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2025-03-31-accounts

2024-2025 carm ANNUAL REPORT supporting older people in rural areas AND ACCOUNTS

Caring Altogether on Romney Marsh (CARM) Sunflower House Rolfe Lane New Romney Kent TN28 8JR

Telephone: 01233 758122

Charity Registered in England & Wales Charity number 1184552

FOREWORD BY THE CHAIR

I’m delighted to present the Annual Report for 2024–2025 on behalf of the Board of Trustees of Caring Altogether on Romney Marsh (CARM). As Trustees, we’re responsible for setting the strategic direction, ensuring robust management, and upholding all legal and regulatory obligations of the charity.

And of course, we also ensure that we continue to provide a high level of service, which means ensuring the charity remains well-funded and that we spend those funds effectively. Our finances are diligently managed and overseen, as confirmed by the Independent Examiner's unqualified report for the year ended 31st March 2025, which found no material issues with our accounting records or practices. I’m happy to report that we’ve continued our important mission to reduce social isolation and loneliness among older people across Romney Marsh, Tenterden, and the surrounding areas. I summarise some of the highlights below, but I’d like to start by recognising how we’ve been able to do that and give some thanks. Firstly, I’d like to recognise a real friend of CARM that we sadly lost this year. Dr Ruth Smith will be known to many of you, having been associated with CARM for many years, as a volunteer, a Trustee, the Treasurer and most recently the ViceChair. Her commitment to CARM was incredible. She left a huge impression and will be missed. Thank you, Ruth.

I’d like to thank our former Manager, Helen Mattock, who retired in May having led the team for several years and through a period of significant change. And our current Manager, Liz Thorne. Liz joined in April and has already made a real difference. I’d like to thank her for her energy and professionalism, and on a more personal note for being a pleasure to work with.

Next, I’d like to thank the team. You’ll see within the report the breadth of services that we provide. Achieving this with such a small staff is amazing and only possible through their dedication and commitment. And lastly, but certainly not least, our network of committed volunteers, who contributed over 7,300 volunteering hours in 2024-25. You make the delivery of our services possible, so thank you!

Our key services have demonstrated remarkable impact:

• We held 264 Meeting Points this year, welcoming an average of 17 people per session. A survey earlier in the year highlighted the immense value of these gatherings, with 98% of respondents making friends, and 93% noting an increased sense of well-being. To quote one of the attendees: "It’s nice to come out and have a chat with people".

• The Befriending service has supported an average of 65 people through the year, providing a much needed connection.

• Our talking reminiscence service worked with six care settings delivering 133 sessions to 191 attendees, and our musical reminiscence service worked with 11 care settings providing 27 musical sessions to 201 people.

• We also continued our impactful Working in Schools program, where 22 school pupils from The Marsh Academy and Homewood School completed reminiscence projects with older friends or family members, gaining new skills and insights, and earning CARM certificates.

• This year, we were excited to launch six new services: our first hand massage service, three Communi-Teas parties, six Board Games for Gents sessions and nine people benefitting from access to community transport schemes. In addition, we began the distribution of puzzle worksheets and chair-based exercise sheets - further expanding our reach and offerings.

CARM operates without any form of statutory funding, relying entirely on the generosity of donations and grants to sustain our work. I’d like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us this year.

The achievements of this past year reflect the collective effort of our community – our clients, volunteers, staff, and supporters. Together, we are making a tangible difference in combating social isolation and enhancing lives across our rural communities.

Steve Croke

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Chair
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Contents

Objects and Aims Objects and Aims 6
Reference and Administrative Details 8
Manager’s Report 9
2024-25 in Numbers 10
Service Reports 12
Meeting Points 13
Befriending 14
Reminiscence 15
Community Allotment and Knit Wits 16
New Services 17
Our Volunteers 19
Team Highlights 20
Funders and Supporters 22
Finance Review and Accounts
Treasurer’s Report
23
24
Trustees’ Report 25
Statement of Financial Activities 26

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OBJECTS AND AIMS
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CARM is a local charity aiming to reduce social isolation across Romney Marsh, Tenterden and rural Ashford.

