## TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT
**Y E A R E N D J U L Y 2 0 2 5**
## CONTENTS
|Administrative Details|1|
|---|---|
|Rooted In Summary|2|
|Core Values & Strategy|3|
|Structure, Governance & Management|5|
|Summary of Activities|7|
|Future Plans|15|
|Accounts|16|
|Independent Examiner’s Report|17|
|Acknowledgments|18|
|||
## ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
|Registered Charity Name|Rooted In||
|---|---|---|
|Charity Number|1184481||
|Date Registered|6 November 2008||
|Registered Office|St Peters Vicarage||
||Leytop Lane||
||Allerton||
||Bradford||
|**Trustees**|BD15 7LT||
|Chairman|Lucy Atkin||
|Secretary|Philippa Slingsby-Lunn||
|Treasurer|Aidan Thompson||
||Pamela Kershaw_(resigned Jan 2025)_||
|**Independent Examiner**|Torvell Dent Chartered Accountants||
||Hope Park Business Centre||
||Trevor Foster Way||
||Bradford||
||BD5 8HH||
|**Bankers**|Lloyds TSB||
||45 Hustlergate||
||Bradford||
||BD1 1NT||
|||ONE|
## ROOTED IN SUMMARY
The work of Rooted In is the culmination of 23 years of our organisation’s grassroots, volunteer-led, and community-focused vision working in the community of Allerton and Lower Grange on the outskirts of Bradford, West Yorkshire.
Rooted In aims to Build Community, Equip Individuals, and Strengthen Families. We do this by designing and delivering holistic services with the community, working with children, young people, families, and adults.
Rooted In strives to outwork our unique belief that the greatest resource and success of Allerton lies within. All of our work is centred on our model of ‘Growing Big People’. We help individuals uncover their skills and desires whilst providing holistic support, education, and training to help them overcome barriers that hold them back. We grow individuals by instilling a sense of personal identity and for them to understand their inherent value and purpose.
Over the past year, we ran programmes that enabled us to support 372 children, young people, adults, and families. These included after-school children's and youth clubs, community events, holiday activities, sports sessions, young people's volunteering, and mentoring. We partnered with local schools to deliver assemblies and targeted interventions. Working with adults we provided volunteering opportunities, training, work experience, and support into employment.
Through the Community Benefit Society, we have been working on a long-term plan to secure land and buildings that are at risk or present opportunities to deliver community services, public amenity and local homes.
In January 2019, we launched our first social enterprise, The Sugar Snap Kitchen Coffee Shop at Hope Park, followed by a second site in October 2022 at Christians Against Poverty headquarters.
## CORE VALUES & STRATEGY
Rooted In is to be known not just for what we do, but how we do it. We are committed to collaborating with the community, listening to their voice and creating a culture which encourages local social responsibility to deliver grassroots transformation.
This approach and the organisations significant professional experience in community leadership, compliance, social enterprises and project development paired with our long-standing involvement in the community, means that we are the right people to spearhead such a significant movement. At Rooted In, our approach of building people creates an inner strength and resilience which empowers all ages to make more positive and constructive choices, rather than building a team and services that solely respond to crisis. To do this we have developed a new strategy, which is driven by our culture, purpose, and beliefs.
This strategy ensures that all our programmes will be centred on developing and building people. As such we structure our team and workload to ensure each person can
take responsibility for training and mentoring local volunteers. This strategy opens up the
organisation to a wider range of opportunities that have never been available to most in our community.
Whilst this approach may be slower and harder work, we believe it will have a much deeper and longer-lasting impact on those in our community.
CORE VALUES & STRATEGY
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FOUR
## STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT
Rooted In was formally established by a constitution dated 6 November 2008 as Kidz Klub Allerton and was subsequently registered as a charity on 19 November 2008, under registration number 1126786. On 20 September 2019 Kidz Klub Allerton changed its name to Rooted In. On 18th July 2019, Rooted In registered a new Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). We completed a transfer of assets from Rooted In to Rooted In CIO on 21st February 2022. Rooted In are now operating under the new registration number 1184481.
The Charity is managed by the Board of Trustees. Under the requirements of the constitution, in addition to the statutory powers of appointment, a new trustee may be appointed by a resolution of the trustees passed by a majority in a general meeting. Trustee training is carried out on an ongoing basis, making use of the Charity Commission website and other charity publications.
The Trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities’ issued in March 2005 in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the Charity.
The Trustees actively review the major risks which the charity faces on a regular basis together with controls over key financial systems. Where appropriate, systems or procedures have been established to mitigate the risks the charity faces.
