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← Caritas Diocese Of Shrewsbury

2024-03-31-accounts

Charity registration number 1169317

CARITAS DIOCESE OF SHREWSBURY

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

CARITAS DIOCESE OF SHREWSBURY

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Rt Rev Mark Davies (Chair)
Mrs Carol Lawrence
Mrs Christine Smith
Rev John Fegan
Charity number 1169317
Principal address Caritas Diocese of Shrewsbury
Wheatland Lane
Wallasey
Wirral
Merseyside
CH44 7ED
Independent examiner Simon Evans FCA
Lewis Evans Partnership LLP
The Oaks
3 Village Road
West Kirby
Wirral
CH48 3JN

CARITAS DIOCESE OF SHREWSBURY

TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024.

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

Objectives:

The charity’s objects are to further the general charitable works of the Roman Catholic church in accordance with its teaching both in the Diocese of Shrewsbury and elsewhere in the United Kingdom in particular, but not exclusively, by providing services and facilities for the relief of poverty and suffering, the advancement of education, the promotion of social justice including the advancement of human rights and the promotion of religious or racial harmony and other charitable acts which promote the development of individuals and communities for the public benefit, for the benefit of people of all faiths and none.

Aims and Activities:

The charity’s activities are directed to children and young people without the support of families and in need, children, and young people at risk. In addition to children and young people, the charity also aids people with disabilities, the aged, the vulnerable and individuals, families, communities and groups who are in need.

Currently the charity has bases in Wirral, Shrewsbury, Crewe and Wythenshawe where it carries out these activities.

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

Use of volunteers:

Volunteers provide much valued additional support and capacity enabling the charity to deliver its aims. During the period volunteers were used to support the work of the Hope Foodbank, our community projects, support for refugees and people seeking asylum, family support work and the general work of Caritas.

Cost of Living Crisis:

The UK remains locked in a “Cost-of-Living” crisis, with high energy prices and the knock-on effect in the supply of basic foods, whilst inflation nears the government’s target of 2%, interest rates are likely to remain at a higher level for the foreseeable future. It is recognised that this will place pressure on the Charity to raise income through donations, but there will be an added pressure as the need for our support to vulnerable families.

Achievements and performance

As we reflect within this Trustee Report on the current financial statements and the successes and challenges of Caritas Shrewsbury for 2023-24 and beyond, we can feel rewarded that our work is making a difference to the communities we serve, but conscious of many more families that we cannot reach at this moment in time.

The third sector as a whole faces continued challenges around raising additional funds as we grapple to support a greater number of people that are struggling with mental health issues and/or trying to balance their finances as the cost of living crisis continues to force families into difficult decisions, particularly in areas of existing high deprivation where the gap in funding opportunities feels significantly greater than our previous experiences.

Caritas Shrewsbury has continued to develop its reach, with new Stronger Together groups in Wirral and Shrewsbury, a monthly SEN Den in Wythenshawe, to fully establishing our St Mary’s Caritas Centre in Crewe, demonstrate that every pound raised makes a positive impact in local communities and we are extremely grateful to everyone that supports our mission either through funding or volunteering.

CARITAS DIOCESE OF SHREWSBURY

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Schools Support:

Our schools support programme, is built to support students and their families through challenging times and deals with issues around bereavement and loss, domestic violence, anxiety, anger management, family breakdown, emotional and mental health wellbeing, mediation work and counselling.

Impact in School

“The support and work provided by Caritas is excellent. Parents, students and staff state that the support worker is always professional, highly organised and approachable. The support that she offers our families is invaluable. It has a positive impact on a range of aspects of our students and families lives ultimately improving their overall wellbeing in school, attendance and of course progress. She acts as the bridge that connects any breakdowns between parents and students and then feeds this information back to staff effectively to ensure the best support is put in place for the child at school. This service is a must.”

Head Teacher- St Anselms College – Wirral

A highly valued resource by the schools and a classic example of the funding pressures increasing around the services provided by our Schools Support Programme, which is principally funded by schools, but extends to the wider family of pupils. As school budgets remain highly challenging as cost pressures accelerate against funding restrictions, we know that the need exists and grows in the background for this support and we operate this programme at a large deficit with existing funding not fully covering the direct costs of operation.

