2023-03-31-accounts - Southend-On-Sea Samaritans

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Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

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SOUTHEND-ON-SEA SAMARITANS Registered Charity No. 1173715

Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts

Contents Charitable Objectives of Southend-on-Sea Samaritans ....................................... 3 Letter from the Director ........................................................................................... 4 Strategic Report ....................................................................................................... 6 Tackling Suicide Together ........................................................................................................... 6 Our Values ..................................................................................................................................... 11 Key achievements by our volunteers ..................................................................................... 12 How we did as a Branch in Numbers (April 2022 - March 2023) .................................. 12 Meet the Branch Leadership Team ...................................................................................... 13 What we did: Tony – Deputy Director Recruitment and Selection .............................. 13 What we did: Peter – Deputy Director Training ................................................................ 13 What we did: Debbie and Judith – Deputy Directors Leaders and Mentors ............ 14 What we did: Karen – Deputy Director Volunteer Care .................................................. 15 What we did: Adam - Health and Safety ............................................................................. 16 What we did: Chris and Derrick – Outreach and Publicity ............................................ 17 What we did: Colin – Community Partnerships Officer ................................................. 21 Southend Samaritans Shop .................................................................................................. 22 2022-23: Samaritans’ Year at a Glance ................................................................................... 23 Financial Review .......................................................................................................................... 24 Fundraising Activities Statement ........................................................................................ 26 Our Aims: ....................................................................................................................................... 26 Special Thanks ............................................................................................................................. 27 Reserves Policy ............................................................................................................................ 28 Ongoing Concern ......................................................................................................................... 28 Risks and Uncertainties ............................................................................................................. 29 Governance Report ................................................................................................ 30 Our Structure and Governance .................................................................................................... 30 Our Governance ............................................................................................................................. 30 Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities...................................................................................... 30 Accounts for the Year Ended 31 March 2023 ....................................................... 32 Reference and Administrative Details .................................................................. 54

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Charitable Objectives of Southend-on-Sea Samaritans

To enable persons in Southend-on-Sea and the surrounding area as well as elsewhere who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those who may be at risk of suicide, to receive confidential emotional support at any time of the day or night in order to improve their emotional health and to reduce the incidence of suicide; to promote a better understanding in society of suicide, suicidal behaviour and the value of expressing feelings which may otherwise lead to suicide or impaired emotional health; and to collaborate with and support Samaritans central charity and its affiliated branches in fulfilling these objects.

In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance 'Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)’.

Registered Charity Number: 1173715

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Letter from the Director

The Branch has continued to thrive and settle into our new premises over the last year, with much to be proud of.

The Recruitment and Training team have worked diligently throughout 2022 resulting in the branch being able to offer additional shift hours as well as increasing the amount of highly trained skilled new volunteers supporting our service during those times.

Central Charity, and the Regional Capacity team commended these amazing results as a branch. They noted that not only had Southend Branch grown in numbers and retention but we had provided our service consistently with far less closures of shifts compared overall regionally. This was a huge achievement and one that we had prioritised over the last year.

My thanks go to everyone that has been actively involved in supporting our branch to achieve such a significant performance overall.

In addition, during 2022 the branch underwent a Quality Review, aimed at supporting branches to achieve an overall quality of service that was both safe, effective and a positive experience not only for the people using our service but also the volunteers themselves. The Quality Review team worked with the Branch Leadership team, and the volunteers throughout this process. The outcomes were then shared not only with the Branch but the Regional Director, resulting in some of the following comments.

“There is so much for the branch to be proud of but I would like to congratulate on a successful change of premises, the way that the shop is integrated into the branch, your outreach work and the way that you are assisting the Chelmsford Anglia Ruskin Hub during its launch period.

You have achieved all of this through “cohesive leadership” and by establishing a “positive tone” in the branch.”

We remain committed to seek out and focus on target age groups, and minority groups, with a focus on our surrounding communities raising awareness within our Equity, Diversity, Inclusion strategy to reach out to as many people as possible. A new EDI lead was appointed this year and has made a strong start, we look forward to supporting her further next year as we progress this important aspect of how we can best support our community.

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We’re needed now, more than ever

Southend Samaritans answered 15,571 calls in 2022-23.

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 where they need it most. We work with communities to let people know we’re here for them and we campaign to make suicide prevention a priority.

A Branch Directors tenure is 3 years, when it is only right to step aside and let new ideas, fresh approaches and initiatives be embraced.

This will be my last directors report on Southend Samaritans Annual Accounts.

I would like to take this opportunity to personally say what a privilege it has been to lead and be part of this amazing branch with all our incredible volunteers.

My humble thanks must go to my Leadership team, who have been with me during this time.

I know it can be said that a branch is only as good as its team, and I have had the deep fulfilment of working in some great teams over my career.

However, to be part of a team of volunteers that give their time so freely to be there for people reaching out in distress, with no thought other than to provide that human contact for however long it takes.

To walk alongside for a short time with them in their shoes, to provide a safe nonjudgemental space to listen to how that person’s reality is for them.

They do this with buckets of empathy, warmth, and no judgement, and a vision that we hope by sharing with us some of those thoughts and feelings, fewer people will die by suicide.

It’s a privilege to be part of such a group of extraordinary people. Thank you.

Together we can make change that saves lives.

Sharon Gatland Director Southend Samaritans Date: 19 August 2023

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Strategic Report

Tackling Suicide Together

As we reported in our 2021/2022 report Southend Samaritans have been part of the new strategy set out for 2022-2027.

A reminder of the key themes:

Increasing access to our services

Self-help

This year acting on feedback our self-help app was made even better. The app, which had almost 80,000 sign-ups now includes “in the moment” techniques to help people when they need a way to escape difficult thoughts and get back to the present.

