**Ipswich & East Suffolk** **Annua lRe ort 2024–25 p** ## **Branch Director’s Report for April 1st 2024 - March 31st 2025** Last year, April 2024 - March 2025 was as busy as ever, if not busier. Following our positive Quality Review, we updated our Branch Plan and have been working hard to achieve our objectives. We recognise that some volunteers leave every year as their personal circumstances change so ran our two annual training courses in a bigger training room with about 20 new volunteers on each course. Our volunteer numbers fluctuated a little over the year and in March this year were 118 compared with 116 in the previous March. The - number of full listening volunteers and probationers reached 63, still short of our tar get of 80 by the end of 2025 but we are getting there. The number of calls we took increased from 10,532 to 11,344 and our calls at our outreach events increased to 103, excluding our prisons which remain about the same. Filling the rota continued to be a concern so further changes were made resulting in some improvement. Filling night time shifts and covering the hours of greatest need is still difficult. We have strengthened our Leadership team further and are delighted that Glenn 303 is now leading outreach and Katharine 439 has taken on the role of DD Admin. We have made the difficult decision not to reopen the branch to face to face visitors as the footfall was very low and it was felt that our resources were better spent on supporting people in different ways such as outreach and on line chat. Our awareness and outreach work continued to grow and we attend the Ipswich Town Football Club Fan zone regularly as well as a number of other regular and new events, and we have established contact with a number of different cultural and high risk communities with across East Suffolk. To help with this work, we have appointed two volunteers as out EDI leads, Lew 444 and Becci 443. Our DD Marketing, Annie 23, has a regular slot on BBC radio Suffolk and was interviewed live by broadcaster Louise Holland. Role were reversed when Louise was interviewed by Annie about her work and book for our branch meeting Fundraising continued to be very successful. The raffle of the painting Maggie Hamblin donated to us the previous year, raised over £14,000 The Orwell Walk, the collection at Sarah Milligan’s show in Ipswich, fundraising quizzes and several donations also boosted our funds. We are now focusing on our fundraising ball in September which we are hoping will raise even more. During the year, we made several changes to the shop and appointed a new shop manager. Although we saw some improvements, sadly the shop hasn’t proved viable and we will be closing it at the end of November. In the meantime, we are continuing to trade and are looking at alternatives ways to trade and raise funds in the future. This could include increasing our on-line sales and opening pop-up-shops following the success of our pop-up-shop in Leiston. Nationally there were some significant changes during the year including the installation of the new ‘Listening Centre’, the platform which supports all our calls. This has been a big change but thanks to the excellent training and organisation from Gary 545, our DD IT, our branch has adopted it without any problems. One of the actions coming out of the national review of the services we deliver to children was to increase the screening of all our volunteers and to require higher levels of DBS checks. This involved a great deal of work and was achieved well within the allowed timescales thanks to Judy 353 and her DBS team and the cooperation of all our volunteers. In the spring this year, our Central Office surveyed every Samaritans volunteer. In recent years, most charities have experienced difficulties in fundraising and recruiting volunteers. Samaritans is no different and our central office decided that it is essential to make some changes to ensure our charity continues for the next 20 and more years. A Future Proofing initiative has now been launched and changes will be made over the next 7 - 10 years to ensure we offer our 24/7 service to people in distress and despair and achieve our vision that fewer people die by suicide. As a branch, we are in a very strong position to support the future proofing initiative and our Branch plan already reflects much of the work we will need to do. The next step for us is to select our new branch director or co-branch directors, and ensure that we have a strong leadership team for the next three years. The process has just started and an Engagement Team has been chosen who will explain more about the process. So this will be my last