The program has within the period of these statements supported

Community Support:

Stronger Together Groups

238 Adults / 266 Children

Our third Stronger Together group opened in August 2023 and our fourth in January 2024. The Stronger Together group is unique as we have an open-door policy for those who need a safe space to share their thoughts and feelings. Participants benefit from our inclusive, non-judgmental, and welcoming approach. The groups are organised with a focus on accessibility so that barriers around the cost and time it takes to travel are overcome.

Funding and future development:

Two groups are funded from money received through the Early Help Alliance, and we have been successful with two small funding bids from Elizabeth Rathbone and Eleanor Rathbone for the latest groups.

We have identified additional venues for inter-generational groups and are looking for funding to support the costs of running these groups.

Early Help Alliance:

Parenting Groups

Bereavement & Loss

CARITAS DIOCESE OF SHREWSBURY

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

After the success of our first group, we are running a second Bereavement Group, with six confirmed clients attending. The last group was successful as it helped facilitate clients sharing their grief, creating bonds and resilience.

CARITAS Counselling Service:

The counselling service has offered support to 108 clients (mostly adults but also some young people) in Wirral and Shrewsbury. We are now offering new therapeutic approaches as one of our counsellors has been trained in Clinical Hypnotherapy and Rewind Therapy, both proven to greatly reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, and PTSD.

Clients have found having a choice of the type of therapy beneficial, empowering them from the beginning and the feedback states it has improved, sometimes relieved their symptoms, and improved their quality of life. A lot of the clients refer into to us through word of mouth and the positive experiences of previous clients.

With the increase in referrals our waiting list has also increased.

We understand that mental health services nationwide are overwhelmed, and we are seeing more clients referred through other agencies whose sessions are being cut short before they have resolved their issues, such as NHS and local councils especially in cases of Domestic Violence.

A high number of the clients that are coming through are presenting with more complex mental health issues, meaning it is not always possible to complete the counselling in the typical 12 sessions and in-line with the BACP ethical framework. We are unable to assign these more complex clients to our student placement counsellors as it would be unsafe for both counsellor and client. This means that the Counselling Coordinator and the counsellor based in Wirral have to add these more complex clients to their lists, often supporting clients virtually due to location.

Funding and future development:

There is a significant demand for mental health support nationwide with many resources oversubscribed and already long waiting lists increasing exponentially, we have recently secured £10,000 from Wirral Council Step Up Fund for counselling those involved in Domestic Violence and a further £5,000 for training.

We are offering placements to higher level students to alleviate some pressure off the paid counsellors to empower a better understanding of our overall need to identify funding requirements to bridge some of the gap in resources.

Regardless of our understanding it is clear that a significant increase in funding for this area is desperate if we are to achieve any meaningful inroads to the problem.

St. Mary’s CARITAS Centre, Crewe:

The Centre has continued to grow after the successful launch in January 2023, with more groups coming into the centre LATH have partnered with us since we opened and over the last twelve months, they have delivered 300 hours of drop-in provision for those experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable people. 137 individuals have accessed the service for food, drinks, and a warm space where volunteers offer support, advice, and encouragement to get involved in community activities. There are 20 LATH volunteers who gave more than 3,000 hours over the year. Development of Caritas led projects such as the family activity sessions and Incredible Edible.

Regular sessions

CARITAS DIOCESE OF SHREWSBURY

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Funding

St Aidan’s CARITAS Centre – Wythenshawe:

SEND Together

“It’s the only place I can go where my child doesn’t have to mask her special needs. She can just be her authentic self!”

12 mothers and 1 carer from the group have been engaged in campaigning on SEND issues as part of the Women of Wythenshawe project and with Greater Manchester Citizens.

The new monthly SEN Den has been hugely popular. Numbers have had to be limited since a peak of 23 parents/carers and 31 children last October. 41 families accessed the SEN Den at least once during the year. The group has worked hard to create a sensory room which has helped provide a quiet space for children and is a much needed addition to the support on offer. During the school holidays the group also organise family events or trips - last summer 25 children enjoyed visiting Knowsley Safari Park.

The Hope Foodbank

MEND Minds

MEND Minds is a support group to help promote wellbeing for men, engaging 13 men this year. One member has become motivated to give up alcohol through the group. This father of three is now in a rehabilitation unit and has begun the journey of attempting to live a life free from alcohol. He recently reaching the milestone of 100 days of sobriety. The group also celebrated a member who has been free from addictions for 25 years. It is men like this who provide motivation for other men who have similar challenges.

