Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 September 2024
Befriended
Charity registration number: 1175623
Independent Examiners Ltd 2 Broadbridge Business Centre Delling Lane Bosham Chichester West Sussex PO18 8NF
BEFRIENDED
CONTENTS
| Reference and Administrative Details | 1 |
|---|---|
| Trustees' Report | 2 to 13 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 14 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 15 |
| Balance Sheet | 16 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 17 to 25 |
BEFRIENDED
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Trustees Rev William Kemp Stuart Millar (resigned 9 July 2024) Gail Millar Diane Watts Nicholas Baldwin (resigned 4 November 2024) David Chewter George Baxter Julia Crook (appointed 10 February 2024) Chris Wyles (appointed 5 April 2024) Charity Registration 1175623 Number Principal Office Spiresview 9 Maude Singer Way Hurstpierpoint West Sussex BN6 9GF Independent Examiner G W Schulz FCMA Independent Examiners Ltd 2 Broadbridge Business Centre Delling Lane Bosham Chichester West Sussex PO18 8NF Bankers CAF Bank 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Mailing Kent ME19 4JQ The Co-operative Bank Business Customer Services PO Box 250 Skelmersdale WN8 6WT
Page 1
BEFRIENDED
TRUSTEES' REPORT
The trustees present the annual report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 30 September 2024.
Structure, governance and management
Nature of governing document
The charity was established as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation on 8 November 2017.
Recruitment and appointment of trustees
The management of the charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are co-opted by the existing trustees.
Every Trustee must:
a. Have a faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
b. Be over 16 years old
There must be a minimum of 3 Trustees and a maximum of 12.
Organisational structure
Befriended is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, governed by a board of trustees who meet regularly to guide the vision and safeguard the values of the charity. Day-to-day operations are led by Chief Executive Officer Gail Millar, supported by a passionate team of volunteers, staff, and community partners.
Risk management
The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the Charity is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the Charity, and are satisfied that systems and procedures are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
Objectives and activities
Objects and aims
The objects of the charity are to:
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Advance the Christian faith
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To promote social inclusion for the public benefit by preventing people from becoming socially exduded, relieving the needs of those people who are socially excluded and assisting them to integrate into society through a befriending/care service.
Public benefit
The trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
Page 2
BEFRIENDED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)
Achievements and performance
This year, more than ever, has been one of growth, resilience, and impact. As we reflect on the past 12 months, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for all that has happened. From launching new services to deepening relationships with local partners, welcoming new volunteers, and receiving national recognition — the journey of Befriended has continued to unfold in beautiful and unexpected ways.
What drives everything we do is simple: listening to those we serve. Each new initiative has been born from the needs and stories of our clients and community. And through it all, we’ve seen lives transformed, hope rekindled, and loneliness met with lasting friendships.
Our Vision: To see an end to loneliness and isolation among older people in Mid Sussex.
Our Mission: To reach, value, and befriend older people and the isolated, showing them God’s love in practical and personal ways.
What We Offer:
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One-to-one befriending
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Chaplaincy services in care homes
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Monthly tea parties and special events
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Befriended Balance: falls prevention exercise sessions
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Befriended Community Choirs
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Befriended Bereavement support including
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Compassionate Conversations
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bereavement cafés
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Bereavement social groups
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Intergenerational partnerships with schools and nursery groups
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Bus trips and outings
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Holiday at Home holiday activity club
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Acts of kindness
Highlights of 2023–2024
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Hosted over 1750 older people for afternoon tea
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Held over 45 exercise classes
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Supported over 100 people through bereavement courses
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Saw over 2000 people enjoy singing through our Community Choirs
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Held over 60 chaplaincy services for over 1000 people in care homes
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Took over 500 older people on theatre trips and outings
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Over 80 guests attended our Christmas lunch
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Our newsletter reached 1000s of people through doctors’ surgeries, hospitals, churches and individuals
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Supported many carers and people living with dementia through our activities
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Finalists and won a place on the two year Incubator programme with Cinnamon network for Compassionate Conversations
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Over 20,000 people reached in one month, with 15,000+ engagements
Page 3
BEFRIENDED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)
New Services Launched
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Compassionate Conversations – a facilitated 3-week course looking at loss and bereavement, 6+ groups delivered with exceptional feedback.
