SAMARITANS
Harrogate & Dlstrfct
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Annual Report 2024-25
SAMARITANS
Our vision
Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy,
and our vision is that fewer people
die by suicide.
Our mission
To be there for anyone who needs someone.
To give people ways to cope and be there
for others. And to campaign to make suicide
prevention a priority.
Our values
Llstenlng
Conf identiality Non-ludgmental People maklng Human contact
Explorlng feellngs If people feel safe,
We want people to
their own
declslons
Glvlng people tlme.
ollevlates dISt$S they are more Ilkely be able to tolk to
undlvlded attentlon
and helps people to be open about
us wlthout fear of
We belleve that
ond empathy meets
to reach a better
thelr feellngs.
preludlce or relertlon. people have the
o fundamental
understondlng
right to flnd thelr
emotlonal need
of their sltuation
own solution ond
and reduces dlstress
ond the optlons
that telling people and despolr.
open to them.
whot to do takes
responsibility
away from them.
A lSlecharItY
||**Page No**|**Page No**|
|---|---|---|
|**Section 1**|||
|DIRECTOR’S INTRODUCTION|**4**|**& 5**|
|**Section 2**|||
|BRANCH LEADERSHIP||**6**|
|**Section 3**|||
|WHAT WE DO||**7**|
|**Section 4**|||
|THE LAST YEAR|**8 -11**||
|**Section 5**|||
|GRANTS AND DONATIONS|**12**||
|**Section 6**|||
|FINANCIAL REVIEW|**13**||
|**Section 7**|||
|FINANCIAL STATEMENTS|**14-19**||
## **Director’s Introduction**
It’s been another remarkable year for Harrogate Samaritans - one marked by continued compassion, commitment and resilience. As I reflect on the past 12 months, I am struck again by the extraordinary generosity of our volunteers, who have given so much of themselves in support of others. Every hour you’ve listened, every shift you’ve covered, every piece of behind-the-scenes work you’ve done - it all adds up to a branch that continues to make a real and lasting difference in people’s lives.
This report sets out the many ways in which Harrogate Samaritans has delivered on our mission between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025. We have continued to make a high-quality contribution to Samaritans’ round-theclock listening service, with a strong presence across the phones, webchat, and providing a visible and reassuring presence in our local community. This year we answered over 25,000 calls and completed 757 web chats. These numbers speak to the scale of the emotional need we are responding to — and to the dedication of every volunteer who helped us meet it.
One of the consistent themes of the year has been teamwork. Whether it’s the seamless collaboration between Listening Volunteers and Leaders, the quiet diligence of the Rota, Recruitment and House teams, the steadfast care shown by our Volunteer Care team, the nurturing of our Mentor, Training and Education teams, or the innovation of our Fundraising and Finance teams, to name just a few, I’ve seen time and again how volunteers come together to make something greater than the sum of its
parts. The team that supports Wealstun Prison is a clear example of this. Their work — offering training, supervision, and support to Listeners in custody — is a powerful extension of the Samaritan mission, and their efforts continue to be valued by both the men inside and the prison’s leadership team. Special recognition is due to Malcolm 245 for his 30 years of dedicated service in this area — a remarkable milestone.
Recruitment and training continue to be a key priority for the branch. In a climate where many branches are struggling to attract new volunteers, Harrogate has once again shown its strength, thanks in large part to the determination and persistence of our recruitment and interview teams. Nine new volunteers completed in-branch training this year, and a further five opted for the flexibility of the online programme. Not everyone makes it all the way through, but each applicant represents a new connection to our community, and we are fortunate to have such a strong pipeline of potential Listening Volunteers.
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The leadership of our Rota Team deserves a particular mention this year. They’ve worked tirelessly to keep the rota running smoothly, while making adjustments to reduce volunteer email fatigue — something many of us can appreciate. The use of WhatsApp has helped streamline communication, and the efforts of the rota coordinators have ensured we continue to meet our shift commitments and serve our callers without interruption.
We’ve also seen valuable developments in outreach. A new initiative working with local charities supporting young people with autism shows real promise, and we hope to build on these relationships in the year ahead. Outreach is an area of great opportunity — it not only increases awareness of Samaritans in our local community, but helps ensure that our service is genuinely accessible to all who need it.