“I wouldn’t have known what I would have done had I not found the support of the group. The group helped me through the darkest of days.”

CARITAS DIOCESE OF SHREWSBURY

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 7
Independent examiner's report 8
Statement of financial activities 9
Statement of financial position 10
Statement of cash flows 11
Notes to the financial statements 12 - 28

CARITAS DIOCESE OF SHREWSBURY

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

The Well Project

The Well Project provides a safe space for advice, support and friendship for people who are seeking asylum and refugees. English learners gain confidence using the language helping them socialise and integrate in the community. The Well Women group gives women the chance to lead and flourish. Some highlights from our partnerships and activities this year:

“I’m so impressed with how organised the Well Project is, both ESOL and women’s group. We have benefited a lot our language is way better and we made good relations with other service users and friendships.”

Hotel Work

Our work coordinating support for people seeking asylum living in hotels in Manchester continued to grow and develop this year. It was a very challenging time for everyone involved, not least the residents, but the success was a result of working together with such a wide range of organisations including the council, schools, the NHS and so many charities. Collaboration was essential and included generous donations of:

Highlights from the wide range of events organised to give residents something to do and support their wellbeing included school activity days, a Refugee Week party for children and Christmas and Eid celebrations.

Shrewsbury:

Currently our activity in Shrewsbury is being funded from our own reserves as we build up activity and identify the needs of the communities, and have partnered with the Council to run a parenting group which has benefited 5 families and their wider support network, in addition to this activity we have delivered:

As we identify the needs of the community we will also need to identify appropriate funding and or partnerships to continue these activities for future benefit.

CARITAS DIOCESE OF SHREWSBURY

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Appeals & Crisis Grants:

The Caritas at Christmas Appeal

Wirral Council Crisis Grants

Financial review

Following from our introduction, it is widely acknowledged that since the pandemic, fundraising has become much more challenging, yet the need for support within communities is accelerating. Consequently more charities are applying for diminishing funding pots, meaning applications to those funds are vastly oversubscribed as much as 3000% from historical norms, in addition greater restrictions are being applied in eligibility criteria.

The charity is delivering a significant social return on investment over a wide range of services as demonstrated throughout a summary of our delivery activities.

The charity has generated £653k of income mainly through donations and activity funding (2023: £746k) a reduction of 12% on the previous financial period.

Expenditure has also grown 11.5% to £750k (2023: £673k), with most of the increase in cost being covered from the utilisation of unrestricted reserves delivering new projects and covering shortfalls of funding on existing projects.

Reserves

Whilst the Charity has performed well in respect of its core activities, the increase in demand and consequently cost have contracted the unrestricted reserves to £225k (2023: £308k), a reduction of 27%.

The reserves policy of the Charity is to have sufficient reserves to cover between three and six months of full operating costs as scheduled by our budget documents. We anticipate those to be between £150k and £310k, and currently there are sufficient reserves to fulfilled that policy.

Risk Management

The Trustees have in place a risk management process to access risks to which the Charity is exposed, those relating to operational and financial risk. This involves assessing the likelihood and potential impact of occurrence and identifying means of mitigation. Financial risks to the Charity have been highlighted throughout the trustee report, operational risks to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults are reviewed and updated every year and have been tested by external review through local authority bodies throughout the Charity's work.

Future Plans

Our 2025 plans will need to respond to the ongoing impact of the cost-of-living crisis and the developments likely under a new government. The next year’s priorities are:

CARITAS DIOCESE OF SHREWSBURY

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
Notes
£
£
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
3
220,995
212,587
Charitable activities
4
109,359
78,059
Investments
5
6,519
-
Other income
6
25,725
-
Total income
362,598
290,646
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
7
21,707
-
Charitable activities
8
408,210
320,292
Total expenditure
429,917
320,292
Net income/(expenditure)
(67,319)
(29,646)
Transfers between
funds
(15,233)
15,233
Net movement in
funds
(82,552)
(14,413)
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 April 2023
307,546
627,103
Fund balances at 31 March
2024
224,994
612,690		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
2023
£
£
£
433,582
313,373
201,109
187,418
147,150
72,221
6,519
288
-
25,725
11,954
-
653,244
472,765
273,330
21,707
12,183
-
728,502
411,977
248,570
750,209
424,160
248,570
(96,965)
48,605
24,760
-
(12,378)
12,378
(96,965)
36,227
37,138
934,649
271,319
589,965
837,684
307,546
627,103		 Total
2023
£
514,482
219,371
288
11,954
746,095
12,183
660,547
672,730
73,365
-
73,365
861,284
934,649

