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2019-2020 Annual Report b:friend

In the last 12 months, b:friend has enabled

over 13,000 hours of community connection in South Yorkshire

D E L I V E R Y F I G U R E S

Cover the period of January 1st 2020 — December 31st 2020 F I N A N C I A L F I G U R E S

Cover our accounting year November 1st 2019 — October 31st 2020

C O N T E N T S

A message from our CEO .......................... 5 Case study ........................................................ 7 Stakeholders .................................................... 8 The problem .................................................. 10 b:friend mission ............................................12 b:friend model .............................................. 14 Locations ......................................................... 16 Partnerships ....................................................17 1:1 befriending ................................................18 b:friend in action ......................................... 19 Being social .....................................................21 Financial Year ................................................22 Surveys .............................................................23 A message from our chair ......................26

“

our ceo

Reflecting on the last year stirs a lot of emotions. There’s very little to say about the enormity of the challenge that’s not already been said by others. b:friend aims to bring people together, reducing disconnection by enabling inclusion. Overnight we had to rethink our approach.

In an instant, when lockdown began, we transformed everything we do: activities migrated online, befriending took place on the phone, our team mobilised to meet immediate need, whatever it may be. In the following months we enrolled record-numbers of volunteers (more than ever before), reached more isolated older neighbours, and delivered the most hours of social connection in our history.

And we haven’t stopped since. Over the phone, at the doorstep, meeting in the park. From emergency food deliveries and well-being packs to virtual activity sessions and supportive phone calls late into the night. We’ve connected older neighbours with volunteer befrienders near and far, from Kimberworth to Kuwait, Neepsend to Naples, High Green to the Highlands and everywhere in between. Those connections have transformed lives.

We lost some close friends this year, witnessed the incredible courage of NHS staff and realised how much our society relies on essential workers. We can’t take any of that for granted again. Let’s not simply copy-andpaste what things were like before the pandemic. We’ve seen how it can be different, what we value most: the importance of nearby neighbours, the strength of a shared objective, the will of policymakers to just get things done.

In years to come, when we all look back at these years, our staff and volunteers can be very proud. In a time of crisis, and despite the unique challenges we all faced, they stepped forward pledging time to connect with some of the most isolated people in our society, ensuring they were not alone. We’re hopeful for a recovery phase in 2021-22. When Facetime friends can meet in-person, Social Club members can enjoy a cuppa in the same room, we can all get back to our communities. Mike Niles | Founder & CEO | b:friend

“We sat outside one day eating fish and chips in the rain. It makes you realise there’s something worth living for when you get to a certain age.” Brian | Sheffield Listen to Brian on BBC Radio Sheffield < Listen here >

CASE STUDY Ursula | Dearne

Overview

Ursula was very isolated and often called the ambulance or her doctors’ surgery for someone to speak to. We paired her with three befrienders over a period of a year, including one volunteer who can speak her native German. She loves Marcell’s calls every Monday and looks forward to meeting him.

“ he’s so He’s a darling, interested in the world. We speak all about Hungary where he’s from, I’ve only driven through before it but I can just picture the mountains and the rivers ” when we speak

Ursula is 97 and moved to Rotherham from Hamburg in 1949 after marrying an English soldier. She has lived alone since the passing of her husband a number of years ago and her only son (in his 70s) lives in Hull. Ursula was referred to us by the social prescribing services as she frequently called for ambulances just to have someone to speak to.

We introduced Ursula to her first befriender Sarah in November 2019. Sarah teaches science at the local college and Ursula said that she hadn’t had a conversation so engaging for a long time. During lockdown, visits haven’t been possible and Ursula really struggled as the telephone was her only means of connecting with the outside world - “my world has ended at my garden gate”, she told us in May 2020. We paired her with a second befriender Eli, a qualified occupational therapist, and they love chatting about Eli’s dog Ranger over the phone.

Ursula mentioned that she really missed the German magazines that her local shop used to stock for her but since they went out of business she hasn’t managed to get any. We put out a quick Facebook request and soon had 10 magazines to

send to her – these have been a great source of comfort and entertainment while

she couldn’t receive visitors. Seeing what a boost reconnecting with her mother tongue and culture gave her, we decided to pair her with a third befriender, a young man training to be a solicitor. Only this time, she would be able to converse with her befriender, as Marcell is native Hungarian with excellent German! She hadn’t spoken German for many years so was thrilled to have the opportunity to speak it again.

STAKEHOLDERS

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Volunteers

Building a network of local befrienders spreads messaging into communities. Many have never volunteered before and most are in employment. Our flexible model allows befriending to be absorbed into already busy lifestyles.

Integrational

We partner with schools, colleges and universities in South Yorkshire to provide younger people opportunities to volunteer with the project. Cat, from the University of Sheffield, explains how students have been engaging locally.

“ If health is not improving, . society is not improving Good luck with your important work”

Prof Sir Michael Marmot

“The measurement of success for b:friend’s intervention is that no one that I’ve referred in to-date have ever been referred back into my service.”

Jack Dale, Sheffield City Council Social Services

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Leadership

b:friend have contributed to national campaigns focused on tackling social isolation. These include Campaign to End Loneliness, The Kings Fund, Befriending Networks, talk/together, Royal Society for Public Health and Public Health England. Alison Iliff, of Public Health England- Yorkshire/Humber, explains the health benefits of b:friend.

Partnerships

Across South Yorkshire, b:friend partner with other charity and community organisations to achieve shared goals and meet the needs of volunteers and older neighbours. Chermayne Bennett, of MHA Communities, describes how organisations working in the same geographies collaborate to meet the need.

“It’s not only about connecting people together outside their houses, we’ve seen that particularly during the pandemic. The role of community befrienders to support people has been particularly valuable.”

