Charity number: 1173838 Chiltem Samaritans Report of the Trustees and Unaudited Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025
Chiltem Samaritans Contents Page For the year ended 31 March 2025 Report of the Trustees 1 to5 Independent Examine¢s Report to the Trustees Statement of Financial Activities Statement of Financial Position Notes to the Financial Statements 9t014
Chiltem Samaritans Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2025 The Trustees have pleasure in presenting their report and the financial statsments for the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The Trustees have adopted the provisions of 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 the Republic of Ireland {FRS 102) (effective 1 January 20191. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Chiltem Samaritans is an affiliate of Samaritans (Charity Number 219432) and an independent charity registered with the Charity Comrnission. Chiltern Samaritans was founded in 1967. The branch was registered as the Samaritans of the Chiltems in April 1969 and was registered a5 CIO-ASsocati0n under the current name in July 2017. Objectives and aims The charitable objectives are to enable pefSons in Amersham, High Wycombe and the Suound1ng areas as well as elsewhere who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those who may be at risk of suicide, lo receive confidential emotional support at any lime of 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, suiadal behaviour and the value of expressing feelings which may othemise lead to suicide or impaired emolional health. and to collaborate with and support Samaritans Central Charity and its affiliated branches on fulfilling these objects. These are currently deliver8d by 123 Listening Volunteers and 12 Support Volunteers who provide emotional support by telephone, by e-mail, and by online chat, from premises in Amersham. The volunteers also provide emotional support outside the branch including to local Schools and at railway stats'ons in the area. The Trustees have agreed a vision and set of actions for Chiltem Samaritans.. To achieve Samaritans, vision of fewer people dwng by suicide we will support our callers on all channels. grow sustainably, engage wilh our local community and nurture a strong branch culture. Complete the branch move to new, larger premises. Plan and implement a stralegy for increasing volunteer numbers covering.. recruitment. rots shape, volunteer retention. training and day leader resourcing. Develop an outreach strategy which delivers the best impact possible for the resources we have and engages with the local community. Plan for using legacies to deliver outcomes for Samaritans centrally and the branch. Conduct a feasibility study into setting up a satellite branch in Aylesbury or High Wycombe. Statement on public benefit The trustees have considered the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefiL including the guidance 'public benefit.. running a charity (PB21'. Chiltem Samaritans exists to achieve Samaritans, vision of fewer people dying by suicide. We do this by providing emotional support to anyone in distTrss, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide. Our services are available to people of all backgrounds, ages, and walk5 of Through our telephone helpline, e-mail support, online chat. we aim to reduce feelings of isolation and despair. By offering non-judgmental listening ear, we aim to help people to explore their feelings and. if appropriate, seek solutions in their own time. In 202412025 our Listening Volunteers spent 6,809 hours providing emotional support to callers. We also work to increase public awareness about mental health and suicide prevention by engaging with local schools, workplaces, and community groups. This includes secondary schools. railway stations including providing post-vention support where there has been a suicide local groups who support those who may be struggling with their mental health, and participating in the Buckinghamshire Multi-Agency Suicide Prevention Group. We also provide training and support to the Samaritans Listener scheme at HMP Aylesbury. Chiltem Samaritans provides support lo children and adults with safeguarding procedures in place for children (under 181 and vulnerable adults. Our Listening Volunteers are provided with extensive training io deliver our services and this is reinforced with ongoing mentoring and continuous development. Our system of shift leaders ensures that our Listening Volunteers are always supported in their duties and have a space to download their experiences from their duties. 1 of 16
