Independent Examinerfs Report to the Trustees of Powys Samaritans in Llandrindod Wells For the year ended 31st March 2026 I report to the Trustees on my examination of the accounts of Powys Samaritans in Llandrindod Wells (the CIO) for the year ended 31st Marth 2026. Respettlve Responslbllities of Trustees and Examiner As the Trustees of the Charty you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (-the Acf). I report in respect of my examination of the ChariW5 accounts carried out under Section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515)Ib) of the Art. Independent Examinerfs Statement I have completed my examination. I confirni that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: l. Accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 ofthe Art: or 2. The accounts do not accord with those records: or 3. The accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the fomi and content of the accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the account5 give "a true and fair Vie￿ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. JIOL Date: Davina Hutchinson ACMA Garden Cottage Brynwern Hall Llanfihangel Brynpabuan Builth Wells Powys LD2 3SE Statement of Financial Activities For the year ended 31st March 2026 Restricted Unrestricted 2026 Totsl 2025 Total Income from Donations & legacies Charitable activities Trading artivities Investments Other income 7,682 16,250 69,489 1.414 126 7,682 16,250 69,489 1.414 126 11,882 2,750 67.262 1.202 73 Totsl income 94.961 94.961 83.169 Expenditure on Raising funds Charitable activitie Other 14,757 46.724 14757 46.724 6,882 87.195 Total expenditure 61.481 61,481 94,077 Net incomellexpenditure) 33,480 33.480 110.9081 Transfers between funds Net movement in fvrHIs 33,480 33.480 {10,9081 Reconciliation of funds Balance brought fon¥ard 250.( 209.739 459,739 Total furMIs carrfed forward 250.(K)O 243.219 493.219 459,739 Balance Sheet For the year ended 31st March 2026 2026 2025 Fixed A55ets Tangible assets 496.597 496.597 Current Assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 74.926 46,816 Liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due within l year io 8.657 Net Current Assets 65MI 38.159 Cred•tors: amounts fallsng due after l yeaAI 68.859 75,017 Net Assets- 493,219 459.739 Funds Restricted fund5 invested in fixed assets Restricted funds- cash based Unrestrictedfunds.. General funds invested in fixed assets General fund5- cash based Designated funds 13 250.0 250.IX)O 246.597 (10,378) 246.597 {36,858} Totsl Charlty Funds 493,219 459,739 Approved by the Trustees on /)t(M. 2 026 and signed on their behalf by: Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31st March 2026 Accounting Poliaes Basis of preparation The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordan￿ with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applitable in charities in preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) {effective l January 20191 (Charities SORP {FRS 10211. the Financial Reportingstandard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS 1021. Powys Samaritans in Uandrindod Wells meetsthe definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the ￿levant accounting policy note. Goin8 concern basls of accounting The accounts have been prepared on the assumptiott that the Charity is able to continue as a going c¢)ncern. which the Trustees constder having regard to the urrent level of unrestrirted re5erve5. The￿ are no material uncertainties about the Charivs abilty to continue as a going concern. Incoffle Income is recognised when the Charity has entitlement to the funds. any performan￿ cond*tions attached to the item of income have been met. it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. Income from the government and other grants. whether -capital- grants or °revenue" 8rants is recognised when the Charity has entitlement to the funds. any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income wtll be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred. Income from commissions. Dr fees, is Teco8nised when earned and is deferred when received in advance. Donated servlces and faclllties Donated professional services and donated facilities are reco8nised as income when the Charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met. the receipt of economic benefft from the use by the Charity of the item, is probable and the economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP {FRS 1021. general volunteer time is not recognised. On receipt, donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amountthe charity would have been willing to pay to obtain seNices and facilities of equivalent economic benefrt on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditu￿ in the period of re￿ipt. Interest receivable Interest on funds held on deposit is induded when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Charity: this is nornialty upon notification of the interest paid or payable bythe bank. Funds accounting Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that fvrther any of the purposes of the Charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the Charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donation5 which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the Charitvs work or for specrfic projects being undertaken by the Charity. Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT ExpendFture 15 recogni5ed once there 15 a legal or con5trurtive obligation to make payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred. Allocatlon of support and governan￿ costs Support costs are those funrtions that assist the work of the Charity but do not directly undertake charitable activitles. These costs have been IiTh allocated to Charitable Activities. Tanglble fixed a55ets Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write dovm the cost of each asset to its estimated residual value over its expected useful lrfe. The depreciation rates in use are as follows- Buildings & Improvements- no depreciation Equipment- 25% straight line Debtors Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount p￿Paid net of any trade discounts due. Cash at bank and in hand Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments wtth a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit OT similar account. Creditors Creditors and provisions are recognised where the Charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably resuh in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discou¥￿ due. Flnancial Instruments The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at tranSaCt￿n value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently reco8nised at amortised cost Using the effective interest method. Accountlng estlmates and key judgements In the application of the ChariWs accounting policies. the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from the other sources. The estimates and underlying assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may dtffer from these estimates. The estimates are underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revision5 to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision afferts only that period, or in the period of the revision and future peri(*J5 if the revision affects both current and future perlods. Income from Donations & Legaaes Restricted Unrestricted 2026 2025 Donations Glft Ald 6,767 915 6,767 915 9.456 2.426 Total donations & legacies 7.682 11,882 In 2025. £4.351 was received in donations from volunteers who wish to remain anonymous. Also in the year ended 31st March 2025. one of the chariVs supporters kindly loaned the Charity £5,lJ(M) which was fully repaid during the year. The supporter wishes to remain anonymou& Income frorn Charitable Activities Restricted Unrestrirted 2026 Total 2025 Total Postcode Lottery grant Samaritans Cymru Presteigne & Norton Town Council 15.OiXI 2,5(X) 250 250 250 Total inEotnc from thaiStable activities 16.250 16.250 2,750 Expenditure on Charitable Activities Total Total Restricted Unrestricted 2026 2025 Telephone 938 938 2,463 Utilities 6,125 6,125 10.037 Volunteer Travel 10,704 10,704 11.623 Training 30 49 Decor,Furnishin& Equip 8.455 8.4SS 41,888 Maintenance 6.980 6.980 3.970 Outreach Cost5 396 396 520 Sundry 287 287 413 Depreciation 1,205 Inde￿ndent Examiner 5CC Contribution 3,168 3.168 5,103 Mort8a8e Interest 3.982 4,263 Housekeeping 3,638 3.638 3,138 Insurance 1.621 1,621 2,123 Total expenditure on charitable artivitie5 46.n4 46,724 87.195 Net Movement in Funds - this is stated after charging: 2026 2025 Depreclation Loss on di5POsal of fixed assets Operating lease payments Trustees, remuneration Trustees, reimbursed expenses Independent examinerfs remuneration 1.205 1.559 400 'A Davies £88: Dr L M Jones £1,118; P King£l,(MJ7; D Davies £16912025 C Dornan £355: A Davies (resigned as a trustee during the year) £992- D Davies £167: P K•n8 £45) Staff Costs and Numbers - staff costs were as follows: 2026 2025 Salaries and wages Social securty costs Pension costs No employee earned more than £60,0(K) during the year. 20Z6 2025 Average head count FTE Taxation The Charity is exempt from corporation tax as all its income is charitable and is applied for charitable purposes. Tangible Fixed Assets Equipment Total At I" April 2025 379,383" 117,214 9,269 505.866 Addwtior15 in year Disposals in year At 31" March 2026 379,383 117,214 9,269 505,866 Depreciation At I" April 2025 Charge for year On disposals 9,269 9.269 At 3151 March 2026 9,269 9.269 Net Book Value At 31st Marth 2026 379.383 117214 496.597 At 31st March 2025 379.383 117,214 496,597 £250,000 was restricted funding received from WAG and would need to be refunded rf the building was sold for any other purpose other than that for which it was awarded. Debtors 2026 2025 Trade debtors 10 Creditors: amounts due within l year 2026 2025 Mortga8e- 12 months capital repayment Accruals: Independent Examinerfs lee Accruals: SCC contribution 25126 5,877 5.306 400 3,168 2,951 9.445 8,657 11 Credltars: amounts falling due in more than l year 2026 2025 Povrys Samaritans Loan- HSBC 64859 75,017 12 Analysis of Net Assets Between Funds Restritted Funds Designated Funds General CuTrent Y&ir Funds 2026 Tangible fixed assets Current assets 250.