Stobhill Link Managed by.. Northumbedand Community Enterprise Limited Trustees Annual Report and Accounts April 2023- March 2024 Aim and Purpos&s NCEL operate8 various inilialives and projects to better the lives of disadvantaged people livlng within neighbouthoods of Southeast Northumbedand which are identified lo be deprived (by the Indices of Multiple Deprivalionl with poor stslisti¢s on crime, education, skills, health and household income. Primarily targeting the cenlre's immediate community of Slobhill. Known locally by our centre name 'The Slobhill Link, our services are open lo all age ranges and run from our Community Hub. We offer volunteer opportunities and address local issues aiming to relieve unemployment, promote social inclusion amongst the elderfy andldisabled, lIeVe financial hardship, develop capacity and skills and lo help young people develop their capacity through leisure time aclivilies. Objectives and Activities NCEL is committed lo engaging Wlth as many people as possible effected by deprivation to offer means and opportunities ID overcome barriers in their lives. We encourage participation by our service users in the design and planning of our work, offer volunteer opportunities across all or our projects and encourage leadership. ownership and passion for the work required lo meet our goals. In planning our work for the year. we have considered the Commissions guidance on public benefit and have ensured that our serviGes be available to all people allempling to access them. The objects of NCEL are.. 111 the rellef of unemployment for the benefit of the public in such ways as may be thought fil, induding assistance lo find employment., 121 to promote social inclusion for the public benefit among elderly persons who are socially excluded from society, or parts of society as a result of their age. relieving the needs of those people and assisting them to integrate into society., 13) the relief of financial hardship among people living or working in South East Northumberfand but also wherever our seNices are requestéd through NorthumbeAand and Tyneside, by providing such persons with services and advice which they could not otherwise afford through lack of means or that are not otherwise available lo them through lack of opportunity,. {4} lo develop the capacity and skills of the members of socially, economically and disadvantaged communities of South East Northumberland but also wherever our services are requested Ihrough Northumberland alld Tyneside in such a way that they are better able lo identify, and help meet their needs and lo participate more fully in society,. 151 lo help young people, especially but not exclusively through leisure lime activities, so as to develop their capabilities that they may grow lo full fTTralurity as illdividuals and members of society. During the course of our work no harm has arose from the purposes. Our beneficiaries are the geral public and locally- based community and voluntary organi5ations. No private benefit arises from these purposes.
Achigvements and Performance During the 2023-2024 year we have continued lo offer a wide variety of services which are outlined in this report. We have included in these services wrap around support tackling food and fuel poverty, low household incomes, debt, unemployment, energy effici8ncy and awareness, social isolation and health and wellbeing. Our network of professional contacts continues to grow due lo the variety of issues we have endeavoured lo tackle, and this has helped lo support our volunteers and staff with project delivery. Our team collaborates with local charities, services and slakeholders such as youth and community groups, Slobhill 2nd Morpeth churches and voluntary sector organisalions lo make opportunities and services available to our beneficiaries. We have wnlinued to work with Fare Share lo secure surplus focKJ waste from supermarkets and businesses which is re-dislribuled through our community fridge and Lunch Club. We have also continued our work wth Community Repaint, a National charity acting as an umbrella body lo ensure the redistribution of thousands of lilres of household paint to individuals and charitable groups. Much of our work was designed through established need amonggt our beneficiaries, it was developed and intended lo help many people in need unable to afford not only luxuries bul basic provisions to gel by. We have continually increased our customer base and recognise the large impact much of the re4islribulion has had by helping lo sustain the environment for future generations. We have noted the stigma that food poverty can Carry and encourage our team to focus on the message of preventing food waste which relieves apprehensionlsligma beneflarieS may have when accessing our centre to request support. .IAIL211 4& Community Food Pantry- Community Fridge (In Strategic Partnershlp with Northumberland County Council), Working With Fareshare. The Brnad and Buttor Thing and Ial Food Distributors. Our team has developed a community food pantry Into a community fridge model. We have moveé foNard from emergency food support to a model designed by the cooperative partnership which we are witnessing lo support long term sustainability, reduce stigma ané promote choice whilst offering more nulrienl dense options and being accessible to all of our beneficiaries. We continue lo refer lo the Wansbeck Valley Foodbank for access an emergenw for
