Charity registration number 1185710
SOUTHSIDE ORG
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st October 2023
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The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31[st] October 2022.
Objectives and Activities
Policies and objectives
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. The principal objectives of the Charity are:
(1) To advance, improve, promote, develop and maintain public education and appreciation of the arts and science of music in all its aspects especially, but not limited to the steelpan, by any means the trustees see fit, including through the presentation of, public concerts and recitals in the United Kingdom or abroad.
(2) To further such charitable purpose or purposes as the Trustees in their absolute discretion shall deem appropriate.
Structure, governance and management
Constitution
The Charity was registered with the Charity Commission 9th October 2019 and is constituted under a CIO Foundation constitution.
Method of appointment or election of Trustees
The management of the charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected under the terms of the constitution.
Organisational structure and decision making
The charity is managed by its Trustees.
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Charity Registration number: 1185710
Trustees Statement
Introduction:
Over the past year, we have made significant strides. We expanded our outreach programs, providing essential support and resources to those most affected by the rising cost of living. Our workshops and support groups have seen increased participation, fostering a sense of community and solidarity. We launched several new initiatives aimed at addressing the evolving needs of our community, including mental health support services, job training programs, and digital literacy workshops, all designed to empower individuals and promote self-sufficiency. We forged new partnerships with local businesses and nonprofits enhancing our ability to deliver comprehensive services. These collaborations have been instrumental in amplifying our impact and reaching a broader audience. Our volunteer base has grown significantly, with more community members stepping up to contribute their time and skills. This increased engagement has been vital in sustaining our programs whilst expanding our reach and services. Despite our diligent fundraising efforts and financial management, we have been unable to secure the necessary resources to continue our operations and invest in future growth. This has impacted our ability to plan and execute long-term projects with confidence. Additionally, our user numbers continue to grow, with the charity seeing a significant increase in the number of individuals and families seeking our services. This growth is a testament to the trust and reliance the community places in Southside Org. As we look ahead, we remain committed to our mission and are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. The challenges we have faced have only strengthened our resolve, and we are more determined than ever to make a positive impact in our community.
Key Achievements and Activities:
Throughout the year, we achieved several milestones and undertook impactful initiatives:
Charitable Activities:
Our charity continues substantial investments in charitable activities, such as providing musical education and support services to underserved communities. Southside Org also carried out a pilot program where we were able to support 30 families with food items which provided some of our most vunerable users with the much needed support they required, however we had to stop the program due to the charity unable to secure the required funding.
Reserves:
At present, the charity does not hold sufficient funds to necessitate a reserves policy being in place.
Going Concern:
At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity will have adequate resources to continue in operational existence. However, it recognizes that additional funds are required to ensure sustainability for the foreseeable future. Thus, the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
Governance and Compliance:
We maintained robust governance structures and adhered to legal and regulatory requirements, ensuring transparency and accountability in our operations.
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Charity Registration number: 1185710
Special Performances:
London Notting Hill Carnival
Southside Org had the privilege of participating in the iconic Notting Hill Carnival, where our steelpan performances captivated audiences and celebrated cultural diversity. This was a great opportunity to for our users to come together and celebrate heritage and culture whilst providing much inspiration.
National Steel Panorama Competition
We proudly competed in the National Steel Panorama Competition, showcasing our musical talents and achieving commendable recognition.
Lambeth Christmas Concert
Our performances at the Lambeth Christmas Concert brought festive cheer to the community, highlighting our commitment to engaging with local events and spreading joy through music.
Challenges Faced:
Despite our achievements, we have continued to encounter certain challenges that tested our resilience and resourcefulness:
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Funding Constraints : Securing consistent funding remains a significant challenge. While our fundraising events have been successful, the demand for our services often exceeds the available resources.
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Community Engagement : Engaging with a diverse community and ensuring inclusive participation in our activities requires ongoing effort and innovative approaches.
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Operational Hurdles : Managing the logistics of our events, especially large-scale performances like the Notting Hill Carnival and the National Steel Panorama Competition, are cornerstone events in the carnival arts calendar, which requires meticulous planning and coordination but comes with significant challenges and costs, including logistics, costumes, permits, and safety measures.
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Volunteer Recruitment : Attracting and retaining dedicated volunteers is crucial for our operations, yet it remains a challenging aspect due to varying availability and commitment levels.
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Adapting to Change : The evolving landscape of community needs and external factors, such as economic fluctuations and public health concerns, necessitates continuous adaptation and flexibility in our strategies.
Future Outlook:
As we look to the future, we are dedicated to continuing our efforts to drive positive change and uplift our community. Our commitment to this mission is unwavering, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead:
Expansion of Programs
We aim to expand our programmatic offerings and reach a wider audience through strategic partnerships and collaborations. By introducing new initiatives and enhancing existing ones, we hope to address the evolving needs of our community more effectively.
Enhanced Fundraising Efforts
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Charity Registration number: 1185710
Efforts to diversify fundraising channels and engage with donors on a deeper level will be prioritised to ensure sustained financial sustainability. We plan to explore innovative fundraising strategies, including digital campaigns, corporate partnerships, and community events, to secure the necessary resources for our mission.
Strengthened Governance and Impact Measurement
We will continue to strengthen our governance mechanisms and enhance impact measurement frameworks to maximise the effectiveness of our interventions. By implementing robust monitoring and evaluation processes, we aim to ensure transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in our operations.
Acknowledgments
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders who have supported us on our journey.
Donors and Supporters
Your generosity and unwavering support have been instrumental in enabling us to advance our mission and serve those in need. We are deeply grateful for your contributions and commitment to our cause.
Volunteers and Staff
The dedication and commitment of our members and volunteer staff have been invaluable in driving our initiatives forward and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Your hard work and passion are the backbone of our success.
Community Partners
Collaborations with community partners and stakeholders have enriched our work and facilitated greater impact in the communities we serve. We value these partnerships and look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts.
Lambeth Partnership
We express gratitude to Lambeth Council for their partnership and support, providing rehearsal and storage space crucial for our operations. We remain committed to strengthening and developing this partnership further, ensuring that our activities continue to benefit the local community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the past year has been marked by notable achievements, transformative initiatives, and valuable learnings. As we navigate the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, we are emboldened by the collective spirit of compassion, resilience, and solidarity that defines our organisation. Together, we will continue to forge ahead, guided by our shared vision of creating a more equitable and inclusive society for all.
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Charity Registration number: 1185710
Financial review:
Despite the turbulent economic climate and cost of living crisis, Southside Org has remained financially robust and resilient:
Total Income: £17 ,856.00
Total Expenditure: £ 17,451.00
Income Breakdown:
Our primary source of income stemmed from voluntary contributions and fundraising endeavours.
Voluntary Income: £17 ,856.00 Expenditure Breakdown:
We allocated funds prudently across various aspects of our operations.
Expenditure Breakdown:
Charitable Activities: £ 15,133
This expenditure supported the execution of our charitable programs, including music membership, instrument tuning, and bass instrument procurement.
Governance Costs: £ 455
These expenses were incurred to ensure effective governance and compliance with regulatory standards, encompassing web hosting and subscription services.
Fundraising Costs: £ 600
Funds were utilised to organise and execute fundraising events, covering refreshments and other logistical expenses.
Other Costs: £ 1,263
These miscellaneous costs encompassed transportation, venue rentals, equipment purchases, and administrative expenditures.
Fund balances at 31 October 2023: £405
This report was approved by the Trustees, on 8[th ] March 2024
Signed on behalf of the trustees Trustee - Julian Gibbs
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Charity Registration number: 1185710