Trustee Annual Report
Yellowbird Age Friendly Drop-in & Advice Group Charity Registration Number: 1177904 For the Financial Year Ending: 2025
1. Introduction
This report outlines the work of Yellowbird Age Friendly Drop-in & Advice Group during the financial year ending 2025 . The trustees are pleased to present an overview of our activities, impact, and financial position.
2. Governance & Management
2.1 Legal Status & Structure
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Yellowbird Age Friendly Drop-in & Advice Group is a registered charity governed by a Constitution
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The charity is managed by a board of trustees , who oversees its work and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
2.2 Trustees
The following trustees served during this period:
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Amy Muthra (Chair)
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Alaina Choudary (Treasurer)
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Hartley Polson (Secretary)
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Eula Mesquita (Trustee)
Trustees are elected annually by members or co-opted by existing trustees .
3. Objectives & Activities
3.1 Our Mission
Our charity exists to provide an age-friendly drop-in support and advice service that fosters connection, understanding, and well-being among older adults, particularly those from diverse communities in central Manchester, including the Moss Side Caribbean community. We aim to combat loneliness, isolation, and memory-related challenges by offering a range of social, creative, and educational activities. Our welcoming space encourages both users and carers to share their experiences, express themselves in confidence, and receive compassionate support in a warm and respectful setting. Through activities such as dance, walking, chair and standing exercises, drama, and music, we promote physical and emotional well-being while celebrating culture and shared experiences. Above all, we are committed to
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inclusivity, ensuring that our services remain accessible to all, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, sexuality, religion, political belief, marital status, or age.
3.2 Key Activities & Achievements
Over the past year, Yellowbird Age Friendly Drop-in & Advice Group has continued to deliver vital support and engagement for older adults through a range of well-established activities, including:
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Weekly Drop-in Sessions – Providing a warm, friendly space where older adults can socialise, share experiences, and access support.
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Advice & Support Services – Assisting individuals with issues such as benefits, housing, healthcare, and general well-being.
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Community Engagement Events – Organising social and cultural activities to combat loneliness and promote connection e.g. our Annual Christmas Dinner & Festivities on 19 December 2024 staged by the Bugle Group.
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Health & Well-being Activities – Facilitating light exercise sessions such as chair-based exercises, walking groups, to encourage physical activity.
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Creative & Cultural Activities – Offering opportunities for members to engage in music, drama, storytelling, and arts and crafts, fostering selfexpression and community bonding.
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Intergenerational Engagement – Exploring ways to connect older adults with younger generations through shared learning and activities.
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Peer Support & Confidence Building – Encouraging members to share personal experiences, challenges, and successes in a respectful and understanding environment.
These activities, which have been at the heart of our mission for several years, have directly benefited 15-20 people in our community this year, reinforcing our longstanding commitment to reducing social isolation and loneliness, confidence building and improving the quality of life for older adults.
4. Financial Review
4.1 Income & Expenditure
For the financial year ending [date] , Yellowbird Age Friendly Drop-in & Advice Group operated without external grants or formal funding. Instead, all activities and services were sustained through voluntary contributions from group members and supporters.
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Total income: £481.78 (100% from member contributions and donations)
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Total expenditure: £832.17 (used for venue costs, refreshments, activity materials, and operational expenses)
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Closing balance: -£350.39
4.2 Sustainability & Financial Challenges
As we rely entirely on member contributions, financial sustainability remains a key challenge. We continue to manage our resources carefully to ensure the continuation of our services while exploring potential funding opportunities that align with our mission.
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4.3 Reserves Policy
At the close of the financial year, the charity maintained -£350.39 in reserves. These funds are crucial for covering essential costs and ensuring that we can continue to provide a welcoming space for our members.
5. Future Plans & Development
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Looking ahead, Yellowbird Age Friendly Drop-in & Advice Group aims to strengthen and expand its support services for older adults. Key areas for development include:
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Expanding Outreach: We aim to reach and support more older adults, particularly those experiencing loneliness, isolation, and memory-related challenges.
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Securing Additional Funding: As we currently operate solely on member contributions, we will actively seek funding opportunities to enhance our service delivery and provide additional resources for our beneficiaries.
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Strengthening Partnerships: We plan to develop stronger collaborations with local organisations to expand our impact and improve the support available to our members.
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Student Placement Support: We are exploring opportunities to welcome university students as placement volunteers to assist with group activities, enriching our services while offering students practical experience in community support.
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Accounts Support Initiative: We are considering engaging student volunteers from Manchester Business School to assist with financial management and basic accounting tasks, improving financial oversight and ensuring long-term sustainability.
By pursuing these initiatives, we hope to broaden our reach, improve operational efficiency, and secure a more sustainable future for the group.
6. Compliance & Governance Statement
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No serious incidents were reported to the Charity Commission.
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The charity remains compliant with its governing document and legal obligations.
7. Trustee Declaration
The trustees confirm that this report has been approved by the board on 13/05/2025 .
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Signed on behalf of the trustees:
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Amy Muthra Chair
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Hartley Polson Secretary
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