## **Linked Entities**
Over the years Rooted In has founded a number of associated companies and organisations that relate to the CIO and support the vision and mission of the Charity:
- The Sugar Snap Kitchen at Hope Park CIC - Company Number 11101294 (Founded Dec 2017)
- The Sugar Snap Kitchen at Jubilee House CIC - Company Number 12308979 (Founded Nov 2019)
- Sugar Snap Kitchen Events CIC - Company Number 14634117 (Founded Feb 2023)
- Allerton Lower Grange Community Land Trust Limited CBS - Company Number RS008718 (Founded Sept 2021)
The three Sugar Snap Kitchen CICs are companies limited by shares, with all shares being owned by Rooted In CIO.
The CBS is registered with the FCA and is independent from The Charity, with its own Board of Directors. Rooted In CIO Trustees have the right to directly appoint two board members. Currently, the day-to-day running of the CBS is carried out under agreement by the staff of Rooted In CIO. The CBS changed its name from ‘Rooted In Homes Community Land Trust’ to ‘Allerton Lower Grange Community Land Trust’ on 24.07.2025, recognising its broadened remit.
FIVE
## STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT
## **Objectives and Activities**
Rooted In’s principal objectives, as set out in the Constitution, are:
To act as a resource for people of all ages and backgrounds living in Allerton and neighbouring areas by providing advice and assistance, and organising programmes of physical, educational and other activities as a means of:
a) Advancing in life and helping by developing their skills, capacities and capabilities to enable them to participate in society as independent, mature and responsible individuals.
b) Providing recreational and leisure time activity in the interests of social welfare for people living in the area of benefit who have need by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disability, poverty or social and economic circumstances with a view to improving the conditions of life of such persons.
Our current and planned work supports children and young people, parents and families from Allerton and Lower Grange. Our aims fully reflect the purposes that the charity was set up, to benefit all children and young people regardless of personal background, faith, gender or personal circumstances.
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SIX
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## SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES
## **Champion Kids**
Champion Kids has had another brilliant year, building on everything we’ve developed over previous years. We’ve welcomed lots of new children into the group, led by a fantastic team of local adults and young people who create a space that feels safe, fun and caring. We’re continuing to grow the group and create more opportunities for local children to be part of it.
This year, we’ve continued to develop our acts of kindness, with the children taking real ownership of how they give back to their community. This has included regular litter picking, singing in the local care home, helping to lead the Remembrance Service, delivering Easter treats to elderly residents, and finding simple ways to connect with others across Allerton.
We were also able to take 40 children to the seaside, which was a real highlight of the year. For some, this was their first time experiencing a trip like this, making it a special opportunity to build memories together.
Our cooking sessions have also been a real highlight. The children took part in our annual Junior MasterChef competition, where each child chose a dish to prepare and present to a panel of local judges, including teachers from their schools. It was lovely to see the pride they took in planning, cooking and presenting their dishes.
Champion Kids continues to be a special place for local children, a place where they feel they belong, know they have something to offer, and can play a part in building their community. It’s a space where children can try new things, build friendships and grow in confidence.
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SEVEN
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## SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES
## **Soul Girls**
We’ve had a brilliant year at Soul Girls, working in partnership with South Square Arts Centre and Bradford City of Culture. This year, 24 girls had the opportunity to take part in a wide range of creative workshops led by professional artists, including photographers, media designers, potters and mosaic artists.
As part of the project, the girls visited Yorkshire Sculpture Park, which helped inspire their ideas and creativity, particularly in developing their own sculptures.
Over several months, the girls worked together to design and create an art trail reflecting their heritage, identity and community. Their work included a Lego mosaic, friendship garlands, heritage photography, a painted mural, a Barbara Hepworth-inspired sculpture made from recycled materials, and a living willow sculpture.
All of this came together in a trail displayed around Allerton for families to enjoy, launched at a community fun day celebrating everything the girls had created. It was a proud moment not just for the girls, but for the wider community, and their work was featured in the local newspaper.
EIGHT
## SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES
## **Shine Girls**
This year, we delivered two Shine Girls courses, working with 32 Year 6 girls through a 10-week wellbeing programme. The girls were referred by parents who had concerns around low confidence and self-esteem, anxiety (including separation anxiety), difficulties managing emotions, challenges with friendships, and feelings of isolation.
## Outcomes
Over the course of the programme, we saw real progress in the girls’ confidence and wellbeing. Many became more open in sharing how they were feeling, growing in their ability to understand and talk about their emotions.
We saw a noticeable reduction in anxiety, with girls feeling more settled and better able to cope with challenges at school and in their friendships. Parents also shared that some girls were sleeping better and feeling less overwhelmed day to day. The girls developed stronger ways to manage their emotions, learning how to pause, reflect and respond rather than react. This was particularly evident in how they handled disagreements and supported one another within the group.
