AMARITANS 70 Annual Report 2024-25
Charity registration number: 1170412
SAMARITANS MILTON KEYNES TRUSTEES' REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
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Martin Nye Limited
Chartered Certified Accountants
186 High Street
Winslow
Buckinghamshire
MK18 3DQ
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Samaritans Milton Keynes Contents
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' Report | 1—8 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 9 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 10 |
| Statement of Financial Position | 11 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 12—17 |
| The following pages do not form part of the statutory accounts: | |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 18—19 |
Samaritans Milton Keynes Trustees' Report For The Year Ended 31 March 2025
The trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Objectives and Activities
Aims and Objectives
The principal activity of the charity in the year under review was the operation of a charity shop and the provision of emotional support via telephone, e-mail and face to face contact.
The objects of the Charity are:
1.To enable persons in Milton Keynes and the surrounding area as well as elsewhere who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those who may be at risk of suicide, to receive confidential emotional support at any time of the day or night to improve their emotional health and to reduce the incidence of suicide.
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To promote a better understanding in society of suicide, suicidal behaviour, and the value of expressing feelings which may otherwise lead to suicide or impaired emotional health; and
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To collaborate with and support Samaritans Central Charity and its affiliated branches in fulfilling these Objects.
Page 1
Samaritans Milton Keynes Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025
Public Benefit
In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance 'Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'.
The trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.
Achievements and Performance
Main Achievements
Samaritans Milton Keynes became an independent charity affiliated to Samaritans on 1 April 2017.
The Branch Leadership team which consists of the Director, Trustees, and Deputy Directors are responsible for the leadership and management of the branch and its financial affairs.
Branch Director /Chair Trustees Nikki Denison
Branch Treasurer/Trustee Adrian Blair
Branch Secretary/Trustee Dawn Bisset
Trustee Sophie Lovejoy
Trustee Nikki Gregory
Deputy Director (Email) Lesley Phillips
Deputy Director (Outreach) Clair Roberts
Deputy Director (Prisons) Lynne Badr & Lavinia Hoad
Deputy Director (Recruitment) Samantha Edmunson & Paul Standbrook
Deputy Director (Shift Support) Harvey Rainbow
Deputy Director (Training) Nicole McDermott
Deputy Director (Volunteer Care) Sheila Wright
Branch Director & Chair of Trustee Report 1st April 2024 – 31st March 2025
Nikki Denison
Our branch has continued to grow in volunteer numbers and also adapt to a number of changes across the year. We have added to our Leadership Team and through their efforts and the contribution of all volunteers have moved forward in a number of ways/areas and developed a clear plan/priority to further improve and take us into the 2025/2026 year.
Throughout the year the Trustees and BLT have worked to ensure all required legal, HSSE and compliance actions were completed.
Thanks should go to Mike Kelly and to Paul Standbrook for the time spent as Branch Director - agreeing to take this on and completing a handover takes both work and commitment and this should not go unrecognised. The initial few months of the year (pre-July) were overseen by a combination of Paul, Mike (as interim Director) and with support of the BLT - particular note going to the roles both Dawn Bisset and Adrian Blair played. It was testament to the shared sense of care and accountability that we worked as a team to complete all required tasks.
In June 2025 I began in the Director role with my official appointment being from 1st July 2025, additional thanks to Mike Kelly for the support given during my handover (and the ongoing support too!).
During the initial months following my appointment I had the pleasure of catching up with the huge number of volunteers who take on roles in addition to that of Listening Volunteer and was humbled by their commitment and passion for the branch and our callers. I was keen that everyone should be supported in role and that growing our BLT would help this. We added a number of people and roles to the Leadership Team for the branch with a longer-term aim of having 2 people in every position to support succession planning.
As part of this over the year; Harvey Rainbow, Sheila Wright, Nicole McDermott, Julie Myers, Lavinia Hoad, Lesley Phillips and Sam Edmundson joined the BLT and Paul Standbrook rejoined. Thank you to Dan Satterthwaite for his huge contribution to training over previous years as he stepped away from this role and also to Nikki Gregory for all she contributed as Volunteer Care DD and for agreeing to remain as part of the Leadership Team by joining the Board of Trustees.
