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← Rotherfield St Martin

2024-08-31-accounts

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2023 - 2024 0

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Rotherfield St Martin Charity No: 1168555

STRATEGY SNAPSHOT ROTHERFIELD ST MARTIN STRATEGY SNAPSHOT 2022 - 2024 KSM Our Vision: A comtnunity where every person enjoys a secure and enjoyable third age Our Mission: Prevent isolation and loneliness by building a strong and supportive community Strategic Goals Support older residents lo be acti￿. inwjfved and valued members of our ComThwnlty licrease awarettss ol RSIIS Drk xr055 alld arouryi Wealden Id a sustalnabl¢ dI￿rse and financialfy resilienL commmity.led ch¥lty Bulld a luture. proofed Communlty Hub that supports local residents and fosters soclal connectlons Inspiring and supporting our Community to care for one another Strategic Objectives Involve Members in shaplng our provision lor activities and support 5er¥lces PartrKr with key slakehlthr5 for resources and projecls Id¢nlify dNMs¢ •AI Sources Df Ip wr Woth with relevant stakeholders lo deslgn a flexibbe community hub al ¥illage centre to supptKt r work Clearly define our offering to enable underslarhling ol the we bring lo our whole & dNerse community Ralse awareness of dementia In order lo support those li¥ing with the disease in our Comunity RecruiL train, retaln and pport a team of excellent lUntee￿ to help deli¥er Dur Vision Champion and 511Plklrt Unwd Carers Ma￿￿H$e the potential ol our Network uyng balanced and dI￿Tre commuThl￿tiO Deliver friendship, advice aThl support lor our Mettthers p¢￿eptim lof Med rl ol wr seThices willin IIEffjbership hjenlrfy and nurture RSM Champions who ￿11 vigorously support ow mission and be xlive In¥ol¥ed In our work Lknlty a T0￿st ¢iYwgii response lor comfflunity crises to IrKlude wr Parish Pab nelwtyk Build a robusl seThi¢e thal prolect& prepares and supports Mefflbers lo Tha¥igat8 their third age Engage Ambassadors athl sponso￿ lo womole and support oir Charity Our initiatives ea')den K5M FEED PARISH PAIS R•poirs

ROTHERFIELD ST MARTIN

The Trustees of Rotherfield St Martin have pleasure in presenting this Annual Report and independently examined financial statements of the charity for the year ending 31st August 2024.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

The RSM Staff Team - From left - Lou, Iona, Fiona, Sarah, Vicky and Lindsay

3

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT

TRUSTEES

Rotherfield St Martin must have a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 8 charity trustees. The following people served as charity trustees during the year:

Leon Steer Chair (reappointed 28 Mar 2022) Sue Taylor Trustee (reappointed 3 Apr 2023) Mark Howard Trustee (reappointed 28 Mar 2022) Sharon Bohane Trustee (retired 1 Jan 2024) Ruth Helliwell Trustee (appointed 28 Mar 2022) Sue Barnett Trustee (appointed 28 Mar 2022) Melanie den Brinker-Darby Trustee (appointed 28 Mar 2022) Matthew Pancaldi Trustee (appointed 3 Apr 2023)

CHARITY MANAGER: Mrs Victoria Cheeseman (appointed 1 Feb 2018) CHARITY NUMBER: 1168555

CHARITY NUMBER:

REGISTERED ADDRESS:

RSM Centre Memorial Institute North Street Rotherfield East Sussex TN6 3LX

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER: Mr M Martin The Old Dairy Steep Road Crowborough East Sussex TN6 3RX

BANKERS: National Westminster Bank Plc Virgin Money (from Sept 23) CAF Bank

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The Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), Rotherfield St Martin, was established on 2 August 2016 and has the registered number 1168555.

It assumed the responsibilities and obligations previously carried out by the Charity also known as Rotherfield St Martin (registered number 1119458). The CIO has adopted the "association" model, having voting members other than charity trustees.

An AGM must be held at intervals of not more than 15 months and be open to all members of the CIO.

At each AGM trustees will stand for election/reelection to be appointed by the members of the CIO. These will be trustees that have served three years since their last appointment at an AGM, or trustees that have been appointed mid year by trustees.

New trustees are provided with a copy of the Deed (Constitution dated 2/08/2016) together with any amendments made to it, and a copy of the charity’s latest Annual Report and accounts. They must also acknowledge their acceptance of the office of trustee.

In addition to the AGM, staff and trustees attend 4 Board Meetings and a planning day each year to review progress against objectives.

All staff and trustees are fully vetted before they are appointed.

