## **Trustees' Annual Report for the period** ||Period start date|Period start date|||Period end date|Period end date|| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |**From**|1st|April|2023|**To**|31st|March|2024| ## Section A Reference and administration details **Other names charity is known by** N/A **Registered charity number (if any) 1178577** |**Charity's principal address**|
Project 229,|
Project 229,| |---|---|---| ||227-229 Bedford Road|| ||Kempston, Bedford|| ||**Postcode**|**MK42 8DA**| ## **Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity** |1
2
3
4
5

|**Trustee name**|**Office (if any)**|**Dates acted if not for**
**whole year**|**Name of person (or body)**
**entitled to appoint trustee (if**
**any)**| |---|---|---|---|---| ||Lionel Stewart*|Chair of Trustees||| ||Helen Sismey-Durrant*|Deputy Chair||| ||Sharon Griffiths*|Safeguarding||| ||Bipinchandra Shah*|General||| ||Frank McMahon|Finance||| |||||| ||*Founding Trustee|||| ## **Names of the trustees for the charity, if any, (for example, any custodian trustees)** **Name Dates acted if not for whole year** ## **Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)** **Type of adviser Name Address** ## **Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)** Rebecca Campbell-Grieve: Project 229 Manager **TAR** March **2024** 1 ## **Section B Structure, governance, and management** ## **Description of the charity’s trusts** Type of governing document Constitution - (e.g. trust deed, constitution) How the charity is constituted Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) - (e.g. trust, association, company) Trustee selection methods Appointed by Project 229 / confirmed by trustees - (e.g., appointed by, elected by) ## **Additional governance issues (Optional information)** You **may choose** to include additional information, where relevant, about: - policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees. - the charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works. - relationship with any related parties. - trustees’ consideration of major risks and the system and procedures to manage them. _**Project 229’s** building is owned by The Bedfordshire Charitable Trust (formerly The Ibbett Trust) whose founder ‘Clifton Ibbett’ had a vision to develop high quality, accessible facilities for the local community._ _**Project 229 was officially launched in February 2005** after a 2-3-year period of development, building extension and renovation. Project 229 was originally part of a national charity (Spurgeons) until 31[st] March 2014 and became care-of The Ibbett Trust from April 2014._ _Project 229 worked towards_ _**independent charitable status** with support from The Bedfordshire Charitable Trust and The CVS Bedford. The Project was_ _**founded as an independent Charitable Incorporated Organisation on 31[st] May 2018** ._ Project 229 hosts organisations **running activities and services for the benefit of the local community.** The Project also runs activities and services and is part of several partnership groups itself across the Borough. Project 229 works with support from the Council for Voluntary Services (CVS) Bedford. It is also part of the Small Charities Forum run by Bedford and Luton Community Foundation (BLCF) and Bedfordshire Advice Forum (BAF). Project 229 is represented at other meetings and forums with specialist areas of work across the Borough. Project 229 (CIO) has 5 Trustees (4 of whom are founding Trustees). In October 2023, some of the Project 229 Policies and Procedures were revised and/or reviewed by the Trustees. **www.project229.org** **TAR** March **2024** 2 ## **Section C Objectives and activities** ## **Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document** _1. To_ _**benefit the residents of Kempston and surrounding areas** , by working with local authorities, voluntary and other organisations, and local people to advance education and to_ _**provide facilities** in the interests of social welfare for recreation and leisure with the_ _**objective of improving the conditions of life for the residents** ._ _2. To_ _**promote social inclusion** for the public benefit by preventing people from becoming socially excluded (for one or more reasons), supporting people who are socially excluded and_ _**assisting them to integrate into society** ._ 3. _Such_ _**charitable purposes for the public benefit** as are