The Formby Befriending Scheme
Charity No. 1171771
Annual Report
for year ended 31st March 2025
Introduction
The Trustees present their Report along with Financial Statements. The Scheme was awarded independent charitable status on the 24th February 2017 having operated originally since 2013.
Governance
Trustees during the year ended 31st March 2025:
Dr G Corcoran Chair Dr D Edwards Mr A Gillies Mrs I Watts
Trustees are appointed as and when necessary from members of the local community who have an interest in furthering the aims of the Charity.
The Charity operates as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) registered with the Charity Commission in February 2017. The polices of the Charity are decided by the Trustees within guidelines of this organisation. The Trustees meet on a monthly basis, with invited others operating as a Steering Group.
The Trustees confirm that in exercising their powers and duties, they have complied with their responsibility to have due regard to the guidance on public health benefit published by the Charity Commission.
Registered Office
Methodist Church, Elbow Lane, Formby, Merseyside. L37 4AF
Objectives and Activities
Formby Befriending Scheme aims to reduce loneliness and social isolation among older adults who are resident in the Formby, Hightown and Ince Blundell areas of Sefton in Merseyside.
At the heart of the charity is a group of Volunteers or ‘Befrienders’ who visit people on a one-to-one basis each week for a chat and to provide companionship. Referrals are received from a variety of sources, often health related eg GP Surgeries, Social Prescribers as well as from individuals and their families.
There are two Coffee Clubs held each month which are free and open to those wanting to meet new people or socialise with others in a welcoming environment. The Coffee Clubs are supported by a team of Volunteers and transport is provided for anyone who is unable to make their own way.
New volunteers initially contact our part-time Scheme Coordinator and are then asked to complete an application form, provide references and undergo a DBS Check. Volunteer Befrienders are then “matched” with a person to visit at home on a regular basis. Other volunteers help with transport, catering and conversation at our regular coffee clubs.
During this year, a new initiative of Telephone Befriending has been added to our scheme, whereby volunteers have regular telephone contact with a number of ‘friends’ rather than home visits.
Meetings for all volunteers are arranged at least twice per year to review the progress of the Scheme and to share experiences. An update and discussion about Safeguarding Policy is also included at the meetings.
The Trustees are very grateful to the Scheme Coordinator and to all the Volunteers for their ongoing commitment to supporting older people in their local community.
Holiday at Home
The Trustees are grateful to the small team that has re-established Holiday at Home. This took place again in August 2024 and included a programme of events for older adults who are no longer able to enjoy the holidays they once had. As in previous years there was a very busy fortnight of activities, musical entertainment and fun and it was very pleasing to see so many people enjoying themselves..
Our sincere thanks go to Formby Benevolent Trust for funding support and all the organisations, businesses, churches and volunteers who worked so hard to make the fortnight so successful.
Financial Summary
Accounts have been prepared on an accrual basis.
The Charity is dependent on donations and fundraising to support operations and activities and the Trustees are grateful to all who have supported the Charity in this way. The Scheme will need to seek further grant funding and donations over the next year to continue its work.
As at 31st March 2025, the Charity finances report a net asset worth of £13,950 which will pay for most of our regular activities of the year ahead including staff costs to support the assessment of referrals, management of Coffee Clubs and overall coordination of the Scheme.
Gerard Corcoran Chair of Trustees / Treasurer
Formby Befriending Scheme
Charity Registration 1171771
1/4/24 - 31/3/25
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| INCOME & EXPENDITURE | £ | £ | £ |
| INCOME | |||
| Donations | 870 | 1500 | 2370 |
| Bank Interest |
447 | 0 | 447 |
| Total Income | 1317 | 1500 | 2817 |
| EXPENDITURE | |||
| Staff Costs | 12195 | 350 | 12545 |
| Publicity | 0 | 467 | 467 |
| Computing | 1104 | 0 | 1104 |
| Insurance | 481 | 0 | 481 |
| Activities & Events | 0 | 605 | 605 |
| Office Costs | 1841 | 0 | 1841 |
| Telephones | 311 | 0 | 311 |
| Refreshments | 606 0 | 606 0 | 606 |
| Total Expenditure | 16538 | 1422 | 17960 |
| Net Income | -15302 78 | 15302 78 | -15143 |
Note: A total of £2058 is held within the Scheme’s Bank A/Cs in respect of restricted projects and to be used strictly on these projects in the future. £1026 for Holiday at Home, and £1031.75 for Dementia Support.
| Dementia Support. | |
|---|---|
| 31st March2025 | |
| BALANCE SHEET | £ |
| Bank A/C - Current | 894 |
| bank A/C - Savings | 12247 |
| Interest | |
| Petty Cash | |
| Prepayments | 817 |
| Accruals | -38 |
| Net Assets | 13950 |
| Income Surplus b/f | 29093 |
| Income Deficit Current Year | -15143 |
| Net Funds | 13950 |