Rupert Suckling, Director of Public Health Doncaster

“b:friend has found a way to tackle the long standing societal problem of isolation and loneliness in a new and fresh way. They have a message that resonates with communities, make befriending a real and fun experience for everyone involved, and have found approaches that connect with new volunteers. Their impact is profound, and their work is never more needed.”

Karen Smith, Prevention Programme Manager | South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Integrated Care System

No one should have no one

T H E P R O B L E M

WE DON’T WANT LIKES OR RETWEETS

Photos of intergenerational friendships are heart-warming and get plenty of social media ‘likes’ but underlying everything we do is research, theory and social value impact that makes befriending a crucial component to social inclusion for older people. To see befriending as a ‘nice to have’ rather than a ‘need to have’ misjudges the transformative impact social connection has on all of us. It sometimes seems that ageism is the last socially acceptable prejudice. Despite being one of the most excluded groups, little is commissioned through statutory health and social care to ensure this group remain engaged with their community and independent. The community won’t stand for this. Befriending once again shows that whether we’re starving people of food or companionship it’s the community that take a stand and support each other.

Loneliness does not discriminate and is primarily a perception of connections and value. Social isolation, arguably one of the chief causes of loneliness, can be more tangibly reduced through methodologies b:friend apply in their work.

South Yorkshire is home to some of the most socially isolated older neighbours in England.

Statistically and anecdotally we’re acutely aware of the drastic need for preventative support for isolated older neighbours. Unless someone receives a diagnosis there is no support available to socially isolated individuals locally. In many instances empirical research demonstrates that no intervention, and subsequent periods of loneliness, lead to health and well-being deterioration and

expensive reactive care packages.

Research shows that medium to long periods of social isolation have a direct influence on a diagnosis of dementia, depression, coronary disease, diabetes and readmission to hospital. Extended periods of loneliness can have the same impact on premature mortality as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

With the older population set to rise by approximately 22% by the year 2027, this issue isn’t going to disappear without preventative action.

b:friend is a Yorkshire charity, founded in January 2017, that pairs volunteer befrienders with socially isolated older neighbours in the community with the aim of reducing social isolation and re-engaging individuals with the people and places around them. At the core of our model people in the community are taking the lead to make real improvements for local people. By popping in once a week for a cuppa and a chat, 1:1 befrienders provide companionship to people that may not speak to another person all week or longer. This low-level preventative measure is vital early action transforming the lives of socially isolated older neighbours. All befrienders received an Enhanced DBS background check, training and two accompanied visits to their assigned older neighbour with a member of the b:friend team.

We believe in facilitating meaningful community connections to transform an individual’s value of themselves, reduce their feeling of loneliness and enable them to build resilience in later life.

Befriending is not a new concept, and we’ve never claimed to have cornered the market when it comes to reducing social isolation, but we’ve been overwhelmed by the uptake of this project in South Yorkshire. On a daily basis, older neighbours and befrienders alike approach us to explain how this project has completely changed their lives. We were sceptical at first. We know it has impact but ‘life changing’ is something we weren’t initially willing to accept given the once-a-week nature of the volunteering. But it changes a psyche: from monotonous solitude to knowing that someone cares, someone visits and they do it without recompense because they want to.

WHAT WE EXIST FOR

Reducing social isolation for older people and younger people alike by creating opportunities for community togetherness

Improving well-being through local connections to ensure older people have the confidence, self-worth and option to reconnect with the people and places around them Bringing people together to dilute division created by age, heritage, digital skills and attitudinal divides

How many people in their 80’s do you know that can street dance to Kanye

When was the last time you saw a 90 year old... partake in a poetry slam mix Bond-style mocktails take on all challengers in a fiercely competitive boat race

b : f r i e n d M O D E L

b:friend brings older neighbours and befrienders together to create meaningful connections in the community

1:1 Befriending

This is community support in its most authentic form. Volunteer befrienders pledge to visit a socially isolated older neighbour near them for one hour per week for a cuppa and a chat. On the way back from work, the shops, dropping the kids at school – whenever is convenient for both parties, a befriender will spend an hour just chatting, listening and supporting someone that otherwise may have no one. Social Clubs Each group activity is different… and they’re certainly not boring. From performing songs from Broadway, designing tattoos, making bird boxes, chocolate tasting sessions and jiving to Bollywood-inspired music… members are exploring new horizons and getting out of their comfort zone each week.

The Five Ways to Well-being form a clear framework with which b:friend design all group activities and the model will be a vital factor in the co-design process to ensure each group achieves all five areas in most of their activities. Our Social Clubs ensure attendees are: connected to others through conversation and activity; active through physically engaged sessions; continue to learn through engaging talks, discuss topics of the day and take note of others around them; while giving time, support and attention to others.

“ . b:friend has saved my life I was ready to give up when I lost my husband but now I have something to look ” forward too. Kath Watch Kath talk about her experiences. < Watch here >

“When I have someone with

me, some company I relax. When I don’t see people I feel on edge.”

Mary | South Yorkshire

Thorne

Darton Kirk Sandall Thurnscoe Bentley Dodworth Armthorpe Goldthorpe Barnsley Doncaster Penistone Bolton-Upon-Dearne Elsecar Swinton Mexborough Balby Roissington Langsett Conisbrough Stocksbridge Chapeltown Maltby Bawtry Rotherham Darnall Woodhouse Sheffield Beighton Dore Kiveton

locations WHERE WE WORK b:friend launched as a charity in Doncaster, South Yorkshire , in January 2017 and have become a key provider of equitable 1:1 and peer-to-peer befriending support for socially isolated older neighbours in the Borough.