exclusively charitable according to the laws of England and Wales as the trustees may from time to time determine._ **Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objects (include within this section the statutory declaration that trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit)** The Project 229 Charity trustees 'have regard' to the Charity Commission's public benefit guidance when carrying out activities to which it's relevant. ## **Project 229: Pro-Active Community Centre:** Project 229 is open as a **pro-active community centre** from Monday to Saturday for activities and services run for the benefit of the local community. After the last few years of COVID-impacted provision, groups are now fully functioning. Some have chosen to keep some online provision running (in addition to the face-toface services) to support those who were still unable to access public services. |**Face-to-face Provision at 229**
**(not including café stats orpublic annual events)**|**21/22**
**No.**|**22/23**
**No.**|**23/24**
**No.**| |---|---|---|---| |No. Different Organisations|23|36|45| |No. of ActivityTypes|45|84|103| |No. of subsidised sessions (where a percentage of costs were funded /
there was a reduction in cost byProject 229)|120|23|5| |No. of fullyfunded sessions|178|363|530| |**No. of face-to-face sessions at 229**|**1062**|**1589**|**1719**| |**Attendances(based on actual and estimated)**|**6247**|**13731**|**15085**| ||||| |**Off-Site / Alternative Provision(Online etc.)**|**21/22**
**No.**|**22/23**
**No.**|**23/24**
**No.**| |No. Different Organisations|20|6|4| |No. of ActivityTypes|27|10|9| |No. of subsidised sessions(percentage of costs funded / a cost reduction|N/A|0|0| |No. of fullyfunded sessions|N/A|40|163| |No. of Other Alternative Sessions(e.g.,alternative venue / online)|477|224|163| |**Attendances(based on actual and estimated)**|**2649**|**992**|**1152**| **TAR** March **2024** 3 In the last financial year, Project 229 had started recording the **interventions through the café** (having received a grant to support the development of the space from Bedford Borough / Compass Wellbeing funding). The last report only contained data from the last two months ( **from February to March 2023).** Now we can report on a full financial year from **1[st] April 2023 to 31[st] March 2024.** ||**Community Café at Project 229**|**Community Café at Project 229**|**Community Café at Project 229**||**Feb 23 - Mar 23**|
**Apr 23 – Mar 24**| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| ||No. Sessions|(Open Days)|||42|
227| ||Attendances||||**1431**|
**9229**| |||||||| ||**Year**
**Comparison**|**Face to Face**
**Services**|**Alternative**
**Services**||**Total Sessions**|**Percentage Increase**
**frompreviousyear**| |19/20||1187|0||**1187**|| |20/21||361|925||**1286**|**8%**| |21/22||1062|528||**1539**|**20%**| |22/23||1589|223||**1813**|**18%**| |**23/24**||**1719**|**163**||**1882**|**4%**| The statistics above include the services that have reported back to us. They **do not include** some of the **informal / incidental / additional support services provided during this time** including those who held annual public events. The statistics show a **4% increase in services being offered overall** compared to the previous year. A negligible number of groups did not provide data in time for this report and were based on accurate guestimates. Attendances are showing a **10% increase** from the previous year (not including the café attendances). |**Year**|**Attendances**
**Face to Face**|**Attendances**
**Alternative**|**Total**
**Attendances**|**Percentage Increase from**
**previousyear**| |---|---|---|---|---| |21/22|6247|2649|8896|| |22/23|13731|992|14723|66%| |**23/24**|**15085**|**1152**|**16237**|**10%**| The café statistics below will be minimum rather than maximum (as it is easy to miss people when the café is busy). The development of the space and incorporating as part of our charitable provision has exceeded our expectations on every level. The 23/24 data shows the first full year of the café / warm space being open (which explains the 545% increase). |I**nterventions / Attendances 2022/2023**|**2022/2023**|**2023/2024**|**% Increase**| |---|---|---|---| |Attendances at Project 229(Face to Face)|13755|**15085**|**10**| |Attendances at Alternative Venues / Online|992|**1152**|**16**| |Attendances at Café(22/23 is Feb-Mar