Our Charitable Objectives:

The charitable objectives of the CIO are to promote for the benefit for the inhabitants of Rotherfield, East Sussex and the surrounding area, the provision of facilities for welfare, recreation or other leisure time occupation of individuals who have need of such facilities by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disablement, financial hardship or social and economic circumstances or for the public at large in the interests of social welfare and with the object of improving the conditions of life of the said inhabitants.

Our Vision:

A community where every person in Rotherfield and the surrounding areas, enjoys a secure and enjoyable third age.

Our Mission:

To prevent isolation and loneliness by building a strong and supportive community.

Our Values:

Community Led Person Centred Inclusive Kind & Respectful Responsive Innovative & Flexible Collaborative

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SUMMARY OF THE YEAR 2023/2024

REPORT BY CHARITY MANAGER, VICKY CHEESEMAN

The year ending August 2024 marked a landmark moment as we celebrated our 20th anniversary.

Our journey began in 2004 with our namesake, Mr Harry Martin. Harry was a Rotherfield man through and through but towards the end of his life, Harry had to move into a care home in a neighbouring town, leaving behind both his beloved wife Dorothy and lifetime home in Rotherfield.

Charity Manager Vicky at 10 Downing Street,

Our founder Jo Evans realised that with the right support from within the community, Harry could have stayed in his own home with Dorothy for much longer. This sparked an idea and Rotherfield St ‘Martin’ was born.

Twenty years later we find ourselves thriving in a permanent home in the village centre and open five days a week. With a dedicated team of six part time staff and 169 volunteers we are proud to support up to three hundred older people in Rotherfield and surrounding areas.

RESPONDING TO NEEDS

Rural areas have a higher percentage of older people than urban areas, and the average age in rural areas is increasing faster. In England, 25.4% of the rural population is 65 or older, compared to 17.1% in urban areas - Centre for Ageing Better, 2021

Our core aim of bringing people together to combat isolation and loneliness takes many forms. With an age demographic spanning from 48 to 98 years of age, our approach must be agile and responsive. Alongside friendship, practical help is also needed to help older people live well and independently.

With many families dispersed due to relocation for work and extended family commitments, we often step in to offer practical support on the doorstep and so have become a trusted friend not only to older people but their families too.

People tell us that it is a comfort knowing that we are there when they need us, whether it be daily for a quick catch up over a cup of tea or just when someone needs a trusted friend.

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A typical moment in the office where
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SUMMARY OF THE YEAR 2023/2024 CONTINUED

RESOURCES

Our biggest resource remains our fabulous volunteers who collectively contribute over 170 hours per week for 50 weeks of the year. Such is their commitment that in May 2024 we were nominated by the Chair of Wealden District Council for the prestigious Kings Voluntary Award, which is the equivalent to an MBE for charities (winners announced on the Kings Birthday 2024). Our volunteers are the backbone of our charity and lead initiatives, activities and services. Like our team of staff, our volunteers take time to get to know our members, helping us to grow our RSM family.

Our building, although over 200 years old offers a wonderful community resource. Being situated in the heart of the village, people know where to come to both seek and offer help. The central location of our hub makes it the perfect spot to offer wider community services such as our increasingly popular Feed it Back scheme and a physical space for other local charities to do ‘village business’. Whether it’s receiving post or selling tickets for local events like those hosted by the Bonfire Society and Rotherfield Players, our space is a vital community asset. Additionally we are proud to be registered as a Sussex Safe Place and a Warm Hub.

The Parish Clerk who is also our local Minister now has a permanent office in the building. Together we can provide a wider service, combining friendship, pastoral care and practical help, to create a real hub at the heart of our community.

RSM Charity Manager Vicky with RPC Clerk & Minister, Adam Hardy outside The Hub

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SUMMARY OF THE YEAR 2023/2024 CONTINUED

RAISING AWARENESS

Throughout the year, we engaged with many organisations to raise awareness of our work and share best practice. We formed a valuable alliance with three other local organisations in our sector, MAYFACS, DISC and Sussex Support, as a ‘stronger together’ partnership.

Our local MP Nus Ghani and the Chair of Wealden Council have been steadfast supporters of our work and attended many of our events throughout the year.

The highlight of the year was my visit to No 10 Downing Street as a Centre for Social Justice awardee. It was inspiring to meet other charity leaders and discuss the impact of our work and to share our visions for the future. Bizarrely the day of my visit coincided with the Prime Minister announcing the General Election, so No 10 was devoid of politicians!

FINDING SOLUTIONS

Like many small charities, we encountered challenges throughout the year. Our Volunteer Driver scheme came under significant pressure due to a rising demand for transport across three counties. This surge in requests was largely a result of the NHS scheduling appointments out of our local area compounded with staffing issues at the nearest surgery forcing residents to travel to Jarvis Brook.