Localities across when it South Yorkshire are areas of highest risk nationally comes to social isolation of older people. With a large proportion of people aged 80 and over, many living in social housing and facing income deprivation – there’s high prevalence of the biggest determinants of loneliness.

In January 2019, our project expanded adding befriending provision in Sheffield, Rotherham and Barnsley to add to existing work in Doncaster and the Dearne area. It is available to any older neighbour, identifying as socially isolated, and we’ve created pairings throughout the area from Bolton to Bawtry, Woodhouse to Wombwell, Mexborough to Moorends, Thurnscoe to Thorne - the length and breadth of

the region.

Social Clubs have been established in areas identified as ‘high risk’ based on statistics and existing provision. We currently have weekly Clubs in: Mexborough, Thorne, Denaby, Rossington, Armthorpe, Balby, Lowedges, Thurnscoe, Bolton upon Dearne, Longley and Wheatley Hills.

Our model offers a unique approach to volunteering and is targeted at supporting the people at highest risk of isolation. Volunteers commit to an hour a week, in their local area, placing value on conversation and companionship. We achieve maximum impact by focusing our attention at those most acutely facing loneliness, including: People who live alone - 93% of the older people we work with live alone; the ‘oldest old’ – 66% of older neighbours we identify are over 80; women – 72% of older neighbours we support are women; people who live in social or housing association homes – 59% of older neighbours we work with are social tenants.

Introducing our collaborations

Our awesome partners

b : f r i e n d PA R T N E R S H I P S

South Yorkshire Housing Association (Social Prescribing) GP Federation (association for GP Practices) Doncaster IAPT NHS Club Doncaster Foundation St Leger Homes / Leger Bus / NDDT Health and Social Care Forum (VCSE orgs) Public Health England / PH Doncaster DMBC Well-being teams (locality based) NHS / SYB Integrated Care System Local MPs / Counsellors South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue South Yorkshire Police Yorkshire Air Ambulance Age UK Doncaster / MHA Barnsley Council, Dearne Area Team Voluntary Action Sheffield Dearne Development Fund Voluntary Action Doncaster Barnsley CVS

Special mentions go to:

The Cares Family, Alex Smith, EVA Women’s Aid, Richinda Taylor, Morrisons Doncaster, Tehsin Khan, The Good Things Foundation, Eshranie Toban, Journey Education, A Million Realities, The Packard Family and our incredible volunteers.

1 : 1 B E F R I E N D I N G

in 2020

hours 13,000+ of 1:1 befriender interactions 620 NEW befrienders delivered across South Yorkshire …that’s at least 2,480 cuppas!! social packs 1,360

telephoning or a visit for an outdoor chat each week … equates to four deliveries every day

384 social club sessions held – both in-person and on telephone conference calls 80+ facebook live sessions have taken place

Befrienders stating it’s changed their lives with many themselves experiencing bereavement, anxiety, redundancy, isolation.

“If it wasn’t for Maxine and my son ringing every week I reckon you’d find me in the loony bin by now...she always cheers me up when she rings, I can get very low” John | Sheffield Maxine | Volunteer

24% attrition

of pairings end following final supervised visit (0-6 months)

“She’s been so helpful to me over the last few months, I’ve had a lot going off and she’s helped me by just talking through it all, she’s so calm. I don’t know what I would have done without her. I’ve become very close with her parents too, we’re always passing messages between the 4 of us, I love hearing what they’re up to and I tell them my stories of being in the air force. Thank you so much, you’ve made a great match”

“She’s a lovely, very very caring young lady - we have the world in common. She’s rejuvenated me in ways I wouldn’t have imagined too - we both love cooking but I couldn’t be bothered cooking for just me, but now I do because we talk about what we’ve made on the phone. I tell her ‘I love you, you’re fantastic, and your parents should be very proud of you” Ruth | South Yorkshire Ellie | Volunteer

June | South Yorkshire Anisha | Volunteer

52% 92% of befriending of older neighbours

pairings exceed 12-months of connection

that have a befriending pairing are satisfied with project

W H AT D O W E G E T U P T O AT S O C I A L C L U B ?

Dancing – all styles, from the Charleston to Rumba! Reflexology – yoga & Pilates Christmas Day (2019) big party Armchair Travels – cultural trips to India, Mexico,

France & much more…

b:friend Breakfast Club Scams session featuring NatWest Creative writing & Poetry Slam Mardi Gras & festival fun Bird feeders for local trees (photo)

Guest speakers inc. South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue, Doncaster Museum, local history experts & members themselves Day-trips: garden centres, seaside & the theatre

Retro Games session

No bake sessions (…cheesecake was a favourite) I ntergenerational activities (local schools & NCS) Graffiti art design sessions (…using water based paint) Screen printing & decoupage History Club , with Heritage Doncaster

Incoming Resources Restricted £ .00 243,674 Unrestricted £ .00 10,812 It costs £408.00 per older member to provide ongoing support

Marketing 1%

Events 8% Admin Costs 7% Rent 6% Travelling & Subsistence 8% Professional Fees 11% Professional Costs 4% Travel/Meals 4% Rent 6%

Salaries 62%

Admin 30% Salaries

Delivery/Income Generation 56%

B E N E F I C I A R Y S U R V E Y S & P R O J E C T E VA L U AT I O N

The statements (scored 1-5)

I’ve been feeling optimistic about the future I’ve been feeling useful

I’ve been feeling relaxed

I’ve been feeling interested in other people

Average change (Baseline > 3 month) +6.4 points

Older neighbours surveyed 3-months after being paired with a befriender ALL recorded higher overall scores when asked the same questions they answered at baseline.

Average change (Baseline > 6 month) +8.7 points

Older neighbours surveyed 6-months after paired ALL recorded higher overall scores when asked the same questions at baseline & three months.

