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2024-12-31-accounts

Kittiwake Trust

(Registered Charity Number: 1165318 )

Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2024

JFS Torbitt

Chartered Certified Accountants 58 Durham Road Birtley Co Durham DH3 2QJ

Tel: 0191 410 8300 Fax: 0191 410 0054 Email: hello@jfstorbitt.co.uk

The Kittiwake Trust 2024

All our projects progressed well during 2024 in spite of Joe Anderson, who had run the library since it opened, leaving in March. Also at the end of the year Anna, who had worked for over 2 years on the prison project and improved the systems to keep up with increasing demand, left her post. She continues to volunteer one day a week, so is always available if needed.

Grant funding was somewhat sparse as we had not been able to make any applications during the last quarter of 2023.

Grants 2024

Shears Foundation BB Prison work £5270
James Knott BB general – 3rdof 3 years £5000
Aldo Trust BB Prison work £1000
Hadrian Trust BB Prison work £1000
Postcode Lottery unexpected £5000
Old Possum’s Practical Trust Library £2000
Hospital of God at Greatham BB General £1000
Joicey Trust BB General £1000
SJP Foundation BB General £2500
Seven Friends Foundation BB Prison work £2250
Albert Hunt BB Prison work £2000
And two unexpected gifts:
Vicky Lagus Foundation unexpected gift £2000
Anonymous musician unexpected gift £5000

Borderline Books Community Project 2024

The focus for this year has continued to be building book rich communities and households for those who have no other way to access them. We have worked alongside agencies offering support and food to families living in poverty consistently throughout the year and have given large donations of books for readers of all ages to several local food banks.

This year it has been pleasing to grow this contact very locally and we have had visits from workers in many of the Gateshead Community Hubs to offer our books alongside the work that they are doing with local families. This continues to be a core part of our work and we can respond quickly to individual need when a new family moves into the area. Family hub workers know what we have to offer and come in regularly to pick up books to meet different wish lists and support community events.

In the community:

now sending requests and there are children who have read our books each year for four summers now and who send their wish lists in.

Our work in with schools has become more refined over time as teachers have a better idea of how best to use our resources to meet different social and familial needs. Where in the past, we have given books to enhance and support school libraries, teachers are thinking more creatively about ways in which they can use us to stimulate book rich conversations in school and offer opportunities for parents and wider families to share reading for pleasure with their children.

In schools:

use to build story sacks and many copies of nursery rhyme and traditional tale anthologies to fill gaps in community knowledge.

Alongside this we have worked hard to raise positive awareness of exactly what we do in the community for different communities. We have been proactive in sharing the model of our work in council newsletters and social media which has brought a number of additional unexpected benefits. We have also attended different community events including a presentation at a local church. As a consequence we have had many generous donations from families with children who are moving to the next stages of reading, those who are moving onto the next stages of their adult lives, and those who are downsizing and taking account of lives well lived in reading. In conversation with each of these people coming into the space, we have learned of others who might need our resources. We have also extended our volunteer pool as the second comment from visitors (after an expression of surprise that our book space is bigger on the inside) is often ‘do you need any help to sort the books?’ We always say yes.

Numbers

We gave out 18,519 books out through the Literacy Arc in 2024 which is an increase of 26% from 2023.

These books went out to 104 different community groups. Many of these were located in Gateshead and Newcastle upon Tyne or the other counties in the North East. We are growing a bigger reach nationally and have supported a number of groups working across the country when they are willing to cover postage. Some of these have included charities working with refugees, with the homeless and with young people leaving care.

Feedback:

“We truly appreciate everything that Borderline Books does for our school community, and I can confidently say that your support has had a profound impact.

Our budget is incredibly stretched, with all available funding going towards staffing to support our most vulnerable children. Without Borderline Books, many of our pupils simply wouldn’t have books of their own at home. Your donations have allowed us to:

The impact is beyond words. Our pupils’ enthusiasm for reading has grown tremendously, and this is in no small part thanks to Borderline Books. Without your generosity, inspiring a love of reading on this scale would be impossible.” Literacy lead, Kelvin Grove Primary

"Borderline Books has provided our SEN children with opportunity to explore books and obtain a love of literature through the senses. We cannot thank them enough for their generosity and support in ensuring books are for all!" SEND co-ordinator Westgate Hill Primary

“Following our new intake of Year 7 students in September 2023, we tested both their reading and comprehension skills over the first term. We found that a significantly higher proportion of students were reading below their age than in previous years. Consequently, groups of students were targeted in different ways for reading intervention, including a new scheme where sixth form students were trained to support Year 7 students through paired reading.

