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2025-03-31-accounts

CHICHESTER HEART FOR HOMELESS

TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Charity Registered Number 1185120

CHICHESTER HEART FOR HOMELESS

CONTENTS

Page
Legal and administrative information 2
Trustees’ report 3
Independent examiner’s report 9
Statement of financial activities 10
Balance sheet 11
Notes to the financial statements 12 - 17

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CHICHESTER HEART FOR HOMELESS

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees: F Ellis, Chair Revd Canon V Baron G Merry M Watts J Roberts (appointed 31 March 2025) Charity registered number: 1185120 Registered Office: St Pancras Church 101 St Pancras Chichester PO19 7LJ Independent Examiner: G W Schulz FCMA CGMA G Schulz & Company Ltd Chartered Management Accountants 3 Lane Close Broadbridge Heath Horsham RH12 3UF Bankers: CAF Bank Ltd 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ

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CHICHESTER HEART FOR HOMELESS

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.

Structure, governance and management

Constitution

Chichester Heart for Homeless is a charitable incorporated organisation registered by the Charity Commission in England and Wales on 2 September 2019. as amended on 3 Apr 2025. It is governed by its Constitution.

Objectives

The Charity's objects are set out in Paragraph 3 of the Constitution. They are:

  1. The prevention or the relief of poverty among people who are homeless* in the locality by:

  2. a. identifying and serving their material social needs;

  3. b. providing advice and supp01i to people who are homeless, including in respect of housing and employment; and

  4. c. supporting and training members of local church communities to further objects (a) and (b).

  5. To advance the Christian religion in the locality for the benefit of people who are homeless by:

  6. a. identifying and serving their pastoral and spiritual needs;

  7. b. helping people who are homeless, if they choose to do so, to access and to participate in Christian teaching, worship and ministry; and

  8. c. supporting and training members of local church communities to further objects (a) and (b).

Significant activities

Chichester Heart for Homeless works with churches from a variety of different denominations to serve homeless people in the city of Chichester. We do this by providing a hot breakfast in church premises eve1y day of the year, with an emphasis on welcome and hospitality. We also offer pastoral support to people of all faiths and none.

Public benefit

In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance 'Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)' and, in particular, the specific guidance to charities on the relief of poverty and the advancement of religion. To this end, the Trustees have endeavoured to ensure that throughout the reporting period the charity has continued to serve the needs of homeless people in Chichester and to do so in ways that demonstrate Christian love and compassion.

Induction and training of new Trustees

All Trustees have a responsibility to attend appropriate training in order for them to perform their legal duties.

Organisational structure

Overall responsibility for HEART's work rests with the Trustees. In addition to their legal duties in respect of safeguarding, finance and data protection etc, these responsibilities include management of employees and volunteers, external relations and preparing an annual business plan.

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CHICHESTER HEART FOR HOMELESS

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (continued)

The Trustees are supported by an Administrator who is responsible for managing HEART's day to clay operations, as set out in their job description.

Related parties

We work closely with other agencies including Stonepillow and the Four Streets Project and are members of Chichester District Council's Rough Sleeper's Panel.

Our Outreach Worker is in regular contact with the Council's Rough Sleeper Outreach Workers, as well as Stonepillow and other homeless projects. We signpost guests to these services, and they signpost individuals to us.

The Rough Sleeper Outreach Workers regularly attend our breakfasts as they find it a more relaxed and neutral setting in which to offer support to our guests.

Volunteers

The work of Heart is dependent on a team of between 30 and 40 volunteers involved in a number of different roles. On a typical morning we will have one person cooking in the kitchen, a couple serving hot drinks and taking orders, and maybe another just sitting with the guests over a coffee and hearing of their situation. At other times there will be volunteers helping in practical ways such as collecting food donated by local businesses.

All our volunteers receive appropriate training (e.g. in safeguarding) and we hold regular volunteer team meetings to keep eve1yone up to date.

HEART employs two staff members, an Administrator, working two days a week, and an Outreach Worker, working three days a week.

Achievement and Performance

Review of Activities

This has been a year of change for HEART following the appointment of a new Chair, the drawing up of a fund-raising strategy and the start of a new approach to planning our mission.

What has not changed is our commitment to meeting the needs of homeless men and women in Chichester. Our mission remains, not just to provide the homeless community with food and other necessities, but also to build relationships with individuals and help them sustain life beyond homelessness.

“Thank you – it’s amazing what you do here!”