I’ve had energy to spare

How many other agencies do you use? (Deflator question) I’ve been dealing with problems well

I’ve been thinking clearly

I’ve been feeling good about myself

I’ve been feeling close to other people I’ve been feeling confident

I’ve been able to make my mind up about things

I’ve been feeling loved

I’ve been interested in new things

I’ve been feeling cheerful

How many GP visits have you had in the last month?

How many of these GP visits (if any) have been with the sole purpose of wanting to talk to someone?

How many A&E visits in the last month?

How many of these A&E visits (if any) have been with the sole purpose of wanting to talk to someone?

How many times have you pressed your personal alarm in the last month?

How many of these personal alarm presses (if any) have been with the sole purpose of wanting to talk to someone? How much physical exercise have you done in the last month (minutes)?

The neighbour displaying the greatest positive change recorded answers 21 points higher than they responded at baseline. Others however scored -5 which suggests not all neighbours benefited the same from befriending intervention.

The average change is the median point difference registered by beneficiaries before, and three months following, intervention.

Data January 2019 – December 2019

The Social Value is £10.12 for every £1 spent

Social impact deflators

Below are the definitions of deflator factors for the table on the next page:

Leakage: How much of an outcome might have delivered an impact outside of the area you intended. Dead-weight : How much of the outcome might have been achieved without intervention.

Attribution: What proportion of an outcome might be attributed to others because their activity contributed to it. What proportion of the outcome will diminish Drop-off: over time.

Displacement: How much of the outcome has displaced other outcomes.

Figure is based on 12-month period

Carbon footprint

Total carbon footprint 2020/2021 = 17.08 tonnes of CO2e invested in tree Calculation to offset = £232.20 inc. 20% VAT planting scheme in Yorkshire and Humber. This enabled us to achieve net zero annual carbon emissions

Privately paid by CEO

Our environmental pledge (all currently active) ü De-carbonisation strategies including: digitising all activity, no paper documentation

ü Paperless office
ü Only use contractors with eco-friendly approach (including Amazon following their launch of the Climate Pledge) and those committed to net-zero emissions by 2040

Inclusivity

Honest in our vision to be an inclusive organisation. We will never discriminate against any persons and pledge to deliver benefit to all people in the communities we support.

Our inclusivity pledge (all currently active)

ü Regularly review representation on staff and Board teams ü Ensure all projects are adapted to be accessible to all individuals
ü Always review volunteer and beneficiary demographics and pro-actively attempt to reach under-represented communities

ü Regularly improve our knowledge of inclusive approaches (latest all staff training Nov-20 and Jan-21)

ü Credible, quantifiable and local offset

Staff salaries All staff are paid above the UK Living Wage (not accredited)

Our living wage pledge (all currently active)

ü Always review salaries annually
ü Always pay UK Living Wage (outside London) ü Always endeavour to increase salary annually in-line with inflation

Equity

We will never charge a fee to access support.

Our equity pledge (all currently active) ü Regularly review representation on staff and Board teams
ü Our community befriending is, and will always be free
ü Finance will never be a barrier to entry ü Charity sustainability will never be achieved by financially benefiting from the most vulnerable

Mental health

All staff and volunteers can access free CBT counselling

Our mental health pledge (all currently active) ü Offer no questions access to 24/7 counselling service ü In-person or telephone access 365 days of the year ü Always anonymous, always free
ü Additional training opportunities sourced

“It’s the best thing I’ve ever done, it’s surprising what you get off your chest. It’s so nice to have someone that isn’t my family to talk to, she’s always there to listen to me, she’s beautiful” Tony | Rachel – Volunteer

“We had a lovely long chat, it’s odd but despite the difference in our ages and she being a northerner and me being from “down south”, we seem to have a lot in common.”

Chris | Pat – Volunteer

“As things are now, getting a knock at your door and getting a present ...it was lovely, it made my day” June | Lowedges Social Club Delivery

“I really needed you [to ring] today, I just felt so desperate, lockdown has really been getting to me these last few weeks”

Patricia

“Everything is different today” Daniel Burton | Interim-Chair | b:friend

our chair... This past year has demonstrated the debilitating impact that loneliness can have on the mental and physical well-being of people of all ages. The pandemic helped us realise and appreciate that which we often take for granted; our safety, our freedoms, and our relationships. The sad truth is that for many older neighbours in our communities, national lockdown felt like just another day / month / year; which is both incredibly frustrating and motivating.

“

This year, we’ve supported people gripped by deep grief and overwhelming anxiety. We’ve observed tears of relief and enjoyed reaffirming conversations. Our volunteers have been surrogate family; our staff have counselled people through suicidal thoughts. We’ve been there at the end of people’s lives, when nobody else was.

While 2020 was unquestionably a challenge – for us all – we’ve learned some incredible lessons that have transformed how our project operates. We’ve adapted to meet demand, evolved our model to be effective in new circumstances and established new operational practices that merge three-years of experience with one-year of complex community action. All of which will optimise our project going forward.

On 13 March 2020, the small but mighty b:friend staff team spearheaded a huge change in how we operate; rapidly adapting and scaling our support programmes. Whilst the rest of the UK was urged to stay at home, staff and volunteers went above and beyond; working tirelessly to source, pack and deliver parcels of essentials for the most vulnerable older neighbours in our communities. Over the past year b:friend has delivered 1,500 bundles, facilitated more than 13,000 hours of befriender phone calls (that’s 36 hours of calls per day!), and created and maintained 620 active pairings. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to thank the b:friend team, our volunteers, our supporters and funders, and our CEO, Mike; this would not have been possible without your individual and collective contribution.