(KKI 246.597 67.926 19.4451 168,8591 496,597 74,926 (9.445) (68,859) Current liabilities Long tenn lialylities Net assets 31.0326 236219 493,219 Restritted Funds De5ignoted Funits Geneml Funds Totol 2025 Prior Year Tangiblefued assets Current assets Current liabilifies Long term liabilities 250.IX 246.597 46,816 18.657) 175.017) 496.597 46,816 [8.6571 (75,017) Net OS5ets 31.03.25 250.L 209,739 459.739 io- 13 Movement in Funds #Gen￿ Funds have been restated CuThent Year At i April 2025 Transfer fund5 At 31 March 2026 Income Expenditure RestriC￿d Funds WAG capital grant 250.CKXJ Totsl Restricted Funds 250MIO Unrestrlrted Funds. General Funds invested in fixed assets General Funds- cash Designated Funds 246.597 246.597 136.8581 94.961 161,481) 17.c(Kil 1103781 Total UMestri¢ted Funds 209,ng 94.961 161.4811 243.219 T¢>tsl Funds 459.739 94.961 161.4811 243.219 Prior Year Af i Apni 20241 Tran5ftr At 31 Morch fvnds 2025 Income Ewndrture Restrirted Funds Nat￿ntil Lottery WAG ¢oPitol gmnt 493 250,1 250.LIXI Tott71Restiicted Funds 256.451 16.9441 493 250,11 UnTe5tri£ted Funds Generolfunds invested in fixed 05sets General Funds- cq5h 247.￿2 IL205J 246.597 (33,6￿1 83,169 {85.928J (4931 (36.8581 rotolUnrestrKted Funds 214.197 83,169 {87.133J f493) 09.739 Totol Funds 470.647 194.077) 459.739 li- # ANNUAL REPORT APRIL 2025 TO MARCH 2026 Catherine Dornan and Kirsty Williams ## **’ – Branch Directors Report April 2025 March 2026** It is hard to believe that we are writing our second Directors Report. The days sometimes feel long but the year has certainly been short, and it has been one where the branch has shown incredible resilience and commitment to our aims. The Future Proofing Programme run by the central charity caused a great deal of disquiet and concern. Whilst everyone understood the need to review and reflect on how the organisation can move forward with confidence meeting the needs of those who need us, the way in which the proposals were devised and communicated was grossly inadequate. Responding to the proposals took up a great deal of time and effort by many in the branch. Surveys and meetings were organised locally to ascertain the views of our members to shape our response when we attended Welsh and UK leadership meetings. We were indebted to our shop volunteers who also took a keen interest in the fate of our listening activities. A petition demonstrated the strength of support from our community, and we were grateful to a number of our elected representatives that lobbied on our behalf and wrote letters of support. A dossier was compiled to submit to the central charity making the case for our branch. Fortunately it did not have to be submitted as decisions on individual branches was put on hold, however it was a useful exercise in understanding our strengths as a branch and what areas we could develop further. Despite the uncertainty we resolved very early on in the process that we would “keep calm and carry on”. We successfully signed off our Quality Outcomes Framework with the Wales Quality Officer which was a huge relief. Under Anya’s leadership our outreach activities continued to expand. We attended several events including two YFC rallies, and Brecon Pride as well as Hay Festival and the Royal Welsh. We don’t want to steal her thunder and will leave it to Anya to outline the other outreach activities including an exciting new partnership with a local food bank, ‘Oasis’. Needless to say, we are grateful for Anya’s energy and impact. At the beginning of our Directorship, we set ourselves a goal of running two Core Training cohorts in our first year and were delighted to achieve this and welcome new volunteers to the branch. As always, we are indebted to all involved in organising and carrying out the interviews and to the training team who deliver the core under Ruth’s leadership and everyone who mentored our new colleagues. However core training was just one aspect of Ruth’s efforts this year, her report will cover the sheer volume of sessions she has delivered to Listeners and shop volunteers ranging from fire safety to EDI. We are particularly grateful to her and Nell for organising our Peer mentoring. Whilst we recognise that some were reluctant, overall feedback was that it was a positive experience and was crucial to our ability to complete the QOF. Feedback from the process that led to our appointment said that people wanted more opportunities to get together and to feel part of a Team. We held a branch meeting which the Welsh Director and Chief Executive attended. Much more fun, was the wonderful social evening Miranda organised. It was lovely to see shop and listening volunteers getting together and was a perfect opportunity to recognise the amazing fundraising efforts of the shop. We were pleased to continue to host Wales meeting at our building as we committed to last year. It is such a fantastic resource which we are lucky to have. It does not look after itself however and we are grateful to Keith who has been invaluable in helping us address any issues. The most significant work undertaken was the soundproofing improvements in the duty room which seems to have made a difference. Unfortunately, we suffered a serious IT outage in the run up to Christmas through no fault of our own which caused a great deal of disruption. Without Bernie’s expertise we may still have been off-line! Luckily his persistence got us back up and running in time for our busiest period where we experimented with a more flexible rota over the festive period with ‘pop up’ shifts that helped us be there at a time we know can be difficult. The rota will be a priority for us in the next year. To conclude we would like to recognise the support