2024-12-31-accounts

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

The Horsforth Shed Trustees’ Annual Report 2024

Registered Charity 1184672

See also our website at www.horsforthshed.co.uk

“The Horsforth Shed is a perfect setting for our students to (re-)learn that they are valued and worthy of trust and that they can do good things and produce work that they are proud of.”

Carl Millar Principal of Southway School, an Extended Education Provider

Objectives .......................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Our History ........................................................................................................................................................................ 2 Our Staffing Model ............................................................................................................................................................ 2 Achievements .................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Our Activities .................................................................................................................................................................. 3 Testimonials ................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Community Outreach ..................................................................................................................................................... 4 Looking Forward ................................................................................................................................................................ 4 Health & Safety, Safeguarding, and Risk Management ................................................................................................... 5 Health and Safety ........................................................................................................................................................... 5 Safeguarding .................................................................................................................................................................. 5 Risk Management .......................................................................................................................................................... 5 Finances ............................................................................................................................................................................. 6 Charity and Trustee Details ............................................................................................................................................... 7

Objectives

The intention of the Horsforth Shed is to help build supportive relationships through the medium of woodwork and other craft activities. More broadly, the charitable aim of the Shed is to promote social inclusion in Horsforth and the surrounding area by assisting individuals to integrate into society. This means learning together in a workshop environment and creating an atmosphere of mutual support. The services of the Shed are directed towards helping any individual who is, or is at risk of becoming, socially excluded.

Our History

The Horsforth Shed began in 2019 with the refurbishment and equipping of a former Scout Hut owned by Woodside St James’ Parish Church which lay unused and had fallen into disrepair. The renovation work took place through the coronavirus pandemic and over £68,000 was raised to cover the cost of renovation and equipment. The majority of this renovation work was undertaken by volunteers, whose donated time amounted to approximately £70,000 worth of labour. The Shed began became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in October 2019 and began delivering services to the local community in November 2021. Since then it has steadily increased its levels of engagement year by year.

Our Staffing Model

The key to our effective operation is our hybrid model of delivery involving both paid staff and volunteers. We appointed our first paid member of staff November 2021 and supplemented this with a second paid workshop tutor in September 2024. Our workshop tutors provide services for two and a half days per week managing the delivery of services to the local community. In addition, those wishing to volunteer to deliver services are given certified training to enable them to become Session Supervisors. In 2024 our volunteer a team of eight Session Supervisors offered over 650 hours of support.

Achievements

The trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit. Therefore the aspirations agreed by the trustees for 2024 were to:

diversify the range of activities available as part of Shed sessions. One particular focus is to support the goal of Horsforth Town Council as it seeks to become a Town of Sanctuary. We wish to explore what support the Shed may be able to make in welcoming asylum seekers in this area.
increase the number of sessions running on a weekly basis. At present some sessions are entirely volunteer led and the intention is to increase the number of sessions by appointing a paid employee for a further day per week.
devise a strategy for fundraising to ensure the financial viability of increased utilisation of the Shed.

It is pleasing to report that all of these have been progressed.

We diversified the range of activities available as part of Shed sessions. We have seen particular growth in the number of people living with dementia who have been referred to us. This has required us to adapt our service provision to meet their specific needs, in particular by working alongside the support staff who accompany them. With regard to our intention to support the goal of Horsforth Town Council as it seeks

to become a Town of Sanctuary we engaged with Iranian asylum seeker who was an experienced woodworker. He said “When I had completely lost my confidence and felt invisible in the world, Horsforth Shed was there to remind me I wasn’t alone. The supportive mentors listened with patience and gave me the freedom to express myself through woodworking. That experience helped me feel alive again, it laid the foundation for the work I do today and reminded me how much I can still offer.”

In 2024 we increased the number of sessions running on a weekly basis by adding an additional afternoon drop-in session. One afternoon session had reached capacity so another was introduced later in the afternoon to ensure we could meet demand. We also succeeded in appointing another paid Workshop Instructor for a further day per week. This second member of staff helps ensure greater resilience in case of staff illness.

