# Parson Cross Initiative Projects Annual Report 2023 Registered Charity 1172288 ## **Report from the Chair** Every time I sit down to review the year and write this report I begin to ask, what is different, what has changed and developed, and what has remained the same or been given up? It feels in the main like this year has generally been one of consolidation after the Covid years, whilst gently re-shaping our activities and our responses; we’ve welcomed some new volunteers, done work on developing some of the spaces we use (particularly the community allotments) and even begun to reshape our weekly activities at Tabor and elsewhere. Over the winter months our and with massive rises in heating costs, we turned our focus to offering a _Warm Space_ at Mount Tabor. Sadly the ongoing effects of a rising cost of living, especially food and heating, have seen many of the people we meet really struggle once again. Financial and mental and physical health issues continue to dominate many of our conversations, and the support we provide for people coming to sessions. Although we can hope that 2024 might see improvements and even policy changes, realistically many of those we work alongside will continue to have to be imaginative and resilient as they try to steer a way through, as will we in our responses. With this in mind, reviewing our work and activities is always an ongoing priority. This year we have undertaken a major review of our work on the community allotments, which has included commissioning a report by Jules Wood to help us reshape what we do and identify new partners and approaches to our work there. We look forward to developing this work further in the coming year. 2023 has seen us enter into new partnerships, in particular with Foodcycle with who we are now hosting free weekly community meals at Mount Tabor. Foodcycle has successfully recruited volunteer teams to both cook for and host the sessions which are already seeing regular numbers of people attending each week. As we continue to move further from the Covid pandemic years we can also focus again on things we let slip during that time, one of those is our Friends of PXI scheme. Friends of PXI has always had a two fold purpose, firstly to identify and build a firm supporter base for the charity of people and organisations who understand and will help promote our work, and secondly for creating a donor base to help sustain the work of the charity and plans are already in hand to make 2023-24 the year we re-launch this group. Our need to recruit and train a more reliable and effective team of volunteers needs to also be an important focus for the coming year if we are to continue to develop successfully. One of the most treasured things foe me as Chair of PXI is to hear the kinds words people use to describe how they feel about the time they spend with us at Tabor, on the allotments or elsewhere, comments like: _“I feel safe here …..I feel comfortable here and like I belong”_ and _“There’s a sense of community and focus ….. it’s a good community spirit”._ Comments like these were at the heart of the feedback we received earlier this year, a sample of which can be seen in the appendices to this report. Nick Waterfield (Chair of Trustees) September 2023 ## **Community Food Hub & Social Café** First some basic numbers about the Food Hub and Social Cafe, that show the numbers of people using them: - Approximately 40 people attend Social Cafe each week - Around 12 people have eaten with us at the weekly Tuesday lunchtime - Average of 28 people attend community food hub each week. - Around 25 people have attended the community meal every week (since June 2023) The post pandemic move away from a “traditional food bank” to the community Food Hub (community pantry type model) has continued to prove successful, with lower numbers of people accessing it than before Covid-19 but with a focus towards older people who did not previously access the food bank. The levels of donations each week makes the food hub largely self sustainable. One of the problems we have faced this year is around supply and stock preservation; the range of food received from Fareshare has declined (this is an issue that has been raised nationally and is not therefore one that faces us alone) the one exception to this being the fresh food option. The provision of fresh fruit and vegetables has been widely popular, however the delay between arrival of the fresh food on Tuesday and the hub on Thursday (up until September 2023) led to a fair degree of food loss. The provision of ambient foods has remained relatively constant but with little variation and range, bread and pasta accounting for the bulk. As well as food of course, the hub and the Social Cafe have provided the space for supportive conversations around issues