individuals in crisis, however these referrals are greatly reduced owing lo our ability to provide and other, more local and sustainable solutions lo food needs. Our network in Morpelh focuses on sustainable food solutions and innovative pro11$ offering food, growing, cooking elc. We collaborate with local voluntary groups lo initiate likeminded projects. promote the community fridge model and develop stralegy towards access lo food and food waste. Vve have supported The Morpeth and Bedlington Community Allolmenls to improve upon their food models and address food insecurity with their own participants. 2023 - 2024 15 referrals lo Foodbanks provided 895 food parcels lo beneficiaries are currently saving 140kg of food waste per week (at our current rale we estimate to total 7 lonnes annually). Lunch Club- Soclal Support Group Our team has developed a Lunch Club which acts as a social support group, a frontline response lo safeguarding in the community and a food insecurity prevention programme. A team of dedicated volunteers cook hearty, healthy meals for members whilst our staff and social support volunteers network and discuss solutions lo social issues. They provide 1..1 advice and support, highlight common themes and issues around food and fuel poverty and accommodate speakers from professional organisalions which initiates the creation of referral processes. Many volunteers ?re also older peop5e who benefit from the advice, information and hearty meal on a weekly basis. On several occasions our team have been able to safeguard members of the public, access seNices on their behalf and initiate care plans. This project has the polenkn'al to develop further in the future. Free School Unrforni Bank {Reglonal Partnershlpl Partnered with Northumberland County Council's Regional Neork of School Uniform Banks. We built one of the first school uniform banks in the North East and are part of a regional network of seven dislribulors of School Uniform. We share clothing, learning and experiences within our network to aChve best practice. Stocking branded uniform for 5 local schools, we see on average 40 service users per week12000+ families per yearl, recycling an estimated 6-7 tonnes of clothing annually. *- Summer holidays 2023 activities Palnl Recycllng (Partnered with Community Repainti Surplus household paint is donated to NCEL from retailers, manufacturers and local traders. Thi5 15 stored and resold to the public al £1 per lilre. Priority is reserved for low-income families, social services ar)d voluntary organisations. We ycled more than 3000 litres in 2023-2024.
Employm•nt Support Work experience can be gained at NCEL through volunteering. Volunteer programmes are tailor made to suit everyone, work references are provided, supwrt with CV'S, applications and interview techniques, we also provide suits and workwear for interviews. Hardship Support (In collaboration with Northumberland County Coun¢ll - Communities Together Hubs) Referrals to professional bodies Can be made both formally and informally for people in financial crisis as well as for those al risk of harm. Hardship grant applications for individuals are made lo a wide array of charitable trusts and local giving groups. We secure household furniture, clothing, warm coals, toys, baby equipment both physically and in the form of grants towards PLJrGhase. Links are available through our vast network to charities such as Talking Mallers. Domestic Abuse Services, Women's Aid and The NorthumberlarHJ Recovery Partnership. We make approximately 55 referrals annually of this kind. Community Garden Development of our Siobhill Community Garden led lo the creation of the Stobhill Gardening Club. This group offers social opportunities, learning, knowledge transfer, shared skills, plot lo plate cooking, Spring Summer activities and events and allows for visits lo the garden from external groups. Autumn and Winter involve planning, crafts and indoor aclivilies as well as day trips. The Garden is currently supported by a core group of 12 volunteers, Gardening Club currently has 10 members and the garden welcomes an estimated 300 visitors per year. Community Allotments Allolrnent Sttes are held in Bedlington and Morpelh. Each are supported by Cor8 Group5 of volunteers. Visitors are welcomed throughout Spring and Summer, these range from Care Homes, the general public. Sensory Gardening Groups and Mind Active. Social Groups NCEL offer a friendly weekly cuppa club to all setvice users. Coffee, cakes and a friendly welcome bring people into th8 entre where staff alld volunteer5 engage, signp051 and enjoy some social lime with others. Often the group enjoy a quiz, armchair yoga, board games and puzzles. This first contact provKles an opportunity for effective engagement, building trusted professional relationships and information signposting, information sharing and a roule through lo our other projects. Reserves Policy It is NCEL policy lo maintain a balance on unreslricled funds {rf possible), which equates lo at least three months unreslricled payments, equivalent to £15,000, to cover emergency situations that may arise from lime to time. Volunteers We would like to thank all the volunteers who work so hard lo make the Slobhill Link the lively and vibrant hub that it is. Vve wish lo mention our Core Volunteers who have worked so tirelessly on our behalf to prop up the services, 28 well as all the other members of our organisalion for their valuable contribution lo our charity and for keeping the organisalion running.
