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← Caring Hands In The Vale

2025-03-31-accounts

Charity registration number 1167237

CARING HANDS IN THE VALE

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

CARING HANDS IN THE VALE

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees S A Wilderspin M S Hewitt J R King D M Nicholls S Mills (Appointed 12 April 2024) Charity number 1167237 Independent examiner Azets Epsilon House, The Square Gloucester Business Park Brockworth Gloucester Gloucestershire United Kingdom GL3 4AD

CARING HANDS IN THE VALE

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 22
Independent examiner's report 23
Statement of financial activities 24
Balance sheet 25
Notes to the financial statements 26 - 37

CARING HANDS IN THE VALE

TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Annual Report 2024-2025

Making a Difference in our Registered Charity Number: 1167237 Local Community

CARING HANDS IN THE VALE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Caring Hands in the Vale Annual Report 2024-2025

During 2025, Caring Hands in the Vale marks twenty-two years of making a difference in our local community. The ‘cost of living crisis’ continues to have a significant impact on our local community and in turn on the services provided by Caring Hands. Rising food costs and utility costs continue to be the main drivers with many of our service users barely having enough money to provide even the basics.

The figures and charts included in this report show that during the 2024-2025 financial year, Caring Hands again experienced its busiest year in twenty-two years of operation. This continues the year-on-year increase in the support we provide to our local community.

Core Services

Drop-in Diner:

The drop-in diner is now open three times a week with a two-course meal on Monday and Wednesday and a light lunch on Friday, during term time. Individuals who access the diner are from a variety of backgrounds which now also operates as a ‘warm hub’ for many, where the meal is not the main reason they come in, often seeking friendship and a social environment.

We provide in the region of 130-150 meals each week through the three lunch sessions and during the year we ran 108 sessions.

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TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The drop-in diner provides several different opportunities for individuals who access the service:

several local middle and high schools, as well as the local colleges.

K arrived at The Lighthouse after a falling out with his parents and was asked to leave. He is 19 with additional needs. We supported him to call Wychavon Housing Duty Officer and sat with him whilst he did this as he was very anxious and worried. He was placed in emergency temporary accommodation. We provided him with vouchers for food, toiletry pack and towel and other items and spent a lot of time re-assuring him. He was then referred into a service supporting 16–25 year-olds.

- Many individuals who access the drop-in diner do so as they are looking for company and support, especially those who are socially isolated. We have seen a significant increase in the numbers of more senior members of our community joining the dropin diner sessions.

Resource Banks:

Caring Hands in the Vale continues to offer five different ‘banks’ of resources. To access each of these ‘banks’ a service user requires a referral from a network of well over one hundred and thirty referral partner agencies. This is to ensure that our

CARING HANDS IN THE VALE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

service users are receiving the help, support and advice they need to address the issues they have, which have resulted in the need for a referral to us. During the year we ran almost 250 food bank sessions.

In partnership with Blue Cross and Pets at Home in Evesham the pet food bank, which provides cat and dog food, has now been in operation for two years, and during that time has supported over 600 pets. The main aim of the pet food bank is to support individuals and families to be able to keep their pets and help shelters not become overwhelmed with surrendered pets.

Caring Hands was again the recipient of grants from the Household Support Fund. As well as supporting the food and household banks, this has allowed us to purchase some supermarket vouchers to support individuals and families where lack of, or restricted cooking facilities, allergens and religious or cultural dietary needs challenges our ability to provide items from the food bank.

Our food bank was originally set up to provide short-term crisis support for people in our local community. However, we are now seeing more families and individuals being referred more often as they struggle to cope with the increased cost of living. This is something which is a challenge to our services, and we continue to explore further ways of providing additional support to our service users in addition to short-term crisis support.

Caring Hands continues to produce its Food Bank Recipe Booklet, which is available free of charge. The ladies at Stratford Soroptimists have been providing us with ‘Lets Cook’ packages which include a recipe card and the ingredients needed to make the item, which are a mixture of fresh and non-perishable items. This often includes a free kitchen item. We are planning to put all the recipes into a ‘Let’s Cook’ Booklet, to be provided free of charge.

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

CARING HANDS IN THE VALE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

In conjunction with Evesham Food Bank Forum, we have updated the Food Aid Projects leaflet covering the Vale of Evesham. This gives the information of the various Food Aid Projects, how to access these services and contact details.

Statistics

During 2024-2025 we received the most referrals ever in twenty-two years of operation, continuing the year on year upward trend in our statistics. In fact, if you refer to the charts at the end of this report, you will see that referrals to our services have almost quadrupled in the last ten years.

