foodbank BLAZE 4:16- porrERS BAR FOODBANK TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT YEAR ENDED 3110312025 CHARITY NUMBER: 1185255 CIO-FOUNDATION - REGISTERED 11 SEPTEMBER 2019 CONTENTS Page Trustees Report Receipt & Payment Financial Statement Independent Examiner's Statement
Blaze 4:16- Potters Bar Foodbank Another financial year has drawn to a close, and B18ze 4:16-Potters Bar Foodbank has once again stood as a lifeline for those facing hardship. As a proud member ofthe Trussell Trust Network, our mission remains clear: to deliver emergency food support to individuals and families in Potters Bar and the surroundingcommunities who find themselves in crisis. We work hand-in-hand with a wide range of partners-including Citizens Advico. Hertsmere Borough Council, schools, probation services. health professionals, local cliurches. GPS, and NHS authorities-who refer people to us when urgent help is needed. We have specifically partnered with Causeway Community Church who work us every Saturday and provide Prjstoral support and provide a very crucial service of assessing clients immediately and referring them to us. When clients arrive, they are welcomed not only with food parcels but also with kindness. Ourteam of befrienders offers tea. conversation, and a listening e8r, creating a safe and supportive environment. Our philosophy goes beyond simply handing out food. We t8ke a'more-than-food" approach, signposting clients to other services that Can help address deeper challenges, while also offering pastoral care when needed. Regular shared meals at the centre bring people together, fostering fiendships and easing loneliness. The atmosphere is warm. inclusive. and designed to make everyone feel valued. Achievements The foodbank opens its doors every Saturd8yfortwo hours at the Wayside Community Centre IEN6 5NEI. Duringthis time, we strive to meetthe immediate needs of our community. Yet thework doesn't stop there-ourvolunteers and trustees dedicate countless hours throughout the week to keep everything running smoothly. From collecting donations at supermarkets and managingstockto liaisingwith referral agencies, donors. and partners. their commitment is the backbone of our service. Thanks to their efforts. we are able to provide not only balanced and nutritious food but also practlcdl essentials that ease everyday struggles. These include energy support and items such as microwaves. lankets, hot-water bottles. toiletries. clothing, heaters, and more. Each contribution helps restore -dignity and stability to those who need it most. Annual Report Highlights Over the course of this f inancial year, Blaze 4:16-Potters Bar Foodbank distributed 2280 parcels through 949 redeemed vouchers. Of those served, 916 were children. reflectingthe growing number of families in need. A striking 60% of all clients sought help because of the rising cost of essentials. Thanl:s to the generosity of donors and the vital food purchase grants provided by Hertsmere Borough Councilvia DWP, we were able to meet this surge ill demand without interruption.
Referral Partners While we collaborate with many agencies, the majority of referrals thisyear came from- Citizens Advice Bureau Hertsmere Borough Council Causeway Church Health Visitors Hertfordshire County Council Their continued partnership ensures that those most in need are directed to our services. Donor Recognition Ourwork is only possible because ofthe extraordinarygenerosity of donors and supporters. This year. we extend heartteltthanks to: TESCO and Salnsbury's shoppers, whose weekly contributions at collection points SLtstain ourfood supplies. Special appreciation goes to Kyri (Sainsbury's) and Virginia (Tescol for their dedicated support. Hertsmere Borough Council, for awarding grants to coverfood, energy payments, and essential items. Councillor Lynnette & Abhlshek. the Potters Bar Indians, and the Potters Bar Community, whose Christmas donations broughtjoy to manyfamilies. Brookmans Rotary Club and Tangent Club Loc81 businesses such as Alblon Potters Bar Local schoots. including stormont School Local churches. notably Potters Bar Baptist Church and King Charles the Martyr Expanding Support Through our partnership with Hertsmere Council and fundingfrom the DWP grants, we distributed £ 26,507 worth of fuel vouchers and essential items. Clients received assistance with electricity, gas, and even w8ter payments. with vouchers provided via top-up meter cards, direct debits, or direct supplier payments. Food parcels and lunch were provided, and we spent an amount £ 18,739 forthis purpose. We also issued gift vouchers to enable families to purchase fresh food. ensuring dignity and choice in their meals.
