Charity Number 1185728 The Together Free Foundation ## ANNUAL REPORT ## The Together Free Foundation For the year ending 31 December 2024 ## **Charitable Status** The Together Free Foundation is a registered charity in England. Charity Number 1185728 **Registered Address** 6 Clarence Road Southend-on-Sea Essex SS11AN **Trustees Serving During 2024** Peter Dominey Jackie Raja Jodi Thompson Retired Jan 2024 Gemma Cartwright Commenced Jan 2024 The charity is established by means of a constitution with trustees appointed by the trustee body. ## **Summary of Objectives and Activities** The Together Free Foundation (TFF) helps local communities partner towards ending modern slavery and human trafficking (MSHT) within their locality. This is done through establishing Antislavery Partnerships and catalysing the assets within local communities to partner towards slavery-free communities. Within the last seven years, TFF has catalysed and is developing three Antislavery Partnerships: a) Southend Against Modern Slavery; b) Chelmsford Against Modern Slavery, and; c) Colchester Against Modern Slavery. TFF mobilises local charities, community groups, local authorities and law enforcement to find local solutions for local problems of exploitation through: 1) partnership development and collaboration; 2) raising awareness within the community and among at-risk groups; 3) developing and delivering training to community groups and front-line responders; 4) developing referral pathways to ensure the effective safeguarding of victims and; 5) supporting victims and survivors of modern slavery through community-based survivor care. During 2024 the charity employed four part-time staff in the equivalent of 1.5 full time roles. The charity relies on volunteer and community engagement, thereby offering excellent value for money for its output. www.togetherfree.org.uk 1 Charity Number 1185728 The Together Free Foundation _Life Drawing Awareness Event Walk for Freedom Awareness Event_ During 2024, Southend Against Modern Slavery (SAMS) Partnership collaborated with 75 professionals from 35 partner organisations towards a slavery free community. These organisations included Essex Police, Southend City Council and voluntary sector agencies working with vulnerable people in Southend on Sea. Three antislavery partnership meetings were held to develop best practice, collaboration and community based actions. Eight community leaders participate in the SAMS steering group, giving accountability and oversight. SAMS delivered 13 training sessions were delivered and supported at two conferences, providing training for 405 professionals and volunteers in the community. SAMS also hosted two students on placement from South-Essex College Essex. Six awareness raising events including a Walk for Freedom, a life drawing event and stalls in Southend High Street and Southend Victoria Train Station. ## **SAMS Survivor Care Project** The Survivor Care Project provides community-based support to survivors of modern slavery and trafficking in the City of Southend. The project provides regular long-term and bespoke wrap-around support in the form of befriending, mentoring, and practical help. Eight volunteers were trained to provide person-centred support to encourage community integration and well-being support for the survivors. They received a minimum of eight hours of training and have regular one-to-one support and group supervision. In 2024 the Project provided support for eleven survivors of modern slavery, originating from nine different countries. Additionally, eight children indirectly benefited from the support given to their parents. 151 hours of befriending, mentoring, casework, and practical help were provided. Practical help for the survivors included: two bicycles, bedding, supermarket and clothing vouchers, Christmas hampers, birthday presents and more. _Survivor feedback_ (shared with permission): “After moving to Southend, SAMS Partnership has been there for me and has transformed my life immensely” “I am very happy with Annika [Survivor Care Coordinator], she has been very helpful and easy to talk to. She checks-in on me and helps me understand things and processes." _Volunteer feedback:_ “I really love befriending and it is great volunteering with SAMS.” “I am very happy with the support I receive from Annika. The meetings are going well and I have all the support I need.” www.togetherfree.org.uk 2 Charity Number 1185728 The Together Free Foundation The Colchester Partnership (CAMS) has had a busy year. A new part-time local coordinator as stimulated increased collaboration with an increased interest in awareness training across the area. Events and conferences have been well attended with participants enthusiastic and interested in the issues. Colchester has a vibrant voluntary sector, the City Council has strongly supported refugees and asylum seekers, multi-cultural groups and activities, and is working towards City of Sanctuary status. CAMS partnership meetings are always well attended with a variety of interesting guest speakers. During the year, labour exploitation has been one focus, particularly in the Care Sector, where many people affected by exploitation have been supported in Colchester. In numbers: - 40 organisations participate in CAMS, including charities, faith groups, the police, law enforcement, and Essex University. - 47 potential victims of modern slavery were identified and supported by CAMS partners. - A steering group met four times participants from 8 organisations. It provides overall oversight and accountability for CAMS. - 4 task and finish groups including: awareness raising, training, survivor care, and safeguarding, intelligence and disruption. 