In total we received 1575 referrals for 757 different ‘households’ (up from 650, which is an additional 107 ‘households’ or ‘cases’ and a further increase from the previous financial year) from a total of 80 different referral partner agencies. This provided a total of 1525 food parcels for 3373 people, providing 68226 meals. This is only a slight increase from the previous financial year. Of the people we were able to support 40% were children (under eighteen years of age). An interesting difference for us is that we supported more single individuals than families, which is the reverse from the previous financial year.

Reasons for referral are covered by seven broad categories – benefit issues; homelessness and housing; low incomes and debt; work related issues; health issues, refugee and asylum seeker support and crisis situations.

Christmas is a challenging and stressful time for many individuals and families, and we often receive calls from social work teams and schools asking for support for families.

M a lone parent with three children worked full-time but was unable to afford any presents for her children or buy the groceries to provide Christmas Day lunch. We provided them with a Christmas Hamper with all the ‘luxury’ Christmas items, supermarket vouchers to be able to buy everything for Christmas Day Lunch and provided three bags of toys and gifts for the children.

V another lone parent with two children, who works full-time, called us two days before Christmas, in tears, as their plans for Christmas had all fallen apart. Again, we provided a Christmas Hamper, vouchers to buy groceries for Christmas Day lunch and some gifts for the children.

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

CARING HANDS IN THE VALE

You will see from the charts at the end of this report that 54% of referrals were due to low incomes of which 9% were families and individuals who are in work. Benefit issues (sanctions, benefit delays, benefit changes) accounted for 6% of referrals, which is the same as last year. Referrals for Homelessness were 18%, debt 6%, and health issues 3%. Referrals for domestic abuse situations is showing an increase, now 4%.

We are experiencing an increase in referrals for longterm illness, mostly due to mental health crises. However, we have noted that we are receiving referrals for individuals who are awaiting treatment or an appointment for surgery for medical conditions.

Refugee and asylum seeker support is 5% of referrals, which reflects the use of Evesham Hotel and dispersal accommodation available in Evesham.

Referrals to the Baby Bank have remained roughly the same.

Referrals to the Household Bank show a slight decrease. This is due to us placing a restriction on some items of only one referral a month.

It is important to state that the reasons for referral can be varied and complex. Often there is more than one reason for a referral, so our statistics record the most prevalent issue at the time of referral. For instance, an individual struggling on a low income may also have issues around debt, benefit delays or long-term illness and potential homelessness.

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

CARING HANDS IN THE VALE

Our charts at the end of this report show that referrals to the homelessness bank have increased, at time the figures have stabilised for a while but then increased. However, due to the incredible work undertaken by the outreach teams that cover Evesham, individuals are identified and supported relatively quickly. We also now have additional temporary accommodation services available in Evesham.

We continue to work closely with the outreach teams, accommodation services and are regularly involved in rough sleeper group meetings.

Community Engagement/Awareness

We were able to provide a number of awareness sessions free of charge to the local community, local community groups and also our volunteers. These sessions included Shopping and Eating on a Budget, Homelessness Awareness and Basic Drug and Alcohol Awareness.

We are always looking for other organisations to visit to give us talks which are appropriate to the services we provide.

Caring Hands participates in a number of community events during the year to raise awareness of the services we offer, including the Primary Care Network Community Engagement Event, Battle of Evesham Medieval Market, Battle of Evesham Festival Weekend, Love Evesham, Wychavon Community Network Conference together with the Christmas Tree Festival held at All Saints Church, Evesham.

We are currently working on a Basic Cookery Skills Course which we hope to launch in the next few months.

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

CARING HANDS IN THE VALE

We have also been able to give presentations to a number of local organisations and community groups plus a number of school assemblies.

Christmas 2024

We were delighted to be able to provide a Christmas Day Meal again in 2024, possible due

to the number of volunteers who were willing to give up their time on Christmas Day to bless others.

We provided around fifty meals, including a number of

meals which were provided to one of the local sheltered housing schemes.

We had anticipated an increase in the number of nominations for Christmas Hampers and Gift Hampers, and the final total was 300, which is the most we have ever provided. This provided support for 645 people, around 60% of whom were children (under eighteen years of age).

Due to the generosity of local churches and individuals, we were able to include small, wrapped gifts in many of the Christmas Hampers, especially for children. We were approached by a number of referral partners to provide

Gift Hampers for families who were struggling to buy Christmas presents.

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FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Donations

We continue to receive incredible support from our local community, shops, supermarkets, families, individuals, schools, churches and community groups. We continue to be amazed and in awe of the incredible generosity of our supporters.

We received support from many schools, pre-schools and churches with donations of produce from their Harvest Celebrations, which as always is an incredible boost to our stock levels.

