2022025 Annual Review and Accounts SAMARITANS North Herts & Stevenage Charity number 1173578 2024-2025 Annual review and accounts
2024-2025 Annual Revlew and Accounts Contents Dlrertors, message...................................................................................................................................................... About Samaritans......................-. Our vision... Our misslon..............................................-.. Our values...................... Fundraising Fundraisin& collectlons and donations... Grants.... Supporters .... . . . Donatln8.......... Caller support... External relations........................................................ Outreach and tslks.................................................... Prlson5................-........... Recrultment, tralnlng and mentoring..... Volunteer Support.... . .... Financial review. Overall.............................. Reserves. Risk management.......................................................................................................................................... Future plans................................................................................................................................................... Structure, governance and management...................................................................................................... Structure .....................................................................................................................,,............................................ Recrultment of trustees................................................................................................,........................................... Governance............................................................................................................................................................... Statement of trustees, responsibilities................................................................................................... .10 Reference and administration- l April 2024 to 31 March 2025............................................................................ 10 Independent examinerfs report...................................................................................................................12 Respective responsibilities and basls of report. .12 Independent examlnerfs statement........................................................................................................................12 Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2025.......................................................,.13 Balance sheet at 31 MARCH 2025...........................................................................................................................14 Notes tothe accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025.....................................................................................15
2022025 Annual Review and Accounts Directors, message We are dellghted to share thls review of North Herts and Stevenage Samaritans for the period l Aprll 2024 to 31 March 2025. At the beginning of January 2025, our three interim Co-Directors stepped down. We owe them slncere thanks for their dedicatlon and commitment in 8uidin8the branch 50 smoothly overthe preceding year. Ourvolunteer numbers have continued to grow. Every new knstenin8 Volunteer completesthe rigorous Samaritans Core Trainin& followed by a thorough mentoring period - and we are so grateful to all those involved who guide and support them throughout this journey. The branch is also sustained by the tlreless work of our Trustees, DDS, Support Volunteers, and, most importantly, our Listening Volunteers who give thelr time so generously to be there for our callers. Together, they form the foundation of our branch's strength. We are constantly reminded of the exceptional level of commltment shown by everyone In our branch. Thls is reflected In the dedlcation of our Ustenlng Volunteers to thelr shifts, as well as our growlng engagement wlth local communitles through outreach, prisons, talks, awareness activltles, and fundralsln8. In addltlon, the many extra tasks and dutie5 carrled out by both Listening and Support Volunteers ensure that our branch continues to thrNe. This year has also seen valuable oirtreach activity, with volunteers delivering talks In schools, community groups, and workplaces, raising awareness of 5amaritans' work and how we can support those in need. Alongside this, fundraising has remained vital, and we are grateful to all who contrlbuted, from local supporters to volunteers giving their time and creativity to raise essential funds. A hlghli8ht of the year was the strong attendance at the Regional Branch Conference In February. Feedback from those who attended described the event as inspirin& thought-provokin& and an excellent opportunlty to strengthen bonds across the branch. We would also like to recognise the incredible contrlbutlon of Sarah Graham. After the success of her Samarivans fundraisin& Sarah created a beautlful book of all the 5amarivans paintings and sold copies to raise further funds for our branch. We are deeply grateful for her creativity and 8eneroslty. As we look ahead, we do so with confiden, knowing that our branch is sustained by the compassion, commitment, and energy of our volunteer5. Together, we will continue to be there for anyone who needs someone to listen. Jo Coxon and Wen(ty Roberts Co-branch Dlrectors and Chalr of Trustee North Herts & Stevena8e Samarltans
202F2025 Annual Review and Accounts About Samaritans Samaritans provides non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day, for people who are experlencin8 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 festlvals, through a network of over 21)0 branches in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. From its base in Hitchin, North Herts & Stevenage Samaritans is a charity operatlng as a branch of Samarltans. Whllst supporting the residents of the surrounding area, It also SUPPOrt5 the residents of the whole of the UK and ROI via the Samaritans central calls system. Our vi.£ion Our vision is that fewer people dle by suSclde. To achieve thls, we beliwie samaritans has a crucial role to play in: Reducing the rlsk factors that make some people more likely to take thelr own Ilves. Ensuring that people who are at Increased rlsk of suiclde are supported. Maklng it less likely that people who do experlence sulcldal thoughts act on them; and Reduclng the Ilkellhood that people wlll develop suicidal thoughts. Our misslon We're here every day and night of the year for anyone struggling to cope. We make sure people have somewhere to turn and support when they need It most. We work wlth communitles to let people know we're here for them and we campai8n to make sul¢ide prevention a priority. Okjr values Our support servlces adapt to the chan8in8 environment, but the values at the core of our Ilstenlng servlce remaln constant: Llstenlng - Exploring feelln85 alleviates dlstress and helps people to reach a better understandlng of their situation and the options open to them. Confidentlallty- If people feel safe, they are more Ilkely to be open about their feelings. Non-Jud8emental - We want people to be able to talk to us without fear of prejudice or relectlon. People maklng thelr own dedslons- We believe that people have the ri8ht to find their own solutions and that tellin8 people what to do takes responsibility away from them. Human contact- Giving people time, undivided attention and empathy meets a fundamental emotional need and reduos distress and despair.
