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2022-03-31-accounts

THE SAMARITANS OF BLACKBURN WITH DARWEN, HYNDBURN AND RIBBLE VALLEY REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022

Charity Commission Registered No 1170711

THE SAMARITANS OF BLACKBURN WITH DARWEN, HYNDBURN AND RIBBLE VALLEY YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022

CONTENTS
Page
Legal and administrative information 1
Trustees Report 2 - 7
Report of Independent Examiner 8
Statement of Financial Activities 9 - 10
Balance Sheet 11
Notes to the Accounts 12 - 15

THE SAMARITANS OF BLACKBURN WITH DARWEN, HYNDBURN AND RIBBLE VALLEY YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022 LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

The principal objective of the charity is to provide assistance to individuals who are suicidal, despairing or in distress and to advance education by providing society with a better understanding of suicide, suicidal behaviour and the value of expressing feelings that may lead to suicide.

Charity Commission 1170711
Trustees Margaret Jepson
Monica Devlin
Paula Fairbairn
Susan Ling - appointed 30th September 2021
Susan Clarke (ex officio)
Michael Walmsley - resigned 30th September 2021
John Littlewood - appointed 30th September 2021
Janine Clitheroe
Jayne Leek
Jane Houghton-Fenning - appointed 1st April 2021
Registered addresss 105 New Park Street
Blackburn
Lancashire
BB2 1DF
Bankers Natwest Bank
35 King William Street
Blackburn
Lancashire
BB1 7DL
Independent Examiner Reverend Alan A Clements
15 Carleton Road
Great Knowley
Chorley
PR6 8TQ

Page 1

THE SAMARITANS OF BLACKBURN WITH DARWEN, HYNDBURN AND RIBBLE VALLEY YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022 TRUSTEES REPORT

The Trustees of The Samaritans of Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley have pleasure in presenting their Report and unaudited Financial Statements for the year ended 31st March 2022. The legal and administrative information set out on page 1 forms part of this report. The Financial Statements comply with the Statement of Recommended Practice - Accounting and Reporting by Charities.

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires trustees to prepare statements of account for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the charity's financial activities during the year and of its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing financial statements giving a true and fair view, the trustees should follow best practice and:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the charity which enable them to ascertain the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2000. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Structure, Governance and Management

The Samaritans of Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley is a branch of the national Samaritans organisation but is a separate registered charity with independent management.

The govening body is the Branch Leadership Team, led by Margaret Jepson from June 2019, with 6 trustees elected at the Annual General Meeting by members of the branch and 2 trustees selected by the Director by virtue of their office holding responsibilities in the branch. The Trustees of the branch have met 6 times during this financial year to discuss branch leadership matters. For each of the meetings the Director and Secretary produced an agenda. Each agenda included items for discussion on finance, health and safety, risk management , publicity, fundraising, recruitment and prison matters.

Page 2

THE SAMARITANS OF BLACKBURN WITH DARWEN, HYNDBURN AND RIBBLE VALLEY YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022 TRUSTEES REPORT

Structure, Governance and Management (continued)

New Trustees are nominated and seconded by other members and a vote takes place at the Annual General Meeting (or alternatively at an Extraordinary General Meeting) if there are more nominations than vacancies.) All newly appointed trustees attend a formal meeting with the Director and are given a list of Trustee Responsibilities which are fully explained. They also take an online training course created by Samaritans Central Office and are presented with a certificate upon successful completion.

The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on Public Benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives and in planning it's future activities, which is an annual process.

The Branch Leadership Team feel that as Trustees we have met and overseen our responsibilities in the best interest of all at the Branch.

Objectives

The objects of the Charity are:

To support people 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 in order to improve their emotional health and to reduce the incidence of suicide;

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

To collaborate with and support Samaritans Central Charity and its affiliated branches in fulfilling these objectives.

Page 3

THE SAMARITANS OF BLACKBURN WITH DARWEN, HYNDBURN AND RIBBLE VALLEY YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022 TRUSTEES REPORT

Key Objectives

To maintain the service provided by our callers after the difficulties caused by the pandemic.

To provide ongoing support to our volunteers to enable them to continue to support our service.

To continue to recruit volunteers in order to deliver the best possible service.

Headline Performance

Telephone and email services have been maintained and a second online chat shift has been adopted

All volunteers completed digital training modules on Safeguarding and the annual Ongoing Training was held, the first since the pandemic.