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Samaritans Milton Keynes Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025
Main Achievements - continued
In October we began preparations for the introduction of the new Listening Centre software which was to replace Link. We had new, centrally funded broadband installed and thanks must go to Peter Cole for his role in supporting this process, attending meetings and acting as the branch liaison with Central Office and ordering the required equipment to ensure a smooth transition. The Listening Centre 'went live' in November and many volunteers attended training sessions in branch ahead of this launch to ensure it was a success. Feedback indicates the call quality is much improved and some of the issues we had with the old system were removed. The shift to a more centrally supported IT provision has also simplified how we fix any issues and made this more accessible to the whole branch/not requiring of the specialist knowledge we had come to rely on previously. A note must be added here for the huge contribution Peter Cole has made to the stability of our IT systems for so many years and that while simplification is a real positive, the reduction in the need for his considerable expertise in this space was a real adjustment and loss.
This year has presented some financial challenges. For the first time we were faced with a downturn in the contribution from the Westcroft Community Shop. Where historically the Branch has not needed to actively fundraise, forecasts from the new Shop Directors continued to show that costs were rising while takings were not and that there was likely to be a considerable reduction in the monies received. Both Rees Mann and Colleen Calais were also required to spend considerable time supporting the day-to-day operations of the shop following a number of changes and challenges which led to the resignation of the long-standing shop manager as well as a number of shop volunteers. Following the appointment of a new Shop Manager the Branch arranged a thank you event for the whole shop team to both recognise the role they play and educate them on what we do in branch. Thank you to both Clair Roberts and Lesley Phillips for supporting with this.
We completed our required annual ongoing mentoring again in September - for the second year running volunteers worked 'side by side' to listen in to each other’s calls and share feedback. This was completed by around 70% of the branch.
October also saw the beginning of our QOF Review - a required process following the appointment of a new Director - this was an opportunity for us to review every part of the branch operation and while it would not be completed during the current year of reporting, a number of activities did take place including meetings with the BLT and Branch. Thank you to everyone involved in sharing ideas and areas for improvement, as well as what we're great at, during this process. The initial feedback highlighted what a great branch we are as well as commenting on how proactive and positive the BLT were.
6 Volunteers attended the Regional Conference with me in Corby in October and heard presentations from Karma Nirvana and Impact Autism as well as attending workshop sessions covering Hours of Need, Prison Calls and Taking Challenging Calls. Following positive feedback from this, Jenny Lowey from Impact Autism was chosen to speak at our AGM in December.
I remain humbled by the huge contribution of the whole branch in making sure we are here for our callers, while I can't possibly name everyone and don't wish to duplicate the content from the other reports, I would like to make special mention to a couple of key people/activities.
The quality and number of volunteers coming through training has increased over the year - I attribute this to a revised approach to recruitment paired with the joined-up way the recruitment, training, mentoring and embedding teams are working. The growth of the branch will be underpinned by how successfully we recruit and onboard new volunteers so this shift should not go unrecognised and the increase in the number of volunteers being engaged to support with recruitment, training and mentoring has really highlighted our non-hierarchical structure as well as how many amazing volunteers we have.
A move to a new DBS check requiring the whole branch to complete a digital application would not have been possible without the quiet efficiency of Charlotte Stone so thanks must go to her for this both from a compliance perspective but also for the kind way she supported those that struggle with the process.
Where we began to think about fundraising for the first time, a thank you must go to Clair Roberts for organising a number of events, including our 3rd place ranking in the Charity Christmas Tree competition in the Centre MK. Also, thanks to Amy Hughes for her role in arranging our Just Giving page and QR code link.
DD for Email was a new role to the BLT and recognition must be noted for Lesley Phillips for her work in engaging our email volunteers old and new to develop a better and more consultative way of reviewing emails before they are sent which focuses on the collaborative intent behind this conversation.