AGM. I would like to take the opportunity of thanking you all for your support and hard work. We have a wonderful branch and are able to help thousands of people every year. Long may it continue. Anne 167 Branch Director. Treasurer’s Report year ending 31[st] March 2025 This year the branch has shown strong financial responsibility allowing us to hold our own and continue our vital work supporting those in emotional distress. ## **Fundraising and Income** We are pleased to report that our efforts have been successful with a notable contribution coming from the painting raffle. These funds have helped us cover ongoing costs. ## **Gift Aid** We have successfully claimed Gift Aid on donations from the past few years, and the process is now fully up and running on an ongoing basis. ## **Outlook** Looking ahead our financial position is stable. We remain committed to continuing with our fundraising building on the success of the raffle and other fundraising efforts. ## **Thanks** A heartfelt thank you to all donors, volunteers and supports who have helped make this year a success. Carla Smolarek Treasurer REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER.. 1168725 ort of the Trusteès and Unauditèd Flnancial Statements for the Year Ended 31 Marth 2025 for Samaritans of I swich and East Suffolk Knights Lowe Ltd Chartered Accountants Crane Court 302 London Road Ipswich Suffolk IP2 OAJ Samailtans of I swich and East suffolk Re ort of ihe Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 The trustees present their report with the financial statement5 of the charity for the year ended 31 MaTch 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisTons ol A£countin8 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 IFRS 1021 (effective l January 20191. STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governingdocument The charity's structure wè5 changed on 11 Ausu5t 2016 10 that of an association Eh3ritable incorporated organisation ICIOI and is controlled by it5 governing document. a constitution. filed on that date. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE OEfAILS Registered Charity number 1168725 Principal address 140 St Helens Street Ipswich Suffolk IP4 2LE Trustees J Wright A Reeder- Director T P Hammond Mrs J E Rilev Mrs N l Beach (resigned 24 11.241 M Le Corre (resigned 23.9.241 Mrs F A Sirnpson S Palmer Mrs C S Smolarek- Treasurer Mrs A Young5 lappointed l.5.241 Indepèndent Examiner M l Mortirner FCA FCCA Knight5 Lowe Ltd Chartered Accountants Crarie Court 302 London Road Ipswich Sullolk IP2 OAJ Approved by order of the board ol trustees on 2C25 and signed on its behalf by.. A Reeder- Trustee Pa8e I Inde endent Exarniner's Re ort to the Trustees of Samarilans of I swich and East Suftolk Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Samaritans of Ipswich and East Sulfolk I report to the chariry trustees on my examtnation of the accounts of Sarnaritans of Ipswich and East Suffolk (the Trustl for tho year ended 31 March 2025. Responsibilities and basis of report As rhe chariry trustees ol the Trust you are responstble lor the prepafation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 20111'the Acr'l. l ieport in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examinatlon I have loll(>wed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commis510n under Sedion 14515llbl ofiheArt. Independenl examiner's statement I have completed my e¥aminarion. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connertion with the examination giving me (ause to believe that in any material respect: accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act- or the account5 do not accord with those records,. or the account5 do not comply with the applicable requirement5 concerntng the form 3nd content ol accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and lair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understandinE ol the 3ccounts to be rea£hed. M J Mortimer FCA FCCA Knights Lowe Ltd Chartered Accounrants Crane Court 302 London Road Ipswich Suffolk IP20AJ Date.. Page 2 Samaritans of I wich and East Suffolk Statement ol Finanaal Artivities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 2025 Total funds 2024 Total funds Unrestricted funds Restricted fund Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 29.594 29.594 23.673 Other tradin8 activ1t￿$ 69.0 63,254 Total 98.598 98,598 86,927 EXPENDITURE ON Rassing funds 48.510 48.510 63,148 Charitable artiv¢tie5 Emergency support 24,968 24,968 28,687 Other 13.198 13,198 12,594 Total 86.676 86,676 104,429 INCOMEIIEXPENDITUREI 11.922 11,922 117,5021 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought lorwaid 140 140.840 158.342 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 152.762 152.762 140.840 The notes form part of these financial Statements Page 3 Samar¥tans of I swich and Easi Suffolk Statement of Financial P05ilion 31 March 2025 2025 Total lunds 2024 Total funds Unrestricted funds Restricted fund Note5 FIXED ASSETS Tan8ible assets 84,597 84.597 88,680 CURRENT ASS￿5 Stock5 Debtor5 Cash in hand 200 97 70.517 200 97 70.517 1,112 258 52.020 70,814 70,814 53.390 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 12,6491 12,6491 11.2301 CURRENT ASSErs 68,165 68,165 92.160 TOTAL ASSEfs LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 152.762 152,762 140,840 NET ASSETS 152.762 152,762 140.840 FUNDS Unrestricted furlds io 152,762 140.840 TOTAL FUNDS 152,762 140,840 The financial statemenis were approved by the Board of Trustees and authori5ed for issue and were signed on it5 behalf bv.. on C S Smolarek- Trustee The notes form part of these financial 5tatementS Pa8e 4 Samaiitans of I swich and East Suffolk Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 ACCOUNTING POUCIE5 8asis of preparing the financial statements The linancial 5taiernent% of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, ha¥e been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP IFRS 1021 'Accounring and Reporting by Charities.. Statement ol Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with ihe Financtal Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic ol Ireland IFRS 1021 (effective l January 20191,. Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reportin8 Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland. and the Chanties Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared vnder the historical cost convention. Income All income is recognised in the Statement ol Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to rhe funds, it is probable that the incgme will be received and the amouni can be measured reltablv. Expenditure Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon a5 there is a legal or constructive obli8atlon committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in sertlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted lor on an accruals basi5 and has been c5a5kified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be dire£tly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to attivities on a basis consistent with the use ol resources. Tangible fixed assets Depre£iatlOn 15 provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful Freehold propertv Fixture5 and fstlings Moior vehtcles 2% straight line on buildings 33% on reducing balance and 25% on reducing balance 25% on reducing balance Stocks Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. after maktng due allowance for obsolete and slow moving items. Taxation The chariry is exempt from tax on it5 charitable activities. Fund accounting Unrestricted fund5 cèn be used in accordance wlth the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustee5. Restricted lund5 can only be used lor particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restri£tlDns arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to Ihe financial sia:ernents. Pa8e 5 continued... Samaritans of I swich and East Suffolk Notes to the Financial Statements. continued for the Year Ended 31 Marrh 2025 OTHER TRADING A￿1VITIEs 2025 2024 Fundraising events Shop income "IrKJ" Club N.O.M.S 23,261 42,436 617 59,463 204 2,970 2.427 63,254 TRUSYEES. REMUNEIiATION AND BENEF￿5 There were no trustees. rtmuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024. Trustees. expenses There were no trustees, expenses paid lor the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024. STAFF COSTS The average mt)nthty nttmber of employees during the year wa5 as follows= 20Z5 2024 Shop managere5S Deputy shop manager aeaner No employees re(er￿e*￿ emoluments in excess of £60.LIXI. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL A￿mT[£s Unrestricted funds Restricted fund Total funds INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donation5 and legacies 23.673 23.673 Other trading activ¢ries 63.254 63.254 Total 86.927 86,927 EXPENDITURE ON Ra15ing funds 63.148 63,148 Chariiable adivities Ernergency support 28.687 28,687 Other 12.594 12,594 Page 6 coniinued... Samaritans of I swich and East Suffolk Notes to the Financial Statements- conlinued for the Year Ended 31 Marth 2025 COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES- contlnued Unrestricted funds Restricted lund Total funds Total 104,429 104.429 INCOMEIIEXPENDITUREI 117,5021 117,5021 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total Ivnds brough: forward 158.342 158,342 TOTALFUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 140,840 140,840 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSErs Fixtures and ritttngs Freehold property Motor vehicles Totals COST AI I ApTiI 2024 and 31 March 2025 186,883 48.365 I7￿1 253,099 DEPRECIATION Al l April 2024 Charge for year 99,585 3,738 47.988 16,846 251 164.419 4.083 At 31 March 2025 103,323 48.082 17,097 168,502 NET BOOKVALUE At 31 March 2025 83,560 283 754 84.597 At 31 March 2024 87.298 377 1,005 88.680 STOCKS 2025 2024 Stocks 200 1,112 Page 7 coTrtinued... 