Tech Tools

We need the right technology behind us to be able to be there for our callers. We invested in new computers, standardising equipment making it easier and quicker to support when things go wrong.

We continue to work to ensure our branch telephony systems move with the times, so our helpline won’t be affected as landline technology is phased out.

Safeguarding

New safeguarding training launched in September 2021 was rolled out across the charity. Greater safeguarding skills among volunteers and the forthcoming safe-guarding hub-a network of specialist volunteers to support safeguarding cases work together to improve the safety of vulnerable people who contact us

Reaching those in greatest need

This year Samaritans answered a call for help every 10 seconds.

This included:

8,000 calls for help from serving and ex-military personnel

17,000 calls from NHS and social care workers

410,000 calls for help from people in prison

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The most common concerns this year were around mental health, family, loneliness, and relationship problems. Suicidal feelings were expressed in 1in 5 calls for help. People talked about self-harm in 1in 12 calls for help.

In 2022 as pandemic restrictions eased our face-to-face could restart. We were present at events and festivals attended by nearly 600,000 people. Samaritans’ volunteers held over 1,500 outreach events like local community groups, workplaces and hospitals and schools.

Right time, Right place, Right support

We strive to make sure people who might need us, know about us, and to offer support that suits them.

Online chat

The way people want to communicate is changing. We continue to develop, pilot and roll-out an online chat service so that more people who are struggling can reach out to us in a way that suits them.

Prison Listeners

In 2022 we answered over 410,000 calls to our prison helpline. 60,000 more than the previous year. People in prison trained as Samaritans listeners spent over 14,000 hours responding to over 25,000 calls. We also continue to provide support for our “post-vention” services when Samaritans provide specific support following a suicide.

Military programme

We were contacted 8,000 times by serving and ex-serving individuals with more than 1in 3 expressing suicidal thoughts. We are now poised to begin development of a joint veteran suicide prevention strategy with the armed forced charity SSAFA.

Education

Samaritans continue to provide practical support to schools, colleges, and universities. We had enquiries to our Step-by-step service which provides support to help schools prepare for and recover from a suspected suicide or attempted suicide.

Missing People

We’ve built partnerships with the charity Missing People by launching Suicide Textsafe.

When a missing person is considered to be at high risk of suicide. Missing People now send a text with our helpline number. Missing people also contact us and a Samaritan attempts to call the person.

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This year we made an average of 134 calls a month through the Suicide Textsafe scheme.

Influence

We work with other organisations to reach people who need us today, and at the heart of policy making for a safer tomorrow.

Online Safety

The UK Government’s Online Safety Bill was presented to Parliament in March in which we pressed hard for a suicide-safe internet. Parallel legislation was released in Ireland informed by our recommendations.

Parliament accepted several of our recommendations including requiring all platforms to tackle illegal content, which strengthened new rules. However, this work isn’t finished we won’t rest until the law protects everyone from harmful suicide and selfharm content online.

Lived Experience

Through our role as host of the National Suicide Prevention Alliance (NSPA) whose membership has increased to over 1,400 organisations and individuals this year-we further embedded lived experience into suicide prevention efforts.

Training and Guidance

We provide training in all kinds of places including workplaces.

In 2022 our training partnership with the rail industry reached over 25,000 rail staff being trained in Managing Suicidal Contacts. This work, to equip all rail staff with the skills and confidence to spot people in distress and intervene, helped 1,591 life-saving interventions this year.

We provided advice to more than 400 people working in the Media on safe reporting and portrayal of suicide and self-harm.

A collaboration between Samaritans and National Highways and Design Council began this year to identify, develop and test design-led solutions to make high-risk locations on the road network safer. Also working with councils to improve suicide interventions strategies at high-risk locations on the use of crisis signage.

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Campaigns

Brew Monday

On 17[th] January 2023 Samaritans reminded everyone to reach out for a cuppa and a catch-up with the people they care about.

Brew Monday videos saw a 60% increase in views that day compared to last year. Eighty Samaritan branches held more than 120 events at train stations for Brew Monday.

Small Talk Saves Lives

The fifth phase launched in August 2022 in partnership with network Rail, British Transport Police and the wider rail sector. The campaign aims to help people to recognise someone who needs help, understand how to intervene safely to interrupt suicidal thoughts and give people confidence to trust their instincts and take action.

Forty-five thousand people visited the website in response to extensive media coverage. sixty-five percent of people felt confident having seen this to judge if someone needed help.

Real People, Real Stories

In March 2022 the latest phase of real people Real stories, aiming to reach men in rural communities who are struggling to cope. A survey for the campaign found thatdue partly to stigmas and not knowing what help is available-just 43% of men in rural areas would reach out for support.

On YouTube over 2 million people saw our campaign ads, we reached over 20 million people through media coverage. Several councils have now expressed interest in running the campaign locally.

Building Knowledge to reduce suicides

We work tirelessly to understand suicide and its risk factors. We use what we know to help us and others be more effective in suicide prevention.

Pandemic Impact

Our programme of research to understand the social, psychological and economic impacts of the coronavirus continues to inform how we can influence the recovery after the pandemic.

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Part of that research involves how the pandemic has affected the wellbeing and suicidality among callers.

Research has shown that young adults who experienced economic disruption due to the pandemic were more likely to report suicidal thoughts or risk factors for suicidal feelings and behaviour.

How We Are Building Our Evidence

Alongside our research we conducted a study to support needs of construction workers, among whom there is a higher rate if suicide.

An exploration into peer support to help people who self-harm.

Research to understand more about the effectiveness of suicide prevention in prisons. We also invited people who call our helpline frequently to help us understand their experiences and how we can support them most effectively.

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Our Values

These are Samaritans’ shared values, which shape everything we do:

Listening

Exploring feelings alleviates distress and helps people to reach a better understanding of their situation and the options open to them.