2024-2025 Annual Review and Accounts Fundraising FundralsinE.. c.ollprtlon¢ donation¢ We were able to hold 8 collections during the year across the region." at Tesco Forum Stevenage, Hltchin railway station {Brew Monday), a series of Mostly Comedy events at Hitchin Theatre and at the Samarivans Book Launch at Osinksy's Bar in Hitchin. We are hoping to continue to grow the team of volunteers that help with collections to enable more to take place. In totsl, almost £2,600 was raised during the year through collections, an important contribution towards our annual operating costs. Two local businesses retain collecting cans for customers to donate to us and forthe 2024125 year they were: Biggleswade Station and The Three Horseshoes in Willian. Following on from artist Sarah Graham's fantastic Samarivans campaign in 2023, in early 2024 she proposed also creating a book showcasing all the 200 artwork designs from artists across the UK. After months of worl including a crowdfunding campaign, the Samarivans book was published in November 2024. Thanks to endless promotional work and a book launch in Hitchin, all organised by Sarah, the sales of the book raised total of £4,110.00, with every penny of profit donated to North Herts & Stevenage Samaritans. In general, we are seeing an increased use of charity platfomis 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 Ilke to acknowledge this on behalf of all our volunteers and the people that benefrt from the service we provide. 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 Easyfundraisin& www.easyfundralsing.org.uk. Web users have also donated via searching online for North Herts & Stevenage Samaritans. Thanks to everyone for your loy•l suppor¢ whl¢h has enabled our branth to remaln fully operatlonal. Grants We were very fortunate to once a8ain recerve an unrestricted grant from Hertfordshire County Council whlch will help us to cover our operating costs and continue to perform and extend the outreach services the Branch offers. In addttion, restrirted grants out of the Locality 8ud8ets were allocated by Keith H05kins and Rlchard Thake, which will be made available for the proposed refurbishment of the Branch property.
2022025 Annual Review and Accounts Supporters We are very grateful to all the individuals and organisations that help us to carry out the work we do, whether it be through helping with collections. sponsorship and donations, or regular giving. Donating If you would like to help us. you can donate: By banktransfer Account name.. North Herts & Stevena8e Samaritans Account number: 63678547 Sort code: 20-05-73 Please quote your name as refereno. By cheque Please make your cheque payable to'North Herts & Stevenage Samarltsng and send It to our branch address., 5 Nuns Close, Hitchin, SG5 IEP. By text message Text SAMSLOCAL 3 to 70460 to donate £3. Texts cost £3 plus one standard rate message and you'll be optin8 in to hear more about our work and fundraislng via telephone and SMS. If you'd like to 8ive £3 but do not wish to receive marketin8 communlcations, text SAMSLOCALNOINFO 3 to 70460. Caller support In the year to 31 March 2025, our dedicated volunteers have taken over 20.( calls, spending around 5,500 hours on the phone as well as respondln8 to 61x1 drfferent chats over 85 online chat shifts. In our branch we currently have approximately 120 listening volunteers and are always striving to recrult more. There are two listenin8 volunteers on each shift. and we usually average around 40 shifts per week. The greatest demand from callers, in relation to volunteer availability, is the night shifts, therefore we have changed the night shift times to predominantly alternate between 23pm-2am, 3am-6am and 5am-8am. In addition, we have 2-3 Online Chat shifts per week. As always, we are infinitely grateful to our listening volunteers, each of whom devotes at least three hours per week listening to our callers, whlch includes one night shift per month.
