SAMARITANS North Herts & Stevenoge 111 SAMARITANS I North Herts & Stevenage . Chelse•FIo Annual Review 2023-24
2023-2024 Annual Review and Accounts SAMARITANS North Herts & Stevenage Charity number 1173578 2023-2024 Annual review and accounts
2023-2024 Annual Review and Accounts Contents Dlrertorf5 message.... ........ ................ ....................... ... About Samaritans.......................................................................................................................................... Our vision. Our mission . Ourvalue5. Fundraising Fundraising, collections and donations............................................ Grants..... Supporters.,.. Donating...... Callersupport.,..................,.. External relations.......................................................... Outreach and talks.......................................................... Prisons. Recruitment, training and mentoring,.,......................................................................................,...............,.. Volunteer support . Financial review. Overall ReseNes.................................................................................................................................................................... Risk management..................................................................................................... Future plans. Structure, governance and management...................................................................................................... Structure Recruitment of trustees . Governance.............................-................ Statement of trustee5' responsibilities.... .10 Reference and administration- IApril 2023 to 31 March 2024...................,..,,,...........................,.......................10 Independent examinerfs report,.,...............,................................................................................................12 Respective responsibilities and basis of report....................................................................................................... 12 Independent examinerfs statement...................................................... .................. .12 Financial accounts and notes for the year ended 31 March 2024 ... Balance sheet at 31 MARCH 2024..............................................................................-.......... Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024........,.....,...................................................................... 15 .13 .14
202>2024 Annual Review and Accounts Director's message l am pleased to introduce this annual review on North Herts & Stevenage Samaritans for the period of April 2023 to March 2024. At the beginning of January 2024, Ilsa 383 Stepped down after 3 years as Branch Director and we would like to express our heartfelt thanks for her dedicated service to our charity. During her time, Ilsa worked tirelessly to expertly manage all the different aspects of running the service.. from recruitment, to training, mentoring, volunteer support, rota management, continuous development, premises, IT, outreach and fundraising. The process to replace Ilsa ran in the last quarter of 2023 and no single person was found to take on the role. As an interim measure. we (Clare 502, Dani 272 and Simon 5421 agreed to step in as interim co-directors for 9 months {later extended to 12 months) until the recruitment process could be run again. We have been supported by a dedicated and capable team of deputy directors, trustees, support volunteers and the farstastic army of listening volunteers who give up their time to be there for callers, ni8ht and day, and we thank them all. Our branch is lucky enough to have just one paid administrator for 10 hours per week. All the other 130 or so volunteers give their time, effort and energy free of charge. In the summer of 2023, our branch h05ted the Samaritans National Walk. bringing together volunteers from across the UK and ROI, raising the profile of our charity and raising over £7,800. A local artist, Sarah Graham, is a great supporterof our service and she ranthe'samarlvans, project in the summer, whereby artists, celebrities and others painted a template provided by Sarah, to be aurtloned in September, which raised a fantastic £38,842 for our branch. A part of this money was used to pay for a record number of 32 volunteers to attend the annual regional conference in February 2024. helping to improve knowledge and maintain morale and volunteer retention. For manv vears, we have been looking for premises that better suit our needs, but this has proved exceptionallv difficult and in the first quarter of 2024, a strategy was agreed to: Establish exactly what we are aiming for in terms of numbers of volunteers and hours on the phone; Decide whether our premises can be adapted to accommodate the new target. This will be one of our main focuses for the remaining time of our tenure, as one of the key messages that came out of the dirertor selection process last time, was that volunteers want certainty over this important issue. and this is what we are particularly keen to achieve. As we write this there has already been pro8ress on the buildin8 redevelopment plan and we have had a good start to the 2024125 year with Samaritans being the official charity of the TCS London Marathon. This branch was particularly excited to have arranged for the Tower of London to be lit up in green for the weekend of the event. New Director selectlon is about to get underway as well and so we are optimistic about the strength and continuity of our branch in North Hertfordshire. With the fantastic support of our volunteers, we are well equipped to continue and expand our service, and pursue our aim that fewer people die by suicide. Simon 542 Co-branch Dlrector and Chalr of Trustees North Herts & Stevena8e Samaritans