....continue >

...our chair

“

As a Board, we’ve sought to ensure that the charity represents the amazing people we support and that support us. We’ve involved the voices of staff, volunteers and beneficiaries at Board level to influence decision-making. We have strong governance practises, closely managing and reporting on key metrics and reviewing performance and finances in line with project objectives and growth ambitions. We’ve invested in our people, our processes, and our infrastructure in order to maintain the longevity and quality of our service delivery.

At a time when our older population are arguably more isolated than any time in history, befriending could not be more critical to community recovery. But it won’t be a continuation of what came before Coronavirus.

I am excited as b:friend enters a new era. As a board and staff team, we’ve collaborated with our partners, funders and supporters, and committed ourselves to ambitious targets, positioning ourselves locally and nationally to achieve even greater impact through scaled service delivery. We have a clear vision for how we can impact the issue we’re working on; by focussing on local community projects to ensure that we have the greatest impact on overcoming social isolation and loneliness at a grassroots level.

My job in the coming year is to build on our strong platform to help b:friend to bring even more older and younger neighbours together, to continue to innovate, and to make sure we are living up to our founding mission: to facilitate meaningful community connection, transforming an individual’s self value, reduce their isolation and enable them to build resilience in later life - no one should have no one.

On top of the building next-door to the b:friend office in Sheffield reads a neon sign saying “everything is different today”. The artwork, by Sheffield-based artist Tim Etchells, epitomises the year 2020 and the work of our charity moving forward.

Daniel Burton | Interim-Chair | b:friend

Karen Jenny Maryanne Hayley Our trustee & advisory board Daniel Burton (Chair) Lucy Cole Matthew Cutmore Geraint Evans 28 Melissa Beckett Louis Stokes

our team Mike Rayella

In the last 12 months, b:friend has enabled

over 13,000 hours of community connection in South Yorkshire

We’re all neighbours lets b:friend! info@letsbfriend.org.uk @ 07523 698 530[facebook.com/brienders]

B..FRIEIND {A cliaritable incorporated oruani5ation limtted bv guarantee) REPORT.4LND FINI AIN CIAL STATEINIEINTS FOR THE YE.4R ENI DED 31 OCTOBER 20?0 CH.4RITY NI UC*lBER 1171148 COIllPANY NI UIIBER CE009648

B:FRIEND COINTEINTS Page IANAGEfvIENT co11[TrEE REPORT INDEPENDELYT EXAfvJIYER'S RKPORT sTATE]ENT OF FlINANCI.4L ACTII'ITIES BALLNCE SHEET ,YOTES TO THE ACCOUINTS 9-l5

L4Tr1AGEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020 The Managetnent Committee presents its report and aceounts for the year ended 31 October 20?0. ChArity information Mana ement Committee Daniel Biirton Louis Stokes Lucy Cole Geraint Evans Melissa Beckett Acting Chairperson (appointedl/Treasurer Non-F.xecutive membei Non-Executive Inembei Non-Executive mcmbei Non-Execulive member Charity Registration nutnber 1171148 Charity iegisleied office Archway Doncastei Road High Melton Doneasler South Yorkshire DN5 7SU Operatioiial address Unit315 The Woikstalion 15 Patcrnoster Row Sheffield Sl ?BX Secretary Matthew Culmore Independent examiner Smith Craven Chartered Accountants Sidings House Sidings Court Doncaster Bankers Santander UK PI¢ Doncaster

MANAGEMENT c.Ol11TTEE REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020 Structure, governance gnd management Governino Document The organisatioi) is a charitable incorporated orgaiiisalion fomed oil 17 Janiiary 2017 and iegislered as a charity. The chaiily was established under a Constitution which establishes the objects and powers of the charitable cotnpany and is governed undei ils Constitution. In the event of the charity being wound up members are required lo contribute an amount not exceeding £1. Rectuilmenl and A ointment of Mana ement Committee The Trustees ol the chaiily lor the purposes of charity law and under the charily's Constitution are known as members ofr the Managein¥nl Committee. Under the requirements of Ihc Constitution tlie metnbers of the Management Coinmittee are elected lo serve for a period ol. thrce yeais after iyhich tliey must be re- elected at the next lia[ General Meeting. Ob-ectives and Activities The objcctives of the charity are to piomote social inclusion amongst elderly persons, in particular. but not excluslvc to over 65's, resident in Doiicaster and rlic sutTounding areas who are CKcluded by society, by piovision of.. Befricnding services tliiough weekly outreach to individuals. Such oihei ways from time lo lime as the irustees see tit in furtherance with said objects. B..Friend is a nol-for-profit organisatioii. B.'Friend pairs volunteci betrienders with socially isolated older neighbouis in the community with the aim of reducing loneliness by reengagino with people and places around them. Our key aclivilies are I.. I befriending pairings, visiting once a week for a "cuppa" and a chat. B..Fiirnd also providcs two hour SOLial clubs, held in various locations that ol'fer peer support through a raiige of physically and mentally stimulating sessions. All activities undertaken by the charity are to benefit people in the community, be they voliinteers or older neighbours. and all remaiii equitable with services free at the poiiil ol delivery. Trustees ensure all activities ale in accordance with the eharity objects outlincd in the constitution and arc for the public benefit.

