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2025-03-31-accounts

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Charity Number: 1166535
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Westcroft Community Centre

Trustees’ report and financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

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Westcroft Community Centre Reference and administration information For the year ended 31 March 2025

Charity number 1165335

Registered office and operational address

Westcroft Community Centre, 24-26 Westcroft Road, Burnage, Manchester, M20 6EF

Trustees

Trustees who served during the year and up to the date of this report were as follows:

Ben Clay Linda Duffy resigned July 2024 Judi Kemp resigned 27/01/2025 Mary McLachlan Ian Rhead Rebecca Sutton resigned June 2024 Hilary Moules resigned 23/06/2025 Janet Harrison appointed 15/06/2024 Brenda Byron appointed 17/03/2025

Key management personnel

Matthew Barker - Centre Manager

Bankers

Barclays Bank PLC 1 Churchill Place London E14 5H

Independent examiner

Kate Adderley CA Third Sector Accountancy Ltd Holyoake House Hanover Street Manchester M60 0AS

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Westcroft Community Centre Trustees annual report for the year ended 31 March 2025

The trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements for the year ended 31 March 25.

Reference and administrative information set out on the previous page forms part of this report. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the memorandum and articles of association and the Statement of Recommended Practice - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: SORP applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with FRS 102.

Objectives and activities

Westcroft Community Centre was founded as a CIO in April 2016, following constitution and registration with the Charity Commission. Our objects state that we exist to:

further or benefit the residents of Burnage and the surrounding neighbourhoods of South Manchester, 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 advance education and to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation and leisure time occupation with the objective of improving the conditions of life for the residents.

In April 2021 Trustees approved a 3 Year Business Plan with the following values.

CONNECT Neighbours with neighbours, local people with services and opportunities, whilst also working with a wide range of partners.

UNDERSTAND The different needs, backgrounds and circumstances of visitors, and tailor our offer to them.

EMPOWER Residents to find help and solutions to achieve what they are capable of.

WELCOME We reflect our diverse community in the services and support we provide and offer something for everybody who walks through our door.

And the following strategic aims.

1) FUNDING, Secure funding for a better community facility, developing the current space for improved capacity to cope with the range and complexity of services required by our community. 2) SERVICE DELIVERY, Work in partnership with Southway Housing and other community partners to support Covid recovery, tackling hardship, poverty and deprivation and promoting mental well-being by providing a range of services run by skilled and enthusiastic volunteers

3) DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION, Promote inclusive behaviour, providing cohesive services that establish good social relationships. Attracting groups to the centre that have been under-represented.

4)COMMUNICATION AND CONSULTATION, Put our local community at the heart of the development of the centre and service planning. Listen to diverse voices, promoting community ownership of the space and empowering people to have more control over their own lives.

5) GOVERNANCE/VOLUNTEER DEVELOPMENT, Maintain a financially sustainable and well governed organisation.

Westcroft Community Centre trustees have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives and in planning its future activities. In particular, the trustees have considered how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives that have been set.

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Westcroft Community Centre Trustees annual report for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

The trustees review the aims, objectives and activities of the charity each year. This report looks at what the charity has achieved and the outcomes of its work in the reporting period. The trustees report the success of each key activity and the benefits the charity has brought to those groups of people that it is set up to help. The review also helps the trustees ensure the charity's aims, objectives and activities remain focused on its stated purposes.

Achievements and performance

The charity's main activities and who it tries to help are described below. All its charitable activities focus on community development and community engagement, advice and guidance and adult learning, and are undertaken to deliver Westcroft Community Centre’s charitable purposes. Our primary objective is to further or benefit the residents of Burnage and the surrounding neighbourhoods of South Manchester.

2024/25 has again been a significant 12 months in the continued development of the organisation. The Full-time development officer position now funded since April 2022 and held by Linda Duffy is of significant importance to the on-going delivery of a diverse timetable, with 82 different activities being co-ordinated this year. Again, securing further funding for the continuation of this role for 2025-26 has been a priority, and although this year that has proven more difficult, with only £16,922 external funding secured.

Over the lifetime of the role, Linda has set up numerous regular and one-off activities, of note are the weekly women’s chill out group and family storytelling, funded projects during this year such as the evening Let’s cook together, Garden development, family activities during all school holidays and numerous one-off engagement sessions, all aligned to delivering our core strategic aims.