only)|1431|**9229**|**545**| |**Total**|**16178**|**25466**|**57**| ## **Support for New Projects and Groups** Project 229 continue to **support the start-up of New Groups** and activities with advice on safe set-up, sustainability and provides knowledge of the local area. The Project also provides advertising / design support for new activities that have a responsibility to publicly advertise their community services. (There are some groups who may not advertise due to the sensitive nature of the group). Support may also extend to working in partnership and applying for **joint funding bids** or providing support to those fundraising for their start-up costs. ## **Spotlight on services directly supported / managed by Project 229:** **TAR** March **2024** 4 ## **The Art Well (Open Arts for Positive Mental Health)** **The Art Well (Launched in September 2019):** An Arts for Health group for adults with **mental health** or **social isolation needs** is run by Art Psychotherapist Marion Major. The service was developed in response to the need for more Mental Health provision as services had either ceased to exist operating or had lengthy waiting lists. The Art Well provides an **accessible service improving mental health** through creativity. www.project229.org/artwell The Art Well, which runs a referral group, peer support group and an online group, thanks to the **Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation** and **The National Lottery Community Fund** . The Art Well provides **three groups** across the course of a week, **for 40 weeks** of the year, plus additional pilot Eco Art Therapy groups in 2023/24. The following data is taken from the Art Well funder report **Sept 23 to Aug 24.** |**Art Well Data Type**|**21/22**|**22/23**|**23/24**|The following data is taken from the Art
Well funder report**Sept 23 to Aug 24:**
**From September 2023 to August 2024**
The Art Well**received 66 new referrals.**| |---|---|---|---|---| |Face to Face Art Well Sessions|110|100|104|| |**Attendances**|**541**|**645**|**959**|| |Online / Alternative Art Well Sessions|42|40|40|| |**Attendances**|**336**|**220**|**152**|| |**Total Sessions**|**152**|**140**|**14**|| |**Total Attendances**|**877**|**865**|**1111**|| **TAR** March **2024** 5 The Art Well uses a nationally recognised **health and wellbeing outcome measure** (WEMWBS) as well as feedback forms and 1:1 assessments. Where possible, they complete **WEMWBS (Warwick and Edinburgh Wellbeing Scale)** outcome measure data and qualitative feedback from the online group. ## **The WEMWBS data from the 12-week group:** The data shows that 67% of attendees recorded show a meaningful positive change in wellbeing. We have seen in the 12-week group a core number of eight to ten participants completing all weeks. We would like this to increase and are therefore looking to accept around 14 participants in September2024 to see if this increases the core number. ## **Managed Peer Support Group WEMWBS Data:** Peer Group supports those who would benefit from a longer-term intervention after the 12-week group. **TAR** March **2024** 6 The data show smaller changes in wellbeing compared with those in the 12-week group. Scores indicate a tendency to plateau, due to reasons such as: - Long term physical health conditions - Being a parent carer of SEND children - Long term mental health diagnoses that means there will be fluctuations In the peer group, meaningful positive change in wellbeing was recorded by 43% of attendees. This is in line with what we would expect. The reason people attend peer group is because of long term needs and change is very much dependent upon external factors changing, such as health, family, housing situations. We have several participants with serious health conditions and cancer diagnoses. **TAR** March **2024** 7 and seen 14 peer group members moving on from the group during this year. Pilot **eco art therapy** sessions were run in The Green Man Community Garden with additional funding from **The Bedford and Luton Community Foundation** . This had a positive uptake and moving forward will be incorporated into The Art Well offer. Every year all participants are encouraged to apply to the **SANE Creative Awards Scheme** , helping those affected by mental ill health and those that care for them develop their creative potential. The Art Well have had **two participants this year receive awards** enabling them to access and fund workshops and materials. - Project 229 continues to offer a **wide range of services and provisions** that support and help a **diverse** number of individuals, families and groups across the community. - The reopening of the **Project 229 cafe as a community hub** has really helped to provide a space outside The Art Well, and other groups, for our participants to meet, chat and **build relationships.