2024-04-15-accounts - Eli Project

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Report of the Trustees & Unaudited Financial Statements For the year ended 15th April 2024

🌐 eliproject.co.uk

ELI Project Wales

Charity Number: 1181538

Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 15 April 2024

	Page
Report of the Trustees	3-12
Independent examiner's report to the trustees	13
Statement of financial activities	14
Statement of financial position	15
Notes to the financial statements	16 - 22
The following pages do not form part of the financial statements
Detailed statement of financial activities	24
Notes to the detailed statement of financial activities	25

Charity Number: 1181538

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 15 April 2024

The trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 15 April 2024.

Reference and Administrative Details

Charity name	ELI Project
Other names the charity uses	N.A.
Registered charity number	1181538
Charity’s principal address	27A School Road, Crynant, Neath, SA10 8NS

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity:

Trustee name	Office (if any)	Dates acted if not for whole year
Rhiannon Carpenter	N.A.	N.A.
Harold Presley	N.A.	N.A.
Jonathan Kirk	N.A.	N.A.
Todd Presley	Founder and CEO	N.A.
Trevor Clowers	N.A.	N.A.

Independent Examiner:

Carl West Gordon Down Accounting 144 Walter Road Swansea SA1 5RW

Charity Number: 1181538

Structure, Governance and Management

The charity is governed by its Constitution as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, where only charity trustees hold voting rights. New trustees are appointed by a resolution of a quorum of existing trustees, with no external body having the authority to appoint trustees. All new trustees receive an induction, including the ELI Project's governing document, Charity Commission Guidance on Public Benefit, and the Trustee Welcome Pack from the Charity Commission website. Trustees are selected for their specific skills crucial to the organisation, with ongoing training needs regularly assessed and supported by the trustees.

In the UK, the charity operates predominantly but not exclusively in South Wales, holding social events in Swansea and Neath. The charity also works in close association with ELI Project Kenya to deliver programmes in that country.

Risk Management

The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against instances of fraud and error.

Charity Number: 1181538

Objectives and Activities

ELI Project is dedicated to uplifting families facing social exclusion due to their children's additional needs in the UK and Africa. Our mission is to create inclusive communities, foster connections, and offer support, spreading joy and empowerment to every family we touch.

In the UK , we focus on:

Building Community: Organizing inclusive events like monthly 'Family Nights' and 'The Hangout' to bring together families from across the regions of Swansea, Neath, Port Talbot, and Ammanford. These gatherings combat social isolation and provide opportunities for connection and support.
Supporting Parents: Piloting new initiatives such as a weekly coffee lounge and a Connect Group.
Partnering with LifePoint Church: Collaborating to implement a 'buddy system' that offers tailored support to children with additional needs. This initiative empowers both children and parents, fostering friendships and enabling participation in church activities.

In Africa , our efforts are concentrated on:

Economic Empowerment: Offering micro-business opportunities to families, enabling them to improve their livelihoods and support their children's needs.
Educational Support: Providing essential educational resources and support to children with additional needs.
Medical Assistance: Distributing vital medical equipment to improve the health and well-being of children.

Volunteer Power

Our dedicated volunteers are the heart of our work. Their passion and commitment drive our initiatives and make a significant impact on the lives of the families we serve.

By combining these efforts, ELI Project strives to create a brighter future for families facing challenges, empowering them to overcome obstacles and live fulfilling lives.

Charity Number: 1181538

Achievements and Performance

2023-24: A Year of Growth, Connection, and Resilience

2023-2024 was a year of growth, connection, and unwavering resilience for ELI Project. We were blessed to establish a vibrant hub in Llansamlet, a space that became a beacon of joy and support for families of children with additional needs and teenagers. This haven also provided a home for the blossoming Community of HOPE Church, further enriching our community.

ELI Project has partnered with the Community of HOPE Church, founded by Todd and Stephanie Presley, and Samuel and Bethany Bridges, to host their CONNECT time every Wednesday at the ELI Project Centre. Both organisations share a commitment to supporting the additional needs community and fostering a sense of belonging through the Christian faith.

2023 has seen significant growth in ELI Project's Facebook community. Predominantly female (85%), the community has attracted over 200 new members, mainly from the Swansea area and surrounding towns like Neath, Port Talbot, and Gorseinon. This strong local presence offers immense potential for engagement. By organising regular events and fostering a sense of community, ELI Project can further strengthen its online following and encourage offline participation. The community's geographic spread, reaching areas like Morriston, Pontardawe, Bridgend, Ystalyfera, and Pontardulais, highlights the wider impact and potential reach of ELI Project's initiatives. This growth underscores the effectiveness of consistent and engaging events in building a vibrant and supportive online community.