such as; debt, benefits, and mental health issues. Sadly, because we are no longer a “food bank” we cannot access a CAB service on our premises, this has been a blow and it would be good to find ways of remedying it at some point. In addition the self supporting music group that runs on a Tuesday morning is still proving popular. The group regularly has around ten people attending learning and using instruments including drums, guitar, piano and ukulele; the group has also recently featured people who simply want to sing or listen. One part of our pre pandemic work that we have not been able to scale up to as fast as we would have liked is our listening and story telling work, this is something we are looking to improve on in the coming year. Since June 2023 we have been pleased to enter into a new partnership with FoodCycle which has led to the provision of a free weekly evening community meal at Mount Tabor. FoodCycle have already established solid volunteer teams for both cooking and hosting, the meals attracts around 20 plus people every week and is proving a popular social space. Our shift from September 2023 to move all our food based activity (social cafe, food hub and community meals) to a Tuesday at Tabor will hopefully help us focus on the needs of both these food based activities and other activities we want to develop separately and alongside. ## **Community Allotments & Growing Spaces** It’s felt like a really successful year on the community allotments; from our 2[nd] place award in the Community Group category of Sheffield City Council (Bolton Cup) allotments competition, to the completion of the new poly tunnel on plot 74, weekly numbers have remained stable for most of the year at around 20 each session. Amongst our regulars on the site, we particularly give thanks to Janice & Mark from Limbrick Centre (NHS) for the support and input they offer. We were particularly grateful to Jules Wood this year who undertook a short project with us to erect the poly tunnel with a team of volunteers, and complete a valuable report on the potential and future of our work at the Norwood site (see Appendix). Partly as a result of the report we’ve started a second weekly session on the allotments from September and also some new seasonal craft activity sessions, starting with Autumn lantern making (as part of Parkwood Springs Lantern Festival) and to be followed up with wreath making this December. ## **Autism Hope** It has been another busy year for Autism Hope, we have our regular members who attend every week and have welcomed new families to support as well. We have enjoyed guest speakers from Sheffield Parent Carer Forum and also parents who have older children with autism who have very kindly joined us to share their lived experiences. These sessions were tremendously helpful and received great feedback. We have really focused on parent/carer mental health this year and have enjoyed group therapy sessions, stress and well being workshops and mindfulness presentations. We had so much fun on our annual seaside trip and look forward to another fun packed year for Autism Hope! ## **Safeguarding** At the present time we have only one safeguarding matter of significance that requires ongoing monitoring and awareness from session hosts. Due to the many changes which have taken place post Covid this year has seen some changes in the approach to Safeguarding issues. Advice was sought from Alison Hill, The Sheffield Methodist District Safeguarding Officer. Following her advice it was decided to follow the Model Policy of Safeguarding as set for the Methodist Church, which will be reviewed annually. Safeguarding training is important for both Trustees and Session Hosts, the good news regarding Safeguarding training is that there is now a reciprocal agreement between the Methodist Church and the Anglican Church that they will each recognise others Safeguarding training modules. A Foundation Module training was offered in November 2022 for those who still required training. An Annual Report on Safeguarding was also suggested by Alison. There continues to be an awareness of the vulnerability and needs of many of the people who attend the varied sessions offered by PXI. It is paramount that all who are part of PXI Trustee, Session Host or user are able to feel safe, cared for and valued. ## **Forward Strategy** In the immediate short term we are likely to continue with our current strategy of relying on volunteer support and input from those involved in our activities as we continue to build back post pandemic. This will include additional sessions on the allotment as well as the maintaining of Tuesday and Thursday sessions at Mount Tabor. Going forward into the medium term, it is likely that we will need to turn to more session based staff (as we have with