ARMCHAIR CHARITY Reglstered CIO- Charity no. 1164966 TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT 2023-2024 DONATIONS RECYCLEDTO THE NEEDY FOR OVER THIRTY YEARS Durlng thè year we recelved 834 free items of furnlture, donated by the publlc. and dellvered them free to 285 families and indlvldualsi equivalent to 3 Items to one household helped every working day of thè year. Referrals came from organlsatlons Includlng but not Ilmlted to Worcester Clty Council, Cltlzens Advice Worcester and Herefordshlre, Houslng As50c5atlons, Health Vis5tors, Sodal Servlces Probation and Worcester Munlclp41 Charltle% DON'T THROW IT AWAY- GIVE IT AWAY Others less fortunate need it The furnlture dellvery addresses demonstrate clearlythat the charity is provldlng a prforfty seNlce to those areas In the City where famill•s traditionally emperience financl•l h¥rdshlp:. WR4 WRI WRS WR2 WR3 Total Warndon, Brickfields, Tolladine City Centre, Barbourne, Lowe5moor, Arboreturn Ronkswood , Wylds Lane, Stanley Rd. etc. Dines Green, St. Johns Northwick, Bevere, Perd15well, Clalnes 73 65 39 85 23 285 VALLIE FOR MONEY The Charity offers very good value for money. Each familylperson helped, recelved on average 3 Items, at an average cost to the charity of £461 item. A total cost of £138 labout the cost of a slngle bed) for fid 3 goo¢J pieces of 2 hand furnlture which would otherwlse have been taken to a landflll 51te at 6reat cost to the local community. ALL ENQUIRIESTO: Rlchard Hine5. Manager Tel.. 01905 - 456080 Ernail: armchairw rc uk www.armchairworcester.or
ANNUAL REPORT.OF THE TRusfEES- 202212023 NAME OF THE CHARITY The Armchair Trust CIO CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1164966 CHARITABLETRUST DEED.. Adopted 2710911989. Registered with the Charity Commission on 0611011989. Registered as a CIO on 2211212015. Not amended since. NAMES AND EMAILS OFTRUSTEES: Schedule attached page 7 ANNUAL ACCOUNTS: Independently Examined - attached page 8 ADDRESS: Unit 6b. CheckeWs Lane Tradin8 Estate, Worcester. WR3 7JW Tel: 01905- 456080. BANKERS: Unlty Trust, 4 The Square. 111 Broad St., Birmingham 815 IAR SOLICITORS.. Hallmark Hulme LLP. 3-5 Sansome Place, Worcester, WRI IUQ INDEPENDENT EXAMINER: Paul Griffith MBE THE REGISTERED CHARITABLE OBJECTS OF ARMCHAIR 'To relieve generally, and individually, persons resident in Worcester City, who are in conditions of financial need, and hardship, by the provision of furniture and other household accessories, donated by the public, or acquired OtheISe, which are calculated to reduce the need and hardship. Armchair welcomes gifts of second-hand furniture and household items from the public, and recycles these items, free of charge, for r&use by needy indlviduals and families, referred to Armchair by Statutory and Voluntary Bodies. AREA OF BENEFIT The area of benefit Is "within 10 miles of Worcester City centre" Occasionally, gifts are collected from just outside the City but due to limited resources, the need to economise on fuel, and to achleve a low carbon ftJotprinL all deliveries of household items are wlthln the Clty boundary. htt armchainvorcester.or .uk
FINANCES- HisfoRY OFTHE FUNDING In 1996 the National Lottery 8ave Armchair a very generous four-year revenue and capital grant enablin8 us to purchase the 50-year lease of a warehouse in 1996. Armchair's finances between 1997 and 2CKJ8 from the main statutory referrers. i.e. the Primary Care Trust and the County Council Soclal Services Department were originally regular and apparently secure. However, In 2008 the County Council Adult Social Care Department ceased its funding entirely and the Primary Care Trust dld the same in 2010 having already halved its grant in 2008. In 2718 for the flrst-time limited financial assistance was received from the waste disposal authorlty and this continues. This was £l,S25.36 in 202312024. This year we are most grateful to the following organisations and charities etc. for their contlnued major Support and place on record our thanks to them for their generous donations in 202312024.'