2024-2025 Annual Review and Accounts External relations Outreach and talks This year our outreach team ha5 been actively engaging Wlth the local community to raise awareness of Samaritans, support and ensure no one faos difficulties alone. We have connected with commuters and staff at the local train station5. Post incident support at local stations has provided vital presence and care following challengin8 events. 5UPPOrtin8 both staff and the public. In January we marked Brew Monday at Stevena8e station, encouraging conversations and reminding people that we are always there. Our monthly vlslts to Lister Hospltal offer awareness and support to patients. vlsltors and staff. We contlnued to offer talks and ran awareness actlvttles at North Herts College and attended Stevenage Fire statlon, At the start of the year we tralned 17 new outreach volunteers, Strengthening our team and Increasing our capacity to reach more people. Through these artivities we have connerted wlth hundreds of local resldents ensuring that Samaritans remains a trusted source of support when it is most needed. Prison5 People in prison are significantly more likely to die by suicide. For over 30 years, Samaritans has been workin8 In partnershlp wlth the prison ser¥ices to support thlsvulnerable group. The Listener Scheme started In 1991 In Swansea and Is a peer-support scheme for prisons. Llsteners are prlsoners who provide confidentlal emotional support totheir peers who are 5tru881in8to cope orfeeling suicidal. They are specially selected and trained for the role by our volunteers. knsteners save lives, reduce self-harm and help those In emotional dlstress by 8lvln8 them a confidential, non-judgemental Ilstening ear. Together with colleagues from the Cambridge branch, some of our volunteers vlslt Littlehey Prlson in Cambridgeshire on a weekly basis. We recruit, train and support the Listener team, helping them do their job as well as promotlng the work we do jointly with them to both prisoners and prison staff. We also work closely with the Safer Custody Team to address any issues and ensure the smooth runnin8 of the Listener Scheme and Its sustainability for the future. Over the past 12 months, we have recruited and trained 12 new Listeners into the team and have run several Continuous Development sessions. We have also organised a'Family Da( where the famllles of our Llsteners were invited in to meet the team and enjoy a performance from the prison cholr.
2024-2025 Annual Revlew and Accounts Recruitment, training and mentoring This year. we introduced a strurtured yearly calendar to support and streamline our recruitment process. The calendar include5 three information evening5 annually, each followed by a recruitment and interview day, and then the start of coretrainin8. This approach allows existingvolunteersto plan aheadforwhen their support might be needed, gives potential volunteers clear timelines for the process, and ensures everyone is aware of training commitments from the outset. We have successfully recruited between 8 and 12 new volunteers in each round, with most going on to complete core training and mentoring. We are now updating the fonnat of our recruitment dayto better align with EDI (Equality, Diverstyand Inclusion) principles, ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. At the same tlme, we are keeping the most valued elements: particularly the opportunity for potential volunteers to meet and get to know one another, and to explore, in a practical way, the principles and expectations of being a Samaritans volunteer During the 2024-25 flnanclal year, 21 new volunteers progressed through our Initial (CORE) trainlng whlch ran three tlmes In the year. This involves six weeks of intensive training and homework, Including online modules, which make up our 'Core' traSnin8. After some weeks of mentored shifts, those new volunteers regroup to complete three weeks of 'Embeddln¢ trainin& which includes discussions around calls they have taken and their experiences on initial shtfts. We Current have 46 mentors, with roles divided between Key Mentors and those undertaklng one-off Support Mentoring shlfts. During the 2024-25 financial year, a total of 21 volunteers have elther completed or are currently undertaklng the mentoring process to become full Listening Volunteers. Thls has Involved 21 Key Mentors providin8 the guidance and 5UPPOrt required. The Training team have trained 8 new mentors, and we have another group of Llstening Volunteers for the next Mentor trainin8. Belng mentored Is an Important part of the tralnlng process. The mentorln8 phase supports volunteers as they progress from being new trainees to freelan listeners and, ultimately, to fully independent Listening Volunteers. This stage ensures that mentees are well supported, gain confidence, and are prepared to handle calls effect5velv. We have a duty of care to both our mentees and ultimately, to our callers. Volunteer Support The Volunteer support team aims to have regular and meaningful contact with all our volunteers, whether they are on leave of absence or actively in branch. We maintain close contact wtth those on leave and, when timely to do so, help facilitate a smooth return to shrfts. Our goal is that every volunteer will feel valued, supported and fully connected to the organi5ation.