Behind every shift taken and every caller supported are the countless tasks that keep the branch running — managing finances, fundraising, IT, governance, volunteer care, and more. I want to thank each and every Deputy Director, Trustee, and volunteer who has taken on these responsibilities this year. Whether you’ve
led a team or supported an event, whether you’ve counted coins, updated software, or simply offered a word encouragement, your contribution matters — and is seen. Indeed, our recognition through the North Yorkshire Community Award for Best Volunteer Group last year is a well-deserved external validation of your efforts.
This was also a year of transition in branch leadership. I stepped into the role of Interim Director in November 2024, following Mark Edwards completing his three-year term. I want to thank Mark for his leadership and service over the past few years. I also extend a warm welcome to Ross McIntyre, who joined our Trustee team, and offer thanks to the Trustees who have continued in post, providing vital continuity and support.
Harrogate Samaritans is made up of people who care — about our callers, about our community, and about each other. In a world that can sometimes feel fractured and uncertain, this simple truth is something to be proud of. Thank you all for your time, your patience, your kindness, and your belief in what we do.
## **With heartfelt gratitude,**
## **Frank Jones**
**Branch Director (Interim)**
**Harrogate & District Samaritans**
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## **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. The principal office is at 5 Mount Parade, Harrogate, HG1 1BX.
## **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 5 Trustees and 8 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 Trustees have legal responsibility for the operation of the branch and we currently have Deputies with the following operational responsibilities:
Education and Outreach Fundraising IT Mentoring Prison Recruitment and Interviewing Rural Initiative Rota Training Volunteer Care
## **Our Trustees**
Frank Jones was appointed Interim Director on 19 October 2024. The following Trustees stood down at the last AGM:
|Mark Edwards|Branch Director|
|---|---|
|Mandy Fallon|Vice Director|
|Jo Johnson|Vice Director|
At the same AGM on 19 October 2024 the following Trustees were elected:
Ross McIntyre Trustee Without Portfolio
|The following Trustees|continued their terms:|
|---|---|
|Carol Chapman|Branch Secretary|
|Rosemary Evans|Branch Treasurer|
|James D’Souza|Trustee Without Portfolio|
|Zoe Partridge|Branch Minutes Secretary|
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## **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.
## **Caller contacts**
In the year leading up to 31 March 2025 Harrogate Samaritans answered 25,171 calls, completed 757 web chats, and made 94 call backs to callers who needed additional help and support after their initial contact with us. In all, the volunteers at Harrogate Samaritans made 26,022 separate contacts with callers who were in distress or despair in order to listen and provide a space to talk in confidence.
In addition to these contacts many Samaritans have been approached by members of the public whilst at Outreach or Fundraising events either to receive emotional support in this setting or to share stories of how their interactions with our ESOS trained Samaritans have made a real difference to their lives, and at times have saved their life. It’s these interactions that can inspire and bring home the reality of the work that we do by being there for callers when they need us any time of day or night.
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## **The Last Year**
The year to 31 March 2025 was yet another busy and interesting time for our branch.
## **Volunteer Care**
The Volunteer Care team at Harrogate Samaritans is supported by Kirsty 1046 (Deputy Director), Jan 929 and Sheila 581. The Volunteer Care team continues to play a vital role in sustaining the wellbeing and engagement of volunteers at Harrogate Samaritans. Their remit includes coordinating monthly updates to branch leadership, supporting volunteers through leave of absence and transitions, and fostering a compassionate culture of retention and reintegration.
Over the past year, Volunteer Care has:
Supported volunteer transitions, including managing communications for those stepping down and coordinating thankyou gestures with appropriate consent.
Maintained confidential oversight of leave of absence cases, with proactive check-ins to ensure volunteers feel supported and ready for return.
Provided direct support to individuals on long-term absence or illness, offering tailored reintegration plans in line with the Volunteer Care Policy (e.g., mentored shifts and additional training).
Welcomed new volunteers, meeting incoming cohorts at the close of training sessions to introduce the care offer and answer questions.
Facilitated communication through a dedicated WhatsApp group, enhancing coordination and peer support.
As of this report, the branch supports 121 active listening volunteers, a modest decrease offset by strong recruitment, with an encouraging number of new volunteers currently in training both inbranch and online.
The continued presence and adaptability of the Volunteer Care team underpin the branch’s commitment to volunteer wellbeing and operational continuity.