** - The cafe has also been used **for assessments, and new walk-ins are able to find out** about services which has **increased referrals** to The Art Well and other provisions. ## **Art Well Groups** **Tuesday - An online group** (for new referrals and continuing support): This has had **six regular attendees** and is facilitated by the lead art therapist, a trainee art therapist, and a volunteer. **Wednesday - A 12-week face to face group** for new referrals: This group has been **accepting up to 12 attendees** during each cycle. The lead art therapist and two volunteers facilitate it. **Thursday - A face to face managed peer support group** which is offered based on the needs and circumstances of those who have completed the initial 12-week group and have benefited from engaging with the arts in the initial referral group. Members support each other and bring creative ideas. This group is managed by the lead art therapist, assisted by two volunteers, and has had varying attendance of **between 6 and 17 each week** throughout the year. **TAR** March **2024** 8 ## **The SPACE Project** ## **One to One Support:** Individual support offered to young people and provided by the play therapists, counsellors and staff. Project 229 has continued to manage the **SPACE Project** , to support **young people aged 9-18 (school year 5 and up) in Bedford Borough who have been impacted by Domestic Abuse** . www.project229.org/space In 23/24, SPACE’s main funder was **The Harpur Trust** . New main funding support from **The National Lottery Community Fund** also started from September 2023. Additional funding support included the **Panacea Charitable Trust** and the **Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation** . **Planets: Planets are mini youth clubs** that run fortnightly during term time, the members of each planet make decisions **collaboratively** about what they will do during their sessions. ## **Youth Advisory Board:** SPACE continued to run **‘SUN’ the youth advisory board** made up of representatives from all the different planets (groups). They help **to plan activities and services** including the holiday provision and can **share their thoughts and feedback with staff and management.** ## **Event Provision:** The SPACE Christmas event was open to all young people who attend SPACE. It was planned by the SUN Focus group and included a silent disco, bouncy castle, mini-Christmas dinner, a brownie and ice-cream provision, arts/craft activities and music lessons! ## **Transport:** - **This enables young people** who would otherwise have been unable attend (due to lack of access to a vehicle or family pressures) to come to SPACE. ## **Staff:** - During this year, the Safeguarding Trustee started **a process of service and role reviews** to with staff to see check and evidence where some of the crunch points were. We wanted to assess where we needed to **better support areas of function** and to **inform our recruitment** moving forwards. - The youth worker decided it was time for them to leave. It was the right decision… but one that came at a challenging time. **TAR** March **2024** 9 - Staff in the service really stepped up during this period. One of the sessional staff took on additional administrative responsibilities. The **team was positive and came together** in enthusiastic response. - The service adapted and continued a **safe and high-quality provision** The team did a brilliant job of maintaining the services with no negative impact on service users during the changes. - Very positive **support and flexibility from our major funders** enabled the team to take time to creatively consider next steps towards **recruitment and future development** in 24/25. **CAFADA: (** _**Children and Families Affected by Domestic Abuse Project**_ **)** **----- Start of picture text -----**
The cosy SPACE Podcast Booth set up
in Acorn Lounge at Project 229!
The young people felt safe to talk in
this space.