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020 Achievements and performance In the reporting period, the charily has created over 140 x I'.1 belriending pairings across Doncaster, Barnsley, Shcfficld and Rotherham In addition to this our team has supported and maiiaged an additional l ?0 x l.. I befriending paiiings alrcady in existence. Fac ilitated approximately 960 houts of Social Club activity acioss the region with weekly activity. peer support and entertaiiitneiil. Collaborated with other charity and community groups, along with statutory health and social care colleagues, on wider social challengts faL¢d aLross towns and citi¢5 w¢ work In. A cointnunily event hosted by the charity was fcatured on BBC Breakfast national new's and other media coveiage includes regional radio and piinl media. Financial Review Princi al Fundin Sources B..I".nend was grateful to receive funding from.. Th¢ National Lottery Community Fund, the D¢partment for Culture, Media and Sport, South Yorkshire Fire and Rcscuc, Bamsley Metropolitan Borough Council. Doncaster Melropolilan Borough CoLincil and Public Health Doncaster diiring this periud. We also received continued financial and skills support frotn partners incliidino South Yoikshires Commiinity Foundation. E-on Tween Bridge, Voluiitary Action Rotherham, Coca Cola, Rotary Club of St Geoiges. Doncaster Medical Ball and the Santander Foundation. Resetve Polic As a policy, it has always been feli ptudeiit lo maiiitaiii reserves at a level whereby at least thicc months cxpendilure could be tnet in the event of a signifityant loss of funding.

IVIALYAGEIMENT COMMITTEE REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2020 Siaiemenl of Mana ement Committee's Res oiisibililies Charity law requires the Managemeiil Committee lo prepare financial statement5 foi each financial period which give a true and fail view of Ihc stale of the affairs of the CIO as at the balanLe sheet dale and ot it5 incoming iesouices and application of resources. including incomc and expenditure, for the tinancial period tn pieparing Ihosc financial slalements, the Management Cotnmillee should follow best praclice and.. select suitable accounliiig policies and then apply them consistently make judgements aiid estimates that are reasonable aiid ptudenl. aiid prepare the financial stalemeiits on the going collcetn basis unless il is inappropriate to assume that the eompany will continue on that basis. The Management Committee is responsible for mainlaining proper accounting iecoids which dis¢lose with reasonable accuiacy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and lo enable them to ensure that the fiiiaiicial slatcmci)Is comply with the Compaiiies Act 2006 and Charities SORP (FRS 1021. The Management Commitiee Is also responsible tor saleguarding the assets of the cliaritable company and hence lor taking reasonable steps loi the ptevenlion alld detection OF fraud and other irregularitie5. Memb¥rs of the Mana ement Committee Members of the Management Comtnillee. who are trustees for the purpose of charity law. who served during the year and up lo the date ol this report are sel out on page 2. In accordance with charities law, as ihe CIO'S Injstees. we certify that". so far as we are aware. there is no relevant accounting infomiation of which the charity's indcpendent examiners are unaware," and a5 the trustees of the CIO, we have taken all the steps that we ouoht to have taken in oidci lo make oursclves aware of any relevant accounting iDfomiation and to establish that the charity's indepcndent examiiiers are aware of that infomiatioii. Approval This report was approved by the Management Committee on 2S/oE la021 and signed on ils behalf by.. Daniel Burton Chairperson

B:FRIEND INDEPELYDENT EXAL¥IINER'S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS Report lu the trustees Ot B..Friend on the accounts for th¢ peTiod endcd 31 Octor 2020 8ei out on pages 710 15 Respective rtsponsibilLtie5 of tr4]5tets and examiner The trustees ar¢ reswnsiblt lor Ihe preparation of Ihe accounts in 1cordanCe i¥iih the Charities Acr 2011 I'the Aci"). Th¢ trustees consider (hat an audit is not required for thi5 period under section 144 of the Aci. and ihal an independeni txaminaiion is n¢¢ded. It is my responsibility lo.. exatnine the accounts uDd¢r 5eLlion 14) ot-lhe Act. 10 tolloiv th¢ pruLedure& laid down in th¢ General Direction5 given by the Charity Cotmmission undLr sLxtion 1451illbl of the Aci. and to state iyheihtr particular maiters have cotne to tny att¢ntion. Ba5l5 of indtptndellt eaMIner'S statement The charity's gross incomc exce¢ded £250,000 and l am qualified to iindenake the examination by being a qualilied meFnber ol. Insiituie of Chart¢r¢d AcLouniants in England Wales IICAEWI. ly examination was caTrieLI out in accordance with General DirLYiioll5 given b}. the Charit Commission. An e.i2minaiion inilude5 a review ol- the accounting recordi kepi Ihe ¢harilv and compartson of the titLounis presented 'ith those records. li also iDcludttg consideraiion of unusual items or disclosures in the aLLounts. and s¢¢kiDg of explanaiions trom Ihe trustees concerning anw SULh mailers. The procedure5 und¢rlak"en do nor proN'id¢ all the evidenLe I11 ¥4ould b¢ rLyuired in an audit. ?d con%4uenilJ no opinion is giv¢n as 10 whether the accounts pieseni a 'tNt and faTr view, and the report is limited lo those mailers sei out in the statement below. Independent examiner's statement In Lujnneciion with tny examinaiion. no material mattes have L¥)me to tny atieniion ivhich Gives me cause to believe that in. any material respect.. Ihe acwunling records were not kept in accordance ivith 5Wtion 13Q of the Charitl¢s Aci,. and.. or the accounts did noi accord with Ihe accounting record5; or Ihe accounts did noi Compl i¥ith th¢ accounting requiremenis conLeming Ihe form and )ntint ot'acwunls set out in Ihe Chgritits (Accounis and Rewrt51 Regulations 2008 other than any requirement tliai the accounls give a'irue and fair. view ¥vhich is not a Tnatter con5id¢r¢d as part 01. independ¢nt ¢xaininaiion. I hav¢ concems and haw¢ come aLross no oiher matt¢rs in connLYtion with the examination to which atienlion Should be draifvn in Ihis report in order to enable a prop¢r undersianding of the awtsunis 10 be reaLhed. Kelvin Fitton BA FCA For and on behaifoFSmiih Cr.} Chartered Accountants Siding5 Cuurt Doncasier DN4 iNU DuiLd..