Structure Governanee and Managemant The board of NCEL consists of five trustees responsible for making collective decision5, managing NCEL, managing risks and finances. The board members are re5POll5ible for m?king decisions on all matters of general concern an(1 importance lo the charity including on how the funds are lo be spent in line with the terms and conditions of all gr2nl funding. The board are loo responsible for strategy and future planning. A Managing Director is employed lo oversee the day-to-day running of NCEL. The Manager communicates between Project staff and the board on general issues. reporting lo and updating the board regularly. The Manager sets and delegates duties, identifies, problems or concerns, suggests problem solving strategies and operates on the direction of the board. The Managing Director neOrkS within the voluntary sector. identrfies social need in the communty, collects slalislical information and presents lo the board. Project staff deliver projects, monitor and rgcord slatislics. keep and update adminislralive files, report dreCtlY to the Managing Direotor. Project Staff work closely with volunteers delegating work and planning future work with volunteers. During 2023-2024 there were tsvo project slaff employed by NCEL as well as one manager. We enrolled 18 new volunteers in various roles. Financial Review The charity is 5b.ll recovering from the downturn of Covid, bul the shoots of recovery are starting lo emerge. We made a loss in the financial year of £5797 bul with promises of new financial backing, things are improving. Administrative Infomiatlon The full board of trustees of NCEL meet bi-monthly six limes per year wtth an average level of attendance of 80%. 11 is the board's role lo ensure that decisions are made collectively and that there are narried people working together lo manage the organi5alion, rnanage risk, finances and future plans so that the charity may meet ils objectives. Our IrLJslees bring with them a mix of skills and expertlse that complement the charity and ensure ilg objects are mel for public benefit. Llst of Trustees.. David Weatherhead- Chaiman Ann Purvis- Secretary Derek Thompson John Beynon Northumberland County Council
Independenl Examiner's Report to the trusteesl mombers of Northumberland Community Enterprlse Lirnitgd I report on the accounts for the year end 31 March 2023 sel out within this document. Respectlve responsibilitigs of trustees and examiner The charity's Iruslees consider that an audit is not required for this year lunder section 43121 of the Charities Act 1993 {Ihe Actll and that an independent examination is needed. 11 is my responsibility lo- examine the accounts (under section 43 of the Acll., lo follow the procedures laid down in General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 43171{bl of the Acll, and to slate whether particular matters have come lo my attention. Basis of independent oxaminor's report My examination was carried out in accordance with General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination indudes a review of the accounting records kept by Ihe charity and comparison of the accounts presente with those records. 11 also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts. and seeking explanations from yL)ur as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as lo whether the accounts present a 'lrue and f2ir' view and the report is limrted lo those mallers sel out in the statement below. Independent examine5 statement In the course of my examination, no matter has come lo my attention.. Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in. any material respect, the requirements.. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 41 of the Act,. and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and Comply with the accounting requirements of the 1993 Act,. have not been fflet.- or 2. to which. in my opinion. attention should be drawn to enable a proper understanding of the accounts lo be ched. Name Addre55 573IM"dls F/, /770, fvtr6/254 2 8/0 / /go26 Date
Page 1 of 12 Registered number 6537591 Charity number 1174831 Northumbérland Community Enterprise Ltd Reports and Aecounts 31st March 2024
