SPRING COMMUNITY HUB ANNUAL REPORT 2024/25 *Yt CONTENTS FOUNDER'S LETTER CHAIR'S REPORT ABOUT US Our Vision Our Approach Our Mission. Values and Vision .............................................................................................. Our Principles ........................................................................................................................................ Our Strategic Priorities Nurturing unity and resilience within our communities .................................... OUR IMPACT Crisis Provision - Food Bank Spring Social Supermorket Warm Space .......................................................................................................................................... Camberwell Connect Nourish and Flourish Clothes Bank ..,..................................................................................................................................... Coffee Morning Spring Up Women ............................................................................................................................ Spring Kitchen Food Roots After School Club ............................................................................................................................... Advice and Advococy.................................................................................................................... Holiday Activity Camps ................................................................................................................ Cooking With Friends 10 12 CASE STUDIES OUR FUNDERS MANAGEMENT FINANCIAL REPORT CHALLENGES AND FUTURE PRIORITIES REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS 15 16 18 19 21 WELCOME FROM THE FOUNDER AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF SPRING COMMUNITY HUB As we reflect on 2025.1 am deeply proud of how Spring Community Hub has novigated one of the most challenging years in our history. Guided by our core values and unwavering commitment to our community. we have not only sustoined our essential services but have olso rebuilt stronger foundations for the future. is rooted in partnership across staff, volunteers. local orgonisations, statutory bodies. ond corporate partners. These relationships have been the backbone of our resilience. enabling us to deliver joined-up support ond to innovate in the face of adversity. At the heart of our mission is a determination to address not just the symptoms. but the underlying causes of the problems that bring individuals and families to our doors. We believe that true impact comes from tackling the root issues - poverty, inequolity. social isolotion, and lack of opportunity - rather than offering short-term fixes alone. l am especially grateful for the trust and support of our funders, old and new. In a climate where funding is increasingly competitive and uncertain. every show of confidence in our mission is both humbling and motivating. We are determined to honour this trust by continuing to deliver high-quality, community-led progrommes and by investing in our team and systems. This year, the realities facing our communities in Southwark and Havering hove been stark shrinking local authority budgets. rising costs. and increasing need. Yet, through resilience, adoptability, and collective effort. we have stood firm. continuing to be a place of hope ond practical support for those who need us most. Looking ahead. we know that the challenges are not going oway. But we are not just surviving-we are building. We are committed to being here. standing strong, and ensuring thot Spring Community Hub remains a vital resource for our community. Together. we will continue to foster resilience. create opportunities. and drive meaningful change. We made the difficult decision to streamline our operations, allowing us to focus our resources where they are needed most. This process was not easy. but it has enabled us to turn a crucial corner - ensuring we remain sustainable and impactful in o time of uncertainty. Our commitment to empowerment. dignity, and long-term transformation remains at the heart of everything we do. Thonk you to our staff. volunteers, board, partners. funders. and supporters. Your dedication. compassion. and belief in our vision ore the foundation of everything we achieve. Together. we ore shaping a fairer, more hopeful future for all. By focusing on long-term solutions and collaborative efforts. we inspire resilience and create opportunities for losting transformation. ensuring that individuals and communities alike con thrive with dignity and hope. Our approach Felicia Boshorin Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Spring Community Hub TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT AND INDEPENDENTLY EXAMINED FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31ST MARCH 2025 CHAIR'S REPORT As Choir, l om honoured to present this year's report, ref lecting on a period of both challenge ond progress for Spring Community Hub. Looking aheod. the Trustees remain dedicated to supporting Spring Community Hub's growth. ensuring transparency. accountability, and inclusivity in all we do. We are inspired by the progress made ond motivated by the work still to come. In a landscape marked by economic pressures. rising need. and uncertainty. our community's resilience ond solidarity hove been a source of strength and hope. Guided by our shared values and clear mission. we have continued to provide vital support while loying the foundations for sustainable growth and lasting impact. Together with our staff, volunteers. partners, ond supporters, we will continue to build a future where everyone has the chance to thrive with