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Compassion Café – created from merging two bereavement cafés into a regular monthly drop-in café for anyone experiencing loss
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Monthly tea party - a new afternoon tea party in Hurstpierpoint in partnership with Holy Trinity Church
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Community Choir – A new choir in Hurstpierpoint
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Company – a new monthly social meal for those who miss eating out socially
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Holiday at Home – a joyful 3-day summer programme with games, singing, food, and friendship
Compassionate Conversations – A Transformational Journey
Born from a dream, Compassionate Conversations became one of Befriended’s most impactful tools.
In response from a conversation in a care home with two very lonely gentlemen who had both lost their wives, the need was recognised for people to have a safe, simple and structured way to talk about their bereavement with others who knew and understood their experience.
Delivered in small groups, this gentle and beautiful programme invites people to talk about their loss and bereavement through two facilitated conversations each week for three weeks. Each week takes you through the process of grief culminating in a place of hope, purpose and a future to look forward too.
In 2024, we became finalists and won a place on the Cinnamon Network Incubator Programme , gaining national recognition and development support.
“I’ve been in a black hole for 3 years… now I have hope again.”
“This course has changed the trajectory of my life.”
“My heart was full of rain and now it is full of sunshine.”
“After 25 years of pain, I finally feel I’ve been able to talk — and begin to let go.”
Page 4
BEFRIENDED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)
Chaplaincy Ministry
Faith remains central to all that we do at Befriended. Our chaplaincy work brings spiritual care, prayer, and Communion to those who may otherwise feel forgotten.
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Monthly visits to 5 local care homes
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8–10 services per month , often themed and inclusive
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Gentle, familiar worship that brings comfort, connection and encouragement
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“I really miss being able to go to church, today Church came to me.”
“Today I felt God love and peace for the first time in years.”
Befriended Community Choir – a place where we sing for joy
This year, the Befriended Community Choir has grown not only in number but in relationships, it has become a place to belong, a vibrant expression of joy, and where everyone has value to contribute.
Led weekly by our brilliant choir leader, the group includes guests from across Mid Sussex, a number of whom are living with dementia or mobility challenges. Every session is filled with welcome, encouragement, and music that lifts the soul.
Guests regularly tell us it’s the highlight one of their week. It brings movement, memory, laughter, and most of all — friendship.
“We’re all in this together. Some of us have forgotten a few words, but we haven’t forgotten how to sing.”
“I thought dementia meant giving up the things I loved. Then I sang a solo.” “This choir has brought my voice back — and more than that, it’s brought me life again.”
The choir has become a space of surprising healing. Even those who arrive in silence find their voices again — sometimes through tears, sometimes through laughter, always through song.
We’ve welcomed visits from local schools and nurseries, turning our rehearsals into intergenerational joy. Children sit among guests, listen with wonder, and even join in. These shared moments are some of the most treasured:
“The children were wonderful and so talented.”
“They didn’t treat us like old people — they treated us like friends.”
In July we were invited to sing at the local village fair. A Local counsellor said “your choir were fantastic, it was great to see how you have brought people together and given them a purpose, well done!”
The choir has also been the start of something deeper. Guests have created a whats app group, formed friendships, joined tea parties, and supported one another. It’s more than a singing group — it’s a community. One guest who had been poorly and unable to attend received a recorded song form the choir and she said ““Oh my goodness everyone that was just the nicest thing ever done for me thank you so much for singing so beautifully for me, you have lifted my spirits”.
“Our whats app group is like having family in your pocket.”
Page 5
BEFRIENDED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)
And perhaps most beautifully, one guest said: “I’ve always loved music. I never thought I’d sing again. But here I am — not just singing, but smiling.”
Events and Outings
Moments of joy and togetherness have been at the heart of our year.
Bus trips to Chichester, Wakehurst, Worthing, and other beautiful locations
A Day trip to Chichester theatre to see Oliver via stopping for a picnic lunch at a Church in Arundel.