Confidentiality

If people feel safe, they are more likely to be open about their feelings.

Non-judgemental

We want people to be able to talk to us without fear of prejudice or rejection.

People making their own decisions wherever possible

We believe that people have the right to find their own solution and that telling people what to do takes responsibility away from them.

Human contact

Giving people time, undivided attention and empathy meets a fundamental emotional need and reduces distress and despair.

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Key achievements by our volunteers

How we did as a Branch in Numbers (April 2022 - March 2023)

Average number of ALVs: 72

Total number of shifts completed: 1,051

15,571 Calls answered 4,135 Hours on the phone 127 Emails sent 53 Outbound calls 15,751 Total contacts

Note that the branch’s email service was discontinued in November 2022.

How we did as a Branch in Numbers (April 2021 - March 2022)

Average number of ALVs: 71 Total number of shifts completed: 986

11,503 Calls answered 3,178 Hours on the phone 325 Emails sent 55 Outbound calls 11,883 Total contacts

Note that the branch was closed for much of April 2021.

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Meet the Branch Leadership Team

What we did: Tony – Deputy Director Recruitment and Selection

With the implementation of the Branch Management Tool, all Volunteers now apply to our Branch directly through the Samaritans Website. This ensures that there is a consistent experience for all PV's. Unfortunately, the number of applicants had reduced for the 3rd year running as detailed below:

Year Ending:

March 2021 - 207 Applicants March 2022 - 135 Applicants

2022 has shown a 55% decline compared to 2021. The main reason for this was that during COVID applications rose exponentially as people had more time on their hands due to working from home and no international travel. Due to covid restrictions becoming more relaxed applications were either not followed through or not completed as people were able to become more mobile again.

Despite the limited number of PVs, in the last 6 months to the end of March 2023 we have successfully interviewed 26 volunteers who have gone through to training with Peter and his team. Most interviews are now done face to face after the lifting of the pandemic restrictions. In the previous 6 months a similar number of applicants also progressed through the interview stage.

The recruitment journey has certainly been streamlined with the new technology for almost all our new potential local volunteers. Coupled with our excellent and enthusiastic recruitment team we hope to keep our trainers busy throughout the next twelve months and beyond.

What we did: Peter – Deputy Director Training

It’s been a busy year for the training team, including the appointment of a new Training DD. We have completed 3 Core Development training cohorts with 21 volunteers completing the course and moving through to Trainee status.

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This was supplemented with Embedding modules that had 9 Probationers moving to full volunteer status and further 10 Probationers in progress to completion.

It takes approx. 10 months to One year for a trainee to become a full listening volunteer. It’s a very thorough training process that equips them to be highly skilled trained volunteers.

In addition to this the team delivered face to face training for further Mandatory training modules “Applying Our Key Policies” to every listening volunteer in the branch as well as Leader training and Support Volunteer training.

What we did: Debbie and Judith – Deputy Directors Leaders and Mentors

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We aimed to
continue
supporting the
wellbeing of
our volunteers.
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Each Samaritans shift is supported by a Leader, who is available as necessary during the shift, and takes sign-off from each volunteer at the end of the shift, checking both on the nature of the calls and on the mental wellbeing of the volunteers. Several new Leaders have been trained over the past year, to further support volunteers on shift as the branch has grown in numbers.

Our Mentors are essential to the training and development of new Samaritans, whose initial training is followed by at least ten mentored shifts where they develop their skills before becoming Probationary Samaritans. Each trainee is supported through this period by their own Lead Mentor, but also spends several shifts with other mentors, giving them a chance to see a range of different styles and approaches within the essential Samaritan framework.

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From this year, to further support Probationers we have introduced a mentored shift between each embedding session of training. In addition to supporting our own Branch’s new recruits, we have been able to provide some mentoring support to a new “hub” being developed at Anglia Ruskin University.

We have developed helpful new systems of communication for both Leaders and Mentors, with confidential groups where they can exchange information and more systematically monitor the progress and development of mentees. These are kept under constant review but appear to be working well.

What we did: Karen – Deputy Director Volunteer Care

The volunteer support team continues to work hard to ensure support is always available to all volunteers including those who are on a break. Southend Branch strives to provide on-going wellbeing support to all our volunteers, including our support volunteers that give up their time either in our Shop or in other support roles. Sharon, our director, and I meet every 6 weeks and we carry out a full review of every volunteer so that we are aware of who may need additional support.

With the lifting of covid restrictions we were able to be much more social. We had a branch meeting with The High Sheriff of Essex as our guest speaker, he also judged our first 'Great Samaritans Bake Off'. We also had a successful AGM. In September 2022 Sharon opened her house for a party and in December we had a Christmas meal with dancing. All these events have been well attended and the feedback received has been that events such as these help to make our volunteers feel appreciated and valued, we hope that this will aid retention.

This year the organisation turns 70 and Southend Samaritans have been present for 60 years. To mark these great achievements, we will be having an AGM in June with Felicity Varah, our founder's daughter, as our speaker and another 'Bake Off'! In July Sharon is once again generously opening her house up to us all for a celebratory summer BBQ, and we will also be having a Christmas meal in December. What a great year!

We hope that if our volunteers feel supported, they in turn can support our callers in need.

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What we did: Adam - Health and Safety

Health and Safety Annual Report

There have been no reported accidents at the Branch or Shop within the 22/23 reporting period. This is mostly down to the diligence of our volunteers but also due to the good housekeeping and maintenance of our premises. Our Emergency Lighting, Fire Alarm, Fire Extinguishers and Emergency Exits are all in full working order and tested in accordance to policy. The H&S briefing continues to be given at the beginning of new trainee intakes and was reviewed last year so I feel is still fit

for purpose. Operational Risk Assessments have been carried out at all premises and along with the Risk Register are regularly reviewed.

