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2025-09-30-accounts

HELP A SQUADDIE | TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT 2024–2025

Help A Squaddie

Trustees’ Annual Report

For the period 30 September 2024 to 30 September 2025

Registered Charity Number: 1182523

Supporting vulnerable and homeless veterans through housing, wellbeing, crisis intervention, peer support and recovery-focused services.

Charity name Help A Squaddie
Reporting period 30/09/2024 to 30/09/2025
Principal project The Russell Aston Home For Veterans
Principal address St John’s Church, Hednesford Road, Heath Hayes,
Cannock, Stafordshire, WS12 3DZ

Registered Charity No. 1182523 | www.helpasquaddie.org.uk

HELP A SQUADDIE | TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT 2024–2025

Objectives and Activities

Charitable purpose

Public benefit statement

To develop the capacity and skills of socially and economically disadvantaged ex-military personnel and their families within Staffordshire and South Derbyshire.

The trustees confirm that they have had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. The charity delivers public benefit through supported accommodation, drop-in sessions, a mental health helpline, food support, practical welfare help and ongoing casework for veterans and their families.

Main activities delivered for public benefit

Case Studies and Achievements

Over the past year, Help A Squaddie has continued to provide life-changing support to vulnerable veterans through housing, wellbeing, peer support, crisis intervention and recovery-focused services. The charity helps veterans move from crisis towards stability, independence and hope.

Key achievements in 2024–2025

Registered Charity No. 1182523 | www.helpasquaddie.org.uk

HELP A SQUADDIE | TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT 2024–2025

Wellbeing and recovery through the onsite gym

The onsite gym has become a vital part of daily life within The Russell Aston Home For Veterans. It supports residents to improve physical health, mental wellbeing, confidence, self-esteem, teamwork and peer support. It also provides a positive daily routine and a safe space for residents to work together, encourage one another and rebuild confidence.

A home that builds community

Residents are now known and trusted by the local community. Elderly neighbours regularly turn to them for help, advice and companionship. Residents help at the local church and contribute to the breakfast club for other veterans. The Russell Aston Home For Veterans is therefore not only helping residents recover; it is helping them become active, valued members of the community.

Case Study: R

R, a veteran in his 80s, was referred to Help A Squaddie through a social prescriber after experiencing severe isolation and loneliness. He had become disconnected from his community and was spending long periods alone, which affected his wellbeing and confidence.

Help A Squaddie matched R with a volunteer who began taking him out once a week for companionship and social activities. Over time, this became a trusted source of support and helped R regain confidence and feel valued again. The impact was particularly clear at Christmas, when the volunteer invited R to join her family for Christmas dinner so he was not alone.

The charity also arranged transport for R to attend the monthly Veterans Breakfast Club, helping him reconnect with other veterans, build friendships and feel part of a supportive community again. This support has reduced his isolation, improved his wellbeing and given him a renewed sense of belonging.

Case Study: T

T self-referred to the Help A Squaddie helpline when he was in desperate need of mental health support. A caseworker arranged a home visit the following day and began working closely with both T and his family.

Over 18 months, the caseworker supported T with alcohol abstinence, emotional wellbeing, practical guidance and several very difficult life events. By building trust and maintaining regular contact, the charity provided stability and reassurance for both T and his family.

T is now in a much better and more settled place, with support still available whenever needed. This long-term intervention has improved T’s wellbeing, strengthened family stability and helped him move forward positively.

Case Study: K

K made a direct referral to Help A Squaddie after becoming homeless following a relationship breakdown. Following assessment, she was offered a place at The Russell Aston Home For Veterans, where she received accommodation and ongoing support to rebuild stability and confidence.

During her time at the home, the charity provided emotional support, practical guidance and assistance with housing and day-to-day stability. After just three months, K was offered her own property through a local council and moved on into independent accommodation.

K is now thriving and moving forward positively, demonstrating the impact that timely intervention, stable housing and consistent support can have for veterans facing homelessness and crisis.

Volunteers

Volunteers remain central to the charity’s work. They support drop-in sessions, the Veterans Breakfast Club, food support, companionship, transport, practical assistance and fundraising activities. Volunteers also help create the family-style atmosphere that makes The Russell Aston Home For Veterans a safe, supportive and recovery-focused environment.

Registered Charity No. 1182523 | www.helpasquaddie.org.uk

HELP A SQUADDIE | TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT 2024–2025

The charity continues to strengthen volunteer management, boundaries, safeguarding awareness and training to ensure veterans receive safe, consistent and appropriate support.