The cost of fuel and commercial taxis, combined with poor transport links, attracted new members who had nowhere else to turn for transport.

At the same time, we have seen an increase at attendance at our clubs and consequently a rising need for transport. To address these challenges we have streamlined our processes, standardising travel prices and recruited new drivers to ensure that we can continue to offer a reliable full service.

Volunteer Sharon driving Doreen to her appointment

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SUMMARY OF THE YEAR 2023/2024 CONTINUED

FUNDING

We ended this year financially sound largely due to two legacies, the generous support of our donors, fundraising and strategic planning.

Grants are still our key source of income, though this year we applied for fewer grants than in previous years. With healthy reserves in place, securing grants becomes more challenging, though we recognise this is a fragile position, as legacies cannot be guaranteed.

We received several small grants from Wealden District Council for projects and £2,500 from our Parish Council. We remain extremely grateful to the continued support of our long-term supporter, the John Armitage Charitable Trust, who continue to offer an annual grant to support our core costs.

We hold fundraising events every month to support our income.

RSM Knitters & Natterers joined by MP Nus Ghani Monthly Quiz Night at The Catts Inn at Eridge Summer Fair 2024

SUMMARY

It has been a year of looking back to our humble beginnings, whilst keeping a firm eye on the future.

Of course, our volunteers are the true ambassadors of our work, and I would like to extend my deepest thanks to them , as well as our community, who have taken us to their hearts. The trust and support we have received has allowed us to grow organically, offering friendship, advice and help as needed. Our community could not have been more supportive, and this collaborative working has had a real impact for both our members and the community as a whole.

Lastly, I would like to thank our patron, the Marquess of Abergavenny for his unwavering support over the past seventeen years. I am grateful for his continued commitment to our charity.

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OUR IMPACT - PERFORMANCE AGAINST OBJECTIVES

TO SUPPORT OLDER RESIDENTS TO BE ACTIVE AND VALUED MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY

“270,000 older people (aged 65+) in England go a week without speaking to a friend or family member (3%, or around 1 in 40 people aged 65+)”

– You are Not Alone in Feeling Lonely, Age UK, 2024

It is our aim to be welcoming, affordable and to offer activities that feel safe and accessible. It is therefore very rewarding to see an increase in attendance at our daily clubs and we are delighted that they are growing.

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A new initiative came about as a direct result of one of our members telling us that the early evenings are a particularly lonely time. We started a new monthly Supper Club, ‘Supper at Six’, at our local pub. This has proved very popular.

Our clubs alone have provided over 722 hours of direct companionship this year. Additionally, our “Holiday at Home” program saw over 130 people enjoy days out across Kent and East Sussex.

On top of that, our office team on average made and took 250 phone calls a week and had upwards of 5,000 visits to the office. Our dedicated team of staff and volunteers is fully committed to helping older people to live the lives they wish to lead.

New and old friends enjoying supper together at Supper At Six

We encourage our members to be active and trail blazers within the community and this year our knitting group started a new venture of Post Box toppers to celebrate and highlight community events. These have been much admired and commented upon.

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OUR IMPACT - PERFORMANCE AGAINST OBJECTIVES

TO BUILD A FUTURE PROOFED COMMUNITY HUB THAT SUPPORTS LOCAL RESIDENTS AND FOSTERS SOCIAL CONNECTIONS

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RSM HQ at The Institute

Consultation with the public

Renovation plans for our home at The Memorial Institute are progressing well. A public consultation held in the Summer revealed how much residents value having RSM in the building, with many visitors highlighting the importance of our services to the community.

Our manager and two trustees have accepted an invitation to join the building’s Management Committee and ensure that we take part in the decision making for the future of the building. For example, we have ensured that the renovations include a lift so that the building is fully accessible for whomever uses the space as we know in the past accessibility to the first floor has been a major issue.

We are open five days a week 9-5 and continue to operate an open door policy. Alongside our own services, we also function as agents for other local organisations such as the local Food Bank and Citizens Advice Bureau, further strengthening the building’s role as a community hub.

Through building relationships and working together, Community Hubs create opportunities for social inclusion and ensure that people who have often been excluded from community life are supported to participate, volunteer, and take on leadership roles in their neighbourhood

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OUR IMPACT - PERFORMANCE AGAINST OBJECTIVES

TO INCREASE AWARENESS OF RSM’S WORK ACROSS AND AROUND WEALDEN

We are very proud of our Knitting and Nattering group, who meet regularly to knit blankets which are sent to babies, the elderly, hospitals, and care homes all around the world. The group have made over 2,000 of these beautiful blankets to date. It is a group full of care for each other and a huge amount of camaraderie. In this time of isolation, it offers a vital space to connect like-minded people while making useful and beautiful things. – Chair of Wealden District Council 2024

This year we have spent time getting to know other organisations and professionals in our sector and invited people to see our work. Our manager, Vicky, joined the East Sussex Adult Safeguard Board to both learn from the experience of the group, and help shape practice across East Sussex. We represented older people at the Sussex Community Foundations Tackling Poverty conference and have regularly attended the Wealden Dementia Action Alliance meetings. We were honoured to be nominated by the Chair of Wealden District Council for the Kings Voluntary Award for Service, with her commenting ‘ every community should have an RSM ’.