“Such a wonderful day, unforgettable, everything was just perfect” says a new befriendee.
“Wow, the whole day was brilliant from beginning to end, I never get to leave Hurstpierpoint often now so today was so special. Thank you” D
“Thank you for giving us a most enjoyable day, from being picked up from my door to being dropped off, everything was laden with love” C
A bus trip to see Oliver at the Theatre
A walk around Wakehurst
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BEFRIENDED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)
Holiday at Home was launched in response to so many of our clients saying the long holidays are the hardest time of the year for them, so many activities close down. So in response we welcomed dozens to a 3-day celebration with garden games, music, food and fun
A says, "you have given me the best day I can remember since loosing my husband”. P says, "the hardest part of the day was leaving".
M says, "today was full of love care, laughter, friend, fun, food and was fantastic. G says, "today was second to non”.
J says, "I never thought I would ever feel joy like I have today ever again”. Numerous said “Please can you do this again, we would love it every holiday”.
Holiday at home – fun, exercise, music, games, food, friendship, laughter, sunshine
Intergenerational tea party with students from Worth School, outing to Glow Wild
Monthly Tea parties
Befriended monthly tea parties are a beautiful Befriended expression of hospitality, joy, community, welcome, love, care and laughter.
Our monthly tea parties have continued to be one of the most beloved and joy-filled parts of Befriended’s work. Held throughout the year on Sunday afternoons because according to a survey conducted by Re-engage revealed that 76% of older individuals identified
Page 7
BEFRIENDED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)
Sunday as their most isolating day . We provide an afternoon where everyone is welcome, they receive so much more than tea and cake, we offer friendship and belonging.
Each table is beautifully laid with flowers and treats. Volunteers serve with love. There’s always music, quizzes, birthday celebrations, entertainment, laughter, and conversation. Befriended Briefs (short, informative talks) have also become a highlight — covering everything from tech help, wellbeing advice to legal advice, always delivered with compassion and clarity. Guests enjoy delicious home-baked cakes, freshly made sandwiches and scrumptious home made scones with cream and jam.
There is also often a moment to remember others not well or unable to be with us, some quiet reflection, or prayer.
“This is my family now.” “When I come to the tea parties, I remember I matter to someone.”
“It’s the only place I go where I feel completely safe and seen.”
“The tea parties is a place full of smiles.”
“My wife passed away and I didn’t know what to do with myself. I was so nervous the first time I came but now, I come every month.”
“You remember my name, and that means more than you know.”
One guest told us, “I wake up on tea party days with a reason to get dressed. That might sound small — but to me, it’s everything.”
Volunteers often say they receive as much as they give. It's not about roles — it's about relationships. Whether pouring tea, sharing stories, or simply sitting beside someone, the atmosphere is one of friendship.
Page 8
BEFRIENDED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)
Our amazing team of volunteers to make all the sandwiches and cakes etc every month
Growth Across the Board
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20-25% increase in attendance at all regular activities
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Tea parties regularly welcomed over 100 guests
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Befriended Balance moved to a new venue due to popularity
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Community Choir grew to over 20 members, including intergenerational sessions with nurseries and schools
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A second tea party launched
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A second community choir launched
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New volunteers joining the team
Recognition & Media
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Applause Award for Community Projects
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Gail invited to No.10 Downing Street for a reception honouring Inspirational Women
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Featured in: UCB’s 30 Years of Stories , Radio 4’s Hope , Premier Christian Radio , Sussex Living , and several local magazines
Page 9
BEFRIENDED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)
Social Media and Community Engagement
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Over 20,000 people reached in one month, with 15,000+ engagements
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new volunteers signed up via stories posted online
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GPs and social prescribers are now sharing Befriended posts with patients
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WhatsApp groups keep guests and volunteers connected daily
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Monthly newsletter now reaches over 900 people (250 hand-delivered)
“I saw your post at Christmas and picked up the phone. I didn’t want to burden my kids. You were my lifeline.”