dignity and hope. l extend my deepest gratitude to all who contribute their time. expertise. and resources. Your collective commitment is the foundation of our shored success. The Board has worked closely with the leadership team to ensure robust governance, financial stewardship. and strategic oversight. We recognise the importonce of balancing immediote community needs with long-term organisational resilience. Selina Boshorin Choir. Spring Community Hub This year, careful financial monagement and operational streamlining hove been essential in maintaining our services ond positioning Spring Community Hub for future success. Central to our approach is the belief that meaningful change arises from empowering individuals and nurturing strong. connected communities. We have seen firsthand how our programmes reduce isolation, build confidence. and create pothways to opportunity. Our commitment to listening. co-producing services. and fostering partnerships has strengthened our ability to meet evolving challenges with innovation and compassion. ABOUT US PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL EMPOWERMENT OUR VISION ADVICE a ADVOCACY FAMILY SERVICES COMMUNITY SERVICES Learning Languages Immigration Status Advice EMERGENCY CV Writing Activity Camps & Food Programme Financial Advice Job Applications Over 55 Groups Crisis Services Women's Groups Coffee Mornings for a warm space After School Clubs Physical Health Advice Interview Preparation Sustainable Food Management Nutritional Education Programme Housing Services 'Job Search. _ identify skills and row confi ence Education Pastoral Services Upskillin Virtual Col ege DIRECT IMMEDIATE SUPPORT DIRECT IMMEDIATE SUPPORT ADVICE AND DEVELOPMENT CRISIS SUPPORT LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS OUR APPROACH Established in 2017. we believe that food is a human right. Spring Community Hub exists to make sure no one in our community goes hungry. But we don't just provide food. we work alongside people to help them escape food poverty, build confidence and find community. The mission of SCH is that through a 'Community Hub, and full activity programme, local people in or at risk of crisis will be supported olong their journey to move on and achieve full social. economic and emotional independence to live healthy lives in a community which supports each other. Our Vision at Spring Community Hub is to tockle food insecurity and hunger before people find themselves in crisis. We want to see equality in our communities and be a vehicle for positive and lasting change in our clients so that they never need a food bank again. These are our Principles. ideals. and characteristics that define the culture. standards and aspirations of the orgonisation. An organisation that is driven by people with integrity and commitment to the cause We believe in leadership. development. growth and continual learning A healthy environment where people have fun and can be creative Creating a place of respect, kindness and dignity for all OUR PRINCIPLES OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES Food Education: Our Food education plays a vital role in fostering healthier lifestyles and empowering individuals to make informed dietary choices. By understanding the origins of our food, its nutritional value. and the impact of our eating habits on both personol well-being and the environment, we can cultivate a deeper appreciation for what nourishes us. Partnership and Collaboration: We believe partnerships are essential for creating meaningful change. By working together with communities. businesses. other charities. and the public sector, we can pool resources and develop comprehensive solutions to social, environmental. and economic chollenges. Collaboration makes our efforts more effective ond inclusive. Teaching people. especially children. obout balanced diets, mindful eating. and sustainable proctices not only promotes physical health but olso encourages a lifelong respect for food systems. Whether through our hands-on cooking classes or sessions on learning about nutrition. food education equips our guests (clients) with the tools to embrace wholesome living. It is an investment in o healthier. more sustainable future. Transparency: Openness builds trust. We maintain transporency in our operations and decision- making to keep our stakeholders informed and involved. This approach reinforces our commitment to o just and fair community. Sustainability: We focus on long-term solutions that benefit current and future generations. By integrating sustainobility into our work, we aim to create lasting positive change for people and the environment in our community. Community: Communities serve as vitol spoces where individuals experiencing challenges or simply wanting connection come together to foster mutuol support, nurture connections. and unlock their fullest potentiol. Our projects thrive on collaboration. understanding. ond o collective commitment to growth. Empowerment: We empower individuols and communities to shope their own futures. omplifying voices that ore not olways heard. Through education, skill- building. and advocacy, we provide the tools to support people to overcome hardship and inequality. This enables everyone to actively porticipate in achieving social justice. NURTURING UNITY AND RESILIENCE WITHIN OUR COMMUNITIES At Spring Community Hub. we believe that lasting positive change begins with strong. united. and resilient communities. We empower local people to connect. recognise shared challenges. and develop their own solutions by building skills. encouroging collaboration. and harnessing the strengths already present within the community. At