202>2024 Annual Review and Accounts About Samaritans Samaritans provides non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hour5 a day, for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those that could lead to suicide. We offer our service by telephone, email, letter and face to face, from our branches and at hospitals, schools, prisons, workplaces and festivals, through network of over 200 branche5 in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. From its base in Hitchin, North Herts & Stevenage Samaritans is a charity operating as a branch of Samaritans. Whilst supporting the residents of the surrounding area, it also supports the residents of the whole of the UK and ROI via the Samaritans central calls system. Our vision Our vision is that fewer people die by suicide. To achieve thls, we believe Samaritans has a crucial role to play In.. Reducing the risk factor5 that make some people more likely to take thelr own Ilves,. Ensurin8 that people who are at increased risk of suicide are supported; Making it less likely that people who do experience suicidal thoughts act on them,. and Reducing the likelihood that people will develop suicidal thoughts. Our mission We're here every day and night of the year for anyone struggllng to cope. We make sure people have somewhere to turn and support when they need it m05t. We work with communities to let people know we're here for them and we campaign to make suicide prevention a priority. Our values Our support services adapt to the changin8 environment, but the values at the core of our listening service remain constant.. Llstenln8 - Exploring feelings alleviates distress and helps people to reach a better understandin8 of their situation and the options open to them. Confldentlality- If people feel safe, they are more likely to be open about their feeling5. Non-Jud8emental - We want people to be able to talk to us without fear of prejudice or rejection. People makin8 their own declslons- We believe that people have the right to find their own 501utions and that telling people what to do takes responsibility away from them. Human contart - Givin8 people time, undivided attention and empathy meets a fundamental emotional need, and reduces distre55 and despair.
202>2024 Annual Review and Accounts Fundraising Fundraising, collections and donations We were able to hold 7 collections during the year across the re8ion: at Tesco stores lin Baldock, Stevenage and Royston), Hitchin railway station (Brew Monday), the Radcliffe Arms Hitchin (quiz nightl, a Sarah Millican gig at Stevenage and the Hitchin Historical Society Christmas raffle. We are hoping to grow the team of volunteers that help with collections to enable more to take place. Several local businesses retain collecting cans for customers to donate to us and for the 2023124 year thev were.. Biggle5wade Station Book library, Brickyard, (Bancroft, Hitchin), Doghouse Groomin8 (Arleseyl, Hair by Talents (Hitchinl, Toni & Guy IHitchin}. Two major fundraising events also took place in the year: the Samaritans 44th Annual National Walk and Samarivans, both of which are reported on below. In general, we are seeing an increased use of charity platforms for donations and envisage this will continue to be an important way for us to raise money for the branch. The value of local support cannot be expressed sufficiently, but we would like to acknowledge this on behalf of all ourvolunteers and the people that benefit from the service we provide, A few of the organisations that contributed are listed below. Arkley Fine Art, Hitchln Benevity-Tenable Brakes IAdam Collettl Branch Bookers Snack, Luton Drink Biggleswade Hitchin Girls School Gravenchurch Methodlst Church John Laing Charitable Trust Lions Letchworth & Baldock New Vantage Consulting LALG History Group in memory of Barbara Hobbs Lions Letchworth & Baldock New Vantage Consulting NFU Mutual Norgans Pretty Decent Beer Pirton Thursday Ladies Group Phillips Digital Print. Letchworth Rotary Club of Hitchin Sainsbury, Hitchin Satchells Estate Agents, Hitchin Stories Matter Tilehouse Street Baptist Church in memory of Tony Bliss Toni & Guy, Hitchin Trinity Church Knebworth The Priory School year 13 students TPS Visual Communications, Letchworth Garden Citv Waitrose. Hitchin Thanks also to those who are taking a few extra seconds when ordering shopping on the internet to enable the branch to receive a contribution from many retailers. To do this, you can use Easyfundralslng, www.easyfundraising,org.uk. Web users have also donated via searching online for North Herts & Stevenage Samaritans. Thanks to everyone for your loyal support. which has enabled our branch to remain fully operational National Walk On Saturday July 1st 2023, Samaritans of North Herts & Stevenage hosted the 44th National Walk, a150 marking the 70th year of Samaritans. On the day we had 150 walkers from across the country completing one of 3 walks of 5, 13 or 20 miles. As clouds lifted, we were blessed with ideal conditions for the walk and the evening event which followed. This was also very well attended with nearly 100 people staying lor coming) for pizza from a pizza