## **Prison Support**
Harrogate branch has a team that works with Wealstun prison near Wetherby, and has been providing support there since 1995 (the first Listener scheme was established in Swansea in 1991). The work that they do is covered by a national agreement between Samaritans and His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS). Wealstun is a male prison close to Wetherby. It is a Category C prison – so does not have the higher-risk prisoners that might be found in other prisons. It focuses on education, preparation for employment and preparing men to rejoin society. The skills that prisoners develop in Listener training are life skills which are valuable in all aspects of their lives. Over
8
time they see how these men change as they develop self-respect and selfconfidence and realise the importance of good listening.
Their role is to train Listeners and to support them. The training covers the same ground that all new Samaritans experience, but is tailored to the face-toface support that Listeners give to other men. They support Listeners in meetings twice a month and visit the prison to meet with them when necessary, including after any death in custody.
The team know their work is valued and appreciated, not just by our Listeners and other men, but also by the prison’s senior management team. They meet annually with Diane Lewis, the Number 1 Governor, and aim to meet bi-monthly with the governor responsible for safer custody, Richard North while also attending a Safer Prisons meeting once a month.
Working as a Samaritan in Wealstun is face-to-face and hands-on. It is a vital part of Samaritans outreach, this group of men are at an alarmingly raised risk of suicide. They have often experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), have been marginalised, sometimes leaving prison with little to look forward to.
The Prison Team offer input to the induction of new officers and the education of the wider staff group. They are able to arrange no-obligation visits (with team members present) for anyone interested in finding out what it’s really like inside a prison.
Within Harrogate Branch, original Prison Team volunteer Malcolm 245 first entered Wealstun in 1995. This was celebrated in April 2025 with a meal to recognise 30 years of continued prison work. In October the branch said farewell to Neil 897 who stepped down from both Branch Prison Support Officer and Listening Volunteer.
Deputy for Prisons Gilly 350 would like to thank all Prison Team members over this past year: Bonnie 1016, Chris 1020, Hilary 895, Jane 1036, Julian 1018, Kevin 1067, Rebecca 1044, Robyn 1053 and Ann 1109. This is in addition to hose volunteers from Bradford branch who have supported essential training. It is clear that the volunteers who work in this area are passionate about their involvement with our Listeners at Wealstun.
## **Recruitment**
The Branch continues to be very fortunate that it is attracting applications from people who wish to be Samaritans at a time where many other branches across the country are struggling to recruit. However, it is very important to attract new Samaritans to our branch. Everyone is empowered to spread the word and encourage people to visit the website and learn more about the work that the Recruitment Team do and how they can become involved either as a support or a listening volunteer. Some people think they need to be a ‘special person’ to become a Samaritan (and of course they all are!) but Samaritans come in all different shapes and sizes as indeed do our callers.
9
Interviewing started early in November 24 with both evening and daytime
interviews. Further interview sessions also ran in early January ensuring a good selection of recruits for training. The team were able to recruit 9 people who were trained inhouse by the Training Team and another 5 who opted for the flexibility of the online training. Sadly, for various reasons some people dropped out along the way.
This has left the branch in a good position for the next round of interviews due to be held in July, inviting people to interview who have expressed an interest in joining in on this fantastic journey to support our callers.
A group of splendid interviewers continue to volunteer for time for interview sessions despite what sometimes seems to be a recurring inevitability of folks just not turning up for their interviews and not making contacting us to let us know.
Grateful thanks have been expressed specifically to Bev795 and all the interviewers who give up so much of their time to ensure that plenty of recruits are passed through for training.
## **Rota Team**
The Rota team work quietly behind the scenes, constantly scanning the rota, spotting gaps and opportunities and assisting with emergency situations. This year they have endeavoured to reduce the number of emails sent to volunteers whilst balancing the need for information about
understaffed shifts. The introduction of WhatsApp has been helpful. The branch itself is providing an excellent service to callers demonstrated by the graph below.
This great team who work together to keep shifts open and listeners informed are made up of Liz 901, Marianne 980, Michael 924, Rachel 994, and Anne 974.
## **Leaders**
For every listening shift that operates, a ‘Leader’ is required to remotely support the volunteers on shift. Without this support, the listening shift is unable to operate.
Harrogate branch currently has a team of 24 leaders supporting 22 leading shifts per week. Each leading shift covers a minimum of two listening shifts.