Spring Community Hub. we truly believe that empowering. enriching. and strengthening our community is the way forward. Right now, people ore focing immense challenges-rising living costs, food insecurity. isolation. and the sense of being left to cope alone. Many are hesitant to share their burdens with family or feel embarrassed that they're struggling. especially when even those who once offered help are now experiencing their own difficulties. This is the reality for so many in our community. That's why. at Spring. we're committed to listening, co-producing services with local people. and creating a welcoming space where everyone feels supported. We want to be the place that helps people come out of isolation. find guidonce. and access the support they need to novigote life's chollenges. Our goal is to build a resilient. strong. and caring community - one where no one feels alone. and everyone knows that coming to Spring means f inding understanding. connection. and real solutions. OUR IMPACT CRISIS PROVISION- FOOD BANK CAMBERWELL CONNECT Camberwell Connect is our weekly lunch ond social club for people over 55. Older people who face financial hardship are for more likely to feel isolated and lonely, especially if they ore from a black or ethnic minority background. By offering a regulor date for people's diaries. our club brings together people for a chat. a chance to make new friends and an opportunity to try a range of activities Our Food Bonk runs sessions five doys a week across four centres. On average. we see 120 people per week. Our guests have the choice of culturolly appropriate foods and can take home a parcel of food to last seven days. During the year we supported 3.276 people ocross our various food bank centres with ,638 parcels distributed in the last year. We saw fewer guests than the previous year. as some moved on to our Social Supermarket ofter 4 weeks. SPRING SOCIAL SUPERMARKET (TRIPLE S) Triple S had 545 registered customers. with 58 customers visiting weekly. Everyone is offered a hot and healthy two- course meal. and the food we serve reflects the background of our guests. 60 over 55 seniors are registered. with 45 regular attendees NOURISH AND FLOURISH Our Nourish & Flourish hub provides a safe ond supportive space for over 55s to improve their quality of life and overcome common challenges. Sessions have included fitness closses. nutrition workshops. health checks and financial workshops. WARM SPACE seniors supported last year. 110 families and seniors were supported by our worm space. CLOTHES BANK Our Clothes Bank is greatly valued by our guests as they navigate this difficult cost of living crisis. The Clothes Bank encourages the reuse and recycLing of good quality second-hand cLothing and new clothing. We receive donations from Local people. Our Clothes Bank supported 291 families from April 2024 to March 2025. COFFEE MORNING We held 12 Coffee Mornings where we welcomed members of the Community and offered support and resources in a variety of areas, as well as sharing more about our services and methods of support. FOOD ROOTS Fooj Rcots brings together small organisations offering food aid across Southwark SPRING UP WOMEN 25 women were supported through the sewing class for beginners & intermediate levels. more people face food poverty. smoll organisations. esF￿C1O1IY faith-ba*d one& are increosingly offering some form of food bank service. Rising prices and demands on people's time make on already chollenging job even harder HAT THEY NEVER ASTTrK CHANC A FW ￿ ACAIN ES Spring works hard to ensure everyone gets the fcc(I they enjoy and the suptK)rt they need. As FX]rt of the k)uthwark FO￿ Action Alliance. this project helps small organisations provide food that reflects people's k)Jckgrounds and tastes. whether thors garri. plantains. or black-eyed beans. Wrth our directory of where various items can be found. we or(wnise bulk purchases to make this food ovoilable at lower prices for Roots members R￿tS also helps small organisations recognise the suptxyt tEople need to access extra advice or care. We run monthly training sessions and one-to- one meetings to help them leam how to offer even more suptK)rt to the people they serve. SPRING KITCHEN Spring Kftchen provided children who (]ttended our Activity Camps wrth culturally ￿nsitive Healthy School Standard Lunches. including v8Jan and vegetarian options We olso continued to make meals for other Activf(y Camps in the Southwark HAF programme. Lost ￿Or 18 organisations were registered for the program. AFTER SCHOOL CLUB ADVICE AND ADVOCACY (BACK TO WORK) In 2024/25 we ran two after-school clubs at our premises on Vestry Road and at Dawson's Heights. Every person deserves to live an independent life. an opportunity to gain what they desire. and to build confidence in the process. Our Advice and Advocacy services offer support ond advice for people to find the right job through our sessions on employability and work skills. and discover how else we can help with other issues such as housing. benefits, immigration stotus and mental health. Figures April 2024 to March 2025. These percentoges ore colculated based on a total of 184 unique guests supported across the entire period with some guests supported with multiple needs. We deliver three-hour ofter-school sessions. three times per week. which support young people to.. Legal Personol Development 4.3% Benefits 16.4% Socialise Well: responding to our Youth Council by providing a safe space for young people to chill out and socialise. Move Well.. providing regular physical activity through structured gym sessions. led by a qualified troiner, supporting them to ochieve the UK