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2023-03-31-accounts

SAMARITANS Mid Cheshire Sr*Jr CQMMUNITY ( FUND

Annual General Meeting

Tuesday 18 July 2023 at 7.00 pm

Owley Wood Recreation Club

Barrymore Rd, Weaverham, Northwich, CW8 3LS

Contents

  1. Samaritans' Vision, Mission, and Values 2. Samaritans of Mid Cheshire

  2. Director's Report

  3. Branch Review

  4. Treasurer's Report

  5. Financial Statement

  6. Thank You

  7. Trustees

  8. Health & Safety and Building Report

Page 1 of 12

Annual Review 2022-2023

1. Samaritans' Vision, Mission, and Values

It’s now generally acknowledged that to genuinely reduce suicide we must reach people earlier on in the crisis cycle, which means reaching out to and helping people who would not consider themselves to be suicidal. We want all potential callers to understand that our service is here for anyone who is experiencing pain in their lives.

Our Vision

Our Vision is that fewer people die by suicide.

Our Mission

We make sure there’s someone there for anyone who needs someone.

Every year, Samaritans volunteers spend over one million hours answering calls for help via our unique 24-hour listening service, email, letter, face to face and through our Welsh language service.

We give people ways to cope and the skills to be there for others.

We want to encourage, promote, and celebrate those moments of connection between people that can protect and even save lives.

To do this, we're working in schools, prisons, workplaces, and communities, and in partnership with organisations like Network Rail.

We campaign to make suicide prevention a national and local priority.

Our staff and volunteers run nationwide and community campaigns to raise awareness and influence decision-makers.

Our Values.

We have five core values. They're supported by these behaviours, which we share within the Samaritans organisation: support, trust, aspirational, and respect.

Listening.

Exploring feelings alleviates distress and helps people to reach a better understanding of their situation and the options open to them.

Confidentiality.

If people feel safe, they are more likely to be open about their feelings.

Non-judgemental.

We want people to be able to talk to us without fear of prejudice or rejection. People making their own decisions wherever possible.

People making their own decisions.

We believe that people have the right to find their own solution and that telling people what to do takes responsibility away from them.

Human contact.

Giving people time, undivided attention and empathy meets a fundamental emotional need and reduces distress and despair.

Page 2 of 12

Annual Review 2022-2023

2. Samaritans of Mid Cheshire

Samaritans of Mid Cheshire, a charity registered in England (1170575), is a recognised branch of Samaritans Central Charity and is a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) and governed by a constitution. As an affiliate branch we are financially independent and responsible for fundraising to meet our operating costs.

Our branch has been providing support to people nationally and in our local area since 1964. We offer emotional support by telephone, by email and in person when guidelines allow. Our branch covers the following areas:

Altrincham Middlewich
Hale Northwich
Hale Barns Timperley
Knutsford Winsford
Lymm

The year 2022-2023, as previous years, has proved to be very challenging, but still amazingly rewarding. In the autumn of 2022, during planned replacement of the external rendering, it was identified that there were major structural defects with the fabric of the building which needed urgent attention. This necessitated raising £35,000, which was achieved through grants and donations, and the works are well under way and nearing completion. The building will be more stable, safe, and fit for purpose going forward, adding longevity to our operational base. Changes in the Ops room have also improved the comfort, safety, and operation for our volunteers. And hopefully the costs of maintaining our building will now reduce.

There was minimal disruption throughout this process enabling us to continue to provide emotional support to all our callers, and also to continue to recruit and train new volunteers.

Our normal operating costs are obviously increasing in line with rising prices, and an updated fundraising strategy is underway in line with our overall Branch ongoing strategy.

We were still limited with our Outreach activities until recently, but these are now improving, and the team is being strengthened to meet the demand. This will enable us to reach more people in the community, and build on works already in place with supporting Thorn Cross Prison, Network Rail and local schools.

Despite the issues highlighted the Branch continues to comply with all aspects of good charity management and is committed to building on previous strengths. Again, the Branch has been recognised by the Central Charity, via the Quality Review Process, as being a Branch with a strong strategic approach to branch development, with an ethos of collaboration, communication, and teamwork.

We have also continued to embrace technology and Central Charity support via the Training School to enable wider, more accessible training both for new recruits and existing volunteers via digital modules. Zoom meetings and WhatsApp groups have enabled more people to be kept in close contact with developments and opportunities.

But we have not forgotten the power of being together, and the return to face to face training and meetings such as the AGM and Branch meetings has been welcomed by all.