That’s what one of our guests said about us. But what does that mean In practical terms? It means we have continued:

• to provide a cooked breakfast every day of the week from St Pancras Church Hall, providing our guests with the stability and continuity often missing in their chaotic and fractured lives. Over the course of the year we provided some 7,000 breakfasts in total.

• to make available clothes, toiletries, and other food items to help make their lives just that little bit better and give them back some of their confidence and self-respect.

• to provide a place where homeless men and women can find friendship and acceptance in the midst of an often threatening and judgmental world.

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CHICHESTER HEART FOR HOMELESS

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (continued)

As a Christian charity we have continued to do all this within the context of our Christian faith, which we are willing to share sensitively if and when appropriate. That faith is one which believes that lives can be changed, so our foundational ethos is that of Homeless Empowerment and Relational Transformation.

So, what’s changed?

February 2024 saw the retirement of the Revd Canon Mark Payne, under whose chairmanship HEART had grown from a simple breakfast and lunch in local churches into a professional organisation, based in a fixed location, providing a hot breakfast throughout the week.

Arriving in Mark’s place, Fi Ellis, already a volunteer in the kitchen, has brought a wealth of professional experience advising the charity sector. This has been of untold value as HEART adapts to face the challenges of delivering a first-class service within an increasingly cash strapped environment.

In July the trustees took ownership of a three-year fundraising strategy aimed at providing a clear roadmap for long term sustainability. This identified a diverse range of initiatives, including individual giving campaigns, grant applications, corporate partnerships, events and online fundraising efforts. Together, these will enable HEART to engage with donors, supporters, and the broader community, to raise awareness and generate financial support.

Putting the strategy into effect, our Outreach Worker continued to visit churches and Christian fellowships across the area to encourage interest and garner financial support; our fundraiser has identified sources of funding that match our operation and ethos, and has given expert assistance in crafting bids; we have held a ‘Big Breakfast’ event to raise funds locally; and we have taken the first steps in the process of setting up partnerships with local churches.

With the strapline, Let’s make a difference together – one Big Breakfast at a time! the ‘Big Breakfast’ saw several of our volunteers host family and friends for a delicious breakfast, sharing the inspiring work of HEART and encouraging donations to support our mission. We were thrilled that although this was an entirely new venture it raised over £1,000 towards our work. We are determined to run it again next year.

Keep Calm and Carry On!

Working with the homeless presents its challenges, its joys and its sorrows. And this year has seen them all. Down the years, incidents have been very few and far between. But following some unacceptable behaviour earlier in the year, we had no option but to limit our service for a brief period. We continued to provide a hot meal for our guests but were unable to admit them to our premises. This was both to ensure their wellbeing and to protect our volunteers. These restrictions were lifted as soon as we were confident we could resume our full service in safety. And we know that the safety they experience at HEART is something our guests really appreciate.

“It’s nice in here, it’s safe,” one of them told us . “When you’re outside you have to watch your back but when you’re in here I think everyone knows it’s safe.”

Happily there has been no recurrence. But one of the lessons we learned was the importance of keeping everyone safe, so we are planning to introduce training in de-escalation techniques for our volunteers and the rest of our team.

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CHICHESTER HEART FOR HOMELESS

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (continued)

We wish you a Merry Christmas!

Christmas is a challenging time for our guests, so we are always determined to make it special for them. And as everyone knows that Christmas isn’t Christmas without carols, we held our own carol service on Christmas Eve. This was a great occasion when, whether or not they had a personal faith, guests and volunteers could join together to sing, share refreshments and enjoy each other’s company.

On Christmas Day we kept up the tradition of giving gifts to our guests, each one personalised to assure them they were not forgotten at this time of year. As always much appreciated.

“It was lovely to receive such a wonderful present,’ said one guest. “It made Christmas day perfect!”

Comments like this one remind us of the impact our work can have and make all the effort worthwhile.

Annual Statistics

Numbers tell only a fraction of the story. Our guests own words tell us more about the impact we have on their lives and how much they appreciate the work of our volunteers. We’ll let those words introduce our figures for the year.

“It’s good to meet people … otherwise I’d get lonely.”

“The key is the reliability of knowing everyday you can start your day in one place.”

“Reassurance. It’s that safe place in the morning. No matter what’s happened with your people the night before, no matter your differences you’ve all got to go to the watering hole in the morning, haven’t you?”