Chief Medicol Officer's guidelines on physical activity for young people. Leorn Well.. we provide a study session with supervised time to do homework and also develop o range of life skills. focused around supporting young people to develop skills for independent living. such as budgeting and personal core. Eat Well.. our teom of volunteers and young participonts ossist in providing a hot. nutritious meol. We also facilitate workshops for young people in preparing and serving healthy food, further helping them to develop independent living skills. Immlgrotion io% Housing 16,4% Employment /CV 13% Debt/Money Manogement 14.7% Energy Advlce 14.7% Last year, Vestry Road had 37 registered children. with 29 attending regularly. while at Dawson's Heights.15children attended weekly throughout the yeor. HOLIDAY ACTIVITY CAMPS Holiday hunger for children in families offected by in-work poverty. When free school meals stop over the school holidays. there is an extra fomily meal each day to provide for and sometimes an extra breakfast, as many schools now offer a free breakfast club. This year children and their families. including those with Special Educational Needs. were invited to participate in a variety of fun leorning octivities such as drama. arts and crafts. drawing. painting. music. dance. multi- sports ond other activities aimed at directly supporting children's mental health and well- being such as fitness. yoga. gymnastics. dance ond football. Spring Activity Camps fill the gap during the school holidays. Children con find themselves bored ond lonely over the Summer holidays. often spending long periods alone. We provide culturally sensitive. nutritious. healthy. and delicious cooked meals. The reoson for culturolly sensitive food was to celebrate the diversity of our families to provide them with o home-away-from-home experience. We get asked frequently by families where they could get healthy meal options when schools are closed as families find it difficult to provide nutritious meals in ploce of school lunches during the holidays. Spring Activity Camps provide an invaluable service to these families and their children oged O to 16 in Southwark experiencing food insecurity during all school holidays. We find that many of our guests are on low income and most have no recourse to public funds (NRPF). All guests are referred to us predominantly by Children's Centres and Primary Schools os well as local support ogencies. Key highlights of the project - trips to Legolond and Walton-On-The-Naze 11,, r4r .243 children attended throughout the year. some of our outings include 210 children visiting Legoland and the seoside. amongst other beautiful places in Lond(M. COOKING WITH FRIENDS AT APPLEBY BLUE The cooking workshops for local primary school children focus on teaching the benefits of cooking from scratch. using culturally rich recipes inspired by Latin American, Caribbean. and African cuisines. b.Note down any feedback shared for evaluation after the pilot. During the final session. have forms that the porticipants and schools can fill out. 5.Clean-up & Reflection (10 minutes) a.Children assist with cleaning up their workstations. b.Reflect on the lesson-what went well and what could be improved. Over the sessions. porticiponts will learn how to prepare nutritious. budget-friendly meals while exploring the fun of recreating their fovourite takeaway dishes at home. From homemade baked "fried" chicken to spiced West African plantains. the workshops emphasise the benefits of using fresh. seasonal ingredients over processed foods. Through hands-on experience and guided instruction, children will develop essential cooking skills and a deeper appreciation for healthy eating. WEEKLY SESSIONS: Session 1: Introduction to Cooking from Scratch. Recipe: Baked "Fried" Chicken with Sweet Potato Wedges Focus: Healthier homemade alternatives to fried tokeowoy chicken. Ingredients.. Chicken drumsticks or thighs. flour. eggs, sweet potatoes. olive oil. herbs. ond spices. Lesson: How to bake chicken to make it crispy without deep frying, and the benefits of oven-boking instead of frying. Discussion: Talk about the health benefits of reducing fried and processed foods. Encouroge the children to compare homemode "fried" chicken to their fovourite takeaway versions. SESSION STRUCTURE (2-HOUR SESSIONS) 1. Introduction (10 minutes) a.Welcome participants, introduce the theme of the session. b.Discuss the ingredients and the recipe, highlighting the cultural background or the health benefits of cooking from scratch. 2. Cooking Demonstration (20 minutes) o.The instructor demonstrates the meal preparation steps. b.Emphasise why cooking from scratch is healthier than processed foods or takeaways. 3. Hands-on Cooking (60 minutes) a.Children work in teams to prepare the dish, with volunteers ond instructors providing guidonce. b.Encourage teamwork and sharing of tasks (e.g., chopping. stirring. seasoning) 4.Communal Meal & Shoring (20 minutes) a. Participants eat together. share their experiences. and discuss what they learned. Session 2: Autumnal Comfort - Homemade Soup Recipe: Autumnal Vegetable Soup with Crusty Bread Focus: Making a simple, nutritious soup with seasonal vegetables. Ingredients.. Butternut squash. carrots. onions. garlic. thyme, vegetable stock. bread. Lesson: Teach participants how to create a hearty soup using affordable. seasonal ingredients. Discuss how soup is a great woy to use leftover vegetables. Discussion: Explain why homemade soup is more nutritious than canned versions. as it's free from preservatives and added sodium. 