Buildings Annual Report

Some areas of the Branch remain out of action due to the ongoing issues with Beaumont Court residential properties. We have experienced other leaks from above all of which have been stopped, however, progressing repairs has proved to be challenging at times but continue to be pursued.

Operational systems within the branch are working well. We are due to carry out a noise and audio reduction review within the Operations room, especially as our numbers grow and we are regularly running 3/4 desks at times to try and achieve a quieter ambient environment within the Operations Room.

The continued success of the shop in Hamlet Court Road and desire to continue to attract further avenues of income for the branch has led to the consideration by the Trustees to consider opening a second shop.

A working party has been set up to explore whether this is a viable option for the branch.

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What we did: Chris and Derrick – Outreach and Publicity

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◄ Chris (Deputy
Director for
Outreach)
Derrick
(Publicity
Officer) ►
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It has been an exciting year of events this year, with Outreach extending from events as far as Chelmsford Cathedral, to local railway stations and schools, within Southend and surrounding districts. Many thanks to all volunteers who have taken part in the numerous events that have made it an overwhelming success!

A successful partnership with C2C & NWR lead by Danny has resulted in raised awareness of how Samaritans can support the railway, from Brew Monday to being a presence on platforms to reach out and speak to people.

Southend football events which have been particularly successful in reaching out to those high-risk groups that we know are men in their 40-50s as well as younger males increasingly now at risk of suicide.

Southend Rugby Club made us their charity of the year with a very successful charity ride from here to Bury St Edmunds raising over £1000.00

We were also fortunate this year to be made Broadway Belles WI charity of the year Attending one of their meetings to raise awareness of what we do.

The Broadway Belles held a very successful Quiz night to raise funds for the branch. We have since that meeting also welcomed several ladies into our branch and shop as support volunteers.

The shop in Hamlet Court Road continues to thrive, led by Bethan with many “listening volunteers” and support volunteers making it really feel integrated with the Branch.

Schools have been contacted, and we are delighted to have been invited back to talk to pupils in Years 10 & 11 about the work of Samaritans and the importance of emotional well-being.

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Scholl visits to St Thomas More and St Bernard’s in particular, where we have become a regular feature in the Year 10 curriculum. We will continue to work with schools and hope that further year groups will be included.

Plans for the Future

The local Southend Echo newspaper have agreed to run a special article on our 60[th] anniversary, and we are looking forward to raising awareness of our local Samaritans within our community.

The website (samaritans.org/branches/southendonsea/)

The website’s Donr donation page has been particularly active thanks to various initiatives, the Christmas events and general donations.

Social Media – Twitter

In line with Head Office policy, we continue to post at least three or four times weekly. This comprises a blend of material supplied by Samaritans Brand Centre and original posts of local events or news. We currently have 762 followers, a good year on year increase.

Our top tweet of 2022-23, which had 3,861 views:

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Southend Samaritans Newsletter

The newsletter continues to appear regularly, and features contributions from the Director, Shop, Outreach Lead and volunteers.

Plans for Future Local and National Campaigns

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Local Campaigns – Twitter, Local News
Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar
Pride
Herd in the
City
Railway
Outreach
SUFC
Leigh Folk
Festival
Leigh Art Trail
Summer Pride
Southend
Fresher Week
Southend
Walkabouts
Leigh
Walkabouts
Busking Event
National Samaritans Campaigns – Twitter, Local News
Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar
Pride
Talk To Us
Small Talk
World Mental
Health Day
Mental Health
Awareness
Week
World Suicide
Prevention
Day
Brew Monday
International
Mens Day
Chelsea
Flower Show
Volunteers
Day
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A Sample of Outreach and Publicity Teams’ Activities (April 2022 - March 2023)

We started this year thanking the kindness of Sarah Millican and the generosity of her audience at the Southend Cliffs Pavilion after our volunteers collected an amazing £877.78.

Judy found us at Southend Central Railway Station, joining c2c staff for a wellbeing day. The event was to highlight mental health issues and to signpost local services.

Southend Rugby Club appointed us at their Charity of the Year in September, and raised £1,465 for us on a sponsored cycle ride, again

In November, we were delighted to attend a Christmas occasion in Leigh – a great opportunity for us to raise awareness of Samaritans services.

In June, it was Volunteers Week, and both James Duddridge MP and Anna Firth MP took to their social media accounts to thank you volunteers publicly. Anna Firth said: “Although I meet a lot of people in my job, meeting Samaritans today was humbling and inspiring. The 20,000 Samaritan volunteers have been listening to others for over 60 years so that no-one has to face life alone.”

Volunteers Peter and Later that month, we James took part in the were at Rayleigh Ride 100 cycling Railway Station, just challenge in May, spreading the word. raising over £800.

We were also at Southend United Football Club’s ‘Meet the Blues’ day at their training ground.

In October, we were match sponsor for Southend Utd, who created a display of 100 shirts draped over stadium seats, reflecting the fact that in England in 2021 there were 100 suicides a week.

We took part in World Suicide Prevention Day in September, and created a “Creating Hope Through Light” display in our Hamlet Court Road Charity Shop window.

In December, we gave sincere thanks to the Buskerteers Choir and over 300 performers at Chelmsford Cathedral for donating their concert collection to Samaritans.

A major outreach event for us and, of course, our amazing Director Sharon Gatland was delighted to attend and talk about our great cause!

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What we did: Colin – Community Partnerships Officer

We continue to have a presence on the Southend, Essex & Thurrock Suicide Prevention Strategy Grou p – a multi-agency group hosted by Southend City Council. This gives us an opportunity to see what other organisations are doing in the field of suicide prevention, and to influence within the community whilst feeding back to Samaritans Central Charity.

