2025-01-31-accounts

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Registered Charity number: 1187281

HOME-START BROMLEY TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025

Home-Start Bromley Trustees' Report and Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 January 2025

	Page
Charity Information	1
Trustees' Report	2—3
Independent Examiner's Report	4
Statement of Financial Activities	5
Balance Sheet	6
Notes to the Financial Statements	7—8
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities	9—10

Home-Start Bromley Charity Information For The Year Ended 31 January 2025

Charity Number	1187281
Principal address	Community House
	South Street
	Bromley
	BR1 1RH
Trustees	John Downie
	Belinda Barnaby
	Beverley Clarke
	Seena Gbekor
Independent Examiners	Best Choice Chartered Accountants
	Office 302, Regus, 1 Elmfield Park
	Bromley
	BR1 1LU

Page 1

Home-Start Bromley Trustees' Report For The Year Ended 31 January 2025

The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 January 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities' issued in March 2005.

Registered Charity number: 1182781

Trustees

John Downie Belinda Barnaby Beverley Clarke Seena Gbekor

Overview

Home-Start Bromley works with families facing a variety of life challenges, including mental health difficulties, grief, illness, isolation, domestic violence, and where social services have concerns around child neglect. Working across the largest London borough we train volunteers and connect them with local families to offer both practical assistance and emotional encouragement. Our goal is to help parents build confidence, strengthen their parenting skills, and create a nurturing environment where their children can thrive.

Objectives and Activities

To safeguard, protect and preserve the good health, both mental and physical, of children and parents of children.
To prevent cruelty to or maltreatment of children.
To relieve sickness, poverty and need amongst children and parents of children.
To promote the education of the public in better standards of childcare; principally but not exclusively within the area of London Borough of Bromley and its environs.

The Trustees are pleased to report that the past year was one of significant progress and activity for the charity. Our programmes continued to expand in both scale and reach, reflecting the increasing demand for our services and the continued relevance of our mission. Across the year, we delivered a greater number of projects, deepened existing partnerships, and initiated new collaborations to extend our impact.

This year parental mental health and domestic abuse remains one of the primary reasons families are being referred to us, so there has been a strong imperative that our staff and volunteers have the training, skills, and support to respond effectively. This is particularly important as we have noticed a rise in more complex cases, and with our ongoing delivery of the Caring Dads parenting programme we are especially working with families that have a child in need plan, Child protection Plan, at PLO or in the private court proceedings. This has made it imperative that we are make accurate assessments, appropriate interventions and signposting/referring them to specialist services as necessary, our overarching aim is to ensure that the needs of each family is met.

Our aim is to deliver a service that is responsive to local need and as a result we offer a flexible mix of one-to-one home visits, therapeutic groups, drop-in informal parenting groups and a combination of both for families. Families can therefore access multiple services simultaneously if needed.

The volunteer led home-visiting service, is at the core of what we do. The intensity and type of support varies according to need, with some families requiring longer-term involvement of up to a year, while others benefit from short-term practical support. In addition to our core services, we offer a variety of practitioner led programs which included:

Fathers to Father/Caring Dads Parenting Programme – designed to support families impacted by domestic abuse, and to increase child safety, by working with perpetrator fathers.
Circle of Security Parenting Programme – a 8-week parenting programme that supports the development of attachment in parent-infant relationships and attunement.
Sisterhood Circle – a therapeutic group for pregnant and black mothers who have been identified as being at risk or who have a history of mental health challenges.
Parents Coffee morning – General stay and play sessions for parents, provision of advisory guidance and information on a range of themes.

Energy cafes – provision of energy advice and guidance

...CONTINUED

Page 2

Home-Start Bromley Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 January 2025

We have worked hard to build local reputation and trust in our services, which has resulted in referrals coming from a wide range of sources, including health visitors, Bromley Children’s Project, social Services, midwifery teams, schools and other community groups. HSB has engaged with DA divisional forum, conversations with children’s services and other local partners enable us to ensure that our services are responsive and delivery on our strategic plan to focus on areas pertinent to local families.