we have received over the last year from all the members of the Branch Leadership Team, especially Diana our Secretary who does an amazing job keeping us organised and Phil who keeps us solvent. Our Trustees are a constant source of wise counsel and we are so grateful to each and every member who has said yes when we have asked them to devote even more hours to Samaritans! Being Branch Directors is not without its challenges but it is also a joy because of the fabulous group of volunteers we can work with. So to each one we would like to say diolch o’ galon a ymlaen. Heartfelt thanks and forward we go. ## _**Catherine Dornan**_ ## _**Kirsty Williams (Tess)**_ ## **Training Report** The Core intake of March 2025 produced 6 new volunteers into the branch. We ran a session of training for a small group of shop volunteers, including fire safety and some DEI training from the central charity. In April we ran the Face-to-face module for Outreach training, in preparation for the Summer Outreach programme. The Embedding training for the March Core intake started in July. In September, after the AGM, we ran Mentor training, prior to the Peer mentor programme running October to December 2025. In October 2025 we started a Core intake, running on Wednesday evenings for a change. There was an Outreach Face to Face training in October, run with the Regional training team. In November 2025 we ran a small Leader training group. February 2026 saw the beginning of the Embedding sessions for the October Core intake. The Core training team of Ruth, Tess, Catherine and Andrew continue to be grateful for the support they receive from many members of the branch – notably Bernie, for technical backup and log-in support, Nell for all she does to train and encourage mentors, and those mentors for supporting the new Samaritans into the branch. ## _**Ruth**_ ## **Buildings Report** I was informed that an acoustic survey had been conducted and that materials for the duty room had been purchased. I put the fitting of these panels out to tender, and these were fitted in September by my client, Altior Construction from Hereford, with the assistance of their electrical subcontractors. Under LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations), we had the lift serviced. We now have a contract with Belvidere Lifts for annual servicing. Jonathon Williams – Bristol Gas- has insured himself for property maintenance and has proved invaluable in assisting with maintenance jobs throughout the buildings. Currently, he is looking at strengthening the door pillar in No. 1 and installing a handrail on the Ithon Road steps. I conducted a fire assessment and provided our online Fire Safety course for Ruth to cascade to other volunteers. I believe we have yet to look at training for the Evac Chairs. (I am told that there is now a remote listening room back in the rear ground-floor space where it used to be.) In March, we received a visit from the Fire Officers. They pulled up some interesting issues that need to be addressed. Eg, Beacon had installed all the cable services in plastic conduit, which could melt if overheated. Beacon are not interested in rectifying this issue. We have a shared online document for maintenance and repair needs, and with Jonathon's assistance, we are slowly working our way through this list in order of priority. A handrail kit has been purchased to install on the Ithon Road steps. I encourage all volunteers to send items to add to this list. I have made spreadsheets for all subcontractors that Sam uses, and constantly ensure they are insured and qualified or competent for the tasks they undertake. With this in mind, I have cancelled further contracts with Beacon Detection and instructed Red Flame Electrical from Newtown to undertake all electrical and technical work in the premises. Beacon is being awkward about handing over some information, and we are looking into a factory reset of systems to avoid another large invoice from Beacon. Bernie is being copied on all correspondence to enable a smooth transition. We established that the electrical installation had not been checked since purchasing no.1. A walkaround revealed some issues, so this is being addressed as a matter of urgency. Red Flame are programmed as follows: Wednesday, 1st July - attend and look into the intruder alarm faults W/C Monday 24th August (3 days 3 engineers) - EICR, Install door light on Ithon Rd, working on Intercom & CCTV Wednesday, 2nd September - finalise above works. I have also asked for costs for an external 13A socket in the car park for charging an EV, and costs for the conversion of lighting to PIR to allow listeners to access the building to the listening room without torches! I am currently producing a risk assessment for the RWAS. I continue to maintain risk assessments and policies for the building, and encourage volunteers and trustees to look at these regularly, and ask for any additional Risk Assessments that are missing. ## _**Keith Foster Building Manager**_ ## **Outreach Report** Powys Samaritans Outreach activities focussed on providing awareness of the Samaritans work as well as emotional support at events in the local area. We attended events at in the education, food and local business sectors and particularly tried to offer support in the agricultural sector which is