AMARITANS
Harrogate & District
Whatever
you're facing
We're here to listen
Annual report 2020-21
## **Contents**
||**Page No**|
|---|---|
|**Section 1**||
|DIRECTOR’S INTRODUCTION|**2 & 3**|
|**Section 2**||
|BRANCH LEADERSHIP|**4**|
|**Section 3**||
|WHAT WE DO|**5**|
|**Section 4**||
|THE LAST YEAR|**6**|
|**Section 5**||
|GRANTS AND DONATIONS|**7**|
|**Section 6**||
|FINANCIAL REVIEW|**8**|
|**Section 7**||
|FINANCIAL STATEMENTS|**9-14**|
## **Director’s Introduction**
The last year has been unprecedented for everyone and has certainly been challenging for all the volunteers at Harrogate Samaritans. The constant changes and the need to keep everyone safe have been met with the usual support and dedication by everyone.
There have been many ways in which we have had to adapt our service. We have been unable to welcome callers who need our support into the branch and, at a time when phone calls increased, we were faced with a reduction in the number of volunteers who were able to sign up for listening shifts. At one point we dropped to forty-four volunteers actively able to listen. This is less than half our regular numbers and meant we had to look at rotas and capacity. Swift changes to our shift pattern, and a re-configuration of our rooms meant that two volunteers could be in the building together, socially distanced and able to be there for our callers. Shifts had a break between them to ensure no cross-over and as I write this we are still working in a very similar way.
So many of our volunteers were missing the support of colleagues and our fantastic Caller Support Team, almost immediately, set up a system where they were contacting, on a weekly basis, those volunteers who were shielding, working on the front line, unwell or looking after loved ones. Evidence, if it were needed, that Samaritans is one of the most supportive organisations to be a part of.
Many of our activities came to a standstill. Outreach events were, and still are, on hold until we are advised that we can start up again. The team continue to work behind the scenes in preparation for that date, whenever it may be. In the meantime some of our volunteers have adapted and delivered talks via Zoom as well as becoming involved in a fantastic
new initiative working with North Yorkshire Police. Working together with the Outreach DDs from Northallerton, Scarborough and York our team have been able to create a training package to be delivered to newly appointed Police Mental Health Champions. This initiative also resulted in all NY Police vans having the Samaritans logo and contact number on the back of them. We hope that this partnership will continue long into the future.
One would expect fund-raising to be difficult during a pandemic but, as always, our volunteers excelled themselves. We have held branch events via Zoom, bid writing to local and national foundations all willing to offer extra support during Covid has continued, and we have even held an on-line raffle. Volunteers walked the ‘Samarathon’ in July and ‘SAMS 50 miles’ in October and one volunteer organised a ‘golf day with a difference’. All these events have meant that our fund-raising has continued whilst everyone remained safe.
Recruitment and Training teams have adapted amazingly and have interviewed on-line, offered training on-line and with their continued hard work we have been able to welcome 30 fully trained and mentored volunteers into the branch. We have offered bespoke e-mail training to enable volunteers to become email champions and have started the journey to become one of the first branches to respond to on-line chat when it is launched.
2
Our Prison team have maintained contact with Wealstun Prison despite not being able to go in and support the prisoners and staff face to face. Again technology has played a part, not quite as successfully as we would have hoped, but the Governor has written to the team to express her gratitude for everything our volunteers have been able to do to help them.
Throughout all this we have not lost sight of the main objective of our Charity:
To enable persons in Harrogate and District and the surrounding area, as elsewhere, who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those who may be at risk of suicide, to receive
emotional support at any time of the day or night in order to improve their emotional health and to reduce the incidence of suicide.
We are confident that in the coming months we will be able to increase our listening sessions, make some much needed alterations to the branch to keep all our volunteers safe and protected, and continue to be adaptable.
On behalf of myself, the Trustees and the Deputy Directors – Thank you to all our volunteers for being amazing people.
## **Liz Wilson**
3
## **Branch Leadership**
Samaritans of Harrogate and District, an affiliated branch of the national Samaritans organisation, is an independent charity (Registration No. 1173716). The branch was established in 1976 and converted to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) on 1 October 2017. Its operation and conduct are governed by a Constitution dated 7 July 2017.