We provide a range of services which enable older people the opportunity to meet and engage with others, either in their own homes or in community settings.

The charity’s mission:

To support people living on Romney Marsh and its surrounding rural areas who are socially isolated.

Through this support we aim to improve people’s well-being, to help people remain independent for longer and to enhance the quality of life of the rural communities where we operate.

In pursuing this mission, we will treat people with dignity and respect.

We treat everyone with compassion

We recognise the importance of respect and treat people with dignity

We are accessible and inclusive

We deliver high quality services cost effectively

6

The charity’s objects:

To relieve persons on Romney Marsh and the surrounding areas who are in need by reason of their age or disability, in particular, by providing a range of services and activities which promotes their social inclusion, good health, and wellbeing..

Public benefit statement

The trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity’s aims and objectives and planning future activities.

Our services are designed to relieve social isolation and promote wellbeing among older people and disabled adults in Romney Marsh and surrounding rural areas.

How the Charity is Constituted

Caring Altogether on Romney Marsh (CARM) is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), registered with the Charity Commission in 2019 under charity number 1184552. Prior to this, CARM operated as an unincorporated charity (charity number 1067189) established in 1997.

Governance and Management

The charity is governed by the board of trustees, which is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organisation and ensuring that it is well-managed and complies with its legal and regulatory obligations.

Trustees are recruited through local networks and community engagement, and are appointed by resolution of the board.

The trustees meet regularly throughout the year to review performance, monitor finances, and oversee risk. Sub-committees may be formed for specific areas of work, such as finance, fundraising or safeguarding.

Day-to-day management is delegated to the Manager, who is supported by a small staff team and a large network of committed volunteers. Operational and service decisions are overseen by the Manager and brought to the trustees where appropriate.

7

REFERENCE & ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Manager :

Helen Mattock (Until 20 May 2025) Liz Thorne (Appointed 15 April 2025)

Trustees:

Peter Allen (Treasurer - appointed 23 July 2025)

Shuna Body MBE Wendy Body Steve Croke (Chair) Susan Graydon Jean Jones Gill Singfield (Appointed 3 April 2025) Ruth Smith (Deceased 22 May 2025) Liam Walsh (Resigned 15 February 2025) Clare Young (Appointed 29 April 2025)

The charity is incorporated in England & Wales:

Charity Registration Number 1184582

Principal Office:

Sunflower House Rolfe Lane New Romney Kent TN28 8JR

Bankers:

Lloyds bank PLC PO Box 1000 Chelmsford BX1 1LT

Independent Examiner:

Sandra Wood-Brignall

Staff Team:

Caroline - Development Officer & Lasting Friendships Coordinator

Fiona - Reminiscence Coordinator

Katie - Meeting Points Coordinator

Kerry - Befriending Coordinator

Sarah - Admin and Finance Officer Victoria - Development, Funding & Marketing Officer Zena - Befriending Coordinator

8

MANAGER’S REPORT

I can’t take credit for any of the fantastic work that was done by the Charity during 2024-25 as I have only been in post since April 2025.

That accolade goes to the Team and outgoing Manager Helen Mattock, who managed the Charity for a second time during the period 2020-2025. I would like to say a personal thank you to Helen for the great work that she did for CARM in both her tenures.

I am very glad to be working as a member of the CARM team - I have known the charity and its excellent reputation for a number of years during my work in the voluntary sector in Kent.

The generous funding that we received during the year from The National Lottery Community Fund and others has enabled us to continue to provide our vital services for the people of Romney Marsh, Tenterden and rural Ashford. We no longer receive any form of statutory funding, and so the generosity of these grant makers and the individuals and companies that support us is our lifeline.

Thanks to this funding we were able to maintain a business-as-usual approach to our core services - befriending, meeting points and reminiscence - but also to begin the commencement of some new services which were identified as being needed during our 2023 Wellbeing Research survey. Some of these are still very fledgling in nature, but will embed and build as time goes on and I hope to be able to report significant development in them in the next Annual Report.