----- Start of picture text -----
Month Number of Guests Volunteer Hours
April 2024 495 360
May 519 284
June 492 303
July 596 271
August 626 279
September 624 321
October 635 259
November 570 276
December 683 306
January 2025 595 238
February 640 258
March 807 336
Total 7282 3491
----- End of picture text -----

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CHICHESTER HEART FOR HOMELESS

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (continued)

Financial review

Financial position

Thankfully, the threats to HEART which came apparent at the end of 2023 were dealt with by the implementation of the policies outlined in last year’s financial report.

By April 2024 our appeal to supporting churches and individuals had ensured that we were able not only to look forward to a year where we could be confident that our work could continue but also to make plans for the future.

The rise in the cost of basic food items, rent and utility costs, together with an increase in the number of guests attending our breakfast and accessing our services, has meant we have seen a significant increase in expenditure over the last year. However, we are confident that the measures we have put in place to raise funds, and the generosity of all those who support us, will ensure that we can continue with our work (and expand it) in the years to come.

Principal funding sources

During the reporting period the charity relied chiefly on grants and donations from local churches and individuals and from charitable Christian trusts.

Thanks to employing the services of a professional fund raiser and the efforts of our own staff, we have received grants totalling £52,250 during 2024-5.

Reserves policy

Our policy, which was formally agreed in April 2020, was to hold in reserves the equivalent of two months general running costs and salary costs. This has been possible thanks to the grants we have received, plus a number of generous donations from individuals.

As we move forward and given some uncertainty around the future of our premises, we have made the decision to increase the amount of money we hold in reserve. Our policy is now to hold six months’ running costs in reserve.

Our reserves as of 31st March 2025 were £61,212.66 All reserves are now held in a separate account.

Principle risks and uncertainties

The major risks to which the charity was exposed were in the areas of security of assets, fundraising, health and safety, and safeguarding. In reviewing its activities, the charity Trustees gave consideration to these risks and satisfied themselves that systems or procedures were in place or in the process of being established in order to manage them effectively.

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CHICHESTER HEART FOR HOMELESS

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (continued)

Going concern

After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.

Trustees’ responsibilities statement

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) and applicable law and regulations.

The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that year. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the applicable Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations, and the provisions of the constitution. The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

This report was approved by the Trustees on 19 September 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

……………………………………………………………. F Ellis Trustee

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CHICHESTER HEART FOR HOMELESS

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF CHICHESTER HEART FOR HOMELESS

Independent examiner’s report to the Trustees of Chichester Heart for Homeless (“the charity”)

I report to the Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year to 31 March 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's Trustees, 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 charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed 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 which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

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.

……………………………………………………………. G W Schulz FCMA CGMA

G Schulz & Company Ltd Chartered Management Accountants 3 Lane Close Broadbridge Heath Horsham RH12 3UF

19 September 2025

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CHICHESTER HEART FOR HOMELESS

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

**Unrestricted ** Restricted Total Total
funds funds funds funds
Note 2025 2025 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
INCOMING RESOURCES
Donations and legacies 2 120,293 - 120,293 81,786
Investments 3 316 - 316 35
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 120,609 - 120,609 81,821
RESOURCES EXPENDED
Charitable activities 4 46,710 13,966 60,676 58,218
TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 46,710 13,966 60,676 58,218
NET INCOMING
RESOURCES/(RESOURCES EXPENDED)		 73,899 (13,966) 59,933 23,603
Transfers between funds - - - -
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS FOR THE YEAR 73,899 (13,966) 59,933 23,603
Total funds brought forward 21,268 19,327 40,595 16,992
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 10 95,167 5,361 100,528 40,595

The notes on pages 12 to 17 form part of these financial statements

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CHICHESTER HEART FOR HOMELESS

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025

Note
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
7
Cash at bank and in hand
8
NET ASSETS
CHARITY FUNDS
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS
11
NET CURRENT ASSETS/(LIABILITIES)
Amounts falling due within one year
CREDITORS		 2025
2024
£
£
£
£
3,166
143
98,325
42,036
101,491
42,179
(963)
(1,584)
100,528
40,595
100,528
40,595
5,361
19,327
95,167
21,268
100,528
40,595

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 19 September 2025 and signed on their behalf, by:

…………………………………………………………….

F Ellis Trustee

The notes on pages 12 to 17 form part of these financial statements

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CHICHESTER HEART FOR HOMELESS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR TO 31 MARCH 2025

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 October 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.

Income

Voluntary income including donations, gifts, legacies and grants that provide core funding or are of a general nature is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability.

Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the Bank.

Expenditure

All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category.

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.

Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Computer equipment - Straight line over 3 years

Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

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CHICHESTER HEART FOR HOMELESS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR TO 31 MARCH 2025 (continued)

Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount incurred net of any trade discounts due.

