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2023-12-31-accounts

The Bury Project Charity Number 1183543

Trustees Annual Report for the period ended 31 December 2023

The Bury Project is an Incorporated Charitable Organisation set up for the relief of poverty for persons living in and around Bury and its surrounding districts, within a Christian ethos. It has particular links to “Churches Together in Bury”, as well as Christian churches in Prestwich and Whitefield of all major denominations.

Registered Office : Bolton Road Methodist Church Bolton Road Bury BL8 2NZ

Trustees : Mr G Joyce (Appointed 1[st] March 2022) Mr T Boaden (Appointed 7[th] January 2022) Mr G Smith (Appointed 6[th] November 2022) Ms L Jackson (Appointed 10[th] July 2023, Resigned 1[st] May 2024) Mr N Thompson (Resigned 10[th] July 2023) Contact : Gordon Joyce Bankers : The Cooperative Bank plc PO Box 101 1 Balloon Street Manchester M60 4EP

Trustees Report

Nigel Thompson resigned from being a Trustee in July 2023 and Gordon Joyce was appointed as Chair of the trustees in his place. Liz Jackson was appointed in July 2023 and resigned in May 2024 due to having other commitments..

Throughout the year the trustees continued with encouraging donors and providing support for our only current project – the Christians Against Poverty

Debt Centre, Bury. In particular there has been increasing success in attracting grants from various bodies which has enabled us to plan for increased paid hours for Gordon Clark, the Debt Centre Manager, and also to plan for the appointment of a further Debt Coach in order to secure the longer term continuation of the project.

CAP Debt Centre Achievements and performance

The policy in 2023 was to take on approximately two new debt clients each month. The Debt Centre manager was employed for 16 hours per week rising to 20 hours per week to cope with rising demand. Although our desire is to help more people, we have to be realistic and manage the caseload wisely to provide good and appropriate ongoing support to each client.

Demand for help from the Bury Debt Centre again remained strong throughout the year, and there was typically a two to three month wait for an appointment.

Referrals continue to be received from helping agencies in Bury due to the good reputation we have built in the town. These agencies often refer vulnerable people to us, for whom debt is one of many challenges. Many of our new clients in 2023 have experienced multiple challenges including serious illnesses, bereavements, relationship breakdowns, and abuse in different forms (financial, domestic and sexual).

We work with our clients in a holistic way, and to complement our debt support, help in other practical ways, drawing on the generosity and skills of the Christians Against Poverty national charity, as well as the desire and willingness of over 25 local churches to support in various ways. Those clients who are able to commit to working with us, often see their financial circumstances transformed by the support and mentoring they receive.

During 2023, the trustees and Debt Centre Manager continued to work hard developing partnerships with local churches. Eight church visits were undertaken by teams consisting of a trustee and/or the Debt Centre manager, who together explained the type of work undertaken, and the challenges encountered. It is pleasing to report that more churches are recognising the value of our work, and are supporting in various ways.

One expression of support is for churches to provide volunteers who receive training to accompany the Debt Centre manager when meeting with clients. In

2023, ten volunteers supported in this way, provided by 8 different churches, representing 5 different Christian denominations. This expression of church unity is pleasing to the charity. Support received from the ‘Churches Together in Bury’ network has been particularly pleasing and greatly appreciated.

During 2023, we received funding from a variety of sources, including churches, individuals, and grants or donations from other organisations. Where possible, gift aid is reclaimed on personal donations.

For this work to grow, further funding and another trained debt coach will be required. The trustees will continue to be proactive in looking for opportunities to improve the sustainability and effectiveness of the charity.

The trustees are very grateful to every individual, church, and grant provider who has donated to the work in 2023.

• Key highlights from 2023

Accounts for The Bury Project

Year ending 31st December 2023

Receipts Receipts 2023 2023 2022
Total Unrestricted
Funds		 Restricted
Funds		 Total Unrestricted
Funds		 Restricted
Funds
£ £ £ £ £ £
Donations 9,312 9,222 90 18,205 17,140 1,065
Gift Aid from donations(includingGASDS) 2,305 2,305 1,371 1,371
Grants 14,034 3,400 10,634 2,865 500 2,365
Bank Interest 2 2
Total Receipts 25,653 14,929 10,724 22,441 19,011 3,430
Payments
Operatingexpenses: Wages and salaries 10,162 9,162 1,000 8,326 7,926 400
Travel expenses 407 407 141 141
Administration costs: 993 592 401 543 543
Grants and Donations Made 280 280 180 180
CAP Central Subscription 5,400 5,400 7,200 6,600 600
Total Payments 17,242 15,562 1,681 16,390 15,210 1,180
Funds Brought Forward from lastyear end 18,857 16,559 2,298 12,806 12,757 49
Net of receipts /payments 8,410 -633 9,043 6,051 3,802 2,250
Cash funds thisyear end 27,267 15,926 11,342 18,857 16,559 2,298
Assets & Liabilities(end ofyear)
Assets
Co-opBank Current Account 22,265.30
£		 18,856.88
£
KingdomBank Savings Account 5,002.05
£
Total 27,267.35
£
Liabilities
Invoices received but notpaid -
£		 -
£
Expenses to December 2023 - Gordon Clark 693.83
£		 514.10
£

Independent Examlnerfs Report to the Trustees of The Bury Projert (a Charitable Incorporated Organisation - Charity Number 1183543) I report on the accounts of The Bury Project forthe year ended 315t December 2023 which are set out on the following pa8e. Respertlve responsibilities of the tru#ees and examlner. The or8ani5ation's trustees are responslble for the preparatlon of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for thi5 year under section 14412) of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts under settion 145 of the Charities Act. to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions 8iven by the Charity Commi55ion (under section 14515)Ibl of the Charitie5 Act), and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basls of the Independent examlnerfs report and examlnees statement. I have examined the accounts with regard to sertion 145 of the Charities Act and the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charlty Commlsslon. I confirm that no matter has come to my attentlon {in connection with the examination) which 8ives me cause to believe that in any mateiial respert: The accounting records were not kept In accordance with sectlon 130 of the Charltles Art.. or The accounts did not accord wlth the accountln8 records; or The accounts dld not comply with the applitable requirements concemSn8 the form and content of accounts set out in the Charlties (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a "true and falr. view whlch 55 not a matter considered as part of an iftdependent examination. I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attentlon should be drawn in this report In order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Bernie O'Donnell 46 Chelsea Avenue Radcliffe. M26 3NF. Former Treasurer. Bridge Methodist Churth. RaddwFFe (from 2iJ)8 to 2014).

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