**LOVE SOUTHEND** **Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 December 2023** 1 ## **LOVE SOUTHEND** ## **Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 December 2023** **The Trustees have pleasure in presenting their report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31[st] December 2023** ## **Structure, Governance and Management** Love Southend is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), incorporated on 26 September 2018. It is registered with the Charity Commission. The CIO was established under its Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charity and is governed by its Articles of Association. ## **Appointment and Induction of Trustees** Trustees are appointed at Annual General Meetings, as set out in the Articles of Association, which provide for a minimum of three trustees. The Trustees are responsible for the appointment of new trustees. New trustees undergo an induction to brief them on their legal obligations under charity law, the content of the Articles of Association and the decision-making processes and the recent performance of the charity. They meet key employees and the other trustees. ## **Risk Assessment Policy** The Risk Assessment and Health and Safety policy will be overseen by a designated trustee who reports back to trustees’ meetings with appropriate recommendations. ## **Organisational Policy** The Trustees meet a minimum of four times a year. Sub-committees are formed as and when required. The Love Southend Servant Team oversee the operations of the charity. ## **Organisation** The Leadership Team structure and responsibilities are as follows: Being a new and small charity, the organisation is simple. **The Love Southend Servant Team** consists of six individuals, four of whom are ministers of local churches, the other two holding leadership responsibilities in local churches. These have responsibility for the direction and vision of the charity. ## **Trustees** i. The trustees are responsible for the legal and financial management of the charity; for keeping adequate accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the CIO and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the requirements of the Charity Commissioners. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. In preparing the financial statements the trustees are required to select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently; make judgements that are reasonable and prudent; and ensure funds are being used to fulfil the objectives of the CIO. ii. To advise the Love Southend Servant team on staffing, salaries and employment issues. iii. To manage the legal responsibilities of the charity. ## **Salaried staff** There were no salaried staff for the year 2023 ## **Objectives and Activities** The principal activities of the charity are the relief of those in need; the promotion of the spiritual welfare of the community and the advancement of religion in Southend-on-Sea and its environs. 2 ## **LOVE SOUTHEND** ## **Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 December 2023** ## **Review of activities and achievements** ## **Prayer and worship** We consider prayer to be an indispensable part of the individual’s, the church’s, and therefore Love Southend’s life. We hold monthly prayer and worship weekday morning meetings which are open to any member of the community. These meetings focus on issues of celebration or concern in the life and work of the city; the work and ministry of churches, Christian charities or individuals and their service in the community. Additionally, four of Love Southend’s monthly Network Gatherings were planned around worship and intercession along with other monthly meetings with contributions from key players in the community to inform our praying. Some of the City-wide themes we have focused prayer on during 2023 have included our police, local YMCA, our MPs and local and national government, a planned city centre evangelistic day and different courses in the autumn that help people explore faith. The ‘Loving Southend in Prayer’ WhatsApp group continues and draws on contacts within the NHS, Police and Council for updated needs, concerns and encouragements which are quickly and easily communicated to the 49 people in the group. Love Southend encourages support for other city-wide prayer initiatives. This year we promoted and actively encouraged participation in two evening ‘Prayer for the City’ events arranged by local Anglican churches. ## **City Centre Chaplaincy** The Lead Love Southend Chaplain officially returned from his sabbatical at the start of March 2023 however he used February to lay groundwork for his return by visiting the various areas in the City. ## High Street Retail As we started the 5th year of Love Southend’s ‘City’ Chaplaincy the cost-of-living crisis was the main issue facing both businesses and customers. This meant the time covered in the Royals by chaplaincy remained at 2 hours. The Methodist half of the team continued chaplaincy in the Victoria Plaza shopping centre at the other end of the high street. Throughout the year prayer was shared, signposting and comfort was given. Continued links grew with both those of other faiths, especially the Muslim staff, and those with no faith commitment. Conversations covered areas such as mental health, education, business, finances, physical health, assistance with end of life and mourning. ## Veterans Chaplaincy links to veterans continued at the same pace as previously till June when a change of circumstances for the chaplain made this unviable and although still available by phone the relationship has dwindled. It will be seen if this can be rekindled in 2024 but may prove to be difficult. ## YMCA (The Y) The breakfast club restarted with the chaplain’s return but following a review of it was decided to end this offer. By contrast one-to-ones increased during the year as a whole. The conversations and prayers with staff and residents had similar foci to the retail sector above. However, the residents often expressed more concern about anxiety, addiction, lack of confidence in themselves and their worth to society. One person made a commitment to Christ and some members of staff started to attend or return to churches. Another area being explored is networking between the YMCA youth workers and music staff with church youth leaders. 