20 individuals participate from14 organisations. - 4 quarterly partnership meetings with 22 to 25 participants attending each - 4 community engagement days have taken place including at the University fresher's fair and high street stalls to engage the public. 24 partners from 10 organisations took part - 2 conferences have taken place for a total of 6 hours with a total of 143 participants - 36 training workshops for 1185 attendees have been completed with charities, the local authority, education institutes, faith groups, the care sector, housing providers and the NHS. _‘The training really was an eye opener, very interesting and informative and positive feedback received from the Team.’ Safeguarding Team, NHS Trust._ Awareness Stall on Colchester High Street as part of the United Nations World Day Against Trafficking. www.togetherfree.org.uk 3 Charity Number 1185728 The Together Free Foundation Since August 2022, The Together Free Foundation has been collaborating with Chelmsford City Council in establishing the Chelmsford Against Slavery Partnership. Quarterly CASP meetings have continued to be well attended with representatives from 45 participating organisations. Work streams have developed including awareness raising, training, developing survivor care and referral pathways, and intelligence and disruption. The intelligence and disruption group developed four multi-agency responses and intelligence gathering operations at high risk sights, including interviewing potential victims and perpetrators. The Steering Group of nine community leaders from the Council, Police and voluntary sector, developed a three year strategy with the following priorities: 1) developing an agile and dynamic partnership; 2) developing survivor care for victims of modern slavery and; 3) developing a well sustained and resourced partnership. CASP co-organised two modern slavery conferences for Essex. These included a Migration and Modern Slavery Conference with 78 participants. Five specialist organisations including Migrant Help, Hestia, Hope for Justice and RAMA gave input. CASP also hosted an Essex Antislavery Partnership Conference at Chelmsford Civic Centre. 65 participants the half day conference with six organisations giving presentations. Participants explored through workshops how increased collaboration between Antislavery Partnerships could occur, as a slavery-free community is pursued. ## **Public Benefit Statement Accounting Basis** The charity’s trustees continue to have regard for both the charitable objects set out in the governing document and to ensuring that the activities of the charity, as described, meet the public benefit test. In so doing, they take account of the Charity Commission’s public benefit guidance when planning the charity’s programme of activities. The trustees of the Together Free Foundation are confident that the activities of the charity demonstrate strong evidence of public benefit. The accounts were prepared on a receipts and payments basis. Report prepared by D Pratt . ## **Together Free Appreciates Funding in 2024 from:** - The Eastern Baptist Association - The National Lottery - Essex Community Foundation - The Manek Foundation - Police, Fire and Crime Commission for Essex - The Rosca Trust - Police, Fire and Crime Commission for Essex www.togetherfree.org.uk 4 Charity Number 1185728 TheTogether Frèè Foundation CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Re￿rt Report to the trust••s On accou￿ for the year 8nd•d Charity nL> (If any) 11 Sét (xrt on pago$ 7-10 I reFnrt to the tr￿le83 on my examination of thg ac¥xunts of the atrK)ve charity (Ihe TnMf} for Ihe yew ended R?sponslbll*los and b•sis of rtport As the charity's trustees. you are respM)nsble for Ihe weparath)n of Ihe ace(4Jnts in accordance wth the req￿￿ments of Ihe Charthes Act 2011 (Yhe Acri. I reFKAi in respect of my examinat*)n of ￿ TrLtst's accounts carrlgj out urKler sectK)n 145 of th8 2011 Act and in Car￿ry out my examination. I haveft)Ilrywed all the applicatrAe DirgdiorKs given ty the Charity Crynmi58*)n uThler section 145(5llb} of Ihe Act. Ind8￿nd￿nt [T￿ tharity's gross axeeedad £2￿.