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

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
14
Current assets
Debtors
15
Cash at bank andinhand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
16
one year
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
The funds of the charity
Restricted income funds
18
Unrestrictedfunds
2024
£
14,827
392,797
407,624
102,332		 £
532,392
305,292
837,684
612,690
224,994
837,684		 2023
£
39,582
469,566
509,148
120,977		 £
546,478
388,171
934,649
627,103
307,546
934,649

CARITAS DIOCESE OF SHREWSBURY

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash (absorbed by)/generated from
operations
22
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Proceeds from disposal of tangible fixed
assets
Investment income received
Net cash generated from/(used in)
investing activities
Net cash used in financing activities
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		 2024
£
(4,545)
565
6,519		 2023
£
£
£
(79,308)
86,828
(279,434)
-
288
2,539
(279,146)
-
-
(76,769)
(192,318)
469,566
661,884
392,797
469,566

CARITAS DIOCESE OF SHREWSBURY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Caritas Diocese of Shrewsbury is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation ('CIO') registered in England and Wales and the governing constitution is dated 22 September 2016. The address is Caritas Diocese of Shrewsbury, Wheatland Lane, Wallasey, Wirral, Merseyside CH44 7ED.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, 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 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. 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 or grantors 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 derived from activity and grants 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.

CARITAS DIOCESE OF SHREWSBURY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

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:

Fixtures and fittings 33% on cost Office equipment 33% on cost Functional property 3% on cost Building alterations 8% on cost

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).

1.8 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.

1.9 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.

CARITAS DIOCESE OF SHREWSBURY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans 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.

Trade 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.

1.10 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.

1.11 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 legacies

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
general
2024
2024
£
£
Donations and gifts
64,295
-
Legacies receivable
6,700
-
Grants receivable
150,000
212,587
220,995
212,587		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
general
2024
2023
2023
£
£
£
64,295
63,373
-
6,700
5,000
-
362,587
245,000
201,109
433,582
313,373
201,109		 Total
2023
£
63,373
5,000
446,109
514,482

CARITAS DIOCESE OF SHREWSBURY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

3
Donations and legacies
Donations and gifts
Parish Collections
Caritas at Christmas
Good Shepherd
Crib Offerings
Collection Boxes
Donations
Grants receivable for
core activities
Our Mission Together
Community Support Fund
- Winter Support
Afghan Refugee -
Bridging Hotels
SENsitive
Smallwood WOW
Refugee Support - Well
Project
Garfield Weston
Community Projects
Mend Minds		 2,579
10,699
11,833
12,787
5,472
20,925
64,295
150,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
150,000		 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
16,570
78,016
4,725
18,156
43,550
-
47,970
3,600
212,587		 2,579
10,699
11,833
12,787
5,472
20,925
64,295
150,000
16,570
78,016
4,725
18,156
43,550
-
47,970
3,600
362,587		 2,768
13,174
12,840
5,436
7,616
21,539
63,373
200,000
20,000
-
-
-
-
25,000
-
-
245,000		 (Continued)
-
2,768
-
13,174
-
12,840
-
5,436
-
7,616
-
21,539
-
63,373
-
200,000
-
20,000
132,028
132,028
23,034
23,034
9,750
9,750
21,725
21,725
-
25,000
14,572
14,572
-
-
201,109
446,109		 (Continued)
-
2,768
-
13,174
-
12,840
-
5,436
-
7,616
-
21,539
-
63,373
-
200,000
-
20,000
132,028
132,028
23,034
23,034
9,750
9,750
21,725
21,725
-
25,000
14,572
14,572
-
-
201,109
446,109
63,373
200,000
20,000
132,028
23,034
9,750
21,725
25,000
14,572
-
446,109

Our Mission Together – Support from the Diocese of Shrewsbury

Garfield Weston – Grant to support core costs.

Wirral BC provided £16,570 to support families during the Christmas period with the cost of food.

Community Projects - restricted funds to deliver support across the Diocese of Shrewsbury.

SENsitive Group income – The SENsitive Support and Campaign Group is a group of parents and carers with children with special educational needs.