3 ## **LOVE SOUTHEND** ## **Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 December 2023** ## Refugee support Chaplaincy to refugees with volunteers of the Arab/English friendship group came to an agreed end in July as although refugees are still housed in the City most of the work is now outside our boundaries. ## Project Southchurch The growth of the role to this community group is immense involving community presentations, the use of 7 drop in meetings in local cafes, being available to the community face to face and through various media outlets. Further links have grown between churches and the group. Through relationships forged through this group the chaplain has been co-opted onto the local police Independent Advisory Group and has been invited to attend council gatherings and a Muslim celebration. ## Miscellaneous Occasionally the chaplain attends a drop in arranged by Age Concern, this role being shared with a vicar from St Alban the Martyr. A presentation was given by the lead chaplain on chaplaincy to an international theology course. ## Chaplaincy Everywhere Course As last year this course is still on hold. Shadowing has been going on with two shadows up to the end of the year. Shadowing will continue to ensure we have people who understand the need for chaplaincy services and assess the appropriateness of the course. ## Plans for 2024 Continuing shadowing in preparation for a chaplains’ course. Review all areas for engagement and growth and identify any need for change Liaise with other chaplaincy groups to garner ideas and best practice. ## **Southend Churches Community Support (SCCS)** Despite the best efforts of the Manager [for Love Southend] of the SCCS Befriending Project to secure future funding for the Befriending Project, this did not prove to be possible. To maintain the level of support to the clients, it was therefore agreed by all concerned that the SCCS Befriending Project would be transferred to St. Vincent de Paul’s [SVP] (Southend) Inreach Project on 1st October 2023. We are grateful that the Manager was able to maintain their long-standing support for the Project’s clients under the auspices of SVP (Southend). SCCS will be retained as a service category within Love Southend in the expectation that other initiatives will emerge under that ministry heading. This will enable Love Southend to be able to meet one of their charitable objectives: “The relief of those who by reason of youth, age, ill health, disability, financial hardship, or other disadvantage are in need.” The distribution of SCCS assets, as agreed by the Love Southend Trustees and Servant Team and in discussion with the Manager, was as follows: - All SCCS branded assets will remain with Love Southend; - Unbranded assets will be passed to SVP to be used for the benefit of current and future clients of the Project; - Remaining funds within Love Southend’s accounts allocated to SCCS for the support of the Befriending Project will be passed to SVP to be used for the current and future clients of the Project; - The SCCS website and social media platforms will be managed by Love Southend. A post will be made referencing the transfer of the Befriending Project to SVP; and - The SCCS van will be donated to the Southend Vineyard’s Storehouse Project which supports vulnerable and homeless members of the community in concert with the values of the Befriending Project. 4 ## **LOVE SOUTHEND** ## **Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 December 2023** ## **Network meetings** Love Southend holds a monthly evening network meeting for church leaders, people who pray regularly for the well-being of the residents, the life and work of the city, and Christians who hold positions of responsibility within the community. In addition, any member of a Christian community interested in city wide issues is welcome to attend. These meetings involve: raising awareness of city-wide issues by inviting community leaders or those leading city focussed Christian ministry to inform the network and create opportunities for churches and individuals to engage with the issues raised; to provide mutual support, encouragement and prayer for network members and their ministry. This year, for example, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Southend West and a Chief Superintendent of Essex Police attended network meetings, explaining their roles, responsibilities and aspirations for Southend and ways in which churches could support them in their public service. Another evening focused on the issue of housing in Southend and Christian initiatives in meeting housing needs. ## **Engagement with Community and Faith Leaders** Members of Love Southend have established strong connections with community leaders to better understand issues for celebration and the needs of the community, and to provide prayerful support and encouragement for those carrying significant responsibility within Southend. A member of the Servant Team had regular meetings with senior police officers. We kept in close contact with these links throughout the year to support and encourage them in the fulfilment of their responsibilities and to be aware of ways in which we could offer support in prayer for them, their staff and for the city. Two members of the Servant Team attended meetings of the Southend Faith and Belief Network