Throughout the year, ELI Project prioritised community engagement, organising regular meet-ups and events at various locations. Key activities included:

Consistent hosting of Family Nights and The Hangout, fostering strong connections, sharing experiences, and reducing feelings of isolation among families.
The Easter Egg Hunt, a testament to our commitment to inclusivity, ensuring all families could participate in fun and engaging activities.
Launching a new approach engaging in an exciting programme of community based events as our tenancy came to an end.
Collaborations with organisations like LifePoint Church, expanding our reach and offering additional support and opportunities for families to explore the christian faith.
Piloting the Coffee Lounge, creating a safe and welcoming space for parents to connect, share experiences, and find support.
Piloting a Men's Hike and Eat event, providing a dedicated space for fathers of children with additional needs to connect and support one another.

We are eternally grateful for the invaluable contributions of Miriam and Trevor Clowers, the visionary founders of The Hangout. Their unwavering dedication and infectious enthusiasm fostered a thriving community of young adults and volunteers. As they temporarily return to the States to further the mission of ELI Project, we bid them a fond farewell, cherishing the warmth, friendship, and delicious food they brought into our lives.

Charity Number: 1181538

With renewed energy, Ann and Andy Kirby take the helm of The Hangout, while Rhi Carpenter and Steph Presley lead the inspiring Family Nights. Their passion and commitment, alongside the unwavering support of our community, including trustee Rh Carpenter and parent Robin Birch who raised an incredible £712 for ELI Projects by running the Brisco Gorseinon 10k, will undoubtedly ensure the continued success of these beloved initiatives.

The following summary, accompanied by captivating photos and heartfelt feedback, offers a glimpse into our dynamic activities and the profound impact they have had on our community.

Big Events

A Resounding Success: ELI Project's Easter Egg Hunt

The annual ELI Project Easter Egg Hunt on March 16, 2024, was a triumph, bringing together families of children and young people with additional needs from across Swansea and Neath. Despite inclement weather, the event was a joyous celebration for all.

To overcome financial hurdles, the charity extended a heartfelt appeal to supporters. The response was extraordinary, with generous donations of gifts, baked goods, and items for the tombola. This not only ensured the event's success but also underscored our community's spirit of generosity and the charity's positive impact.

Recognizing the need for dedicated financial management, the charity is actively working to secure additional long-term funding. Our goal is to employ a dedicated fundraiser and financial manager, ensuring the sustainability of future events and programs.

The Easter Egg Hunt was a testament to the charity's ability to create meaningful community experiences and bring joy to local families. Despite financial challenges, the event's success demonstrates the charity's resilience and the unwavering support it receives from the community. See page 6 for photos.

Christmas Luminate 2023

Following the great success of previous years, ELI Project were given tickets for Luminate, a light and sound display in the grounds of a beautiful local stately home. Families wandered together through the enchanting displays, gathering to toast marshmallows as a group before wandering homewards via the food outlets. Thankfully, we were blessed with a dry evening and family feedback was resoundingly positive again.

“Had an amazing time thank you Stephanie and Todd xxx” Lynn Johnson

“Massive thank you from us also. Really appreciated the tickets. My sons loved it and the best part - the sounds were still down low from the sensory showing xx” Emma Jones

Charity Number: 1181538

ILI PIiQJ ELI Easter"Egg Hu | Ill Charity Number: 1181538

Family Nights

2023 was a year filled with fun, laughter, and community at ELI Project's Family Nights. With a dedicated space to host events, we were able to increase the frequency to two events per

month between May and January. This improvement allowed us to offer a wider variety of foods and activities, thanks to dedicated storage and equipment. Additionally, it reduced setup and teardown times and minimised manual handling risks with easily accessible storage for games.

We invested funds from the building fundraising into eclectic secondhand furniture and functional furnishings, transforming the stark office-like space into a cosy and welcoming environment. This consistent setting, combined with the regular events, fostered a cohesive group and encouraged the participation of new families.

As our tenancy ended in February, we invited 12 families to enjoy a climbing session at a local climbing wall, courtesy of free tickets. This exciting outing provided an opportunity for families to bond, create new memories, and experience something different together.

The positive feedback from families speaks volumes about the impact of these events:

"We had such a lovely time tonight..... Miriam Clowers and Trevor Clowers you take good care xxx" - Tracey Muldoon
"Thank you so much for being so welcoming! We all had such a lovely time! Xx" - Sarah Hardway
"Thanks for having us. Nice chat with lovely people. . Our lad also thoroughly enjoyed himself too x" - Patricia O'callaghan
"We all really enjoyed ourselves. Thanks so much for creating such a great space for Parents and kids alike xx" - LC Barker
"Brilliant evening as always, thank you all." - Rachel Foster
"Is nice to meet you tonight and the lovely people hope they are well, and see you soon god bless." - Rhys Williams (young adult with AN)

These heartfelt comments highlight the importance of these events in fostering a sense of belonging and support within the community.

Charity Number: 1181538

The Hangout

The Hangout, a youth club specifically designed for young adults with additional needs, has experienced remarkable success in 2023. Thanks to securing a semi-permanent location, the club was able to run consistently each month between April and January, providing a much-needed social outlet for its members.