10 Session 3: Latin American Cuisine - Mexican- Inspired Recipe.. Vegetarian Tacos with Black Beans, Corn & Salsa Focus.. Preparing fresh ingredients and using legumes as o budget-friendly protein source. Ingredients: Tortillas. black beans. corn. tomatoes. onions, lime. cilantro. Lesson: Preparing salsa and tacos with affordable, fresh ingredients. Discussion: Highlight the health benefits of using fresh. whole foods versus pre- pockaged or processed taco kits. Session 6: West African Cuisine - Ghanaian- Inspired Recipe: Kelewele (Spiced Fried Plantains) Focus: Using plantains and creating a balonced meal. Ingredients.. Ripe plantains. ginger. garlic. chilli pepper. and spices. Lesson: Frying plantains and making a simple peanut sauce. Discussion.. Talk about the role of plantains in West African cuisine and the benefits of homemade snacks versus store-bought versions. Session 4: Caribbean Cuisine - Jamaican- Inspired Recipe: Jamaican Callaloo & Saltfish with Dumplings Focus: Exploring the use of greens and fish while highlighting cultural significance. Ingredients: Callaloo (or spinach). salted cod. onions. tomatoes. scotch bonnet pepper (optional). coconut oil, flour for dumplings. Lesson.. How to cook leafy greens with fish and make simple flour dumplings from scratch. Discussion.. Talk about the role of food in bringing people together and how troditionol homemade meals like this one are possed down through generations. Additional Sessions To Be Incorporated Into The Programme. Processed Foods vs. Homemade: Dedicate one session to comparing the ingredients in processed foods (e.g.. store- bought souces, canned soups) versus homemade versions. Conduct a taste test to help children understand how cooking from scratch is more flavourful and healthier. Field Trip to the market/local shops: Toke children to Borough Market to explore fresh, seasonal ingredients and teach them about the cost-effectiveness of shopping locally versus buying processed food. Session 5: Making Your Favourite Takeaway at Home Recipe: Homemade Chicken or Vegetable Curry with Rice Focus: Recreating a favourite tokeaway dish with healthier ingredients. Ingredients: Chicken or vegetables (e.g.. couliflower. chickpeos), curry powder. tomatoes. coconut milk. rice. Lesson.. Cooking curry from scratch. using less oil and salt compored to takeaway versions. Discussion.. Encourage children to think about the difference between homemade curries and takeout. Discuss how they can make it their own by adjusting spice levels and adding their favourite ingredients. Scavenger Hunt Gathering ingredients to make in the next session 11 CASE STUDY 1 Before Coming to Spring Before I came to Spring, I wos going through a very difficult period financially. After the death of my son. I had to stop working. which had a significont impact on my income and stability. I began to fall behind with bills, and debts started to build up, which was extremely stressful. I first heard about Spring through someone at St Giles.. who recommended the service to me. Experience with Spring's Services I hove received support from Spring's food provision and the advice teom. From my first visit, my impression of Spring was very positive staff and volunteers were welcoming. friendly. and genuinely keen to help. The main support I've received has been through the Spring Social Supermarket and the advice teom. It hos helped ease some of the financial pressure and given me practical support. even though things are still o work in progress. Above all, the kindness ond compassion shown by the teom really stand out. I feel supported. Impact and Change Spring has helped me feel more stable during a challenging time. Since I started coming to Spring. I've noticed improvements in my confidence ond overall well-being. Things can still be up and down. but it is much better thon before. My situotion has improved over time. My family has been able to support me, and I hove also received help from the hospice following my bereavement. Spring has provided reassurance and helped me keep things on an even keel it makes a real difference knowing support is there when I need it. and I feel more positive about the future now. Personal Reflections I would encourage anyone who needs support to reoch out to Spring. I tell others about Spring and the support available. and how kind and approochable the staff are. If I hod to describe Spring in three words. I would say.. friendly, supportive, and kind. FRIENDLY, SUPPORTIVE, KIND 12 CASE STUDY 2 Before coming to Spring. I was navigating the pressures of the cost of living alongside significant health challenges. including eye surgery and mobility issues due to a bad back. The combination of rising costs and poor health left me feeling increosingly anxious and low. I first became aware of Spring through local routes. including my GP and community information. and was contacted by Spring to offer support. From the outset. I would describe Spring as a -lifeline- a place that feels empothetic and people-focused. where individuals are treated as human beings rather than "just a number-. INDIVIDUALS ARE TREATED AS HUMAN BEINGS RATHER THAN 'JUST A NUMBER. l accessed Spring s Food Bank and Advice Services, and I think highly of the team's kindness and genuine core. What stood out most for me is their sense of humon connection and the personolised approach support that feels respectful and uplifting. without judgement or pity. While my circumstances have not yet changed. Spring hos helped to ease the financial pressure and provide much-needed breathing space. Having access to nutritious food has also supported my overall mood and wellbeing. helping to take the edge off anxiety during a difficult period. Spring has offered me both practical help and