Overall, the programme helped the girls feel more confident in themselves and better equipped to navigate the challenges they face as they move towards secondary school.
NINE
## SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES
## **Wildlife**
This year, we worked with 15 young people through our Wildlife programme, which is designed specifically for boys. Many of the group came through our Stronger 10-week wellbeing programme, giving us the opportunity to continue supporting them longer-term through creative projects, mentoring and hands-on experiences.
The Wildlife group have played a real part in improving outdoor spaces in Allerton. One project focused on an area filled with concrete blocks, originally put in place to prevent quad bike use. The boys felt the space was dull and unwelcoming and wanted to do something about it. They worked hard to bring colour and life into the area and, despite setbacks such as vandalism, they kept going and took real pride in what they created.This year, several of the boys stepped into junior leadership roles, becoming positive role models for others. They’ve supported sessions, helped plan activities, and shared ideas for future projects, including identifying other areas in Allerton they’d like to improve.
Outcomes
Over the year, we’ve seen a real growth in confidence across the group, particularly for those who have stepped into junior leadership roles. Many of the boys have become more willing to take responsibility, share their ideas and support others. There has also been a strong sense of pride in their work, especially through the projects they’ve led in improving local spaces. Despite setbacks, they showed determination and resilience, taking ownership of what they created and the difference they were making in their community.
The boys have developed practical skills and gained experience in planning, teamwork and communication. These opportunities have helped them build confidence in real-life situations and start to see new possibilities for their future.
TEN
## SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES
## **Case Study - Community Therapy Service** _**(names changed)**_
Last year, we set out a plan to create an in-house, family-centred trauma therapy service. Over the past year, we have been working towards establishing this, beginning to shape what this support looks like for our community.
As part of our therapeutic offer, we support young people and families connected to our programmes, particularly where gaps in services mean they may otherwise go without support.
Emma (14) has been known to us for a number of years, having first engaged as a child and later taking part in Shine Girls and Soul Girls. She has experienced significant challenges, including anxiety, low self-esteem and the impact of multiple adverse experiences. Her father, Michael, is a lone parent managing his own health difficulties and had been struggling to support Emma.
We offered Michael a series of therapy sessions, alongside joint sessions with Emma. Through this, we were able to help him better understand Emma’s needs, make sense of complex information from services, and develop more supportive ways of communicating with her. We also supported Michael with his own wellbeing, helping him feel more confident in his role as a parent.
Joint sessions gave both Michael and Emma the space to share openly and begin to improve their relationship. They were able to express things they had previously struggled to say and agree on small, positive changes moving forward.
Several months later, when Emma experienced a further mental health crisis, Michael contacted us again. Because of our ongoing relationship with the family, we were able to respond quickly, offering immediate support, advice and safety planning without the need for waiting lists or retelling their story. This flexibility and continuity of support made a significant difference during a very challenging time for the family.
ELEVEN
## SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES
## **Community Benefit Society**
Whilst a distinct entity from the Charity, the CBS forms a significant part in Rooted In fulfilling its objectives and reaching its potential as a voice and advocate for change at a regional and national level.
The CBS was established to support the vision, initially through exploring opportunities to secure land to build affordable homes. Over this year, the CBS board and local members voted to change the name to The Allerton Lower Grange Community Land Trust. This decision reflects the broadened scope and opportunities we are pursuing. The CBS exists to identify, secure and repurpose spaces and places of value to the community.
Over this year, we have been working with the strategic lead at Bradford Council, exploring a large 55-house site, two smaller sites of church land, completing works to secure planning permission for The Vicarage, and feasibility works to take on a severely underutilised community centre that is at risk of the lease being revoked by the social housing landlord.
Further to these local projects, we have had the opportunity to shape national policy through our involvement in We’re Right Here and Power To Change, participating in round table discussions and presenting at Westminster.
The charity supports the work on the CBS through an agreement to provide staffing time and through our long-standing reputation and activity.
## **Future**
Over the coming year we want to continue our efforts to grow community membership. We want to secure our first plot of land for developing affordable housing alongside other spaces and opportunities of cultural or broader community value as well as securing sufficent cpaital to start works on The Vicarage.
## TWELVE
## SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES
**Community Events**
This year, we’ve continued to create opportunities for the wider community to come together through a range of events. We were proud to help organise the local Remembrance Service, giving children and young people the chance to play an active role in something meaningful for the community.
We also hosted a family Easter egg hunt for over 100 families, Christmas carol singing, and a large summer fun day to launch the girls’ art trail, which brought together over 500 people. Alongside these events, we ran holiday clubs throughout the year, working with 145 children and young people providing activities and opportunities during the school holidays.