Befriended has a visible presence in the community, our clients love to support us at any event
Community Connection
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WhatsApp groups keep community spirit alive between events
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Volunteers check in with guests, share encouraging messages, and pray for one another
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One guest said, “Even on days when I don’t see anyone, I still feel like I belong.”
Page 10
BEFRIENDED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)
Students from worth School at a craft event making lanterns together with our clients
Real Stories, Real Impact
“Today was the best day since I lost my husband.” – Holiday at Home attendee
“I never thought I’d sing again. Then I sang a solo.” – Choir guest with dementia
-
“After 25 years of silence, I finally spoke my grief.” – Compassionate Conversations guest “I never thought I’d laugh again like I did today.” – Tea party guest
-
“We love coming to Befriended. Even with dementia, we feel seen and included.”
Volunteer Growth and Training
This year we had over 18,000 volunteer hours given across all our activities. We saw a strong increase in volunteer numbers and deep investment in their support.
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3 major training sessions : Dementia Awareness, Safeguarding, and Befriending
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New roles introduced: Compassionate Conversation Champions and guest speakers for Briefs
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Volunteer-led initiatives like the signwritten van hire brought both income and awareness
“I feel equipped, confident, and excited to serve. The training made all the difference.” – Volunteer
Page 11
BEFRIENDED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)
Financial Review
This year, Befriended remained in a stable and healthy financial position, thanks to the generosity of our funders, donors, churches, and community partners. At the end of the last financial year we received a legacy which had a huge impact on the Charities financial situation.
Key highlights:
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Grants received from:
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Henry Smith Charity
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The Childs Trust
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Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust
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Mid Sussex District Council
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Allen Lane
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The Sussex Community Foundation
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Ongoing support from local churches and councils
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Income generated from the signwritten van hire, with all proceeds donated to Befriended
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Monthly giving and individual donations continue to grow
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Regular donations from our clients enables us to sustain all our activities.
We maintain a strong reserve position, and our transition to online banking has improved transparency and efficiency in financial reporting.
Plans for the Future
Looking ahead to 2024–2025, our focus will be on sustainability and expansion — responding to the growing need and increased demand across our community.
Our goals:
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Expand Compassionate Conversations across more churches, GP Surgeries, community centres, and care homes
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Launch a third Monthly tea party
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Grow the volunteer team and develop a volunteer leadership pathway
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Increase Chaplaincy outreach and build new care home partnerships
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Strengthen relationships with GPs, parish nurses, and social prescribers
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Offer additional Holiday at Home events in new locations
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Launch a weekly café supporting carers and the cared for
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Build stronger connections and partnerships with local businesses
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Continue to listen deeply to the needs of our guests and create responsive, lifechanging support
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To ensure that there are less people are lonely and isolated because of what we offer!
Page 12
BEFRIENDED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)
Statement of Responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with the United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) and applicable law and regulations. The law applicable to charities requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, and the provisions of the constitution. The trustees 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.
The annual report was approved by the trustees of the charity on 21 May 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
George Baxter
......................................... George Baxter Trustee
Page 13
BEFRIENDED
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF BEFRIENDED
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Befriended for the year ended 30 September 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of Befriended 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 Befriended'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:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of Befriended as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view' which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
...................................... G W Schulz FCMA Independent Examiners Ltd 2 Broadbridge Business Centre Delling Lane Bosham Chichester West Sussex PO18 8NF
21 May 2025
Page 14
BEFRIENDED
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
| Note Unrestricted funds £ Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies 2 55,403 Investment income 3 8 Total income 55,411 Expenditure on: Charitable activities 4 48,007 Total expenditure 48,007 Net income/(expenditure) 7,404 Net movement in funds 7,404 Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 43,677 Total funds carried forward 11 51,081 |
Restricted funds £ 32,410 - 32,410 34,589 34,589 (2,179) (2,179) 6,252 4,073 |
Total 2024 £ 87,813 8 87,821 82,596 82,596 5,225 5,225 49,929 55,154 |
Total 2023 £ 86,267 47 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 86,314 | |||
| 60,617 | |||
| 60,617 | |||
| 25,697 | |||
| 25,697 24,232 |
|||
| 49,929 |
The notes on pages 17 to 25 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 15
BEFRIENDED
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
| Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 7 Current assets Debtors 8 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 9 Net current assets Net assets Funds of the charity: Restricted income funds Restricted funds Unrestricted income funds Unrestricted funds Total funds 11 |
2024 £ 1,267 1,267 4,852 50,058 54,910 (1,023) 53,887 55,154 4,073 51,081 55,154 |
2023 £ - |
|---|---|---|
| - | ||
| 2,563 47,968 |
||
| 50,531 (602) |
||
| 49,929 | ||
| 49,929 | ||
| 6,252 43,677 |
||
| 49,929 |
The financial statements on pages 15 to 25 were approved by the trustees, and authorised for issue on 21 May 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
George Baxter
......................................... George Baxter Trustee
The notes on pages 17 to 25 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 16
BEFRIENDED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
1 Accounting policies
Statement of compliance
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the second edition of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
Basis of preparation
Befriended meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts.
