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-ra￿s1n8 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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