We were blessed by the many organisations, schools, families and individuals, who undertook a ‘Reverse Advent Calendar’ and Christmas collections which provided wonderful support for the Christmas Hampers.

During 2024 there were two food bank collections at Evesham Tesco, three at Evesham Morrisons, organised by Rotary in the Vale, to whom we are always incredibly grateful for their support. The collections all help to boost to our stock levels during the year and Christmas activities.

We would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone in our local community who have generously supported Caring Hands in the Vale through another really difficult year. We definitely would not have been able to provide the support we have without you.

Volunteers

We continue to boast a wonderful team of volunteers, without whom the work of Caring Hands in the Vale simply would not happen. During the last twelve months we have also seen another influx of new volunteers and we are enjoying getting to know everyone.

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We produce a monthly Volunteer Newsletter to keep our volunteers informed of developments and events.

Our volunteers currently provide over 9,000 hours volunteering each year across all our different projects and events. If these hours were paid at the 2025 national living wage it would amount to over £110,000.00.

We welcomed Charles Moyle, High Sheriff of Worcester, twice, along with the Mayor and Mayoress of Evesham, to present some of our fabulous volunteers with awards.

We endeavour to organise a volunteer get-together at least once a year so that we can spend time together and get to know each other whilst celebrating the incredible work that they all do. In addition, we can support work experience placements from a number of schools and colleges plus volunteering for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

All our volunteers are a blessing to Caring Hands, and we literally would not be able to do what we do without them.

Homelessness

Homelessness remains a significant issue within the Vale of Evesham. Caring Hands in the Vale is a member of the Wychavon Homeless Partnership and Wychavon Rough Sleeper Group.

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FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Due to this partnership working and encouraging the community to use Streetlink as a way of notifying the relevant organisations about individuals who are rough sleeping, there have been many positive outcomes for individuals.

The outreach teams who cover Evesham have been doing an incredible job in supporting individuals, in addition to which we now have temporary accommodation services in Evesham. We work closely with all these services, providing as much support as we are able.

The Lighthouse is able to offer showers, laundry, lockers, health and wellbeing hub, phone charging and to be a care of address.

During 2024 we ran another very well attended Homelessness Awareness Session with the support of Wychavon District Council and others from the outreach teams and accommodation services, for the local community, our volunteers, church members and Evesham Street Pastors. This highlighted what homelessness is and the services available in the Evesham area to support and help individuals facing or experiencing homelessness.

We have been asked to undertake this presentation for different organisations, which gives us the opportunity to raise the issue amongst the wider community.

Our Homelessness Handbook has been updated and reprinted. It is available to local organisations, referral partner agencies, churches and particularly to anyone who is worried about being made homeless, is at risk about becoming homeless or is homeless.

Networking

Networking continues to be a significant and important part of the work of Caring Hands in the Vale. This helps us to know about and understand the work of other support agencies and organisations in Evesham. We are then able to signpost individuals and families to relevant organisations for the support that they need.

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

CARING HANDS IN THE VALE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

We are involved in several networks including Evesham Food Bank Forum, Evesham Charity Network, Wychavon Homeless Partnership, Wychavon Rough Sleeper Group, Worcestershire VCSE Forum and Wychavon District Health Collaborative.

Caring Hands is a member of the Fareshare network and Neighbourly network which organises the collections from supermarkets, particularly surplus fresh produce.

Caring Hands is a member of the Independent Food Aid Network and regularly attend national zoom meetings. This has been incredibly helpful in understanding the national context of how food banks and charitable food aid is operating. IFAN also keeps all its members up to date with information, any changes in legislation and any grant funding available.

In partnership with IFAN and Act On Energy, we have produced a leaflet called ‘Worrying About Money’. This will contain information to point individuals and families towards other organisations who are able to offer help, advice and financial support. IFAN adopts a ‘cash first’ approach which aims to help those in need to move away from charitable food aid provision. The leaflet is in the process of being updated and will be re-launched in the next few weeks.

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FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

In conjunction with Evesham Food Bank Forum, we have produced a leaflet called Community Food Aid Projects in the Vale of Evesham, which has recently been updated. Both leaflets will be available to anyone in the community who would like one.

Health and Wellbeing Hub

We work in conjunction with many different statutory and charity organisations to provide drop-in and other sessions within the Health and Wellbeing Hub.

Services covered drug and alcohol recovery, harm reduction, rough sleeper support, housing and benefit advice, homelessness prevention, housing and homelessness support, teen maternity clinic, Hep C testing, Health Bus, Inoculation Clinics, Fire Prevention Awareness and Starting Well Partnership Christmas Toy Giveaway. This was a total of 294 sessions totalling 1194 hours.