Funding

Numerous small grants continued to support the delivery of vital, well established and new projects including £3160 for the weekly Eat, Meet and Greet group from Manchester City Council small grants fund and £6,929 from Nourish the Nation for the delivery of a full programme of activities supporting children with activities and food throughout summer.

The Beautiful South Fund, £1950, enabled the delivery of our annual Christmas event with free books, activities, and a beautiful backdrop to children’s stories told by Mrs Claus.

Total reserved funding: £23,298

Globals Make Some Noise awarded £5,000, the resilience fund £9,422 and £2500 from the Eric Wright trust which helped secure the development role for 2025-26.

We received a £1600 contribution towards management costs for hosting a 3-month apprentice placement from Southway Housing's Youth elevate programme.

Total unreserved funding (grants): £16,022

The centre generated £7,127 from room hire, a decrease when compared to the previous year but explained by a delayed invoice payment from North West community association to be processed in 2025-26. The regular groups hiring the space, mainly during the evenings and weekends are the Northwest Turkish Association (NWTCA), Slimming world, a new partnership with Tiny Talk, and polling station bookings. Having the weekly partnerships with groups such as Slimming World and NWTCA continue to provide that stability of regular income.

Fundraising via centre activities and a sponsored event helped raise £875.56. We are so thankful to Chloe Duffy for choosing Westcroft as her charity of choice and raising over £400 running the Manchester Marathon.

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Westcroft Community Centre Trustees annual report for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

Southway Housing Trust remains our most significant funder, continuing to fund and employ the centre manager, Matthew Barker, whilst financing and managing building related expenses, maintenance and repairs, and we are so thankful for their additional support contributing the remaining £19,000 required to maintain Linda Duffy’s development worker position for a further 12 months, enabling us to plan ahead with confidence.

This partnership is critical in enabling the unique offer we provide to the community, with free to access services, open access space, and drop in advice, guidance and support, with a total of £105,000 donated in kind.

Service delivery

Over 80 different activities, projects, events and services now take place at the centre each year, a testament to the dedication and commitment from the team.

A standout moment was this year’s annual family fun day in August. This event is always a highlight of our summer holiday calendar, and promotes children’s right to play. This year with practical support from the Manchester City Council (MCC) neighbourhood team we closed the street to traffic, reclaiming the space for free play activities whilst promoting Active streets, and the benefits of cycling and walking. With great feedback from neighbours and the wider community we will aim to replicate at next year's event but to see so many people, over 220 enjoying the space with so many partner organisations and activities provided was a joy to behold.

The summer programme that sandwiched this event was a huge success yet again. With 800+ additional attendances on top of our usual weekly timetable, it was certainly our busiest time of the year. With arts, crafts, film days, breakfast clubs, cookery sessions, animation workshops and much more. Funding from Nourish the nation made it possible, with most sessions having food available, we were able to provide much more than a free activity but support during a time where many families feel the impact of the Cost-of-living crisis so much more. This provision continues to be delivered across all school holidays.

With funding received from The Hope Pilkington trust we delivered an 8-week, evening cookery programme for a group of 12 people. From 2020 when we first delivered the Let’s cook together project, the concept of providing inspiring meals for families to cook together at home, all ingredients and support provided, with all communicating via a group WhatsApp has remained and evolved. This year's programme saw us invite a ‘guest cook’ each week, who wasn’t a member of the group but was happy to share their favourite vegetarian recipe, demonstrating, and cooking the meal together to taste. All members then got to take the ingredients home to cook again, tweaking and learning as they went.

The Quid’s In food club remains critical in providing a vital food resource, members can access a variety of fresh, chilled, and hard-to-find food items worth around £20 each week. With average weekly attendance of 38 individuals/families it remains central to much of what we do at the centre, where all those in attendance benefit from additional services on offer. With the cost of living crisis having such an impact on communities we supported Southway in launching and managing a new Quid’s In evening club for people who work and therefore cannot attend the daytime service.

