OKEHAMPTON STREET PASTORS Annual Report – 01 Jan 2023 to 31 Dec 2023
Prepared by Julie Yelland
OKEHAMPTON STREET PASTORS
Organisation Name : Okehampton Street Pastors
Charity No : 1181119 Principal Address : 21 Brandize Park, Okehampton, Devon EX20 1EQ Financial Year : 1[st] January 2023 to 31[st] December 2023
Trustees :
Name Date of Appointment Office Mrs Julie Yelland 27[th] July 2016 Chairman Mrs Juliana Elizabeth Bailey 27[th] July 2016 Mrs Barbara Lynne Fortnam 27[th] July 2016 Treasurer until 13[th] Sep 2023 Mrs Laura Caroline Bird 27[th] July 2016 – resigned 14[th] June 2023 Mr Timothy Hooper 27[th] July 2016 Mr Barry Stuart Tarr 17[th] June 2021 Rev David Spence 14[th] June 2023 Treasurer from 13[th] Sep 2023
The organisation is controlled by a Board of Trustees who are appointed by a Resolution raised and approved by a majority of the existing Trustees.
Professional Advisers :
Bankers: NatWest Bank, Bedford Square, Tavistock, Devon PL19 0AQ
Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31[st] December 2023
The Board of Trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023. Those who served during the year and up to the date of this report are set out above.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in notes to the accounts and comply with the charity’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities published on 16 July 2014.
History, Objectives and Activities of Okehampton Street Pastors
Okehampton Street Pastors was constituted on 27[th] July 2016 and registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in December 2018. This Annual Report covers the period 1[st] January 2023 to 31[st] December 2023. The Street Pastors are licensed by Ascension Trust, a charity registered in England and Wales, No: 1127204 and company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales, No. 06751712. Ascension Trust is the registered owner of the Street Pastors Trademark and its trading arm, Ascension Commercial Ltd (ACom) No. 7586400, with the registered address of Alpha House, 158 Garth Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 4TQ. Ascension Trust operates as the umbrella organisation to the Street Pastor Movement.
As a Local Initiative of the Global Street Pastor Movement, our mission is to engage, train and mobilise Christian volunteers from different churches, to be relevant in public life as salt and light addressing issues of vulnerability and social exclusion through the principle of caring, listening and helping people. We work in partnership with the police, local authorities and other voluntary organisations to achieve our goals and attain greater social cohesion in our community in line with our objectives.
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OKEHAMPTON STREET PASTORS
The objectives of Okehampton Street Pastors are for public benefit, in the geographic area of Okehampton, Devon, England and beyond as the Board of Trustees may from time to time determine in accordance with Charity Law in England and Wales, as follows:
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(1) To advance the Christian Faith in accordance with the Street Pastor Licence Agreement as executed with Ascension Trust in Okehampton as the Board of Trustees may from time to time think fit particularly, but not exclusively, by means of caring, listening and helping people on the streets and at various locations.
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(2) To develop the capacity and skills of socially disadvantaged groups in our community in such a way that they are better able to identify, and help meet, their needs and to participate more fully in society; in particular but not exclusively through raising awareness, promoting, sustaining and increasing individual and collective knowledge, skills and expertise, through the practical development of individual capabilities, competences, skills and understanding through formal training, informal talks and capacity building in voluntary services, according to Christian principles and the Street Pastor Urban Trinity principle of church, police and local government working together for the benefit of the community.
This is being achieved by
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(i) the provision of public pastoral care services to help people on the streets and other public places; giving guidance, support and signposting which assist in preserving public order, avoiding anti-social behaviour, relieving sickness and preserving health and by
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(ii) enlightening others about Christianity through raising awareness and understanding of ecclesiastical relevance to community and public life, mobilising the Church ecumenically to unity of worship and to advance the Christian Faith by carrying out the mission and outreach work of the Gospel for the benefit of the public.
The service offered is available to all regardless of race, gender, disability or religion. The work is developed with regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and the Board of Trustees ensure that all work undertaken is in line with the Organisation’s charitable objectives and aims.
Both the initial donation and additional amounts donated since have been under terms which allow the Board of Trustees to either retain the amounts as capital or to spend them. The governing document gives the Board of Trustees the power to apply the funds in such a manner as they think fit for the benefit of their charitable objective or purpose.
Governance and Management
The Governing Document provides for a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 9 Members on the Trustee Board. Where there is a requirement for new Members, these would be identified and appointed by the remaining Members having due regard to ensuring those with the appropriate level of expertise and knowledge are recruited.
Members of the organisation must subscribe to the mission, goals and values of the Street Pastor Movement, remain active and be willing to participate in and contribute to the work and furtherance of the local Street Pastor initiative.
Being a professing Christian committed to a local Church is a requirement for being a Street Pastor (as permitted under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010). Eligibility for Membership is subject to the paragraph above and to a two thirds Christian majority being represented as Members.