## **Branch Leadership Team**
Following consultation with branch members, our Director is appointed for a three-year term by the Trustee Board of the Samaritans Central Charity. The Director heads a Branch Leadership Team which, in addition to being responsible for the provision and quality of support for callers and volunteers, manages the branch and its premises.
This team comprises a Vice Director, Trustees and Deputy Directors. Deputies are selected by the Director and, with effect from our 2018 Annual General Meeting, all Trustees other than the Director are elected annually.
The Vice Director is a Deputy without Portfolio and a Trustee. Other Deputies may also be Trustees and vice versa.
The Trustees have legal responsibility for the operation of the branch and we currently have Deputies with the following operational responsibilities:
Caller Support Education and Outreach Recruitment and Interviewing Training Volunteer Support
## **Our Trustees**
Elizabeth Anne Wilson has been our director since 9 March 2019. On the same date Neil McLaughlin was appointed as Vice Director.
At the Annual General Meeting on 23 October 2019 the following Trustees were elected at that meeting:
Peter Wilson Branch Treasurer Carol Chapman Branch Secretary Phil Tottie Trustee Without Portfolio (Co-opted January 2020) Alison Lumley Branch Minutes Secretary (Co-opted November 2020) Hilary Templar Trustee Without Portfolio (Co-opted April 2021)
4
## **What we do**
Our aim is to improve the emotional health of people who contact us and our mission is that fewer people die by suicide. We provide emotional support round the clock to people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those who may be at risk of suicide. In planning all activities of the Branch, the Trustees are conscious of the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.
## **Our Volunteers**
Our listening volunteers support people in distress over the phone, by email, and face to face. On every shift at least four volunteers are required to support callers: two volunteers in the branch providing direct support, another volunteer, known as a Leader, available by phone for unexpected problems and for debriefs at the end of each shift; and one of our Deputy Directors on standby for real emergencies.
Sometimes people are referred to us for support by other organisations, such as mental health services and the police.
We give people ways to cope and the skills to be there for others. We want to celebrate those moments of connection between people that can protect and even save lives.
Harrogate is a very caring Branch. Our volunteers are supported by the Volunteer Care team who look after the wellbeing of all our fellow Sams, both Listening and Support volunteers. The team responds to anyone with a concern, whether it’s taking a disturbing call, or going through a difficult patch in their own life.
Communication is at the heart of the team’s work; they provide reports to the Director and Trustees and a monthly update to all volunteers, and maintain contact with our other teams to stay aware of how we are all doing.
## **Outreach**
Outreach continue to strengthen our relationship with the local community. They have an invaluable connection with the local railway stations and offer support to railway staff and the general public in the event of incidents on the railway.
They also talk to adult groups about the work we do and attend many local shows and events.
## **Prison support**
There are dedicated Samaritans phones on every wing of HMP Wealstun which is a Category C training and resettlement prison, mainly preparing inmates for their eventual release. There are around 800 prisoners held at Wealstun.
Our Prison Team’s main focus is usually on recruiting inmates and training them in core Samaritan skills so that they can provide essential 24/7 emotional support to other prisoners.
Listener training is based on standard Samaritans training, adapted for a prison environment, with particular focus on self-harm, supporting vulnerable prisoners and awareness of body language, facial expression etc.
5
## **The Last Year**
The year to 31 March 2021 was yet another busy and interesting time for our branch.
## **Caller contacts**
Our volunteers took 22018 calls and responded to 2390 emails. The newest service has already seen us reply and engage with 175 Online Chats. We have been so fortunate to have had so much quality training this year around emails and the new Online Chat Service. Mel 627 and Jan 929 ran a fantastic session back in March on how to deal with emails and provided a how to guide for all attended. David 963 also took the lead and did a fantastic job of leading the roll out of Online Chat for the branch and continued to train and accredit volunteers who wanted to take part in this new initiative. This has helped us to help more people who need us the most through mediums that suit them the most and made us more effective than ever.
## **Volunteer Care**
It has been more important than ever during the last 12 months to ensure that as a branch and organisation we have been there for the needs of our volunteers and to support them in what has at times been the most uncertain of environments. The support they have given to leave of absence requests, handling resignations and welcoming back those volunteers after periods away where many changes have taken place has been exceptional. Information about those requests for leave or returns have always been kept up to date on our filestore throughout, meaning every volunteer is able to support that person whatever their circumstance may be.