extremely significant in Mid Wales. In the education sector, we visited some the NPTC Group of colleges where we spoke to young people between the ages of 16 and 24. At both Brecon and Newtown Colleges we attended Freshers' Week in the early Autumn and the Health and Wellbeing Fair in the Spring. At each of these events we were able to speak individually to between 60 and 100 students. We attended two information events to raise awareness of our provision: one at Llandrindod Wells and one at Builth Wells. We also hosted a coffee morning at our own charity shop in the High Street in Llandrindod Wells which gave us an opportunity to share what we can offer the local community. Following this event, we started to lay the groundwork so we could offer in person support at Llandrindod Foodbank (Oasis). To raise awareness of our service within the local agricultural sector, which has generally faced difficult times and to emphasise our support we attended two Young Farners' Rallies, one at Sennybridge in Brecon and one at Llaithddu in Radnorshire. Powys Samaritans worked together with Samaritans Cymru to ensure a Samaritans presence on all four days of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show in Builth in July. Together with our colleagues from the South Wales Valleys, Aberystwyth, Cardiff and Swansea we tried to increase awareness of the Samaritans work particularly amongst the farming community and related agricultural industries. In a similar vein we supported Hereford Samaritans at the Kington Country Show where we also offered emotional support. The Hay festival in May offered us the opportunity for fundraising as well as raising awareness. Powys Samaritans has been active in attending regional outreach meetings with other Welsh branches to promote collaboration and best practice in the region. One of our listening volunteers is Regional Outreach Director covering mid and South Wales. ## _**Kate Roberts (Anya), deputy for outreach**_ ## **Volunteer Care Report** The volunteer care team still consists of myself as Volunteer Care leader, Maggie, Michael and two shop volunteers Pauline and Mary. This year we have tried to stay in touch with a number of volunteers that have been unwell, sending notes or flowers and emails. If I haven’t spoken to them members of the branch who know them personally have kept up to date. Catherine quite often updates us as to what is going on with volunteers at the branch so we know who to reach out to. In the autumn of last year we produced the first branch newsletter which was distributed to all volunteers. This was designed to keep people up to date with what is going on with our branch – Outreach etc - and had some light-hearted elements designed to introduce volunteers to people or elements of our branch they may not know about. We hope that this will be (at least) an annual publication. At Christmas (2025) Catherine kindly sent out Christmas cards – one that she had designed for the shop volunteers and one designed by another volunteer, James, to other volunteers. In February of this year we organised a very successful quiz night in the Samaritans building. About 19 people attended with everyone bringing a contribution for supper. Samaritans provided soft drinks. It was a really enjoyable evening and a good opportunity for listeners and shop volunteers to get to meet up. Maggie was a huge help acting as quizmaster and helping to set it all up. We have had an October intake of new listeners in the last 12 months. All of them are a great addition to the branch and also much needed as we have had a few listeners away for a time, with sickness, and a few who have left the branch. In the next few months we are hoping to hold another social evening, produce a newsletter, and are very keen that we should boost the numbers in our volunteer care team. ## _**Miranda Bourdillon, deputy for volunteer care**_ ## **Shop** The shop volunteers and our customers were shocked to hear of possible changes to the Samaritans, instigated by Central office, which might result in the closure of our branch. The shop is a hub for a great deal of informal outreach, support and involvement in the town and would be greatly missed. There was huge support for signing the petition that was circulating at the time. A successful Brew Monday took place in part of No.1 shop with listening and shop volunteers helping. This has led to outreach from listening volunteers in Oasis (the local Food Bank). There have been successful fire training sessions and a social evening where listening and shop volunteers met and got to know one another. We are very appreciative of the help and support we have received from the management team and the promptness in dealing with any maintenance issues and thank you to Pam the cleaner for keeping the building so clean and tidy. Once again, the shop has been the major source of finance for our branch. We celebrate another successful year in which listening and shop volunteers have grown closer together. In these uncertain times we move forward with optimism. The shop year is always January to December as we use the seasons to dictate our themes throughout the year. To ensure maximum impact we keep all items relating to St David's day, Easter, Halloween, Christmas etc. in our seasons room. At the moment we are preparing for