We furthe r developed strategy for fundraising to ensure the financial viability of increased utilisation of the Shed. For those who attend our drop-in sessions we more prominently advertised that donations could be made by cash, card or by direct debit. We also increased our revenue stream by providing a short course to another school and through grants. During the renovation of the Shed our aim was to provide an uplifting environment. One specific concern has been the old fire door that was water damaged and could be difficult to open. We were delighted to receive a grant from our Leeds City Councillors to replace with a composite door. This not only gives easier access for wheelchair user but is also more secure.

Our Activities

Horsforth Shed aims combat social isolation. It is a place for people to connect, converse and create, providing practical education and recreational activities for a wide range of people from the Horsforth area and beyond. Broadly these fall into three categories

Young people either in alternative educational provision or attending specialist provision for students with autism spectrum disorder. In each session, participants use the equipment and resources provided by the Shed to make a variety of outcomes. There is a structured programme is in place to develop some of the skills outlined in the Design and Technology Programme of Study for Key Stage 3. This involves a variety of guided tasks involving various projects.

Drop in sessions that are open to the public. Those who attend may be simply wishing to learn new skills, others may be suffering from loneliness, depression or living with dementia. Whilst a range of projects are offered, the majority of tasks undertaken are by individuals choice.
Specialist provision to meet particular needs. We have a long standing relationship with Lighthouse West Yorkshire, a charity that supports vulnerable adults, those ‘battered and bruised by the storms of life.” We work together with their staff to provide a supportive environment where they learn new skills. Again whilst a range of projects are offered, the majority of tasks undertaken are by individuals choice.

All sessions are led by suitably qualified Workshop Instructors or Shed Supervisors. Participants thereby learn new skills and complete projects whilst engaging with others The Shed has a dedicated social space and kitchen, allowing for quality social engagement alongside the main workshop activities and is utilised by all these groups. The positive impact of the Horsforth Shed on users has been evident in the feedback received. Although users praise the quality of the facilities and the opportunity to learn new skills, the mental health and social benefits of using the Shed are what shine through in testimonials. Here are a few of them:

Testimonials

“ Horsforth Shed to me is a refuge from the outside world; a safe place to be accepted as myself, as I am; it’s the one place I love to be when the rest of the world is too difficult. And I know it means just as much to everyone who comes here, for their own unique reasons. It’s with immense, heart-felt gratitude that the wonderful team imagined the Shed, brought it to life and run it as wonderfully as they do - and that I’m able to be part of it”

The wife of a gentleman with Alzheimer’s told us that “His face lights up when he is told that he is going to the Shed. It is his happy place, an important part of his weekly schedule, a couple of hours of shining light that lifts both his mood and demeanour”.

Finally a comment from a staff member from one of the Schools work with “The Shed provide is outstanding; the levels of diligence, professionalism, safety, quality and challenge are exceptional. The impact on our students - aged 14-19 - is significant. Week-on-week we see them grow in both practical skills and confidence. The Shed team patiently, gently and kindly build rapport and trust with each student at an individual pace and the students in turn develop in self-esteem and become increasingly empowered and motivated.”

Community Outreach

Within 2024, the volunteers from Horsforth Shed gave freely of their labour to construct a nine metre by three metre single story building to provide a foodbank for the local community. The work was commissioned by Woodside St James Church who own the land to provide permanent accommodation for Horsforth Community Pantry. Final building work is anticipated to complete in 2025. The day to day operation of the pantry is under the auspices of Woodside St James Church (Charity number 1206564)

Looking Forward

Building on the successful operation of the Shed in 2025, our aspirations for the coming year are to:

Expand the utilisation of the Shed by offering additional activities
Increase our operational capacity by employing a part time administrative assistant
Ensure future sustainability by increasing either our grant applications or income from service users or other sources

Health & Safety, Safeguarding, and Risk Management

The Project Leader is responsible for overseeing the management and operation of the community workshop. Our Workshop Manager, Workshop Instructor or our experienced volunteer Session Supervisors oversee all workshop activities and ensure safe working practice, and two supervisors (paid staff or volunteers) are usually present for each session. There are the required policies and procedures in place designed to mitigate risk.

Health and Safety

Overseeing Health and Safety remains the responsibility of the Project Leader. Our Health and Safety Policy details the management and control of risks to prevent accidents and ill health resulting from activity in the Shed. All new attendees at the Shed complete a short induction process when attending the workshop for the first time.