the artist input via Ignite Imaginations) and even re-consider longer term appointments in light of the potential change in management and trusteeship for Mount Tabor, which will undoubtedly have implications for PXI. Financially, although we will largely remain grant dependent for activities, we hope to expand our donor and supporter base to allow us some flexibilty around budgets. ## **Appendices:** ## **1. Trustees 2021-22** Nick Waterfield (Chairperson) Alison Charlesworth (Treasurer) Carlie Brough Alison Charlesworth (Treasurer) Iain Cloke Carlton Reeve Janet Shepherd (resigning October 2023) Jonathan Buckley (Secretary) Teresa Buckley (non voting members) Alan Bettison Jane Offord (Safeguarding Officer resigning October 2023) ## **2. Thanks to the following Funders & Donations 2022-23** Asda Empowering Communities Killamarsh Methodist Church Bramall Foundation Magic Little Grant (Local Giving Ltd) Chapeltown Methodist Church Scraithwood TARA Earl Fitzwilliam grant - room hire Sheffield City Council Easy Fundraising donations Sheffield City Council - Warm Spaces Grant Give.net (Autism Hope fundraiser) St Agathas Give.net (Stewardship) donations St Andrews Psalter Lane Grenoside Methodist Church donation Steel City Choristers Harry Bottom Trust Tom Reavey Hollowford Trust JG Graves Trust We also have a significant number of regular individual donors totalling £280 of giving every month to support food and projects within PXI – once again we give thanks to all our supporters. ## **3.Outline of key recommendations from Allotment Report: May 2023** - Identified demand for additional sessions (including afternoons) - Improved disability access and a useable toilet on the site - Seasonal arts and crafts activities - Educational activities around growing produce - Produce sales to raise cash and community profile - Cooking sessions to use the produce - Group trips to other places for inspiration and learning - Develop a seasonal programme of events that include open days and involve the wider community - Need to explore paid lead and session staffing for allotment project - Further links with statutory agencies who can signpost or refer people to our project - Making greater use of corporate volunteering opportunities ## **4.Feedback (February / March 2023)** ## _**We asked visitors to PXI at Mount Tabor how important the space was to them …… Here’s some of the things they said:**_ “I feel safe here …..I feel comfortable here and like I belong” “This place is really important to me, it got me out of the house just staring at four walls” “On my bad days I go home from here feeling a bit better” “I feel secure when I come here …. you’re not judged here” “It feels like home from home to me” “Friends are important and I’ve made a lot of them here” “”I learn more about how to cope every time I come. It’s a place you can come and talk to people about anything” “I feel a lot better when I come here” “I feel a sense of purpose and belonging here….. a sense of being wanted and needed” ## _**In June 2023, we asked visitors to PXI community allotments what they liked about that space …… and they said:**_ “You can see the improvements from your work …. When we plant things and then see everything growing” “Meeting people is more enjoyable than just being stuck at home on your own” “It’s good for my mental health ….. it’s a friendly atmosphere” “There’s a sense of community and focus ….. it’s a good community spirit” “I learn a lot when I’m here” “It gives me a sense of purpose” “It’s a safe space to meet people, and talk about problems in your life” “It’s friendly and welcoming …. everyone can join in, people can do whatever they are capable of doing” ## **5. Social Media Links** Follow us on Twitter: **@pxiprojects** Or on Facebook: **PXI – Parson Cross Initiative Projects** Visit our website: **https://pxiprojects.wordpress.com/** CHARITY COMMISSION ' FOR ENGLAND AND WALE5 Receipts and payments accounts CC16a For the perlod Irom ember 2022 3151 August 2023 Section A Receipts and payments Unre*trlcted lunds Realricted fuThd$ Efidowment funds Total funds LaÈt y•3r lo th•n••t••i¢ tolh• n•ir••l E to ￿￿0¥1 E A1 R￿￿1 t* Irthm•froth th)Th&tiw$. CharbLqL4e ABtNRe5 Irad Intom 4,300 22.373 26.679 19,935 Sub totaliGr056 income forARI 4306 22.J73 24$79 1B,93S A2 Asset and Investment sales. (see tablel- Sub total Total r8celpts 4.306 22,373 2Q679 19.935 A3Pa ents C05t5 of charMaNe￿￿1￿ fun05 4,051 13,e07 17,6 16.219 3,924 3,924 1057 Sub total 7,975 14Q07 21,502 19.271 A4 Asset and investfflent urchasÈ$, l$tre tabl81 Sub total Total p*ymentS 7,975 13,807 19,176 Net of re¢elpt5/lpaymentsJ AS Transler5 between funds A6 Cg$h funds last year end Ca$h fvnds this year end 3,669 1,716 &097 30,212 26,543 9,SS7 1B,323 39,769 44,866 CCXX R1 a¢￿u￿15 ISSI 12112rL023 Seclion B