Annual Report January to December 2024
St Thomas’ Community Project (CIO registration 1170109)
Principal Office and Trading address
St Thomas’ church and community centre 239 Garretts Green Lane Garretts Green Birmingham B26 2SA
Trustees
Revd Paul Bracher (chair) Revd Susan Larkin Rev Sue Round Jo Holyoak Michele Twelftree (resigned 31[st] December 2024) Linda Nugent Debbie Green Phil Green Graham Holyoak
Structure, governance and management
St Thomas’ Community Project became a Charity Incorporated Organisation in October 2016 but has existed as a constituted body since 1992.
In accordance with constitution, on 27[th] July 2025 the Parochial Church Council of St Thomas’ Church, Garretts Green appointed two new trustees, namely Philip Green and Graham Holyoak.
Financial Review
The turnover for this year was £67,803 and at the end of the financial year we have reserves of £33,183 All expenditure has been made for the delivery of activities in line with the aims and objectives of the charity. The Statement of Financial Activities will show the funders and the balance of funds at the end of the year.
With a turnover of under £100,000 the charity does not require an audit, but the accounts have been independently examined.
Funds held as custodian trustee on behalf of others
No funds are held on behalf of others.
Public benefit statement
In planning and delivering our activities for the year the trustees kept in mind the Charity Commissions guidance on public benefit. There have been some changes in the services provided and the way they are delivered, and new activities have been introduced.
Main activities undertaken to further our charitable purposes for the public benefit.
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Working with local families
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Our weekly stay and playgroup runs regularly on Monday mornings between 9.15 and 11.00 a.m. Toys are rotated on a monthly basis to provide variety; we include toys for physical activity (eg climbing frame, bicycles, tunnels) items for imaginary play (kitchen, dressing up, farm yard, garage and cars),
resources to aid manual dexterity (e.g. lego, sticklebricks), and tabletop activities (puzzles, playdough, chalk boards). During the year we have introduced some new toys e.g. outdoor mud kitchen. Every week there is a craft for parents to complete with their child. During the session all the children sit down together for toast and drinks and we conclude with song time. Children come accompanied by parents, grandparents and carers and a number of child minders come regularly. This is delivered by a team of 3 volunteers and with some parent/carer help.
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Throughout the year we have provided a safe space for a family to have supervised contact with a social worker.
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Our community hall is available for private bookings and is regularly used by local families for childrens birthday parties and family events such as Eid celebrations and mehndi parties.
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Working with local children
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Our weekly provision of two youth groups during term time on Monday evenings. From 4.00 till 5.30 we ran activities for 6-11 year olds and from 6.00 till 7.30 for ages 11-16. The sessions include social time, organised games, crafts, activities and challenges. There were 38 sessions during the year, some children and young people come regularly, others come for a short while and others dip in and out. The groups are representative of the local community. We suspended the older age group at the end of 2024 to review the provisions and to secure further funding. This work is delivered by two experienced part-time youth workers and one regular volunteer.
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In addition to the work we deliver directly we host Masquerade (a musical drama group for children and young people) and Rochelle Dance Academy for children and young people aged 4 to 18.
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Working with local young adults
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A small group of up to 5/6 young adults aged 15-25 meet weekly. We provide a safe space, social interaction and support; it remains a small exclusive group. This group have become a support to us, helping with various tasks as they arise; for example, putting up the Christmas tree, preparing for school visits, giving IT advice and helping to resolve IT issues. This small group is pretty much independent and now sometimes meet off site.
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Working with older people and vulnerable adults
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This aspect of our community work has expanded. We employ two part time workers to engage with people in the 50+ age group; the purpose of this work is to keep older people active and involved in the local community. We now have a whole day set aside for 50+ activities that includes floor yoga, chair yoga, drop in coffee morning, light refreshments at lunch time e.g. soup in the winter, followed by afternoon tea and chat and social activities. We have welcomed a small group of new participants who live in care and come with their carers; they particularly enjoy playing pool.
There are table puzzles and games, quizzes, raffle and a lending library for books and jigsaws. There have been trips to a local garden centre and we celebrated D-Day and Christmas with a party. A high light of the year was a visit to the pantomime to watch Cinderella.
Gardening continued to be a popular activity and a small courtyard area is maintained by a small enthusiastic team and provides a quiet, reflective space for others to sit in and enjoy.
Towards the end of 2024 we started a new provision on Fridays which is an open craft session, gardening and line dancing.