A real highlight from this year was seeing the community garden take shape, and whilst the project continues with plenty of ideas of how the area can be further developed, there was a real sense of mission accomplished in September when the build and all initial planting was completed. Completely transforming the entrance area and immediately changing how people interact with the space. The welcoming entrance to the centre, now mirrors how people feel when they enter the

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Westcroft Community Centre Trustees annual report for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

building, which has been a long-term aspiration for many.

The ever-popular singing session has now finished, as is the case with many short-term projects that rely on funding to continue we were sadly unable to find a suitable grant. But likewise, we delivered other short-term sessions that whilst only up to 3 months in duration have real social value to those that attend, the Let’s cook, and the 8 weeks veg society cookery course are good examples during the last year.

The Women’s chill out group, a well-established weekly highlight in the calendar, continues to strengthen. With Linda facilitating, it has developed a member led model, with peer support and group discussions forming much of the time the women spend together. All with a very informal and relaxed, social atmosphere having breakfast and brews together every week. After the success of the group’s first trip away from the centre last year we have secured £1200 from the Duchy of Lancaster fund to facilitate more trips out to numerous locations in Manchester such as art galleries and museums.

Our partnerships are invaluable in helping the team deliver the holistic, supportive and caring service that we are so proud of. Whether that be services that hire the space, engaging with groups at the centre, or services that that we host during core opening times that provide professional support and guidance services beyond the skills, qualifications and capabilities of our team, or compliment service delivery, adding value to the day-to-day provision, we appreciate all the community partners who work with us to support our community. Be Well, Career Connect, Greater Manchester Law Centre, South Manchester Health Team, Manchester Active and Southway Housing are all critical in ensuring the centre continues with its reputation as a one-stop community resource.

Much of the joy in what we do and our approach to community engagement activities are that we are always willing to try new things, new ideas often come from those that already do or are willing to volunteer. A good example of this was meeting Andy who spoke about setting up a discussion group in a local park during the restrictions of Covid and how he would love to do something similar. A month later and we were welcoming a new, diverse group of people into the centre for our weekly Wednesday afternoon discussion group, a 2-hr session and presentation including art, music and film, inspiring group discussion on a wide range of topics, life, death, politics, language, culture, and much more.

December was, as always, a particularly busy period with a wide range of sessions during the build-up to Christmas including wreath making, building gingerbread houses, decorating trees, and much more. All accumulating in our annual family event that saw Mrs Claus attending, this different approach was received very well indeed.

As ever we respond to changing circumstances as best we can, always doing what we can to host, deliver and engage in new ways. The on-going cost of living crisis has seen the continued impact on our communities, we promote our winter warmth offer as a drop in space to have hot, free drinks in a warm welcoming space, we again distributed sacks of presents with our partnership with the Toy appeal, we provided shopping vouchers with our breakfast club offer and continue to offer services for free.

Diversity and inclusion

Securing the FT role for a further 12 months enabled on-going engagement across different age groups, yet again we increased the offer for families, children and young people. The women’s chill out group continued the excellent engagement by women from black and minority ethnic groups who felt the space a safe and welcoming one to talk openly, freely and in a secure and confidential environment.

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Westcroft Community Centre Trustees annual report for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

We continue to deliver a wide ranging, inclusive programme of services and activities that are so well attended from all community groups. It was re-affirming to get the positive feedback from the Henry Smith foundation regarding our service delivery and that it was something to be proud of. We are also encouraged by our new business plan and have a clear vision for further developing and embedding equality and diversity into our everyday work. With further training planned for all volunteers and staff, new opportunities for cultural celebrations and raising awareness and effective recruitment at both volunteer and board level we are excited by the years ahead.

The desire across the neighbourhood to attend social engagement activities remained strong throughout, with the demand for services and activities far outweighing the availability of spaces. Being forever mindful of our approach to inclusion, providing a welcoming environment and delivering a range of services we recorded that many of those attending were new to the centre with representation of our community remaining strong.

Our continued partnership with the Be Well service, employment services, Greater Manchester Law centre, Career Connect and Southway Housing enabled the on-going engagement of individuals and families that again might not have attended the centre without the support of these services. Our holistic approach to engagement means that we then get to engage, understand needs and signpost accordingly, to both services provided from the centre and community partners.