Community Celebrations Christmas 2024: About forty families received gifts and vouchers, while around 100 clients and theirfamilies enjoyed a festive buffet. The Causeway Church sang carols accomp8nied by an amazing band and children delighted in balloons and presents. Manyf8milies expressed deep gratitude. sharing how these gestures transformed their celebrations. Mother's Day: A buffet lunch was organised for mothers and theirfamilies to celebrate this day. Clients especially single mothers reported that these thoughtful gifts made their day truly special. Father's Day: Father's Daywas also celebrated with lunch provided to all clients. Reserves Policy At 8la2e 4.1 &Potters B8r Foodbank. we take financial resilience seriously. Our reserves policy is designed to safeguard the charity's future by maintaining approximatelytwelve months of runnlng -.0Sts. This ensures that essentl81 expenses-such as rental fees and other regular operational comTnitmentS-are always covered. To strengthen this safety net. we aim to set aside an additional £5,000 to protect against untoreseen challenges or major disruptions. This forward-thinking approach allows us to continue serving our community with confidence, no matterwhat obstacles arise. Staff and Volunteers Behind everyfood parcel and everywarm welcome stands a team of extraordinary people. Overthe pastyear, we have drawn on the dedication of30volunteers, with 25 serving regularly and tirelessly. Their commitment ensures that every client is treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. The trustees wish to place on record their heartfelt gratitude forthe sterling efforts ot these volunteers. who freely give theirtime and energyto uplift their community. Theirwork is nothing short of inspiring, and the impact they make cannot be overstated. Income and Reporting Ourfinancial reportingfollows a Receipts and Payments basis, prepared as an ongoing concern. Income is recognised at the point of receipt, with donations forming the backbone of our funding. For the year ended, our total income stood at £91,889. Alongside this. we also received substantial unrestricted funds, giving us the flexibility to respond to emerging needs. Inventory (Stock) As with otherfoodbanks in the Trussell Trust network. our distributed food and essential items are not formallyvalued due to the diff iculty of consistent measurement. These stocks are restricted solely forfoodbank use and hold no realisable market Value. However, as of 31st March 2025, our stock
levels amounted to 2193 units. which. using Trussell Trust guidance, equates to an approximate value of £2.77 per unltwhich equates to £6,074. This represents the tangible generosity of our donors and the lifeline it provides to those in crisis. Designated Funds For another year. two major grants significantly strengtheried our work: Hertsmere Borough Council provided quarterlyTundingtotalling 238.430 via DWP, enabling us to purchase food, coverfuel payments, and supply wider essentials. Every pennywas used for its intended purpose, directly supporting those in need. The Trussell Trust awarded a grant of £16.292 for our Flnancial Inclusion Project, alongside an additional £2.443.80 towards our general fund to assistwith 8dmin or trainingcosts. The Financi81 Inclusion Project is a cornerstone ot our mission to reduce poverty and dependency on food parcels. Through this initiative. clients gained access to specialist advice from Citizens Advice and Red Cross advisers. covering complex debt management and welfare benefits. BytackLing the root causes of f inancial hardship. we helped clients build resilience and reduce reliance on .mergencyfood support. In addition, we offered referral and triage services as well as advocacy support forthe most vulnerable. Payments of £16,292were made directly to Citizens Advice and Red Cross fortheir services. This service will continue till the next f inancial year. Trustees and Benefits We 8re proud to confirm that no benefits were paid to trustees in 2023124. otherthan reimbursement of expenses incurred while conducting foodbank business. All such expenses were agreed upon, approved. and wholly directed towards the benefit