There have been three cohorts of volunteers trained during the year, a welcome addition to our total number of volunteers.

Director's Report 2022

This year has seen a return to the more usual service provided by the Branch. All our volunteers who were shielding have returned and are contributing to our service. We continue to provide a listening service by phone, email and online chat. We have yet to return to face to face conversations with visitors and are awaiting advice from Central Charity on the safest way to do this. Pre pandemic this was a small but valuable contribution, with about 50 visitors a year, to members of our community who were in crisis and needed someone to talk to.

Suicide remains the biggest killer of men over 50, particularly those less well off. Economic disadvantages over the past year have also left young adults experiencing feelings of defeat, entrapment, shame and hopelessness. Triggering events for young people were a drop in income during the pandemic, loss of jobs, borrowing money from friends and family, not being able to pay bills and ineligibility for financial support from the government. Whilst national suicide rates did not rise during the pandemic, either nationally or internationally, we must not be complacent in thinking that the pandemic had no effect.

Page 4

THE SAMARITANS OF BLACKBURN WITH DARWEN, HYNDBURN AND RIBBLE VALLEY YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022 TRUSTEES REPORT

Director's Report 2022 (continued)

Thanks to our excellent Recruitment and Selection and Training teams, we have continued to recruit new volunteers. We have had three new cohorts as we always need to replace those volunteers who have had to resign due to a charge in their circumstances. We welcome our new volunteers.

The Samaritans in the North West organised a Regional Conference for Samaritans and we were delighted to send 15 delegates for a weekend of lectures and workshops based very much on the lived experience of some of our callers. We learnt from men who had been suicidal and how to help those who self harmed. We also made our first foray into fancy dress in the evening which gave a different perspective on some of our volunteers and was great fun.

We have begun to again work outside the Branch with partners. We have provided emotional support for employees of Capita and Nightsafe and awareness raising activities at Accrington railway station with colleagues from Network Rail. We were very pleased to support the first Blackburn Pride event where we had a stall and joined in the march.

Our major contribution outside the Branch is the support which we provide for the Listeners in HMP Garth. Nationally there has been a rise in suicides in prisons and as a Branch we have received an increased number of calls from prisoners. During the pandemic, prisoners were locked up for 23 hours a day and although this has eased, there are still restrictions on prisoner movement that causes some distress. We are now back supporting HMP Garth and have trained new Listeners. Thanks to Sue 26 and the prison team for their support of the Listeners and particular thanks to the Listeners who were able to support their fellow prisoners.

We have had a slow return to fundraising activities. Since the pandemic the Lions of Blackburn held the first bonfire for two years and we assusted at the entrance gate. In return we received a large donation from the Lions. Great Harwood Agricultural Show returned and we were able to fundraise and also raise awareness of our service. The Pay for a Day team continue to contact local businesses who contribute annually to suport our services. Thanks to Jean 26 and Joan 27 who run this scheme.

This will be the end of my term as a Director and a new Director will take over for their three year term. The Branch can only run with a team of commited members I would like to thank the Branch Leadership Team for their unstinting help and support. Of course the greatest thanks must go to our extraordinary volunteers who turn up week after week to listen to our callers. We know from research done by Samaritans that over 75% of callers felt better after having spoken to a Samaritan and after three weeks, 70% still felt better. These excellent results are a tribute to all volunteers.

Thank you to all our volunteers. As the publicity states, ordinary people doing extraordinary work.

Page 5

THE SAMARITANS OF BLACKBURN WITH DARWEN, HYNDBURN AND RIBBLE VALLEY YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022 TRUSTEES REPORT

Financial Review

The Branch has recorded a deficit on unrestricted funds of £26,224 for the year, compared to a surplus of £54.967 in the previous year.

Reserves Policy

The Trustees take into consideration the level of reserves to be held for the prudent management of the operating expenditure, commitments and contingencies of the branch.

In normal circumstances the Trustees aim to hold reserves at a minimum the equivalent to normal operating expenditure over an 18 month period. However, due to the current world situation and the likelihood of a major recession, the Trustees feel that it would be prudent to hold all reserves indefinately to meet ongoing operating expenditure only. Until the economic situation improves our previous policy, of making excess reserves available for the benefit of the Samaritan organisation as a whole, will br suspended. The Trustees will review this policy periodically.