We have a very small team delivering significant impact and I thank them for their commitment and effort. Of course, we wouldn’t be able to do any of this without our volunteers. They are responsible for delivering the services to clients, and do so with generous hearts. When talking about volunteers, we should not forget our Board of Trustees, who all give their time and skills for free, whilst carrying the legal responsibility for the Charity.

Liz Thorne

9

2024-25 IN NUMBERS

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177
VOLUNTEERS
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740
CLIENTS
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264
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17

Meeting Points held Care settings across 10 locations collaborated with

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OVER 7,300
VOLUNTEERING HOURS
90
Bunches of flowers
from our allotment
delivered to local
people
800
Telephone
befriending sessions
191
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201

Bunches of flowers from our allotment delivered to local people

Attendees at 27 musical reminiscence sessions

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3380
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Face-to face
befriending sessions
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Attendees at 133 talking
reminiscence sessions
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22

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School pupils taught
reminiscence skills
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10

2024-25 IN NUMBERS

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9
6 People assisted to
access community First hand massage
Board games for gents transport completed in
sessions as new service
March to launch
launched
new service
6 new services launched
thanks to
3
Chair-based
Communi-Teas parties
exercise sheets
with 12 guests as new Puzzle and quiz
service launched worksheets
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11

SERVICE REPORTS li 12

MEETING POINTS

We enjoy the company of one another, and the company of the ladies who look after us. They come and have a chat. It gives me something to do rather than just sit about at home. It’s nice to come out and have a chat with people.

(Celia, Meeting Point attendee)

Meeting Points are where CARM began, and are as popular today as they have always been.

Older people like Celia (above) who live in isolated villages and hamlets all across Romney Marsh, rural Ashford and Tenterden come together at our 10 locations on a regular basis for friendship and activities. During the year the average number of people attending a Meeting Point was 17, and our clients across the area were welcomed by 46 volunteers. Many of our Meeting Point clients went on organised trips during the year to places including Sissinghurst Castle and river boat trips.

Our regular annual survey took place in early 2025, and showed that:

98% 93%

of respondents have made friends through Meeting Points

noted an increased sense of wellbeing from attending MPs

100% were happy with their Meeting Point experience 100% would recommend Meeting Points to others in their community

13

BEFRIENDING

The befriending service provides much-needed home visits or telephone calls to people who have become socially isolated due to old age, ill health, disability or bereavement. We prioritise visiting those who live alone.

“She is my ray of sunshine; indispensable” Befriending client

There are two type of befriending - face-to-face where a volunteer visits the client each week, and telephone where a weekly phone call is made instead.

“It makes me feel good that I am brightening someone's day” Befriending volunteer

The main face-to-face service receives on average five new referrals a month and there is usually a waiting list of potential clients. The most difficult aspect of the service is matching clients and volunteers so that both find the experience rewarding, and often means that there are always volunteers and clients awaiting a match.

“She keeps me in contact with the world outside the room that I otherwise see only when taken by ambulance for a hospital visit.” Befriending client

All new volunteers are fully trained and DBS checked before being matched with a client.

65

Average number of people being visited

16

Average number of people on waiting list

5

Average number of monthly referrals from all sources

60%

Match rate across all befriending services

4

Average number of years for a befriending match to continue

“For that time I feel cared for and important to someone”

Befriending client

14

REMINISCENCE

Our Reminiscence service has been in existence since 2006, when Our Memories Matter was introduced. The original service was added to in 2015 with Caring to Remember, which aims to support settings to deliver their own sessions.

We have found the sessions to be very important and valuable for our residents.

They really enjoy getting together with their groups and reminiscing. Our residents interact with the volunteers and it is enjoyable for all staff, helpers and residents involved...

Both services are delivered in three blocks of 8-10 weeks across the year, and each session has a separate theme for discussion and reflection, often comprising a musical element.

Thank you to all of the team that make this happen.