2023-2024 Annual Review and Accounts van, cakes, the raffle draw. live music and 3 rock choir. Thanks to all those from the Branch and their families who helped with the planning, preparation, and on the dav itself and with the tidy up after. It was a massive effort from all connected with the branch as well as many familv member5 and friends. Several local businesses also donated and supported us and 3re recognised above and the event raised £7,804.89 for the branch. Samarivans Local artist Sarah Graham encouraged a host of famous names, as well as people from the North Hertfordshire community and beyond, to design their own 'Samarivans' using camper van stencils she had designed. Contributors include(J artists Tom Hovey (Great British Bake Offl, Hayden Kays and Pete McKee, a5 well as celebrities Joe Lycett, Keith Lemon, Jodie Whittaker, Ricky Wilson, Timmy Mallett. Su Pollard. Eddie the Eagle and West End and Broadway star Kerry Ellis. The finished produrts were displayed at Arkley Fine Art in Hitchin and an Ebay auction held. Thank you to Sarah and her partner David for their fantastic efforts and to all the artist5 who contributed their work and the people who purchased them as well as those who made donations. After costs, over £38,800 was raised - a huge contribution to our branch income for the year. We cannot sufficiently expre55 our gratitude for all Sarah and David did to support us. You can read what Sarah has to say about it here. Grants We were veryfortunate to continue to receive unrestrlcted grants from POhWER until August 2023, and we have subsequently received a new unrestricted 8rant from Hertfordshire County Council. Both of these will help enable us to continue to cover our operating costs and continue to offer vital services to those in need of them. Supporters We are very 8rateful to all the individuals and or8anlsations that help u5 to carry out the work we do, whether it be through helpin8 With collection5, sponsorship and donations, or regular givin8. Donating Sf you would like to help us, you can make a donation: By bank transfer Account name- North Herts & Stevenage Samaritans Account number.. 63678547 Sort code: 20-05-73 Please quote your name as reference. By cheque Please make your cheque payable to'North Herts & Stevenage Samaritan5' and send it to our branch address- 5 Nuns Close, Hitchin, SG5 IEP. By text message Text SAMSLOCAL 3 to 70460 to donate £3.
2023-2024 Annual Review and Accounts Texts cost £3 plus one standard rate message and you'll be optin8 in to hear more about our work and fundraising via telephone and SMS. If you'd like to give £3 but do not Wlsh to receive marketing communications, text SAMSLOCALNOINFO 3 to 70460. Caller support In the year to 31 March 2024, ourdedicated volunteers have taken over 20,000 calls, spending around 6,000 hours on the phone as well as responding to online chat requests at a rate of over 65 a month, As always, we are infinitely gratèful to our listening volunteers, each of whom devotes at least four hours per week listening to our callers, including on overnight shifts, when the need is particularly acute. External relations Outreach and talks As a branch we enjoyed being able to take the Samaritans message out into the community and this year we were able to visit various locations in our area. In Au8USt we attended the Royston Kite Festival, always a large family event, and we were pleased to be there for the first time. In September we had an information stall at the Older Peoples Activity and Learning Support IOPALSI day in Hitchin. We gave out key rings, cards and spoke with many of the attendees. As part of Suicide Preventlon, we had a stall at Stevenage durin8 the"Festival of Hope Dav, in September. Varlous professionals and representatives {includin8 Samaritans Central Office) gave presentations in the morning. In the afternoon, local organisations set up stalls alon8 the walkway between the Railway Station and the Town Centre providing an excellent opportunity to meet with other groups and the public. On a busy match day in October, we were invited to Stevenage Football Club to 5UPPOrt World Mental Health Dav using the Real People Real Stories theme. A member of our Branch was interviewed at half time in front of 5,000 people: the largest audience that we have addressed as a branch. Before the match, 5 of our volunteers spoke to supporters and 8ave out Samaritans-branded "freebles" provided by Central Office. In December we provided a Samaritans Tree in Hitchin for the Holy Savlour Christmas Tree Festival. In January 2024 we held a very successful Brew Monday event at Hitchin Railway Station. We had 8 volunteers present from 06.45 to 10.30 engaging with many passengers and the event was well supported by Gfeat Northern, BT Pollce nd Network Rail staff. Throughout the year we continued with our monthly awareness stall at the Lister H05Pital in Stevenage. Prisons Prisoners are an extremely vulnerable 8roup, and the incidence of suicide and self-harm in prisons generally is on the increase. Prisons can be lonely, stressful, intimidating and scary places for some inmates, who need emotional support to get through their time inside. Many callers from prisons suffer with poor mental health. Samaritan5 work in conjunrtion with the safer custody teams in most prisons in the UK. Inmates can seek support from Samaritans, using the free-to-use Samaritans phones as well as a free, confidential correspondence service. Some prisons now provide phones in individual prisoner cells, but these can only access certain selected numbers like close family and Samaritans. Understandably, some prisoners prefer to speak to others who they see are in the same situation as themselves, which is why we carefully select and train prisoners to be Listeners. They then provide emotional support to other prisoners without financial reward or benefits. What they do get is some satisfaction that they are supporting others who are going through mental turmoil. Listeners are dedicated in what they do and get called out any time of the day or night.