_ Worcester Munlclpal Charities, Worcester City Council, Platforn) Housin& Lasletts Chority, The Eveson Trust, Six Masters, The Hopmarket, Worcester Clty Parish Relief in Need, Mary Hlll, Grlmley, Chrls Cox, and Worcestershire CC Waste Disposal In eneral terms Armchairfs finances are se¢ure with regular grants from new and existing funders. The cash reserves are currently £35,785.76. TRANSPORT Trustees agreed to Set up a designated fund, to purchase a new van as requlred. This is essential to Armchairfs operatlon and without a van could not operate. Surplus funds raised in recent year5 have been allocated to this fund and the total in this designated fund is £25.000 (this has been increased due to the rise in inflation l. This wlll ensure that there are enough fund5 available for when the van needs pIatIng again. The current van is 15 years old but with low mileage so should be expected last for several more years, however it is essential to keep this fund in the event that a new van is required. STAFF The Trustees employ two part time staff working mornings only* 9.30 am to 1.30pm to collect and deliver item5 and to take and respond to referrals of people in need. RESERVES In accordance wSth the Charity Commission's S.O.R.P. the Tru5tee5 have assessed risks and arranged lifting training for staff. Insurance has been taken out for the major risks. A"reserve5" policy of a minimum of 8 months, spending has been adopted as a prudent level glven the general insecurity of long-term funding. WASTE DISPOSAL SUPPORT Armchair collect5 and delivers about 3 vanloads of furniture every week. This represents about 150 van loads most of whlch would be tipped - costing c. £115.(Kl each representlng about £17,250 in waste fees. The County Waste Disposal Section introduced a "Recycling Credit Scheme" whlch brought Armchair £1,625 this financial year based on the weight of the 834 recycled items. STATUTORY EKfiTLEMENT- ASSESSMENT OF CHARITABLE NEED Armchoirs referral form ensures the intended beneficiary ha5 exhausted statutory entitlement before applying to Armchair. The Trustees ensure that the Charity supplement5 rather than supplants the work of the Statutory Services, especially the DWAS, and checks that all the beneficiaries are in receipt of means tested benefits or on similarly low incomes.
THE MANAGEMENT COMMITfEE- ELECTION, COMPOSITION, INDUCTION AND TRAINING There are 7 trustees lalso the members) who replace vacancies as they occur. They are the Board or Management Committee who manage the Charity and authorise expenditure. Membership was drawn from representative groups from the local community. The following ère represented.. Citlzens Advice Worcester and Herefordshire, Platform Housing and Worcester Municipal Charitles. The Manager and his assistant attend the Committee meetings but do not vote and withdraw if they have a pecuniary interest. Newtrustees are inducted by belng given the most recent Annual Report and Annual Accounts, the Charity's Constitution, a copy of the Charity Commission publication CC3 "The Essential Trustee - What You Need To Know and by being invited to vislt the furniture warehouse and talk to the staff. The following Trustees retire by rotation at the GM - this year Mrs Sue Osborne Mr Alan Purchon Nominations may be proposed from the floor provlding those nominated have already been appointed a5 members, duly approved by the Board. MEETINGS OF THE TRUSTEES The Board Management Committee meets once every two months. The Trustees receive and consider a report from the Chair, and Manager who keeps the finance books. Minutes are taken and circulated. The Management Committee has the powerto co-opt newTrustees and non-voting advisers. The independently examined accounts are approved by the Management Committee and then formally adopted at the Annual Meeting of the Trustees. ANNUAL MEETING The meeting takes place once a year, on 8 May 2024 at 12.30 p.m. The meetlng receives the trustees. annual report and the independently examined account5 which are approved by the trustees. CHAIR'S REPORT Mel Klrk re orts as follows.. We made a surplus of£ 2,765.9 During the year a total of 834 household items was delivered to 285 families or individuals in need with, on average, 