In 2014 a further reminiscence service, Musical Memories Matter, was added to on the musical element, and is delivered by four volunteers with karaoke equipment or their own musical instruments..

All reminiscence sessions are delivered in care settings by trained CARM volunteers, working with both residents, and the staff that care for them. During the year we added a new care setting to the service, bringing the total back up to six.

WORKING IN SCHOOLS

We worked with A Level students in both the Marsh Academy and Homewood School, who completed a 4-6 week reminiscence project with an older friend or family member. We worked with both The

Marsh Academy and Homewood Students recorded their experience School, with students and learning from the project, completing a 4-6 week detailing what they had learned from their reminiscence partner, what they reminiscence project with an older friend or family member. had learned about themselves during the process, and any news skills employed.

Each student who completed the programme was awarded with a CARM certificate.

15

ALLOTMENT AND KNIT WITS

CARM COMMUNITY ALLOTMENT

The aim of CARM’s community allotment is twofold; bringing people together and distributing flowers and produce to older and isolated local residents.

Between May and November (thanks to the continuing fine weather) 90 bunches of flowers, together with a letter, were gifted to care homes, our befriending clients and meeting points, and a large number of random gifts to older people in the Sainsbury’s car park!

In November the pitch was officially marked with a new sign made by volunteer Harry Brown

THE CARM KNIT WITS

The Knit Wits continued to meet fortnightly during the year, moving location to Springwood Court in New Romney.

An average of ten avid knitters attended each meeting to work on various projects whist having a good old natter and a cuppa.

Their highlight of the year was taking part in the annual Tenterden Christmas Tree Festival, where they decorated a tree and produced a nativity scene to sit underneath it.

16

NEW SERVICES

As part of our National Lottery Community Fund award, we were funded to introduce a range of new services which were identified from our 2023 research.

Most Requested

Service Design

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||| |---|---| |Puzzles,|Creative and mindfulness| |brainteasers and|worksheets| |mindfulness|Puzzle and quiz worksheets| |Exercise sessions at Meeting| |Chair based| |Points| |exercises| |Chair-based exercise sheets| |Hand massage service in| |Hand massage/| |people’s homes and Meeting| |manicures| |Points| |Help with|Supported access to community| |getting about|transport schemes| |Localised social|Communi-Teas tea parties| |activities|Pub/café games clubs| |Pets visiting Meeting Points and| |Pet therapy| |people’s homes| |Head massage service in homes,| |Head massage| |care settings and Meeting Points|

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17

SOME NEW SERVICES EXPLAINED

COMMUNI-TEAS

Our Communi-Teas service is designed to bring older people closer together with those that live around them.

Volunteer hosts provide an afternoon tea to which local residents are invited, with the aim that people will form friendships with people that they may have lived near for some time, but have not had the chance to get to know.

ACCESS TO CAR JOURNEYS

Many older people struggle to access transport.; both for the routine things like appointments, but also for the nicer things like a trip out somewhere.

Working with the transport schemes provided by Romney Marsh Community Hub and Ashford Volunteer Services we are enabling people to access these services by covering their initial membership fees and working with them to ensure that they are confident to access and use the service.

PUB/CAFE BASED GAMES CLUBS

Initially meeting once per month, these groups have been established at the Ship Hotel in New Romney and at EC30 in Tenterden.

In these early stages, a member of staff has been on hand to support new volunteers to establish the clubs, but once established the volunteers themselves will run the groups and we hope that they will decide to meet more frequently.

HAND MASSAGE

Six new volunteers were trained in hand massage by a qualified massage therapist, and the service was launched in March.

Hand massage is offered at our Meeting Points (as part of individual meeting point schedules), in other community locations and as a home visit by prior arrangement..

The benefits of a gentle hand massage are many and include;

Health benefits, such as improved circulation and the reduction in pain and inflammation;

Emotional and social benefits such as stress and anxiety reduction; Cognitive benefits - especially for those living with dementia.