Attending a reception for East Sussex Nominees for The Kings Award for Voluntary Service

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OUR IMPACT - PERFORMANCE AGAINST OBJECTIVES

TO BUILD A SUSTAINABLE, DIVERSE AND FINANCIALLY RESILIENT COMMUNITY LED CHARITY

Small charities are facing ‘greater financial strain’ as public donations fall - NCVO

Our main sources of forecast income remain grants . and donations. During the year we have been financially supported by local organisations, trusts, residents and members. We generate 30% of our income through our membership and activities, but remain reliant on grants, donations and legacies which account for 62% of our annual income. The remainder is generated from fundraising events.

Legacies are becoming increasingly important to our charity, and we have produced a Legacy leaflet to highlight the impact that a legacy can make.

We continue to take part in the Wealden Community Lottery and hold at least one large fundraising event each year. We are also grateful to both The Catts Inn and The Kings Arms pubs who host regular fundraising events to support RSM.

A New Legacy Leaflet

Trustees and staff continue to be aware of rising costs and look for solutions. We also look for ways to save money and to this end have good relationships with local food suppliers. We have also just started producing our own food in our new Kitchen Garden which will both help to reduce costs and raise an income through donations for fresh local produce.

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OUR IMPACT - A YEAR IN NUMBERS

189 Exercise Classes

1,382 Volunteer Drives Arranged

5,520 Newsletters Posted

1,980 Hot Meals Served

5,100 Visits to our Office

12,706 Phone Calls

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OUR IMPACT - ACHIEVEMENTS

THE RSM KITCHEN GARDEN

A really exciting project for us this year was the creation of the RSM garden. We have taken an unused piece of land and transformed it into an accessible garden to grow fruit and vegetables which will produce food for both our Lunch Club and for our Feed it Back scheme.

The transformation from fork to table took 5 months. Over 25 volunteers have been involved and the project received funds from the B&Q Foundation, Rotherfield Parish Council and local individuals and businesses.

From start to transformation

The garden is also fast becoming a haven for wildlife and a place where older people visit, relax on a bench and feel the sun on their face or be as active as they wish to. We have a strong team of garden volunteers who have a wealth of experience and who are happy to teach others.

The garden was opened by the Chair of Wealden District Council, Jessika Hulbert, and blessed by our local Minister, Adam Hardy. Most importantly for us our oldest member Bill, who lovingly tended this allotment for many years, cut the ribbon.

First crop & first meal with home grown vegetables

Unlike private gardens, successful community gardens are designed to be collaborative projects. Coming together to plant seeds, weed rows, and pick fresh produce can all foster a sense of ownership in the community – Public Health, 2024

Bill Booth officially opening the RSM Garden

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OUR IMPACT - ACHIEVEMENTS CONTINUED

FIT FOR A KING

We are extremely proud to be nominated for the Kings Award for Voluntary Service, which is the equivalent of an MBE for a charity. We were nominated by the Chair of Wealden District Council who, after a visit, was struck by how well we knew and understood the needs of our community and the network of services that we provide. She met and spoke with our members, staff and volunteers, who spoke humbly but proudly of their contribution.

The nomination was backed with testimonials from our members. One commenting “ I can honestly say that without RSM we would be housebound. They really care about us which is a wonderful feeling”.

Two Deputy Lieutenants spent the morning with us to gain a better overview of all our work. Successful charities are announced on The Kings Birthday. Regardless of the outcome, we are thrilled to be nominated.

The Chair of Wealden Council, Christina Coleman, met some of our Men At Ten

CIRCLE OF CARE

This year, with increased hours for the staff team, we have been able to spend more time with some of our more vulnerable members. Some members do not have family and are reliant on the kindness of neighbours, their GP or Adult Social Care. We have been able to fill in some of the gaps with daily contact, offering practical support and solutions alongside meaningful friendship.

We have been able to put in place PAs, legal representation or trusted tradespeople and working alongside Adult Social Care and GPs to ensure that our members voices and wishes are heard.

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OUR IMPACT - ACHIEVEMENTS CONTINUED

FIRST RESPONSE

Our staff and volunteers attend training throughout the year for their own professional development and for the benefit of our members. This year we were successful in receiving part funding for a defibrillator (the Parish Council making up the difference). All our staff received training. We are delighted to be able to offer this vital lifesaving equipment to our community as the use of a defibrillator can increase the survival rate from 8% to 32%.