## **Recruitment**
Recruitment this year was impacted by the pandemic, but needed to continue to support the successful shift of training from face to face to on-line via Zoom. At the point that the pandemic started, our team had three people selected and waiting for training and during lockdown we started to receive an unprecedented number of applications. As the lockdown continued into May, they decided to implement an additional preliminary interview procedure by telephone or Zoom to meet prospective volunteers. The majority of applicants spoken to were excellent candidates. In July and early August, they took advantage of a relaxation in lockdown, to offer face to face interviews for the Autumn course to those who had been successful in preliminary interviews. Concerned that there were likely to be more lockdowns to come as Winter arrived, they decided to continue interviews for the Spring 21 course throughout August and September. This has been an extremely successful approach to maintaining consistent and effective approach to maintaining a legacy for new recruits.
6
## **Grants and donations**
Fundraising is essential for the viability of our Branch and every donation, large or small, helps us to maintain our service and support people in emotional distress.
## **Donations**
## **Golf Day**
We would like to thank the following:
Volunteers, their families and former volunteers
Bilton Gala Committee
Liz & Terry Bramall Foundation Co-op Local Community Fund St James Chapter Pears Fund Charles & Elsie Sykes Trust HSBC UK Bank Foyle Foundation Vocalis National Lottery Covid-19 Response Community Fund Rotary Club of Ripon Watsons of Harrogate Harrogate Golf Club Inner Wheel Club of Ripon Local Connect Fund
We are grateful to HSBC Bank for various fundraising activities in their branch.
## **Sponsorship**
Special thanks go to several volunteers who raised over £2,600 from the Samarathon event. Further thanks are due to Alison Lumley who undertook a sponsored walk raising £550.
Although we were unable to specifically hold our own Golf Day this year due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation, an event was held at Harrogate Golf Club with Samaritans as the nominated beneficiary. Jerome Peel’s invaluable input saw over £2,600 received and we thank him as well as the many sponsors and donors.
## **Collections**
Due to the Covid-19 situation we were unable to raise much needed funds from our traditional fundraising events this year.
## **How to donate**
Online donations can be made via samaritans.org/Harrogate or justgiving.com/Harrogate
Donations can be made via online shopping at easyfundraising.org.uk and smile.amazon.co.uk
Cheques can be sent to us at 5 Mount Parade, Harrogate HG1 1BX
Standing Order forms are also available for regular donations.
7
## **Financial Review**
## **Investment Policy**
Various investments were acquired several years ago following the receipt of legacies to help cover future operating shortfalls and also to provide a reliable source of income. This investment income is included in the Statement of Receipts and Payments when received.
## **Reserves Policy**
The Trustees consider that, in the light of past history, up to 30 months running costs is an appropriate level of reserves, and the Trustees review our reserves policy annually.
At 31 March 2021 our unrestricted reserves excluding fixed assets were £110,731 and this represents 33.8 months of operating costs, based on average expenditure over the last 3 accounting periods.
## **Trustees’ reporting responsibilities**
The Trustees are required by the Branch Constitution and charity law to prepare accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the Charity. In preparing those accounts, the Trustees are required to:
Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently
Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent
The Trustees are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records, which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and to enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Charities Act 2011. 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.
HPH Chartered Accountants were re-appointed as the Charity’s independent examiners during the year and have expressed their willingness to continue in that capacity.
Approved by the Trustees on 1 October 2021 and signed on their behalf by:
**Elizabeth Anne Wilson, Branch Director**
8
## **Financial Statements**
## **Independent Examiner’s report to the Trustees of Samaritans of Harrogate and District**
I report on the accounts of the Charity for the period ended 31 March 2021, which are set out on the following pages.
This report is made solely to the Charity’s Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Section 154 of the Charities Act 2011. My Independent Examiner’s 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 no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity, the Charity’s Members as a body, and the Charity’s Trustees as a body for my Independent Examiner’s work, for this report, or for the opinions I have formed.
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As the Charity Trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
## **Independent Examiners Statement**
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
- accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or
the accounts do not accord with those records.