202>2024 Annual Review and Accounts Together with colleagues from the Samaritans Cambridge branch, some of our volunteers regularly vi51t Littlehey Prison in Cambridgeshire. We support the Listener team. helping them do their job as well as promoting the work we do jointly with them to both prisoners and prison staff. Recruitment, training and mentoring In the year of report, we continued to conduct information evenings and interviews in person. Recf Uitment in the year has maintained volunteer numbers, and application5 via the central application system have been steady and not given any cause for concern. Durin8 the 2023-24 financial year, 30 new volunteers progressed through our initial ICOREI training which ran four times in the year. This involves six weeks of intensive training and homework, including online modules, which make up our 'Core' training. After some weeks of mentored shifts, those new volunteers regroup to complete three week5 of 'Embedding' training. which includes disCUS5ions around calls they have taken and their experiences on initial shifts. Each new volunteer spends a period of time with a dedicated mentor to complete thelr training. During 2023- 2024 the mentor co-ordinator updated the material availableto both mentors and mentees and strengthened the mentor team to 35 people (either as a primary or secondary mentor). Together the mentor group supported 24 trainees in the period June 2023 to March 2024, 12 of whom are now fully trained listening volunteers with 6 more due to become full volunteers shortly. This year we will be implementing further best practices from other branches to ensure volunteers are even better supported in the early months of listening, including the recruitment and training of new mentors, providing some guidelines on offloading on night shifts for mentors and mentees, and continulng support for mentees/freelancers after embedding. We will also increase the support available to mentors. In the final quarter of the year significant changes were required to the CORE training team, with two of the lead trainers taklng on the role of co-director and so having to step back from their trainin8 responsibilities. The lead for ongoing training has also now stepped down. Combined wlth other chan8es in volunteer availability thSs has necessitated the need to create a completely new team. The challenges continue into the 2024-25 year but several volunteers are being trained to support both CORE and ongoing training. We anticipate increasing our recruitment capacity towards the end of the 2024-25 year with the goal of growing volunteer numbers to allow 3-person Shifts. Volunteer support We continue to try to and send as many volunteers 35 possible to the Samaritan5 Eastern Regional Conference. The feedback from those that attend is always overwhelmingly p051tive and provides the best networking opportunity to share best practice with our own branch of Samaritan5 and with other branches in the region. This year 32 volunteers attended.