The team is made up of listening volunteers and is a position open to anyone with approximately 9-12 months experience as a listening volunteer and on completion of the relevant online training module. The leader team is supported by a Deputy Director and when required, the Branch Director. Team meetings are held quarterly, providing the opportunity to
10
share experiences, local branch and central office news and any concerns. These meetings are open to the entire branch.
The role of the leader is to be available by phone throughout the duration of the shift should the listening volunteer require any guidance or support and at the end of each shift in order to debrief with volunteers. The purpose of the debrief is essential in expressing gratitude for the time given and to ensure volunteers have offloaded any concerns. Unlike listening shifts, there is no minimum of time given per month, simply what time the leader feels able to commit to.
Opportunities are always open for additional members to join the leader team in order to effectively support the running of the branch and to allow appropriate cover during Leave of Absence. Often volunteers feel wary about the role, fearing they don’t know enough/have enough experience in order to make a good leader. In fact, the most important skill is that of listening in order to support the volunteer at the end of their shift. As a listening volunteer we never know what we will encounter during a shift and this is the same for a leader whilst supporting a shift. Teamwork is essential and if the leader does not know the answer to something then there is always someone willing and able to offer additional support or advice.
## **Outreach Initiative**
At the end of March a group of volunteers met up with 3 local charities all supporting young people with autism. This was a very educational session where learning was mutually shared to benefit both the needs of our local young people with autism and gain an understanding of how the Samaritans service can support those struggling to cope. This was followed up with an autism focused event at the Wesley Chapel. The new collaboration is one that will be built on and strengthened in future years.
Outreach has also continued to include a strong presence at Harrogate Town Football Club where the Harrogate and District Samaritans banner has been on display to all match attendees and spectators of the 7 televised matches.
Strong connections also continued with Andy’s Man Club following their presentation at the 2024 AGM and a joint session on mental health awareness was delivered to the NHS in Leeds who host a monthly Mans Action Awareness Network for all employees of the Trust.
The leader team at Harrogate is exceptional for which we are hugely grateful for their service and commitment.
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## **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**
Arnold Clark Community Fund
Dept of Health Suicide Prevention Fund
We would like to thank the following:
Volunteers, their families and former volunteers
Harrogate Round Table
Skipton Craven Rotary Club
Pannal Methodist Church
Unilever
Belgrade Insulation
## **Golf Day**
We were fortunate to be able to hold another Golf Day in October. £4,750 was raised for our funds due to very generous donations and sponsorship for which we are most grateful. We would like to thank all those involved including Otley Golf Club for the use of their facilities.
Harrogate Phatry Club
Atlas Fitness The Tannin Level Rudding Park Lockheed Martin Co-op Local Community Fund
Nidderdale Round Table
## **Collections**
Our participation in various local events helped to raise vital funds. These included Sarah Millican Show, Harrogate Christmas Market, Asda Harrogate, Hampsthwaite Garage and the sale of Christmas Cards and various Raffles.
Baltzersens
The Local Lotto
## **How to donate**
## **Grants**
We were fortunate to obtain grants from:
Liz & Terry Bramhall Foundation
St. James Place Charitable Foundation The Linden Charitable Trust Yorkshire Building Society
Two Ridings Community Fund
Online donations can be made via Enthuse at samaritans.org/Harrogate or https://www.justgiving.com/samaritansharrogate
Donations can be made via online shopping at easyfundraising.org.uk.
Cheques can be sent to us at 5 Mount Parade, Harrogate HG1 1BX. Standing Order forms are also available for regular donations.
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## **Financial Review**
## **Investments Policy**
Various investments were acquired several years ago following the receipt of legacies to help cover future potential operating shortfalls and also to provide a reliable source of income. These investments were sold in March 2025, and the proceeds invested in two high interest bearing accounts with United Trust Bank. Investment income is included in the Statement of Receipts and Payments.
## **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.
As at 31 March 2025 our unrestricted reserves excluding fixed assets were £99,858 which represents 23.2 months of operating costs, based on average expenditure over the last 3 accounting periods. The Trustees believe this to be a healthy level of reserves given the plans for the coming year.
## **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.
Teresa Hitchens FCCA of Hitchens Consultancy Ltd was appointed as the Charity’s independent examiner in November 2023 and has expressed her willingness to continue in that capacity.