The Members are unpaid and details of Member expenses and any related party transactions during the financial year are £0 (2023: £0)
During the financial year, Mrs Bird tendered her resignation at the AGM for personal reasons, however, very kindly offered to carry out the role of Secretary to the Organisation. Trustees welcomed Rev David Spence from St Peter’s Church, North Tawton as a new Trustee. Mrs Fortnam indicated that she wished to step down as Treasurer and Rev Spence agreed to take the role on, together with becoming the Prayer Co-ordinator.
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OKEHAMPTON STREET PASTORS
The Chairman is responsible for the induction of any new Members and will make available to each new Member, on or before their first appointment:
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(a) A copy of the current version of the Constitution; and
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(b) A copy of the organisation’s latest Annual Report and statement of accounts; and
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(c) A copy of the current version of the Ascension Trust Licence Agreement.
Public Benefit
Okehampton Street Pastors acknowledges its requirement to demonstrate clearly that it must have charitable purposes or “aims” that are for the public benefit. Details of how the organisation has achieved this are provided in this Annual Report. The Board of Trustees confirm that it has complied with their duty in section 4 of the Charities Act 2006 to have due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit in exercising their powers and duties.
Risk Assessment
Okehampton Street Pastors is aware that the activities undertaken are subject to significant risks and therefore review these risks on an on-going basis to ensure adequate systems and procedures are in place. If key objectives are to be achieved, the Trustees accept that the management of risk is inevitable. The risks that have been identified are:
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Financial - sufficient funds are available to fulfill the aims of the organization.
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Operational - risks to volunteers
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Achievement - ensuring our aims and objectives and expectations of supporters are met.
In reviewing these risks, the Trustees ensure:
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Close monitoring of cash flow and adherence to agreed budgets
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Regular monitoring of equipment; patrol route; recruitment together with sourcing and implementing training.
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Regular assessment to ensure existing and new projects conform to the overall objectives of the charity.
Achievements and performance of Okehampton Street Pastors
The decision was taken at the beginning of the year to amalgamate the teams into one, patrolling the town centre on a monthly basis between the hours of 10.00pm and 3.00am on a Saturday night. They continue to build up and strengthen the relationships with the pub door staff, mobile food outlets, police and taxi drivers who recognise the work and value of Okehampton Street Pastors.
The Street Pastors had opportunity to engage positively with people of all ages and, while the team would have liked to provide the service during the afternoon and night time, there just aren’t enough volunteers currently. It remains an aspiration and there is the potential to recruit specifically for daytime patrols in the future.
There have been 12 patrols during the year. During that time Okehampton Street Pastors spent 313 hours patrolling the streets with Prayer Pastors providing prayer cover. 50 bottles and broken glass have been collected and safely disposed of; 303 lollies; 10 pairs of flip flops, 9 bottles of water and 4 space blankets distributed, and a homeless person referred to Street Link. 2 people were accompanied to a place of safety.
While details of conversations held are confidential, examples of the impact the team have had when on patrol include:
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OKEHAMPTON STREET PASTORS
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An individual becoming very agitated outside one of the pubs. Prayer Pastors started to pray and the person immediately calmed down.
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Listened to a couple of young women, one of whom was pregnant, who were begging. It transpired they were in temporary emergency accommodation and they wanted to talk. The team gave them a foil blanket each and listened to them. While they were clearly vulnerable, they were known to the authorities and getting support.
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Somebody fell through a shop window and, while he wasn’t seriously injured, there were shards of glass hanging down that would have done a lot of damage. The team moved him out of the way just in time and stayed and provided re-assurance and support until the emergency services arrived. The Street Pastors swept up and disposed of the glass to avoid any further accidents.
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A group of 3 men pushing and fighting. Prayer Pastors started to pray and one of the men walked away. This served to diffuse the situation and things settled down very quickly.
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Helped a member of the public who couldn’t stand due to the alcohol and drugs he had consumed. A family member was called and the team remained with him until his lift arrived to pick him up and take him home.
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Re-uniting a lost mobile phone & driving licence with its owner.
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Spent some time with a man who had bedded down in doorway. He said he was homeless and, with his consent, made a referral to both the Police and Street Link.
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Had many conversations with people who were very appreciative of the work the Street Pastors do on the streets of Okehampton.
The local police, paramedics and taxi drivers have specifically commented on the peace and calmness that exist on the streets of Okehampton when the Street Pastors are out on patrol. The police have reported that calls to places that are known to attract anti-social behaviour have reduced. This continues to be notable due to the fact that the teams do not deploy every week. The team have had many positive conversations with door staff and members of the public and continue to be warmly welcomed by all.
A Trustee has been appointed to sit on West Devon Matters, which is organised by the South Devon & Dartmoor Community Safety Partnership. It meets every 10 weeks and is made up of the Sector Inspector and Neighbourhood Team Leader from the Police and is attended by County, Borough and Parish Councillors.
During the year, Okehampton Street Pastors have directly helped, cared for and listened to 329 people and have had a positive impact by their presence at 4 anti-social incidents.