A final thank you to all I have failed to mention individually - thank you all so much for all you do.
Trustees Report for Branch Secretary & Health & Safety 1st April 2024 – 31st March 2025
Dawn Bisset
In the reporting year of 2024-2025 the Annual Branch checklists were completed and submitted to Samaritans Central Office at the end of November 2024. These covered the areas of Finance, Governance and Health and Safety. They included statutory compliance requirements that branches must prove are adhered to or must action for the coming year. In this financial year the checklists highlighted some areas for action, including amongst others: Fire Risk Assessment actions to be completed, emergency torches cited around branch, lone workers policy to be agreed, risk assessments for pregnant women to be completed, risk register to be updated and the appointment of a GDPR trustee. Several of these actions were incorporated into the QOF Action plan later in the calendar year.
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Samaritans Milton Keynes Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025
Main Achievements - continued
Room bookings have produced increased income during the stated financial year with a new increased rate of hire agreed with the main hirer. Much work went into collaborating with a new Support Sam who joined our team, Amanda Saville who shared her fundraising expertise to create a plan for reintroducing face to face listening in the branch. Later in the calendar year these plans came to a halt due to the organisation wide changes including the phasing out of face to face. Our thanks should be noted for Amanda and we hope to work with you on some new fundraising projects again soon.
Behind the scenes, monthly, half yearly and annual health and safety checks have been carried out. These tasks have been assisted by another new Sam who joined our support team this year, Gisela Ebulley. Thank you Gisela for giving up your time once a month to help with Health and Safety checks and administrative tasks that all help keep the branch operating smoothly. Services have been bought in from external organisations to ensure the building and safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, fire alarms, emergency lighting and the stairlift etc. is safe and compliant for all the volunteers. Documentation for these statutory safety checks has been displayed in branch or available to view on 3Rings in Filestore. Various maintenance and repair tasks have been carried out during this financial year including a window replacement in the Annie Cowley room and repairs to stairwell lighting.
Following Director selection, feedback about improving communication in the branch was highlighted. Bi-monthly mini feedbacks to the branch from Branch Leadership Team meetings have been actioned and quarterly newsletters are shared with a round-up of fundraising news, leavers and new numbers etc. This has been combined with increased news sharing on the 3Rings overview to help volunteers feel connected and better informed. Casual feedback has been shared to say this increased communication is appreciated by volunteers.
In my Branch Secretary role I have supported the Prisons Team in producing training resources, evaluating and updating Mentor and Mentee booklets as each new cohort of mentees starts, assisted training and recruitment teams in administrative tasks for their events and supported the Branch Leadership Team in various ongoing tasks.
Deputy Director Report for Outreach 1st April 2024 – 31st March 2025
Clair Roberts
It was a busy year for the outreach and fundraising team and I would like to start my report by thanking every single person who came along and supporting an outreach or fundraising event.
The year began by being invited to offer a presentation at Grenville Lodge of the Oddfellows. This was made possible by the support of Tring school for the donation of a projector and the support of the wonderful Sheila who I couldn’t have done it without. Her unwavering support is much appreciated.
We later attended the Sarah Millican shows at the Milton Keynes theatre and raised £1041.68. 100% of all funds raised were retained by the branch.
Our ‘Positivitree’ that we displayed as part of the midsummer place Christmas tree festival was one of the highlights of the festive season. This campaign not only raised awareness that Samaritans are there for everyone, with an incredible reach, it was also a competition and we were the third-place tree, winning £750.00 for the branch.
Over the festive season, we also had a stall selling handmade items and displaying Samaritans promotional material. This was a wonderful event with lots of volunteers supporting the stall and raising over £200 for the branch.
Deputy Director Report for Prisons 1st April 2024 – 31st March 2025
Lynne Badr & Lavinia Hoad
HMP Woodhill is a category B, high security prison in Milton Keynes.