Page 3 of 12

Annual Review 2022-2023

3. Director's Report

What an eventful year this has been with some real challenges but a lot of successes too.

I think it is safe to say that the biggest challenge we faced was the problem with the building being found to need a lot of structural work, after the rendering came off! Having to raise £35,000 and pull together a plan for the renovation was a task none of us expected. I want to say a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone that was involved in any part of this operation. Peter 200 for commissioning and co-ordinating the building works, Andrew 353 for subsequently picking up the reins and being on the spot whenever necessary, Sue 260 for amazing work with organising grants and supporting me in my fundraising learning curve! And obviously to everyone for bearing with us and still being there for our callers. The good news is we should be in the final stages of the renovation as we go to press!

But now to successes.

We were lucky enough to host the Branch Meetings in person and look at our strategy, with the key operating ethos being communication, collaboration, co-operation, and teamwork. We are a family with lots of talent, passion, and commitment! We were able to continue to build on past successes and recognise and reward new initiatives.

We had four main strands:

These still hold good today, and the Quality Review process during March acknowledged that these were strong objectives, which they ratified, and we agreed targets and extended dates.

Successes:

These are just a few of the things we have achieved together.

I want to thank you all.

Thank you to the Branch Leadership team for their support, expertise and advice and the amazing work they have done, together with their teams; to the Trustees for their support and guidance; but most importantly, to every single one of you for continuing to be there for our callers, no matter what other role you play.

You are my inspiration, and the reason I want to continue to do my best to help us all achieve our aims. Thank you.

Annie

Page 4 of 12

Annual Review 2022-2023

4. Branch Review

Branch Quality Review Outcomes March 2023

Strengths and Achievements

A strong leadership team that demonstrates close teamworking and mutual respect and support for one another, provide a sound basis for the smooth operation of the branch.

Volunteers throughout the branch have a strong sense of belonging and take pride in being part of the Northwich team.

Clear and effective communication ensures that everyone is aware of what is happening both at local and national level.

Training is considered to be excellent, and volunteers learn to view themselves as a supportive “family” from the start.

Great efforts have been made to raise the necessary finances needed in order to continue with large and unexpected building improvements.

Vision for the Branch

To become a noticeably visible part of our local community, so that we can grow volunteer numbers, establish financial stability and extend the service we provide on the helpline and in the community.

Branch actions agreed at review

Quality Mentor’s Comments

It was a pleasure to work with Annie and the rest of the BLT.

The whole ethos of the branch is one of collaboration, communication, forward planning and teamwork. This review has been built around the already excellent strategy the branch had established for future growth and stability. We are confident that the only reason they would not reach their goals would be due to circumstances beyond their control.

Thank you all for the positive way you and the whole branch engaged in the quality review process.

The Board of trustees further congratulated us and wished us all every success.

Page 5 of 12

5. Treasurer's Report

After a vote at last year’s AGM, the Trustees agreed that Bernice Phelps should be our Independent Financial Examiner for the financial year April 2022 to end of March 2023. The Trustees have agreed the accounts and are aware that the restricted funds as on 31[st] March 2023 are currently being spent as per donated purposes and that there will be money in hand to operate for the foreseeable future.

As a result of HSBC starting to charge a monthly fee plus a percentage of any monies (cash or cheques) paid into the bank, the Trustees agreed to change our bank and we are now with The Co-operative Bank.

The start of the year was quite calm but when the rendering was removed and the subsequent issues to our property were revealed, our appeals for money were significantly heightened. As always, we give our sincere thanks to all those who have not only continued to help us keep the Branch going through the past twelve months but have also given so generously towards the building work and the ongoing operations room refurbishment. As you are aware our income relies completely on the support and generosity of the whole community. With that support, Samaritans of Mid Cheshire have been able to continue the good work that we do hopefully not only this year but for many years in the future.

You will see that we applied for and were awarded more grants this year for specific projects. We received £850 from Winsford Decides 2022 to spend on Samaritan awareness material for anyone in Winsford, but specifically for the young people when we visit schools, clubs, or any outreach event. We were granted another £9190 from The National Lottery Community Fund - £5900 towards the rerendering of the building and the rest towards the continuing refurbishment of the operations room. Many of our other donations were restricted, which means the money has to be spent on what the donor specifies – telephone costs, building work or refurbishment of interior of our building.

As a result of being chosen to be part of the Co-operative Community Fund for Oct 2021 to Oct 2022 we received £1769. I have applied again for this coming year so, hoping we are successful, keep shopping and remembering to use your Co-op membership card.