B..f RIENO STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (including Incorne and Expenrfilur9 Accounll YEAR ENDED 31ST OCTOBER 2020 Unrestricted fund5 Restricted income fund5 Total Prlor year fund5 Note INCOMING RESOURCES Income and endowments from.. Donations and legacies 7.493 243.674 251,166 21 J,511 Charitabl8 activities 3.319 3,319 9,090 Total 10,812 242.874 254,485 222,601 RESOURCES EXPENOED ExpendItU on: Raising funds 2.224 2.224 2,445 Charitable aGtivllies 178.160 178,160 160.668 Total 1BO,384 160.384 163.113 Net movement In funds 10.812 63.290 74.102 59.488 R•¢ontlllatlon of fvnd$'. Total funds brought fopNard 27.383 46.097 73.460 13,972 Total funds caled fonv8rd 38,175 109.386 147.561 73,460 The statement of flnan¢ial actlvlties Includes all gain5 and losses In the perlod. All Incorning re50urc8s and resources expended d8rlve from contlnuing activtties,

B.-FRIEND BALANCE SHEET AT 31ST OCTOBER 202Q Unrestricted Rastrlcted Total fullds funds funds Prior year funds Note FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 4,683 4,683 9,496 rotal fixed assets 4.683 4,683 9,496 CURRENT ASSETS Deblofs Cash al bank and in hand 1.077 1,077 8.847 170.945 209.120 132.604 38.175 Total current aSS8ts 38.175 172.022 210,197 141.451 REDITORS.. amounts fallin9 due wlthln one year 10 67,319 67,319 77,487 Net current asset5 38.175 104,703 142,878 63.964 rotal assots less current liabilAties 38,175 109,386 147,561 73.459 FUNDS OF THE CHARir Reslricled incomo funds Unrestricted funds 109,388 109.386 38,175 46.097 27,363 38.175 rotal funds 38,175 109,386 147.561 73,460 Approved by the trustees on 2S/oE /Ao21 Signed.. On behalf ol the iruslees

B.'FRIEND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST OCTOBER 2020 BASIS OF PREPARATION Basis of Accounting The financial slalemenls have been prepared undgr the historical cost convention wlh items recognised al Gosl or Iransactioll value unles5 olherise staled in the relevant note to these accounts. The accounts have Oeen prepared in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in Ihg Uniled Kingdotn and Republi¢ ol Ireland IFRS 1021 and with the Ch8rilies Act 2011. ACCOUNTING POLICIES INCOMING RESOURCES Recognition of incomTng rasources These are included in the Slalemelll ol Financial A¢ti¥ities ISOFAI when.. the charity b8eomes enlilled lo the resources., the Iruslees are virtu3lly certain thèy VAII ceIve the resource5'. and the monetary value can be rneasured with sufficient reliability. Offsetting There has been no offsetting of a558ls and liabilitiès, or income and expenses. unlESS required or permitted by the FRS 102 SORP or FRS 102. Grants and donations Grants and donations are only induded in Ihe SOFA when the genera1 income recognilioll Crileria are met. Contractual income and performance relat•d grants This is only included In the SOFA once the related goods or services have been delivered. Glfts in kind Gift5 in kind are accounted lor al a reason2t>le estimate of their value lo the charity or Ihe amount actually realised. Gifts in kind lor sale or distribution are included in the accounts 3s gifts only when sold or distributed by the charity Gifts in kind lor use by Ihe charity are included in the SOFA as incoming resource5 when receivabl8 Donatèd services and fa¢iliti These are only included In incoming resources (with an equivalent amount in resources expended) where the benefit to the charity is reasonably quantifiable. rneasurable and material. The value placed on these resources is the eslimaled va5ue lo Ihe eharity of th8 service or facility received. Volunteer help The value ol any voluntary help received is not included in the aecounls bul 15 described in the Iruslees, annual report.

B..FRIEND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST OCTOBER 2020 ACCOUNTING POLICIES Icontlnuedl EXPENDITURE AND LIABILITIES Llability recognition Liabilities are r8cognised where il is more likely than not Ihat thEre is a legal or constructiv obligaiion comrnilling the ch3rily lo pay out resources and the amounl of the obligation can b8 Theasur8d with reasonable certainly. Governance and support costs Support costs have been allocated between governance costs and other support. Governance cosls comprise all costs Involving public accountability ol the charity alld Ils compliance with regulaliDn and good practice Support costs include central functions and have been allocated 10 8¢1ivity cost c3legories on a basis oonsislent with th6 use of resources. ASSETS Tangible fixgd assèts for use by the charity These are capilalised if they can bè used lor more than one year. and cost 81 least £250. Th8y are valued al cost The depreciation rates and Tnethods used a disclosed in the noles 10 the accounts. ANALYSIS OF INCOMING RESOURCES Unrestrictèd Rostricted funds fund5 Thls year Last year Donatlons and legacies Donations and gifts Legacies 7.492 243,674 251,166 213,511 Total 7,492 243,674 251,166 213.511 harilable activltiès Other 3,319 3,319 9,090 Toial 3,319 3.319 9,090 Total Incorne 10,811 243,674 254,485 222.601 10

B..FRIEND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST OCTOBER 2020 ANALYSIS OF RESOURCES EXPENDED Unrestrlcted Restrict8d funds funds This year Last year Raising funds Advertising 2,224 2.224 2,445 Total oxpèndlture on raising funds 2,224 2,224 2.445 Charitabla activities Other expenditure 178.160 178,160 160,668 Total expenditurè on charttabl• actlvltles 178.160 178,160 160,668 Total expenditur8 180,384 180,384 163,113 PAID EMPLOYEES Staff costs Thls year Last year Sa13riè5 and wages Social security costs Pension cosls Idefined contribution scheme) 121,670 6,163 2.422 96,247 3.645 1.506 Total staff costs 130,255 101.398 No em Joyee5 recgived etllployee benefits for the reporting period ol mor8 than £60,000. Thls year £29,728 Last year £29.300 Total amount paid lo key personnel 5.2 Avarag• haad count In the year Officers and administration Support WLirkers Thls year Last year DEFINEO CONTRIBUTION PENSION SCHEME Thls year Last yèar 6.1 Amount of contributions recognised In the SOFA as an expense 2,422 1,506