Chiltem Samaritans Report of the Trustees Continued For the year ended 31 March 2025 ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Significant activities Outreach= We have been able to make significant advances in our Outreach team and activities:_ Developed an Outreach strategy which has been approved by the Branch Leadership team Increased the number of school talks from 2 to 6, reaching alrnost 1,(NJO 6th form pupils Increased the number of trained school presenter5 from 3 to 7 Increased the number of Outreach trained volunteers from 25 to 36 Run workshops at a wide range of establishments. including for teachers at a SEN school, staff at Druglink, the Dove Café, the MOD and Re-engage who support old and lonely people Run stands at mental health awareness events Helped set up and run a workshop tr) help professionals to ream from the experiences of people bereaved by suicide who had not always had the support they needed. We visited Aylesbury. Beaconsfield, Great Missenden and High Wycombe ststions on Brew Monday in January, with members of the public taking the trouble to contact Samaritans Head Office with very positive and comp5imentary remarks about the impact it had had on them. We were also at Tesco Amersham and Helen 1364 had a stand at her MOD workplace. We had a stand at Tesco on Worfd Suicide Prevention Day, and visrted Berkhamsted and High Wycombe stations in support of the Small Talk Saves Lives campaign. Prisons.. Our local prison in Aylesbury has now become a Category C training prison. Aprisonult of this change. we receive Listeners trained in other prisons, 8.g. Belmarsh, Gartree, Long Lartin, who have bolstered our Listener numbers as our own men have progressed to Category D prisons e.g. Springhill and Ford. This has enabled us to keep a good supply of trained Listeners able to support those in need. Our Regional Prison Support Officer, who looks after ten prisons in Samaritan's southem region, has been on hand to support all the branch prison teams by email and telephone and has visited all the prisons during the last 12 months, including ihose on the Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands. Fundraising: The 2025 Cycling Sportive welcomed over 400 rider5 and it was, as usual, thoroughly enjoyed by all the participants. We raised more than £19.000. Some riders raised sponsorship money. including one small group whose efforts were generously match funded by The Economist.. The 100 Club continues to make a healthly contribulion to funds. We are grateful to Judy 1121 who organises regular fundraising activities including quizzes and seasonal raffles. These are always well supported by our volunteers. In future, we need to look for other ways to fund our running costs and hopefvlly a gig planned for late September 2025 will generate some new ideas. We'd like to express our thanks to all those who have contributed to Chiltern Samaritans during the past 12 months. Businessesloryanisations." The Entertainer, SHJ Medical Gas Specialists, O'shea Builders. The Economist, Lock 67. In addition, we give our special thanks to the numerous individual donors, and those who have given a donation. Reserves Reserves Policy: Total reserves at the year end were £2.153.237, all of which were unrestricted. The reserves policy of Chiltem Samaritans aims to ensure the charity remains financially stable and can continue to achieve its objectives even in times of uncertainty or unexpected financial pressures. ReseNes are maintained to= Provide a financial cushion to protect against unforeseen costs or losses of income. Ensure the charity can meet its commitments and continue operations in the short tem if income fluctuates. Support planned future activities. projects, or investment needs. ReseNes are that part of the charity'5 unrestricted funds that are freely available for its general purposes. This excludes.. Restricted funds.. Funds fftceived for specific purposes, which must be spent in accordance with donor intentions. Designated funds are funds set aside by the Trustees for a specific purpose. Fixed assets-. Tangible or intangible assets are used for operational purposes. Financial Contribution to Samaritans Central Charity. As an Affiliate Branch of Samaritans Central Charity, Chiltem Samaritans is required to pay an annual conlribution to support the provision of Samaritans services. This year the accounts include provision to be paid to the Central Charity in the sum of £244,551. Going concern No material uncertainties exist about the ability of the Charity to continue as 8 going concern for the foreseeable future. Our cashflow forecasts and budgets do not suggest that there is any reason for concem. The trustees have no aa$ of concem. 2of16
Chiltern Samaritans Report of the Trustees Continued For the year ended 31 March 2025 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document Chiltem Samaritans is an affiliate of Samaritans {Charity Number 2194321 and an independent charity registered with the Charity Commission. Chiltern Samaritans was founded in 1967. The branch was registered as the Samaritans of the Chiltems in April 1969 and was registered as CIO-Association under the current name in July 2017. The Trustees are all unpaid. Our values guide the Charity's decision-making and place the well-being of our volunteers and our callers first. The Tnjstees operate in line with the Branch Constitution and the Operattng Agreement with Samaritans Central Charity ISCCI- Trustee Induction and Training: Once a trustee is elected by Ihe branch membership, they are required to complete a comprehensive induction process. This is overseen by the Branch Govemance Offir, and follows the guidance provided by Samaritans Central Charity (SCC}. 