Going concern
The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
Income and endowments
Voluntary income including donations, gifts, legacies and grants that provide core funding or are of a general nature is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Donations and legacies
Donations and legacies are recognised on a receivable basis when receipt is probable and the amount can be reliably measured.
Grants receivable
Grants are recognised when the charity has an entitlement to the funds and any conditions linked to the grants have been met. Where performance conditions are attached to the grant and are yet to be met, the income is recognised as a liability and included on the balance sheet as deferred income to be released.
Gift aid
Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Interest receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 (CONTINUED)
Expenditure
All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category.
Charitable activities
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.
Tangible fixed assets
Individual fixed assets costing £1,000 or more are initially recorded at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.
Depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows:
Asset class
Computer equipment
Depreciation method and rate 33% on cost
Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered.
Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.
Liabilities
Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance Sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.
Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 (CONTINUED)
Fund structure
Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.
Designated funds are unrestricted funds set aside for specific purposes at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted income 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.
Pensions and other post retirement obligations
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme which is a pension plan under which fixed contributions are paid into a pension fund and the charity has no legal or constructive obligation to pay further contributions even if the fund does not hold sufficient assets to pay all employees the benefits relating to employee service in the current and prior periods.
Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities when they are due. If contribution payments exceed the contribution due for service, the excess is recognised as a prepayment.
2 Income from donations and legacies
| Donations and legacies; Donations Legacies Gift aid reclaimed Grants, including capital grants; Grants |
Unrestricted funds General £ 39,946 - 2,457 13,000 55,403 |
Restricted funds £ - - - 32,410 32,410 |
Total 2024 £ 39,946 - 2,457 45,410 87,813 |
Total 2023 £ 22,372 42,000 2,395 19,500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 86,267 |
3 Investment income
| Unrestricted funds General £ Interest receivable and similar income; Interest receivable on bank deposits 8 |
Total 2024 £ 8 |
Total 2023 £ 47 |
|---|---|---|
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BEFRIENDED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 (CONTINUED)
4 Expenditure on charitable activities
| Note Events Venue hire Advertising/Promotional Postage, printing & stationery Equipment and computer Telephone Insurance Subscriptions Travel Professional fees Training Sundry expenses Bank charges Independent examination Depreciation, amortisation and other similar costs Staff costs 6 |
Unrestricted funds General £ 17,344 2,352 2,084 2,076 1,682 242 411 216 25 1,421 - 361 60 660 633 18,440 48,007 |
Restricted funds £ 2,410 - - - - - - - - 1,252 - - - - - 30,927 34,589 |
Total 2024 £ 19,754 2,352 2,084 2,076 1,682 242 411 216 25 2,673 - 361 60 660 633 49,367 82,596 |
Total 2023 £ 11,060 - 598 2,083 2,733 229 397 144 - 3,475 455 382 203 600 - 38,258 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60,617 |
5 Trustees remuneration and expenses
Gail Millar, a trustee, received remuneration of £45,476 as CEO of the charity (2023: £34,571) and benefits in kind in the form of pension payments of £1,364 (2023: £1,037).