**----- End of picture text -----**
SPACE has been working with the **CAFADA (Stirling University Partnership)** research team since 2020. The team have been carrying out **qualitative research** with young people who attend SPACE. The project aimed to ascertain from the results the ways in which SPACE is **effective in meeting the needs** of young people who have experienced domestic abuse and **identify any areas for improvement** . **The CAFADA team** continued to attend SPACE sessions in 23/24 to further their research with the young people through interviews and participatory activities. A **new Podcast project** was launched to capture the views and opinions of some of the young people with support from **CAFADA** , The **School of Social and Political Science** (The University of Edinburgh) and an **Audio Producer** . The **Audio Podcasts** are to be released in 2024 / 2025. A **Youth Report** solely using the voices and opinions of the young people at SPACE is to be released in 2024 / 2025. This includes their views on: - What SPACE **feels** like - What **an ideal service** for domestic abuse looks like - **Talking** about experiences - What makes a **trustworthy adult** - The **environment** of SPACE - How the service can **be improved** **TAR** March **2024** 10 groups and activities (1" April 2023 to 31, March 2024) Funding the existing, core provision for up to 50 young people per year16-10 yp per planet) will enable SPACE to bring together those with similar lived experiences in order to help them: facilitate supportive adult-child relationships build a sense of self-efficacy and perceived control provide opportunities to strengthen adaptive skills and self-regulatory capacities mobilize sources of faith, hope, and cultural traditions. These are in-line with the common set of factors identified by Harvard University that predispose children to positive outcomes in the face of significant adversity. what we dld... 5 small groups operating up to ? O young people per small group Iplanet} 87 planet sessions 602 planet attendances -126 male 123 female) 1 end of year activity open to all (for 34 young people). 19 attendances of our monthly youth advisory group. 12 5peci31 event5 Wlth 66 attendances 372 journeys to and from SPACE were provided {this enabled 38 young people to access SPACE who would otherwise not be able to get there. There were special activity sessions with Canoe Trails, 1-2-1 s, meals out, trips to Geek Retreat & Escape Rooms what we aimed to do... Planets: (Small Groups) 5 small groups operating 18 sessions per group 1 holiday activity per group what we aimed to do... Therapeutlc Interventlons: what we did... 30-50 young people supported 3 small grp therapeutic interventions 108 Play therapy sessions Minimum of 15 young people 49 young people supported in Planets 109 Play I Clay Therapy sessions provided 14 young people provided with one-to-one support le.g. play therapy) Parent support provided what we aimed to do... Professional Development what we did... Introduced new staff Solutlon Focused Cllnlcal supervision iHasCO training offer, Increased courses incl. soft skills NYA training available Specialist training available - incl. local safeguarding board training Clinical supervision NYA training Specialist training Continued CPD TAR Mar¢h 2024 ## **Solution Focussed Therapy One-To-One Sessions** As part of the services provided through Project 229, **Solution Focused Therapy (SFT)** is a brief intervention enabling clients to identify their **preferred pathway and ‘best hopes’ for the future** . It looks towards problem solving rather than past difficulties. The qualified practitioner is a volunteer, so the only costs are for clinical supervision and room hire. Working in a collaborative project ensures that where SFT is not the most appropriate support, clients can be referred on to counselling or other appropriate services. For clients who are wanting to find a way forward but who are feeling ‘stuck’, it is an **effective and helpful way to create sustainable change** . These sessions have been invaluable to Project 229 clients, many of whom are **referred to SFT through other service providers** . In 2023/2024, **22 individuals have been supported** . This includes the following (anonymised) case study: ‘Jo’ asked for an appointment just 24 hours before a meeting with his employers where his worst fears were realised in redundancy notice. He had worked in the same place for many years, and it included living on site, so losing his job also meant losing his home. Initially, we concentrated on his response and communication but over several months Jo was able to set aside his anger and consider the changes as an opportunity. He and his wife now live near the coast, and they have been able to fulfil some long-term dreams for a healthier lifestyle. _Jo says:_ _**“I never thought I would ever need help to be quite honest. But I did and when that moment arrived your service was there to help me with my struggles. For that I really can’t thank you enough. The work you do is outstanding and certainly for me you put me at ease and allowed me to unload a pile of stuff I really couldn’t have dealt with alone”.