1. Completion of a Declaration of Interests fom which is added to the Chiltem Samafitans Trustees, Register of Interests. 2. Provision of their personal details to the Governance Officer who updates the Branch entry on the Charity Commission website. 3. They complete the Tnjstee online training provided by SCC. 4. They are provided with several essential documents which they musl confim they have read. S. Trustee role description which oudines their duties. 6. The Essential Trustee (from the Charity Commission). 7. Chiltem Branch Code of Conduct for Trustees. 8. Chiltem Branch Conflict of Intest Policy. 9. Financial Controls. 10. Most recent Annual Report and Accounts. 11. Branch Constitution. 12. Branch Operab'ng Agreement. 13. Branch Risk Register. 14. Data Protection Policy. They must ensure they are up to date in the online safeguarding training provided by SCC. (This is especially ifflportant if a trustee is not a listening volunteer. Tnjstees who are Listening Volunteers will have already completed this as it is mandatory for them.) They are also encouraged lo read minutes of the most recent Trustees, meetings, and access the Govemance section of our database on 3Rings which contsins all relevant branch govemance policies. They are provided with links to the relevant web pages of the Charity Commission. The Board of Trustees= The Board administers the Charity and fulfils the Trustees. legal duty by ensuring that funds are spent in accordance with the objects of the Charity. The board meets at least four limes 8 year and is responsible for approving strategic plans, the annual budget and the Trustees, report. The annual accounts are approved at the Annual General Meeting. At each meeting the Trnstees receive reports on financial results and activity levels, and the prcgress made against the annual budget to ensure that they can exercise their fiduciary responsibilities. The Trustees are encouraged to attend relevant training courses where appropriate. Leadership Structure.. The operational activities of Chiltem Samaritans are rnanaged by a volunteer leadership team led by the Branch Director who is also Chair of the Trustees. The leadership team comprises the following roles.. recruitment of new Samaritans. training of new Samaritans, management of a team of shift leaders who support the volunteers on duty, service delivery and management of the volunteering rota. volunteer care, fundraising and outreach. The Treasurer is also a member of the leadership team. Branch Directors are appointed for a three-year temi. Amanda Weaver has been the Branch Director since December 2023. Objeclives and Activities.. In line with our objectives. Chiltem Samaritans provides emotional support by telephone, e-mail, online chat to callers experiencing distress and despair. The branch is open 7 days a week from 07.00 am 03.30 arn. There are also occasional shifts to cover the hours been 03.30 and 07.00. There are a minimum of volunteers per shift with occasional duties having three or four volunteer5. Strategic Update= During 2024125 Chiltem Samaritans sold its premises at 149 Station Road, Amersham and, following period in temporary rented accommodation. moved to 152 Stab'on Road. Amersham in March 2025. This has been made possible by several generous legacies. The new premises are larger and the Branch is looking to grow its volunteering base and will deliver three training course a year of up to 12 trainees on each course. The move lo new premises will also be used to strengthen the Branch's interaction with the local community. The Branch supports Outreach in the community including schools and railway stations. It a150 SUPPOrts a Listener programme in HMP Aylesbury. The essential role of the volunteers.. The activities of Chiltem Samaritsns a totally delivered by volunteefs. Our Listening Volunteers commit lo spending 2-2.75 hours a week on shift supporb'ng our callers. Many volunteers, Listening and Support, also contribute considerable additional ts'me to roles including branch leadership. govemance, and technical and 3of 16
Chiltem Samaritans Report of the Trustees Continued For the year ended 31 March 2025 maintenance support. The charity does not employ the services of a professional fvndrai5er and is, Iherefore, not registered with the Fundraising Regulator. No complaints have been raised during the year. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Name of Charity Charity reg4stration nufflber Principal address Chiltem Samaritans 1173838 152 Station Road Amersharn Bucks HP6 5DW Trustees The trustees and officers seNing during the year and since the year end were as follows: A L Weaver (Appointed: 26 June 2021) SRWeir (Appointed.. 28 September 2024) A Middlebrook (Appointed.. 28 September 2024) W K Bradford (Appointed= 17 July 2020) R C Davi5 {Appointed- 17 July 2020) L D E Rawlinson (Appointed: 10 October 2019) P A Cooper (Appointed.. 10 July 20181 Secretary M Roach Independent examiner Fergal Davem FCA Hardy House Northbridge House Berkhamsted Herts HP4 1EF Bankers CAF Bank Online 25 Kings Hill Avenue West Malling Kent ME19 4TA Solicitors Taylor Walton 2844 Alma Street Luton LU12PL 4of16