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.
9
## **SAMARITANS OF HARROGATE AND DISTRICT RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS FOR THE 12 MONTHS 1 APRIL 2020 – 31 MARCH 2021**
|Notes
**Receipts**
Donations
2
Legacies
Fundraising events
Grants
2
Covenants & Gift Aid
Tax refunds
Investment income
Interest received
**Payments**
Direct charitable expenses
3
Fundraising expenses
4
Management & admin costs
5
Governance costs
6
**Net receipts / (payments)**
Investment sales
Investment purchases
Cash funds last year end
Cash funds this quarter end
Ca**sh funds**
Current bank account
Short term bank deposits
Provisions float|This year (20/21)|This year (20/21)|Last year total
(full year)
(19/20)
Total
7,900
500
10,605
23,013
3,165
751
2,391
275
48,600
29,468
4,002
10,696
1,691
45,857
**2,743**
-
41,486
44,229
12,129
32,000
100
44,229|This year
(20/21)
budget|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
15,518
-
-
-
4,216
-
19,314
9,890
3,021
-
1,902
-
1,987
-
-
-|Total
15,518
-
4,216
29,204
3,021
1,902
1,987
-||
10,000
-
8,000
2,000
3,000
1,100
2,400
300
26,800
27,400
3,700
10,500
1,800
43,400
**(16,600)**|
||45,958
9,890|55,848|||
||18,553
10,915
662
-
6,419
156
924
-|29,468
662
6,575
924|||
||26,558
11,071|37,629|||
||**19,400**
**(1,181)**
18,986
-|**18,219**
18,986
44,229|||
||||||
||41,627
2,602||||
||80,013
1,421|81,434|||
|||49,334
32,000
100|||
|||81,434|||
10
## **STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AT 31 MARCH 2021**
|**Cash funds**
Notes
Current bank account
Short term bank deposits
Provisions float
**Investment assets**
8
Blackrock Charities UK Bond Fund
M & G Equities Investment Fund for charities (Charifund)
**Assets retained for the Charity's own use**
9
Premises at 5 Mount Parade, Harrogate
10
**Liabilities**
Independent Examiner's fee 2021 – estimated
Contribution to Samaritans Central Charity – subject to agreement
11|Unrestricted
funds
£
49,334
30,579
100|Restricted
funds
£
**-**
1,421
-|
|---|---|---|
||80,013|1,421|
||Cost
£
17,423
11,850
29,273
Unrestricted
funds
£
900
10,000
10,900|Current value
£
18,800
22,818|
|||41,618|
|||Current value
£
175,000|
|||175,000|
|||Restricted
funds
£
-
-|
|||-|
Approved by the Trustees on 1 October 2021 and signed on their behalf by:
Peter Wilson, Branch Treasurer
The notes on the following pages form part of these financial statements
11
**NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE 12 MONTHS TO 31 MARCH 2021**
## **1. General information and accounting policies**
The Charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered with the Charities Commission for England and Wales and is governed by the Charities Act 2011.
## **Basis of preparation**
The statement of accounts has been prepared on a receipts and payments basis and in accordance with the provisions of the Charities Act 2011, the Statement of Recommended Practice and Accounting by Charities (SORP 2005) and the Charity’s governing document.
## **Going concern**
The Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operatorial existence for the foreseeable future. They continue to believe that the going concern basis of accounting is appropriate in preparing the annual financial statements.
## **Fund accounting policy**
Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the Trustees’ discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the Charity. Restricted funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose.
## **Receipts**
Voluntary income, including donations, legacies and grants, that provide core funding or are of a general nature are recognised on receipt. Investment income is recognised on receipt.
## **Payments**
Liabilities are stated as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the Charity to the expenditure. All expenditure is accounted for on a payment basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the Charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
## **Governance costs**
Governance costs include costs of the preparation and examination of the statutory accounts, the costs of Trustee meetings and the cost of any legal advice to Trustees on governance or constitutional matters.
## **Support costs**
Support costs are those costs incurred in connection with the central and administration function of the Charity and are allocated to charitable functions on a proportionate basis to the direct costs.