Approved by the Trustees on 28 April 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
Frank Jones Branch Director
13
## **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 2025, 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 for 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 Examiner’s 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.
Hitchens Consultancy Limited 40 Gascoigne Crescent Harrogate HG1 4AJ
Teresa Hitchens FCCA Date: 25 July 2025
14
## **Samaritans of Harrogate and District RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS FOR THE 12 MONTHS TO 31 MARCH 2025**
|**Notes**
**Receipts**
Donations
_2_
Legacies
Fundraising events
Grants
_2_
Covenants & Gift Aid
Tax refunds
Investment income
Interest received|**This year 2024/25**|**This year 2024/25**|**Previous**
**year**
**2023/24**
**Total**
**£**
_22,260_
_500_
_452_
_21,279_
_2,064_
_981_
_1,933_
_961_
_-_|
|---|---|---|---|
||**£**
**£**
**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**Restricted**
**Funds**|**Total**
**£**||
||12,403
-|12,403||
||589
-
9,765
-|-
589||
|||9,765||
|||||
||10,539
7,659|18,198||
||2,473
-
1,244
-
1,939
-
861
-|2,473
1,244
1,939
861
-||
|Provision for deferred final receipt|(2,220)
2,220|||
||37,592
9,879|47,471|_50,430_|
|**Payments**
Direct charitable expenses
_3_|22,935
11,094|34,029|_37,608_
_3,076_|
|Fundraising expenses
_4_|4,699
41|4,740||
|||||
|Management & admin costs
_5_|6,487
445|6,932|_13,105_|
|Governance costs
_6_|889
660|1,549|_1,822_|
||35,010
12,240|47,250|_55,611_|
||||**_(5,181)_**
_-_
_-_|
|**Net receipts / (payments)**|**2,582**
**(2,361)**|**221**||
|Investment sales
Investment purchases
Cash funds last year end
Cash funds this year end|37,736
-
-|37,736
-
72,547||
||67,040
5,507||_77,728_|
||107,358
3,146|110,504|_72,547_|
|Ca**sh funds**
HSBC Current bank account
Virgin Money savings account
CAF Current bank account
CAF Savings account
United Trust 3 month bond
United Trust - 200 Day Notice
Provisions float|||_20,738_
_32,137_
_1,332_
_18,240_
_-_
_-_
_100_|
|||26,996||
|||-
1,618
12,790
29,000
40,000
100||
|||110,504|_72,547_|
15
## **Samaritans of Harrogate and District STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AS AT 31 MARCH 2025**
|**Cash funds**
Notes
HSBC Current bank account
CAF Current bank account
Short term bank deposits
Provisions float
_Restricted funds detail_
_8_
_Balance b/fwd at 31-03-24_
_Receipts 24-5_
_Payments 24-5_
_Balance c/fwd at 31-03-25_
**Investment assets**
_9_
Blackrock Charities UK Bond Fund
M & G Equities Investment Fund for charities (Charifund)
**Assets retained for the Charity's own use**
_10_
Premises at 5 Mount Parade, Harrogate
_11_
**Liabilities**
Independent Examiner's fee 2025 – estimated
Contribution to Samaritans Central Charity 2025
_12_
- subject to agreement
Approved by the Trustees on 28 April 2025 and signed on their behalf by:||Unrestricted
funds
£|Restricted
funds
£|
|---|---|---|---|
||_National_
_Lottery_
_Community_
_Fund_
_DHSC_
_Suicide_
_Prevention_
_Grant_
_£_
_£_
_5,507_
_-_
_-_
_6,279_
_(2,361)_
_(8,499)_|23,850
1,618
81,790
100|3,146
-
-|
|||107,358|3,146|
|||_St. James Place_
_£_
_-_
_1,380_
_(1,380)_|_2,220_
_-_
_Provision for_
_deferred final_
_receipt_
_£_
_-_|
||_3,146_
_(2,220)_|_-_|_2,220_|
|||Cost
£
17,423
11,850
29,273
Unrestricted
funds
£
500
7,000
7,500|Current value
£
-
-|
||||-|
||||Current value
£
175,000|
||||175,000|
||||Restricted
funds
£
-
-|
||||-|
|||||
## **Rosemary Evans**
Branch Treasurer
The notes on the following pages form part of these financial statements
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**Samaritans of Harrogate and District**
## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE 12 MONTHS TO 31 MARCH 2025**
## **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 operational 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.