The regular sessions offered a variety of activities, including games, music, and social interaction, fostering friendships and a sense of belonging. The dedicated space allowed for a more structured and inclusive environment, ensuring that everyone felt comfortable and engaged.

To enhance the experience, we invested in a range of cool games like air hockey, a ping pong table, and a silent disco set. These additions provided exciting opportunities for fun and interaction, creating a dynamic and engaging atmosphere.

As the tenancy came to an end, ELI Project continued to prioritise the well-being of its young members. A subsidised bowling event was organised, offering an opportunity for fun, social interaction, and skill development. By subsidising a portion of the cost, ELI Project made the event accessible to more families, demonstrating its commitment to inclusivity.

The success of The Hangout is evident in the consistent attendance and positive feedback from participants. The club has not only provided a valuable social outlet but has also empowered young adults with additional needs to develop essential life skills and build lasting friendships.

Buddies

ELI Project UK, in partnership with LifePoint Church, Swansea, has made significant strides in supporting children with additional needs. ELI Project UK has been instrumental in training the ‘Buddies’ to understand and support children with additional needs. This training has equipped the ‘Buddies’ with the knowledge and skills to support inclusion in peer group sessions where every child feels valued and accepted.

By providing this essential training and support, ELI Project UK is actively working to inspire more churches to embrace inclusivity. By taking bold steps to become more inclusive, churches can create welcoming environments where children with additional needs and their families can thrive. ELI Project UK is committed to supporting churches in this journey, providing resources and guidance to ensure that every child, regardless of their abilities, can experience the joy and belonging of church community.

Charity Number: 1181538

Hunting for a home

Having a semi-permanent home has expanded our vision and shown us how much more we can achieve when we can be consistent and focused on relationships rather than transporting equipment. It has doubled our commitment to securing a 'forever home' for our community and our ongoing work empowering churches to embrace people with additional needs.

When faced with the unexpected challenge of our tenancy ending, ELI Project demonstrated remarkable adaptability. ELI Project would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Cedric, Samuel J. Bridges, Micah Morris, Gareth and sons, Rachel Foster, Gage Anthony Rogers-Barnes, Clare Ann Talbot, Rhi Carpenter, Paul Winstone, Gavin, Envys, S.J., Britney Emily, Bethany Presley Bridges and Isabella Rose Presley for their invaluable assistance with the move. Their support was instrumental in ensuring a smooth transition for the organisation and its community.

True to our word, we embraced the transition, organising monthly gatherings in various venues, ensuring our community remains connected and inspired.

As we move forward, ELI Project remains dedicated to exploring new opportunities to better serve our community. We are actively

seeking a new permanent home that will allow us to expand our programs and services, providing even greater support and opportunities for families and individuals.

Todd has been keeping a keen eye on the property market, identifying potential forever homes and progressing them to viewing stage with trustees. However, we recently experienced a setback when a promising property was unexpectedly sold privately.

All ELI equipment and furniture purchased to furnish the temporary space was bought with a forever home in mind and is safely stored in a secure and damp-free place to ensure its longevity.

Charity Number: 1181538

Care for Kenya

Reports from Marian Wathingira, Director of ELI Project Kenya, details the organisation's work supporting families of children with additional needs, often undiagnosed. The project has witnessed remarkable transformations, including a student contemplating suicide now pursuing medical school and a family struggling with poverty and HIV receiving essential support. A key challenge is the need for a reliable vehicle to access remote areas and deliver aid efficiently. ELI Project UK was able to provide £600 to renew the vehicle licence, a crucial step in ensuring the project's continued impact. The

report emphasises the urgency of financial support to sustain this vital work and provide ongoing care for these children and families.

Going forward, accessing support for Kenya will be a key part of our financial strategy. This will allow us to continue to make a real difference in the lives of families of children with additional needs.

Financial Review

The charity relies upon voluntary donations from the generosity of both families that access our activities and friends as well as an increasing number of grant providers as it’s reach grows. It has sufficient funds to meet all its financial requirements and to fund all current projects. The charity monitors income and expenditure every month and considers this during trustee meetings.

The trustees' annual report was approved on 27th January 2025 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by:

R Carpenter Trustee

T Presley Director

Charity Number: 1181538

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of ELI Project

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of ELI Project ('the charity') for the year ended 15 April 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity's financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Carl West

Independent Examiner

144 Walter Road Swansea SA1 5RW

Charity Number: 1181538

Statement of Financial Activities

ELI Project, Year ended 15 April 2024

The notes on pages 16 to 22 form part of these financial statements.

Charity Number: 1181538

Statement of Financial Position

ELI Project, 15 April 2024

These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on 27 January 2025 and are signed on behalf of the board by:

R Carpenter Trustee

T Presley Director

The notes on pages 16 to 22 form part of these financial statements.

Charity Number: 1181538

Notes to the Financial Statements