In January, Borderline Books supplied us with a range of reading books aimed at KS3 and upper KS2 readers in order to support our scheme. These books provided interesting and engaging content for the students but at an accessible level. Students were particularly engaged in the Beast Quest

series, The Underland Chronicles, the Young Bond novels, and those published by Barrington Stoke. Not only have the Year 7 students developed their reading skills through this, but it has also created positive role models in the sixth formers who are able to foster an enthusiasm for reading.

Consequently, we want to further develop the paired reading scheme next year by continuing to support those students as they move into Year 8, as well as the new Year 7 intake of 2024. The school also recognises the importance of developing a love for reading, thus in September we hope to open a library aimed initially at KS3 students, something the school does not currently have. However, the work to repurpose a room into a library space is costing a significant amount of money, leaving

little to purchase books and a library system. We hope to continue to use the books donated by Borderline Books to build our library and the reading interventions, as well as grow a community of young readers.” Literacy Lead, Durham Johnson

Library opening at West End Women’s and Girls group

Borderline Books Prison Project 2023-2024

This year we focused on organising the core service to individual prisoners more effectively month-by-month to further reduce turnaround time, while freeing up more time to stay on top of increased staff requests. We also improved record-keeping and the clarity of the requests process.

Here is what we have accomplished in 2024:

Numbers:

Some of the staff-run projects we supported this year:

Some individual stories:

A selection of thank-yous received in letters:

A lad said to me yesterday after receiving books from you that “these are the 1st books I’ve ever owned”, you could see that he felt happy. So thank you in all that you do and don’t stop doing it, cos it’s actually working. 5/1/24 HMP Doncaster

I had some books last April 2023 from you. These books were fantastic, I completed my lv2 maths with only in cell books because of these books. Also now education have asked me to be a wing mentor. To which I said yes. 23/01/24 HMP Stafford – later told us he was now working full time in the maths hub as a peer mentor!

I’m not going to lie as a prisoner in a mental health hospital when I sore the Borderline Books address in the hardman directory I never thought I was going to get a reply. I thought it was a long shot. Seriously! I can’t say thank you loud enough! As a prisoner trying to change my life in a place like this is hard really hard, therapy is challenging but… it proves that there is good people still out there trying to help. Thank–you! 02/03/24 Rampton Secure Hospital

Just wow!! Thank you so much… What a great boost that was on a pretty miserable day! Just wanted to say how much your efforts and offerings are appreciated by myself and my fellow residents here and, I’m sure, across the country. 21/03/24 HMP The Verne

Another friend has just received some Richard Osman books from you, with one even being a signed copy, so he was as happy as I have seen him for a long time. So please know that you are all valued, and are quite literally changing the lives of those you help! I use the dictionary and thesaurus you sent me in my peer mentoring work with those that struggle with English, so it is not hyperbole on my part when talking about the impact you make, as I see it every day. 13/05/24 HMP Stafford

All the books you’ve sent I’ve passed onto our library and they also send their thanks… the role you play it’s massive, not only helping people learn, find interest in, get hobbies, help lads keep sane over the years. Also B books plays a big role in making lads feel that there’s someone outside who’s on their side, someone who has an interest in them. Loneliness outside and inside play a big part in poor mental health. 26/07/24 HMP Wealstun

“I could not have found a better book myself. At Stafford we have a senior support group for over 65s with nearly 90 members… so thank you again these have been very helpful. 11/07/24 HMP Stafford

Thank you for the great charity, I can’t put in words how much reading has helped save me throughout my sentence. 05/09/24 HMP Rye Hill

I would like to once again pass on my gratitude to you all and to thank you all for the difference you make to all of us that are incarcerated. Your efforts are appreciated by us all. Your kind gesture benefits more than just the recipient. I know you don’t get to see the end result of your labours but I wish you could see how much of a difference you’s all make. 05/11/24 HMP Northumberland

Many, many thanks for your magical service. You lovely people are a real lifeline to some of us prisoners. 06/11/2024 HMP Wakefield

The Kittiwake Trust Multilingual Library

The celebration of our re-opening, which was held on Saturday March 23 was a joyous occasion with friends old and new visiting. We estimate around 100 people must have joined us - some discovering us for the first time. We signed up a few new members during the afternoon and expect many more will return soon. Sadly the press and media completely missed the opportunity to record this event which our Patron, David Crystal said would go down in the history of Gateshead.