2023-2024 Annual Review and Accounts Financial review Overall The charity's financial activities are shown on page 13 of this report. The net income for the year was £41,33412023'. £6,206 net expendlturel comprising total income of £87,408 12023: £26,060} and total expenditure of £46,07412023.' £32,266). The increase in income was driven primarily by two substantial fundraising events during the year.. the National Walk and Samarivans. These events raised significant funds and a150 brou8ht substantial positive exposure to the charity which in turn resulted in an increase in donations from the general public. The increase in expenditure was driven largely by the cost of generating fund5 of £ 10,82612023.. £1,098) which enabled the fundraising events to take place, and also an increase in sUPPOrt costs from £6,712 in the prior year to £13,602 in the current year. Expenditure on charitable activities of £21,646 {2023: £24,456) includes the contribution to SCO sUPPOrt costs of £1,76212023.' £7,550). The statement of financial p051tion shows the funds of the charlty which prlmarily comprise fixed assets. fixed asset investments and cash at bank, Interest received from fixed a55et investments of £2,81112023.' £2,087) was in line with expectations and the gradual stabilisation of the bond market resulted in a mar8inal fair value10s5 of £95212023- £11,005). The total fund balance as at 31 March 2024 was £126,38012023'. £85,998), with £108,779 of thi512023: £68,397) representing 8eneral funds. made up of both designated and undesignated portions. In line with the reseNes policy and in recognition of continued plans to refurbish the existing property held by the charity and which serves as the operational base for the branch. the trustees authori5ed a transfer of reserves from the undesignated fund to the designated fund of £25,000. The closin8 balance on the undesignated and designated funds are £79,058 12023.. £54,0581 and £29,72112023: £14,339) respectlvely. The desi8nated fund continue5 to be held for the purposes of property refurbishment. The title to the current freehold premises is held by Samaritans as custodian trustee and the charity, subjert to trust deed in respect of it5 premises. Reserves The Trustees reviewed the Financial Reserves Policy in the year since the last review, and confirmed the continued policy of holding a minimum level of six months and a maximum of 18 months of undesignated reserve5, to allow the Branch to continue operating without financial income for that period without releasing long-term reserves or requirin8 assistance from SCO. This has been monitored on a regular basis. The trustees will continue to review the reserves policy on an annual basis. In the period from March 2024, the Trustees have taken full account of the Charity Commission advice on the use of reserves. Cash flow projections indicate that North Herts & Stevenage Samaritans will end the financial year12024-251 with unrestricted funds above the minimum reserves level. Risk management The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed. At their meetings. they carry out this duty and ensure appropriate controls are in place and any necessary action is taken to mitigate such risks. The risk register is reviewed regularly by trLJStees at, or outside of, their meetings. We operate outreach activities under guidance provided by SCO and risk assessments are completed for all such activities.
2023-2024 Annual Review and Accounts Future plans Cash flow estimates indicate that North Herts & Stevena8e Samaritans will maintain the minimum reserves level throughout 2024-25 whilst meeting all financial commitments. Our outreach activities and fundraising are still not fully resourced and is an area to focus on in the coming year. The trustees and leadership team hope to be able to increase capacity within our existing buildlng and are exploring this option. Structure, governance and management Structure North Herts & Stevenage Samaritans became a charitable incorporated or8anisation ICIOI, governecl bv constitution, on 22 June 2017. Trustees have a limit of six-year terms,. except the Director, who serves a three- yearterm, which can be extended by up to 12 months by the approval of SCO'S board of trustees. The d3V-to-day operation of the activities of the Branch are controlled by the Director, with the support of Deputy Directors. The Dlrector Is appointed by the Branch Committee, under the recommendation of a consensus of the members of the Branch and with approval from SCO. The Trustee Committee is responsible for fundraisln& the approval of expenditure, and the malntenance of the Branch premises and equipment. Committee members/Trustees are either elected or ex officio and serve as Trustees for a period of no more than six years. Ex-officio committee members are appointed or stand down at the Annual General Meeting each year. The Trustees meet at least six times a year. Trustee meetings in the year have used Zoom or been in-person, in accordance with constltutional and legal requirements. Recruitment of trustees Ilsa Hawtin was Branch Director and Chair of Trustees until 5 January 2024. A team of three Co-Directors was elected on an interim basis after that and remain in post until 3 1 December 2024. Only one, Simon Cou2ens, sits of the Board of Trustees. He was co-opted to the Board of Trustees in December 2023 to allow for a smooth handover of responsibility. New Trustee5 are identified either through an open recruitment from the membership base. or by recommendation or selertion for their skill and abilities, Appointments are subject to the approval of a quorum of members. On appointment, new Trustees are provided with the information recommended by the Charitv Commission. They receive Samaritans-specific training, as well as access to general trustee training, as part of their induction. An additional Trustee was appointed as Treasurer at an AGM in September 2023 to strengthen the skill set of the existing Board and allow the previous Treasurer to take on other responsibilities. Full handover was possible to ensure a smooth transition. Governance Over the 12 month5 of thi5 review, the trustees carried out regular reviews of Samaritans standard policies, as required by SCO, and were able to advise to SCO that we are adhering to central guidance regarding governance, finance, data protection, safeguarding and health and safety. We developed a fundraising strategy and reviewed our data protection and finance policies. North Herts & Stevenage Samaritans does not employ professional fundraisers in any capacity, and no complaints regarding fundraising were received for the period of this review.