(￿ aThJ l am qualffi8d to exwninerfs statenwnt undertake the examination by b￿ng a qualified memt4rof [Insert nama of applrAble listed IK*lyll. D*te I l rfth)t aKpltst4e. I have comF4etwJ my examinat￿. I confinn that rw) material matters have cxjme *• my attention in Connection wth ts examination (other than that disdosed tdow'l which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect.. lh$ aceountirvJ r8ct*ts rKJt bpt in with sg¢tion 130 of the Chaiilies Act.. or the accounts thd not accord with the aco)untiThJ records.. Of the accounts iffid ￿>t crynrAy wilh the applic8lAg r￿uIreMent corKemiTrJ the form and content of accounts sel out in the Charities IAccy)unts and ReFWXtsl RegulatN)rts 2LX)8 ot￿r than any requiramgnt that thg a¢xx)unts gNe a 'true ar￿ fairf view whith Y6 not 8 matter rA)nsdw8d a5 Part of an ind8P8nd8ntex8fflinatK>n. I have no ())nc￿￿ have come acmss no other matters in connection with th8 examinalK)n to whith attention should thawn in thi5 r8POrt in order lo enable a PYOFer uThJerstaThthThJ ol the xc(yJ)ts to te rea(*ed. ' Pkase de*te the words in tsxkets rflhey do not awy. Signed.. D•te: Relev•rt wofvsslM•l quallfkatknls) or body Ilf any): IER Oct 2018 ètherfree.or Charity Number 1185728 TheTogether Frèè Foundation Addrnss: 8ts sw[He￿L￿- Ge£)v Section B Disclosure Onty ccmFA8tè if thè examinèr nèèds to highlight mat8rial matters of conc8m 1560 CC32. LrKlè￿n¢enlaxaTh￿nats.on of ¢hanty a#ounts.' dirauions and guidancè for ey2minèrs1. hero brlol dolalb of any it8mJ that th• xamin#r wlsl*s lo dlSGIoso. IER Oct 2018 ètherfree.or Charity Number 1185728 TheTogether Frèè Foundation THE TOGEfHER FREE FOUNDATION STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITY FOR YEAR ENDED 31 12 2024 Unrestricted Fund Restricted Fund Total Total 2024 2023 Incomin Resources Voluntary income Donations io 152 162 323 Grants 3,000 77,339 1,718 79,209 80,339 1,727 82,228 75,706 1,099 77,127 Other Total Voluntary Income 3,019 Investment income Interest 1.034 1.034 616 Totsl Incoming Resources 4,053 79,209 83,262 77,743 Resources Ex nded Charitiable activities Operational Costs StafFing Awareness resources 3,563 6,091 4,440 45.558 1.686 1.742 8,002 51.649 1.686 1.742 78 6,822 54,837 1,513 2,112 74 Surviour Care Support other 78 Total Re$ource$ Used 9.732 53,425 63,157 65,358 Net loutgoingllincoming resources {5,679) 25,784 20,105 12,385 Transfer between funds 8,637 18,6371 Net movement in funds for year 2,958 17.147 20,105 12,385 Fund Balance at 31 December 2023 5.042 28.833 33.875 21,490 Fund Balance at 31 December 2024 7,999 45,981 53,980 33,875 ètherfree.or Charity Number 1185728 TheTogether Frèè Foundation THE TOGEfHER FREE FOUNDATION STATEMENT OF A5SEt AND LIABILITIES FOR YEAR ENDED 31 12 2024 Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Fund Fund 2024 2023 CASH FUNDS CAF Bank Cash in hand 7,999 45.981 53,980 33,875 7,999 45,981 53,980 33,875 REPRESENTED BY 2024 2023 Unrestricted General Fund 7,999 5.042 7.999 5,042 Restricted SAMS & Survivor Care & Nattonal Lotten 24,244 7,148 14.589 11,410 14.638 2.786 Chelmsford ICASPI Colchester ICAMSI 45.981 28,833 Total rese￿eS 53,980 33,875 Peter Dominev Trustee Jackie Raja Trustee 14 April 2025 ètherfree.or Charity Number 1185728 TheTogether Frèè Foundation ThETOGETHER FREE FOUNDATION NOTES TO THE FINANOAL sfATEMEi¥rs R YEAR ENDED Accounti PolKiE5 Receipt5 and Payment accounts have been prepared. 21 Volurta Income Restricted Fund Total 2024 Total 2023 $4M5 & rvNorCaFe Chelmsford & N*ional Lottery Gewal FuThJ Cokhe5ter ICAMSI Dona￿n5 io 152 162 Grants 45.620 4.625 27.094 80,339 75,706 Books Other 1.718 47￿￿J 1.718 82.228 3.019 4.625 27.(Y34 77.127 Reso¥￿e5 Ex nded Vnre5trthd Fund fte5trirt￿ Fund Total 2024 Total 2023 MS 5urvivorCa & NatK)nal GenÈral Fund Lottery Chelmsford IrASPI Cokhe5ter IrAMSI Operationalcosts StafFing Awarerie55 re50urce5 Surwour Care SupFK)rt Other 3.563 091 3.013_23 28.217 716 777 649 8.wl 51.649 6,822 54037 1.513 2.112 74 65.358 6.959 10.382 1.292 450 1.742 78 63.157 78 9.732 33.238 8.671 11.517 41 2024 Vniestrkted 3111212023 hK(*))iThd 5.042 4053 Outgoin8s 9.732 Transfers 8.637 311IV2024 7.999 General Fund Re5tricied SAMS & Survi¥orCare & N*wal Lotter Chelrnsford ICASPI Colchester ICAMSI IL410 14.638 2,786 33.875 47.4 4.625 27.094 83.262 33.238 8.671 11.517 63.157 IL4181 13.4441 13.7751 24.244 7,148 14,589 53. ètherfree.or Charity Number 1185728 TheTogether Frèè Foundation THE TOGEThER FREE FOUNDATION TE THE FINAN ATEME FOR YEAR ENDED 31 12 2024 51 Trustee Remuneration and beneffts No Trustee received a salary or income from The Together Free Foundation in 2024. 61 2024 2023 Wages and salaries 51.650 53,259 During the year the Charity employed between 4-5 members of Staff. staff are on part time basis and various hours depending on grant funding. 71 ReseThies Reserves will be maintained to ensure core activity can continue during any period of unforeseen difficulty. A proportion of reserves will be maintained in a readily fealisable form. The calculation of the required level of reserves is an integral part of the organisation's planning. budget and forecast cycle. It considers= i. Risks asSOClated with each stream of income and expenditure being different from that budgeted ii. Planned activity level 111. The charitys commitments On this ba515, and having reviewed the policy during the year, the Trustees believe that for 2024 a reserve equivalent to three months, running costs should be maintaine(l. The reserves policy will be reviewed annuallv. ètherfree.or 10