The afternoon began with Professor David Crystal joining us via a Zoom link. His talk is to be seen HERE

we are so grateful that he took the time during the weekend to speak to us about multilingual libraries - both he and our other guest, John Vincent said they don't know of any other multilingual libraries like this in the country. There are a few multilingual

children's libraries, or corners of public libraries with books in different languages, but a library for adults and children, with well over 100 languages and dialects, open to all, with a very modest membership fee seems to be unique.

John Vincent came all the way from Devon to join us. John has worked in the public sector since the 1960s, primarily for Hertfordshire, Lambeth and Enfield public library services. In 1997, he was invited to become part of the team that produced the UK's first review of public libraries and social exclusion (from which The Network, which he now coordinates, originated).

John runs courses and lectures, writes, produces regular newsletters and ebulletins, and lobbies for greater awareness of the role that libraries, archives, museums and the cultural & heritage sector play in contributing to social justice.

He is particularly interested in supporting the work that libraries do with people seeking sanctuary and other 'new arrivals' to the UK, young people in care and with LGBTQ+ people.

His talk can be seen HERE

After the speeches, Amina spoke briefly to thank the many people who had helped transform a worn-out pub into a vibrant and beautiful library, from Darius and Graham who painted and papered and dismembered the seating, the electricians and plumbers, the couple who moved all our stock out of Newcastle and into the new location, the many many volunteers who unpacked and cleaned and shelved the books and the council employees who were coaxed and cajoled into getting the nitty gritties taken care of. Special thanks went to Joe Anderson who took care of coordinating the volunteers at the library from the day we opened on 1 August 2023 until 1 March. He will now finally get to take the trip he planned before lockdown. We wish him well - safe journeys and happy landings.

Finally she called Meg Gilley to the stage. Meg had been Vicar of St Chad's, Bensham for 9 years. Her retirement came during lockdown, so there was no chance to give her any kind of leaving do at the time. Sadly it appeared that no-one had thought to honour her work after things opened up again, so we took this opportunity to share a little of our party and give her thanks and an Easter egg. Meg is a wonderful person and deserves more.

We were delighted to welcome the Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Eileen McMaster and show her round the library. She cut the beautiful cake, made by Marran Turner, one of our former volunteers. It was the Mayor's third official duty of the day, so we hope that a little cake, a brew and a quick glass of Rochester's Ginger revived her.

Photos John Robert Hipkin.

We again took part in the Festival of Languages with some school three visits from different years of a school in Newcastle who loed listening to stories and drawing. Later in the year we took part in the GIFT Festival and The Late Shows where one of our volunteers hosted a wonderful poetry evening.

The English classes were well-attended and expanded from one session a week to two. The Spanish English language exchange continued every Saturday afternoon. An Italian class brought in a steady group and library visitors started up a Chinese Storytime group every Friday afternoon and a Japanese conversation group.

We began what we hope will be an annual event with the Comfrey Project – Breaking Bread. People bring the kinds of bread common in their own country to share and talk about, together with home made pickles and dips. A joyous afternoon indeed.

We also had a collaboration with The Baltic Art Centre, offering them a collection of books in different languages and facilitated a collaboration between the Baltic and a local school for a special event to celebrate the 25th birthday of The Gruffalo. In a separate event our books were on display, together with the poem ‘Your Library’ which can be found on the ‘About Us’ page of the library website.

We were also a designated ‘Warm Welcome Space’, offering free tea and coffee, soup when the weather got colder, and certain toiletries such as shower gel, toothpaste and baby kits. This facility was clearly appreciated by local people and by a number of rough sleepers who really valued what we were able to offer.

Weekly visitors averaged around 100 and we signed up 260 new members.

We asked our Patron, Professor David Crystal to write something about the library, which he did. The full text is on the first page of our website, but the sentence which always sounds loudest to us is this:

I know of no comparable publicly accessible library anywhere in the world. It is an initiative that needs to be imitated in as many places as possible."

Kittiwake Trust

(Registered Charity Number: 1165318 )

Independent Examiners Report

Year ended 31st December 2024

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Kittiwake Trust ('the charity') for the year ended 31st December 2024

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ("the Act")

I report in repsect of my examination of the Trust's 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 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

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.