During the past year we have run a series of workshops with the Street Pastors in Southend. A

religious organisation, they patrol the streets of the city helping anyone who needs practical and emotional help. The workshops dealt with our approach to listening with the aim of enhancing their confidence in dealing with more challenging situations. Another aspect was to leave the Pastors with a deeper understanding of Samaritans and how we work so that they are better able to signpost to us.

We continue to have a good relationship with the One Love Project & Soup Kitchen . Like the Street Pastors, we have run workshops for their volunteers to better equip them to hold conversations with those that use their services: homeless, food bank users as examples.

We are also fostering a relationship with Essex Police with the aim of enabling better signposting of people with whom they come into contact by increasing their awareness of what we do and how we do it. Another aim of the work we hope to do is to talk to the police about better supporting each other using our offload processes as an example. The third aspect that's included in this work is an opportunity for our publicity materials to be posted in Custody Suites across the county.

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Southend Samaritans Shop

Shop Report

The year 2022/23 has seen in increase in revenue to a record high. This is testament to the hard work of the volunteers, the generosity of the donors and the continued support of our customers. We continue to have a positive presence in Hamlet Court Road, working with business neighbours to protect and enhance the shopping experience in the area and using our voice where we see issues, such as the parking restrictions implemented in Autumn 2022.

We also undertook an analysis of whether it would be both viable and beneficial to open a second shop. The findings were presented to the Trustees, who sponsored a project to find a suitable premises. In early March, we signed a lease on a premises on London Road, Leigh-on Sea-and plan to open a second shop early in the next financial year. The location was chosen from a number of suitable premises because of its visibility. It is considered that one of the main benefits to having a second premises is to raise awareness of our charity and its services within the borough.

Thank you to all who have generously given their time of their donations to the success of the shop

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2022-23: Samaritans’ Year at a Glance

This year, Samaritans answered a call for help every 10 seconds. This included:

8,000 calls for help from serving and ex-military personnel

17,000 calls from NHS and social care workers

410,000 calls for help from people in prison

We engaged with politicians and policy-makers more than 1,300 times , encouraging them to take action to help reduce suicides across the UK and Ireland.

Through our relationships with businesses, we raised over £3,200,000 and raised and upskilled 177,000 employees , raising awareness of mental health and suicide prevention.

80,000 people signed up to use our self-help app in 2022.

32,000 fabulous fundraisers and 218 grants to branches have generously raised income for Samaritans - you’ve made it possible for us to be there for anyone who needs us.

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Financial Review

Overview

Financial Review ‘For this period our funding streams remained limited to shop income, legacies and fundraising activities, the plans to open a second shop will broaden that. We also have a more formalised fundraising activities plan for the year ahead.

The ‘Fundraising Activities Statement’ below provides more details.

Income (For the Year Ended 31 March 2023)

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Total: £88,339 £742
0.8%
£13,514
15.3%
£74.083
83.9%
Donations Shop sales and events Investment income Other income
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N.B. The final figure for total income in 2022/23 is £81,639, as the £6,700 of ‘Other income’ (i.e. grants) is ultimately deducted. Percentages are based on the total prior to this deduction (£88,339).

See the Statement on Financial Activities (page 32 onward) for more details.

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Expenditure (For the Year Ended 31 March 2023)

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Total: £98,708
£11,800
12%
£86,908
88%
Fundraising expenses Charitable activities
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Fundraising Activities Statement

Southend Samaritans Annual Report – Fundraising

We are very grateful to all who have supported us during the year, particularly in the face of the current financial crisis. Whether the donations are financial, pre-loved items for our shops, time dedicated to our activities or any other form of support, it all counts. Between us we provide the essential listening service to save lives and achieve our objectives by keeping our Branch open for all.

For the year ahead we plan to raise funds across a wider base of activities. This will include both our shops, increasing awareness of regular giving, sponsorship, buckets and tins. Whilst some of these amounts will be smaller, they are each important and very much valued. If resources permit, we will research further in-memorium giving and social fundraising events

The table below provides a breakdown of the specific sources of income we have received through our fundraising over 2022/2023:

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Southend-on-Sea Samaritans
Specific Fundraising Sources (1 [st] Apr 2022 – 31 [st] March 2023)
Ref Income Source Amount
1 Buskerteers Choir £2,393
2 Chelmsford Cathedral collection £1,092
3 Rochford District Council £1,000
4 Southend Rugby Club £1,000
5 Women’s Institute Quiz Evening £500
6 Mark’s Christmas Lights Display £380
7 c2c £325
8 Daniel Plaskow £250
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Our Aims:

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Raise 10% of the
branch’s required
funds through
increased
fundraising activity
THRIVE
Raise awareness of Increase volunteer
branch campaigns involvement Page | 26
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We are very grateful to all who have supported us during the year, particularly in the face of the current financial crisis. Whether the donations are financial, pre-loved items for our shops, time dedicated to our activities or any other form of support, it all counts. Between us, we provide the essential listening service to save lives and achieve our objectives by keeping our Branch open for all.

Special Thanks

The Branch extends special thanks to:

Buskerteers Choir
Chelmsford Cathedral
Rochford District Council
Southend Rugy Club
Women’s Institute
c2c
Daniel Plaskow
Leigh Conservative Club
All our volunteers and supporters!

The support from our donors and the effort volunteers have put into raising funds for Southend-on-Sea Samaritans has enabled our phone lines to stay connected, the lights on and the heat running; it has also aided volunteer care and has contributed to the possibility of the branch thriving in the future.

Most importantly the funds have supported the continued provision of the vital services we provide our local and national communities.

Page | 27

Reserves Policy

‘The Trustees have reviewed the reserves policy of retaining an 18-month reserve and will make financial decisions during the year to reflect that, including the option to invest some funds to achieve an income stream from funds that are not needed for short term expenditure. Free reserves are calculated as total unrestricted reserves less designated funds.