T he new funded defibrillator for the community, and the staff team learning how to perform CPR

D DAY

It’s important for us to respectfully commemorate events that have happened in our members lives. We were therefore honoured to mark the 80th anniversary of D Day.

Commemorations included a wonderful party with cockney music and the school children joining us for the event where our members took delight in teaching them wartime songs. We held a fish and chip lunch sponsored by Rotherfield Parish Council, and, of course, attended the more sombre church service where we reflected on sacrifices made during the war.

Many of our members have served or had family that served during that time. One member who has lived in the village all his life shared a poignant memory of going with his father, the village postman, on his rounds. He recalled how his father delivered devastating telegrams to those waiting at home for news of a loved one.

This event has made us realise the importance and value of capturing memories.

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OUR IMPACT - ACHIEVEMENTS CONTINUED

Our air raid shelter rang bells with members

We enjoyed a wonderful cockney sing a long with children from the primary school learning some old style dances!

Fish & Chips were the order of the day, but powdered egg was in short supply!

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WHAT WE HAVE LEARNT THIS YEAR

CARERS VOICES MATTER

Caring can have a significant impact on health and wellbeing. 60% of carers report a long-term health condition or disability compared to 50% non-carers (Carers UK analysis of GP Patient Survey 2021).

Over a quarter of carers (29%) feel lonely often or always (Carers UK, State of Caring 2022).

There are many unpaid carers living in our community. Through our Time to Talk group, these carers can come together to share their experience, support each other and just let off steam in a non-judgemental setting.

Through meeting this fantastic group of people, we recognise that no one can put themselves in the shoes of an unpaid carer or imagine what a typical day is like for them.

Our role is to offer practical advice and support. However we also offer friendship and a listening ear, as we have been told that to ‘be heard’ is empowering.

MP Nus Ghani visiting out Time to Talk group April 24, where carers asked Nus Ghani to highlight the need for an early diagnosis of dementia and recognition of dementia being a health care issue with a clear pathway, rather than a social care issue that works on a means tested basis.

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WHAT WE HAVE LEARNT THIS YEAR

WE ARE RESILIENT

Income for charities primarily comes from donations, legacies, grants and charitable activities, with health and animal charities accounting for 56% of legacy income. Whilst talking about legacies can be an ‘awkward conversation’ we have become more comfortable discussing their impact thanks to the legacies that we have received over the last two years. We have learned that people actually like to plan ahead, not only providing for loved ones but also for causes close to their heart. So rather than shying away from a legacy conversation, we now talk about the significant impact a legacy can have for our charity at our Annual General Meeting and through daily interactions with supporters.

As of June 2024, there were 170,171 charities operating in England and Wales, which is an increase from the previous years. However as of June 24, 2024, 921 charities had closed in the UK, with 904 of them having an annual income of less than £1 million. This is due to a widening funding gap between small and large charities, with smaller charities seeing their income decline by £4.6 billion, while larger charities saw an overall increase of £4.5 billion.

We embrace the power of our community. This was highlighted particularly this year with the creation of our garden. We had over 25 local people volunteer time, expertise, funds and goods to get our new project up and running. Our two local pubs have also been particularly supportive with our fundraising and have become great informal places for networking.

THE IMPORTANCE OF RAISING AWARENESS

At the start of the year, we set ourselves a goal of networking across Wealden. Although we are in our 20th year, it is still so important to talk about the impact of our work and the services we offer. To reach a wider audience we joined forces with DISC (Dementia Information & Support Courses) who operate dementia services across Sussex, MAYFACS who are a similar organisation to RSM and operate in our neighbouring village, and Sussex Support Service based in Uckfield. We run on a ‘no door is the wrong door’ approach and signpost to one another.

We also ensured that the Chair of Wealden District Council, Jessika Hulbert, was aware of our work and events throughout the year. She has been a great ambassador of our work and enjoys her visits to us meeting staff, volunteers and members.

Attending the Ashdown Radio Wealden Expo 2024, with MAYFACS, DISC and Sussex Support Service

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OUR VALUES IN ACTION - (from our members)

“To all at RSM, thank you for all that you do for me and the whole village”

“Thank you so much for making our day so special, it was really lovely and we will always remember it.”

“It really means a lot to have someone like you in my life.”

“I want to thank all the ladies in the office and all the volunteers for making club activities so enjoyable - we appreciate all the help and kindness.”

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“A very big Thank You for the 80th birthday party. Oh you went to so much trouble. The food, care and fizz was out of this world!”