Page2 of12 Northumberland Community Entorprlse Ltd Raport and accounts as t 31st March 2024 Contgnts Page Company information Contents Company informatlon Directors, report Siatement of financial activities Balance sheet Notes to the account5 Notes to the accounts continued Notes to the accounts continued Profit and loss account Detailed profit and loss Grants and donations ceiVed 12
Page3of12 Northumberland Community Enterprise Ltd Company Information At 31 March 2024 Directors J Beyon M Haswell A Purvis D Thompson D Wealherhead Rogis*8red offi 37 Shields Road Stobhill Morpeth Northumberfand NE612SA Registered number 6537591 Charlty number 1174831
Page 4 of 12 Northumberland Community Enterprlse Ltd Registered number.. Charity number Dir9Ctors' report For the year ended 31st March 2024 6537591 1174831 The directors psent their report and accounts for the year ended 31 st March 2024 Principal activities The company's principal actsvity during the year continued to be that of an enterprise concern. The main aim of the company is to improve the life style of the disabled and disadvantaged people livtng in the aa. Directors The following persons served as directors during the year.. J Beyon Haswell A Purvis D Thompson D Wealherhead Small company provisions This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions in Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 applicable lo companies subject to the small companies regime. This report was approved by the board on the 2nd December 2024 D Weatherhead Director
Page sof 12 Northumberland Communlty Enterprlse Lld Statement of flnancial activitios For the year ended 31st March 2024 2024 2023 Incoming r8sources 70,889 76,567 70.689 76,567 Resources expended -76,486 -88,331 Nel incoming resources before trdnsfers -5,797 -11,784 Adjustments Profit or loss for the financial -5.797 -11,764 Total fijnds blfwd 19,956 31,720 14.159 19.956
Page 6 of 12 Northurnberland Community Enterprtse Ltd Balance sheet at 31st March 2023 Notes 2024 2023 Fixed assets Tangible assets 11.006 2,946 Current assets Debtors Others Cash at bank and in hand 317 1,622 10,898 554 7,519 15,581 12,837 23,654 Total current assets. 23,843 26,600 Current Ilabilities Creditors.. amount falling due within one year -2.317 -2.209 Loan-PSA -2.243 -3,239 Other creditors -5,124 -9,684 -1.196 -6,644 Total assets less current liabilties 14,159 19.956 Net assets 14,159 19,956 Capital and reserves Called up share capitsl Profil and Ios5 account Sharefolder's funds 19,945 -5,797 31,709 -11,764 14,159 19,956 The directors are satisfied that the company is entite to exemption from the requirement lo obtsin an audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006. The member has not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Act. The directors acknowledge ltteir iesponsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect lo accounting records and the prep8ralion of accounts. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions in part 15 of the Cornpanies Act 2006 applicable lo ¢ompanies subject lo the small companies regime. M Haswell Director Approved by Ihe board 02.12.2024
Page 7 of 12 Northurnbgrland Communty Enterprise Ltd Notes to the account$ For the year ended 31st March 2024 1 Accountin9 policies Basis of preparation The financial stslemenls are prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for smaller Entities (effective June 20021 and follow the recommendations in "Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended practice. issued in October 2000. IncomiTng resourcgs Voluntary income is received by way of donations and gifts and is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable. Gifts donated for resale are included as income when they are sold. Donated assets are included at cost value lo the company Whe this can be quantrfied and a third paty is bearing the cost. The value of the services provided by volunteers h8s not been included. Fund Accounting Gener81 funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use al the discretion of the trustees in ftjrtherance of the general objectsves of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes. Restricted funds are funds which are lo be used in accordan with specific restrictions imposed by the donor5 or which have been raised by the charity for partifulare pury)oses. The cost of ising and administering such funds are charged against the specffic funds. The aim and use of each fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements. Resource5 expended Resources expended are recognised in the year In which they are incurred. Management and administration cosls are those inCued in connection with adminislralion of the company and compliance with constittional and slatulory requirements. 2 Creditors:amounts falling due within one year 2024 2023 Trade creditors Other creditors 2,317 5,124 7,441 2.209 1.196 3,405 3 Share capital Nominal value 2024 2023 Number Allotted, called up and fully paid Ordinary shares £1 each