An “Away Day” was held in September to which all Trustees, Street and Prayer Pastors were invited. The purpose was to spend some time together in a restful, relaxing environment having food, fun and fellowship. The opportunity was taken to explore what the initiative does well and what could be done better. It was very well supported with lots of enthusiastic and positive contributions which Trustees will use to inform their strategic decisions going forward.
Members of the Trustee Board have spoken at 3 different events to 129 people highlighting the work of Okehampton Street Pastors. Those who attended expressed considerable interest in gaining an understanding of how the night time economy works and the value that Street Pastors bring in terms of helping; caring and listening to people in a non-judgemental manner. A Certificate of Recognition was awarded to Okehampton Street Pastors for “their dedicated and inspirational support of the community” by Okehampton Rotary Club which was very much appreciated.
All Street Pastors underwent Refresher Training during the year in “Safeguarding”.
Under the terms of our Licence Agreement Ascension Trust provide the licence, basic insurance, legal advice and a website. This is funded by the local Street Pastor initiative paying a quarterly fee to Ascension Trust and this was allowed for in our budget.
OSP has its own website: http://streetpastors.org/locations/okehampton/
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OKEHAMPTON STREET PASTORS
The service that Okehampton Street Pastors provides is available to all who wish to avail themselves of it. There are many policies including a Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy; General Data Protection Policy; Equality Policy, Health & Safety Policy and a Financial Policy together with a Standard Operating Procedure for working with the Police. All policies are reviewed annually and copies are available on request.
Contributions made by volunteers – The Organisation is very grateful to all its volunteers who provide their time and expertise. Without them, the initiative would not exist. As of 31[st] December 2023, there are 5 Street Pastors made up of 3 male and 2 female members. They are ably supported by 4 Prayer Pastors made up of 1 male and 3 female members. During the course of the year, we bid farewell to one of our Street Pastors who retired.
Benefit in kind – Storage facilities and a Prayer Base are very kindly provided free of charge by Fairplace Church.
Financial review, investment policy and reserves
Okehampton Street Pastors has no permanent endowment or fixed assets. The net incoming resources for the period 1[st] Jan to 31[st] Dec 2023, after grants and operational expenses of £2,190 (2022: £1,115) was -£1,519 (2022: -£99). A draft Budget is presented to Trustees in November for approval and a Fundraising Strategy considered. There are collection tins in the pubs and fund-raising events are held throughout the year. Where invited, Trustees deliver talks to churches and community groups which may result in a donation for the initiative. Principal sources of funding in 2023 - Donations from the general public, fundraising activities and a grant that was part restricted and part for general use.
Reserves - The Trustees have set a Reserves Policy which requires that reserves be maintained at a level which ensures the Organisation's core activity could continue during a period of unforeseen difficulty for three months. The Reserves are maintained in a readily realisable form. The calculation of the required level of Reserves forms an integral part of the organisation's planning, budget and forecast cycle. Okehampton Street Pastors has General Reserves which it has drawn down to meet unrestricted expenditure and Trustees have exercised extreme prudence in its spending during the financial year. Management accounts are prepared and presented at each Trustee Meeting
The Policy takes into account:
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a. Risks associated with each stream of income and expenditure being different from that budgeted
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b. Planned activity level
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c. Organisation's commitments
Restricted Funding - A grant was received via Okehampton Rotary Club in the sum of £300. £250 of this was restricted for the replacement of the ear pieces in the radios and was fully expended during the financial year. The balance of £50 is available to be used at the charity’s discretion. The charity holds a Restricted Reserve of £404 from non-time limited grants given in previous financial years which is restricted to meeting the costs of patrols including street materials.
Future plans
Okehampton Street Pastors will continue to fundraise to ensure sustainability of the work; recruit and train volunteers together with raising the profile of the work of Street Pastors.
Annual Report approved by the Board of Trustees at the AGM and signed on its behalf by:
Mrs Julie Yelland (Chairman) Date: 12[th] June 2024
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OKEHAMPTON STREET PASTORS
Statement of Financial Activities for the year to 31[st] December 2023
| Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds £ £ £422 £250 |
TOTAL 2022 £ 671 £1,016 £48 £344 £576 £121 £25 2,190 -1,519 7,181 5,662 £ 5,258 404 5,662 0 5,662 0 5,662 |
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| RECEIPTS | |||
| General Donations Restricted Funding Total Receipts |
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| 422 250 253 305 1,451 121 59 |
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| EXPENDITURE | |||
| Refreshments Patrol Materials Training/DBS Checks/Uniforms Licence & Registration Fees Insurance Post/Stationery/Printing Publicity Room Hire/Gifts Sundry Expenses Equipment Total Expenditure Net incoming (outgoing) Resources Opening Balance - 1st Jan 23 Balance c/f at 31st Dec 2023 Current Assets: Cash at Bank made up of: Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Liabilities: Amount falling due within one year Amount falling due after one year Net current assets |
Accounts approved by the Board of Trustees at the AGM and signed on its behalf by:
Mrs Julie Yelland (Chairman)
Rev David Spence (Treasurer)
Date: 12[th] June 2024
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