We are now 1 year into our 2024-27 business plan. With progress made on many of our Inclusion and diversity priorities with much of the training objectives planned for the year ahead as we source funding and support from partners in the Voluntary sector, particularly with Manchester Community Central (MACC) in delivering appropriate training. Our priorities remain:

Communication and consultation

Our centre manager continues to co-ordinate and lead on the Burnage Anti-poverty group, a voluntary sector led approach to tackling issues that affect our communities. Supported by statutory services we direct the meetings for all community facing groups in the area to co-ordinate, and advocate for change. We continue to co-ordinate training opportunities for volunteers across services with 15 attending emergency first aid at the centre. Service delivery continues to be co-ordinated ensuring we have an offer across the area that delivers maximum benefit, sharing service information regularly, co-ordinating events so as not to clash with each other and sharing resources such as the packs of toys that we receive at Westcroft each year via the toy appeal. The most important outcome over this last year has been the development of the We Love Burnage booklet, a resource for volunteers, frontline workers and the community in better understanding who does what, how to access and where they are, along with health, advice, guidance and support. The booklet will be ready for launch in the summer of 2025.

With over 1300 followers via social media, an increase of 100 in the last 12 months, our posts are reaching more people across our communities than ever before. This engagement has continued to improve, Linda’s commitment to consistently updating on good news stories, activities and future plans has created a network of engagement across the community with families and services. Feedback from centre users is that they love to see what is happening, enjoy pictures and videos, and use it as a resource for finding out what is going on.

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Westcroft Community Centre Trustees annual report for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

In March we created a Westcroft LinkedIn page with the intention of widening our reach network, increasing engagement across partner organisations and developing links with potential business partners.

There is a continued desire to engage via Whatsapp, with groups set up for a number of services such as the women’s group, Eat, Meet and Greet, Quid’s In services and other short-term projects. This allows immediate and easy messaging to all that consent to join, improving our communication but also developing a network of opportunities for people to communicate and share with each other.

Providing face to face support, and a free space for people to drop by for support, advice or even just a place to socialise remains at the heart of our approach. The whole team consistently welcomes everyone in, offering them a hot drink and the opportunity to sit and relax, something that is a rarity across communities. As a result, neighbours inform neighbours and we see new faces constantly visiting, interested in what we do, learning what is on offer or even just popping by to ask for support. Where we can’t directly help, we will always do what we can to signpost onto the best option and help in managing expectations.

Governance/volunteer development

Volunteers Molly Ann and Ciara have again been influential in leading on the delivery of the Quids In service, continuing to deliver the daytime session, and the new evening club for people who work. The weekly Storytime session which they have managed now for over 12 months is thriving, both managing a room full of young children, parents and carers and reading stories for all to enjoy. They regularly go above and beyond in planning creative arts and crafts that accompany the sessions and are a key part in planning our annual Christmas family event.

Linda has set up and manages a new volunteer WhatsApp group, engaging a group of volunteers that whilst unable to support with weekly commitments are happy to be contacted, and consequently provide valuable help and support in delivering our numerous one off and short-term projects, particularly evening groups and holiday activities.

This year saw two new trustees join the team, Janet Harrison with experience in commercial fundraising and event management, and Brenda Byron with experience of Westcroft volunteering, lived experience of the area and a passion for the centre’s on-going development. Judi Kemp stepped down from her position after a successful 2-year period with us. We maintain a strong team of 7 trustees with an excellent range of experiences and skills including marketing, law, project management, voluntary sector experience, governance and volunteering.

We have again continued to respond well to demands by offering a wide range, and ever-growing timetable of services and activities that respond to local needs. With the continued funding of the development role playing a significant part in that process.

Our centre manager, Matthew Barker, is committed to supporting new and existing volunteers in upskilling, developing confidence, providing essential and personal development training opportunities and to respond to the needs of our communities.

We continue to support all of our volunteers with regular 1:1’s, team meetings and regular informal discussions regarding service delivery, development and informing change. 5 new volunteers have been inducted, with 17 in total providing sessional, seasonal, and daily support with service delivery, admin, reception and day to day tasks.

Individuals across the team have benefited from Emergency first aid, fire warden, customer service, and visual impairment awareness training.

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Westcroft Community Centre Trustees annual report for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

Beneficiaries of our services

Residents of Burnage and surrounding communities primarily across South Manchester.