emotional reassurance a place to go for a lift. financially and mentally, whether someone needs support once or over a longer period. Above all. Spring has helped me hold onto something vital: hope. SPRING HAS HELPED ME HOLD ONTO SOMETHING VITAL: HOPE 13 CASE STUDY 3 I came to Spring's Vestry Road Hub feeling really distressed after receiving a letter from HMRC saying my Child Benefit hod been stopped. The letter said their records showed that my children and I had travelled in 2023 and that there was no record of us returning to the UK. I was asked to provide evidence to prove that we live here. The Advice Team supported me straight away. They helped me pull together the documents I needed. including confirmation from my children's school. medicol records. bank statements. and passport evidence showing our travel dates. They also contacted HMRC with me. explained the situation clearly. and helped me prepare o letter and submit everything quickly. When I was later told it could take up to ten weeks for HMRC to review the evidence. Spring supported me to chollenge this. They explained how important the Child Benefit is for me to be able to provide for my children. and they advocated on my behalf to ask for the case to be looked at sooner. Having Spring alongside me made a huge difference. It helped me feel supported. taken seriously. and less alone while dealing with something that felt overwhelming. HAVING SPRING ALONGSIDE ME MADE A HUGE DIFFERENCE. IT HELPED ME FEEL SUPPORTED, TAKEN SERIOUSLY, AND LESS ALONE WHILE DEALING WITH SOMETHING THAT FELT OVERWHELMING. 14 OUR FUNDERS OLA United PETER MINET Council st Saviour's Charity Southwark THE The MERCERS, .f COMPANY Alleviatin9 the Impact ol child poverty . COMMUNITY FUND CHARTERHOUSE IN SOUTHWARK CITY BRIDGE FOUNDATION SOUTHWARK CHARITIES school for entrepreneurs UNITEDTOSERVE Garfield Weston FOUNDATION THE RATHBONES HEADLEY Peckham Settlement TRUST MAYOR'S FUND FOR LONDON GREATER SGN LONDON AUTHORITY Sl Olave s fioundalion fiund Kitchen Social Newcomen Collett Foundation GER 15 MANAGEMENT and provides valuable insights for continuous improvement. Together, these practices build a strong foundation for success. empowering teams to work with purpose and deliver lasting results. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Moin Responsibilities of the Board Managing performance and risk: Fostering a culture of excellence. we remain committed to developing and refining the organisation's strategy and objectives to align with our mission and vision. By continuously monitoring performance and ensuring strict adherence to statutory compliance. we aim to uphold the highest standards of integrity ond accountability. At the same time, we prooctively manage risks to safeguard our operations and stakeholders. Our focus on ongoing impact measurement allows us to assess and enhonce the value we deliver. ensuring that every effort contributes meaningfully to our goals. Together. we strive for sustainable growth and lasting positive change. Communication: Showcasing the organisation's efforts to externol partners. stakeholders, and audiences is a vital step in building meaningful connections and fostering collaboration. By effectively communicating the impact of our work. we not only highlight our ochievements but also inspire trust and engagement among those we aim to reach. Through tailored messoging, transparent diologue. and a shared vision. we can create opportunities for partnership and collective growth. Together. we can amplify our mission and drive positive change. Equality and Diversity: Promoting equality and embracing diversity are ot the heort of our mission, guiding every aspect of our work across the organisation. We are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. regardless of their background or clrcumstances. This commitment is porticularly vital when engaging with disadvantaged communities, as we strive to break down barriers, amplify voices. ond create opportunities for those who need them most. By cultivating understonding and celebrating differences, we aim to empower individuals and build stronger. more cohesive communities. Together. we can create a future where fairness and inclusivity are not just ideals but reolities for all. Leadership and Strategy: Guiding the organisation's vision, mission. values. and strategic direction is a profound responsibility that shapes its future and impact. It involves fostering a shared sense of purpose, aligning teams with core principles, and inspiring innovotion to achieve long-term goals. By championing a clear vision and staying true to foundotional volues, leoders empower individuals to contribute meaningfully while cultivating a culture of collaboration and excellence. This journey requires dedication. adoptability. and a steodfast commitment to driving positive outcomes for stakeholders ond the broader community. Together, it's about turning aspirations into achievements with integrity ond purpose. Strategic planning and Implementation: Developing clear and cohesive strategic plons with well-defined timetables is essential for achieving organisational goals effectively. By fostering collaboration and ensuring olignment among oll stakeholders, we can create actionable strategies that drive meaningful progress. Monitoring performance consistently allows us to stay on track. address challenges proactively. and adapt to evolving circumstances. Regularly reviewing outcomes and assessing the impoct of our efforts ensures accountability Safeguarding: Ensuring the charity operates with the highest safeguarding standards is a vital responsibility that reflects our commitment to integrity ond care. Regular