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&PO￿ERsBAR FOODBANK
IECEIPTSANDPAYMENTS FOHTHEPERIODENDED31stMNJICH2025
2025
2024
RECEIPTS
DDThatlons-GengralFvTrd
GeneralFund$
20875.48
TDtal
20875.48
T(>tal
21681.99
DeslEn•tedFDTrds
HprtsrnereCouncllGrHnt- Food, Ener8y&wdeF
Essent￿LS
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
lo6￿9.55
20875.48
71,014.00
LÈS&. piyments
2,4eO.00
2.460.00
2.142.6
ertsmeTeGTani- Enewy,W8iÈf&widei
E$sentk8
07.65
27397.65
37676.32
Hertsrnere Grani- Food anOOlherEsseniiais
VoiunieErG
PiintiNg&siaiionÈry& C4urier
Onlcesiai￿nery& Equiprneni
Financlal Inclusion to Red¢ro55&CA
18739.32
IB739.32
IJ503.91
894.24
501.85
75B.14
16292.00
1&ry.42
a4￿07
163.42
3486.07
16.292.00
33S7.20
256.23
16,292.00
Annuaichrislma$ Eveni￿U￿th&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
$27.00
35.00
1834.8B
425.00
1149.30
886.10
1233.99
1002.00
0.00
145.00
36D.00
2391.02
270.52
sa,￿6.12
21723.
£53.594.11
7S317.S4
35.00
2606.76
90.00
1044.56
96171
1180.77
I￿.20
1379.90
206.72
0.00
1700.09
268.6¢
198d6.04
1029.44
59025.54
60054.gB
1044.56
962.71
1180.n
145.20
iJ79.
206.72
0.00
1700.09
268.64
82,275.01
9614.47
Te3m Bulldlnglstattl Iconsuiianty
ThirtyoneEi¥htffletnbe15hlp andOlhEf5ubscFiPtIc
InfjepenueniExarnlners Fee
Bread and Egg51orCllents
WaSlÈMaintenance Fee
NetSUrp￿St0r1hèperIDO
Add.. Balan¢ebrouÈhiiowarO
B•i8n¢ocarrfedlDtward
8.585.03
,585.03
68640.01
REpre5eThted by¢a$h In Bankasat31117312025
60054.98
8.585.03
6B.540.01
75.317.54
The8CtOUntsweread¢JPted aNdapproved byYwu5teES
Si￿ed
Tw$tee
Xaihleen Hllli
TrustEe
Tam Kokwah
Dated
0￿11￿025

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