We are still a small staff team working with 21 committed volunteers who support us in our aims to make a positive difference in the lives of children and their families. This fact has also presented challenges in terms of workloads, the recruitment and retention of volunteers who are integral to our work is also a key priority. We have undertaken three cycles of volunteer training this year, and also provided annual refresher training opportunities for volunteers.

Despite these achievements, the broader funding environment continued to be difficult. Competition for charitable and foundation grants grew more intense, with funders receiving increased numbers of applications while operating with largely unchanged budgets. Consequently, our funding this year was slightly reduced. While the charity submitted strong proposals and secured several important grants, overall income from grants and foundations was slightly reduced previous year. This reflects a wider sector trend in which available funding has not kept pace with rising service demand or increasing delivery costs. Prudent financial management and effective cost control enabled the charity to close the year in a balanced financial position. The Trustees continue to monitor the charity’s financial sustainability closely.

Looking Ahead: 2025–2026

During 2024–2025, the organisation remained heavily dependent on grants and trust funding, which has left us exposed in an environment where competition for these resources continues to intensify. We are still actively exploring opportunities to secure support from local authorities and health partners. At the same time, demand for our services has continued to rise, with referred families presenting increasingly complex needs. The Board has recognised that, to strengthen our long-term sustainability and improve strategic planning, it is essential to broaden our income streams and place a stronger emphasis on fundraising.

In response, the Operations Manager has led on the strategic development of a sustainability and fundraising proposal for the Board of Trustees, designed to move the organisation away from complete dependency on grants and donations. The strategy focuses on diversifying income streams, ensuring Home-Start Bromley’s long-term resilience and financial stability. As part of this development, we are investing in building our fundraising and partnerships capacity, enabling us to:

Enhance and expand our grant and trust applications, while actively pursuing new commissioned service opportunities.

Establish a sustainable portfolio of events and partnerships to create reliable and recurring income.
Grow our visibility and engagement within the Bromley community, strengthening recognition of the Home-Start Bromley brand.
Deepen collaboration with corporate partners and local organisations, building mutually beneficial, long-term relationships.
Develop new earned income initiatives that align with our mission, values, and commitment to supporting families.
Volunteer development training and upskilling opportunities with implementation of a recognition and rewards programme.

As we move into 2025–2026, Home-Start Bromley remains focused on building sustainability, empowering families, and creating nurturing environments where parents and children can thrive — together. To achieve this aim for the coming year is to diversify income sources and strengthen relationships with existing and new funders, while exploring opportunities in corporate partnerships, individual giving, and earned income where appropriate. The Trustees believe these steps will help ensure that the charity’s financial resources remain robust and aligned with the scale and ambition of our work in the years ahead.

Declarations

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

John Downie Trustee

28/11/2025

Page 3

Home-Start Bromley Independent Examiner's Report For The Year Ended 31 January 2025

I report on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 January 2025 which are set out on pages 6 to 10.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
Having satisfied myself that an audit is not required, it is my responsibility to:

examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;

to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act; and

to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner’s report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

1.which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act, and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities, have not been met; or
2.to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Signed

Shahzad Fayyaz, ACA

28/11/2025

Best Choice Chartered Accountants Office 302, Regus, 1 Elmfield Park Bromley BR1 1LU

Page 4

Home-Start Bromley Statement of Financial Activities For The Year Ended 31 January 2025

6 Notes INCOMING RESOURCES Income and endowments from Donations and legacies TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES RESOURCES EXPENDED Expenditure on Generating donations and legacies Charitable activities Other resources Finance TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD	31 January 2025 Unrestricted Funds £ 26,790 26,790 430 9,691 11,875 14,915 15,870 30,785 - 1,754	31 January 2025 Restricted Funds £ 38,020 38,020 10,339 24,610 15,926 50,875 (12,855) (13,885) (26,740) -	31 January 2025 Total Funds 64,810 64,810 10,339 25,040 25,617 1,754 62,750 2,060 1,985 4,045 £	31 January 2024 72,380 £
				72,380 14,497 33,949 21,498 1,777
				71,721 659 1,326
				1,985