monitoring of conduct not only protects vulnerable individuals but also fosters trust within the community and among stakeholders. By upholding these standords. we create a safe and supportive environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to the organisation's mission with confidence. This dedication to safeguarding is an essential 16 cornerstone of our values. ensuring that our actions consistently align with our principles of transparency. respect. and accountability. Together, we can continue to make a meaningful and positive impact while prioritising the well-being of all involved. The term of office for Trustees is initially three years. with the possibility of ongoing renewal. In appointing new Trustees. attention is paid to the need to have a balance of representation and diversity. including gender. age, ethnicity, disability. and sexuolity. The Trustee Board meets a minimum of four times in each financial year. Induction and Training of New Trustees and Development of existing Trustees The articles of association state that the number of Trustees sholl be no less than 3 and (unless otherwise determined by ordinary resolution) with no upper limit. Currently, there are four Trustees on the Board. who serve as charity Trustees governed by the Charity Commission. We are extremely proud of the progress we have made during the last year to expand and diversify the composition of the board. As set out in the Articles of Association. all Trustees and designoted officers, including the choir. ore oppointed at the AGM.. Functions of the Board The Board of Trustees fulfils the following functions: Appointments are overseen by the Governance Committee. ond Trustees serve an initial three-year term. with the option for re-appointment unless exceptional circumstances apply. Attention is paid to ensuring a wide range of skills and diversity. including gender. age. ethnicity. disability. and sexuality. We also prioritise recruitment of local people with lived experience, all of which enriches the skills. knowledge and experience of the boord. To have control of the Charity and its property ond funds To have responsibility for the Charity's overall governance and strategic direction To develop the aims. objectives and organisational goals in accordance with the legal and regulatory framework of the sector and in line with the Charity's governing document. continually striving for best practices in governance To uphold the fiduciary duty invested in the position. undertaking such duties in a way that adds to public confidence and trust To interview. appoint and monitor the work and activities of senior paid staff All new Trustees undergo an induction process that includes meetings with the Chair. CEO, and Senior Management Team, visits to projects, ond detailed briefings on legal obligations under charity law. os well as Spring Community Hub's specific policies. An onnual skills review informs training and recruitment strategies. Board and Committee Structure Spring Community Hub is a Registered Chority: 1172789 All members of the Board of Trustees are required to sign a Code of Conduct Declorotion and Register of Interest. Appointment of Charity Trustees Every Trustee must be oppointed by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the Charity Trustees. All future trustees will be appointed for a one-year term. n selecting individuals for appointment as Charity Trustees. the Charity Trustees must have regard for the skills. knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the CIO. 17 FINANCIAL REPORT Our Income 2024/25 - £707.796 Income Amount Restricted Funds/Grants £379.153 53% Un￿$trÈte4 4&4% Resirtied Funds 53.5% Unrestricted Funds/Donations £327.915 46% Investment/Bank Interest £728.00 1% How we spent money in 2024/25 - £785.402 Un￿$tr￿led 95% Expenditure Amount 11 Project Service Delivery £701,197 89% General Administration/Governance £74,705 Fundraising £9.500 Restricied Funds 89.3% Our reserves Unrestricted (including fixed ossets) £37.039 Restricted £35,813 Total Reserves £72.852 18 RESERVES AND RESERVES POLICY Spring Community Hub has followed the Charity Commission guidelines to develop a reserves policy. Namely, it has.. Def ined the nature of choritable reserves held. Understood the financial impact of risk. Reviewed its sources of income. Looked at future plans and commitments. Restricted Funds Spring Community Hub delivered 9 charitable or grant-funded projects during 2024-2025. These were f unded via restricted funds ond ore for the sole use of designoted projects. Unrestricted Funds These funds ore expendable at the discretion of the Trustees in furtheronce of the charity's objectives and may be designated for a particular project or purpose. The Boord of Trustees reviewed the chority's need for free reserves in line with the guidance issued by the Charity Commission. The Current Reserves Policy, approved in March 2023. targets free reserves to be maintained at three months. unrestricted operationol expenditure. The trustees aim to work towards achieving thls gool over the next three years. 