We receive some grant funding from Wychavon District Council for the operation of the Health and Wellbeing Hub, which allows us to offer the use of the hub free-of-charge.

Employees

Caring Hands now has four paid employees.

Diane Bennett is our full-time Community Outreach Manager and Emma Goodge part-time Deputy Community Outreach Manager.

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Diane Bennett
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Emma Goodge
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CARING HANDS IN THE VALE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

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Added to the team this year are

Kim Simmonds and Roy Simmonds (husband s 7»I and wife team) who are both employed as parttime support workers. These are new posts, *—and we are developing the roles over the coming weeks and months.

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Roy Simmonds Kim Simmonds
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The team works alongside our wonderful team of volunteers to provide our growing number of services.

The Future

Initiatives and services that we will seek to offer are as follows:

There will be the opportunity to develop the services we already provide:

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

CARING HANDS IN THE VALE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

We will also keep everyone up to date via our social media pages and our websites.

Diane Bennett MBE Community Outreach Manager April 2025

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FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Caring Hands in the Vale Food Bank Referrals 2015-2025

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900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
Food Parcels Family Food Parcels
2015/2016 2016/2017 2017/2018 2018/2019 2019/2020
2020/2021 2021/2022 2022/2023 2023/2024 2024/2025
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Caring Hands in the Vale Household Bank Referrals 2015-2025

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900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
2015/2016 2016/2017 2017/2018 2018/2019 2019/2020 2020/2021 2021/2022 2022/2023 2023/2024 2024/2025
Toiletry Packs Family Toiletry Packs Toilet Roll Packs Cleaning Packs Laundry Packs
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Caring Hands in the Vale
Homelessness Bank Referrals 2015-2025
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
2015/2016 2016/2017 2017/2018 2018/2019 2019/2020 2020-2021 2021/2022 2022/2023 2023/2024 2024/2025
Back Packs Sleeping Bags Tents/Pods Blankets Clothing
Caring Hands in the Vale
Referral Partner Agencies 2024-2025
Wychavon/Local Gov
Community Centres
Churches
Social Work Teams
Schools/College
Refugee/Asylum Seeker Support
Probation/Police
LD Charities
Job Centre/UC Helpline
John Martins Charity
Housing Associations
Homeless Outreach Teams
GP's and Health Services
Drug and Alcohol Services
Citizens Advice/Specialist Advice
0 50 100 150 200 250 300
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Caring Hands in the Vale
Location of Referrals 2024-2025
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9%
17%
1%
Homeless
Pershore
14% Villages
Evesham
Hampton
59%
Caring Hands in the Vale
Reasons for Referral 2024-2025
Benefit Issues
Debt
Refugees/Asylum
1%6%
6% Seekers
4% Domestic Abuse
5%
3% Health Issues
45%
Homelessness
Job Related Issues
18%
Crisis Situations
0%
9% Family Crisis
Situations
1% Low Income (in work)
2%
€
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For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Matthew 25:35-40

Caring Hands in the Vale

The Lighthouse Vine Court Evesham Worcestershire WR11 4RE

Diane Bennett: 07859 892528

Email: diane@chands.org.uk emma@chands.org.uk Websites: www.chands.org.uk www.eveshamlighthouse.org.uk Facebook: Caring Hands in the Vale Twitter: @chandsevesham

CARING HANDS IN THE VALE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's Constitution, the Charities Act 2011 and "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)" (effective 1 January 2019).

Objectives and activities

The aim of our charity, Caring Hands in the Vale, is as follows:

The prevention and relief of poverty and to relieve the needs of those who are in conditions of need, hardship or distress as a result of their social and economic circumstances in Evesham and the surrounding area by such means as the trustees shall from time to time decide.

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

Public Benefit

The activities of Caring Hands are all for the benefit of the public. There is a target group of clients, demonstrating genuine need, who must be referred by local agencies. Anyone who feels the need can attend the diner (operating Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays), and we cater for the lonely and senior citizens as well as those in financial need.

Everyone referred to Caring Hands receives the support they need unconditionally, non-judgmentally and totally free of charge. The geographical area we cover is the Vale of Evesham, although we do sometimes receive referrals from outside this area. We received 1575 referrals during the year, a significant increase on the previous year and increased throughout the year as the cost-of-living crisis worsened. Referrals are in addition to the attendees at the diner, who are all self-referred.

We have in excess of 60 volunteers all of whom make a very valuable and essential contribution to the work of Caring Hands.

Achievements and performance

We have provided food for a large number of families in financial crisis and signposted them to additional help to work their way out of their situation.

Service users work to become self sufficient which benefits the wider community with less poverty and homeless needs.

We have provided rooms where other organisations can meet with their service users which may well not happened without.