Partner agencies:

Financial review

The voluntary sector continues to feel the impact of a challenging environment in which to secure significant external funding, but we remain financially sound, and in a strong position. Support from Southway Housing Trust has facilitated this as we have established the organisation, but we wish to continue to diversify our sources of income and grant funding, to mitigate risks to maintaining and increasing our current level of activity and services.

Whilst eventually unsuccessful with our application to the Henry Smith Foundation for 3 years funding for our full time development role plus core costs, it was a valuable learning experience. Getting to the final stage of a long process and receiving glowing feedback regarding service delivery was motivating. Feedback regarding governance and organisational development has given the board of trustees clear actions for the following months, updating some policies and procedures, and clarifying our relationship and agreements with Southway Housing Trust.

These improvements will ensure Westcroft is a better run and more effective organisation, and will also facilitate us applying successfully for more significant funding pot for core or capital costs.

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Westcroft Community Centre Trustees annual report for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

This experience and our desire to diversify our funding base led us to develop a new fund raising strategy consisting of three areas of focus: increasing grant funding through additional applications for major core funding and project funds; a new commercial sponsorship and support fundraising initiative developed by board member Janet Harrison drawing upon her private sector experience; and increasing our small scale fundraising, exemplified by Chloe Duffy's Manchester Marathon run.

Reserves policy

Westcroft Community Centre aims to always have reserves of at least £15,000 which is the minimum amount the trustees deem to be necessary to ensure that the charity can continue to operate in the short term in the event of temporary funding shortages. We will aim to increase the reserves and develop this policy in the future. Free unrestricted reserves as at 31 March 2025 are £35,375.

Plans for the future

The long-term funding for a full-time development officer beyond March 2026 is a priority, the role has enabled Westcroft community centre to recover after the pandemic and establish a model of delivery and activity development that we did not have the capacity for previously. The role enables the centre manager to have more time to focus on service development and management tasks.

Whilst the number of trustees is not a concern, we do plan to focus recruitment for further roles that develop a more diverse team, one more representative of the community we serve.

Volunteer recruitment, retainment and development remain at the heart of all that we do, more investment in training and work with Manchester community central, Southway Housing and GMCVO to promote access to free and low-cost training and networking opportunities is vital to maintaining and developing a team of inspired, well informed, and motivated individuals. The Burnage Anti-poverty group have plans to develop a co-ordinated Burnage volunteering network, with better signposting, information sharing and training available. The group has secured £6k funding that helps support this process and improve capacity to manage.

The development of the building remains a priority with the partnership with the Manchester School of Architecture in 22-23 informing new thinking, with a much more staggered approach to development being the aim. With improved access to the upper floor, better kitchen facilities and the creation of additional space to the rear of the building being key areas of interest. In partnership with a local contractor, we received a new kitchen fit and decoration, the first step in the continued effort to improve the space.

Finalising the long-term lease of the building is a requirement, giving us security, and long-term control of space whilst maintaining our supportive partnership with Southway Housing Trust. Their investment and support is vital to Westcroft achieving our charitable aims, delivering free support services and activities for the community, while enabling them to ensure vital support services and an exceptional and vibrant community hub continues to operate in their core area. This ongoing relationship is central to Westcroft building for the future with a strong sense of confidence.

Structure Governance and Management

The organisation is a charitable incorporated organisation, registered as a charity on 14 April 2016.

The charity was established under a constitution which established the objects and powers of the charity and its governance.

The trustees are the sole members of the charity but this entitles them only to voting rights. The trustees have no beneficial interest in the charity. All trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no benefits from the charity. No expenses were reclaimed from the charity during the period.

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Westcroft Community Centre Trustees annual report for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

Trustees are recruited based on skills and have to submit an application that demonstrates the experience and expertise they have which will help to deliver the aims of Westcroft Community Centre. New Trustees are recruited and appointed by existing ones.

Our trustees are:

Ben Clay (Chairperson)

Mary Maclachlan

Eddy Rhead

Janet Harrison

Brenda Byron

Alina Haskiewicz

Miriam Brittenden

Related parties and relationships with other organisations

Westcroft Community Centre is an established community centre which had been functioning for many years under Southway Housing Trust (a charitable housing association), prior to the establishment of the CIO. The CIO still receives much of its funding from Southway, who also own the building from which the CIO operates and fund the position of the full-time centre manager.