A big thank you for all the amazing Holiday At Homes. We were all looked after very well and look forward to next year.”

I always say that RSM walked into my life when I needed them most. They are so respectful and really go above and beyond.”

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OUR VOLUNTEERS IN ACTION

The first cuppa in the RSM garden!

We remain indebted to our wonderful team of volunteers who collectively give at least 170 voluntary hours per week, through an array of roles, ranging from drives to medical appointments, visiting our members for companionship, repairing and fixing jobs in people’s homes, baking cakes, fundraising, serving refreshments, delivering prescriptions, collecting surplus food and assisting with office roles. Being open for 50 weeks of the year, this equates to 8,500 voluntary hours per year, which if paid at the minimum wage equates to £97,240 (higher thanour actual salaries cost).

This year we were delighted to recruit a whole new band of gardening volunteers who have a wealth of knowledge. Without their help the garden project simply wouldn’t have happened.

HOW TO VOLUNTEER FOR RSM

It starts with an informal ‘get to know each other’ chat with Iona, our Volunteer Coordinator, who explains all the volunteering roles that we can offer. There are some forms to complete, a DBS check, a training video to watch and an ID badge - you are then a RSM volunteer. To support our volunteers, we have held volunteer information sessions throughout the year and Iona is always on hand to offer support and advice. It is because of the sheer dedication and kindness of our volunteers that we were nominated for the Kings Voluntary Award, and we couldn’t be prouder.

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VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD

All our volunteers are terrific and our members help us to name a Volunteer of the Year.

This year we named a couple, Lisa and John Benham for all their amazing volunteering for our charity.

They go out in all weathers to hand deliver RSM newsletters, collect surplus food, help at Lunch Club and pop into our office every morning to see if anything needs doing – what a fabulous pair.

John & Lisa Benham out delivering the RSM newsletter!

To thank our volunteers for all that they do we held a Volunteer drinks at Christmas and a summer Paella Party.

Both were great occasions with much sharing of volunteering tales and laughter.

Volunteers at our Annual Volunteers Christmas Drinks Party

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CASE STUDY: FROM VOLUNTEER TO VALUED MEMBER OF STAFF

Lou lives next door to her mum, Renee, in Rotherfield. Renee was diagnosed with dementia in 2017 and so Lou gave up work and became her mums primary carer. As Lou was adapting to her new role, her life was further complicated when the Covid pandemic led to widespread lockdowns in 2020.Whilst caring for her mum, Lou stepped up to volunteer at RSM helping older people through lockdown, easing their loneliness and helping with practical matters such as delivering food and prescriptions.

Lou delivering provisions during the pandemic

Time to Talk

When things reopened, Lou joined RSM’s Time to Talk group – a support group specifically for unpaid carers. The group shares practical advice, for example about benefits, finding paid carers for respite, tips and tricks for dealing with tricky moments. She says” Time to Talk became an important part of my life. Not only did I meet other people in the same situation as me, but I also felt for the first time that I could talk openly about the frustrations and sadness I felt about my mum’s condition. It has been such a release. We talk, we cry, and we laugh. Time to Talk has been a lifeline.”

Lou’s natural curiosity soon saw her investigating benefits for carers, finding training courses for unpaid carers about dementia and networking with other useful groups locally e.g. DISC – Dementia Information & Support Courses. Her proactive approach and willingness to share information has made her an invaluable member of the Time to Talk group.

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Joining the Staff Team

In 2022 the RSM trustees agreed to hire bank staff to cover the permanent staff holidays or sickness. Lou was an ideal candidate for the role as she was highly experienced in all aspects of administrative roles, local, flexible and had the extra insight of having lived experience of being an unpaid carer. Her firsthand experience as a carer, particularly caring for someone living with dementia, as well as her compassionate approach, has brought tremendous value to the staff team. After a year, RSM was awarded a grant which meant that Lou could be made a permanent member of the team. The role is flexible, and the work can be completed to fit around her care commitments. She can also bring her dogs to work which visitors love.

Flexible Working

The role allows Lou to feel a sense of fulfilment and purpose outside of her role as a carer and Rotherfield St Martin benefits from her wealth of knowledge and experience. As an employer it is very rewarding to be able to bring such an experienced person back into the workforce.

Lou says “I thoroughly enjoy working at RSM. The team knows I need to be flexible and occasionally must dash off to mum at a moment’s notice. I still attend Time to Talk and look after mum, but I also feel I am achieving something useful for myself and my community.”

Lou is now a permanent member of staff

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OUR VOLUNTEERS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

Lynn & Sue on cake duty!

Marian & Molly, pianist & singer at our Carol Service

Belinda & Jo host Holiday At Home

Ashley helping at the garden

Miss Tilly gives her love to visitors!