2022025 Annual Review and Accounts Financial review Ovpr?11 The charity's financial activities are shovm on page 12 of thTs report. The net expenditure for the year was £6.056 (2024: £41,334 net income) comprlsing of total Income of £34,748 {2024: £87,408) and total expendlture of £40.80412024: £46,074). The decrease in Income wa5 in line with expectations given the unusually high income in the previous yearwhich had been due to two substantial fundraising events during the year: the National Walk and Samarivans. The charity continues to receive generous levels of donations through online platforms and collertions, wlth the continuation of the Samarivans fundraising initiative also contributing to the Cunt year's Income. The reductlon In expendlture was drlven lar8ely bythe cost of generating funds of £5,70512024: £10,826) reducin8 In Ilne with the reduction In fundraising events. Support costs of £14.467 (2024: £13,602) and expenditure on charities of £20,63212024: £21,646) have remalned comparable year on year. The statement of financlal position shows the funds of the charity whlth prtmarlty Comprlse of flxed assets, fixed asset investments and cash at bank. Interest received from fixed asset investments of £2,63312024: £2,811} was In line wlth expectatlons and the continued condltions of the bond market resulted in a marginal falr value loss of £1,59412024: £952). The total fund balance as at 31 March 2025 was £118.730 {2024: £126,3801, wlth £100,329 of this (2024., £108,779} representing general funds, made up of both designated and undesignated portions. The closing balance on the undesignated and desi8nated funds are £74,S70 {2024: £79,058) and £25,75912024: £29,721) respectlvely. The designated fund continues to be held for the purposes of property fUrb1shrnent. Following the receipt of restrirted grants the charity now also holds £800 of restritted reserves held specifically for the renovation of the branch property. The tltle to the current freehold premlses is held by Samarltans as custodlan trustee and the charlty, subject to a trust deed In respett of Its premises. Reserves The Trustees revlewed the Flnanaal Reserves Policy In the year since the last revlew and confirmed the continued policy of holding a mlnlmum level of six months and a maximum of 18 months of undesignated reserves, to allow the Branch to continue operatin8 Without financial income for that period without releasin8 long-term reserves or requiring 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 year (2025-26) with unrestricted funds above the minlmum 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 outthls dirtyand ensure appropriate contro15 are In plao and any necessary action istaken to mitigate such risks. The risk register is reviewed regularly by Trustees at, or otrtside of. their meetings. We operate outreach actrvities under guidance provided by SCO and risk assessments are completed for all such activities.