It has been another very challenging year for HMP Woodhill. Like many other prisons, in the country, HMP Woodhill suffers from a lack of experienced staff, which causes frustration for both us and the Listeners. The level of self-harm and violence is amongst the highest in the country. Listeners choose to do this unpaid role as they genuinely want to help other men who are struggling and it is very rewarding to see the enthusiasm they have for the role. It is underestimated how challenging the Listener role can be as they are on the front-line at what can be an extremely demanding and tough time. Sadly, in January, there was a death in custody and the Listeners played a crucial role in supporting other men on their wings.
We held a very successful Listener training course for eight men in May 2024. The prison arranged a belated Celebration Day at the end of November when the Listeners were allowed to invite their families and prison team members for a lunch. After the lunch, the men were presented with their certificates for successfully completing the Listener training course and photographs were taken. Unfortunately, these photographs have never been received by the men due to a security issue.
We are lucky to work closely with a very supportive Safer Custody officer whose contribution to the Listener scheme is very much appreciated by us and the Listeners. We continue to go in to support the Listeners every two weeks in addition to attending monthly Safer Custody meetings.
HMP Springhill is a category D Open Prison in Grendon Underwood.
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Samaritans Milton Keynes Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025
Main Achievements - continued
From April 2024 - March 2025, it has been a fairly difficult year. Up until December we had a good group of five Listeners, then all at once they started work outside and were never back in time for the evening debriefs. This left us with two, then dropping to one, after the other was released. Commitment was a challenge and it was difficult holding a debrief with only one Listener, who sometimes didn’t turn up. In contrast to HMP Woodhill, HMP Springhill is generally a much calmer and safer environment.
Deputy Director Report for Shift Support 1st April 2024 – 31st March 2025
Harvey Rainbow
This past year has been a really positive one for us as a branch. It’s been a nice year overall, and I want to take a moment to reflect on the support, commitment, and kindness that everyone continues to give.
A huge thank you to each and every one of you for the dedication you show – not only in your regular hours, but also in the extra support you provide to one another. It’s this generosity of spirit that truly makes the difference.
We’ve also been focusing on recruitment, with an aim to bring in more shift supporters and get new people trained up. If you’d like to be involved or find out more, please do come and speak to me or please do reach out to anyone in the shift support team who would be happy to give you a bit of an overview of what it is like to do it.
I’ll finish with this thought: every time I see the way our branch pulls together, I’m reminded of just how special Milton Keynes Samaritans is. The kindness, teamwork, and care you show one another – and those who call us – is nothing short of amazing.
Deputy Director Report for Recruitment 1st April 2024 – 31st March 2025
Samantha Edmunson & Paul Standbrook
We offered 5 information sessions during the year, which continue to work well, providing an overview of our branch and our work along with an opportunity to observe the attitudes and reactions of the Potential Volunteers in a group setting. We also ran a couple of extended interviews for those unable to make Saturday sessions.
The rate of uptake to the sessions, and the ratio of those successful at interview, continues to feed healthy numbers into our core training, and two potential volunteers also signed up and began training with the central training school.
Huge thanks as always to our dedicated recruitment team, who continue to give up their Saturdays and make the whole process both effective and fun!
Deputy Director Report for Training 1st April 2024 – 31st March 2025
Nicole McDermott & Dan Satterthwaite
In the past year we have delivered three intakes for new volunteers completing their core development, in November 2024, March & September 2025. Through this training we have successfully put 32 individuals through to mentoring stage, many of which have now gone on to become probationers or fully numbered Samaritans.
This year we took a ‘test & learn’ approach to how we deliver face to face training, experimenting with which days and times we deliver training based on potential volunteer feedback and demand. This has included delivering a condensed schedule of training on Saturdays, to try to adapt to the changing needs of new potential volunteers, which has worked well. We will continue to offer training sessions with more flexibility as we move into 2026.
Alongside core development, Michelle has done a wonderful job of successfully delivering our embedding training, which has once again seen some innovation in terms of delivery based on volunteer feedback.