3 items. A complete breakdown of referrals and deliveries is set out from page 5. ra ful thanks are due to Rlchard Hlnes (who also manages financesj and Mork Rlchardson, for another successful yearfs hard work. Their commitment to providing help to those in need has shone through significantly, shown through their commitment to as far as possible continue to provide furniture to those in need, and ensure that they themselves and others remain safe. I would also like to thank all trustees, oll of whom have carried out their roles with care and commitment. The wide-ranging backgrounds of our trustees, their broad ski115 & experience, and the stabilty of the membership of our committee as a whole, provide a strong team which has ensured our suNival and effectiveness durlng difficult times. I would also like to than Paul Griffith MBE for hls assessment of our accounts FINANCE REPORT Richard Hines re orts as follows.. This year there was income of £41,138.36, expenditure of £38,372.42 and a surplus of £2,765.94. At the year end the charitvs assets had a book value of £88,815.16 which includes
the warehouse at £26,400, the van at £1,629.40, designated fund for new van of £25,(MXI.00 and accumulated cash of£35,785.76. The Accounts have been independently examined free of charge by our independent examiner Paul Griffith to whom we are most 8rateful. A full copy of the accounts, incllrding the Income and Expenditure for the year, the Balance Sheet at year end and the Examination Certificate 15 attached at page 8. rhe Charity offers ¥ery good value for money. Each family/person helped, received on avera8e 3 items. costing £46 each. A total cost of £138 (about the cost of a single bedl for 3 good pieces of 2nd hand furniture which would otherwise have been taken to o landfill site at great cost to the local communitv ARMCHAIR MANAGER'S REPORT ON THE YEAR'S WORK- APRIL 2023 TO MARCH 2024 Richard Hines reports as follows.. We have collected very careful statistlC5 Wlth the computer to help us demonstrate our worth to the Worcester community both In terms of meeting need and avoiding unnecessary waste. There were 285 referrals to which we have responded with 834 items delivered. All the donations have to be collected first. and we then deliver straight from the van to the waiting list. These are our delivery figures for 2023/2024 by postcode: Thi5 demonstrates dramatically to our funders that we help needy people, many of them Ilving in èreas where familie5 traditlonally experience financial hardship. WR4 WRI WR5 WR2 WR3 Total Warndon, 8rlckfield5, Tolladine City Centre, Barbourne, Lowesmoor, Arboretum Ronkswood, Wylds Lane, Stanley Rd. etc. Dines Green, St. Johns Northwick, Bevere, Perdiswell, Clalnes 73 65 39 85 23 285 REFERRAIS OF PEOPLE IN NEED TO ARMCHAIR 0110412022- 3110312023 Worcester City Council 81 Citizens Advice Worcester and Herefordshire Maggs Day Centre 60 Social Services linc. childrens, centresl Health Visitors 37 19 30 Worcester Community Trust Worcester Municipal Charitie5 Community Care Project Headway Smart Move Womens Aid Cranstoun SSAFA Stroke Association Good Soll Trust Total 285 Housing Associations (Platfom, Citizen) 28 Total Grand total 176 109
COLLECTION & DELIVERY OF DONATIONS BY ARMCHAIR 0110412023- 3110312024 Single Beds 70 143 chest of Drawers Dressing Tables Armchairs Dining Tables Coffee Table5 Bookcases Sideboard5 Bunk Beds Other Total Double Beds Wardrobes Bedside Cabinets Sofa5 Sofa Beds Dining Chairs TV Stands stools ottomans Computer Desk 66 50 85 68 3Z 42 118 28 12 50 834 LANDLORDS OF DELIVERY ADDRESSES PLATFORM HOUSING PRIVATE CITIZEN WORCESTER MUNICIPALCHARITIES CITIZENS ADVICE WORCESTER AND HEREFORDSHIRE SANCTUARY HOUSING Roo0P HOUSING BROMFORD HOUSING STONEWATER WORCESTER CITh COUNCIL WEST MOORLANDS COMMUNITY CARE PROJECT TOTAL NAMES AND EMAIL ADDRESSES OF TRusfEES AND STAFF- 102312024 E MAIL ADDRESS 150 31 32 li 21 io 13 285 TRusfEES Mel Klrk (Chair} Margaret Jones Ivice chalrl Davld George Sue Osborne Alan Purchon Richard Boorne Paul Edwards Email: mel.kifk cit8worcester.or Emall-. oneslres btinternet.com Email.. dave. eor cilaworcesler.or Email.. smosborne46 mail.com Emall.. a urchonl mail.com bondtech.uk.com Email.. sales latformh .com Email: Paul.Edwards .uk -uk STAFF MEMBERS: Rlchard Hines. Manager Mark Richardson Assistant Manager Email.. info armchairworcester.o .uk Email: info 3rmchaiNiorcester.o * Non-voting members of the Management Committee