2022025 Annual Revlew and Accounts Future plans Cash flow estlmates Indicate that North Herts & Stevenage Samaritans will maintaln the minimum resenies level throughout 2025-26 whilst meeting all financlal commitments. Our outreach artivities and fvndraising 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 capactty within our exlstlng building and are exploring this option. Structure, governance and management Structl) re North Herts & Stevenage Samaritans became a charltable Incorporated or8anlsatlon {CIOI, governed by constitution, on 22 June 2017. Trustees have a Ilmit of six-year terms. except the Director, who serves a three- vear term, whlch can be extended by up to 12 months by the approval of SCO'S board of trustees. The day-to-day operatlon of the activlties of the Branch are controlled by the two Directors, with the sUPPOrt of Deputy Dlrectors. The Directors are appolnted 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 fundraisin& the approval of expenditure, and the maintenance of the Branch premises and equipment. Committee member51Tru5tee5 are either elerted or ex officio and serve as Trustees for a period of no more than six years. Ex-ofFicio committee members are appointed or stsnd down at the Annual General Meetin8 each year. The Trustees meet at least six tlmes a year. Trustee meetlngs in the year have used Zoom or been In-person, In accordance with constitutional and legal requirements. Recrultment of trustees A team of three Co-Dirertors had been elected on an interim basis for l year and remained in p05t until 31 December 2024. It was felt that a team of Co-Directors was the perfett blend and 3 Co-Directors took over on 1st January 2025, Unfortunatelyi due to unforeseen Circumstan one Director resigned in March 2025, however the remalning two Directors agreed to continue. New Trustees are identified either through an open recruitment from the membershlp base. or by recommendation orselertion for their skill and abilities. Appointment5 are subjerttothe approval of a quorum of members. On appointment, new Trustees are provided with the information recommended by the Charity Commlsslon. They receive Samarltans-specific trainin& as well as access to general trustee trainin& as part of thelr indurtion. Over the 12 months of this review, the trustees carried out regular reviews of Samaritans standard policies, as required by SCO, and were able to adwse to SCO that we are adhering to central guidance regarding governance, finance, data protection, safeguarding and health and safety. We developed a fundraisin8 Strategy and reviewed our data protection and finance policie5. North Herts & Stevenage Samaritans does not employ professional fundraisers in anycapacity, and no complaints regarding fundraising were received for the period of this review.
2022025 Annual Review and Accounts Statement of trustees, responslbilities The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Tru5tees' Review and the accounts, in attordance with applicable law and United Kingdom accounting 5tandard5 (United Kingdom Generally ACpted Accounting Practice). The law appllcable 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 appllcatlon of reSoUrs, including the income and expenditure for that period. In preparing these accounts, the trustees are required to: selert suitable accounting policie5 and then apply them conslstentty. observe the principles in the Charttie5 SORP. make judgements and estimate5 that are reasonable and prudent. state whether applicable accounting Standards have been followed. subjert to any materlal departures that must be disclosed and explained in the a¢counts,' and prepare the accounts on a going concern bashs unless it Is inappropriate to presume that the charlty wlll contlnue in operation. The Trustees are responslble for keeplng proper a¢countln8 records that disclose wlth reasonable accuracy at any time thefinanclal posftion of the Charityto enablethem, as a matter of good practice, to ensure thatthe accounts comply wlth the Charlties Act 2011, the Statement of Recommended Practi{soRp 2019) applicable to charltles prepar5n8 thelr accounts In accordance withthe Financlal Reportingstandard appllcable In the UK and Republlc of Ireland (FRS 1021. They are also responsible for safe8uardln8 the assets of the Charity and hence for taklng reasonable steps for the prevention and deteecion of fraud and other Irregularities. Re.f@rpnrp 2nA gelminit+r>tion - I 11,?r;12024 to 314lr rch 2025 North Herts & Stevenage Samarltans- reglstered charlty