12
## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE 12 MONTHS 1 APRIL 2020 – 31 MARCH 2021**
|_Last year total_
_(full year)_
_(19/20)_
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
**2 Donations**
**sum taken off for rounding up**
Organisation Donations
9,239
-
9,239
_3,562_
Individual Donations
3,279
-
3,279
_4,338_
Trust Donations
3,000
-
3,000
_-_
15,518
-
15,518
_7,900_
**Grants**
National Offender Management Scheme
1,314
390
1,704
_2,513_
Trust Donations
18,000
9,500
27,500
_20,500_
19,314
9,890
29,204
_23,013_
**3 Direct Charitable Expenses**
Emergency Telephone
981
-
981
_864_
Volunteer Training & Support Costs
127
-
127
_312_
Volunteer Travel Expenses
3,305
235
3,540
_4,513_
Advertising & Publicity
1,182
180
1,362
_9,753_
Director's Expenses
401
-
401
_247_
Premises Overheads
12,557
10,500
23,057
_13,779_
18,553
10,915
29,468
_29,468_
**4 Fundraising Expenses**
Fundraising Expenses
400
-
400
_3,715_
Premises Overheads
262
-
262
_287_
662
662
_4,002 _
**5 Management & Administration Costs**
Postage, printing and stationery
747
156
903
_1,137_
Contribution to Samaritans Central Charity
4,342
-
4,342
_6,498_
Sundry Expenses inc refreshments & subs
1,068
-
1,068
_2,774_
Premises Overheads
262
-
262
_287_
6,419
156
6,575
_10,696_
**6 Governance Costs**
Independent Examiner's Fee
864
_-_
864
_864_
AGM/Branch Meeting Costs
60
-
60
_827_
924
924
_1,691_
**7 Premises Overheads**
Water, light and heat
2,039
-
2,039
_2,868_
Repairs & Renewals
1,510
7,000
8,510
_4,878_
Cleaning & Housekeeping
2,239
-
2,239
_2,198_
Equipment Purchases
2,651
3,500
6,151
_2,220_
Office Telephone
592
-
592
_486_
Insurance
2,294
-
2,294
_-_
Rates
1,756
-
1,756
_1,703_
13,081
10,500
23,581
_14,353_
Allocated to:
%
%
Direct Charitable Expenditure
96
12,557
10,500
23,057
_13,779_
Fundraising & Publicity
2
262
-
262
_287_
Management & Administration
2
262
-
262
_287_
13,081
10,500
23,581
14,353
This year (20/21)|This year
(20/21)
budget|
|---|---|
||1,000
2,000
7,000|
||10,000|
||2,000|
||2,000|
||1,000
1,000
5,000
9,000
400|
||11,000|
|||
||27,400|
||3,500|
||200|
|||
||3,700|
||1,300
6,500
2,500|
||200|
|||
||10,500|
||900
900|
||1,800|
||2,700
2,500
1,700
1,300
400
1,100
1,700|
||11,400|
||11,000
200
200|
|||
||11,400|
13
## **8 Investments**
Williams Investment Management informally valued the Charity's Investments on 31 March 2021 showing an overall gain of £12345.74. The historic cost of these investments was £29272.70. A Government Stock investment matured during the year and, on the advice of our advisers, this continues to be held in cash for the time being.
## **9 Fixtures, Fittings and Equipment**
The Charity has use of various sundry items of furniture and office equipment purchased over the years. The cost and market value of these sundry assets are negligible to the Charity.
## **10 Premises**
The Charity's freehold premises at 5 Mount Parade, Harrogate were last valued informally on an open market basis by Mr S. G. Archer, BSc, FRICS, of Verity Frearson Ltd on 12 October 2017.
## **11 Contribution to Samaritans Central Charity**
The branch is required to make a contribution toward the cost of administrative expenses to Samaritans Central Charity. This contribution is based on 4% of income plus a percentage of reserves on a sliding scale. The contribution for the year to 31 March 2021 is estimated at £10,000 and will be paid during the year to 31 March 2022.
## **12 Trustees' Remuneration and Expenses**
None of the Trustees were directly or indirectly remunerated during the year.
## **13 Staff Costs**
The Charity does not have any paid staff.
14
## **We’re here to listen**
**Call free day or night on 116 123 Email jo@samaritans.org**
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