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2025-03-31-accounts

Junction 7

Annual Report

&

Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 Charity No: 1185423

Junction 7 Annual Report and Financial Statements 01 April 2024 to 31 March 2025

#buildingcommunities

The trustees submit their annual report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025. The Trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP)

(“Accounting and Reporting by Charities”) in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity.

Reference and Administration Details

Name of Charity: Junction 7

Registered Charity number: 1185423

Registered Address: 7 Silverdale Place, Newton Aycliffe DL5 7DZ

Principal Operating Address: The ARK 8-9 Silverdale Place, Newton Aycliffe DL5 7DZ

The Charity’s Trustees: Office held Term of Office Simon Day Chair 20 September 19 – To Present Ms Jane Day Honorary Secretary 20 September 19 – To Present Mrs Gill Stebbings Treasurer 05 December 19 – To Present Shaun Mclean Trustee 04 October 21 – To Present

Bankers:

Barclays: Bank PLC, Jenkins House, Bob Hardisty Drive, Bishop Auckland DL14 7TH Suits Me Bank: The Old Shippon, Moseley Hallfarm, Chelmford Road, Knutsford Cheshire WA16 8RB

2) STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT

2.1 Governing Document

Junction 7 became a registered charity with the Charities Commission on 20th September 20019 under charity number 1185423.

2.2 Organisational Structure

Trustees: Junction 7 is directed by a board of trustees drawn from the local community. Trustees are appointed at the charity’s Annual General Meeting.

The board takes responsibility for all policy decisions and the charity’s finances. The minutes of board meetings constitute the formal record of proceedings and decisions taken and approved by the trustees.

Financial Oversight: The treasurer of the charity is also a trustee and reports regularly to the trustees as to the charity’s ongoing financial status. A trained volunteer carries out much of the day to-day financial management of Junction 7, under the close supervision of the treasurer and a second designated trustee.

Junction 7 Annual Report and Financial Statements 01 April 2024 to 31 March 2025

Team: The trustees have delegated much of the day-to-day running of the charity and operational decisions to two trained trustees. Team meetings take place monthly (generally with a trustee also present); minutes are kept as a formal record of proceedings.

Volunteers: Junction 7 benefits from the service of approximately 14 volunteers, who are recruited from all sections of the local community. Voluntary team leaders oversee specific areas of operation.

2.3 Risk Management

Risk Register & Policies: The Trustees consider the major risks to which the charity is exposed via a risk register when updating its annual plan. These include internal and external risks that, if occurring, would be likely to affect finance and resources and other aspects of the work of the charity. The trustees are now satisfied that procedures and systems are in place to monitor and control these risks and to mitigate any impact that they may have on the charity and in its future operations.

Junction 7 has an appropriate manual for volunteers and clients of the charity which is reviewed annually. This includes policies covering Data Protection, Equal Opportunities, Health & Safety, Safeguarding (Vulnerable Adult and Child Protection) and Complaints.

Financial Procedures: A new Financial Procedures Policy has been implemented, and finances are kept under regular review. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out below and comply with the charity’s Memorandum and Articles of Association, and Registered Charity no. 1185423 Registered in England & Wales

GDPR: Junction 7 takes Data Protection very seriously. We ensure that all our online and office practice are in line with the General Data Protection Regulations which were implemented in May 2018. We review all our policies annually and update them with guidance from Durham Community Action.

The Charity’s governing documents are a Trust Declaration adopted on 20th September 2019 There must be a minimum of 3 trustees and a maximum of 7, who are appointed or reappointed annually. Apart from the first trustees, every trustee must be appointed for a term of 3 years by a resolution of the trustees. In selecting individuals for appointment as trustees, the trustees must have regard to the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the Charity.

All trustees must sign a confidentiality agreement. All trustees give their time and skills voluntarily and receive no remuneration or other benefits.

The Charity is supported by supporters from many walks of life who provide donations of food, assist with food collections, donate financially and act as volunteers. We work closely with the range of agencies in Newton Aycliffe and the surrounding areas and an extended network of local front-line professionals including local Schools, Doctors’ surgeries, Citizens’ Advice Bureaux, Social Services and local churches. Distribution Centres are operated from the Ark 8-9 Silverdale Newton Aycliffe DL5 7DZ Place.

Junction 7 Annual Report and Financial Statements 01 April 2024 to 31 March 2025

The prevention or relief of poverty in Newton Aycliffe and surrounding areas by providing items and services to individuals in need and/or charities, or other organisations working to prevent or relieve poverty.

Chair of Trustee’s Report, Simon Day

Junction 7 – letter from our Trustees

Junction 7 opened as a Foodbank in 2018. It was very simple project, opened by a couple called Simon & Jane. Two people that wanted to help their community. It must have seemed unthinkable that by 2025 not only would there still be a need for any foodbanks, or a charity such as Junction 7.