The workshop space is well lit and uncluttered, with a new more powerful dust extraction unit directly fitted to equipment, and a wall mounted fine particle extraction unit. We also reduce the risk of fine dust by minimising the use of sanding equipment. All tools and equipment are regularly maintained, and electrical appliances are PAT tested as appropriate. The use of tools and machinery is strictly controlled. Any equipment that could cause significant injury is clearly identified as ‘restricted use’ and may only be used after specific training has been delivered. Workshop sessions are overseen by experienced Supervisors who promote the use of the Personal Protective Equipment that is provided. We encourage all participants to recognise that health and safety is everyone’s responsibility. Concerns may be raised in person or using feedback cards.

Activities are risk assessed to minimise possible incidents that could result in injury or harm. We record all accidents and ‘near-misses’ and review them. We then respond as appropriate to mitigate future risks. We comply with regulations concerning the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) by providing secure storage in a lockable metal store cupboard.

Safeguarding

As the Board of Trustees we recognise the need to provide a safe and caring environment for children, young people and adults. The Board of Trustees therefore adopted a Safeguarding Policy in accordance with statutory guidance. We are committed to build constructive links with statutory and voluntary agencies involved in safeguarding. The policy is based on the ten Safe and Secure safeguarding standards published by Thirtyone:eight agency. It is they who provide professional support and undertake Disclosure and Barring Service checks for our staff and volunteer supervisors. We have a trustee with specific oversight of safeguarding.

Risk Management

We have completed a Risk Register that identifies the principal threats to the operation of the Shed. The potential threats are mitigated by the measures that are set out in a Risk Register, which is reviewed annually by the trustees.

Finances

We are fortunate to have a trustee who is a professionally qualified accountant as our treasurer. We have no funds materially in deficit and the trustees are satisfied that the charity is a going concern. We operate our finances within a Financial Controls Policy overseen by the treasurer and reviewed annually and we have no Related Party Transactions to disclose. To ensure that the charity continues to be financially sustainable we have a reserves policy of five months’ operating costs. These are currently estimated at £13,600 with a minimum reserve threshold of £6,000. We never undertake any purchases or commission any work unless funding is already in place. Horsforth Shed is not a grant making charity nor does it have any investments. To strengthen our financial position the trustees are considering creating a part time role for a fundraiser.

As was mentioned under Community Outreach (page 4) in 2024 volunteers from Horsforth Shed gave freely of their labour to construct a building to provide a foodbank for the local community. The work was undertaken on a cost neutral basis, all expenditure incurred on materials to be fully reimbursed. In 2024 year-end Woodside St James Church had reimbursed Horsforth Shed £10K in year and owes Horsforth Shed approximately a further £1.6K for materials with settlement due in 2025.

During 2024 the following funding was received

Restricted funds :

Nil

Nil
Total Restricted Grants and Donations	£0
Unrestricted funds:
Receipts from Services Supplied	£36,935
Donations	£2,670
Room Hire	£622
Total Unrestricted Donations	£40,227
Total Income	£40,227
Total Expenditure	£41,446
Monies carried forward from 2023 was £25,650.
Monies remaining at the end of 2024 was £24,431.

Charity and Trustee Details

Name: HORSFORTH SHED Charity number: 1184672 Date Registered: 30 July 2019. Charity’s principal address: c/o St James Woodside, Low Lane, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 5QW

Horsforth Shed is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation with a Constitution as its governing document.

The management of the charity is by the board of trustees listed below

Jonathan Cain (Chair)

Graeme Collins

Peter Gillions (Project Leader)

Joe Minton (Safeguarding)

Chris Baker (Treasurer)

Tracey Greig

Trustees are appointed by agreement of trustees and a minimum of three trustees are needed to be quorate. As the property is owned by St James Woodside Parochial Church Council then the Vicar of St James Woodside is automatically an “ex-officio” trustee. If the post of Vicar is in vacancy then there must be at least one trustee who is a member of the Parochial Church Council. The charity trustees will meet at least quarterly and undertake to make available to each new charity trustee, on or before their first appointment, copies of or access to:

The current version of the constitution.

The CIO’s latest Trustees’ Annual Report and statement of accounts.

The Charity Commission’s guidance on the role of the trustee.

The trustee declaration of being a ‘fit and proper’ person document.

The charity is aware of the guidance on diversity and inclusion and is actively seeking to expand the board of trustees.