Cash at Bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

Liabilities and provisions

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably. Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation.

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

Financial instruments

The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

2. INCOME FROM DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

Donations
Gift aid
Grants		 Unrestricted
Restricted
2025
2024
£
£
£
£
58,209
-
58,209
44,397
9,834
-
9,834
4,889
52,250
-
52,250
32,500
120,293
-
120,293
81,786

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CHICHESTER HEART FOR HOMELESS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR TO 31 MARCH 2025 (continued)

3. INVESTMENT INCOME

3. INVESTMENT INCOME
Unrestricted Restricted 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Bank interest 316 - 316 35
316 - 316 35
4. COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Notes Unrestricted Restricted 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Consumables 1,682 - 1,682 1,566
Equipment 1,803 - 1,803 2,237
Food & Refreshments - 13,096 13,096 13,206
Training and development 342 - 342 222
Charitable donations 216 - 216 198
Rent 6,100 - 6,100 6,000
Advertising 281 - 281 401
Staff costs 6 26,253 870 27,123 27,640
Staff training 1,264 - 1,264 -
Insurance 522 - 522 491
Light and heat 3,410 - 3,410 2,796
Telephone 246 - 246 238
Postage and stationery 7 - 7 10
IT costs 405 - 405 220
Travel 24 - 24 16
Bank fees 239 - 239 181
Bookkeeping 1,716 - 1,716 1,716
Consultancy 1,500 - 1,500 -
Independent examination 700 - 700 1,080
46,710 13,966 60,676 58,218

5. TRUSTEE REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES

During the year, no Trustee received remuneration (2024: £NIL). During the year, no Trustee received any benefits in kind (2024: £NIL). During the year, no Trustee received reimbursement of expenses (2024: £NIL).

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CHICHESTER HEART FOR HOMELESS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR TO 31 MARCH 2025 (continued)

6. STAFF COSTS

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension		 Unrestricted
Restricted
2025
2024
£
£
£
£
24,922
870
25,792
26,262
-
-
-
-
1,331
-
1,331
1,378
26,253
870
27,123
27,640

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:

2025 2024
Ministry 1 1
Administration 1 1
2 2

No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either yea

7. DEBTORS

8.
CREDITORS
Trade debtors
Accrued income
Other debtors
Accruals and deferred income
Social security and other taxes
Other creditors		 2025
2024
£
£
143
143
2,909
-
114
-
3,166
143
2025
2024
£
£
639
899
176
507
148
178
963
1,584

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CHICHESTER HEART FOR HOMELESS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR TO 31 MARCH 2025 (continued)

9. PENSION AND OTHER SCHEMES

Defined contribution pension scheme

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The pension cost charge for the year represents contributions payable by the charity to the scheme and amounted to £1,331 (2024 - £1,378).

Contributions totalling £148 (2024 - £178) were payable to the scheme at the end of the year and are included in creditors.

10. STATEMENT OF FUNDS

Current year
Unrestricted funds:
General funds
Restricted funds:
St John's Trust
National Lottery
Greater Change
Prior year
Unrestricted funds:
General funds
Restricted funds:
St John's Trust
National Lottery
Greater Change		 Brought
Incoming Resources
Transfers
Carried
forward
resources expended
in/out
forward
2025
2025
2025
2025
2025
£
£
£
£
£
21,268
120,609
(46,710)
-
95,167
866
-
(866)
-
-
18,457
-
(13,096)
-
5,361
4
-
(4)
-
-
19,327
-
(13,966)
-
5,361
40,595
120,609
(60,676)
-
100,528
Brought
Incoming Resources
Transfers
Carried
forward
resources expended
in/out
forward
2024
2024
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
£
£
16,108
59,321
(54,161)
-
21,268
866
2,500
(2,500)
-
866
14
20,000
(1,557)
-
18,457
4
-
-
-
4
884
22,500
(4,057)
-
19,327
16,992
81,821
(58,218)
-
40,595

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CHICHESTER HEART FOR HOMELESS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR TO 31 MARCH 2025 (continued)

11. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

Current year **Unrestricted ** Restricted Total
funds funds funds
2025 2025 2025
£ £ £
Current assets 96,130 5,361 101,491
Creditors due within one year (963) - (963)
95,167 5,361 100,528
Prior year **Unrestricted ** Restricted Total
funds funds funds
2024 2024 2024
£ £ £
Current assets 22,852 19,327 42,179
Creditors due within one year (1,584) - (1,584)
21,268 19,327 40,595

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