Chiltern Samaritans Report of the Trustees Continued For the year ended 31 March 2025 Approved by the 8oard of Trustees and signed on its behalf by 27 September 2025 ALWeav.et.......................................................... 5of16
Chiltern Samaritans Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2025 I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. Responslbilities and basis of report As the charity trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 {Ihe 2011 Act'l. I report in respect of my examination of the charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145151{bl of the Act. Independent examiners statement Since the Charity's gross income exceeded £250,000. your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that l am qualified to undertake the examinatson by virtue of my membership of Institute of Charted Accountants in England and Wales. which is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination. I confimi that no matters have come to my attents'on in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any materlal respect.. . accounting CordS were not kept in respect of the Chartty as required by section 130 ofthe 2011 Act: or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records- or 3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements conceming the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any qUirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concems 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. F8rgal Dave Hardy Ho Northbridge House Berkhamsled Herts HP4 1EF 27 September 2025 6of16
Chiltern Samaritans Statement of Financial Activities For the year ended 31 March 2025 Notes Unrestricted funds 2024 Incorne and endowments from: Donations and legacies Total 645,758 645.758 1,073,437 1.073,437 Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities (6,965) {343,374) (350,339) 17,605) 1264,534) {272,139) Total Net gainsl{lossesl on investments Other recognlsed gainsllosses Net movomont in funds 660 296,079 801,298 Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Transfer from revaluation reserve 1,018,081 839,077 216,783 Total funds carried forward 2,153,237 1,018.081 7of16
Chiltem Samaritans Statement of Financial Position As at 31 March 2025 Notes 2025 2024 Fixed assets Tangible assets Investments 10 1,398,864 61,347 1,460.211 850,000 60,687 910,687 11112 Current assets Debtors 13 5,366 935,456 940.822 1,950 1.036.015 1.037,965 {91,4941 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors". amounts falling due within on• year 14 1247,7961 Net current assets 693,026 2.153,237 946,471 1,857,158 Total assets less current liabilities Net assets 2,153,237 1,857,158 The funds of the charity Unreslricled income funds Revaluation reserve 2.153.237 1,018.081 839,077 1,857,158 Total funds 2,153,237 The financi81 statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board and signed on its behalf by-. A L Weaver Trustee 27 September 2025 8of16
Chiltem Samaritans Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025 1. Accounting Policies Basis of accounting The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for investments which are included al market value and the revaluation of certain fixed assets and in accordance with the Charities SORP IFRS 102) Accounting and Reporting by Charities. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with Ihe Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS 1021 (effective 1 January 2019),, Financial Reporting Standard 102 the Financial Reporbng Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), and the Charities Act2011. Chillem 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 ststed in the relevant accounting policy note(s). Going concern No material uncertainties exist about the ability of the Charity to continue as a going concem for the foreseeable future. Our cashflow forecasts and budgets do not suggest that there is any reason for concern. The trustees have no areas of concern. Statement of cash flows The Trustees have taken advantage of the exemption in SORP FRS 102 from including a cash flow ststement in the financial statements on the grounds that the charity is small. Funds General funds are unrestricted fijnd 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 would comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with spectfic restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Charity for particular purpose. Incoming resources Whilst all income is recognised once the company has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably. For legacies, entitlement is taken as the eartier of the date on which either.. the company is aware that probate has been granted, the estate has been finalised and notification has been made by the executor(s) to the Chartiy that distribution wll be made, or when a distribution is received from the estate. Receipl of a legacy, in whole or in part, is only considered probable when the amount can be measured feliably and the Charity has been notified of the executoS intention to make a distribution. Where legacies have been notified to the Charity, or the