Statement of assols and liabilities at the end of Ihe period Unrestricted funds to n•w••l Regtrlcted funds Endowment lunds CBt•gon•ts B1 Cash funds C••h bi b¥ 21.84J 41,)24 Total cash lunds Z6.543 1U,324 Unrestrlcte lunds R•stdct•d lund¥ tr*n•4r•¥t E Endowrn•nt fund5 Dtiall$ FW •to(& •1311l W 3023 B2 Other monelary asseto 37 Fund lo whlth MIAt b•lon Cuvrwt¥•lub OetBII¥ Fund lo whlth lJ&lon Curi¢tit vJluo B4 Assets retalned for the charity's own use Fumdto ¥Yhl¢h I1￿111ty AmDunt du Otialls BS Liabilitles Sl9n&d by one or two truslees on behalf of all thq ￿￿61P8S Dale of roval Signalure PrlDI Name A1150n ChaTl8sworth 01 10.2023 Nlck Walerfidd 01.10.2023 CCXX R2 accounts Issi 12112ft023 CHARI￿ COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examlner's Report Report to the trustees Pxr ¢ARSoNJ IN)ITIAT IKJé On accounts for the year ended Charity no (if any) CtrugT 2013 117££ 8S Set out on pages OC FORNN CciÉa I report lo the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity {'the Trust.) for the year ended 3 1 0 $ lo2 1 Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity's Iruslees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requiremenls of the Charities Act 2011 l.the Act'}. I report in respect 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 all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5llb) of the Act. Independent ￿he charity's gross income exceeded £250.000 and l am qualified to examiner's statement undertake the examination by being a qualrfied member of linsert name of applicable listed bodyll. Delete I l if not applicable. I have completed my examination. I confimi that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination lolher than that disclosed below.) which gives me cause lo believe that in, any material respect.. the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act., or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records,. or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and conlenl of accounts sel oul in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'lrue and fair, view which is not a maller considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection wilh the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to b8 reached. Please delete (he words in the brackets if tljey do not apply. 11 /IL 11023 Signed: Date: Name: IATrJ Relevant professional qualificationls) or body (KETI £¢D) IER Oct 2018 (if any): Address: CqrEr£R SmirH LccLésri￿L S35 gkie-ri£ Section B Disclosure Only coniplele Il Ilic oxaminor Iioods lo highlight material mallers ol concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts.. directions and guidance for examiners). Glve here brief detalls of any Items that the examlnerwlshes to dlsclose. IER Oct 2018 CHARI￿ COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examlner's Report Report to the trustees Pxr ¢ARSoNJ IN)ITIAT IKJé On accounts for the year ended Charity no (if any) CtrugT 2013 117££ 8S Set out on pages OC FORNN CciÉa I report lo the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity {'the Trust.) for the year ended 3 1 0 $ lo2 1 Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity's Iruslees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requiremenls of the Charities Act 2011 l.the Act'}. I report in respect 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 all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5llb) of the Act. Independent ￿he charity's gross income exceeded £250.000 and l am qualified to examiner's statement undertake the examination by being a qualrfied member of linsert name of applicable listed bodyll. Delete I l if not applicable. I have completed my examination. I confimi that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination lolher than that disclosed below.) which gives me cause lo believe that in, any material respect.. the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act., or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records,. or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and conlenl of accounts sel oul in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'lrue and fair, view which is not a maller considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection wilh the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to b8 reached. Please delete (he words in the brackets if tljey do not apply. 11 /IL 11023 Signed: Date: Name: IATrJ Relevant professional qualificationls) or body (KETI £¢D) IER Oct 2018 (if any): Address: CqrEr£R SmirH LccLésri￿L S35 gkie-ri£ Section B Disclosure Only coniplele Il Ilic oxaminor Iioods lo highlight material mallers ol concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts.. directions and guidance for examiners). Glve here brief detalls of any Items that the examlnerwlshes to dlsclose. IER Oct 2018