number 1173578 The committee members who served as Trustees in the year were as follows: Slmon Couzens Dlrertor Appolnted 5 January 2024, resigned l January 2025 CowDirector Appointed l January 2025, resigned 18 March 2025 Co-Dlrector Appointed l January 2025. Appolnted 31 January 2020, re-appolnted 23 september 2024 Appointed 3 Sept 2019, re-appointed 23 September 2024 Appointed 14 April 2021. re-appointed 23 september 2024 Appointed 14 April 2021, re-appointed 23 September 2024, resi8ned 4 June 2025 David Bloomfield Jo Coxon Graham Sutton Alan Chaney Kate Adams Secretsry Tim Coulson Karen Prortor Appointed 28 November 2022, re-appointed 23 September 2024 Appointed 28 November 2022, re-appointed 23 September 2024, resigned 27 February 2025 Appolnted 16 September 2023, re-appointed 23 September 2024 Co-Director Appointed l January 2025. Rachel Campbell Emily Bryan Wendy Roberts Treasurer io
2022025 Annual Review and Accounts Charlty bank account Barclays Bank. Leicester. LE87 2BB Independent examiner Tara Aldwin ACA. FKCA Ltd, 260-270 8utterfield, Great Marlings, Luton, LU2 8DL (Appointed 16 September 20221 Charity registered address 5 Nuns Close, Hltchln, Herts. SG5 IEP Contact telephone number 01462 654517 WebsSte www.samaritans.or8lbranches/hit¢hln The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees, Review up to and including page 11. Slgned on behalf of the Charit¢s Trustees: Si8ned.. {si8nature of authorised person) Date: Jo Coxon, Chalr of Trustee Board {name and position of authorlsed perwn) Signed: - (signature of authorised person) Date: 0211112025 Emlly Bryan, Treasurer (name and position of authorised person) li
2024-2025 Annual Rev5ew and Accounts Independent examinerfs report to the trustees of North Herts & Stevenage &imaritans I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of North Herts and Stevenage samarltan51.the chariv) forthe year ended 31 March 2025. Respective responsibilities and basis of report As the charity trustees of the Charlty, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts In accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the Artl. I report in respect of my examination of the charivs accounts carried oirt under Section 145 of the 2011 Art; and In carrying Out myexamination I have followedtheapplicable directlonsgiven bythe Charitycommissioners under Sectlon 145151 (b) of the act. Indepprdpnt )Y2r.,!icrfr st*+errfent I have completed my examinatlon. I confirm that no materlal matters have come to my attentlon in connertlon wlth the examinatlon 8lving me cause to believe that: accounting records were not kept In respect of the Charity as requlred by sectlon 130 of the Act; or the accounts did not accord with those records- or the account5 do not comply with the applicable requlrements concerning the form and content of the accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which Is not a mattèr considered a5 part of an independent examinatlon. I have no concerns and have Come across no other matters in connection with the examlnation to which attention should be drawn In thls report In order to enable a proper understandlng of the accounts to be reached. Tara Aldwln ACA FKCA UMrrED Chartered Accountants 26L270 Butterfield Great Marlings Luton LU2 8DL Date:.......................... 12
2022025 Annual Review and Accounts Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2025 cover Desl8nated fund zeneral fund Restrlcted Unrestrlcted 8eneral lund general fund 2024125 2023124 Total funds Total funds. Incomln8 resources from generated funds Note Donatlons 11,525 11,S25 16,152 Chrlstmas cards 3(Kl 300 229 Interest Income Generated Income, Includln8 from Friends of Samaritan5 2,633 2,633 2,811 8,470 8,470 48,200 Grants Income 11,020 11,820 18,416 1,600 Glft Ald Total Incomln8 resources from char6table artlvltles 34,748 87,408 Costs of generatlng funds 5,705 5,705 10,826 Charltable actlvltles 20,632 20,632 14,467 21,646 Support costs 9,979 13,602 Totsl resourus expended 36,316 46,074 Net surplu51(deficlt) 14A88) (2,368) (6,056) 41,334 Loss on Investment {1,5941 {1,5941 19521 Net movement In funds 13,962) 29,721 (7.650) 126,380 40,382 85,998 Funds brought forward 17,601 79J158 Funds transfer Funds carrled forward 17.601 74,570 25.759 118,730 126,380 *AII funds held and all fund movements durlng the comparative period were unrestrirted funds. 13