Achievements and Performance

Help A Squaddie has become increasingly well known across the UK. The charity receives calls from veterans, families and other organisations seeking advice and support. It works closely with partner charities and statutory agencies to ensure veterans receive wraparound care that meets their housing, welfare, emotional and practical needs.

The opening and continued development of The Russell Aston Home For Veterans remains the charity’s biggest achievement to date. It has provided a safe base for veterans in crisis and a structured environment where residents can rebuild confidence, routine and independence.

Financial Review

Financial position The trustees consider the charity to be fnancially
stable at the end of the reporting period.
Reserves policy The charity aims to hold £30,000 in reserves to
maintain continuity of services, cover overheads and
respond to urgent veteran need.
Reserves held £20,000
Principal sources of funds Grants, fundraising events and activities, donations,
and rental income from The Russell Aston Home For
Veterans.
Going concern The trustees have not identifed any material
uncertainty at this time that would afect the charity’s
ability to continue as a going concern.

Principal Risks and Management

The trustees continue to monitor risks linked to funding, safeguarding, volunteer management, resident support needs, property costs and increasing demand for veteran accommodation. During the year, the charity strengthened governance, safeguarding systems and resident support processes to improve resilience and sustainability.

Registered Charity No. 1182523 | www.helpasquaddie.org.uk

HELP A SQUADDIE | TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT 2024–2025

Structure, Governance and Management

Charitable Incorporated Organisation with Governing document constitution. How the charity is constituted Constitution. New trustees are selected by the existing board of trustees and the CEO. The charity considers gaps in Trustee selection board skills, seeks references and relevant experience, and values lived experience of veterans’ issues where appropriate.

Trustees

Name
Stuart Urquhart
Mike Aston
Ayden Fessey
Patrick Ryan
CraigBarrington		 Ofce Dates acted if not
wholeyear		 Appointed by
Chairperson
Treasurer

Reference and Administrative Details

Charity name
Registered charity number
Principal address		 Help A Squaddie
1182523
St John’s Church, Hednesford Road, Heath Hayes,
Cannock, Stafordshire, WS12 3DZ

Declaration

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ annual report above.

Signed on behalf of the trustees
Full name Stuart Urquhart
Position Chair
Date 24/04/2026

Registered Charity No. 1182523 | www.helpasquaddie.org.uk

HELP A SQUADDIE | TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT 2024–2025 Impact in Pictures

The following images demonstrate the wellbeing facilities, community support, and recovery-focused environment delivered through Help A Squaddie and The Russell Aston Home For Veterans.

The Russell Aston Home For Veterans

Registered Charity No. 1182523 | www.helpasquaddie.org.uk

HELP A SQUADDIE | TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT 2024–2025

Onsite gym facilities supporting veteran wellbeing and recovery

Registered Charity No. 1182523 | www.helpasquaddie.org.uk

HELP A SQUADDIE | TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT 2024–2025

Recovery and rehabilitation space including sauna and inversion therapy

Registered Charity No. 1182523 | www.helpasquaddie.org.uk

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HELP A SQUADDIE | TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT 2024–2025
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Cold water recovery facilities used to support mental and physical wellbeing

Registered Charity No. 1182523 | www.helpasquaddie.org.uk

HELP A SQUADDIE | TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT 2024–2025

Strength and conditioning equipment installed for resident use

Registered Charity No. 1182523 | www.helpasquaddie.org.uk

HELP A SQUADDIE | TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT 2024–2025

Wellbeing and fitness facilities at The Russell Aston Home For Veterans

Veterans Breakfast Club helping reduce social isolation

Registered Charity No. 1182523 | www.helpasquaddie.org.uk

HELP A SQUADDIE TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT 2024-2025 Community enoagement and peer support activities Registered Charity No. 1182523 1 www.helpasquaddie.org.uk