Like many Charities, Junction 7 opened in response to the financial crisis of 2018 The charity has genuinely hoped to not be needed for as long has it has existed. It was established to serve people while it was essential, but the hope was that this would be short term. Sadly, 9 years on, our services are valued more than ever by our community. Junction 7 is not just a independent Foodbank we are a overall charity that tackles crisis head on.

To wish that there was no need for a Junction 7 foodbank or our any of our much-needed services does not fail to recognise all the good about such an organisation. Charities across the country bring together a vast group of people who believe in a different way and a better world. It brings together staff and volunteer teams who desire to do good in their local community, to share their time and resources and to make a positive impact. When we see all of these people working together it is humbling and inspiring. In Newton Aycliffe and surrounding areas, while we wish that people did not need to depend on donated food and other items, we see the very best of human nature working together to support friends and neighbours in their most vulnerable moments. That is why we have worked so hard with with our community to ensure that our services can be as accessible and can offer as much support to as many people as is possible. And we are delighted to see this support making a difference.

At this time Junction 7 is part of a national project with Faresare and a small number of Charities across the country to see how we can best support households who are in need. This learning and experience will then be shared with our wider community network so that each Charity can be inspired and learn ways to combat local food poverty.

Our story this year is not one of building a larger charity. It is one of building collaboration to ensure that we are working with other groups, charities, churches and organisations to make as much difference as we all can. Every person who no longer needs us is a ‘win’.

When a person comes into Junction 7, if they choose to work with us and our partners, we will work closely with them.

As a trustee board, we have been very pleased to see the early impact with Fareshare. We have put in place all the governance and structures to help our volunteers to make as much positive difference in our community as they can. We are grateful to the residents and business of Newton Aycliffe for their support and passion - and to the people who continue to support us and affirm this work.

Junction 7 Annual Report and Financial Statements 01 April 2024 to 31 March 2025

Thank you.

3) OBJECTIVES, AIMS & ACTIVITIES

3.1 Charitable Objectives

The objective of the charity, as set out in the charity’s governing constitution, is to relieve persons in Newton Aycliffe and surrounding areas who are in conditions of need, hardship or distress in such ways as the trustees from time-to-time think fit.

3.2 Aims

Emergency Food Provision: Junction 7 seeks to alleviate food poverty in and around Newton Aycliffe by providing short term, emergency food for families or individuals in crisis. We operate a self-referral or a services provider referral as well as the local council and police. Beneficiaries come from a broad cross-section of the local community; they include families, young people, and both the unemployed and those in work. Anyone can be referred to to us, regardless of background, belief, race or creed.

Contextual Support: Through Advice Work, close partnership working and effective signposting, Junction 7 aims to relieve the immediate physical and psychological pressures caused by food poverty, whilst ensuring that more long-term support is put in place.

Raising Awareness of Food Poverty: Additional, Junction 7 aims to raise awareness of the complex issues that surround food poverty and to contribute to research into its causes. In doing so, we aim to improve public understanding of the causes of food poverty, engender greater community cohesion and contribute constructively. Collectively, these measures aim both to meet immediate local need and to address the wider causes of food poverty, to promote long term change. Junction7 have relied heavily this year on public and business donations to minimise request for funding and grants so we could be more self-efficient. Our community really stepped up and provided most of the resources Junction 7 needed to operate.

3.3 Public Benefit

Each year, our trustees review our activities and strategies to ensure that we are effective in reaching those most in need of assistance in the local area, and in meeting our longer term aims. In carrying out this review, the trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit and in particular its supplementary public guidance on the Prevention of Relief of Poverty for the Public Benefit.

3.4 How the Foodbank Works

Non-perishable food is donated by members of the public and business from a prescribed list the food is then stored in our leased house close to the ARK where we operate from.

Clients in crisis are assessed by one of our authorised referral agencies and then a short form is filled in with the client’s further details and then a food parcel is issued.

Junction 7 Annual Report and Financial Statements 01 April 2024 to 31 March 2025

Clients are encouraged to access further signposting and support services, as required.