of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation ICIOI. We are proud to announce the appointment of two newtrustees who have very specific skills and contributions to bring to work of the organisation. They will be overseeing policies and procedures and pastoral and safeguarding. nlosing Note This year has been one of both challenge and triumph. The sharp rise in demand underscores the importance of our mission, while the unwavering generosity of donors. agencies, and the wider community has ensured that no one was leftwithout support. Together. we continue to bring hope. dignity, and e to those facing hardship. EstherN C Chairof rustees Date: 0511112025
BL4zE4.I&POERsBAR FOODBANK IECEIPTSANDPAYMENTS FOHTHEPERIODENDED31stMNJICH2025 2025 2024 RECEIPTS DDThatlons-GengralFvTrd GeneralFund$ 20875.48 TDtal 20875.48 T(>tal 21681.99 DeslEn•tedFDTrds HprtsrnereCouncllGrHnt- Food, Ener8y&wdeF EssentLS 38,430.00 51.399.32 Fln8ncl8llrtlu$ionGi8ni-Tiusse1124125 16292.OD 54.722.00 16,292.00 TrussellTIu$i Grani Forvoiunieerssèrt Add..Gr2nT brou8hlfOtwÈrd 894.24 16292.00 16,292. 91889.48 16,292.00 lo69.55 20875.48 71,014.00 LÈS&. piyments 2,4eO.00 2.460.00 2.142.6 ertsmeTeGTani- Enewy,W8iÈf&widei E$sentk8 07.65 27397.65 37676.32 Hertsrnere Grani- Food anOOlherEsseniiais VoiunieErG PiintiNg&siaiionÈry& C4urier Onlcesiainery& Equiprneni Financlal Inclusion to Red¢ro55&CA 18739.32 IB739.32 IJ503.91 894.24 501.85 75B.14 16292.00 1&ry.42 a407 163.42 3486.07 16.292.00 33S7.20 256.23 16,292.00 Annuaichrislma$ EveniUth&ReIrÈsh[rtts Mlscel&ineou5 Expense5 Qllice Phone DaiaPfoiection Reglsiraiion Ico Iranport&lFuelCosts Mother's Daycele&ratlun&gift5 Rep8irs&Mainien8nce Warehouse&Kiichen E55eniiats Insviallce- Public Liability& DlplAC0$15 3357.20 256.23 592.77 35.00 2606.76 3924.74 382.47 $27.00 35.00 1834.8B 425.00 1149.30 886.10 1233.99 1002.00 0.00 145.00 36D.00 2391.02 270.52 sa,6.12 21723. £53.594.11 7S317.S4 35.00 2606.76 90.00 1044.56 96171 1180.77 I.20 1379.90 206.72 0.00 1700.09 268.6¢ 198d6.04 1029.44 59025.54 60054.gB 1044.56 962.71 1180.n 145.20 iJ79. 206.72 0.00 1700.09 268.64 82,275.01 9614.47 Te3m Bulldlnglstattl Iconsuiianty ThirtyoneEi¥htffletnbe15hlp andOlhEf5ubscFiPtIc InfjepenueniExarnlners Fee Bread and Egg51orCllents WaSlÈMaintenance Fee NetSUrpSt0r1hèperIDO Add.. Balan¢ebrouÈhiiowarO B•i8n¢ocarrfedlDtward 8.585.03 ,585.03 68640.01 REpre5eThted by¢a$h In Bankasat31117312025 60054.98 8.585.03 6B.540.01 75.317.54 The8CtOUntsweread¢JPted aNdapproved byYwu5teES Sied Tw$tee Xaihleen Hllli TrustEe Tam Kokwah Dated 011025
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trustees Blaze 4.'16- Potters Bar Foodbank On accounts for the year ended 3110312025 Charity no {if any) 1185255 Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination of the accoLAnts of the above charity {"the Trust") for the year ended 3110312025. Responsibilitles 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 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 14515)(b) of the Act. Independent tThe charity's gross inGome exceeded £250,000 and l am qualified to examiner's statement undertake the examination by being a qualified member of linsert name of applicable listed bodyll. Delete I l if not applicable. I have completed my examination. I confimi that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below ') which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect.. the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act., or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records., or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities {Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair, view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to whiGh attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding ofthe accounts to be reached. Pl8ase delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply. Signed: Date: 1121 2_t$ 25 Name: Relevant professional qualification{51 or body lif any): SeLethd Lt4 IER Oct 2018
Addres3: Section B Disclosure Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts.. directions and guidance for examiners). Give here brief detai15 of any items that the examinerwishes to disclose. IER Oct 2018