A social worker from the adult care team is available once a month.
The work with people aged 50+ is delivered by two part time workers funded through the Body Mind and Spirit Partnership. We rely on a small group of enablers (volunteers) who are members of the group but also help to make things happen. This work has been re-commissioned for a further three years from October 2023.
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More specialist activities have continued on other days of the week; Xpress Yourself Dance on Monday mornings, a weekly men’s group is on Tuesday morning, an art and craft group also runs on Tuesday mornings and a local Art Club on Wednesday mornings.
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Relief of Poverty
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The local community can access other provisions on site e.g. shower and laundry facilities, use of telephone and internet and help with completing applications continues on an ad-hoc basis.
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Our independent Food Bank has remained open every week on Wednesday mornings throughout 2024 and clients serve themselves to hot drinks, toast and biscuits. Usage has increased as have donations from the local community, schools, churches, businesses and other organisations. A team of seven local volunteers manage the incoming donations, purchases, storage and distribution.
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During the year we held a community event to showcase all the provisions offered and a Christmas Bazaar, both events were well received and well attended.
Achievements and performance.
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During 2024 we engaged with 68 families and 108 children at our Stay and Play group and we delivered 36 sessions.
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A total of 32 children have attended our children’s club during 2024, total attendances is 409 giving an average weekly attendance 13; we delivered 36 sessions
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A total of 23 young people attended our youth club, total attendances 293 representing an average weekly attendance 13; we delivered 36 sessions
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59 people are on the register for 50+ social activities on Thursdays with a total of 1060 attendances averaging 21per week. We were open for 50 sessions during the year.
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Additionally there are those aged 50+ who attend yoga (36), dance (14), art club (7), crafts (24) men’s group (11) coffee morning (16), Friday group (11)
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531 food parcels were issued to 110 clients representing 250 individuals.
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We currently have 20 volunteers plus our volunteer trustees. We have 4 part time paid workers and 1 paid cleaner and a part time administrator.
Public Benefits
Our provision for families provides resources and opportunities for parents and carers to play with their children and meet other families.
The focus of our children’s and youth work is the delivery of a varied programme of activities and events to stimulate and develop them physically, mentally and emotionally. This benefits the children and young people by developing their self-confidence, self-esteem, social skills, increased resilience and raises aspirations.
We welcome all children and young people and we believe the experiences and opportunities they have enriches their personal lives which then impacts on their family, their school life and the wider community.
Our provision for older and more vulnerable people has increased. The aim is to maintain their physical, emotional and spiritual well-being and reduce social isolation. We encourage and enable older people to continue to use their skills, experience and hobbies and interests to benefit others.
Our work to address and combat poverty contributes towards physical and social well-being helping people towards more independent living.
Our work with volunteers and enablers of all ages utilises skills from within the local community and further develops and equips people.
Signature of Chair of Trustees
Date
Rev Paul Bracher
Charity number: 1170109
St.Thomas Community Project
UNAUDITED ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/12/2024
Prepared By:
R.J.Taylor & Co Chartered Accountants 175 Cole Valley Road Birmingham B28 0DG
St.Thomas Community Project
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/12/2024
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF ST.THOMAS COMMUNITY PROJECT
I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31/12/2024 .
RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUSTEES AND EXAMINER
The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. The charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to
undertake the examination by being a qualified member of I.C.A.E.W .
Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to an audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
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follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the
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2011 Act; and
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state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
BASIS OF INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS STATEMENT
My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a "true and fair view" and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
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St.Thomas Community Project
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/12/2024
INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS STATEMENT
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities
have not been met; or
(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached
...................................................