19 CHALLENGES AND FUTURE PRIORITIES Within the remit of our Strategic Plan 2025-2028. we set key strategic priorities for the new financial year to strengthen our ability to withstand pressures and maximise opportunities. Having reviewed our Strategic Business Plan and services as a Board we were able to identify specific lessons and chollenges we had experienced os on organisation and within our community and the impact on our guests. We explored ways that we could better meet the needs of our guests and to optimise our service and identified the following: The impact of the cost-of-living crisis on the mentol well-being of our guests and team The increase in demand for our services in contrast to the limitations of funding that is available The need to address sustoinobility in our practices. Our strotegic objectives remain unchanged - specifically: Ensuring a fit-for-purpose organisation that allows us to function effectively and efficiently in order to deliver on our mission and strategic aims. Maintaining the finoncial health of the organisation. During 2025/26 our Strategic focus continues to include.. Impact: Developing ond delivering services that put our guests and their futures at the heart of what we do ond enable people to thrive and feel more empowered. Leadership and Development Continue to work closely with communities to identify their perceived needs and co-designing and co-delivering projects thot address these priorities. Also exploring our approach to how we continue to develop our teams. including staff and volunteers. We have continued with our membership of Citizens UK which is a people-powered alliance of diverse local communities working together for the common good. Their work supports empowering our guests and team as they work to address the challenges our communities may be focing. Financial Stability Continuing to develop our opproach to diversifying our income streams to include corporate sponsorship, social investment and community giving in addition to grants and contracts and we have started this with the pockaging of our Spring Kitchen Services. Compliance. Change and Impact Measurement We continued to explore and develop the strategic and operational systems, processes, policies and procedures that we had in place and to ensure that we are working in a way that was most compliant and would ensure the most impact. 20 We olso continued to develop these processes and identify better systems of monitoring and evaluation including working with internal and external consultants and specialists and this continues to be a focus. Ensuring that our monitoring and evaluation systems and procedures continue to be robust to demonstrate the effectiveness of our work and to evidence their longer-term impacts and odditionality. Partnerships Developing mutually beneficial partnerships to develop innovative services that meet the needs of individuals and communities. People Continuing to develop staff and Volunteers to ensure thot they are best able to serve the communities with which they work. We will introduce a Monthly Leadership Development Training Session for Coordinators. and continue to build on the Leodership Development/ Coaching and support for our Senior Leadership Teom and training/development for volunteers. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Charity Name Spring Community Hub Other name the charity uses Formally known as Central Southwark Community Hub Registered Charity Number 1172789 Charity's principle address: The Hub, 86-88 Vestry Road, London, SE5 8PQ Names of the charity trustees who monage the charity Trustee Name Off ice (if any) Dates acted if not whole Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (if any) Selina Boshorin Chair Linda Wood Treasurer Liso Thorpe Secretary Erica McQueen-Rowe Trustee Ernest Osifo Trustee 19/05/25 21 Spring Community Hub Reg Charit eriod 1172789 Annual accounts for the To Perlod start dale 11412024 Period end date 311312025 Section A Statement of financial activities Recommended Categorles by actlvlty Restrlcted Unrastrlcled Income funds funds Prlor year funds Total funds Incomlng rèsources (Note 3) F01 F02 F04 F05 Incoffle and endowments from: Dgn8tion$ and legacles Separale materlal Ilom ol income S1 £232.658 £11,538 £244,196 £223.794 S2 £25,204 £70,782 £328.643 £960 £366,655 £379.153 £26,164 £437.437 £707.796 £11,658 £544,301 £779,753 Grants S3 Total Resources expended (Note 6) Expendlture on: Ralslng funds Charltable octlvltlas S4 £9,500 £430,426 £439,926 £0 £354,976 £354,976 £9.500 £822,022 £831.522 S5 £785,402 £794,902.23 Total Net Incomal(exponditure) Transfers between funds Net movement In funds 111,283 £24,177 -£87 106 -£51769 S6 £19,924 -£19,924 £0 £0 91,359 £4,253 87 106 -£51.769 Reconclllatlo n of funds.. Total lund8 brought forward Total funds carrled fO￿ard £128,398 £31,560 £159,958 £211,727 £37,039 £35,813 £72,852 £159,958 Section B Balance Sheet Restricted income funds Unrestricte d funds Total this year Total last year Fixed assets Tangible assets (Note 81) Total flxed assets Current assets Stocks (Note B2) Debtors (Note B3) Cash at bank and in hand F01 F02 F04 F05 B1 £15,225 £15,225 £0 £15,225 £15,225 £16,441 £16,441 £0 B2 £29,099 £0 £29,099 £40,891 B3 £0 £0 £0 £17,442 -£2,750 £55,467 £52,717 £187,618 Total current assets £26,350 £55,467 £81,817 £245,951 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (Note B5) B5 £4,536 £19,654 £24,190 £102,435 Net current assets/(liabilities) £21,814 £35,813 £57,627 £85,996 Total assets less current Ilabllltles £37,039 £35,813 £72,852 £159,958 Funds of the Charity Réstrlcted funds £35,813 £35,813 £37,039 £72,852 £31,560 £128,398 £159.958 Unrostrlcted funds Total funds £37,039 £37,039 86 £35,813 Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees Date of approval ddlmmly Signature Print Name Section C Notes to the accoiints UnrnÈTrlrted P4 Onrnn¢DMAknons n15adon 1ftAldtaX￿￿￿ ur￿1￿edGOod5 Tol $14 klnlerdt Total Iv4 ftèstilettd SNV A&￿￿¥ VVW Feodl )gG Coundl Iv MiytK 5frund Ice￿TrUS1te Ptikham 5Ett*ffl¢nt ui Li￿d￿n A04)l*d[o￿ Hub 5GN 50o1h¢rii 4P SSE rétal Iwdj ?.¥ A¢￿111 W•r Ad¥erN5 afjdPR SF Offlce Ex Feès yuj tiJ93 TrJ¥el Vol￿teerE* mentpe VoNcloÉ EAsirlbulaGuods Tot41 Ses ]￿F 4lcdvlt¥(•mp.ThrybTrKforrndlvthvwrE5ldcledfuThdlo