2024-12-31-accounts

OKEHAMPTON STREET PASTORS Annual Report – 01 Jan 2024 to 31 Dec 2024

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 2024 to 31[st] December 2024

Trustees :

Name Date of Appointment Office Mrs Julie Yelland 27[th] July 2016 Chairman Mrs Juliana Elizabeth Bailey 27[th] July 2016 – retired 12[th] June 2024 Mrs Barbara Lynne Fortnam 27[th] July 2016 Mrs Laura Caroline Bird 12[th] June 2024 Secretary Mr Timothy Hooper 27[th] July 2016 Mr Barry Stuart Tarr 17[th] June 2021 – resigned 12[th] June 2024 Rev David Spence 14[th] June 2023 Treasurer

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, 14 Westgate Street, Launceston PL15 7AG

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31[st] December 2024

The Board of Trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. 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 2024 to 31[st] December 2024. 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:

• (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.

• (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

• (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

• (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, sexual orientation 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, Mr Tarr tendered his resignation at the AGM as he is moving away. Mrs Bailey, one of the founding Trustees, came to the end of her term of office, however, indicated she would be willing to continue to volunteer as the Co-ordinator. The Trustees are very grateful for the contributions and commitment of both

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OKEHAMPTON STREET PASTORS

outgoing Trustees during their time with the Organisation. Trustees welcomed Mrs Bird back to the Trustee Board after a 12-month break.

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:

• (a) A copy of the current version of the Constitution; and

• (b) A copy of the organisation’s latest Annual Report and statement of accounts; and

• (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 as defined by Section 4 (1) of the Charities Act 2011 and have had 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:

1. Financial - sufficient funds are available to fulfill the aims of the organization.

2. Operational - risks to volunteers

3. Achievement - ensuring our aims and objectives and expectations of supporters are met.

In reviewing these risks, the Trustees ensure:

1. Close monitoring of cash flow and adherence to agreed budgets

2. Regular monitoring of equipment; patrol route; recruitment together with sourcing and implementing training.

3. 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 315 hours patrolling the streets with Prayer Pastors providing prayer cover. 36 bottles and broken glass have been collected and safely disposed of; 148 lollies; 20 pairs of flip flops, 16 bottles of water, 2 lightweight waterproof ponchos and 1 space blanket distributed. First aid has been administered; 3 people were accompanied to a place of safety and a rough sleeper referred to Street Link.

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OKEHAMPTON STREET PASTORS

While details of conversations held are confidential, examples of the impact the team have had when on patrol include:

• Had many conversations with people who were very appreciative of the work the Street Pastors do on the streets of Okehampton.

• Helping and caring for a gentleman who had just fallen. He accepted help to sit up and allowed us to administer first aid to a graze on his elbow. He was able to stand with help, and was accompanied home with a member of the Team providing an arm for support.

• Provided a listening ear to a man who had just suffered a close bereavement and said that he was suffering from Mental Health problems.

• Providing care to a woman who had lost someone close to her and was in a vulnerable condition and very distressed. The team were able to walk with her to ensure she got home safely.

• Witnessing a scuffle which was threatening to escalate to a full on fight involving many people. The Street Pastors called in prayer support and the situation diffused and calmed down very quickly.

• Provided care to a man who had fallen and cut his head while waiting for the emergency services that had been called by others.

• Being invited to intervene in an altercation between a couple by a member of the public. The Prayer Pastors were alerted and the situation calmed down with people dispersing.

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.

Okehampton Street Pastors has a representative who sits 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 368 people and have had a positive impact by their presence at 5 anti-social incidents.

Presentations have been made to 3 different organisations highlighting the work of Okehampton Street Pastors. Of the 112 people who attended, all 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 nonjudgemental manner.

Street Pastors are required to undertake Refresher training every 3 years in the Roles and Responsibilities. Two people’s training fell due in 2024 and this was carried out. Several of the volunteers took the opportunity to refresh their learning in Drug & Alcohol Awareness; Good News and Youth Culture and attended the training delivered by Exeter Street Pastors. There was one new Street Pastor recruited to the team in 2024 who went through the Core and Mental Health & Diversity training offered in Exeter.

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 of either £200 or 15% of income, whichever is higher, to Ascension Trust and this was allowed for in our budget.

OSP has its own website: http://streetpastors.org/locations/okehampton/

The service that Okehampton Street Pastors provides is available to all who wish to avail themselves of it. Policies include 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, together with the Risk Assessment, are reviewed regularly by the Board of Trustees and copies are available on request.

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OKEHAMPTON STREET PASTORS

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 2024, 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 2 male and 2 female members. During the course of the year, one of our Street Pastors changed roles and joined the Prayer Pastor team.

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, fixed assets or staffing costs. The net incoming resources for the period 1[st] Jan to 31[st] Dec 2024, after grants and operational expenses of £1,559 (2023: £2,190) was -£807 (2023: -£1,519). 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 2024 were donations from the general public, fundraising activities and 2 grants which were restricted in their purpose.

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:

• a. Risks associated with each stream of income and expenditure being different from that budgeted b. Planned activity level

• c. Organisational commitments

Restricted Funding - A grant was received from Devon County Councillor Samuel’s Locality Budget in the sum of £300. The purpose of the grant was to enable DBS checks to be carried out; ID cards obtained; Street Materials purchased and essential training costs met. The grant period covers 1 April 2024 to 31[st] March 2025 and all but £20.88 were expended as of 31[st] December 2024. A grant was received from West Devon Borough Councillor George Dexter’s Locality Budget in the sum of £268. The purpose of this grant was to cover the costs of the annual insurance and subscription to a qualified Safeguarding body. The grant was fully expended during the financial year. The charity holds a Restricted Reserve of £300 from non-time limited grants given in previous financial years.

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 2025

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OKEHAMPTON STREET PASTORS

Statement of Financial Activities for the year to 31[st] December 2024

	Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds £ £ £184 £568	TOTAL 2023 £ £401 £250 752 £0 £253 £305 £1,451 £121 £59 1,559 -807 5,662 4,855 £ 4,534 321 4,855 0 4,855 0 4,855
RECEIPTS
General Donations Restricted Funding Total Receipts
	184 568 20 55 359 803 147 121 54
EXPENDITURE

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 2025

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