Charity is aware of the granting of probate, and the criteria for income recognition have not been met. then the legacy is treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material. Resources expended Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third paty, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measure reliably. Taxation The Charity is not liable to corporation tax on its charitable income or capital gains by virtue of its charitable status. Tangible fixed assets Tangible fixed assets, other than freehold land, are ststed at cost or valuation less depreaalion and any provision for impaiment. Depreciation is provided al rates calculaled to write off the cost or valuation of fixed assets. less their estimated residual value. over their expected useful lives on the following basis.. Land and Buildings Plant and Machinery Improvement to Propety 2 / (on buildings) Straight line 20% Straight line 10 % Straight line 9of 16
Chiltem Samaritans Notes to the Financial Statements Continued For the year ended 31 March 2025 Debtors Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any Irad discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due. Liabilities and Provisions Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance Sheet date as a result of past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in setuement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably. Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the company anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for goods or services it must provide. Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. 2. Income from donations and legacies 2025 2024 Unrestricted funds Donations received 71,997 573,761 65,638 1,007,799 Legacies received 645,758 1.073,437 3. Expenditure on g•nerating donations and legacies 2025 2024 Unrestricted funds Donalions 6,965 7,605 6,965 7,605 4. Transfers between funds During the year £839,077 was transferred from the revaluation reseNe to the untrestricted income fund as it represents the realised profit on the disposal of 149 Station Road, Amersham, HP6 5DJ on 30 September 2024. 5. Analysis of support costs 2025 2024 Govemance costs 8,101 1,800 10of16
Chiltern Samaritans Notes to the Financial Statements Continued For the year ended 31 March 2025 6. Net incomellexpenditure) for the year This is stated after chargingllcreditingl: 2025 2024 Depreciation of owned fixed assets Accountancy fees 46,599 1,850 1,800 7. Staff costs and emoluments The Charity does not employ staff and relies on the goodwill of volunteers. 2025 2024 Number of Trustees in the year 8. Trustee remuneration and related party transactions During the year no trustee received remuneration nor entsred in to related paty transactions with the Charity. 9. Comparative forthe Statement of Financial Activities The comparative year values on the Statement of Financial Activites are for unreslricted funds. 11 of16
Chiltem Samaritans Notes to the Financial Statements Continued For the year ended 31 March 2025 10. Tanglble fixed assets Land and Buildings Plant and Improvement Machinery to Property Cost or valuation Total At 01 April 2024 Additions 860,$63 1,108,106 (860,563) 1,108.106 860,563 1,445,462 (860,563) 1,445,462 17,001 320,355 Disp05als At 31 March 2025 320,355 Depreciation At 01 April 2024 10.563 10.563 Disposals Charge for year At 31 March 2025 Net book values 110,563) 11,162 11,162 {10,563) 46,598 3,400 3,400 32,036 32.036 At 31 March 2025 1,096,944 13,601 288,319 1,398.864 At 31 March 2024 850,000 850.000 The cost ofthe land is assumed to be £550,000 of the total cost of £1,108,106. Investments 11. Analysis of movement of commercial investments Listed Investrnents Market value at 01 April 2024 60,687 Net gainl{105s} on revaluation 660 Market value al 31 March 2025 61.347 12. Analysis of investments between funds as at year ended 31 March 2025 2025 2024 Unrestricted funds Listed investments 61,347 60,687 61.347 60,687 12of16
Chiltem Samaritans Notes to the Financial Statements Continued For the year ended 31 March 2025 13. Debtors 2025 2024 Amounts due within one year: Prepayments and accrued income Other debtors 4,466 900 1,950 14. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 2025 2024 Other creditors 245,946 1,850 86,779 4.715 Accruals and deferred income 247,796 91,494 15. Movernent in funds Purpose of unrestricted Funds General The purpose of the fund is to fulfill the objects of the Charity. General funds are unrestricted fund which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherdnce of the general objeclives of Ihe Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes. 16. Analysis of net assets between funds Tangible Inveslrnonts Net current Net Assets fixod assets assets I {liabilities) Unrestricted funds General General 1,398,864 61.347 693,026 2,153,237 1,398,864 61,347 693.026 2.153,237 13of16
Chiltern Samaritans Notes to the Financial Statements Continued For the year ended 31 March 2025 Previous year Tangible Investments fixfjd assets Net current Nat Assets assets I (liabilities) Unrestricted funds General General 850,000 60,687 946,471 1.857.158 850,000 1,857,158 14of16