2024•2025 Annual Review and Accounts Balance sheet at 31 MARCH 2025 31 Mar 2025 31 Mar 2024 FIXED ASSETS Tan8lble assets Building renovation- cost Building rervatiOn- accumulated deprLYiation Freehold property- cost Office equipment Le55 accumulated depreclatlon on office ui rnent 14,808 14.808 114.8081 17,601 23,062 117.5491 (14,8081 17,601 19,193 116,276) Total tan8lble assets FSxed asset Investment 23,114 70,895 20,518 69,856 Total fixed assets ,374 CURRENT ASSErs Cash at bank and In hand Barclays Communlty Account 63678547 Total cash at bank and In hand Stock Debtors 30,607 30,607 325 1,588 32,520 46,615 46,615 2,965 49,580 Total current assets CREDrroRS: AMOUNTS FALUNG DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Accounts payable Accruals 1,422 5,560 6,377 8,014 Total credltors: amounts fallln8 due wlthln one year 13,S74 Net Current amets Totsl assets less current Ilabllltles Net a55ets 24,721 118.730 118.730 36,006 126,380 126.380 CAPITAL AND RESERVES Designated fund5 Restrlcted funds Fixed asset cover fund General funds 74,570 79.058 17,601 25,759 118.730 17,601 29,721 Total capltal and reserves 126.380 2nd November These flnancial statements were approved by the trustees on ................................. 2025 and signed on their behalf by: (Jo Coxon, Chair of Trustees) (Emily Bryan, Treasurer) 14
2024-2025 Annual revlew and accounts North Hert5 & Steveno9e Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 Accountlng pollcies lal Basls of preparlng the financial accounts The financial accounts of the charitable company, which a public benefit entlty under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP {FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Prartice applicable to charitie5 preparin8 their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reportln8 Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 (effective l January 20191,, Financial Reporting Standard102 The Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland, and the Companies Act 2006. The Financial accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The presentation currency of the finandal accounts Is the Pound Sterllng (£1 The Charity meets the definitlon of a publlc benefit entlty under FRS 102. The charltable company Is a company Ilmlted by guarantee and has no share capital The Trustees conslder that there are no materlal uncertalntles about the Charlty's abllity to continue as a 8oln8 concem. Ib) Voluntary Income re¢eSved by way of donations and gifts is Included in the ststement of financial actlvlties ISOFAI when received. Gifts in kind are valued and brought in as income. Ic} Gross fund-raisin8 income from events or8anised by the charity itseff is included in the SOFA when recelved. Where deemed material, fund-raising proceeds not yet received by the charity at the yearend have also been taken to Income at the trustees, estimate of likely receivable amount. Idl Covenant, 8ift aid and other income received by the charlty In respect of whlch a clalm for payment of tax has or wlll be made 15 gr055ed up for the tax recoverable and the gross amount recognised in the SOFA. lel Income from le8acies is included in the SOFA when recelved or when the trustees are satlsfied the charity has a legallv enforceable right of receipt of a conservatively measured sum. In Revenue grants for Immedlate financial support and asslstance are recognlsed In the SOFA on receipt and on satlsfactlon of pre-condltlons. 181 Net fund-ralsln8 Income ralsed by Frlends of North Herts & Stevenage Samaritans is recognlsed In the SOFA on receipt bv the charity as part of the Friends overall contribution, and the associated fund-raising costs separately dlsclosed In a note. (h) Premlses overheads are aggre8ated and allocated to the varlous functional artivitles of the charity on a percentage basls determlned by the trustees and disclosed in a note. 111 Any costs which cannot be specifically Identified to another funrtionèl artNity of the charty are included In the mana8ement and administration function. Ul Depreciatlon Is provided on all tan8ible fixed assets of material value held by the charlty for Its own use on a stral8ht-Ilne basls so as to wrlte off thelr cost over thelr estimated useful lives as follows: Freehold property Building renovatlon costs 20% p.a. Office equipment and furniture 20% p.a. Ikl No provision for taxation is included in the accounts as the charity is entlded to the exemption from tax afforded by Section 505 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988. 15