Statement of responsibilities of the trustees

The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees’ annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Charity law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

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Westcroft Community Centre Trustees annual report for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

The trustees’ annual report was approved by the trustees on 01/12/25 and signed on their behalf by

Ben Clay Chair

30 / 01 / 2026

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Westcroft Community Centre Independent examiner’s report to the trustees For the year ended 31 March 2025

I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025 set out on pages 13 to 26.

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 of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Charities Act”) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner’s statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with general directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Other matters

Your attention is to drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the accounts (financial statements) in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has been withdrawn.

We understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements:

  2. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and

  3. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act

have not been met; or

  1. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

30 / 01 / 2026

Kate Adderley CA Third Sector Accountancy Limited Holyoake House Hanover Street Manchester M60 0AS

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Westcroft Community Centre

Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure account) for the year ended 31 March 2025

Unrestricted
funds
Note
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
124,362
Charitable activities
4
7,128
Total income
131,490
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
5
141,181
Total expenditure
141,181
6
(9,691)
Transfer between funds
39
Net movement in funds for the year
(9,652)
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
45,027
Total funds carried forward
35,375
Net income/(expenditure) for the year		 Restricted
funds
£
23,371
-
23,371
24,914
24,914
(1,543)
(39)
(1,582)
14,876
13,294		 Total funds
2025
£
147,733
7,128
154,861
166,095
166,095
(11,234)
-
(11,234)
59,903
48,669		 Unrestricted
funds
£
110,475
10,055
120,530
98,349
98,349
22,181
22,181
22,846
45,027		 Restricted
funds
£
35,705
-
35,705
42,559
42,559
(6,854)
(6,854)
21,730
14,876		 Total funds
2024
£
146,180
10,055
156,235
140,908
140,908
15,327
-
15,327
44,576
59,903

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

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Westcroft Community Centre Charity number 1166535

Balance sheet as at 31 March 2025

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As restated
Note 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 11 1,602 2,151
Total fixed assets 1,602 2,151
Current assets
Debtors - -
Cash at bank and in hand 49,788 59,450
Total current assets 49,788 59,450
Liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling
due in less than one year 12 (2,720) (1,697)
Net current assets 47,068 57,753
Total assets less current liabilities 48,669 59,903
Net assets 48,669 59,903
The funds of the charity:
Restricted income funds 13 13,294 14,876
Unrestricted income funds 14 35,375 45,027
Total charity funds 48,669 59,903
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For the year in question, the charity was entitled to exemption from an audit under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011. The Charity Commission has not ordered an audit to be carried out under Section 146 of Charities Act 2011.

The notes on pages 14 to 25 form part of these accounts.15 to 26

Approved by the trustees on and signed on their behalf by: 30 / 01 / 2026

Ben Clay, Chair, Trustee

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Westcroft Community Centre

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025

1 Accounting policies

The principal accounting policies adopted, judgments and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:

a Basis of preparation

The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued in October 2019 and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2019.

The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared to give a ‘true and fair’ view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a ‘true and fair view’. This departure has involved following Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

Westcroft Community Centre meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note.

The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest £ sterling.

b Judgments and estimates

The trustees have made no key judgments which have a significant effect on the accounts.

The trustees do not consider that there are any sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities within the next reporting period.

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.

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Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

d Income

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Income from government and other grants, whether ‘capital’ grants or ‘revenue’ grants, 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 will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.

Income received in advance of a provision of a specified service is deferred until the criteria for income recognition are met.

e Donated services and facilities

Donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), general volunteer time is not recognised; refer to the trustees’ annual report for more information about their contribution.

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 amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.

f Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the Bank.

g Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of 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 donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the charity’s work or for specific projects being undertaken by the charity.

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Westcroft Community Centre

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

h Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified under the following activity headings:

Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.

Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs consist of governance costs which are wholly attributable to charitable activities.

j Operating leases

The charity has no operating leases.

k Tangible fixed assets

Individual fixed assets costing £100 or more are capitalised at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful economic lives on a straight line basis as follows:

Furniture and equipment 20% - 25%
Computer equipment 33%

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

m Creditors and provisions

Creditors and provisions 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 and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

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Westcroft Community Centre

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

n Financial 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 transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

The charity is a charitable incorporated organisation registered with the Charities Commission and has no share capital. The registered office address is disclosed on the Reference and Administration page.

