Warwickshire Hearts Community First Responders Scheme Coordinators Report - 2024-2025
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all the Trustees for their unwavering support throughout the past year. Their continued involvement and guidance will be crucial in the next 12 months as the Scheme regroups, focuses its efforts, and continues to implement replacement CFR (Community First Responder) vehicles.
Over the past year, we have actively participated in booking and attending incidents within our community, supporting the West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS). While we encountered some logistical challenges, particularly with the location of the vehicle, these were addressed by relocating the car to Stratford Fire Station on a permanent basis. This move, while presenting some logistical issues, remains the best solution due to its enhanced security and accessibility.
In early 2024, we were working towards the acquisition of a new vehicle provided by Arrive Alive, which was successfully completed in February 2024. Both scheme vehicles are currently based at Stratford Fire Station, although there are proposals to relocate the Skoda to Leamington. While the Skoda has had some ongoing issues, we have made strides in resolving them; however, financial implications still need to be addressed and resolved in the coming year.
At present, the vehicles are booked through an online platform. At the close of 2024, we encountered some technical difficulties with the IT system that manages both vehicles, requiring updates. As of this report, WMAS is in the process of addressing these issues.
Post-COVID, we observed a decline in the number of active CFRs, compounded by a recruitment embargo imposed by WMAS. Fortunately, this has been resolved with the introduction of the new FROS (First Responder Operational Support) course in 2024, which has benefitted Warwickshire Hearts by providing a number of newly qualified CFRs. As part of our ongoing recruitment, new recruits, once trained and having completed their two buddy shifts, will be required to respond only on the scheme vehicle.
Additionally, there was an issue during 2024 when WMAS mandated that all FROS-trained CFRs undergo a requalification every three years. However, this requirement has now been removed. All CFRs must remain active by completing their annual mandatory update training, submitting a completed workbook, and committing to 240 hours of service per year—approximately 20 hours per month. The 240 hours do not need to be spread across each month, providing some flexibility for our responders.
There continue to be challenges with WMAS training schedules, particularly with FROS courses and requalification sessions, which are only offered on weekdays. This scheduling may conflict with the availability of some CFRs, potentially forcing them to use annual leave to attend training sessions, which could be a barrier for both current and future CFRs.
Over the past year, our group has provided first aid cover for several events, in addition to offering BLS/AED training. Our primary focus last year was to replenish the number of active CFRs before we could expand the number of CPR/AED training sessions. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Judith Davidson, who coordinated and led the majority of these sessions with the support of dedicated volunteers, we have seen a significant increase in the number of individuals trained in CPR/AED.
Looking ahead, we plan to scale back the number of events we cover, which will allow us to provide more professional and focused coverage for the events we do undertake. This approach will also ensure that we make full use of the diverse skill sets within the group. While this remains a challenging task due to limited CFR availability, we are confident that with the new training initiatives and skill development, the group will continue to thrive and grow.
Warwickshire Hearts
Accounts for period 1st May 2024 to 30th April 2025
Income and Expenditure account
| Income | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Total | ||
| 1.5 24 to 30.4.25 | 1.5 23 to | ||
| 30.4.24 | |||
| Donations | £2305.13 | £2010 | |
| Donations from training | £645.00 | 0.00 | |
| Event Income | £1465.00 | £565.00 | |
| Grants | £325.50 | 0.00 | |
| Other Income | £54.56 | £7.95 | |
| Total Income | £4795.19 | £2582.95 | |
| Expenditure | |||
| Equipment | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Uniform | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Consumables | £143.10 | £539.83 | |
| Insurance | £890 | £0.00 | |
| Admin | £574.38 | £673.08 | |
| Website | £0 | £360.00 |
Car Expenses £1022.19 £1157.42 Event Expenses 0.00 0.00 Depreciation £376.96 £502.61 Total expenses £3006.63 £3232.94 Balance of Income over £1788.56 £-649.99 Expenditure
Warwickshire Hearts
Accounts for period 1st May 2024 to 30th April 2025
Balance sheet as at 30th April 2025
Fixed Assets
Skoda
Net Book Value at 30.4.25 Dep'n £1507.84 £376.96 Net Book Value at 30.4.24 Dep'n £2010.45 £502.61
Current Assets at 30[th] April 2025
CAF Bank current a/c £567.93 CAF Bank deposit a/c £3436.92 Cash 0 Debtors 0
Basis of accounting
The accounts are prepared using a cash basis i.e. income and expenses are included as they occur and are not apportioned over a period.
Fixed assets
Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Assets costing less than £1000 are not capitalised. Depreciation is calculated to write off the cost of the asset over 4 years except for vehicles where depreciation is calculated on a reducing balance of 25% of the year end valuation
Trustee Remuneration and Related Party Transactions
No trustees received any remuneration during the year or claimed any personal expenses. No trustee or other person related to the charity had any personal interest in any contract or transaction entered into by the charity during the year.
Taxation
As a charity, Warwickshire Hearts is exempt from tax in income or gains if they are used to fund its charitable objectives
No exam charges have arisen in the charity.
Auditing
The charity is not required to have the accounts audited or independently examined as the total income this year is below £25,000.
These accounts are prepared in accordance with the Charity Commissions Statement of Recommended Practice.
Vicky Larner, Chair
Mark Fenton, RMN, Dip Psyc, Dip Epi, MA Soc Treasurer