Giving back - Charlie joins as a volunteer driver

Volunteer Lynn sharing the love at Toastie Club!

Volunteer Katie taking Valerie to her favourite hotel for afternoon tea!

Thank You

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FUNDRAISING

TRUSTS

We received grants from a number of trusts and organisations both local and further afield. We are immensely grateful to:

Company of Critters Rotherfield Parish Council Crowborough Town Council John Armitage (JACT) Brian Mitchell Trust The Reed Foundation - BIG GIVE 3VA Wealden District Council

Grants received from these organisations have enabled us to grow our work, expand experiences for our members and embark on new projects. This includes the running of our weekly Luncheon Club and Feed It Back Scheme, our new garden project, to keep older people physically active, to provide dementia training and to support transport costs so that members can continue to attend our clubs. Grants from John Armitage and Brian Mitchell trusts have supported our core work of providing advice, friendship and practical support throughout the year. Consequently, our members are better connected to their community and are enjoying living in a well supported community.

LEGACIES & IN MEMORIAM DONATIONS

We have been immensely grateful to receive two legacies totalling £53,999 We were also touched to receive In Memoriam donations totalling £1,235 from the families of members.

These are gratifying to receive as they demonstrate the care and respect that our members and their families have for us and have a big impact on our ability to continue to support older people in our community.

DONATIONS

We received both regular and one-off donations throughout the year. In total we received £25,301 which, in the current economic climate, we are extremely grateful to receive.

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FUNDRAISING

DONATIONS IN KIND

We are also extremely grateful for surplus food donated by Marks and Spencer, Lidl and Sainsburys and to our local farms; Renhurst, Fullers and Horsegrove for their donations of fresh local meat for our Luncheon Club. We also received gardening tools, plants, seeds and garden furniture for our garden project.

Our garden bench donated by Bill & Tommy Booth

EVENTS & FUNDRAISING

In a difficult climate we have reached out to our immediate community to support us in our fundraising this year. We have held monthly pub quizzes, raffles, attended local fairs and events and have been supported for a fifth year by a fabulous home-grown initiative from Rotherfield born Morag Hockin’s ‘Pop-Up Plant Stall’. We also took part in the annual online Christmas Big Give, which raised £4,566. We continue to take part in The Wealden Lottery and have raised funds via ticket sales of £1,518. In total we raised £6,649 through our fundraising.

This year our manager’s son Alex ran the Brighton Marathon in aid of Rotherfield St Martin and raised £2,456.

Alex running the Brighton Marathon to raise funds for RSM

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TRUSTEES REPORT

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

Rotherfield St Martin returned another satisfactory surplus of £37,689 in the financial year compared to a surplus of £69,610 in the previous year. Once again this great result was principally achieved thanks to specific legacies of £53,999 (2023: £70,795) and the generosity of individuals and organisations through grants and donations and we hope that more people will consider benefitting the charity in this way so that our long-term future can be secured.

Income for the year before legacies was £119,072 which was £3,739 higher than in the previous year. After taking legacies into account our total income for the year was £173,071 compared to £186,128 in 2023.

Attendance at clubs and activities organised for the benefit of members increased by almost 10% and we generated total income from these events of £42,961 compared to £39,140 in the previous year. This is another great achievement and reflects the increasing involvement of members with the charity and the efforts put in by our excellent team of staff and volunteers.

We are also very grateful to receive donations of £25,301 (2023: £27,631) and grants of £28,105 (2023: £27,837). It is through the generosity of individuals who leave legacies and make donations and organisations who make grants to the charity that enable us to keep membership subscriptions so low and without this ongoing assistance it is clear that subscriptions would have to rise if we are to balance our books.

Expenditure was higher than the previous year at £135,382 compared to £116,518.

Salary & Consultants costs have increased to £82,695 from £75,647 mostly due to increasing the number of hours worked in order to meet the demand for our services and support to members and the Trustees are grateful for the service and dedication of the whole team which often extends beyond their contractual commitments.

The other major component of the increase was expenditure on projects, particularly the Garden Project which cost £10,190 and for which specific grant income of £5,100 had been received in the previous year.

Our volunteers also play a significant role in the successful operation of the charity and whilst there is no cost in our accounts associated with their work, we would not be able to function without their willing assistance. In recognition of their dedication Rotherfield St Martin has been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service and this really is a tremendous achievement and due recognition to all the voluntary work put in by our amazing team of volunteers.

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TRUSTEES REPORT CONTINUED

Bank balances continue in a strong position showing a total of £350,288 compared to £311,206 in the previous year. This healthy position has been arrived at due to a pattern of legacies having been received over the years and the success in attracting grants and donations to help support the annual running costs.