As we look forward to 2026, we will continue our regular potential volunteer intakes and embedding training as well as completing a full review of all mandatory training for MK Samaritans volunteers.
Deputy Director Report for Volunteer Care 1st April 2024 – 31st March 2025
Sheila Wright & Nikki Gregory
As Volunteer Care Lead, I'm committed to nurturing and supporting our incredible volunteers, especially those who are taking a break or facing challenges in maintaining their hours. I monitor the volunteers hours, engaging with them, and understanding their struggles, within the bounds of confidentiality. I collaborate with our embedding team to welcome and empower new volunteers as they embark on their Samaritans journey with us at Fishermead. Every volunteer's voice matters, and I'm dedicated to making sure they feel valued, heard, and supported every step of the way.
Financial Review
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Samaritans Milton Keynes Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025
Financial Position
The Trustees have prepared the accounts in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) for Charities, which supplements the traditional income and expenditure account with a Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) which records resources received and spent.
Net incoming resources from all funds were (£3,433) (2024 - £5,882). A detailed review of the financial position is shown in the Statement of Financial Activities.
Reserves Policy
The Trustees' review the amount of reserves that are required to ensure that they are adequate to fulfil the charity's continuing obligations on a quarterly basis at their Management meeting.
In the Trustees' view, the reserves should provide the charity with adequate financial stability and the means for it to meet its charitable objectives for the foreseeable future.
The Trustees propose to maintain the charity's reserves at a level, which is equivalent to twenty four months operational expenditure, having regard to its manner of operation of likely funding streams.
Going Concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.
Risk Management
The Trustees carry out an annual review of both the financial and operational risks that the charity may face.
Structure, Governance and Management
Governing Document
Samaritans Milton Keynes is a registered charity, number 1170412, and is constituted under a Trust deed, the charity was established on 25 November 2016. The Registered Office of the charity is 161 Fishermead Boulevard, Fishermead, MK6 2AB.
Trustee Selection Methods
The management of the Charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Trust deed.
Reference and Administrative Details
Trustees
Ms Nikki Denison - Trustee (appointed 01/07/2024) Ms Julie Myers - Trustee (appointed 01/01/2025) Ms Dawn Bisset - Trustee Ms Nikki Gregory - Trustee (appointed 03/12/2024) Mr Adrian Blair - Trustee Ms Sophie Lovejoy - Trustee
Charity Number
1170412
Principal Address
161 Fishermead Boulevard Fishermead MK6 2AB
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Samaritans Milton Keynes Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025
Independent Examiner
Mrs. V. J. Bishop BA(Hons) FCCA Martin Nye Limited Chartered Certified Accountants 186 High Street Winslow Buckinghamshire MK18 3DQ
Page 7
Samaritans Milton Keynes Trustees. Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 year vthKh give a true and fair view of the Aate of affair5 of the dwity and of the incomiw resources and appk(ation of . state whher aA)licable UK Accountlng Standards (FRS 102) have been follo. subht to Mat1 departures disdosed aFKI ewained in the finan(ial statem. and M5 Nthi Denison 1st D&emb¥ 2025
Samaritans Milton Keynes Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Samaritans Milton Keynes For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 The trustees are responsible for the pparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144121 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. Having sat15fied myself that the charity is not subjert to an audit under company law and is eligible for independent examinatlDn, it is my responsibility to.. examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act,. follow the procedures laid down in the general Dirertions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515){b) of the 2011 Act,. and state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Responsibilities and Basls of Report My examination wa5 carried out In accordance with general Dirertions given by the Charity Commission. An examination indudes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a compari50n of the accounts presented with those record5. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disdosures In the accounts, and seeking explanation5 from you as trustees Concerning any Such matters. The procedure5 undertaken do not provsde all the eviden that would be required in an audit. and consequently no opinion is given a5 to whether the accounts present a "true and fair view" and the report is limited to those matters set out in the Statement below. Independent Examiner's Statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material rnatters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that In any material respect: l. accounting records were not kept in respect of the TnJst as required by section 130 of the Act: or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records. or 3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and contents of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulation$ 2008 other than any requirernent that the accounts give a 'true and fair view. which Is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have corne across no other matters in connettion with the examination to which attention Should be rawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Mrs. V. J. Bishop BA(Hons) FCCA 1st December 2025 Martin Nye Limited Chartered Certified Accountants 186 High Street Winslow Buckinghamshire MK18 3DQ Page 9
Samaritans Milton Keynes Statement of Financial Activities For The Year Ended 31 March 2025
| Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM: Donations and legacies 3 Other trading activities 4 Investments 5 EXPENDITURE ON: Raising funds 7 Charitable activities: 7 Central Charity Charge Governance Costs Administration Premises General Branch Expenses NET (EXPENDITURE)/INCOME NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS: Total funds brought forward TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 15 |
2025 Unrestricted funds £ 8,222 30,767 491 |
2024 Unrestricted funds £ 7,975 48,174 - |
|---|---|---|
| 39,480 | 56,149 | |
| (1,579) (4,149) (1,800) (6,444) (14,857) (14,084) |
(1,623) (3,203) (4,000) (7,596) (16,761) (17,084) |
|
| (42,913) | (50,267) | |
| (3,433) | 5,882 | |
| (3,433) 99,108 |
5,882 93,226 |
|
| 95,675 | 99,108 |
The notes on pages 12 to 17 form part of these financial statements.
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Samaritans Milton Keynes As At 31 larth 2025 2025 2024 Tangible knets li 10.040 9.117 12 10.043 9,120 13 14.601 85,913 Cash at bank in hand 88.979 98.517 100.514 14 (12.885) (10.526) 85.632 89.988 95.675 99.108 95.675 99.108 95,675 99.108 15 95.675 99.108 On behalf of the board tst December 2025 The note% on pag¢s 12 to 17 fonn part of these flnanaal stateFWts. Page 11
Samaritans Milton Keynes Notes to the Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31 March 2025
1. General Information
Samaritans Milton Keynes is a charitable incorporated organisation registered with the Charity Commission, registered charity number 1170412. The principal address is 161 Fishermead Boulevard, Fishermead, MK6 2AB.
The presentation currency is £ Sterling rounded to the nearest £1.
2. Accounting Policies
2.1. Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) "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)", Financial Reporting Standard 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities Act 2011.
The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair' view. This departure involved following the Charities SORP (FRS102) published in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
Samaritans Milton Keynes meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
2.2. Going Concern Disclosure
The trustees have not identified any material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
2.3. Significant judgements and estimations
In the application of the company's accounting policies, the directors 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 the current and future periods.
2.4. Fund Accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for a specific purpose.
Restricted funds are to be used for specific purposes as laid down by the donor.
2.5. 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.
Donated goods are measured at fair value on initial recognition, which is the expected proceeds from sale less the expected costs of sale. Where it is not practical to measure the value of the resource with sufficient reliability, the income is included in the financial period when the resource is sold.
2.6. 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.
2.7. Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation
Tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of the fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases:
Leasehold 10% straight line Plant & Machinery 10% and 20% straight line
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Samaritans Milton Keynes Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025
2.8. Investments
Fixed asset investments are a form of financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction cost and subsequently measured at fair value at the Balance sheet date, unless the value cannot be measured reliably in which case it is measured at cost less impairment. Investment gains and losses, whether realised or unrealised, are combined and presented as 'Gains/(Losses) on investments' in the Statement of Financial Activities.
2.9. Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assets and include cash in hand and deposits held at call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments that mature in no more than three months from the date of acquisition and are readily convertible to a known amount of cash with insignificant risk of change in value, and bank overdrafts.