2024-2025 Annual review and accounts North Herts & Steveno9È Accountlng pollcies (continued} 11} Funds held by the charity are either: Unrestrirted general funds discretion of the Trustees. these are funds that can be used in accordance wrth the charltable objettives at the Deslgnated funds- these are funds set aside bythe Trustees out of unrestricted general funds for specific future purposes or projects. Restricted fund5-these are funds than can onty be used for partlcular restricted purposes within the oblects of the charlty. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restritted purposes. 16
2024-2025 Annual review and accounts North Herts & Stevenage 2024125 des18nated 2024125 2024125 unrestrkted 202412S 2023124 total restricted I. PREM15E5 OVERHEADS Rates and water rates 347 347 311 Power and heat 2,462 2,462 2,197 Repairs and renewals aeaning and housekeepSn8 Equipment repairs and renewa15 1,858 1,858 1,906 2,826 2,826 3,427 197 197 532 IT5UPPOrt 2,978 2.978 2,387 Offlce, telephone and postage Insurance and legal costs Operatlng lease fees 200 2CK) 285 991 i¢J) 100 100 Total for the year Allocated to: 12.012 12,012 12,136 Cost of 8eneratln8 funds Charltsble actlvltles 1,202 1,202 1,214 9,608 9,608 9,708 Governance costs 1,202 1,202 1,214 Total allocatlons for the year 12.012 12,012 12.136 2. COSTS OF GENERATING FUNDS Share of prem15es overheads (see detall 11 Dlrect costs relatln8 to fundraising actlvltles Total for the year 1,202 4,503 1,202 4,503 1,214 9,612 5.705 5,705 10.826 3. CHARITABLE AcnvmES Support line telephone Volunteer travel expenses Volunteer training Outreach Prison visit costs Conference fees Contribution to SCO support costs Total a¢tlvttles Share of premises overheads (see detail l) Total for the year 1,442 176 1,442 176 1,666 434 625 625 160 1,517 209 160 594 1.517 2,049 S,224 1,762 11.938 9.708 4,5(K) 11,024 4.500 11.024 9.608 20.632 20.632 21.646 17
2024-2025 Annual revlew and accounts North Herts & Stevenoge Z024125 designated 2024125 2024125 restrl¢ted unre5trfrted 2024125 2023124 total 4. SUPPORT cosrs Independent exarniner's fee Printin& stationery & photocopying Professional fees Depreciation expense Gifts and sundry expenses Salaries Payroll processlng fees Meeting costs Total artlvltles Share of premlses overheads {see note 2) Total for the year 1,795 1,795 1,744 4,488 1,273 244 1,900 1,204 156 1.273 244 5,005 240 5,005 240 6,348 220 220 850 13.265 1,202 14A67 12,388 1,214 13.602 1.202 9.979 2024125 20Z3124 5. STAFF COSTS Salaries 5,1)05 6,348 No employee recelved emoluments In excess of £60,LKK). 6. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Freehold property Bulldlng renovatlon Offlce equlpment & furnlture Total Cost At l April 2024 Additions Disp05als At 31 March 2025 Depreclatlon At l Aprll 2024 Char8e forthe perlod D15posals At 31 March 2025 17,601 14.808 19.193 3,869 $1,602 3,869 17,601 14.808 23.062 55A71 14,808 16,276 1,273 31,084 1,273 14,808 17.549 32,357 23,114 20,518 Net book value 31 March 2025 17.601 5,513 31 March 2024 17,601 2,917 18
2024-2025 Annual review and accounts North Herts & Stevenage 7. LISTED INVESTMENT FUNDS Cost Market value At l Aprll 2024 Investment income 48,148 69,856 2,633 11,5941 70,895 Change in marketvalue At 31 March 2025 48,148 8. DEBTORS 2024125 2023124 Trade debtors Prepayment5 and accrued Income Sundry debtors Total debtors 1,700 1,608 1,020 508 3.308 9. CREDITORS 2024/Z5 2023124 Trade creditors Accruals 1,422 6.376 5,560 8,014 Total credltors 13.574 10. TRusfEES' REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES The Trustees recelved no remuneration In respect of the flnanclal year ended 31 March 202512024- £Nill. Durlng the year, there was no relmbursed travel cost Nil12024 - £651, postage and statlonery £96 {2024 - £29}, Cleanlng and housekeeping £59012024- £Nill and meeting costs £2012024- £731. It is the pollcy of the charity to reimburse in full all expenses properly Incurred by Its volunteers in connection with its charitsble activitles. 11. INDEMNITY INSURANCE Samarltsns has centrally afferted professional indemnlty insurance to protect employees, trustees, members of the charity's management committee and other volunteer members of all Samaritans branche5. 12. DESIGNATED FUNDS Flxed asset cover fund- represents funds deslgnated to cover the cost of the charws freehold property, Designated general funds- represents funds designated for Projects and improvements beyond normal annual expendlture. Restricted funds- represents funds for renovation of the branch property. 13. RELATED PARTY TRANSAcnoNS There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2025 19
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