B.'FRIEND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31STOCTOBER 2020 DETAILS OF CERTAIN ITEMS OF EXPENDITURE 7.1 fru51ee remuneration and expenses No rn8mb8rs of th8 rnanagemgnl committee ceiVed any remuneration during the year. No expensps were 1mburSe lu tn&mbers of th8 management CQTnTnillee. 7.2 Fe85 for examination of the aGrount$ Thls year Last year Independent examinerfs fees for r&porting on the accounts 1.800 1,800 1.800 1,800 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSErs Cost Computer equlprnent Total At the beginning of th8 year 14,439 14.439 Additions Disposals Al end of year 14,439 14.439 Depreciation Ba815 Rate Straight Line 3 ygar5 At the beginning af the year 4,943 4,943 Oepreciation 4.813 4,813 Disposals At elld of year 9.756 9.756 Net book value Al the bpginning of the year 9.496 9.496 Al end of year 4.683 4,683

B'FRIENO NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST OCTOBER 2020 DEBTORS AND PREPAYMENTS Analysis of debtors This year Last year Funding debtors Prepayments and accrued income 5,870 2,978 1,077 Total 1.077 8,848 10 CREDITORS AND ACCRUALS Analysis of creditors This year Last year Accnjals and deferred income Taxation and social security 65,100 2,219 75,562 1,925 Total 67,319 77.487

B..FRIEND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOFI THE YEAR ENOED J15TOCT08ER 2020 MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Re5trf¢ted lunds held FuDd 8arnsley YDtksbiTr Camffjunity Fu Soul) Commufflily Fr L%Jncast91 Awards FarAII Ka&pmDai lo wavide core 5etvice p(UW51un5 DEare aiEa 10 Wovide ctye serwice pl05105 fft the arta lo pffjvid8 cat8 S81C8 In the Oanca51ef Cenlral afea lo ptuvide a Weekly 50c4al-lub io th# Oeamè a¢a to lund 10118•hIc video mai2nJl io prorroit the Ghami95 awns to provid8 s waekly club In Ihp D8ll2by area to PTDvidB eoro 5ètvTr orOy5Sions In the SOUW Y?rkshrt aa PrOde Core servu provwffls Ir DaSterIOr 3 ye3B lund saiwros To prov8 luDds14r a w website partlunrt ilarf 5aia¢os 8ig Loliery Re4chiry communie5 Souih Yortshiie Fire & RgSfXI8 1 1.2 Restncted fuft45 5Urnrnary Balance bll InCtsnng ou99 Balancè cll Dorncasigrc Valunt2ryA¢bon R¢thetham South Yotkshir4 CDmmunityFuffld south Yo51r5 CDrnThunily Fuffld South Yotxshir¢ Comffluniiy Fvlld Barnslay MBC B& LOUÈry Reacniw ComMuniis 819 Loiigniauildin9Conn8ctiDllS LoUEry Awatd51or All StyJlh Yor51r Fire & R•¥ug Tgsco Bags'.arHe4P KEepmoai ofvt8C-Covid.19 RE5POnse 6 105 T.7L 734 4.970 4236 2.545 3.75Q 20.212 39 .568 TB.7 32.912 18.2JJ 17.8TT 740 500 320 2m 4,452 2.230 2.918 10.370 Nesta-Covid-1S Resoon5 2.Q83 GrÈ885FouDdaiiQrt Roihe¢ham srrahainlIl8htChar1ty AvivA Crowdfundec l.T59 1.T59 Totsi .097 243.673 180,384 109.286 Analysis al nol ag¥lt¥ b?Bert lund9 Genèral Rqgtrfctqd Funds Funds Total Funds TaTrglb fixed a5SIiS CurfenlaE&815 cu1renlha1e5 4.6B3 4,683 38,ITS 67.3fS NBI ass¢isal 31 Qciab8r 2020 38.175 109.386 147.561

B..FRIEND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST OCTOBER 2020 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS No Injslee or other person rel3led lo the charity had any personal interest In any contract or transaction entered inlo by the charity during the period.

B:FRIEND COINTEINTS Page IANAGEfvIENT co11[TrEE REPORT INDEPENDELYT EXAfvJIYER'S RKPORT sTATE]ENT OF FlINANCI.4L ACTII'ITIES BALLNCE SHEET ,YOTES TO THE ACCOUINTS 9-l5

2020-10-31-accounts

D E L I V E R Y F I G U R E S

Cover the period of January 1st 2020 — December 31st 2020 F I N A N C I A L F I G U R E S

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our ceo

Volunteers

Integrational

Leadership

Partnerships

No one should have no one

WE DON’T WANT LIKES OR RETWEETS

WHAT WE EXIST FOR

b : f r i e n d M O D E L

Our awesome partners

b : f r i e n d PA R T N E R S H I P S

Special mentions go to:

1 : 1 B E F R I E N D I N G

24% attrition

52% 92% of befriending of older neighbours

W H AT D O W E G E T U P T O AT S O C I A L C L U B ?

The statements (scored 1-5)

The Social Value is £10.12 for every £1 spent

Social impact deflators

Carbon footprint

Privately paid by CEO

Inclusivity

Staff salaries All staff are paid above the UK Living Wage (not accredited)

Equity

Mental health

“

...our chair

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