In setting the reserves policy, the Board of Trustees considers the need to provide against any future income shortfall, fulfil working capital requirements and allow funds to be available to support service developments. This is balanced against the need to spend reserves now to deliver services to meet beneficiary needs. The reserves policy will continue to be reviewed on an annual basis.

For 2022/23, the Board of Trustees approved a balanced core budget of £91,398.80.

Ongoing Concern

After due consideration and endorsed by the Accountant the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.

Page | 28

Risks and Uncertainties

How we manage risk

The Board of Trustees is ultimately responsible for risk management, it reviews key risks and the adequacy of actions being taken to address those risks, on a regular basis.

Service : Changes to our core service to protect the critical function and development of new volunteers and how we can continue to develop, train, and increase numbers of volunteers vitally needed to continue our service. We continue to audit and quality check training around Safeguarding for children and vulnerable adults accessing our service. with a focus on developing our mature safeguarding culture on service and structure, quality improvements, investigations, policies and procedures and governance.

People : Prioritising and ensuring the safety, wellbeing, engagement, and commitment of volunteers.

Page | 29

Governance Report

Our Structure and Governance

Southend Samaritans is an affiliated branch of our Central charitable company limited by guarantee. We were founded by Prebendary Dr Chad Varah CH CBE MA in 1953 and incorporated in 1963.

A. Constitution

The charity was incorporated on 7[th] July 2017 and commenced trading on that date. The principal object of the charity is to provide confidential, non-judgmental emotional support to those in distress, despair or feeling suicidal.

B. Methods of appointment or election of trustees

The management of the charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected or co-opted under the terms of the Samaritan Branch Model Constitution.

C. Financial risk management

The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the charity and are satisfied that systems and procedures are in place to mitigate our exposure to the major risks.

Our Governance

As a learning organisation we are always keen to develop and adapt our ways of working in the interests of our beneficiaries and volunteers.

Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102);
make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;

Page | 30

prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in business.

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the Constitution. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by

Sharon Gatland Branch Director and Chair of Trustees Date: 19 August 2023

Page | 31

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Southend-on-Sea Samaritans (‘the Charity’)

I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 March 2023.

Responsibilities and Basis of Report

As the Trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act').

I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts 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 Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent Examiner's Statement

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the Charity has prepared the accounts in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has been withdrawn.

I understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of 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 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.

This report is made solely to the Charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Charity's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent Examiner's Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the Charity's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.

Signed:

Dated: 22 August 2023

Stuart Harrison FCA

Venthams

Chartered Accountants Millhouse 32 - 38 East Street Rochford Essex SS4 1DB

Page | 32

SOUTHEND-ON-SEA SAMARITANS

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Unrestricted funds 2023 £ 12,514 74,083 742 (6,700)	Restricted funds 2023 £ 1,000 - - -	Total funds 2023 £ 13,514 74,083 742 (6,700)	Total funds 2022 £ 6,448 57,177 79 113,933
80,639	1,000	81,639	177,637
7,401 71,092	4,399 15,816	11,800 86,908	5,904 53,401
78,493	20,215	98,708	59,305
2,146 3,000	(19,215) (3,000)	(17,069) -	118,332 -
5,146 -	(22,215) -	(17,069) -	118,332 17,000
5,146	(22,215)	(17,069)	135,332
818,765 5,146	107,227 (22,215)	925,992 (17,069)	790,660 135,332
823,911	85,012	908,923	925,992

Page | 33

SOUTHEND-ON-SEA SAMARITANS

BALANCE SHEET FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 11 Investments 12 Current assets Debtors 13 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 14 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Total net assets Charity funds Restricted funds 15 Unrestricted funds 15 Total funds	3,000 150,040	2023 £ 656,677 130,023 786,700 2,165 272,012 274,177 (12,513) 122,223 908,923 908,923 85,012 823,911 908,923	2022 £ 664,328 -
			664,328 261,664
	153,040 (30,817)

			925,992
			925,992
			107,227 818,765
			925,992

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

................................................ S Gatland

Date: 19 August 2023

Page | 34

SOUTHEND-ON-SEA SAMARITANS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

1. General information

Southend-on-Sea Samaritans is an Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered in England and Wales. Its principal office address is 61-71 Beaumont Court, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 6EB.

2. Accounting policies

2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair' view. This departure has involved following the Charities SORP (FRS 102) published in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

Southend-on-Sea Samaritans meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.

Page | 35

SOUTHEND-ON-SEA SAMARITANS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.2 Income

All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

The recognition of income from legacies is dependent on establishing entitlement, the probability of receipt and the ability to estimate with sufficient accuracy the amount receivable. Evidence of entitlement to a legacy exists when the Charity has sufficient evidence that a gift has been left to them (through knowledge of the existence of a valid will and the death of the benefactor) and the executor is satisfied that the property in question will not be required to satisfy claims in the estate. Receipt of a legacy must be recognised when it is probable that it will be received and the fair value of the amount receivable, which will generally be the expected cash amount to be distributed to the Charity, can be reliably measured.

Grants are included in the Statement of Financial Activities on a receivable basis. The balance of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the Balance Sheet. Where income is received in advance of entitlement of receipt, its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued.

Where the donated good is a fixed asset, it is measured at fair value, unless it is impractical to measure this reliably, in which case the cost of the item to the donor should be used. The gain is recognised as income from donations and a corresponding amount is included in the appropriate fixed asset class and depreciated over the useful economic life in accordance with the Charity's accounting policies.

On receipt, donated professional services and facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the Charity which is the amount it would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.

Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable.

Other income is recognised in the period in which it is receivable and to the extent the goods have been provided or on completion of the service.

2.3 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

Expenditure on raising funds includes all expenditure incurred by the Charity to raise funds for its charitable purposes and includes costs of all fundraising activities events and non-charitable trading.