Regarding our expenditure we have continued to upgrade, repair, and refurbish our property using restricted grant and donation money. The temporary wall cushions have been replaced by acoustic panels, a new carpet fitted, and much improved lighting - all making the operations room a pleasant and comfortable place to work. An issue was found with the boiler outlet pipes which meant some exterior work needs to be done to make things watertight. Otherwise through careful monitoring we have managed to keep our fuel, telephone, and photocopying costs under control.

The National Branch Contribution (NBC) is the money we pay yearly to Central Charity which is based on our income, expenditure, and reserves.

For our income Diana organised another Big Band concert to entertain many of you and your friends and the money raised by Lauren’s ‘Allo ‘Allo evening the previous year was paid in. Together these evenings raised over £4000. Money was also raised through Samarathon sponsorship when volunteers walked, ran, or cycled the equivalent of 26 miles during July. We received donations from local organisations and churches and businesses. Four Samaritan branches within our region have responded to our appeal for help with the building. Individual donations amounted to over £11,000. We are so very grateful to all who donated so generously.

Gift Aid claimed amounted to £2000. Our 100 Club continues to contribute towards our income. Currently we have around 60 members, but we are always on the lookout for more – only £12 a year - £20 prize every month but in December prizes of £50, £25, and £10.

Thanks, as always, to all who helped, pleaded, donated, participated and organised.

Sue 260

Page 6 of 12

Annual Review 2022-2023

5. Financial Statement

No (ifany) CC16a
Samaritans of Mid Cheshire
Receipts andpayments accounts
For the period
from
Period start date To Period end date
01/04/2022 31/03/2023
Section A Receipts and payments
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Endowment
funds
Total funds Last year
to the nearest
£
to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £
A1 Receipts
Donations 11,365 - 11,365 7,401
Memorials and Legacies 485 - - 485 868
Organisations and Clubs/churches 1,052 1,052
Grants - 13,040 - 13,040 15,900
Collections and bag packing 1,616 - - 1,616 566
Other Fundraising 7,238 - - 7,238 3,308
100 club 615 615
Members contribution to costs 670 670
Interest 426 - - 426 73
Gift aid 2,081 2,081 920
Other donations- building work, ops
room refurb,telephone & outreach
- 15,264 - 15,264 -
Sub total(Gross income for
AR)
25,549 28,304 - 53,853 29,036
A2 Asset and investment
sales, (see table).
- - - -
- - - - -
Sub total - - - - -
Total receipts 25,549 28,304 - 53,853 29,036
A3 Payments
Utilities and contracts 4,480 - - 4,480 4,652
Telephone 976 800 - 1,776 1,319
Housekeeping& refreshments 1,941 - - 1,941 2,006
Fundraisingcosts 451 - - 451 357
Training 45 - - 45 605
Conference fees 921 - - 921 -
Insurance - - - - 1,107
Advertising/publicity/recruitment 2,119 - - 2,119 172
Volunteer support 139 139 121
Outreach 206 206 96
Director & volunteer expenses 3,115 3,115 4,377
Stationery/stamps/ink etc 360 - - 360 189
National Branch Contribution 1,150 - - 1,150 2,960
Governance 35 - - 35 1,195
Sundries 87 - - 87 120
Members contribution to costs 747 747
House interior refurb 6,269 6,269 6,439
House exterior repairs 2,125 2,125
House maintenance 13,480 - - 13,480 2,402
**Sub total ** 30,252 9,194 - 39,446 28,121
A4 Asset and investment
purchases, (see table)
- - - -
- - - -
- - - - -
Sub total
Totalpayments 30,252 9,194 - 39,446 28,121
Net of receipts/(payments) - 4,703 19,110 14,407 916
A5 Transfers between funds - - - - -
A6 Cash funds lastyear end 51,291 6,861 - 58,152 -
**Cash funds thisyear end ** 46,588 25,971 - 72,559 -

Page 7 of 12

Annual Review 2022-2023

Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period

----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
Categories Details funds funds funds
to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £
B1 Cash funds HSBC Charitable account 3 - -
The Co-operative bank 20,529 25,971 -
Nationwide Business 95 Day Saver
26,056 - -
Total cash funds 46,588 25,971 -
(agree balances w ith receipts and payments
account(s))
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
funds funds funds
Details to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £
B2 Other monetary assets None - - -
- - -
- - -
Fund to which Current value
Details asset belongs Cost (optional) (optional)
B3 Investment assets None unrestricted 90,000 -
- -
Fund to which Current value
Details asset belongs Cost (optional) (optional)
B4 Assets retained for the Property at cost 90,000 - -
- -
Fund to which Amount due When due
Details liability relates (optional) (optional)
B5 Liabilities None -
-
-
-
Signed by one or two trustees on Date of
behalf of all the trustees Signature Print Name approval
Susan Coles
06/07/2023
Diana Brown
06/07/2023
----- End of picture text -----

Page 8 of 12

Annual Review 2022-2023

6. Thank You

Samaritans of Mid Cheshire must thank ....