Smallwood WOW Trust - £18,156 to cover staffing cost, overheads and activities for the Well project supporting refugees for mental wellbeing support and SENsitive support and campaign group.

Refugee Projects:

Well Project Funds received to support staff costs, refugees and people seeking asylum to help them integrate into the community and their mental well-being.

Afghan Refugees – restricted funds to provide support to a particular group of asylum seekers by offering help to integrate into the community and gave people the confidence to build their new life here in England.

CARITAS DIOCESE OF SHREWSBURY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

4
Income from charitable activities
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
£
£
School Support
Income for services
provided
-
77,416
Early Help Action Team
Income for services
provided
108,662
-
Other Project Income
Other income
697
643
109,359
78,059
5
Income from investments
Interest receivable
6
Other income
Room hire		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
2024
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
£
77,416
-
72,221
72,221
108,662
147,150
-
147,150
1,340
-
-
-
187,418
147,150
72,221
219,371
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
£
£
6,519
288
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
general
general
2024
2023
£
£
25,725
11,954		 Total
2023
£
72,221
147,150
-
219,371

CARITAS DIOCESE OF SHREWSBURY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

7 Raising funds

Fundraising and publicity
Seeking donations, grants and legacies
Other fundraising costs
Staff costs
Fundraising and publicity		 2024
£
7,218
2,858
11,631
21,707
21,707		 2023
£
5,713
1,051
5,419
12,183
12,183

8 Charitable activities

Staff costs
Volunteer expenses
Support Officer staff recharges from The Catholic Children's Society
Welfare activity
Share of support costs (see note 10)
Share of governance costs (see note 10)
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds - general
Restricted funds
For the year ended 31 March 2023
Unrestricted funds - general
Restricted funds		 2024
£
306,083
295
34,733
147,939
489,050
235,492
3,960
728,502
408,210
320,292
728,502		 2023
£
277,189
430
29,664
126,699
433,982
222,965
3,600
660,547
411,977
248,570
660,547

CARITAS DIOCESE OF SHREWSBURY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

9 Description of charitable activities

Schools Service

Our help is far reaching, as by working with children in schools and their parent/s or carers at home we are able to help the whole family, in some cases extended family too. This takes the pressure off schools, assisting with outcomes that are more positive for all involved.

A school may ask us to provide listening ear support to one child they feel is struggling emotionally in class only for us to find through our own assessment and engagement, that there’s more going on behind the scenes at home, for example:

This helps parents to develop their own coping skills, enabling them to move forward and reach goals, empowering rather than rescuing them. Building upon their confidence and self-esteem, giving them courage to take a lead and move forward themselves.

Parenting Programmes

Parenting Programmes help adults to understand and manage feelings/behaviours, enabling them to become more positive and nurturing in their relationships with children and each other. It encourages an approach to relationships that gives children and adults of all ages, an emotionally healthy start for their lives and learning. As a community support service, the team at Caritas facilitate parenting groups and if needed, work on a oneto-one basis for those parents who cannot attend a group. Caritas are inclusive and classes are open to all.

Early Help Service

Families come into our Early Help Service for a wide range of reasons, including;

CARITAS DIOCESE OF SHREWSBURY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

9 Description of charitable activities

(Continued)

Counselling Service

As we are coming out of lockdown Caritas have noted an uptake in referrals with clients suffering with more severe mental health issues, this is due in part, to the isolation some individuals have had to endure, they have been given time on their own to reflect on their own stories and analyse the various traumas they have suffered through their lives, which has only helped to increase anxieties and feelings of trauma. Caritas’ Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) therapist has noted an increasing number of clients who are selfharming and have attempted suicide.

Bereavement & Loss – Listening Service

We offer a listening ear without judgement immediately after loss or bereavement. To open up to others and let them in and talk about their struggles can be very scary so we provide a safe place where clients can talk freely about their fears and worries. Grief is recognised as a process and range of emotions people go through as they gradually adjust to their loss. Feelings of grief also happen regarding other types of loss such as the end of relationships, the loss of a job, moving house to a new area or decline in physical and mental health of someone you love.

Refugees and People Seeking Asylum

Our English classes have been running online and face-to-face at the St. Aidan’s Centre with referrals from partner organisations. ESOL classes are supported by an amazing and dedicated group of volunteers who deliver two-hour sessions every week.