The accountancy practice owned by a trustee, Mr N Baldwin, provided professional services during the year amounting to £676 (2023: £178).
The only other payments made to the trustees, or any person connected with them, consisted of reimbursements of expenditure incurred on behalf of the charity in furthering the charity's objects.
Page 20
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 (CONTINUED)
6 Staff costs
The aggregate payroll costs were as follows:
| Staff costs during the year were: Wages and salaries Pension costs |
2024 £ 47,976 1,391 49,367 |
2023 £ 37,221 1,037 |
|---|---|---|
| 38,258 |
The monthly average number of persons (including senior management team) employed by the charity during the year expressed as full time equivalents was as follows:
| Staff 7 Tangible fixed assets Cost At 1 October 2023 Additions At 30 September 2024 Depreciation At 1 October 2023 Charge for the year At 30 September 2024 Net book value At 30 September 2024 At 30 September 2023 |
2024 No. 2 Computer equipment £ 2,948 1,900 |
2023 No. 2 |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total £ 2,948 1,900 4,848 2,948 633 3,581 1,267 - |
||||
| 4,848 | ||||
| 2,948 633 |
||||
| 3,581 | ||||
| 1,267 | ||||
| - |
Page 21
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 (CONTINUED)
8 Debtors
| 8 Debtors | ||
|---|---|---|
| Accrued income Other debtors |
2024 £ 4,852 - 4,852 |
2023 £ 2,395 168 |
| 2,563 |
9 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
| 9 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Other taxation and social security Other creditors Accruals |
2024 £ - 363 660 1,023 |
2023 £ 2 - 600 |
| 602 |
10 Pension and other schemes
Defined contribution pension scheme
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The pension cost charge for the year represents contributions payable by the charity to the scheme and amounted to - £1,391 (2023 £1,037).
Contributions totalling £363 (2023 - £Nil) were payable to the scheme at the end of the year and are included in creditors.
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BEFRIENDED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 (CONTINUED)
11 Funds
| Current year Unrestricted funds General General Funds Designated Designated fund Total unrestricted funds Restricted funds Events fund Staff fund Befriended Balance fund Total funds |
Balance at 1 October 2023 £ 1,677 42,000 43,677 - 5,000 1,252 6,252 49,929 |
Incoming resources £ 55,411 - 55,411 2,410 30,000 - 32,410 87,821 |
Resources expended £ (48,007) - (48,007) (2,410) (30,927) (1,252) (34,589) (82,596) |
Balance at 30 September 2024 £ 9,081 42,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 51,081 | ||||
| - 4,073 - |
||||
| 4,073 | ||||
| 55,154 |
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BEFRIENDED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 (CONTINUED)
| Prior year Unrestricted funds General General Funds Designated Designated fund Total unrestricted funds Restricted funds Staff fund Bus trip fund Blankets fund Befriended Balance fund Total funds |
Balance at 1 October 2022 £ 19,232 - 19,232 5,000 - - - 5,000 24,232 |
Incoming resources £ 18,471 42,000 60,471 16,000 1,835 4,008 4,000 25,843 86,314 |
Resources expended £ (35,976) - (35,976) (16,000) (1,850) (4,043) (2,748) (24,641) (60,617) |
Transfers £ Balance at 30 September 2023 £ (50) 1,677 - 42,000 (50) 43,677 - 5,000 15 - 35 - - 1,252 50 6,252 - 49,929 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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BEFRIENDED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 (CONTINUED)
12 Analysis of net assets between funds
| Tangible fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities Total net assets Current assets Current liabilities Total net assets |
Unrestricted funds General £ Designated £ 1,267 - 8,837 42,000 (1,023) - 9,081 42,000 Unrestricted funds General £ Designated £ 2,279 42,000 (602) - 1,677 42,000 |
Restricted funds £ - 4,073 - 4,073 Restricted funds £ 6,252 - 6,252 |
Total funds at 30 September 2024 £ 1,267 54,910 (1,023) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55,154 | |||
| Total funds at 30 September 2023 £ 50,531 (602) |
|||
| 49,929 |
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