Jane Freeman

FCCA Independent Examiner 58 Durham Road Birtley Co Durham DH3 2QJ

Kittiwake Trust

Statement of Financial Activities

Year ended 31st December 2024

Notes
Incoming Resources
Fundraiser
Library Income:
Donations
Memberships
Use of Verb
Other
Donations received - Borderline Books
Gifts received
Grants
Other income
Total Income
Resources Expended
Kittiwake Trust - General: Advertising and Promotion
Kittiwake Trust - General: Bookfairs & Conferences
Kittiwake Trust - General: Insurance
Kittiwake Trust - General: Office
Kittiwake Trust - General: Other Expenses
Kittiwake Trust - General: Postage
Kittiwake Trust - General: Legal & Prof fees
Kittiwake Trust - General: Training
Kittiwake Trust - General: Parking
Kittiwake Trust - General: Travel
Kittiwake Trust - General: COVID donations & purchases
Kittiwake Trust - General: Bank charges
Kittiwake Trust - General: Website
sundry
CILIP membership
Borderline Books: Literacy
Borderline Books: Website
Borderline Books: Business Rates
Borderline Books: Insurance
Borderline Books: Freight
Borderline Books: Utilities
Borderline Books: Household
Borderline Books: Office Supplies
Borderline Books: Postage
Borderline Books: Printing & Publicity
Borderline Books: Prison Work
Borderline Books: Prison Work Salaries
Borderline Books: Repairs & Maint
Borderline Books: Salary
Borderline Books: Telephone & Internet
Borderline Books: Volunteers Expenses
Multilingual Library:Books
Multilingual Library:Events
Multilingual Library: Furnishings
Multilingual Library: Household
Multilingual Library: Insurance
Multilingual Library: Salary
Multilingual Library: Office
Multilingual Library: Printing
Multilingual Library: Repairs
Multilingual Library: Library Supplies
Multilingual Library: Storage
Multilingual Library: Subscriptions
Multilingual Library: Telephone
Multilingual Library: Utilities
Multilingual Library: Transport
Multilingual Library: Website
Multilingual Library: Volunteers
Net Surplus
Adjustment
Funds brought forward
Funds carried forward
Unrestricted Restricted
Total this
Total last
funds
funds
year
year
-
-
-
-
2,365
-
2,365
542
1,004
-
1,004
544
-
-
-
-
8,036
-
8,036
6,668
280
-
280
400
1741
-
1,741
488
5000
23,000
28,000
33,000
-
-
-
-
18,425
23,000
41,425
41,641
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
569
-
569
-
1,454
-
1,454
148
-
-
-
110
-
-
-
0
180
-
180
93
35
-
35
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
374
-
-
-
0
16
-
16
10
148
-
148
226
315
-
315
0
93
-
93
-
-
-
0
-
-
-
54
3,566
-
3,566
2,132
1,693
-
1,693
2,774
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
0
115
-
115
232
817
-
817
100
294
-
294
0
78
-
78
0
3,018
4,444
7,462
6,337
689
9,399
10,088
7,959
14
-
14
0
5,827
2,000
7,827
6,016
253
-
253
286
184
-
184
550
150
-
150
88
390
-
390
96
-
96
728
1,338
-
1,338
375
1,285
-
1,285
3,811
20,031
23,842
6,879
1,864
-
1,864
0
55
-
55
-
1,100
-
1,100
11,863
-
-
-
413
-
-
-
0
-
-
-
-
152
-
152
242
6,067
2,300
8,367
0
165
-
165
1,280
-
-
-
25
1089
-
1,089
305
36,921
38,175
75,095
49,598
(18,496)
(15,175)
(33,670)
(7,957)
0
0
44,296
21,925
66,221
74,178
25,800
6,750
32,551
66,221

Kittiwake Trust

Balance Sheet

Year ended 31st December 2024

Notes
Current Assets
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
Total current assets
Current Liabilities
Amounts falling due in one year
Wages control
PAYE
Pension control
Net Assets
Capital Funds
Restricted Funds
Unrestricted Funds
Total Funds
Unrestricted
Total this
Total last
funds
year
year
559
559
237
31,992
31,992
65,985
32,551
32,551
66,221
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
32,551
32,551
66,221
6,750
6,750
21,925
25,800
25,800
44,296
32,551
32,551
66,221

These financial statements were approved by the board and authorised for issued on 2/10/2025, and are signed on behalf of the board by:

A J Marix Evans

A J Marix Evans (Oct 2, 2025 14:27:49 GMT+1)

Amina Marix Evans Trustee