our seaside event. After 17 years of trading public expectations are high, we have a reputation for selling good quality items at a reasonable price, not forgetting our famous £1 rail. The aim is to serve a wide range of people, age, gender and nationality. We are of course only as good as our donations and we are fortunate that these keep coming. This can sometimes be a little daunting but a volunteer will always open one more bag! Every Wednesday sees a band of volunteers restocking and displaying items for sale on Thursday. Our Facebook page continues to promote the shop, with customers often queuing outside on a Thursday for what they have seen on line. We are also hoping to venture into the world of YouTube to help increase sales. Our opening times are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10.00 till 4.00. We are proud to say we have never failed to open; this is due to the gap filling team that organise the rota. Saturday openings planned throughout the year prove worthwhile. The shop is run by a committee and we are lucky enough to have Catherine, one of our directors, attend these meetings. Sales for the first 5 months of 2026 are £26,093. ## _**Rosemary and Aprille**_ ## **Financial Report** I report on the financial year ended 31 March 2026. The branch is financially independent of the Samaritans Central Charity (SCC) and has to raise sufficient income to fund all its activities and to pay a contribution to the SCC. The branch has four bank accounts. Payments (other than internal transfers between these four accounts) require authorisation by two signatories. ## _**Fundraising Activities**_ The branch owns and runs a successful double-fronted shop at 1 & 2 High Street. The shop has no employees and is run and staffed entirely by volunteers. All the proceeds of the shop are used to fund the branch. The total income from the shop from 2011 to the present day greatly exceeds half a million pounds! The shop volunteers have achieved this excellent result by working hard over a sustained period. Thank you. Thanks also to the shop customers and to those people that donate goods to the shop. Without you the shop would cease to exist. Other fundraising activities include collections by branch volunteers at the Hay Festival. Thanks to everyone involved in fundraising. Total income for the year was £94,961 an increase of £11,792 on 2024/2025. The income from our own fundraising activities was little changed; however, the grant applications made during the year were more successful. ## _**Costs**_ As a charity we benefit from Mandatory Rate Relief of 80%. We also benefit from Discretionary Relief and Transitional Relief. Thankfully this reduces our rates bill to zero. On the other hand, most of our costs have risen substantially over the last few years, in particular energy costs (electricity and gas) are much higher. We have protected ourselves against short term price increases by contracting for a 3-year fixed price tariff for energy. Branch policy is that volunteers should not be out-of-pocket as a result of travelling to the branch for shifts or training. Volunteers are invited to claim mileage expenses for necessary travel and these are re-imbursed according to the rates permitted by HMRC. This reimbursement is particularly important for the volunteers who travel the greatest distances to Llandrindod Wells, for some more than 25 miles each way. ## _**Financial Position**_ The accounts show a net surplus of £33,480 compared with a net deficit of £10,908 in the previous year. This big change is caused by the increase in grant income this year and a large reduction in expenditure on building alterations and other projects. ## _**Reserves Policy**_ - The total value of funds the Charity held at 31st March 2026 is £493,219 (which can only be realised by disposing of its tangible fixed assets); - £250,000 of these funds are restricted; - These funds have been calculated after taking into consideration the outstanding mortgage amount at 31st March 2026 of £74,736. The mortgage is due to be fully paid off by 2036; - In the short term, the Charity has sufficient Current Assets: Cash at Bank & In Hand (£74,926) to cover its Current Liabilities and continue for about 13 months in the unlikely event that all funding ceases; - In the long term, the Trustees acknowledge that the premises would need to be sold and/or costs reduced to meet its ongoing mortgage commitments if all funding ceased for longer than a 13 month period. ## _**Mortgage**_ The Trustees have created a separate designated fund for the purpose of repaying the outstanding balance on the mortgage. £7,000 has been transferred from general funds to the designated fund. The Trustees plan to transfer a further £7,000 annually until 2031. On the 10[th] anniversary of the mortgage in 2031 the fixed interest period ends and the designated fund should be sufficient to fully repay the outstanding balance. ## _**Thanks**_ In addition to thanking all involved in fundraising (see section above), I thank Davina Hutchinson who has produced and examined our accounts for the past two years. I also thank Maggie and Katrina for being second signatories for the bank transactions; Gerry for banking the shop income for many years and Colin for recently taking on that job. ## _**Phil King Branch Treasurer**_