INCOME WORCESTER MUNICIPAL CHARITIES PLATFORM HOUSING EVESON CHARITABLE TRUST LASLErrs CHARITr THE HOPMARKET SIX MASTERS CHARITY MARYHILL TrUST WORCESTER CITY PARISH RELIEF IN NEED GRIMLEY MR CHRIS COX JUDITH ALDRIDGE WORCESTERSHIRE C C RECYCLING CREDIT EXPENDMJRE WAGES NEST PENSION EMPLOYERS CONTIBUTION INLAND REVENUE VAN FUEL VAN SERVICING & REPAIRS SEVERN TRENT STATIONER Y AND OFFICE MATERIALS TELEPHONE FURNITURE STORE INSURANCE VAN ROAD TAX ELECTRICITY VAN INSURANCE BANK CHARGES SUNDRIES ARMCHAIR INCOME AND EXPENDifuRE 01/0412023- 3110312024 17,805.00 5,51xi.00 5,C¥)o.00 3,638.00 3,500.00 1.500.00 1,000.00 800.00 600.00 120.00 50.(10 1.625.36 TOTAL IIVCOME-. £41 1 .36 28,680.11 1,464.32 1,855.11 669.13 385.62 263.07 112.80 689.64 1,703.48 320.00 577.60 755.84 72.00 823.70 TOTAL EXPENDITURE.- E38 372.42 S INCOME OVER EXPENDITURE.. £2 765.94 RESULTS FOR THE YEAR EXCE BAIANCES AND BANK RECONCIUATION Date Incomé 3113124 £41,138.36 Expendlture E38,372.42 Brought forward current Alc 202212023 Surplus 202312024 Unity Current A/C Un-banked Income Un-presented cheques Accumulated cash Balance £2,765.94 £58,019.82 £2,765.94 £60,785.76 £35 FIXED ASSETS Warehouse Ipurchase price 19971150 year lease) Depreciation 1997- 2024= 26 Yrs @ £i,ioo Value at year end £55,000.00 £28,600.00 Van (purchase price Nov 2014) Depreciation 9 Yrs @ 1,629.40p.a. Book value at year end 16,294.00 £14,664.60 1629.40 ACCUMULATED FUND Cash D@$18nated fund for purchase of new van when required Van Warehouse Total Signed on behalf of the Board £35,78S.76 £25,000.00 £1.629.40 £26,400.00 MEL KIRK Ichairl 8 M?y, 2024
I Indèpendont oxamiMfs report on ' the aGcounts CHARITY COMMISSION I FOR EN'GLAND AND WALES Scctioii A Iiiclepeiidtiit Exiii)1iicr' Rcport R•pgrt to th• trU•t•Thl Mgmts of Qn •c¢ount• for the year 1 31103rd024 end•d I Armchalf CIO 1164966 Charity no (If iny) S•t out on p•g•• Résp¥¢ ro$pOnsibilit$ of liu$te¢g ond ex•mlMr 18rlly'$ Irusiees arè resnsIble lor ihe prepaEatyon ol lh• xcounl8. Thè ¢h8rity's trustees consider Ihal an audil 1$ noi wuired for thi• year urKler Secin 144 Cf the Charl,.$ Act 2011 {'thts Charits08 Acl,) And ihai gn Independenl ex•minalion ij ne¢ded It 1$ my fesponsibllrty to.. warning tts accounts undvi seclion 144 of the Chari11es Act, to fomow ihe Pr(edUreS 13HI down In the ganoral Oireciians gi¥n by the Chaniy Comm15$10n lunde." sethon 1ASl5llbl Df Ihe Chantw Act, and lo stota vkngthef paflicular matters hav? come lo m'i allenlicll, Bas1$ ol Indepondant My ex•mln#tlon wms corned out In accordan wlh general Dife¢tions givèn •x•mln•r'# statom•nl by Ihe Charlty CommissThi +4n ÈX8minalion Includes a evi81M of the 3CCDunbng rOS kepl by the charily and a comp¥rison ol Ih? aOunt$ Yesenleo w(Éh It¥e recnros I: 3180 incl¥Jdeg ¢onsidefatx)n ol any unusual itgms or disclosuTQG In ihe accounts and seeking explenations frDm Ihe tFU3tees COrtem1 any Such matters. The procèdures und¢rtak¢n do not ovlde all Ihe evidence that wguld b8 r&]uirea In an audii. and Gonsequerfly no opinloy Is giv¥n a8 to whelhet the accounts present a 'lTue I laif view and'hfi rwrt is Ilmiid 10 Ihoge mailers sel In the staent befvyi. Independent In connoctson with my exaM..notv, no matter hoy come to my ottentson ¢xarnlngfs ststoment 1. wthsch 9ive5 e $(1e rAUg0 to boliev8 that In. 8r,y fflalei'ial r•spect Ihg rrfuifOmgnlS lo keep gccountrng rec1¥ in accordan with s•clhJrt 130 01 the Ch3nlles A¢1 and t? ppare accounis which accord with tho acuntIrrfd re¢ord$ aThO com?iy the aCuntIng reqviffments of tl)8 Chantias A hgY8 not b8@n mel.. or 2. io vthjth, in my wn1, attenDon shou41 b• '.n ordor 10 onable a PfoF•r untJ•rsi#nding of the oc¢ounts lo be reach•¢J. Oale., 15tr April 2024 sD•d. N•m•: Pwl Grrfmh MBE R•l•vant prof•$8141 qualffi¢otlonlsl or body 111 any).. Addr•*•: WA 'Grevii Cotta9e , Lower Dlngl•. West M81vem, Wor¢esterslire. W414 48Q