Our main achievements during the year are:

1) Continued expansion of use by third party organisations at The Lighthouse (main premises)

2) Expansion of own services including laundry, showers and practical help with cooking on a budget training days and recipe booklets with ingredients.

We have successfully obtained sufficient grants and regular giving to fund 2 part time additional staff members (from February 2025) and fund all existing and planned additional services.

CARING HANDS IN THE VALE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Financial review

The trustees have reviewed the reserves policy and consider that due to the known level of monthly recurring income the minimum funds required are the amount required to continue the activities of the charity for four months.

Total cash reserves at 31 March 2025 amount to £59,050 (2024: £69,655) including restricted funds £29,363 (2024: £23,562) and unrestricted funds £29,687 (2024: £46,093). The trustees are aware that there is a need to generate significantly more unrestricted income if current salary commitments are to be maintained and they will monitor the position closely as the year progresses.

There are no funds in deficit at present

Our principal sources of income are:

Our main risks are:

Structure, governance and management

The charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation governed by its Constitution.

The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: S A Wilderspin

M S Hewitt J R King D M Nicholls S Mills (Appointed 12 April 2024)

The trustees are elected by existing trustees. Selection is via application form, interview and references.

The day-to-day management of Caring Hands is undertaken by the Community Outreach Manager. This role includes general administration, line management of staff, overall supervision of volunteers, liaising with referral agencies, developing relationships with local churches, community and other organisations, which can include talks, school assemblies and church services, finances and ensuring all necessary resources required are in place.

In addition to Diane Bennett who is our full-time Community Outreach Manager, Emma Goodge as part-time Deputy Community Outreach Manager and, more recently, Roy and Kim Simmonds as Support Workers to assist both Diane and Emma as the range of tasks and administration increase as with the busyness of the centre.

We are continuing to look to add Trustees to our group to give us wider expertise in the areas which we address and areas such as IT and Fund raising.

On appointment, Trustees undertake an induction meeting with the chair of trustees to provide full details of the charity, any role which the new trustee is to undertake and further meetings as necessary.

We have a large networking base with both referrals agencies and other organisations involved with our service user base.

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TRUSTEES' TRUSTEES' REPORT REPORT (CONTINUED) (CONTINUED) FOR FOR THE THE YEAR YEAR ENDED 31 ENDED 31 MARCH MARCH 2025 2025

The The trustees’ trustees’ report report was was approved approved by by the the Board Board of Trustees. of Trustees.

S A Wilderspin S A Wilderspin Trustee Trustee

DM D M Nicholls Nicholls Trustee Trustee

Bs -22-

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT REPORT TO THE TO THE TRUSTEES TRUSTEES OF OF CARING HANDS CARING HANDS IN IN THE VALE THE VALE

| | report report to to the the trustees trustees on on my my examination examination of of the the financial financial statements statements of of Caring Caring Hands Hands in in the the Vale Vale (the (the charity) charity) for for the the year year ended ended 31 31 March March 2025. 2025.

Responsibilities Responsibilities and and basis basis of report of report As As the the trustees trustees of of the the charity charity you you are are responsible responsible for for the the preparation preparation of of the the financial financial statements statements in in accordance accordance with with the the requirements requirements of the of the Charities Charities Act Act 2011 2011 (the (the 2011 2017 Act). Act). I | report report in in respect respect of of my my examination examination of the of the charity’s charity’s financial financial statements statements carried carried out out under under section section 145 145 of the of the 2011 2011 Act. Act. In In carrying carrying out out my my examination examination | | have have followed followed all all the the applicable applicable Directions Directions given given by by the the Charity Charity Commission Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act. under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent independent examiner's examiner's statement statement

Your attention Your attention is is drawn drawn to to the the fact fact that that the the charity charity has has prepared prepared financial financial statements statements in in accordance accordance with with Accounting Accounting