THIRTEEN
## SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES
## **Volunteers**
Our work continues to be shaped by an incredible team of over 50 local volunteers. They bring a wide range of experiences, skills and perspectives. Volunteering at Rooted In spans all ages, from retired members of the community, local parents to young people stepping into leadership roles. Creating space for people to grow, contribute and lead is central to how we work.
We’ve seen this especially in young volunteers like Delyla, who recently represented her peers in a local grant bid. Standing alongside councillors and teachers, she confidently shared the vision of young people in her community. Her courage and leadership were recognised on the night, and it was a powerful example of what can happen when young people are given the opportunity to step forward.
## Ann-Marie
_“Volunteering with Soul Girls means so much to me. The girls are amazing, and it’s lovely to see their passion and enthusiasm at every session. I love that I can provide a safe and supportive space where they feel comfortable to learn and_
_grow. I find immense satisfaction in seeing the direct impact of our efforts, smiles on their faces and celebrating small victories with them is incredibly rewarding.”_
## FOURTEEN
## FUTURE PLANS
As the Trustees and Senior Leadership Team look forward to 2025-26 there are a few key areas of focus for the organisation:
- Establish a peri-natal service exclusively for our community.
- Secure planning and funding for charity headquarters.
- Identify and secure multi-year core funding for Rooted In.
- Boost revenue for Rooted In from The Sugar Snap Kitchen enterprise through a third business venture.
The report was approved by the Trustees on 21st April 2026. Lucy Atkin - Chair Of The Board
## ACCOUNTS
## RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025
|||Unrestricted|Restricted||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||Funds|Funds|2025|2024||
||**Income**||||||
||Grants|-|212841|212841|213058||
||Donations & Gift Aid|6494|-|6494|6500||
||Income from Charitable Activities|13048|-|13048|3849||
||Social Enterprises|13942|-|13942|3864||
||Other||||3000||
||**Total**|33484|212841|246325|230271||
||**Expenses**||||||
||Staff costs|17168|143923|161091|145631||
||Training & Volunteer Costs|825|2907|3732|4170||
||Premises Costs|145|12138|12283|15065||
||Computer & Equipment|965|522|1487|1394||
||Administration Costs|57|3563|3620|3336||
||Marketing|81|803|884|401||
||Professional Fees & Consultancy|-|702|702|1422||
||Charitable Activities|346|30778|31124|59537||
||Donations|516|-|516|360||
||**Total**|20103|195336|215439|231316||
|||13381|17505|30886|(1045)||
||**Funds B/Fwd as at 31st July 2024**|19747|104519|124266|125311||
||Transfer between Funds|(3138)|3138|-|-||
||**Total Funds as at 31st July 2025**|29990|125162|155152|124266||
||**Represented by:-**||||||
||Cash at Bank|||155152|124266||
||Cash in hand||||||
|||||155152|124266||
||||||||
SIXTEEN
## INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
Report to the trustees of Rooted In on the accounts for the year ended 31 July 2025.
## **Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner**
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit requirement of Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act) does not apply. It is my responsibility to state, on the basis of procedures specified in the General Directions given by the Chairty Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act, whether particular matters have come to my attention.
## **Basis of Independent Examiner’s Statement**
My examination was carried out in accordance with general directions given by the Charities 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, I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.
## **Independent Examiner’s Statement**
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention
1. Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect the requirements:
- (a) To keep accounting records in accordance with S130 of the 2011 Act; and
- (b) To prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or
2. To which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
S J Sutcliffe F.C.C.A.
Torevell Dent Limited
Chartered Certified Accountant
1-3 St Ann’s Place
Pellon Lane
Halifax. HX1 5RB
31 March 2026
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SEVENTEEN
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## ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The work of Rooted In, The Sugar Snap Kitchen and The Allerton Lower Grange CLT would not be possible without the dedicated work of their respective volunteer boards, management, staff and volunteers.
We are incredibly proud of each individual’s achievements and the growth they have demonstrated this year. The impact their work has on transforming the lives and future prospects of our community can often feel slow and distant. However, what we do know is that what we are doing is working. Our approach is one of steady and consistent partnership with our community, inspiring and instilling hope and excitement for a future that isn’t yet written.
Further to this, we are grateful to the following organisations for their support over this year:
- JCT600 and the Tordoff Family
- Keystone Financial Advisors
- Leeds Community Homes
- People Powered Homes
- Architecture Unknown
- Christians Against Poverty
- St James’ Church
- Allerton Methodist Church
- Reaching Communities
- Henry Smith Charity
- Betty’s Foundation
- Driving Brighter Future
- Sovereign Health
- The Leap
- KFC Foundation
- Card Factory Foundation
- Trusthouse
- Tesco Stronger Starts