Help a Squaddie Income and Expenditure Account

1st October 2024 - 30th September 2025

- 2025- - 2025- - 2024- - 2024- - 2023- - 2023- - 2023-
Income
Collection, Donations & Events 4,949.90 3,675.78 2,896.09
Sales - - 30.00
Interest Income 355.47 575.27 -
Fundraising 10,521.37 5,653.59 6,332.64
Rental Income RAHFV 38,567.79 52,581.66 18,867.89
Grants 100,000.00 3,500.00 19,320.00
Restricted Income 23,250.00 30,945.00 339,460.02
£177,644.53 £96,931.30 £386,906.64
Expenditure
Salary Expenses 43,679.95 32,607.28 12,600.00
Office Costs 2,300.00 1,400.00 4,056.07
Client Drop-in Centre 1,863.76 1,236.47 2,384.96
House upkeep 15,479.00 11,938.97 Amended 8,099.02
Equipment/Fund Raising costs 1,370.44 1,368.86 3,675.57
Client Support 11,947.19 10,748.78 13,014.54
Unrestricted Funds Spent 0.00 0.00 0.00
Restricted Funds Spent 1,029.82 22,450.99 Amended 31,502.85
Insurance 256.16 246.16 866.97
Training & Subscriptions 296.12 90.00 0.00
Post, printing & stationery 1,180.53 99.73 16.31
Accounts 456.00 300.00 250.00
Professional Fee's 0.00 0.00 0.00
Travel costs 5,574.07 128.20 652.80
Website 914.38 514.03 0.00
Bad Debt 0.00 0.00 0.00
Bank Charge 0.00 34.65
Depreciation 0.00 888.04 443.96
Phones 607.14 658.01 904.35
Other 283.51 78.71 360.30
£87,238.07 £84,788.88 £78,827.70
Surplus / (Deficit) £90,406.46 £12,142.42 £308,078.94
Balance Sheet as the Year Ended 30th September 2023
Current Account Opening Balance as @ 1 Oct 2024 44,633.52 69,428.76 68,872.02
Surplus / (Deficit) for the Year 90,406.46 12,142.42 308,078.94
Movement Summary £135,039.98 £81,571.18 £376,950.96
Current Account Closing Balance as @ 30 Sept 2025 74,561.05 44,633.52 69,428.76
Deposit Account Closing Balance as @ 30 Sept 2025 105.09 40,149.62
Quick Access Closing Balance as @ 30 Sept 2025 100,000.00
Computer Equipment Balance as @ 30 Sept 2025 - - 288.02
Fixtures & Fittings Balance as @ 30 Sept 2025 - - 600.02
Property Balance as @ 30 Sept 2025 306,880.84 306,880.84 306,880.84
Creditors - 2,047.14
 - 2,570.60
 - 246.68
**£479,499.84 ** £344,459.86 **£389,093.38 ** £307,522.20 £376,950.96
Funds Summary
Restricted Funds - Lotto 24,429.04 4,429.04 4,429.04
Restricted Funds - Government 1,454.40 1,454.40 1,454.40
Restricted Funding - SCC Fund Grant 3,200.00 3,200.00 0.00
Restricted Funds - Know your Neighbor 9,794.67 10,294.67 8,563.17
Restricted Funds - Crowdfunder 728.01 728.01 728.01
Restricted Funds - Morrisons Garden 1,375.85 1,456.77 3,164.66
Restricted Funds - Veolia Enviromental Grant 300.00 300.00 0.00
Restricted Funds - RAHFV Grant 1,010.47 1,010.47 1,010.47
Restricted Funds - Awards for All 23 3,692.69 4,141.59 0.00
Restricted Funds - Groundworks UK 4,375.00 53,682.08 1,125.00 31,355.04 0.00
Restricted Funds - Together Active Fund 3,321.95 3,321.95 0.00
Unrestricted Funds 425,817.76 357,738.34 357,589.93
£479,499.84 £0.00 £389,093.38 £0.00 £376,950.96

ACCOUNTANT'S REPORT

The above Income & Expenditure account for the year ending 30th September 2025 has been prepared without

Rugeley, Staffs 01/04/2026

MJ Accountancy Ltd.

Independent examiner's report on the accounts

Section A Independent Examiner’s Report

Report to the trustees/ Charity Name members of Help-a-Squaddie On accounts for the year 30[th] September 2025 Charity no 1182523 ended (if any) Respective The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. responsibilities of The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year trustees and examiner under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given examiner’s statement by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention examiner's statement (other than that disclosed below *)

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements:

  2. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and

  3. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act

  4. have not been met; or

  5. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

  6. Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply.

Signed:
Name:
Address:		 P Johnson 09thApril 2026
Philippa Johnson
MJ Accountancy Ltd
Suites 2 & 3 Bow Street Chamber
½ Bow Street
Rugeley, Staffs WS15 2BT

IER

March 2012

1

Section B Disclosure

Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material problems.

Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .

No other matters arise at this time.

IER

March 2012

2