and and Reporting Reporting by by Charities Charities preparing preparing their their accounts accounts in in accordance accordance with with the the Financial Financial Reporting Reporting Standard Standard applicable applicable in the in the UK UK and and Republic Republic of of Ireland Ireland (FRS (FRS 102) 102) in in preference preference to to the the Accounting Accounting and and Reporting Reporting by by Charities: Charities: Statement Statement of of Recommended Recommended Practice Practice issued issued on on 1 1 April April 2005 2005 which which is is referred referred to to in in the the extant extant regulations regulations but but has has now now been been withdrawn. withdrawn. I understand | understand that that this this has has been been done done in in order order for for financial financial statements statements to to provide provide a a true true and and fair fair view view in in accordance accordance with with Generally Generally Accepted Accepted Accounting Accounting Practice Practice effective effective for for reporting reporting periods periods beginning beginning on on or after or after 1 January 1 January 2015. 2015. | ! have have completed completed my my examination. examination. | | confirm confirm that that no no matters matters have have come come to to my my attention attention in in connection connection with with the the examination examination giving giving me me cause cause to to believe believe that that in in any any material material respect: respect: 1 1 accounting accounting records records were were not not kept kept in in respect respect of of the the charity charity as as required required by by section section 130 130 of of the the 2011 2011 Act; Act; or or 2 2 the the financial financial statements statemenis do do not not accord accord with with those those records; records; or or 3 3 the the financial financial statements statements do do not not comply comply with with the the applicable applicable requirements requirements concerning concerning the the form form and and content content of of accounts accounts set set out out in the in the Charities Charities (Accounts (Accounts and and Reports) Reports) Regulations Regulations 2008 2008 other other than than any any requirement requirement that that the the accounts accounts give give a a true true and and fair fair view which view which is is not not a a matter matter considered considered as as part part of an of an independent independent examination. examination. I | have have no no concerns concerns and and have have come come across across no no other other matters matters in in connection connection with with the the examination examination to to which which attention attention should should be be drawn drawn in this in this report report in order in order to to enable enable a a proper proper understanding understanding of the of the financial financial statements statements to to be be reached. reached. Sy SVE Stuart Christy FCA Stuart Christy FCA Azets Azets Statutory Statutory Auditors Auditors and and Accountants Accountants Epsilon Epsilon House, House, The The Square Square Gloucester Gloucester Business Business Park Park Brockworth Brockworth Gloucester Gloucester Gloucestershire Gloucestershire GL3 4AD GL3 4AD United Kingdom United Kingdom

Lon -273-

CARING HANDS IN THE VALE

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
Notes
£
£
Income from:
Donations and
grants
3
36,804
55,326
Charitable activities
4
27,882
2,193
Investments
5
681
-
Total income
65,367
57,519
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
6
-
-
Charitable activities
7
80,532
63,862
Other
11
769
-
Total expenditure
81,301
63,862
Net expenditure for the
year/
Net movement in funds
(15,934)
(6,343)
Fund balances at 1 April
2024
69,006
485,805
Fund balances at 31
March 2025
53,072
479,462		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
92,130
36,117
62,177
30,075
25,791
2,555
681
755
-
122,886
62,663
64,732
-
-
128
144,394
65,364
78,222
769
-
-
145,163
65,364
78,350
(22,277)
(2,701)
(13,618)
554,811
71,707
499,423
532,534
69,006
485,805		 Total
2024
£
98,294
28,346
755
127,395
128
143,586
-
143,714
(16,319)
571,130
554,811

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

CARING HANDS IN THE VALE CARING HANDS IN THE VALE

BALANCE SHEET BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MARCH 2025 AS AT 31 MARCH 2025

2025
2025		 2024
2024
Notes
Notes		 £ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
Tangible assets		 13
13		 466,882
466,882		 475,550
475,550
Current assets
Current assets
Stocks
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
Stocks
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand		 14
15
14
15		 5,370
3.164
59,051
5,370
3,164
59,051		 9,562
3,272
69,655
9,562
3,272
69,655
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year		 16
16		 67,585
(1,933)
67,585
(1,933)		 82,489
(3,228)
82,489
(3,228)
Net current assets
Net current assets		 65,652
65,652		 79,261
79,261
Total assets
less current
Tota! assets less current		 liabilities
liabilities		 532,534
532,534		 554,811
554,811
Income funds
income funds
Property - restricted funds
General
restricted funds
Property - restricted funds
General restricted funds		 433,863
45,599
433,863
45,599		 443,197
42,608
443,197
42,608
Unrestricted
funds
Unrestricted funds		 18
18		 479,462
53,072
479,462
53,072		 485,805
69,006
485,805
69,006
532,534
532,534		 554,811
554,811

The The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 22)u)2025 lijeoes

financial statements were approved by the Trustees on AB IUTZOSS

S S A A Wilderspin Wilderspin M M S S Hewitt Hewitt Trustee Trustee Trustee Trustee

75h -25-

CARING HANDS IN THE VALE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Caring Hands in the Vale is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) with charity registration number 1167237. The charity's principal address is The Lighthouse, Vine Street, Evesham, Worcestershire, WR11 4RE.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's constitution, the Charities Act 2011 and "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) (effective 1 January 2019)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements 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 the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

CARING HANDS IN THE VALE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Government grants are recognised at the fair value of the asset received or receivable when there is reasonable assurance that the grant conditions will be met and the grants will be received.

A grant that specifies performance conditions is recognised in income when the performance conditions are met. Where a grant does not specify performance conditions it is recognised in income when the proceeds are received or receivable. A grant received before the recognition criteria are satisfied is recognised as a liability.