**_ ## **Other Project 229 Activities / Services** Project 229 continues to offer a **bursary scheme** encouraging groups to provide free of charge places for individuals who would otherwise struggle to access their services. This is on a **professional referral** basis only via Project 229. Project 229 **works with a network of partners to improve referral pathways** and understands that many people who require support have multiple and complex needs. When organisations and projects are willing to work together, people are more likely to gain improved support and access to services. Project 229 has continued working with services to **develop online referral forms** for groups that could be used for self / professional referrals. See ‘Project’s’ menu at www.project229.org Project 229 continues to produce **newsletters, advertising, social media content and press releases** to promote the services and activities that run at or are supported by the centre. ## **www.project229.org/whatsonnow** **TAR** March **2024** 12 ## **Hub Club Café: A ‘not for profit’ warm space** Since **May 2022** , the **café space** at the front of the project **piloted operating as a community hub** , **meeting place** and **co-working space** and has provided many opportunities for triage work leading to faster referrals and better connectivity with the local community. Staff and volunteers in the café **regularly signpost and support people towards accessing the help that they need** . This includes access to free **debt support** , **foodbank vouchers** and support through organisations such as the **fuel foundation** . There has been an **increase in organisations contacting 229** to request providing regular support services. This **aids the provision of support for complex needs** and helps to build trust with, and increase access to, early intervention and statutory services. Many of 229’s services are being provided to **specifically counter isolation** . The café provides **a warm welcome for those who are lonely and isolated** . With no pressure as a commercial venture to make a profit, people are encouraged to stay as long as they want to, with **friendly staff and volunteers to talk to** as well having **access to puzzles and games and low-cost drinks and snacks** . Project 229’s services are supporting clients with complex, long-term and life limiting conditions. **Adults with learning disabilities** regularly access the café as **a safe place to socialise** with/ without staff from support agencies. With funding from **Compass Wellbeing and Bedford Borough Council in 22/23** the project took the risk to run the café as **a not-for-profit space** , providing drinks and snacks at very low cost, but with no obligation for visitors to have to buy anything if they simply needed a safe space to spend time in. As a result, the café space has become **more intrinsically linked with the rest of the work of the project** than ever before. Since the grant, Project 229 has continued working with **Marmite Fine Dining Catering Ltd** to provide nutritious, low allergen soups for FREE (or for a donation). This runs at the same time as the foodbank distribution centre while stocks last. Chef Ian has faithfully continued to support the venture throughout the year and beyond the original funded pilot. During **2023 / 2024** , the **average** was approximately **36 portions** per service. This was the first full year and as **growing service** it is highly valued by partners **Bedford Foodbank** as well as the **community groups** and **service users at 229** . We aim to continue the service with funding previously received for ongoing food-based projects. **Chef Ian** from Marmite Fine Dining Ltd is **continuing to support the venture** in 2024/2025! **TAR** March **2024** 13 The Kempston Advice Hub is now well established with organisations committing to come in to provide free drop-in support and advice to those who need support each week. ## **Hub Club continues to:** - Offer ‘free to access’ services running in the café - Log data about the use of the café and its benefits - Have staff and volunteers accessible to support people - Have increased referral rates for services - Provide placements for volunteers, enabling them to gain skills and confidence The café has helped Project 229 gain a **57% overall increase in attendances** over the year ## Hub Club Use (Groups / Activity) The chart below shows the **percentage use of the café** by: **----- Start of picture text -----**
25%
47%
8%
20%
Community groups Advice and Support School use Café activities/use
**----- End of picture text -----**
- Community groups - School groups - Advice and support groups - Free café activities, groups and events These are designed to **support positive mental health** and counter **isolation.** **TAR** March **2024** 14 ## Interventions / Reasons For Attending Hub Club Café **----- Start of picture text -----**
8% 8%
7%
24%
14%
1%
9%
15%
9% 5% 0%