18

OUR VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers are the backbone of CARM, and the charity could not function without them. Last year our volunteers contributed around 7,300 hours of their time, which calculated at the National Living Wage rate for the year amounts to a contribution worth at least £83,512

Unlike many other organisations, we do not have a volunteer coordinator and this falls

instead to our individual service coordinators, who maintain close links with their volunteers.

Every year we give all of our volunteers the opportunity to come together for their own ‘Thank You’ event, for us to let them know who much we appreciate them and their commitment to CARM. This year’s event was held in March at the London Beach Hotel in Tenterden and was attended by 71 people

19

TEAM HIGHLIGHTS

We asked the CARM Team what were their personal highlights from the year...

Kerry - Befriending Coordinator

Francis was referred to CARM by The Stroke Association after two strokes left her with expressive aphasia, making communication and social contact very difficult, which in turn made her feel very lonely. With support from her neighbour, Francis shared her determination to try befriending.

She was matched with volunteer Vicki, who embraced the challenge. Francis and Vicki get on amazingly well and on Vicki’s visits they sometimes go on short walks together, often birdwatching – Francis’s favourite hobby. Despite communication barriers, their patience and perseverance have created a genuine and lasting friendship.

Caroline - Lasting Friendships Coordinator

A personal highlight for me was the training session for volunteers for hand massage in February, and getting the allotment planted with flowers so we have been able to deliver bouquets.

Victoria - Development, Funding and Marketing Officer

Fiona - Reminiscence Coordinator

After 14 years I still love what I do working with attendees and a wonderful team of reminiscence volunteers. Each session both musical and talking is special and unique and affords the opportunity for individuals to share and shine.

Supporting ‘A Level’ Health and Social Care students’ to complete reminiscence projects, illustrating how therapeutic reminiscence can be to both old and young alike.

Raising £1800 on a CARM sponsored walk in my Mums’ memory following recovery from a serious leg injury. Mum was a reminiscence volunteer and some of the monies raised were donated to the CARM allotment and a rose bush planted in her memory with a plaque which reads “sometimes miracles are just good people with kind hearts” and this applies to all CARM’s volunteers!

My work in schools. Both Homewood and the Marsh Academy students have organised fundraising events for CARM after a visit to talk about what we do and why we do it.

The students were inspired and really cared about what CARM does, and wanted to support us.

20

Katie - Meeting Points Coordinator

When I visit the Meeting Points I am reminded just how much they mean to the people who attend. There are some attendees who have not got out or seen anyone during the week, and it means the world to them to have those couple of hours being in friendly company. I sat with over 100 people this year doing the annual surveys, and they told me this is what their Meeting Point gives them:

I set the alarm when it's It's an opportunity to get out and meet people. Meeting Point day. It's a reason Without it I'd be at home all the time. I'd be lost to get up and out of bed and without the time at Meeting Point. somewhere to see people. Being with people, having somebody to talk to. The commitment of the Meeting Point volunteers never fails to impress Someone to look me, and it is perhaps the most enjoyable part of my work to talk with after you a bit. them, support them where I can and watch them doing what they do so well: welcoming people in, greeting them by name, making hot drinks, providing biscuits and cakes, sitting and listening, caring, entertaining, helpful... in a nutshell, bringing a little more kindness and comfort into the lives of those they meet. It never gets old!

Sarah - Finance & Admin Officer

Sarah doesn’t work in a client-facing role, but is the glue that holds it all together and the person who often answers the phone! She loved receiving calls from clients and volunteers last year who told her all about their wonderful experiences with our services.

Zena - Befriending Coordinator

I love my job and feel incredibly lucky to meet so many people with rich life stories. Helping to improve their wellbeing daily is a true privilege.

One highlight of the year was meeting a lovely lady named Pam, aged 91. She was a trained dressmaker and seamstress, and her college tutor was none other than the mother of designer Zandra Rhodes. When I met Pam, she had recently lost her husband of 66 years and her beloved dog, Revel. Understandably, she was feeling lonely, and having a

visitor would bring her much cheer. Pam also had a dementia diagnosis in late 2024. Despite everything, Pam still knitted most days and regularly used her sewing machine.