Page | 36

SOUTHEND-ON-SEA SAMARITANS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.3 Expenditure (continued)

Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.

All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.

2.4 Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.

2.5 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets costing £500 or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.

Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.

Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, on a reducing balance basis.

Depreciation is provided on the following basis:

Office equipment 25% reducing balance

2.6 Investments

Fixed asset investments are a form of financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction cost and subsequently measured at fair value at the Balance Sheet date, unless the value cannot be measured reliably in which case it is measured at cost less impairment. Investment gains and losses, whether realised or unrealised, are combined and presented as ‘Gains/(Losses) on investments’ in the Statement of Financial Activities.

2.7 Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

2.8 Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

Page | 37

SOUTHEND-ON-SEA SAMARITANS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.9 Liabilities and provisions

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance Sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.

Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.

Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities as a finance cost.

2.10 Financial instruments

The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

2.11 Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.

3. Income from donations and legacies

|Donations|Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
12,514|Restricted
funds
2023
£

1,000|Page | 38
Total
funds
2023
£
13,514
Total
funds
2022| |---|---|---|---| |||

Unrestricted
funds
2022||

SOUTHEND-ON-SEA SAMARITANS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Investment income (continued) Donations 4. Income from other trading activities Income from fundraising events Revenue from shop sales and events Revenue from shop sales and events 5. Investment income Investment income - local cash	6,448	6,448
	Unrestricted funds 2023 £ 74,083	Total funds 2023 £ 74,083
	Unrestricted funds 2022 £ 57,177	Total funds 2022 £ 57,177
	Unrestricted funds 2023 £ 742	Total funds 2023 £ 742

Page | 39

SOUTHEND-ON-SEA SAMARITANS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Investment income (continued)

Investment income - local investment properties Investment income - local cash	Unrestricted funds 2022 £ 63 16	Total funds 2022 £ 63 16
	79	79

6. Other incoming resources

Grants received Grants received	Unrestricted funds 2022 £ 1,208	Unrestricted funds 2023 £ (6,700)	Total funds 2023 £ (6,700)
		Restricted funds 2022 £ 112,725	Total funds 2022 £ 113,933

Page | 40

SOUTHEND-ON-SEA SAMARITANS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

7. Expenditure on raising funds

Fundraising trading expenses

Utilities, rent and rates Housekeeping Administration Building maintenance	Unrestricted funds 2023 £ 2,540 1,677 243 2,941	Restricted funds 2023 £ 4,399 - - -	Total funds 2023 £ 6,939 1,677 243 2,941
	7,401	4,399	11,800

Page | 41

SOUTHEND-ON-SEA SAMARITANS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Fundraising trading expenses (continued)

Utilities, rent and rates Housekeeping Administration Building maintenance	Unrestricted funds 2022 £ 3,286 1,469 236 913	Total funds 2022 £ 3,286 1,469 236 913
	5,904	5,904

8. Analysis of expenditure by activities

Supporting activities Supporting activities	Activities undertaken directly 2023 £ 74,772	Support costs 2023 £ 12,136	Total funds 2023 £ 86,908
	Activities undertaken directly 2022 £ 42,215	Support costs 2022 £ 11,186	Total funds 2022 £ 53,401

Page | 42

SOUTHEND-ON-SEA SAMARITANS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

8. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of direct costs (continued)

Analysis of direct costs

	Supporting activities 2023 £	Total funds 2023 £

Rent, rates and service charges	4,108	4,108

Insurance	1,500	1,500
Light and heat	2,992	2,992

Housekeeping	1,599	1,599
Cleaner	3,304	3,304

Repairs and renewals	3,353	3,353
Computer running costs	735	735

Travelling	2,596	2,596
Conferences	1,675	1,675

Contributions to Samaritans	29,857	29,857
Legal and professional	1,633	1,633

Fundraising expenses	469	469
Sundry expenses	158	158

Publicity and advertising	10,454	10,454
Telephone and internet	5,319	5,319

Volunteer care	5,020	5,020 74,772
	74,772

Page | 43

SOUTHEND-ON-SEA SAMARITANS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

8. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of direct costs (continued)

	Supporting activities 2022 £	Total funds 2022 £
Rent, rates and service charges	238	238

Insurance	2,374	2,374
Light and heat	2,882	2,882

Running costs of flat	130	130
Housekeeping	1,716	1,716

Cleaner	2,669	2,669
Repairs and renewals	2,332	2,332

Computer running costs	3,568	3,568
Travelling	1,552	1,552

Conferences	1,660	1,660
Contributions to Samaritans	7,003	7,003

Legal and professional	272	272
Fundraising expenses	300	300

Sundry expenses	(540)	(540)
Publicity and advertising	1,198	1,198

Telephone and internet	7,824	7,824
Volunteer care	2,420	2,420

Relocation costs	4,617	4,617 42,215
	42,215

Page | 44

SOUTHEND-ON-SEA SAMARITANS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

8. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of direct costs (continued)

Analysis of support costs

Depreciation Legal and professional Administration, printing, postage and stationery	Supporting activities 2023 £ 7,652 1,722 2,762	Total funds 2023 £ 7,652 1,722 2,762
	12,136	12,136

Page | 45

SOUTHEND-ON-SEA SAMARITANS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

8. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of support costs (continued)

Depreciation Legal and professional Administration, printing, postage and stationery 9. Independent examiner's remuneration Fees payable to the Charity's independent examiner for the independent examination of the Charity's annual accounts	Supporting activities 2022 £ 7,040 1,608 2,538	Total funds 2022 £ 7,040 1,608 2,538
	11,186	11,186
	2023 £ 1,722	2022 £ 1,608

10. Trustees' remuneration and expenses

During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2022 - £NIL-)

During the year ended 31 March 2023, expenses totalling £ 531 were reimbursed or paid directly to 2 Trustees (2022 - £464 to 2 Trustees) .