.... all our donors including:

.... and

Page 9 of 12

Annual Review 2022-2023

7. Trustees

The following individuals have served as Trustees for Samaritans of Mid Cheshire

Trustee Name Position Dates served
Judi Boardman (410) Secretary (from 01/01/2022) From April 2017
Diana Brown (301) From May 2018
Peter Burke (200) From August 2020
Andrew Clarke (353) From April 2017
Susan Coles (260) Treasurer From April 2017
Annie Mills (431) Director From June 2022
John Munnery (490) From June 2019
Janice Scaplehorn (456) From April 2017

Ron 461 (Ex Samaritan Listener) will be nominated at AGM.

The role of Trustee is advertised to the Branch in the two months prior to an AGM. Volunteers are invited to stand to be elected at the AGM. As per the Constitution there will be a minimum of three Trustees and a maximum of thirteen.

8. Health & Safety and Building Report

What’s happened at the Centre in 12 months – 01/04/2022-31/03/2023:

  1. Gas boiler serviced.

  2. PAT testing due.

  3. Fire extinguisher service completed.

  4. Fire alarm service completed.

  5. Health & Safety policy and fire risk assessment reviewed and updated.

  6. New First Aid risk assessment.

  7. New pregnant worker/new mother risk assessment.

  8. First Aiders identified – details in the Centre.

  9. Annual H&S checklist completed for Central Office.

  10. Branch Risk Register updated.

Building upgrade and refurbishment:

1. External Works

With extensive cracking visible on the building’s render and persistent leaks through the first floor gable wall, our contractor Render Master removed the existing render in June 2022 prior to replacing it. But the exposed brickwork was seen to be excessively distressed and needing extensive repairs before new render could be applied, so work was halted, and the contractor left site.

There followed a period when the insurers rejected our claim for the repairs to be funded and our subsequent appeal following a full engineering assessment was similarly unfruitful. Ex-Samaritan architect Harry Kennedy then set up and managed a contract for the structure to be rectified with engineer, Peter Hewitt who devised an innovative method of strengthening the brickwork in its distorted shape by introducing reinforcement in the brick beds and then pressure grouting to restore the brickwork’s integrity.

A contract was awarded to Bill Timperley Builders who commenced work in late May and effectively completed the structural work by the end of June, ready for the new rendering to be applied, our

Page 10 of 12

Annual Review 2022-2023

signs re-erected and our building looking like new before the end of July. The total cost of these works, including consultants’ fees, will be in the order of £42,000.

2. Operations Room Refurbishment.

Following the installation of acoustic glass partitions around the workstations in late 2021, ineffective attempts to install sound-deadening wall panels were made during 2022 before the contractor’s services were terminated.

An acoustic specialist contractor has now installed neat sound-absorbing panels around the workstations and on the ceiling, and with new adjustable general and desk lights, re-painting and a new carpet, the Operations Room has been transformed into a very pleasant and efficient place to work.

Page 11 of 12

Annual Review 2022-2023

INTENTIONALLY BLANK

Page 12 of 12

Annual Review 2022-2023

We're here to listen 116123 Cwg SLY SAMARITANS

No (if any) Samaritans of Mid Cheshire Receipts and payments accounts CC16a For the period Period start date Period end date To from 4/1/2022 3/31/2023