3.5 Objectives for the Year

Our objectives for this year are a continuation of work that we have already begun. They are based upon the objectives that we have agreed by our Trustees. We aim at helping to reduce the need for clients for come to foodbanks by offering alternative resources. These objectives will continue to move forward for the next coming year:

a) Develop Participation

b) Develop Referral Pathways

d) Develop volunteers’ skills

3.6 Strategies for Achieving the Objectives

a) Participation

We have increased the input of clients with a lived experience of food poverty. We are doing this with a variety of methods including surveys, interviews and dialogue with referrers. Ultimately, we hope to bring together a group of people with lived experience so that they can share their stories and utilise their experience to help the Junction 7 adapt to the needs of its users. We hope that this will enhance both the experience of visiting Junction 7 and the support that is available.

b) Referral Pathways

We are working most closely with our largest referral partners across the Newton Aycliffe to not only understand who is coming to us and why, but also to see how we can create colaborative systems across the Town to offer the very best support to clients who are in need – and offer this help at the earliest opportunity

c) Financial Inclusion

We have developed collaborative, multi-agency work within our centre. We are now able to offer clients far greater support in areas like Benefits advice, debt advice and employment skills. We will continue to work with agencies who can offer support with general cost of living and cost of utilities

d) Volunteer skills and experience

We aim to continue to develop our volunteers by offering training (in areas like valuable conversations, de-escalation, conversations with vulnerable clients and in areas of signposting). We hope that by being part of Junction 7 that our volunteers are learning new skills, can participate in their community more deeply and build friendships. Our aim is that volunteering for us is a fulfilling experience which also bringing positive change to our community.

Junction 7 Annual Report and Financial Statements 01 April 2024 to 31 March 2025

Other News

Once again, we must record our thanks to everyone who has volunteered during the year. It would be impossible to help as many people as we do without the wonderful team who give their time so freely. Their energy and kindness help create a charity that truly cares for those experiencing poverty.

Junction 7 Annual Report and Financial Statements 01 April 2024 to 31 March 2025

Approved by the Trustees on 30/01/2026

Policies

Junction 7 has the following policies in place:

Junction 7 Annual Report and Financial Statements 01 April 2024 to 31 March 2025

JUNCTION 7

THE ARK, 7 SILVERDALE PLACE, NEWTON AYCLIFFE DL5 7DZ CHARITY NO: - 1185423 APRIL 2024-MARCH 2025

Approved by the Trustees on 30/01/2026

S TATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2025

Receipts

Receipts
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds
Fundraising
Lifeline Litter Picks
Age UK Hot Meals
Bank interest
Start Balance
Total receipts
Payments
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds
Audit Cost
Insurance

Storage Parnaby
Commission Charge Bank
Rent Number 7
Utilities

Age UK Hot Meals
Total Payments

Net receipts/(payments)		 Total 2024/25
3926.47
180.00
20,636.00
0.08
178.84
24,921.39
Total 2024/25
650.00
997.31
1320.00
90.60
2008.00
100.00
17,012.17
22,178.08
22,178.08




Bank and cash at the start of the period April 2024 178.84 Bank and cash at the end of the period 2743.31

Junction 7 Annual Report and Financial Statements 01 April 2024 to 31 March 2025

Statement of assets and liabilities at March 2025

Cash assets

Cash assets 2743.31

Total cash assets

2743.31

LIABILITIES

Independent Examiners Fee £500.00

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

ACCOUNTING CONVENTION

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities, Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to Charities preparing their accounts as receipts and payments.

FUND

Unrestricted funds are donations and other incoming resources receivable or generated for the objects of the charity without further specified purposes and are available as general funds.

PAYMENTS TO TRUSTEES AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

No payments were made to trustees or any persons connected with them during this financial period other than for reimbursement of expenses incurred on behalf of the CIO. No material transactions took place between the organisations and a trustee, or any person connected with them.

RISK ASSESSMENT.

The trustees actively review the major risks which the charity faces on a regular basis and believe that maintaining the free reserves stated, combined with the annual review of the controls over key financial systems carried out on an annual basis will provide sufficient resources in the event of adverse conditions. The trustees have also examined other operational and business risks which they face and confirm that they have established systems to mitigate the significant risks

4. RESERVES POLICY

The trustees have considered the level of reserves they wish to retain, appropriate to the charity’s needs. This is based on the charity’s size and level of financial commitments held. The trustees aim to ensure the charity will be able to continue to fulfil its charitable objectives even if there is a temporary shortfall in income or unexpected expenditure. The trustees will endeavour to set aside funds unnecessarily.

Junction 7 Annual Report and Financial Statements 01 April 2024 to 31 March 2025

These financial statements are accepted on behalf of the organisation by:

Signed Gillian Stebbings , Treasure

Notes to the accounts for the year ended March 2025

RESTRICTED FUNDS CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR Balance 01-Apr-26

----- Start of picture text -----
Reserve Expenditure Transfers Balance 31-Mar-25
£ £ £ £
1500 1500
Grants
We received no Grants for this year
Approved by the Trustees on 30/01/2026
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Junction 7 Annual Report and Financial Statements 01 April 2024 to 31 March 2025