Charitable Activities Total 2025 Total 2024 Sponsorships Fundraising sales (commissions on sales) Events/ projects Space hire Other Fundraising Total 51,491 2,355 25,176 24,870 103,892 50,799 7,516 25,642 12,924 96,881 3. Grants and Donations Total 2025 Total 2024 Donations Grants Total 6,450 33,760 40,210 7,565 17,600 25,165 4. Investments Total 2025 Total 2024 Interests from savings Total 880 880 5. Cost of raising Funds Total 2025 Total 2024 Staff costs (see Note 12) Other Operational costs Total 60,040 10,820 70,860 55,130 11,573 66,703 6. Charitable activities Total 2025 Total 2024 Advertising Post & Stationary Utilities Insurance IT costs Rent Sundries Assets Maintenance Projects Volunteer training Volunteer expenses Workshop expenses Professional fees (See Note 12) Depreciation Total 1,118 406 6,910 1,366 1,493 4,364 266 503 1,710 9,831 1,113 963 5,066 547 3,373 7,422 339 1,196 3,989 267 904 10,716 1,043 1,589 3,996 32,509 37,981 11
ideas hub Annual Report Year Ended 31 March 2025 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 7. Creditors Accruals: £11,125 at 31 March 24 suspense expense from artists and crafters March sales. st st £10,306 at 31 March 25 suspense expense from artists and crafters March sales. 8. Debtors £2,529 at 31" March 2024 st £4,463 at 31 March 25 made of utility costs, Paypal suspense payments for March sales, and We Are Digital payments for Digital assistan¢e services 9. Tangible fixed Assets (Fixtures and Fittings) st Nil at 31 March 24 st Nil at 31 March 25 10. Going Concern The charity is operating on a going concern basis 11. Related Parties There were no related parties during the year 12. Restricted Funds Nil at 31" March 24 £20,000 at 31" March 25 13. Staff costs Staff costs during the year were: Wages and salaries, Social security costs, Pension costs, and Freelance costs. Payroll is provided by Community 360, an independent charity based in Colchester. 12
Ideas hub Comffluntty 5p•ce & Educotlon Annual Report Year Ended 31 March 2025 11 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF IDEAS HUB CHELMSFORD I report on the accounts of Ideas Hub Chelmsford for the year ended 31 March 2025 which are set out on pages 12 to 16. 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 Act) but that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to: o Examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act, o Follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners (Under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and State whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of the Independent Examiner's Statement My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Direction given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Charity and a comparison of the account presented with those records. It also includes considerations of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanation 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 I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. Independent Examinerfs Statement In the course of my examination, nothing has come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that: o The accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charity Act. or o The accounts did not accord with the accounting records. or o The accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content set out in the current Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations. I have come across nothing during my examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts. INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Nicola Deackes Date: 13
Ideas hub 2024 2025 Community Space & Education ACHIEVEMENTS Ll ALI YEAA ROUNU 66 "Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you do, and for the hope and stability you bring to so many lives. BENEFICIARY THE ART PLACE: SOCIO-CULTURAL SPACE IN MEADOWS SHOPPING CENTRE C£ In Over100,000 engagements with the Public (Visitors, Attendees, & Supported) including over132 nationalities Lu 188 volunteers provided 22,000 hours of support ca 21,000 hours of learning delivered 16,850 conversations tackling loneliness Over1,000 individuals supported on a I:1 basis ) i • £290,000 of direct financial value created in Chelmsford £140,000 fundraised through donations and grants £150,000 raised for local artists www.ideashubchelmsford.org oartplacechelmsford facebook.com/ldeasHubChelmsford
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WE COULDN'T HAVE ACHIEVED THIS wrrHOLTfTHE SUPPORT OF OUR SPONSORS, DONORS, 150 PARTNERS AND COLLABORATORS, AND OUR FUNDERS. A HEARTFELTTHANKYOU TOYOU ALL: OUR SPONSORS Affordable Law For You Ltd Ernpowering YOU to litigate In person 2020- 2025 2076- 2025 OUR FUNDERS . COMMUNITY FUND Essex Community Foundation c..a Chelmsford J City Council AFFILIATIONS crts Cholryis"c)rd Talk NACCOM cen re cvo MEMBER cvs Essex Iiif lo l((111M(311101 111*011 EASY STEPS TO SUPPORT US Tell f riends, f amilies and colleagues about The Art Place. Buy your gifts, attend workshops, and book rofessional and family photos at Fhe Art Place, in the Meadows Shopping Centre. And if you'd like to volunteer with us to hel us deliver our valuable work - p ease get in touch. www.ideashubchelmsford.org The Ideas Hub is the Charitable Incorporated Organisation - registered number1164085