**----- End of picture text -----**
Low-cost / Free drinks and snacks To see a member of staff Free crafts / Mindful colouring / Games Access to one-to-one support Volunteering / Work experience opportunities Working / Wifi Use Warm / Relaxing space / Social interaction To be referred to a service Foodbank Vouchers New / Enquiries about services or what we do here Meetings **TAR** March **2024** 15 ## **Useful findings and needs analysis to help further development of the project:** Being **mindful of the needs of people** who come through the door is a big part of the café function. Staff and volunteers take the time to chat to people, **share information** about up-and-coming workshops and **undertake referrals** to services. The benefit of the café being low cost / **not for profit enables people to feel comfortable to stay if they want to** with no pressure to ‘leave a table’ or buy more drinks. Mindful colouring, books and games are always available. The **little library and swap station** developed with support from Bedford’s ‘Men In Sheds’ is very well used and supports the Project’s environmental policy. Bedford Repair Café are now using Project 229 as their base to run events enabling people to repair items rather than throw them away. These events are always well attended with significant ## **Quotes from service users:** _'This place is amazing, it's like a safe haven, I don't always feel confident breast feeding as a new mum, it's lovely to see so many different types of people from the community in one place.'_ _**New Customer**_ _'This place is a godsend, it really helps me when I've had a week when I've been running around like a headless chicken to rest, it helps me to switch off and spend time with fantastic people. Thank you.'_ _**Client**_ _'I love coming to this building for therapy - I love seeing the little library and walking through.'_ _**Client**_ **TAR** March **2024** 16 _'I'm not noticing my arthritis as much being busy.'_ _**Customer**_ _'Always feels so warm, staff are so nice - feels like a family! -_ _**Professional (0-19 team)**_ _This place is like magic - Best coffee I've had in ages!'_ _**New Customer**_ _‘You helped me when I came to foodbank - the soup really helped me when I was in a bad place – I’m now pleased to tell you that I have a job!’_ _**Foodbank Client**_ _'We need more places like this!'_ _**Green Party councillor**_ _‘The café is like a 'bolt hole - somewhere to escape to’_ _**Customers who have become regulars**_ _"Happy to sit here and have 'me time' which I don't get at home"_ _**Service user**_ _"If it wasn't for this project, I wouldn’t have had the confidence to do (craft fair) it at the weekend"_ _**Service user**_ _"I look forward to Fridays the soup and atmosphere is really nice"_ _**Service user**_ ## **Additional details of objectives and activities (Optional information)** You **may choose** to include further statements, where relevant, about: - policy on grantmaking; - policy programme related investment; - contribution made by volunteers. Many of the **activities and services at Project 229 would not be able to run without the dedicated** **support of volunteers** from the community. Volunteers support Project 229 with administrative work associated with running the project including general admin, invoicing, and other finance support. Hub Café is now providing ongoing **volunteering placements** for people who have come through one or more Project 229 service. These are ideal for those who want to build confidence, train and gain new skills in customer service. Hub Club and Project 229 has started to **provide work experience placements** for students at local schools and colleges. During this year some of the project volunteers have **continued working remotely** to support Project 229’s admin function. This includes **finance support and invoice creation** . We are also thankful for the support of volunteers who help specific services. Volunteers help the function of **The Art Well** and many of our other support services. One volunteer (trained by BRIEF) provides Project 229’s **Solution Focussed Therapy** service. We want to also thank **supporters from some of our donor / fundraising groups** who not only raise funds but provide **practical support** at our community centre, including sweeping up the leaves outside and continuing to keep on top of our seasonal planting! Project 229 is also indebted to **groups, organisations and individuals** who have raised funds to support the work of the project throughout 2023 / 2024. Project 229 has continued **developing the website** to include information about other services and activity programmes including pages for the services offering **more intensive support** . www.project229.org (see various menus). **TAR** March **2024** 17 |Section D|Achievements and performance| |---|---| |**Summary of the**
**main**
**achievements of**
**the charity**
**during the year**|| ||**_Statement from The Trustees: Bipinchandra Shah_**
_Project 229 continues to flourish, becoming stronger and more resilient than before, it is a_
_beacon of hope, development and community._