17
## **Samaritans of Harrogate and District NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE 12 MONTHS TO 31 MARCH 2025**
|**Notes**
**2 Donations**
Organisation donations
Individual donations
Trust donations
**Grants**
HMPPS Listener Scheme Grant
Grants
**3 Direct charitable expenses**
Volunteer training and support costs
Volunteer travel expenses
Advertising and publicity
Directors' expenses
Share of premises overheads
_7_
Restricted grant funded overheads adjustment
**4 Fundraising expenses**
Fundraising expenses
Share of premises overheads
_7_
**5 Management and admin costs**
Postage, printing and stationery
Contribution to Samaritans Central Charity
_12_
Voluntary donation to Samaritans Regional Charity
Sundry expenses
Share of premises overheads
_7_
**6 Governance costs**
Independent examiner's fee
AGM/Branch meeting costs
Legal fees|**This year 2024/25**|**Previous year**
**2023/24**
**Total**
**£**
_7,374_
_14,886_
_-_|
|---|---|---|
||**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Total**
**funds**
**funds**
**£**
**£**
**£**
8,685
-
**8,685**
3,718
-
**3,718**||
||-
-
**-**
12,403
-
**12,403**||
|||_22,260_|
|||_4,179_
_17,100_|
||2,039
-
**2,039**||
||8,500
7,659
**16,159**||
||10,539
7,659
**18,198**|_21,279_|
|||_178_
_6,471_
_4,956_
_7_
_25,996_
-|
||638
26
**664**
7,061
172
**7,233**
63
8,028
**8,091**
-
-
**-**||
||16,074
1,967
**18,041**
-901
901
**-**||
||22,935
11,094
**34,029**
4,364
**4,364**
335
41
**376**|_37,608_|
|||_2,534_
_542_|
||4,699
41
**4,740**
948
404
**1,352**
3,420
-
**3,420**
**-**
1,784
-
**1,784**
335
41
**376**
6,487
445
**6,932**
500
**500**
389
660
**1,049**
-
**-**|_3,076_|
|||_2,635_
_5,866_
_2,000_
_2,062_
_542_|
|||13,105|
|||_1,020_
_802_
_-_|
||889
660
**1,549**|_1,822_|
18
## **Samaritans of Harrogate and District NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE 12 MONTHS TO 31 MARCH 2025**
|**7 Premises overheads**
Water, light and heat
Repairs and renewals
Cleaning and housekeeping
Equipment purchases
Telephones
Insurance
Business rates
**Allocated to:**
**%**
Direct charitable expenditure 96
Fundraising & Publicity
2
Management & administratio 2|**This year 2024/25**|**Previous**
**year**
**Total**
**£**
_4,489_
_11,832_
_2,877_
_2,415_
_2,010_
_1,573_
_1,885_|
|---|---|---|
||**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Total**
**funds**
**funds**
**£**
**£**
**£**
3,801
**3,801**
3,090
1,380
**4,470**
3,410
**3,410**
1,545
669
**2,214**
1,181
**1,181**
1,709
**1,709**
2,008
**2,008**
16,744
2,049
**18,793**
16,074
1,967
**18,041**
335
41
**376**
335
41
**376**
16,744
2,049
**18,793**||
|||_27,080_|
|||_25,996_
_542_
_542_|
|||_27,080_|
## **8 Restricted Fund Provision**
£2,220 was transferred from unrestricted to restricted reserves as a provision to cover a final deferred payment of the DHSC Suicide Prevention grant, due in May 2025.
## **9 Investments**
Quarterly valuations were received until the investments were sold in March 2025. Disposal proceeds totalled £37,736, representing an overall gain of £8,463. The historic cost of these investments was £29,273 with quarterly income received.
## **10 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.
## **11 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.
## **12 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 2025 is estimated at £7,000, subject to agreement, and will be paid during the year to 31 March 2026.
## **13 Trustees' Remuneration and Expenses**
None of the Trustees were directly or indirectly remunerated during the year. £7,864 expenses were paid to 5 Trustees (£3,736 fundraising: £2,745 outreach: £930 premises: £354 travel: £99 administration).
## **14 Staff Costs**
The Charity does not have any paid staff.
19
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