2.10. Financial Instruments
The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as Basic Financial Instruments. Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's Balance Sheet when the company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at settlement value
3. Income from Donations and Legacies
| . Income from Donations and Legacies |
||
|---|---|---|
| Donations and gifts Grants . Income from Other Trading Activities Income from other trading activities Fundraising events Shop income . Investment Income Bank interest receivable . Net Income/(Expenditure) he net (expenditure)/income is stated after charging/(crediting): Depreciation of tangible fixed assets - owned |
2025 Unrestricted funds £ 4,143 4,079 |
2024 Unrestricted funds £ 3,896 4,079 |
| 8,222 | 7,975 | |
| 2025 Unrestricted funds £ 220 2,712 27,835 |
2024 Unrestricted funds £ - 259 47,915 |
|
| 30,767 | 48,174 | |
| 2025 Unrestricted funds £ 491 |
2024 Unrestricted funds £ - |
|
| 2025 £ 458 |
2024 £ 2,068 |
4. Income from Other Trading Activities
5. Investment Income
6. Net Income/(Expenditure)
The net (expenditure)/income is stated after charging/(crediting):
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Samaritans Milton Keynes Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025
7. Analysis of Expenditure
| Raising funds Central Charity Charge Governance Costs Administration Premises General Branch Expenses Raising funds Central Charity Charge Governance Costs Administration Premises General Branch Expenses |
Activities undertaken directly £ 1,579 4,149 - - - - |
Support costs (see note 8) £ - - 1,800 6,444 14,857 14,084 |
2025 Total £ 1,579 4,149 1,800 6,444 14,857 14,084 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5,728 | 37,185 | 42,913 | |
| Activities undertaken directly £ 1,623 3,203 - - - - |
Support costs (see note 8) £ - - 4,000 7,596 16,761 17,084 |
2024 Total £ 1,623 3,203 4,000 7,596 16,761 17,084 |
|
| 4,826 | 45,441 | 50,267 |
8. Support Costs
| Premises expenses General administration Depreciation Governance costs |
Governance Costs £ - - - 1,800 |
Administration £ - 6,444 - - |
Premises £ 14,857 - - - |
General Branch Expenses £ 9,497 4,129 458 - |
2025 Total £ 24,354 10,573 458 1,800 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,800 | 6,444 | 14,857 | 14,084 | 37,185 |
Page 14
Samaritans Milton Keynes Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025
| Premises expenses General administration Depreciation Governance costs |
Governance Costs £ - - - 4,000 |
Administration £ - 7,596 - - |
Premises £ 16,761 - - - |
General Branch Expenses £ 11,254 3,762 2,068 - |
2024 Total £ 28,015 11,358 2,068 4,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4,000 | 7,596 | 16,761 | 17,084 | 45,441 |
9. Independent Examiner's Remuneration
| Independent examination of the financial statements Other assurance services Tax advisory services Other financial services |
2025 £ 1,800 - - - 1,800 |
2024 £ 1,800 - - - |
|---|---|---|
| 1,800 |
10. Average Number of Employees
The charity relies on volunteers and has no staff.
One trustee acted as an administration assistant for the charity in a self-employed capacity and received £4,054 during the year (2024 - £3,748). Average number of employees during the year was: NIL (2024: NIL)
11. Tangible Assets
| Cost As at 1 April 2024 Additions As at 31 March 2025 Depreciation As at 1 April 2024 Provided during the period As at 31 March 2025 Net Book Value As at 31 March 2025 As at 1 April 2024 |
Land & Property Leasehold £ 11,538 - |
Plant & Machinery £ 12,252 1,381 |
Total £ 23,790 1,381 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11,538 | 13,633 | 25,171 | |
| 11,538 - |
3,135 458 |
14,673 458 |
|
| 11,538 | 3,593 | 15,131 | |
| - | 10,040 | 10,040 | |
| - | 9,117 | 9,117 |
Page 15
Samaritans Milton Keynes Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025
12. Investments
| Cost or Valuation As at 1 April 2024 As at 31 March 2025 Provision As at 1 April 2024 As at 31 March 2025 Net Book Value As at 31 March 2025 As at 1 April 2024 |
Unlisted £ 3 |
|---|---|
| 3 | |
| - | |
| - | |
| 3 | |
| 3 |
The Investment is shown at cost and relates to a 50% shareholding of the company MK Community Shop (Westcroft) Limited, donations received during the year are shown as income received in the Statement of Financial Activities.