Staff members:

Richard Hamlin Workshop Manager employed two and a half days per week

Nigel Stables Workshop Instructor employed one day per week

Peter Gillions (Project Leader): Volunteer with responsibility for the future development and maintenance of the premises. to oversee a volunteer team of ten Session Supervisors.

Others

The Independent Examiner appointed for 2024 is A.A. Clement M.A., A.C.I.B.,F.C.I.E.

Declaration

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above on the 15 June 2025 Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Peter Gillions Signatures Jonathan Cain Full names Jonathan Cain Peter Gillions Chair of Trustees Trustee and Project Leader

CHARITY COMM15510N FOR ENGLAND AND WALES bX>R5FQRTH SFED Receipts and payments accounts CC16a 0124 To 31-rTr24 Sectioii A Fleceip1. p8yments Avstrfcted lunds Endgwm¢nl fund8 nplt•it£ Totalf¥ndA A1 Rtt•i Hot5fDFth Town Counr41 LEEDS ¢rFY COUNCIL Recci tsfivm SeThfjc8s Su Dtsnafjon8 RODM Hlr8 Saiègolworks 491 31 J82 3A24 310 3QO 36,935 2.670 $12 3&935 I870 622 SubrtallGmss hrARI 411.227 40227 56 A2 A660tani Inv•¥irrtAnt sale> Sublotsl 40227 A3 Poymenl? Ad1 (yJ$ DirectPtDiedCosts Workshop runnln 408 4rtB 20.B39 16,041 4,1>8 1.320 041 7.872 gubtolal 41 4AS$ttand Inv8slm&nt rchllsES, yee taLI 41 N•tofr$c¢lplslpaymentsJ - ASTransfers A6 Gq¥hknds $tYareWI C8¥hfwt(ts Iljts yeareMT 19 26ffj50 31 650 19 25 24 ¢alpg(y"Ic Detal Utre>trtdEd funds to nqaro$1£ 24 Rtr8trkited to raiè&t£ Endowmantlun to n•ar•st£ Bl Cash fvnd BANKACCOUNr rotalcashluTh Ice5 re1pSnd paents8¢tlIS)I 24A31 ¢eXXRI (531

UftTA8trlct•dfwLdi ton•ar•¥t£ RgslrlclEd fid$ are8t£ EThJwnentfvnd t¢Nar061£ Datal 62 Othr monalary•ssets Dotalls wrentvalL B3 Inv•stment as5 DetRi1s Fundlo%Yhlch as5etbeluThJ5 Cost cwrenlval IcytbMII 84 Assets ro¥knodlorthe Gh4ri Detslls rebte 4mowrtd onal loplloroll B¥ Ltoblllles Siqned byone griwotrusle¢$on b31 Slgnaiure PrinlNamp D ofapytoval 10mT12025 ETERGILLLYIS HFUStQPHER xER 1W0712025 (XXX P2 accouDtslSSI

CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the tTUSteesl members of Horsforth Shed On accounts for the year 31". December 2024 Charity no (rf any) 1184672 Set out on pages One and Iwo. I rewrt lo the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (Ihe Trust"} for the year ended 3111212024. Responsibilities and As the charty truslees of the Trust. you are responsible for the preparation bas1• of report of the accounts in accordance wth the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (Yhe Acl.) I rew1 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 the appluble DIrectnS given by the Charty Commission under 8ection 14515llbl of the Ad. I have completed my examination. I confim that no material matters have corre to my attention in connectM)n with the examif)ation which give8 me cause to belEve that in. any malerial respect.. accounting records were nol kept in accgJrdan¢e with section 130 of the Act or the a¢UnIS do not accord wrth the a¢unting records Independent examinerfs statsment I have no concems and have come across no ¢)ther matters in connection wrth Ihe examination to which attention should be drawn in order lo enable a p[r understanding of the accounts to be reached. . PI88S8 delet& the Wd8 in th8 bwkets rfthey do not appty. Signed: 03 Name: R'd. A18n A ClenMts Relevant wofesslonal qualification(s} or body Ilf any): Felkp# ASlakn of Chanty Irthpendent Chanlies Address." 15 Carleton RO1, Great Knthv*. Chodey PR6 8TQ IER October 2018

OpenCharities