2023-2024 Annual Review and Account5 Statement of trustees, responsibilities The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Review and the accounts, in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom accounting standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accountlng Practlcel. The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare accounts for each financial year that give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure for that period. In preparing these accounts, the trustees are required to.. select Sultable accounting policies and then apply them consistentlv: observe the principles in the Charities SORP,. make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent,- state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures that must be disclosed and explianed in the account5,' and prepare the accounts on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. The Trustees are resporb5ible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity to enable them, as a matter of good pracLice, to ensure that the accounts comply with the Charities Art 2011. the Statement of Recommended Practice ISORP 20191 applicable to charities preparin8 their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reportin8 Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021. They are also responsible for safeguarding the asset5 of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Reference and administration- l April 2023 to 31 March 2024 North Herts & Stevena8e Samaritans- re8iStered charity number 1173578 The committee members who served as Trustees in the year were as follows.. Ilsa Hawtin Director Appointed l January 2021, resi8ned 5 January 2024 Co-opted 6 Dec 2023, appointed S January 2024 Appointed 31 January 2020, re-appointed 16 September 2023 Appointed 3 Sept 2019, re-appointed 16 September 2023 Appointed 14 April 2021, re-appointed 16 September 2023 Appointed 14 April 2021, re-appointed 16 September 2023 Appointed 28 November 2022, re-appointed 16 September 2023 Appointed 28 November 2022, re.appointed 16 September 2023 Appointed 16 September 2023 Simon Couzens Director Graham Sutton Alan Chaney Kate Adams Secretary Tim Coulson Karen Prottor Rachel Campbell Emily Bryan Treasurer io
202>2024 Annual Review and Accounts Charity bank account Barclays Bank, Leicester, LE87 2BB Independent examiner Tara Aldwin ACA. FKCA Ltd, 261>270 Butterfield, Great Marlings, Luton. LU2 8DL IAppointed 16 September 20221 Charity registered address 5 Nuns Close, Hitchin, Herts. SG5 IEP Contact telephone number 01462 654517 Website www.samaritans.org/branches/hitchin The Trustees declare that they have approved the Tru5tees' Review up to and including page 12. Si8ned on behalf of the Charity's Trustees: Signed,. Isignature of authorlsed person) Date: 16 Sept 2024 Slmon Couzens, chalr of trustee board (name and position of authorised person) Signed: (signature of authorised person) Date.. 16 Sept 2024 Emily Bryan, treasurer (name and position of authorised person) li
2023-2024 Annual Review and Accounts Independent examiner's report to the trustees of North Herts & Stevenage Samarftans I reporttothe trustees on my examination of the accounts of North Herts and Stevenage Samaritans I'the charitrf) for the year ended 31 March 2024. Respective responsibilities and basis of report As the charity trustees of the Charity, you are responslble for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Att 2011 {the Actl. I report in respect of my examination of the charity's account5 carried out under Section 145 of the 2011 Act; and in carrying out my examination I have followed the applicable directions given by the Charity Commissioners under Section 145 (51 Ibl of the act. Independent examinerfs statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that: accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by sertion 130 of the Act; or the accounts did not accord with those; or the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of the accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) regulatlons 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which Is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn In this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Tara Aldwln ACA FKCA UMITED Chartered Accountants 26(F270 Butterfield Great Marlings Luton LU2 8DL u+ S7JoJw KLCJ+, 12