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Westcroft Community Centre

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

Donations in kind
Donations
Grants
Total
4
Income from charitable activities
Facility/room hire
Total		 Unrestricted
£
105,000
3,340
16,022
124,362
Unrestricted
£
7,128
7,128		 Restricted
£
23,371
23,371
Restricted
£
-
-		 Total 2025
£
105,000
3,340
39,393
147,733
Total 2025
£
7,128
7,128		 Unrestricted
£
80,441
4,076
25,958
110,475
Unrestricted
£
10,055
10,055		 Restricted
£
-
-
35,705
35,705
Restricted
£
-
-		 Total 2024
£
80,441
4,076
61,663
146,180
Total 2024
£
10,055
10,055

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Westcroft Community Centre

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

5 Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities

Staff costs
Accommodation
Training/ Health & Safety costs
Event expenditure
Centre supplies
Printing and copying
Telephone and internet
Sundry
Depreciation
Loss on Disposal of FA
Accountancy fees (governance)
Repairs and maintenance
Marketing
Charitable donations
Project costs
Service charge
Centre activities
Restricted expenditure
Unrestricted expenditure
6
Net income/(expenditure) for the year
This is stated after charging/(crediting):
Depreciation
Independent examiner - accountancy fees
Independent examiner's fee		 2025
£
78,601
31,218
2,642
21,163
5,554
162
3,906
384
2,340
-
2,720
10,029
274
-
3,408
3,475
219
166,095
24,914
141,181
166,095
2025
£
2,340
1,500
290		 2024
£
83,152
26,562
-
11,326
4,711
268
2,917
54
2,208
-
2,008
1,427
100
-
3,016
2,605
554
140,908
42,559
98,349
140,908
2024
£
2,208
1,155
260

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Westcroft Community Centre

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

Staff costs during the year were as follows:

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs
Other staff costs		 2,025
£
69,292
4,860
4,429
20
78,601		 2,024
£
74,582
4,449
4,121
-
83,152

The charity did not have any employees throughout the year. The Southway Housing Trust seconded a member of staff to fulfill the role of Centre Manager on behalf of the charity. The Community Development Officer was funded through grants to the charity and the payroll was administered by The Southway Housing Trust.

The key management personnel of the charity comprise the trustees and the seconded Centre Manager. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £53,581 (2024: £49,781).

Neither the management committee nor any persons connected with them received any remuneration or reimbursed expenses during the year (2024: Nil).

There are no donations from related parties which are outside the normal course of business and no restricted donations from related parties. However Southway Housing Trust has a significant influence over the charity as both landlord and major contributor to the charity's funds in the form of donations in kind. As per the service agreement between the charity and the trust, and the charity's business plan, Southway Housing Trust allows free use of the community centre, carries the cost of building maintenance and services, and seconds a full-time Centre Manager. The total donation in kind in the current period was £105,001 (2024: £80,441).

No trustee or other person related to the charity had any personal interest in any contract or transaction entered into by the charity, including guarantees, during the year (2024: nil).

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Westcroft Community Centre

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

9 Government grants

The government grants recognised in the accounts were as follows:

Manchester CC - Climate Fund
MCC Quids in Club & Fund
Manchester Relief in Need		 2025
£
1,975
1,560
-
3,535		 2024
£
-
-
617
617

10 Corporation tax

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within Chapter 3 of Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects. No tax charges have arisen in the charity.

11 Fixed assets: tangible assets

Cost
Additions
Disposals
Depreciation
Charge for the year
Net book value
At 31 March 2024
At 31 March 2025
At 1 April 2024
At 31 March 2025
At 31 March 2025
At 1 April 2024		 Furniture and
equipment
£
8,946
908
-
9,854
6,795
1,457
8,252
1,602
2,151		 Computer
equipment
£
2,123
-
-
2,123
2,123
2,123
-
-		 £
11,069
908
-
11,977
8,918
1,457
10,375
1,602
2,151
Total