Page8 of 12 Northurnbarland Community Enterprise Ltd Notes to the accounts Continued For the year ended 31 Mah 20204 4 Analysis of net a55ets betwoen funds 2024 2023 Fund balances Fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities 11,006 12.837 -9,684 2,946 23,654 -6,644 14,159 19,956 S Tangible assots 2024 2024 Building Fumiture & Fittings Totsl Cost 5,250 6,882 12.132 Additions 10,000 10,000 Disposal 15,250 6,882 22,132 Depreciation 429) -4,890 -9,180 Charge for year -1784 -162 -1,946 Al the 31 March 2024 4,074 -5,052 -11,126 Net book value as at the 31 March 2024 9,176 1.830 11,006
Page 9 of 12 Northumberland communlty Enterprisa Ltd Notes to the accounts continugd for the year ended 31st March 2023 8 Unrestricted funds 01-Apr-23 Incoming Outgoing Transfers 31-Mar-24 General fund 7.641 32,960 -37,473 3,128 Purposes of unrestricted fund The purpose of the general fund is lo further the aims and objectives of the charity 9 Restricted funds 01-Apr-23 Ineoming Outgoing Transfers 31-Mar-24 Restricted fund 12,315 37.729 -39.013 11,031 Purpos8s of r8stri¢t¢d funds The aim of the charity funds is to promde training for staff and volunteers and manage other setvices lo benefit the local community- Total 19.9S6 70,689 -76,486 14,159
Paoe10of12 Northurnberland Communlty Enterprise Ltd Profit and Loss account FOT the year 8nded 31 March 2024 2024 2023 Incoming resources Sales Donations Grants Other incoming resources 903 315 66,557 2,914 70,689 663 1,166 73,907 831 76,567 Resources expended -76,486 -88,331 Ngt resources -5,797 -11,764
Page 11 of12 Northumb8rland Community Enterprise Ltd Detailed profit and loss account For tha year onded 31 March 2024 Unrestricle, Restricte funds funds 2024 2023 Incoming resources Sales Donations Gfanls Other incoming resources 904 314 28,828 2.914 904 314 66,557 2.914 663 1,166 73,907 831 37,729 32.960 37.729 70,689 76,567 Resources expended Materials Advertising Wages and national insL¢rance Rent and rates Ublities Vehicle costs Travel expenses Computer costs T8lephone and inlemet Printing, postage and slationery Leasing Repairs, renewals and cleaning Interest and bank charges Administration costs Accountsncy costs Depreciation Insurance Refreshments Donations Sundry expenses Professional fees 379 379 129 42 42,855 586 1,615 999 2,415 1,958 1.475 603 7,015 1,595 399 17,250 e.100 940 1,911 39 125 224 56 20,603 211 807 937 2,996 824 841 170 1,662 1,442 246 27,311 279 1,070 47.914 490 1,877 937 2,996 1,914 1.956 394 3,866 1,442 246 1,090 1,115 224 2,204 2,580 836 875 60 1,037 944 23 3,420 1,110 1,160 6,000 2,035 60 1,037 944 53 30 37,473 39,013 76.486 88,331 Profit or loss for current year -4513 -1284 -5797 -11764
P*e 12of12 Northumberland Community Ent8rprise Ltd Appendix lo the accounts for the year ended 31st March 2024 2024 Grants and donatlons recgivgd Unrestricted R85trict9d Total Abbvie Awards For All 8allinger The Barbour Foundation Barchesler Health The Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust Co-operative WG Edwards Ford British Trust Hubbub Foundation Inner Wheel Club Morpelh Karbon Homes J Knoit Lidl Community Fund Magic Little Grants RW Mann Trust Microgrants Morpeth Rotary Club Morpeth Town Council Nineveh Tnjst Northumbedand County Council Northumberland Estates Rolhley Trust The 29th May l 961 Charitable Trust Ridley Family Chartty Warburtons Wellbank Foundation Woodward Trust Cash donations Sales elc 2,000 3,751 2,DOO 10,880 12,500 1,000 500 500 1,038 1,200 248 1,000 200 500 1,624 500 500 500 500 1,400 4.628 2,600 2,000 2,439 1,000 2,000 5,000 400 9,300 600 315 3,817 7,129 12.500 1,000 500 500 1,038 1,200 248 1,000 200 1,624 500 500 500 1,400 500 500 4,628 2,600 2,000 2,439 1.000 2,000 5,000 400 9,300 600 315 3,817 32,960 37,729 70,689