which provides a very welcome communication conduit between the Council and faith communities in the city. Monthly Microsoft Teams calls requested by the Council enabled faith communities to: - share initiatives that met the needs of the wider community - be aware of initiatives and developments by the Council in response to key issues affecting the community and report these to their faith communities - to hear from, and ask questions of, key officials in the Council. - to support and engage with the annual ‘Unite in Light’ event whose theme this year was ‘Care for the Planet’ ## **Other Events** Love Southend was honoured to be invited to be a part of the mayoral party and to a lay a wreath at the Civic Remembrance Service. ## **Support for NHS and emergency services staff – continuing to boost morale** A member of the Love Southend Servant Team continues to stay in regular contact with hospital staff members and police officers via text messages, emails and letters and face to face meetings. A key worker in the hospital and the police force continued to distribute letters of thanks, sweets and biscuits on behalf of Love Southend through the year. The response has been that this has helped to raise the morale of workers often under immense pressure. **Donations made:** In accordance with its objective of advancing religion in Southend Love Southend made a donation of £500 to Love Essex to support a collaborative evangelistic initiative in Southend High St involving local churches. ## **Other events** ## **Presentation of Helen Yousaf artwork** Of the three pieces of artwork produced by Helen depicting the themes of faith and hope arising from a prayer evening initiated by Love Southend for the city immediately after the murder of Sir David in 2021, the final piece, ‘A City of Light’ was presented to Anna Firth, MP and the local Conservative Association as a tribute to Sir David’s relentless aspiration for Southend to be place of life and colour personally, corporately and spiritually for its residents. 5 ## **LOVE SOUTHEND** ## **Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 December 2023** ## **Trafficking and Modern-Day Slavery event.** In collaboration with the Anglican Deanery, the Methodist Circuit and the local Baptist Association Love Southend initiated an evening event focused on trafficking and modern slavery for all churches in Southend. Drawing on the experience and input from keynote speakers representing Essex Police, Southend Against Modern Slavery, a national charity ‘Hope at Home’ and a local authority prevention officer from Dudley awareness of the issues were effectively raised and ways churches and individuals could engage explored. ## **Public Benefit** In their scrutiny of the activities of the charity, the trustees have given consideration to the guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission in particular to ensure that: - There are identifiable benefits - Benefits are to the public or a section of the public - The benefits relate closely to the charitable objectives. ## **Plans for 2024** As a Christian CIO we intend to continue to reach out to the population in the Southend area with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Further work on the strategic development of LS. A re-activation of collaborative youth work. To engage with other Chaplains in other fields and towns and cities to learn best practice To run a chaplaincy course. ## **Other Events** Love Southend was honoured to be invited to be a part of the mayoral party and to a lay a wreath at the Civic Remembrance Service. ## **Financial Review** ## **Grants:** None ## **Donations over £1,000:** None ## **Reserves Policy** At this stage in the charity’s history a reserves policy is not considered necessary particularly as the charity has no employees. ## **Investment Policy** Under the Articles of Association, the charity has the power to make any investments which the trustees see fit. ## **Independent Examiner** The Trustees have agreed that Caroline McGregor be appointed the Independent Examiner to Love Southend for the ensuing year. ## **Trustees’ Responsibilities** The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. 6 ## **LOVE SOUTHEND** ## **Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 December 2023** Charity law 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 its financial activities for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the Trustees are required to: - Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently - Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent - Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the activities of the charity will continue. The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enables them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They 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. ## **On Behalf Of The Trustees** (Chairman) Date: 7 CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the truste•41 m•mbors of Charty Namè Love Southend On accounts for tho yaar end 2023 Charlty no (if any) 1180977 S•t out on pagos Imnernbw to irthle the page nurnt￿5 of $d¢1b'￿ shaetsl I report to the trustees on my examlnation of th8 axounts of the above charity (Ihe Trust.) for th8 year ended 3111212023 D31 D I MM I YYYY. R•8pon•lbllltlo8 and As the charity trustees of the Tntst, you are reSp￿sIble for the preparatlon basis of r•port of th8 accounts in accordance th8 requlrements of the Charilles Act 2011 nhe Acr). I report in re8Pet# of my examinats'on of the Tru8t'8 account8 carried out under section 145 of th8 2011 Act and in carrying out my examinatlon. I have followed the applicable Directlons given by the Ch8rlty Commlsslon under section 14q5Xb) of the Act. I have completed my examln8tion. I corrfimi that no mater181 matters have come to my attention (other than that disM11r21rd4