2023-2024 Annual Review and Accounts Financial accounts and notes for the year ended 31 March 2024 Flxed asset cover fund Deslgnated general fund Unrestrlcted general fund 2023124 Total funds 2022123 Total funds Incomlng resources from generated funds Note Donations 16,152 16,152 8,635 Christmas cards Interest income 229 229 ioi 2.811 2,811 2,087 Generated income, including from Friend5 Of Samaritan5 48,200 48,200 5,712 Grants income 18,416 1,600 18,416 1,600 9,297 228 Gift Aid Total Incomlng resources from charitable actlvitles 87,408 87,408 26,060 Costs of generating funds 10,826 10,826 1,098 Charltable activities 21,646 13,602 21,646 24,456 6,712 Support costs 13,602 Total resources expended 46.074 46,074 32,266 Net surplus/ldefi¢lt) 41.334 41,334 (6,2061 Loss on investment 19521 40,382 19521 40,382 111,0051 Net movement In funds (17,211) 103,209 Funds brought fobivard 17,601 54,058 14,339 85,998 Funds transfer 12 25.000 125,0001 Funds carrled fonvard 17.601 79.058 29,721 126,380 85,998 13
2023-2024 Annual Review and Accounts Balance sheet at 31 MARCH 2024 Note 31 Mar 2024 31 Mar 2023 FIXED ASSETS Tanglble assets Building renovation- cost Building renovation - accumulated depreciation Freehold property- cost Office equipment Less accumulated depreciation on office equi ment 14,808 14,808 114,8081 17,601 19,193 116,276 114,8081 17,601 19,193 {15,0721 Total tanglble assets Fixed asset investment 20,518 69,856 90,374 21,722 67,997 89,719 Total fixed assets CURRENT ASSETS Cash at bank and In hand Barclays Community Account 63678547 Total cash at bank and In hand Accounts receivable 46,615 46,615 5,459 5,459 1,700 1.608 Prepayments Sundry debtors 2,965 Total current assets 49,580 8,767 CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Accounts payable Accruals 5,560 8,014 12,488 Total credltors: amounts falling due wlthln one year 13,574 12,488 Net current assetsllliabilities} Total a55ets less current liabllltSes 36,006 126,380 126,380 {3,7211 85,998 85.998 Net assets CAPITAL AND RESERVES Desi8nated funds Fixed asset cover fund 79,058 17,601 29,721 126,380 54,058 17,601 14,339 85,998 General fund5 Total capltal and reserves These financial statements were approved by the trustees on 15 Sept 2024 and signed on their behalf by: Isimon Couzens, chair of trustees) {Emily Bryan, treasurer) 14
SAMARITANS 202>2024 Annual review and accounts North Herts & Steveno9e Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 Accounting policies la} These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention as modified by the revaluation of investment5 to market value and in accordance with applicable accounting standards and the Statement of Recommended Prattice on Accounting by Charities I'charities SORP'I. (effective l January 20191. Ibl Voluntary income received by way of donations and gifts 15 included in the statement of financial activities150FAI when received. Gifts in kind are valued and brought In as income. Icl Gr055 fund-raising income from events organised by the charity itself is included in the SOFA when received. Where deemed material, fund-ras1n8 proceeds not yet received by the charity at the year-end have also been taken to income at the trustees, estimate of likely receivable amount. Idl Covenant, 8ift aid and other income received by the charity In respect of which a claim for payment of tax has or will be made is grossed up for the tax recoverable ènd the gross amount reco8nised in the SOFA. lel Income from le8acies is Included in the SOFA when received or when the trustees are satisfied the charity has a legally enforceable right of receipt of a conservatively measured sum. If) Revenue grants for immediate financial support and asslstance are recognised in the SOFA on receipt and on satisfaction of pre-condition5. 18} Net fund-raisin8 income raised by Friends of North Herts & Stevenage Samaritans is recognised in the SOFA on receipt by the charity as part of the Friends overall contribution, and the associated fund-raising costs Separately disclosed in a note, Ihl Premises overheads are a88regated and allocated to the various functional activitles of the charity on a percentage basis determined by the trustee5 and disclosed in a note. 111 Any costs which cannot be specifically identified to another functional activity of the charity are intluded in the management and administration function. Ill Depreciation is provided on all tan8ible fixed assets of material value held by the charity for its own use on a straight-line basis 50 as to write off thelr cost over their estimated useful lives a5 follows: Freehold propertv Building renovation costs 20% p.a. Office equipment and furniture Ikl No provision for taxation is included in the accounts as the charity is entitled to the exemption from tax afforded by section 505 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988. 20% p.a. 111 Funds held by the charity are either.. Unrestricted general funds- these are funds that can be used in accordance with the charitable object5 at the discretion of the trustees. Desi8nated funds~ these are funds set aside by the trustees out of unrestricted general funds for specific future purposes or project5. Restricted funds-these are funds than can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when fund5 are raised for particular restricted purposes 15