Afghanistan Refugee Support Project

Support for refugees and people seeking asylum, including those housed in publicly commissioned “hotel” accommodation. Advice, signposting, education, peer support groups, provision of life’s basics. We are seeking an activities to enable the specialist delivery of the work that has supported residents in the hotels to date by our core partners Mustard Tree, Manchester Women’s Aid, City of Sanctuary and MRSN. This will focus particularly on resident’s mental health and wellbeing.

VCSE Hotel Lead Organisation (HLO) role

CARITAS DIOCESE OF SHREWSBURY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

10 Support costs allocated to activities

Staff costs
Depreciation
Support salary costs recharged from The Catholic Children's Society
Travel and subsistence
Other staff costs
Rent, rates and utilities
Repairs and maintenance
Other building and office costs
Computer and IT costs
Telephone costs
Printing, postage and stationery
Other support costs
Governance costs
Analysed between:
Charitable activities
Governance costs comprise:
Independent examination fees
Accountancy		 2024
£
94,199
18,066
36,969
7,542
(1,335)
28,018
10,625
15,796
9,684
6,304
5,032
4,592
3,960
239,452
239,452
2024
£
1,980
1,980
3,960		 2023
£
100,042
11,880
30,469
9,891
2,219
21,701
9,216
9,853
8,522
7,415
3,804
7,953
3,600
226,565
226,565
2023
£
1,800
1,800
3,600

All support costs have been allocated to charitable activities as they are incurred to support and further our core charitable activities.

11 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

12 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2024 2023
Number Number
Charitable activities 16 14

CARITAS DIOCESE OF SHREWSBURY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

12
Employees
Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs		 (Continued)
2024
2023
£
£
398,305
368,725
9,594
9,909
4,014
4,016
411,913
382,650		 (Continued)
2024
2023
£
£
398,305
368,725
9,594
9,909
4,014
4,016
411,913
382,650
382,650

Two employees of The Catholic Children's Society (Shrewsbury Diocese) Inc are seconded to Caritas.

In addition to the direct employment costs above, there were recharges of £71,702 (2023: £60,133) during the period from The Catholic Children's Society (Shrewsbury Diocese) Inc in respect of the staff seconded to Caritas. Of this amount, £34,733 (2023: £29,664) is included in charitable activities (see note 8) and £36,969 (2023: £30,469) is included support costs.

The number of employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000 is as follows:

2024 2023
Number Number
£60,001 to £70,000 1 1

Remuneration of key management personnel

The remuneration of key management personnel, excluding employer pension contributions, is as follows.

2024 2023
£ £
Aggregate compensation 112,067 107,916

13 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

CARITAS DIOCESE OF SHREWSBURY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

14
Tangible fixed assets
Fixtures and
fittings
Office
equipment
Functional
property
Building
alterations
£
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 April 2023
19,331
28,964
545,120
1,404
Additions
2,131
2,414
-
-
Disposals
-
(700)
-
-
At 31 March 2024
21,462
30,678
545,120
1,404
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2023
15,507
25,991
6,814
29
Depreciation charged in the year
1,876
2,484
13,628
117
Eliminated in respect of disposals
-
(174)
-
-
At 31 March 2024
17,383
28,301
20,442
146
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2024
4,079
2,377
524,678
1,258
At 31 March 2023
3,824
2,973
538,306
1,375		 Total
£
594,819
4,545
(700
598,664
48,341
18,105
(174
66,272
532,392
546,478

During the prior year the Charity completed the construction of its functional property at St Mary’s – Crewe. This project was completed in conjunction with funds from the Diocese of Shrewsbury, and funds received from the Denise Coates Foundation. The final total cost of the build was £803,604, with Caritas contributing £545,120. The property is built on Parish Land and has shared ownership due to restrictions. A trust deed will be written between the two parties to formalise the relationship.

15 Debtors

Amounts falling due within one year:
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income		 2024
£
10,228
4,599
14,827		 2023
£
31,463
8,119
39,582

16 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Other taxation and social security
Deferred income
Other creditors
Accruals		 2024
£
9,714
34,473
44,434
13,711
102,332		 2023
£
9,941
61,063
43,452
6,521
120,977

CARITAS DIOCESE OF SHREWSBURY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

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 profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes was £4,014 (2023 - £4,016).