Page | 46

SOUTHEND-ON-SEA SAMARITANS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

|11.
Tangible fixed assets
Cost or valuation
At 1 April 2022
At 31 March 2023
Depreciation
At 1 April 2022
Charge for the year
At 31 March 2023
Net book value
At 31 March 2023
At 31 March 2022
12.
Fixed asset investments
Cost or valuation
Additions
At 31 March 2023
Net book value
At 31 March 2023|Freehold
property
£
648,342|Office
equipment
£
28,579|Page | 47
Total
£
676,921
676,921
12,593
7,652
20,245
656,676
664,328
Unlisted
investments
£
130,023
130,023
130,023| |---|---|---|---| ||648,342|
28,579|| ||-
-|12,593
7,652|| ||-|20,245|| ||648,342|8,334|| ||648,342|
15,986|| |||
||

SOUTHEND-ON-SEA SAMARITANS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

13. Debtors Due within one year Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income	2023 £ 3,000 -	2022 £ - 2,165
	3,000	2,165

Page | 48

SOUTHEND-ON-SEA SAMARITANS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

14. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Trade creditors Other creditors Accruals and deferred income	2023 £ (304) 29,398 1,723	2022 £ 2,273 8,632 1,608
	30,817	12,513

Page | 49

SOUTHEND-ON-SEA SAMARITANS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

15. Statement of funds

Statement of funds - current year

Balance at 1 April 2022 £ 648,342	Income £ -	Expenditure £ -	Transfers in/out £ -	Gains/ (Losses) £ -	Balance at 31 March 2023 £ 648,342
170,423	80,638	(78,492)	3,000	-	175,569
818,765	80,638	(78,492)	3,000	-	823,911
1,670 5,557 - 100,000 -	- - - - 1,000	(1,670) (5,557) - (11,988) (1,000)	- - - (3,000) -	- - - - -	- - - 85,012 -
107,227	1,000	(20,215)	(3,000)	-	85,012

Total of funds

925,992 81,638 (98,707)

908,923 Page | 50

SOUTHEND-ON-SEA SAMARITANS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Statement of funds - prior year Balance at 1 April 2021 £ Income £ Unrestricted funds Designated funds Property fund 695,000 - General funds General fund 92,509 64,912 Total Unrestricted funds 787,509 64,912 Restricted funds Sam Pears Foundation 90 1,580 Essex Community Foundation 3,061 7,195 Rosca Trust - 3,950 St Saviours Housing Trust - 100,000 The Berg Trust - - 3,151 112,725	Statement of funds - prior year Balance at 1 April 2021 £ Income £ Unrestricted funds Designated funds Property fund 695,000 - General funds General fund 92,509 64,912 Total Unrestricted funds 787,509 64,912 Restricted funds Sam Pears Foundation 90 1,580 Essex Community Foundation 3,061 7,195 Rosca Trust - 3,950 St Saviours Housing Trust - 100,000 The Berg Trust - - 3,151 112,725	Expenditure £ -	Transfers in/out £ (46,658)	Gains/ (Losses) £ -	Balance at 31 March 2022 £ 648,342
92,509	64,912	(54,073)	50,075	17,000	170,423
787,509	64,912	(54,073)	3,417	17,000	818,765
90 3,061 - - -	1,580 7,195 3,950 100,000 -	- (4,699) (533) - -	- - (3,417) - -	- - - - -	1,670 5,557 - 100,000 -
3,151	112,725	(5,232)	(3,417)	-	107,227

Total of funds

790,660 177,637 (59,305) - 17,000 925,992

Page | 51

SOUTHEND-ON-SEA SAMARITANS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

16. Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds - current year

Unrestricted funds 2023 £ 656,677 130,023 68,028 (30,817)	Restricted funds 2023 £ - - 85,012 -	Total funds 2023 £ 656,677 130,023 153,040 (30,817)
823,911	85,012	908,923
Unrestricted funds 2022 £ 664,328 166,950 (12,513)	Restricted funds 2022 £ - 107,227 -	Total funds 2022 £ 664,328 274,177 (12,513)
818,765	107,227	925,992

Page | 52

SOUTHEND-ON-SEA SAMARITANS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

17. Operating lease commitments

At 31 March 2023 the Charity had commitments to make future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows:

Not later than 1 year Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years	2023 £ 12,000 48,000	2022 £ - -
	60,000	-

18. Related party transactions

The Charity has not entered into any related party transaction during the year, nor are there any outstanding balances owing between related parties and the Charity at 31 March 2023.

Page | 53

Reference and Administrative Details

Registered address:

61-71 Beaumont Court Victoria Ave Southend on Sea Essex SS2 6EB

Registered charity: 1173715

Website: samaritans.org/southendonsea

Board of Trustees

Sharon Gatland (Chair) Anne Hawkins (Secretary & Governance) Judith Bailey Diane Smith (Treasurer) Caroline Jennings (Fundraising/Grants) Adam Moss Deborah Downs Ray Turner

Southend Samaritans Senior Staff

Accountants: Bankers: Venthams Chartered Accountants National Westminster Bank plc Millhouse 132 High Street 32-38 East Street Southend -on-Sea Rochford Essex Essex SS1 1JX SS4 1DB

Solicitors:

Jeffries Solicitors 3[rd] Floor Dencora Court Tylers Avenue Southend-on Sea Essex SS1 2BA

Page | 54

We would like to thank all our donors and supporters including those who wish to remain anonymous.

Along with all our volunteers!

Page | 55

We're here to listen Cdl fra¢ day u nt9ht c 116 123 Emoll lo@samarltans.org W•b samarltan&org/southendonsea Vislt Beaumont Court, 61-n Vlctorla Ave Southend-on-sea SS2 6E8 SAMARITANS