Samaritans of Mid Cheshire

Section A Receipts and payments

Unrestricted Restricted Endowment funds funds funds

Section A Receipts and payments
Unrestricted
Section A Receipts and payments
Unrestricted
Section A Receipts and payments
Unrestricted
Restricted Restricted Endowment
A1 Receipts
Donations
11,365
Memorials and Legacies
485
Organisations and Clubs/churches
1,052
Grants
-
Collections and bag packing
1,616
Other Fundraising
7,238
100 club
615
Members contribution to costs
670
Interest
426
Gift aid
2,081
-
25,549
-
-
Sub total -
Total receipts 25,549
A3 Payments
Utilities and contracts
4,480
Telephone
976
Housekeeping& refreshments
1,941
Fundraisingcosts
451
Training
45
Conference fees
921
Insurance
-
Advertising/publicity/recruitment
2,119
Volunteer support
139
Outreach
206
Director & volunteer expenses
3,115
Stationery/stamps/ink etc
360
National Branch Contribution
1,150
Governance
35
Sundries
87
Members contribution to costs
747
House interior refurb
House exterior repairs
House maintenance
13,480
Sub total 30,252
-
-
-
Sub total
Total payments 30,252
Net of receipts/(payments) - 4,703
A5 Transfers between funds
-

funds
to the nearest £
Other donations- building work, ops room
refurb, telephone & outreach
Sub total(Gross income for AR)
A2 Asset and investment sales,
(see table).
A4 Asset and investment
purchases, (see table)
to the nearest £
-
13,040
-
-
-
15,264
28,304
-
-
-
28,304
-
800
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
6,269
2,125
-
9,194
-
-
-
9,194
19,110

funds
to the nearest £

funds
Total funds
to the nearest £
11,365
485
1,052
13,040
1,616
7,238
615
670
426
2,081
15,264
53,853
-
-
-
53,853
4,480
1,776
1,941
451
45
921
-
2,119
139
206
3,115
360
1,150
35
87
747
6,269
2,125
13,480
39,446
-
-
-
39,446
14,407
-
Last year
to the nearest £
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
11,365 7,401
485 868
1,052
13,040 15,900
1,616 566
7,238 3,308
615
670
426 73
2,081 920
15,264 -
53,853 29,036
-
-
-
-
- -
- -
- 53,853 29,036
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4,480 4,652
1,776 1,319
1,941 2,006
451 357
45 605
921 -
- 1,107
2,119 172
139 121
206 96
3,115 4,377
360 189
1,150 2,960
35 1,195
87 120
747
6,269 6,439
2,125
13,480 2,402
39,446 28,121
-
-
-
-
-
- -
- 39,446 28,121
- 4,703 19,110 14,407 916
- - - - -
A6 Cash funds last year end
51,291
Cash funds this year end 46,588
A6 Cash funds last year end
51,291
Cash funds this year end 46,588
6,861 6,861 -
25,971 -
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
Categories
B1 Cash funds
B2 Other monetary assets
B3 Investment assets
B5 Liabilities
B4 Assets retained for the
charity’s own use
Signed by one or two trustees on
behalf of all the trustees
Details
HSBC Charitable account
The Co-operative bank
Nationwide Business 95 Day Saver
Details
None
Details
None
Details
Property at cost
Details
None
Signature
Total cash funds
(agree balances with receipts and payments
account(s))
to nearest £
to nearest £
3
-
20,529
25,971
26,056
-
46,588
25,971
#REF!
#REF!
to nearest £
to nearest £
-
-
-
-
-
-
Cost (optional)
unrestricted
90,000
-
Cost (optional)
90,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
Print Name
Susan Coles
Diana Brown
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Fund to which
asset belongs
Fund to which
asset belongs
Fund to which
liability relates
Amount due
(optional)
to nearest £
Endowment
funds
-
-
-
-
#REF!
to nearest £
Endowment
funds
-
-
-
Current value
(optional)
-
-
Current value
(optional)
-
-
When due
(optional)
Date of
approval
Susan Coles 7/6/2023
Diana Brown 7/6/2023

CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trusteo$1 memlxrn of Samaritans of Mid£heshire On accounts for the year ended 31 March 2023 Charlty no Irf any) 1170575 Set out on pages 1and2 I report to the trustees on my examinatron of the accounts of the above charty (Ihe Trusf) for the year ended 3110312023. Rosponslbllllles and As the charrty trustees of the TNst, you are responsible for the preparation bas1$ of report of the accounts in accordance wrth the requir8ments of the Charities Act 2011 {°the Acr). I report in resped of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charty Commission urKler section 1495){b) of the Act. I have completed my examination. I confim that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gNes me cause to believe that in, any material respect.. accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or the accounts do rK>t accord wtlh the accounting records Independent examiner'8 Statement I have no concems and have come across no other matters in Connection wrth the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable prop8r understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: Date: 7 July 2023 Namo: Bemice Philps Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (If any): FCA. Lrfe member of the Instrtute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) Address- 14 Reedsmere Walk Comberbach, Northwich Cheshire. CV19 6BZ IER October 2018