5amarltans of I 5wich and East Suffolk Note5 to the Financial Statements- continued for the Year Ended 31 March_2025 DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 20Z5 2024 VAT 97 258 CREDITORS- AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2025 2024 Trade creditors Taxation and social security Other creditors 43 1.286 1,320 30 1.200 2.649 1,230 io. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Net movement in funds At 31.3.25 At 1.4.24 VnrestTlrted funds General fund 140,840 11.922 152.762 TOTAL FUNDS 140.840 11,922 15Z,762 Net movement in funds. included in the above are a5 follows.. Incorning resources Resources expended Movement ITh funds Unrestrirted fund5 General fund 98,598 {86.6761 11,922 TOTAL FUNDS 98,598 186,6761 11,92Z Comparatives for movement in funds Ner mcjvement in funds At 31.3.24 At 1.4.23 Unrestrirted funds General fund 158,342 117.5021 140.840 TOTAL FUNDS 158.342 117,5021 140.840 Page 8 coniinued... Samaritan5 of I swich and East Suffolk Notes to the Financial Statements- Continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 io. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS- continued Comparative net movement in funds. included in the above are as follows." Incoming resources Res0￿￿CeS expended Movement in lynds Unre5trirted tunds General fund 86,927 1104,4291 117.5021 TOTAL FUNDS 86.927 1104.4291 117.5021 A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position 15 as follows: Nei movement in funds At 31.3.25 At 1.4.23 Unrestrlcted fvnds General fund 158,342 15,5801 152.762 TOYAL FUNDS 158.342 15,5801 152.762 A C￿r￿nt year 12 months and prior year 12 rnofiths combined net movement in funds. inclyded in the above ale as follows.. Incoming resour Resources expended Movement in funds UnrestrictÈd funds General fund 185.525 1191,1051 15.5801 TOTAL FUNDS 185,525 1191,1051 15.5801 ii. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES Theie were no Yelated party transattions for the year ended 31 March 2025. Page 9 Samaritans of I wich and East Suffolk Detailed Statement of Financial Artivlties for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 2025 2024 INCOMEAND ENDOWMENTS l)onation5 and lÈgacles DoTration5, grants and gifts 29.594 23,673 Othèr trading acttvities Fundraising events Shop income "ICKJ" Club N.O.M.S 23.261 42.436 617 59,463 204 2.970 2.427 63,254 Total intoming resourtes 98,598 86.927 EXPENDITURE Other tradlng artivities Opening stock Wages Fundraising expEnses her selling costs Closing stock 1,112 16,406 1,574 29.618 I2￿) 2,520 24.679 37,061 11.1121 48.510 63.148 Charrtable artivities Business Tates Insurance Water light and heat Emergency telephone Advertising and publiciry Repair5 and renewals Cleanin8 and housekeepin8 Volunteer travel expenses Director's expenses Freehold properry depreciation Fixrures & fittings depreciation Motor vehicle depTeciètion 778 1,598 4,319 3,457 1,041 3,043 3.275 3.112 152 3,364 730 1.760 3.855 4.601 3.424 6.364 1.776 2,352 3.364 126 335 251 24.484 28,687 Support costs Management Business rates Carried forward 81 81 86 This page does not form part ol the statutory financial statements Page 10 Samaritans of I swich and East Suffolk Detailed Statement of Fitiancial Artivtti for the Year Ended 31 March 202S 2025 2024 Management Brought forward Insurance Water lighi and heat Piinring postaBe & statlonery Sundries Professional fees Vehicle expenses Repair5 and renew315 Cleaning ènd housekeeping Conference expenses Freehold property depreciation 86 178 81 196 428 979 4,526 1.928 1.862 707 197 1.316 374 678 7.135 2,2Z4 I,IK13 338 364 8Z2 374 13.682 12.594 Total resource5 expended 86.676 104,429 Net incomellexpenditurel 11,922 117,5021 This page doe5 flot form part of the statutory financial statements Page 11 Samaritans of I 5v￿Ch and East Suffolk Contents of the Finantial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 Page Report of the Trustees Independent E¥aminer's Report Statement of Financial Artiwties Statemenl of Financial Posttion Notes to the Financial Statements Detai￿d Statement of Financial Artivities 10 to 11