13. Debtors
| Due within one year Trade debtors Other debtors |
2025 £ 60 9,478 9,538 |
2024 £ 1,290 13,311 |
|---|---|---|
| 14,601 |
14. Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year
| Trade creditors Accruals and deferred income |
2025 £ 3,543 9,342 12,885 |
2024 £ 3,996 6,530 |
|---|---|---|
| 10,526 |
15. Movement in Funds
| Unrestricted funds General: General unrestricted fund Total funds |
As at 1 April 2024 £ 99,108 |
Income £ 39,480 |
Expenditure £ (42,913) |
As at 31 March 2025 £ 95,675 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99,108 | 39,480 | (42,913) | 95,675 |
Page 16
Samaritans Milton Keynes Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025
| Unrestricted funds General: General unrestricted fund Total funds |
As at 1 April 2023 £ 93,226 |
Income £ 56,149 |
Expenditure £ (50,267) |
As at 31 March 2024 £ 99,108 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93,226 | 56,149 | (50,267) | 99,108 |
16. Transactions with Trustees
Reimbursed expenses are incurred in order for Trustees and volunteers to fulfil their duties and are not considered payment for goods and services or the remuneration of a Trustee, nor do they count as any kind of personal benefit.
| Travel Other Expenses |
2025 £ 848 1,446 |
2024 £ 945 2,724 |
|---|---|---|
| 2,294 | 3,669 |
Number of trustees reimbursed for expenses during the year was 14 (2024: 16)
17. Related Party Disclosures
There were no related party transactions during the year (2024 - None).
19. Limited by guarantee
The company is limited by guarantee and does not have a share capital. Each member gives a guarantee to contribute a sum not exceeding £0, to the company should it be wound up. At 31 March 2025 there were 6 members.
Page 17
Samaritans Milton Keynes Detailed Statement of Financial Activities For The Year Ended 31 March 2025
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM: Donations and legacies Donations and gifts Grants Other trading activities Income from other trading activities Fundraising events Shop income Investments Bank interest receivable EXPENDITURE ON: Raising funds Training costs Staging fundraising events Travel and subsistence expenses Marketing and advertising costs Charitable Activities: Central Charity Charge HQ Contribution Governance Costs Independent examiner's fees Legal fees Administration Printing, postage and stationery Telecommunications Bank charges Administration costs Premises Rent Rates and insurance Utilities |
2025 Total funds £ 4,143 4,079 |
2024 Total funds £ 3,896 4,079 7,975 - 259 47,915 48,174 - - 56,149 (317) (114) (943) (249) (1,623) (3,203) (3,203) (1,800) (2,200) (4,000) (351) (2,677) (291) (4,277) (7,596) (6,900) (1,520) (8,341) (16,761) ...CONTINUED |
|---|---|---|
| 8,222 220 2,712 27,835 |
||
| 30,767 491 |
||
| 491 | ||
| 39,480 (123) (406) (848) (202) |
||
| (1,579) (4,149) |
||
| (4,149) (1,800) - |
||
| (1,800) (125) (1,982) (283) (4,054) |
||
| (6,444) (5,400) (1,258) (8,199) |
||
| (14,857) |
Page 18
Samaritans Milton Keynes Detailed Statement of Financial Activities (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025
| General Branch Expenses Repairs and maintenance Housekeeping General branch expenses Depreciation NET (EXPENDITURE)/INCOME |
(4,959) (4,538) (4,129) (458) |
(6,574) (4,680) (3,762) (2,068) |
|---|---|---|
| (14,084) | (17,084) | |
| (42,913) | (50,267) | |
| (3,433) | 5,882 |
Page 19