Investment Policy

The Trustees have considered the most appropriate policy for investing funds, taking account of the requirement that such investments must be secure and that the value of the capital involved must be maintained. The Trustees feel that the investment in National Savings Income Bonds satisfies these criteria. At 31st March 2022 investments held were £60,000 with interest received during the year of £59 (2021, £505). The charity also has a bank current account which at the year end held £74,511 (2021 £86,086) as well as a Business Reserve Account which held £11,084 (2021 £11,084)

Risk Assessment

The Trustees acknowledge their responsibility to assess and manage the risks that face the organisation and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to major risks. These procedures are periodically reviewed to ensure that they remain fit for purpose.

Independent Examiner

A resolution to appoint Reverend Alan A Clements as independent examiner will be put to the members at the Annual General Meeting.

Page 6

THE SAMARITANS OF BLACKBURN WITH DARWEN, HYNDBURN AND RIBBLE VALLEY YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022 TRUSTEES REPORT

Public Benefit

The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives and in planning future activities.

Approved by the Board of Trustees on and signed on its behalf by

Margaret Jepson Jane Houghton-Fenning
Jayne Leek
Director Trustee Trustee

The Samaritans of Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley 105 New Park Street Blackburn Lancashire BB2 1DF

Page 7

THE SAMARITANS OF BLACKBURN WITH DARWEN, HYNDBURN AND RIBBLE VALLEY YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of The Samaritans of Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley

I report on the financial statements of The Samaritans of Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley for the year ended 31st March 2022 which comprise the statement of financial position, statement of cash flows and the related notes.

Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner

The charity's Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. The charity's 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 required. It is my responsibility to:

Basis of Independent Examiner's Report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Commissioners. 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 which 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.

Independent Examiner's Statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the 2011 Act; and

to prepare accounts which accord to the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act.

have not been met; or

Rev'd Alan A Clements

15 Carleton Road, Great Knowley, Chorley, PR6 8TQ

Dated

Page 8

THE SAMARITANS OF BLACKBURN WITH DARWEN, HYNDBURN AND RIBBLE VALLEY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022

2022 2022 2022 2021 2021 2021
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds Funds Funds
£ £ £ £ £ £
Note
Income and endowments
Donations, grants and
legacies 4 17,489 2,242 19,731 106,828 9,186 116,014
Trading activities 5 2,830 0 2,830 6,772 0 6,772
Investment income 6 59 0 59 505 0 505
Total income 20,378 2,242 22,620 114,105 9,186 123,291
Expenditure 7 47,170 51 47,221 59,138 8,220 67,358
Net (expenditure)/ income
and net movement of funds (26,792) 2,191 (24,601) 54,967 966 55,933

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

The notes on pages 12 to 15 form part of these financial statements

Page 9

THE SAMARITANS OF BLACKBURN WITH DARWEN, HYNDBURN AND RIBBLE VALLEY STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022

Cash flows from operating activities
Net (Loss)/income
Adjustments for depreciation of tangible
fixed assets
Changes in:
Debtors and prepayments
Creditors and accruals
Purchase of fixed assets
Net cash movements
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and equivalents
Cash and equivalents at the beginning of the year
Cash and equivalents at the end of the year
2022
2021
£
£
(24,601)
55,933
4,077
26,556
1,190
(1,763)
7,667
(9,292)
0
(8,538)
(11,667)
62,896
(11,667)
62,896
97,585
34,689
85,918
97,585
2022
2021
£
£
(24,601)
55,933
4,077
26,556
1,190
(1,763)
7,667
(9,292)
0
(8,538)
(11,667)
62,896
(11,667)
62,896
97,585
34,689
85,918
97,585
62,896
34,689
97,585

The notes on pages 12 to 15 form part of these financial statements

Page 10

THE SAMARITANS OF BLACKBURN WITH DARWEN, HYNDBURN AND RIBBLE VALLEY BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST MARCH 2022

2022
NOTE
£
Tangible fixed assets
13
Investments
National Savings Income Bonds
Current assets
Debtors and prepayments
1,262
Business reserve account
11,084
Cash at bank
74,511
Cash in hand
323
87,180
Current liabilities
Sundry creditors and accruals
682
NBC accrual
16,137
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
The funds of the charity
Restricted income funds
Unrestricted income funds
2022
2021
£
£
142,818
60,000
2,452
11,084
86,086
415
100,037
492
8,660
70,361
273,179
3,157
270,022
273,179
2021
£
146,895
60,000
90,885
297,780
966
296,814
297,780

The notes on pages 12 to 15 form part of these financial statements

Approved by the Board of Trustees on and signed on its behalf by:

Margaret Jepson Jane Houghton-Fenning Jayne Leek Director Trustee Trustee

Page 11

THE SAMARITANS OF BLACKBURN WITH DARWEN, HYNDBURN AND RIBBLE VALLEY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022

1 General information

The charity is a registered charity and a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).