18 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

At 1 April Incoming Resources Transfers At 31 March
2023 resources expended 2024
£ £ £ £ £
School Support - 77,416 (72,538) (4,878) -
Crewe Caritas Centre Project 535,711 - (13,628) - 522,083
Wythenshawe - Redecoration 1,334 - - - 1,334
Refugee Support (Well Project) 12,231 44,193 (57,168) 744 -
Afghan Refugee Support 47,567 78,016 (61,801) (5,274) 58,508
Smallwood - WOW - 18,156 (15,852) (2,304) -
Community Projects -
Wythenshawe - 2,600 (11,890) 9,290 -
Community Projects - Mend
Minds Wythenshawe 4,147 3,600 (1,024) - 6,723
Community Projects -
SENSitive Wythenshawe 23,931 4,725 (4,614) - 24,042
Community Projects - Wirral - 30,000 (46,254) 16,254 -
Community Projects - Crewe 2,182 15,370 (18,772) 1,220 -
Community Projects -
Shrewsbury - - (751) 751 -
Winter Support Fund - Wirral
Council - 16,570 (16,000) (570) -
627,103 290,646 (320,292) 15,233 612,690

CARITAS DIOCESE OF SHREWSBURY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

18 Restricted funds (Continued)
Previous year: At 1 April Incoming Resources Transfers At 31 March
2022 resources expended 2023
£ £ £ £ £
School Support - 72,221 (72,704) 483 -
Crewe Caritas Centre Project 542,525 - (6,814) - 535,711
Wythenshawe - Redecoration 1,334 - - - 1,334
Refugee Support (Well Project) 13,340 21,725 (22,834) - 12,231
Afghan Refugee Support - 132,028 (84,461) - 47,567
Smallwood - WOW - 9,750 (7,781) (1,969) -
Gubay Crisis Fund - - 6 (6) -
Community Projects -
Wythenshawe 503 2,813 (8,465) 5,149 -
Community Projects - Mend
Minds Wythenshawe 5,807 300 (1,310) (650) 4,147
Community Projects -
SENSitive Wythenshawe 3,725 23,034 (2,828) - 23,931
Community Projects - Wirral 22,731 - (31,329) 8,598 -
Community Projects - Crewe - 11,459 (9,277) - 2,182
Community Projects -
Shrewsbury - - (594) 594 -
Carers Together -
Wythenshawe - - (4) 4 -
Charity Resilience Fund - Wirral - - (175) 175 -
589,965 273,330 (248,570) 12,378 627,103

CARITAS DIOCESE OF SHREWSBURY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

18 Restricted funds

(Continued)

The Charity operates on specific objectives and raises funds to support those works within communities across the geography of the Diocese of Shrewsbury. The restricted funds have been broken into sections and details of supporting funding bodies are itemised below:

Funds received relating to our school support services are treated as restricted, they include a provision for direct activity and some overhead recovery.

Denise Coates Foundation – Crewe Caritas Centre – fund received to build a centre at St Mary’s Church in Crewe. These funds now represent a restricted building being depreciated over reasonable life expectancy.

Refugee Support – Well Project – Funds received to support staff costs, refugees and people seeking asylum to help them integrate into the community and their mental well-being. Funding from Juiceworks Ltd £2,400, Manchester Migrant grant £5,000, Women of Wythenshawe (Smallwood Crisis) £1,350, Manchester Council £30,000 (support to access education), Step Change – Refugee Action £4,000 as main contributors to support this work.

Due to the continued troubles in Afghanistan and the collapse of the government and the need to continue supporting asylum seekers we received funds from Manchester Council of £78,016. These funds provided costs for staff and support for the Afghan refugees to help them to integrate into the community, access education and gave people the confidence to build a new life here in England.

Smallwood – Women of Wythenshawe Trust – Refugee project - SENsitive project - £18,156. This fund supports both projects to cover staffing cost, overheads and activities for the Well project supporting refugees mental health and wellbeing and the SENsiitve group supports families and carers with children with Special Educational Needs and campaign to bring change.

Wirral Winter Household Grant: Supporting families and single people living on the Wirral in need as they try to balance their finances due to the increase in the cost of living. Wirral Borough Council granted us £16,570 to cover food costs and £570 towards staff costs in administrating the referral process to access the grant.