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Westcroft Community Centre

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

Debtors

Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and on hand
12
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Other creditors and accruals
13
Analysis of movements in restricted funds
Balance at 1
April 2024
Income
£
£
1,202
-
1,000
-
6,929
700
4,716
1,205
-
2,500
-
1,950
1,752
3,160
-
1,975
-
1,560
3,684
2,947
-
1,350
-
1,000
617
Total
14,876
23,371
Duchy of Lancaster
Austin Hope Pilkington
Trust
Comic Relief Summer
Fund
Eric Wright Trust
MCC Climate Fund
MWF Conversation
Groundwork
MCC Quids in Club &
Fund
Southway Dance
Global Make Some
Noise
Co-operative
Community Funds
Manchester Eat,
Meet, Greet
Beautiful South
Manchester Relief in
Need
Garden project Lancs
Wildlife/ GM Green
Spaces		 2,025
-
2,025
£
49,788
49,788
2025
£
2,720
2,720
Expenditure
£
(1,202)
(1,000)
(6,929)
(1,205)
(1,950)
(2,562)
(1,975)
(495)
(6,631)
(387)
(578)
(24,914)		 2,024
-
2,024
£
59,450
59,450
2024
£
1,697
1,697
Transfers
£
-
(39)
(39)		 Balance at 31
March 2025
£
-
-
-
700
4,716
-
2,500
-
2,350
-
1,065
-
1,350
613
-
13,294

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Westcroft Community Centre

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

Comparative period

Groundwork
Total
MWF Conversation
Lottery awards for all
Beautiful South
Southway
BMCA Opens project
Southway Dance
Global Make Some
Noise
We love Manc Eat,
Meet, Greet
FM awards
Garden project Lancs
Wildlife
MCC Climate Fund
Co-operative
Community Funds		 Balance at 1
April 2023
£
1,202
1,000
700
6,334
2,629
9,865
-
21,730		 Income
£
-
500
25,796
-
-
1,528
3,480
100
3,684
617
35,705		 Expenditure
£
-
(500)
(27,414)
(1,424)
(9,865)
(1,528)
(1,728)
(100)
-
-
(42,559)		 Transfers
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Balance at
31 March
2024
£
1,202
1,000
-
700
4,716
1,205
-
-
1,752
-
3,684
617
14,876

Name of restricted fund Description, nature and purposes of the fund

Co-operative Community Fund Comic Relief Summer Fund Southway Dance Sessions Global Make Some Noise Groundwork MWF Conversation Eric Wright Trust MCC Quids in Club & Fund Beautiful South We love Manc Eat, Meet, Greet Manchester Relief in Need Garden project Lancs MCC Climate Fund Austin Hope Pilkington Trust Duchy of Lancaster

grant towards garden and outside space development grant for the delivery of a 6 week summer programme of activities grant for weekly world dance sessions grant to recruit a full time community development officer grant for the development of a community garden project grant for an after school family food session grant for contribution towards salaries

Grants for food top ups for the food club singing group grant

grant for the on-going delivery of a weekly cooking group

grants for ingredients for the weekly Eat, Meet and Greet sessions grant for the development of a community garden grant for the development of a community garden

Grant for the delivery of a 10 week cookery course Grant for trips out across Manchester for the Women's group

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Westcroft Community Centre

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

14 Analysis of movement in unrestricted funds

Comparative period
General fund
Name of
unrestricted fund
General fund
General fund		 Balance at 1
April 2024
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
£
£
£
£
45,027
131,490
(141,181)
39
45,027
131,490
(141,181)
39
Balance at
1 April 2023
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
£
£
£
£
22,846
120,530
(98,349)
22,846
120,530
(98,349)
-
Description, nature and purposes of the fund
The free reserves after allowing for all designated funds		 As at 31
March 2025
£
35,375
35,375
As at 31
March 2024
£
45,027
45,027
Tangible fixed assets
Net current assets/(liabilities)
Total		 General
fund
£
1,602
33,774
35,376		 Designated
funds
£
-
-
-		 Restricted
funds
£
-
13,294
13,294		 Total 2025
£
1,602
47,068
48,669

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Westcroft Community Centre

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

Comparative period
Tangible fixed assets
Net current assets/(liabilities)
Total		 General
fund
£
2,151
42,876
45,027		 Designated
funds
£
-
-
-		 Restricted
funds
£
-
14,876
14,876		 Total 2024
£
2,151
57,752
59,903

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