The Trustees regularly discuss the best way to hold funds not required for immediate use but are conscious of the risks inherent in other forms of investment and the current economic uncertainty due to external factors. For the time being the decision has been taken to retain our reserves in bank deposits and professional advice will be required as and when this policy changes.

We have monitored the interest rates available on our deposit accounts and are ever mindful of the risks associated with concentrating too much money in any one bank. Through careful management and the increase in interest rates over the year we have been able to increase our interest income to £6,437 from £2,333 in 2023.

Reserves are needed to bridge the gap between spending and receiving of resources and to cover unplanned emergency repairs and future planned expenditure. At 31 August 2024 our total reserves amounted to £343,223 (2023: £305,535) which is the strongest position the charity has ever been in. This satisfactory state of affairs is due entirely to the increasing number of legacies being received, for which we are very grateful.

In view of these legacies, we have resolved to designate funds to various projects that will meet the aims of the charity and strengthen our position for the future. These projects and the related designated funds are set out at Note 4 to the Balance Sheet.

Our reserves, which are detailed on the Balance Sheet, now comprise:

Restricted Funds of £300 which represent funding received for specific projects not yet completed by 31 August 2024.

Designated Funds of £220,916 which are more fully described at Note 22.

Unrestricted Funds now amount to £122,007 and the Trustees are considering how best to utilise these funds for the long-term benefit of the Charity.

The Charity Commission recommends that, in order to ensure ongoing viability, a charity should hold between 9 and 15 months of total running costs. Rotherfield St Martin’s monthly running costs, excluding one-off project costs, are now approximately £10,300 and, on this basis, we should be holding between £92,700 and £154,500. We have therefore decided to include within Designated Funds a Safety Reserve of £150,000 in accordance with the Charity Commission recommendation

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STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024

31

BALANCE SHEET FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024

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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024

33

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024

33 34

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024

35

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024

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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT Rotherfield St Martin- Independent Examiners Report For the Year Ended 31 August 2024 Report to the Trustees of Rotherfield St Martin for the year ended 31 August 2024 Charity No 1168555 set out on the previous pages. Responsobilltles and basls of report As the Charity Trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act). I report in respect of my examination of the Charitvs accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Cornmission under section145(5){b) of the Act. Independent examlnerfs statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Art or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records I have no concerns and have come across no matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Independent Examiner....... Date Mr M R Martin FCCA The Old Dairy Steep Road Crowborough East Sussex TN6 3RX 38

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

Our Strategic Goals 2024 and beyond are:

In the coming year we will be working with our landlords, Rotherfield Parish Council on the refurbishment of our building. Built 200 years ago the building is in much need of renovation. Whilst being mindful of its history, now is a fantastic opportunity to create a community hub that will serve our community for many years. With RSM at the heart of the hub we can’t wait to be part of the next chapter of this building’s village history.

==> picture [108 x 22] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Building a Community Hub
at the heart of Rotherfield
----- End of picture text -----

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SUPPORT OUR WORK

INSPIRED BY OUR WORK AND WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER?

If you have any spare time, an hour a month or a day a week, we always need help! Volunteering for your community is rewarding and is ALWAYS appreciated.

We would love to hear from you. CALL US ON 01892 853021 and speak to our Volunteer Co-ordinator, Iona

INSPIRED BY OUR WORK AND WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT US FINANCIALLY?

If you are inspired by our work and would like to support us financially, please call us on 01892 853021, or visit our donate page on our website www.rotherfieldstmartin.org.uk or scan the QR code on this page.

SPREADING THE WORD

Please tell people about our work

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TRUSTEES DECLARATION DECLARATION The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees, report. Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees Signature(s) Full name(s) Position(s) Trustee Trustee Date ¥r We would sincerely like to thank all our staff, volunteers, members, donors and supporters for their continued support of our work. Their support makes a real difference to people's lives and ensures that we can continue to build a community that cares for one another. 41

pi for being a (abulous v()lunleer I you have Iieli)ed us; complelc. ()ver 1,600 voluiileei. drives dL.livL'I' oi'ei. 5,600 newsletters c'ook liiid ,sL'iwe ovcr 2,000 Iiol Iiieals pi'ovide ()vLI' 280 freFihly baked c'akeF* for oui. clubs and activities provide fi'iendship, comfort and suppoi't to over 200 RSM Members and so much more You are all AMAZING 11

“Every Community should have an RSM” Chair of Wealden 2024

Rotherfield St Martin RSM Centre, The Memorial Institute North Street, Rotherfield East Sussex TN6 3LX

01892 853021 www.rotherfieldstmartin.org.uk Registerd Charity No. 1168555

@rotherfield_st_martin

Rotherfield St Martin

@RSM Centre