SAMARITANS 2023-2024 Annual review and accounts North Herts & Steveno9e 2023124 desi8nated 2023124 unrestrlrted 2023124 total 2022123 total I. PREMISES OVERHEADS Rates and water rates Power and heat Repairs and renewals Cleanin8 and housekeeping Equipment repairs and replacements IT Support Office telephone and postage Insurance and le8al costs Operatin8 lease fees Total foi the year Allocated to: 311 311 316 2,197 1,906 3,427 532 2,197 1.906 3.427 532 2,387 285 2,498 1.238 2,713 444 2,387 285 991 loo 2.316 351 997 loo 991 100 12.136 12,136 10,973 Costs of 8enerating funds Charitable activities Support costs Total allocatlons for the year 1,214 9,708 1,214 12,136 1.214 9,708 1,214 1,098 8,777 1,098 12,136 10,973 2. COSTS OF GENERATING FUNDS Share of premises overheads (see detail 11 Direct costs relatin8 to fundraisin8 activities Total for thÈ year 1,214 9,612 10,826 1,214 9,612 10,826 1,098 1,098 3. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Support line telephone Volunteer travel expenses Volunteer trainin8 Outreach Prison visit costs Conference fee5 Contribution to SCO support costs Total activities Share of premises overheads Isee detail 11 Total for the year 1,666 434 1,666 434 209 594 2,049 5,224 1,762 11,938 9,708 1,788 307 209 408 594 136 2,049 5,224 1,762 11,938 9,708 836 4,654 7,550 15,679 8,777 21,646 21,646 24,456 16
SAMARITANS 2023-2024 Annual review and accounts North Herts & Steveno9e 2023124 deslgnated 2023124 unrestricted 2023124 total 2022123 total 4. SUPPORT COSTS Governance costs - Independent examiner'5 fee Printing, stationery & photocopyin8 Professional fees Depreciation expense Gifts and Sundry expenses Salarie5 Payroll processing fees Meeting costs Total activltles Share of premises overheadslsee note 21 Total for the year 1,744 1,744 1,764 83 1,900 1,204 156 1,900 1,204 156 6,348 180 850 12,388 1,214 1,204 6,348 180 2,244 iio 850 209 12,388 1,214 5,614 1,098 13,602 13,602 6,712 2023124 2022123 5. STAFF COSTS Salaries 6,348 2,244 No employee received emoluments In excess of £60,000. 6. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Freehold property Bulldlng ienovation Offlce equlpment & lurnltuie Total Cost At l April 2023 Additions Disposals At 31 March 2024 Depreciation At l April 2023 Charge for the period Dlsposals At 31 March 2024 17,601 14,808 19,193 51.602 17,601 14,808 19.193 51,602 14,808 15,072 1,204 29,880 1,204 14.808 16,276 2,917 31,084 20,518 21,722 Net book value 31 March 2024 17,601 31 March 2023 17,601 4,121 17
SAMARITANS 202>2024 Annual review and accounts North Hert5 & Stevenage 7. LISTED INVESTMENT FUNDS Cost Market value At l April 2023 Investment income Change in market value At 31 March 2024 48,148 67,997 2,811 19521 69,856 48,148 8. DEBTORS 2023124 2022123 Trade debtors Prepayments Total debtors 1,700 1,608 2,965 2,965 3,308 9. CREDITORS 2023124 2022123 Trade creditors Accruals 5,560 8,014 13,574 12,488 Total credltors 12.488 10. TRUSTEES, REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES The Trustees received no remuneration in respect of the financial year ended 31 March 202412023- £Nill. Durin8 the year, one trustee was reimbursed travel cost £6512023 £1561, Post38e and stationery £2912023 £Nill and Meeting costs £73 12023 £Nill. It is the policy of the charity to reimburse in full all expenses properly incurred by its volunteers in connection with its charitable activities. 11. INDEMNITY INSURANCE Samaritans has centrally affected professional indemnity insurance to protect employee5, trustees. members of the charity's management committee and other volunteer members of all Samaritans branches. 12. DESIGNATED FUNDS Fixed asset cover fund- represents fund5 desi8nated to cover the cost of the charltws freehold property. Designated 8eneral funds- represents funds designated for projects and improvements beyond normal annual expenditure. On 6th March 2024, the Trustees authorised a transfer of reserves totalling £25,000 between the General Fund and the Designated Fund. 18
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