_Our dedicated team of staff and volunteers continue to relentlessly give their time and_
_compassion, and I truly believe that together with Beccy (Project Manager) we can continue_
_to strive for bigger and better opportunities._
_We have increased volunteering prospects through the café and workshops where_
_countless individuals have progressed, honed their skills and built their confidence to move_
_forward in this fast paced and ever-changing world._
_There are far too many wonderful projects to name, but projects like SPACE, The Art Well_
_and SF give young people and adults a voice and a safe space to express themselves as well_
_as providing fantastic referral pathways._
_We host various mental and physical wellbeing sessions, careers and debt advice, arts and_
_creativity - as well as providing a warm, neutral place with access to free soup on Fridays,_
_encouraging social cohesion and combating isolation._
_I am grateful for all the support and time that our experienced trustees give the project._
_It is clear from the continuous increase in engagement and footfall that Project 229 is an_
_integral resource for many in the community and offers a multitude of benefits to all those_
_who come across it._| ## **Section E Financial review** |**Section E**|**Financial review**| |---|---| |**Brief statement**
**of the charity’s**
**policy on**
**reserves**
**Details of any**
**funds materially**
**in deficit**|The Trustees have set aside some money which was given to Project 229 by The Ibbett
Trust (Now Bedfordshire Charitable Trust) to put into reserves. The Trustees are
considering additional funds to include in the charity’s reserves. The policy on
reserves will aim to set aside enough money to meet potential needs, such as an
unexpected drop in income, major repairs or equipment replacement and building
works. This will be made separate from the charity’s general reserves.| ||The funding stream that runs in arrears is SPACE funded by The Harpur Trust. This is
not a material deficit.| ## **Further financial review details (Optional information)** You **may choose** to include additional information, where relevant about: - the charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising); - • how expenditure has supported the key objectives of the charity; - investment policy and objectives including any ethical investment policy adopted. **Local Fundraising and Donations including:** • **Bedford Netball Association:** Donation from Mayor - **LEGGS Golf Society:** Donations for equipment needed - • **Bedford 41 Club:** Donation for a presentation / talk **TAR** March **2024** 18 - **Harlington Society for Arts and Crafts:** Donations for Arts Projects - **Milton Ernest Church:** General project donation - **Kempston Rugby Club:** Various project donations from fundraising events - **Probus:** Donation for a presentation / talk - **A L and G Abbott:** Donation to Project 229 - **Hub Club Community Café:** Not-for Profit Café and Warm Space at 229 / residents’ donations ## **Grants including:** - **The Harpur Trust** : continued funding for SPACE - **Active Luton (Team Beds and Luton):** Grant for Activity Programme - **Active Luton (Team Beds and Luton):** Coach Training Funding - **St John’s Hospital Trust:** Funding for Solution Focused Therapy Service - **The National Lottery Community Fund:** for The Art Well - **The National Lottery Community Fund:** for SPACE - **Bedfordshire Luton Community Foundation** (BLCF) Grant for ECO ART The chart (below) shows the % of different **income types recorded in 23/24** and does not include brought forward income from 22/23. This is broken down into **RESTRICTED** and **UNRESTRICTED** income: ## **In 2023/2024** **76%** of Project 229 income **was restricted** compared to: **70%** restricted income in **22/23** Restricted income is for specific projects or agreed and funded purchases **TAR** March **2024** 19 The chart (below) shows the % of different **expenditure types recorded in 23/24.** **In 2023/2024** **61%** of Project 229 expenditure **was restricted** compared to: **54%** restricted expenditure in **22/23** In **23/24** some **expenditure costs increased.** Rates such as utilities costs continue to be high. Project 229 became liable to pay a building lease fee from **March 2023** . These costs are on an **increasing annual rate** over a long period. This forms part of a lease set up with the **Bedfordshire Charitable Trust** for the ongoing long-term use of Project 229 for providing community services. **Staffing** and **Project Activity costs** continue to be Project 229’s greatest expenditure. ## **Section F Other o tional information p** **TAR** March **2024** 20 ## **Section G Declaration** **The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.** **Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees** **Signature(s)** Bipinchandra Shah **Full name(s)** Lionel Stewart **Position (e.g., Secretary,** Chair of Trustees Trustee **Chair, etc) Date** 31/01/2025 **TAR** March **2024** 21 1111 0 3 1111 1111 1111 111111 111111 111111 11111 11111 111111111 111111111 11111 ##