I felt that a new CARM volunteer, Julia, would get along well with Pam, so I introduced them. What I didn’t know at the time was that Julia had also worked as a machinist earlier in her career. The two ladies instantly connected, and the visits have made a real difference to both of them. Julia, who is also bereaved and new to the area, has found companionship and purpose. It was heart warming to hear that Pam is now teaching Julia how to crochet. Pam feels valued and loves to see her new friend.

21

WITH THANKS TO OUR FUNDERS AND SUPPORTERS

We would like to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who has supported CARM this year. Whether you’ve popped some coppers into a collection box, made a donation, sponsored us or awarded a grant - every penny helps as CARM does not receive any form of statutory funding and relies on donations and grants to be able to carry on our work.

22

Finance Review and Accounts 15 *r

TREASURER’S REPORT

This year we are reporting a net surplus of £56,057, against a deficit of £72,582 in the previous year. The main component of this reversal was due to the award of a five-year grant from The National Lottery Community Fund, which began in May 2024, and for which we received £109,500 this year. In addition to this, we were awarded £54,700 from other grant providers - for which we are extremely grateful. These awards helped to increase our total income for the year to £233,941.

Our strategy to diversify our funding streams and raise at least 20% of income from non-grant sources was upheld, with 29.8% of income from other sources against 22% last year.

Expenditure for the year showed a modest 2.6% increase at £177,884, lower than the 3.4% rate of inflation; demonstrating that our cost-controls remain solid.

The largest portion of our expenditure continues to be staff costs, but we maintain a very small team (equivalent to 3.5 FTE). We maintain robust financial controls, with regular reviews of our financials by trustees at each bi-monthly Board meeting.

The increase in income means that our total reserves have increased from £134,410 to £190,467, with our unrestricted reserves rising by £14,810 to a total of £46,423. In addition, there was an underspend of £15,000 on the National Lottery Community Fund grant due to recruitment delays for our new Lasting Friendships Coordinator, which we hope to be able to use next year towards staffing costs. We continue to maintain a designated reserve as per the charity’s Reserves Policy.

There is still work to be done as the National Lottery Community Fund grant is of a reducing nature, and from year 3 will begin running down. As an organisation which does not receive any form of statutory funding, we must use the next few years to further diversify our income to create a sustainable organisation going forwards.

Peter Allen FCA - Treasurer

24

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2025

The Trustees present their Annual Report and Financial Accounts for the financial year 2024-25.

Results

The incoming resources for the year amounted to £233,941, and expenditure was £177,884; resulting in a net surplus of £56,057. Reserves at year-end stood at £190,467.

Reserves Policy

The Trustees consider it prudent that general reserves should be sufficient:

[a] to cover six months’ administration and support costs; [b] to provide a pool equal to 10% of the average charitable expenditure over the preceding two years, from which funds can be designated to specific projects.

Administration and support costs include the salary costs of CARM’s day to day administration, the rent for CARM’s office base, and the costs of meeting the legal obligations relating to staff redundancy and termination of contracts should sufficient funds be unavailable or unlikely to become available to continue specific projects or pieces of work or the charity be dissolved.

Specific projects include services deemed by the trustees to be necessary in order to continue to support the beneficiaries of the charity so that the objects of the charity are met.

Currently reserves stand at £190,467 of which £89,745 is a designated reserve to cover the above items [a] and [b], £54,299 are restricted funds with the remaining £46,423 being unrestricted reserves.

Independent Examination

This report has been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and the examination was carried out under section 145 of the Act.