2 Statement of compliance

These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (Charities SORP (FRS102)) and the Charities Act 2011.

3 Accounting Policies

a Basis of preparation - these accounts have been prepared under the

historical cost convention. The accounts are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity.

b Going concern - the trustees see no material uncertainties concerning the charity's ability to continue in operation.

Page 12

THE SAMARITANS OF BLACKBURN WITH DARWEN, HYNDBURN AND RIBBLE VALLEY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022

3 Accounting Policies (continued)

j Support costs represent the costs of managing and administering the charity.

their estimated useful lives as follows:
Freehold property At valuation
Fixtures and fittings 4 years
Computers 3 years
Telephony 2 years

Page 13

THE SAMARITANS OF BLACKBURN WITH DARWEN, HYNDBURN AND RIBBLE VALLEY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022

2022 2022 2022 2021 2021 2021
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds Funds Funds
£ £ £ £ £ £
4 Donations and legacies
Donations 14,222 0 14,222 18,967 0 18,967
Grants 3,005 2,242 5,247 19,327 9,186 28,513
Legacies 262 0 262 68,534 0 68,534
17,489 2,242 19,731 106,828 9,186 116,014
**5 ** Trading Activities
Fundraising events 2,830 0 2,830 6,772 0 6,772
**6 ** Investment income
Savings bond interest 59 0 59 505 0 505
20,378 2,242 22,620 114,105 9,186 123,291
**7 ** Cost of activities
Utility costs 1,984 0 1,984 2,163 0 2,163
Canteen and cleaning 2,543 0 2,543 2,671 0 2,671
Repairs and renewals 591 0 591 104 0 104
Training and travel 5,385 0 5,385 2,211 0 2,211
Postage and stationery 425 0 425 936 0 936
Telephones/IT 2,525 0 2,525 1,876 0 1,876
Insurance 891 0 891 820 0 820
Publicity 2,312 0 2,312 999 0 999
NBC fees 16,133 0 16,133 8,750 0 8,750
Depreciation 4,077 0 4,077 3,299 0 3,299
Sundries 1,891 0 1,891 1,436 0 1,436
Fundraising costs 345 0 345 663 0 663
Recruitment costs 568 0 568 0 0 0
Property revaluation deficit 0 0 0 23,257 0 23,257
Schools Project 0 51 51 0 8,220 8,220
Schools Year 11 Animation 0 0 0 9,953 0 9,953
Listener Anniversary Film 7,500 0 7,500 0 0 0
47,170 51 47,221 59,138 8,220 67,358
8 Net Income
Net income is stated after charging:
Depreciation of fixtures and fittings 4077 3299
Property revaluation deficit 0 23257
4077 26556

9 Independent Examiners fee

The independent examiner received payment of £100 . No expenses were incurred.

Page 14

THE SAMARITANS OF BLACKBURN WITH DARWEN, HYNDBURN AND RIBBLE VALLEY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022

10 Employee and staff costs

There were no employees during the year and therefore no staff costs.

11 Trustees Remuneration and Expenses

None of the charity's trustees were directly or indirectly remunerated in any way. It is the policy of the charity to reimburse in full all expenses properly incurred by its volunteers in connection with it's charitable activities.

12 Indemnity Insurance

The Samaritans has centrally provided professional indemnity insurance to protect volunteers, trustees and other volunteer members of all Samaritan branches..

13 Tangible Fixed Assets

Freehold Fixtures Total
Property & Fittings
£ £ £
Cost
At 1st April 2021 and
at 31st March 2022 163,257 12,315 175,572
Depreciation
At 1st April 2021 23,257 5,420 28,677
Charge for the year 0 4,077 4,077
At 31st March 2022 23,257 9,497 32,754
Net Book Value
At 31st March 2022 140,000 2,818 142,818

In November 2020 a professional valuation of the property was carried out by T V Shaw Ltd. The valuation resulted in a deficit on cost of £23,257.

Page 15