The value of any volunteer help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees' annual report.

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

Governance and support costs

Support costs have been allocated between governance costs and other support. Governance costs comprise all costs involving public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice. Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources e.g. allocating property costs by floor areas, or per capita, staff costs by the time spent and other costs by their usage.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Freehold land and buildings 2% straight line on cost less residual value Plant and equipment 20% reducing balance Motor vehicles 20% reducing balance

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

CARING HANDS IN THE VALE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.8 Stocks

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition. Items held for distribution at no or nominal consideration are measured the lower of replacement cost and cost.

Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.

1.9 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.10 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

CARING HANDS IN THE VALE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.11 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.12 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

3 Donations and grants

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
£
£
Legacies receivable
7,000
-
Donations and grants
29,804
55,326
36,804
55,326
Grants receivable for
core activities
Arnold Clark Community
Fund
-
2,500
John Martin's Charity
-
2,000
Evesham Relief in Need
-
2,000
Strengthening
Worcestershire Fund
-
4,000
Donations
29,804
26,434
Wychavon District
Council
-
17,000
National Lottery
Community Fund
-
-
Other Grants
-
1,392
29,804
55,326		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
7,000
-
-
85,130
36,117
62,177
92,130
36,117
62,177
2,500
-
-
2,000
-
-
2,000
-
-
4,000
-
-
56,238
31,872
4,834
17,000
-
28,000
-
4,245
21,975
1,392
-
7,368
85,130
36,117
62,177		 Total
2024
£
-
98,294
98,294
-
-
-
-
36,706
28,000
26,220
7,368
98,294

CARING HANDS IN THE VALE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

3 Donations and grants

(Continued)

4 Charitable activities

Standing orders
Fundraising
Gift Aid
Expenses recharged
Other income
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds		 2025
£
23,800
2,944
2,821
110
400
30,075
27,882
2,193
30,075		 2024
£
22,125
2,963
2,910
70
278
28,346
25,791
2,555
28,346
5
6		 Investments
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
£
£
Interest receivable
681
755
Raising funds
Total
Restricted
funds
2025
2024
£
£
Fundraising and publicity
Other fundraising costs
-
128
-
128		 Investments
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
£
£
Interest receivable
681
755
Raising funds
Total
Restricted
funds
2025
2024
£
£
Fundraising and publicity
Other fundraising costs
-
128
-
128
128

CARING HANDS IN THE VALE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

7 Charitable activities

Staff costs
Depreciation and impairment
Resources
Diner
Christmas
Rent
Motor expenses
Administration and service contracts
Equipment under £250 and other expenses
Utilities and rates
Repairs & maintenance
Lighthouse equipment
Other charitable expenditure
Share of governance costs (see note 8)
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Support costs
Independent Examiners' Fees
Analysed between
Charitable activities		 Support
costs
Governance
costs
£
£
-
1,200
-
1,200
-
1,200		 2025
£
61,834
13,290
31,204
6,174
3,267
3,900
2,532
11,900
3,772
4,335
931
-
55
143,194
1,200
144,394
80,532
63,862
144,394
2025
£
1,200
1,200
1,200		 2024
£
55,029
13,095
36,845
5,259
3,021
4,935
2,684
11,440
5,448
2,793
965
713
213
142,440
1,146
143,586
65,364
78,222
143,586
2024
£
1,146
1,146
1,146

8 Support costs

CARING HANDS IN THE VALE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

9 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration during the year, but one of them was reimbursed a total of £1,671 (2024: £1,274) and another of them £nil (2024: £175) in respect of expenses incurred on behalf of the charity.

10 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2025 2024
Number Number
3 3
Employment costs 2025 2024
£ £
Wages and salaries 60,308 53,625
Other pension costs 1,526 1,404
61,834 55,029

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

11 Other

Unrestricted Total
funds
£
2025 2024
Other expenditure 769 -

12 Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxationof Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.

CARING HANDS IN THE VALE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

13
Tangible fixed assets
Freehold land
and buildings
Plant and
equipment
Motor vehicles
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 April 2024
486,735
19,092
9,450
Additions
-
4,622
-
At 31 March 2025
486,735
23,714
9,450
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2024
24,338
7,524
7,865
Depreciation charged in the year
9,735
3,238
317
At 31 March 2025
34,073
10,762
8,182
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2025
452,662
12,952
1,268
At 31 March 2024
462,397
11,567
1,586
14
Stocks
2025
£
Supermarket vouchers and stocks of purchased (not donated) goods
5,370
15
Debtors
2025
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
Prepayments and accrued income
3,164
16
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2025
£
Other creditors
106
Accruals and deferred income
1,827
1,933		 Total
£
515,277
4,622
519,899
39,727
13,290
53,017
466,882
475,550
2024
£
9,562
2024
£
3,272
2024
£
1,637
1,591
3,228

CARING HANDS IN THE VALE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

17 Retirement benefit schemes

Defined contribution schemes

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.