Community Projects:

Community Projects across the Diocese of Shrewsbury – We have broken these activities into geographical areas, to help identify appropriate funders to achieve our objectives. To cover staffing costings and running a variety of activities/groups to empower people to build up their mental health and self-esteem so that they feel confident and more equipped to deal with life’s challenges, including bereavement, loss and counselling. Support will also give roadmaps and information to other organisations that may be able to help.

Wythenshawe:

SENsitive Group income – The SENsitive Support and Campaign Group - a group of parents and carers with children with special educational needs with funding from Juiceworks Ltd £3,600. Mend Minds group support men who suffer with their mental health to build up their confidence and wellbeing. We received funding from Juiceworks Ltd. £3,600.

Crewe:

A variety of projects were set up at our Centre at St Mary’s Crewe to support the local community to grow their own vegetables. The project gave people the opportunity to plan, prepare the area, and purchase a shed to store their equipment. A fridge was purchased to store food for community members to come and take when they need. The main contributors were Cheshire East Council, Forest School £2,140, Cheshire East Council, NHS £9,120, Hubbub £4,250 to cover staff and activity costs.

All other funding is currently derived from unrestricted funds for these community projects.

CARITAS DIOCESE OF SHREWSBURY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

19 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 April Incoming Resources Transfers At 31 March
2023 resources expended 2024
£ £ £ £ £
Community Support Fund 9,156 11,396 (7,636) - 12,916
General funds 298,390 351,202 (422,281) (15,233) 212,078
307,546 362,598 (429,917) (15,233) 224,994
Previous year: At 1 April Incoming Resources Transfers At 31 March
2022 resources expended 2023
£ £ £ £ £
Community Support Fund 12,181 33,174 (35,699) (500) 9,156
Catholic Social Action - - (250) 250 -
General funds 259,138 439,591 (388,211) (12,128) 298,390
271,319 472,765 (424,160) (12,378) 307,546

The Community Support Fund – This fund is designed to support those most in need at the most demanding time of year.

20 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
£
£
Fund balances at 31 March 2024 are represented by:
Tangible assets
7,714
524,678
Current assets/(liabilities)
217,280
88,012
224,994
612,690		 Total
2024
£
532,392
305,292
837,684

CARITAS DIOCESE OF SHREWSBURY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

20 Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds (Continued)
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds
2023 2023 2023
£ £ £
Fund balances at 31 March 2023 are represented by:
Tangible assets 8,172 538,306 546,478
Current assets/(liabilities) 299,374 88,797 388,171
307,546 627,103 934,649

21 Related party transactions

Transactions with related parties

Seconded staff payments
2024 2023
£ £
Entities with control, joint control or significant influence over the company 71,702 60,133
71,702 60,133

Staff secondment and other costs were recharged in the period from The Catholic Children's Society (Shrewsbury Diocese) Inc. Caritas has made direct salary and associated payments in respect of the seconded staff.

At the end of the period, a creditor of £34,335 (2023: £32,980) was due from the charity to The Catholic Children's Society (Shrewsbury Diocese) Inc.

The £150,000 (2023: £200,000) grant income received for Our Mission Together (see note 3) is from the Shrewsbury Roman Catholic Diocesan Trust, which is a related charity.

Short-term loan funding of £60,000 (2023: £50,000) has been provided to the Shrewsbury Roman Catholic Diocesan Trust during the year and £Nil (2023: £Nil) is included in debtors at the year-end. The loans were interest fee and fully repaid prior to the year-end.

During the prior year the Charity completed the construction of its functional property at St Mary’s – Crewe. This project was completed in conjunction with funds from the Diocese of Shrewsbury, and funds received from the Denise Coates Foundation. The final total cost of the build was £803,604, with Caritas contributing £545,120 and the Diocese £258,484. The property is built on Parish Land and has shared ownership due to restrictions. A trust deed will be written between the two parties to formalise the relationship.

CARITAS DIOCESE OF SHREWSBURY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

22 Cash generated from operations 2024 2023
£ £
(Deficit)/surpus for the year (96,965) 73,365
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities (6,519) (288)
Gain on disposal of tangible fixed assets (39) -
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets 18,105 11,880
Movements in working capital:
Decrease/(increase) in debtors 24,755 (28,930)
Increase/(decrease) in creditors 7,945 (1,679)
(Decrease)/increase in deferred income (26,590) 32,480
Cash (absorbed by)/generated from operations (79,308) 86,828

23 Analysis of changes in net funds

The charity had no material debt during the year.