Date: 07/05/2025
R.J.Taylor & Co Chartered Accountants 175 Cole Valley Road Birmingham B28 0DG 01213256929
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St.Thomas Community Project
Statement of Financial Activities
for the year ended 31/12/2024
| Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31/12/2024 |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income Income from generated funds Other trading activities Income from charitable activities Other Income Total Income and endowments Expenses Costs of generating funds Expenditure on Raised funds Expenditure on Charitable activities Total Expenses Net gains on investments Net Income Gains/(losses) on revaluation of fixed assests Net movement in funds: Net income for the year Total funds brought forward Net funds carried forward |
Unrestric ted funds £ 42,602 - 6,945 49,547 1,445 51,023 52,468 (2,921) (2,921) 24,900 21,979 |
Restricte d funds £ - - 18,258 |
2024 Total £ 42,602 - 25,201 |
2023 Total £ 23,806 24,076 30,806 |
| 18,258 | 67,803 | 78,688 | ||
| - 23,770 |
1,445 74,791 |
6,459 77,332 |
||
| 23,770 | 76,236 | 83,791 | ||
| (5,512) | (8,433) | (5,103) | ||
| (5,512) 16,716 |
(8,433) 41,616 |
(5,103) 46,719 |
||
| 11,204 | 33,183 | 41,616 |
This statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities
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St.Thomas Community Project
| BALANCE SHEET AT 31/12/2024 Notes CURRENT ASSETS Cash at bank and in hand CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year 2 NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES CAPITAL AND RESERVES Unrestricted funds 3 General fund Restricted funds 4 |
33,903 33,903 720 |
2024 £ 33,183 33,183 21,979 11,204 33,183 |
42,336 42,336 720 |
2023 £ 41,616 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41,616 | ||||
| 24,900 16,716 |
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| 41,616 |
For the year ending 31/12/2024 the company was entitled to exemption under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
Approved by the board of trustees on 07/05/2025 and signed on their behalf by
.............................
Trustee
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St.Thomas Community Project
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/12/2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
1a. Basis Of Accounting
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with FRS102 - The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland and the Companies Act 2006 and the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities.
1b. Incoming Resources
All incoming resources are included on the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
1c. Resources Expended
Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
1d. Allocation And Apportionment Of Costs
All costs relate to the single activity of the charitable company and are recognised accordingly.
1e. Fund Accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Designated funds are funds set aside by the trustees out of unrestricted general funds for the specific future purposes or projects.
1f. Turnover
Turnover represents the invoiced value of goods and services supplied by the company, net of value added tax and trade discounts.
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St.Thomas Community Project
2. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Other creditors
| 2024 £ 720 720 |
2023 £ 720 |
|---|---|
| 720 |
3. UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
General fund
| Brought forward £ 24,900 |
Incoming resource £ 49,549 |
OutgoingTransfers resource £ £ (52,470) - (52,470) - |
OutgoingTransfers resource £ £ (52,470) - (52,470) - |
Carried forward £ 21,979 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24,900 | 49,549 | (52,470) | - | 21,979 |
4. RESTRICTED FUNDS
Grants THRIVE
| Brought forward £ 11,826 4,890 |
Incoming resource s £ - 18,258 |
OutgoingTransfers resource s £ £ (6,570) - (17,200) - (23,770) - |
OutgoingTransfers resource s £ £ (6,570) - (17,200) - (23,770) - |
Carried forward £ 5,256 5,948 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16,716 | 18,258 | (23,770) | - | 11,204 |
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St.Thomas Community Project
Incoming Resources for the year ended 31/12/2024
| Incoming Resources for the year ended 31/12/2024 |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Incoming resources Incoming resources from generated funds Income resources from generated funds Rent - centre Rent - Hall Donations 50+ Little Angels Income resources from charitable activities Grants Other Incoming Resources Refunds and misc Admin/Office Children/YP BMSP |
300 19,534 14,550 6,718 1,500 - |
2024 £ 42,602 42,602 - - 5,397 565 983 18,256 25,201 67,803 |
300 19,024 21 3,472 989 24,076 |
2023 £ 23,806 |
| 23,806 | ||||
| 24,076 | ||||
| 24,076 | ||||
| 28 7,416 1,650 21,712 |
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| 30,806 | ||||
| 78,688 |
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St.Thomas Community Project
Expenses
for the year ended 31/12/2024
| Expenses Costs of generating funds Costs Of Generating Voluntary Income Maintenance Charitable Activities Grants expenditure Refreshments Playdays 50+ resources Expenses Governance Costs Rent and Utilities Training Administration Bank charges Cleaning Communications Little Angels Children/YP Other salary Youth community worker salary Insurance Professional charges BMSP |
2024 £ 1,445 |
2023 £ 6,459 |
|---|---|---|
| 1,445 | 6,459 | |
| 1,445 | 6,459 | |
| 2,250 7 - 8,014 59 |
19,348 - 95 3,100 - |
|
| 10,330 | 22,543 | |
| 7,579 - 21,295 210 5,447 561 892 664 2,502 6,560 831 720 17,200 64,461 76,236 |
6,413 778 8,737 161 4,722 561 180 1,628 3,598 9,280 815 720 17,196 |
|
| 54,789 | ||
| 83,791 |
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