The charge to income and expenditure in respect of defined contribution schemes was £1,526 (2024 - £1,404).

CARING HANDS IN THE VALE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

18 Restricted funds

The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes:

Balance at
1 April 2023
r
£
Household/Food banks
12,703
Baby bank
1,828
Homelessness
497
Christmas
4,295
Salaries
-
Utilities
-
Diner
884
Shopping & Eating on a Budget course
338
Drop in Centre / Lighthouse
20,626
Property
445,937
Resource bank - general/pet food bank
1,133
Cookery Skills
-
Insurance
-
National Lottery Community Fund
-
Household Support Grant
2,000
Drop in Centre / Lighthouse - capitalised
items
9,182
499,423		 Movement in funds
Incoming
esources
Resources
expended
£
£
4,430
(23,579)
565
(27)
1,000
(1,493)
1,658
(3,468)
11,408
(11,408)
430
(430)
2,292
(2,363)
-
(26)
-
(1,772)
-
(9,335)
-
-
734
(35)
240
(240)
21,975
(21,644)
20,000
-
-
(2,530)
64,732
(78,350)		 Transfers
Balance at
1 April 2024
r
£
£
19,539
13,093
105
2,471
-
4
-
2,485
-
-
-
-
1,705
2,518
-
312
(9,775)
9,079
6,595
443,197
(1,133)
-
-
699
-
-
(321)
10
(19,895)
2,105
3,180
9,832
-
485,805		 Movement in funds
Incoming
esources
Resources
expended
£
£
13,367
(25,443)
250
(562)
2,195
(1,049)
3,399
(3,267)
15,432
(8,682)
1,200
(1,200)
5,232
(5,703)
-
(34)
3,804
(5,429)
-
(9,335)
440
(149)
-
-
200
(200)
-
-
12,000
-
-
(2,809)
57,519
(63,862)		 Transfers
Balance at
31 March 2025
£
£
12,048
13,065
-
2,159
-
1,150
-
2,617
-
6,750
-
-
2,067
4,114
-
278
(4,215)
3,239
-
433,862
-
291
-
699
-
-
(10)
-
(14,105)
-
4,215
11,238
-
479,462		 Transfers
Balance at
31 March 2025
£
£
12,048
13,065
-
2,159
-
1,150
-
2,617
-
6,750
-
-
2,067
4,114
-
278
(4,215)
3,239
-
433,862
-
291
-
699
-
-
(10)
-
(14,105)
-
4,215
11,238
-
479,462
479,462

CARING HANDS IN THE VALE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

19 General unrestricted funds

General unrestricted funds
Movement in funds Movement in funds
Balance at Incoming Resources Transfers Balance at Incoming Resources Balance at
1 April 2023 resources expended 1 April 2024 resources expended 31 March 2025
£ £ £ £ £ £ £ £
General fund 71,707 62,663 (65,364) - 69,006 65,367 (81,301) 53,072

CARING HANDS IN THE VALE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

20
Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
2025
2025
£
£
Fund balances at 31
March 2025 are
represented by:
Tangible assets
21,781
445,101
Current assets/(liabilities)
31,291
34,361
53,072
479,462		 Total Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
466,882
22,520
453,030
65,652
46,486
32,775
532,534
69,006
485,805		 Total
2024
£
475,550
79,261
554,811

21 Related party transactions

Transactions with related parties

During the year the charity entered into the following transactions with related parties:

Three trustees of Caring Hands are also trustees of Vale of Evesham Community Church (VECC). Caring Hands shared the premises of VECC in previous years but this year, following the move of all operations to The Lighthouse, only the church office has been used for the storage of some records. VECC's monthly donation to Caring Hands has remained unchanged at £800. The total amount paid in the year was £9,600 (2024: £9,440). This is in furtherance of one of VECC's aims which is 'to assist and relieve persons who are in conditions of need, hardship or distress or who are sick or in poor health'.

Diane Bennett is not a trustee of Caring Hands but is a trustee of VECC. Diane is employed full-time by Caring Hands as Community Outreach Manager and is also available to assist with VECC's operations and activities on a voluntary basis.

Caring Hands paid expenses of £109.81 (2024: £69.95) on behalf of VECC and this was reimbursed to Caring Hands during the year.

VECC received payments totalling £531.25 (2024: £620) intended for Caring Hands and this was passed on to Caring Hands during the year.