Approved by the Board of Trustees and signed on its behalf by:

Steven Croke - Chair

Peter Allen - Treasurer

Date: 24 September 2025

Date: 24th September 2025

th

25

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Carln8Altoget￿r on Romney Marsh Receipt5 and Payments Accourts IAprd XI24to 51m4￿h 2025 Total fund% IAPAI 2014ID 31 March 2024 Totalfund5 For the from CEIFrs rant fTOrn 4.411 231941 10), PAYMENrs 17 72.582 veartn Totsl fund5- c￿h and bonk TCItAL CASH FUNDS I￿.467 19q4 134.410 184,410 26

Breakdown of Re5eTrts os at 31 March 2025 Restricted.. meeti￿ Polnt indvlduèl bala￿e$ rants received in3dv3nce National Lottery Commwity Furé underspend Oesi¢nated-. 15,793 23.5ryJ .00) 89,745 16,173 Z70 ,354 Urre5trited.. 46.423 31.613 T¢JfAL RE5ERVE5 I9￿467 lJ4.410 27

Caring Altogether on Romney Marsh Receipts and Payments Accounts

For the period from
RECEIPTS
Grant from The National Lottery Community Fund - Reaching Communities /Partnerships
Other grants
Gift Aid
In memoriam donations
Corporate donations
Individual donations
Meeting Points
Sponsors - including sponsor a Meeting Point
Donations for Reminiscence
Knitting donations income
Lottery / shopping income
Fundraised Income / donations
Interest earned
SUB TOTAL
PAYMENTS
Salaries
Staff pension scheme
Recruitment costs
Props and client activities
Premises overheads - including rent
Staff and volunteers expenses
Training: staff and volunteers
Volunteer Thank you event / expenses
Telephones
Printing, publicity and stationery
Postage
AGM
Subscriptions
Newsletter production
Computer and general maintenance
Insurances
Sundry costs
Meeting Points - individual spending
Donation - Meeting Points
Partnership Payments - joint projects - tranpsort
Correction of reserves classification of 2 Meeting Point balances in 2021/22
External Consultancy fees
Accounts and payroll costs
Bank charges / interest paid
SUB TOTAL
Net of receipts/(payments)
Transfers between funds
Balance from 2022/23
Cash funds this year end
Total funds - cash and bank
TOTAL CASH FUNDS
Restricted: Meeting Point individual balances
Grants received in advance
The National Lottery Community Fund underspend
Designated:
Unrestricted:
TOTAL RESERVES
Breakdown of Reserves as at 31 March 2025
1 April 2024 to
31 March 2025
Total funds
£
109,500
£
54,700
£
693
£
721
£
26,237
£
7,122
£
20,667
£
3,704
£
2,500
£
263
£
482
£
2,941
£
4,411
£
233,941
£
118,277
£
5,362
£
154
£
801
£
9,147
£
4,445
£
682
£
1,833
£
1,622
£
1,196
£
1,049
£
585
£
380
£
485
£
2,530
£
1,047
£
21,041
£
6,601
£
40
£
-
£
474
£
133
£
177,884
£
56,057
£
134,410
£
190,467
£
190,467
£
190,467
£
15,799
£
23,500
£
15,000
£
89,745
£
46,423
£
190,467
£
1 April 2023 to
31 March 2024
Total funds
£
57,627
£
409
£
305
£
6,900
£
4,073
£
22,010
£
140
£
147
£
1,064
£
4,042
£
4,057
£
100,775
£
114,092
£
5,620
£
331
£
8,297
£
5,375
£
449
£
2,283
£
1,251
£
646
£
765
£
793
£
1,135
£
415
£
1,086
£
980
£
21,617
£
7,992
£
-
£
1,549

984
£
657
£
137
£
173,357
£
72,582

206,992
£
134,410
£
134,410
£
134,410
£
16,173
£
270
£
86,354
£
31,613
£
134,410
£

Examiner’s unqualified report (for a non-company charity preparing receipts and payments accounts) with a gross income of £250,000 or less in the relevant financial year

Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of CARM Trust:

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the CARM Trust (the Trust) for the year ended 31[st] March 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report.

As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts 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:

  1. Accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. The accounts do not accord with those records. 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.

Signed: Sandra Wood-Brignall Relevant (Retired CIMA member) Address:47 Poplar Lane, Lydd, Romney Marsh, Kent. TN29 9LA Date: 19[th] August 2025