Page 5

Home-Start Bromley Balance Sheet As At 31 January 2025

FIXED ASSETS 4 Tangible Assets CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year NET CURRENT ASSETS (LIABILITIES) TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES NET NET ASSETS FUNDS Unrestricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS 3 Notes	31 January 2025 Unrestricted Funds £ 1,370 1,370 - (6,745) (6,745) - - (5,375) (5,375)	31 January 2025 Restricted Funds £ 9,420 9,420 9,420 9,420 - - - 9,420 -		31 January 2025 Total Funds £ 1,370 (6,745) 2,675 4,045 4,045 30,785 (26,740) 4,045 9,420 1,370 - 9,420	31 January 2024 Total Funds £ 2,951
					2,951 - (3,424) (966) 1,985 2,458 2,458
					1,985 15,870 (13,885)
					1,985

The Financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 28 Nov 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:

Mr John Downie

Trustee

Page 6

Home-Start Bromley Notes to the Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31 January 2025

1. Accounting Policies

1.1. Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements

The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

1.2. Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation

Tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of the fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases:

Computer Equipment

25% Straight Line

1.3. Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

1.4. Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. There are currently no Restricted funds.

1.5. Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

1.6. Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

2. Average Number of Employees

Average number of employees during the year was 1 (2024: 1).

3. Tangible Assets

Cost As at 1 February 2024 As at 31 January 2025 Depreciation As at 1 February 2024 Provided during the period As at 31 January 2025 Net Book Value As at 31 January 2025 As at 1 February 2024	Computer Equipment £ 6,367
	6,367
	3,416 1,580
	4,996
	1,371
	2,951

Page 7

Home-Start Bromley Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 January 2025

4. Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year

. Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year
Other taxes and social security Pension payable Other creditors Accruals and deferred income	2025 £ 3,783 - 1,233 6,745 1,729	2024 £ 2,425 314 - 685
		3,424

5. Trustee’s Remuneration and Benefits

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31st January 2025.

6. Movement in funds

Unrestricted funds Restricted funds	31 January 2025 £ (12,855) 2,060 14,915	31 January 2024 £ (11,307) 11,966
		659

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS	Resources expended Movement in funds £ £ 50,875 (12,855) 62,750 2,060 Incoming resources £ 38,020 64,810 11,875 14,915 26,790	Resources expended Movement in funds £ £ 50,875 (12,855) 62,750 2,060 Incoming resources £ 38,020 64,810 11,875 14,915 26,790
		2,060

7. Related Party Disclosures

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31st January 2025.

Page 8

Home-Start Bromley Detailed Statement of Financial Activities For The Year Ended 31 January 2025

31 January 2025 Unrestricted Funds £ - - - - 14,999 - 7,480 1,661 - 26,790 - - - 2,650 - -	31 January 2025 Restricted Funds £ - - - 30,000 - - - 2,000 - 38,020 10,339 - 6,020 - - -	31 January 2025 Total Funds £ 64,810 10,339 - - - - - 14,999 7,480 1,661 - 6,020 2,650 30,000 - 2,000	31 January 2024 Total Funds £ 10,000 10,000 8,543 11,925 950 995 15,000 2,000 10,900 567 1,500 - - -
			72,380 14,497
430 - - -	10,339 485 24,125 -	10,339 915 24,125 -	14,497 123 - 33,826
430 1,167 1,313 5,232 1,141 640 - 198	976 - 14,950 24,610 - - - -	25,040 1,167 640 1,313 198 6,208 1,141 14,950	33,949 1,453 711 1,313 3,093 731 13,850 417
9,691	15,926	25,617	21,498

Page 9

Home-Start Bromley Detailed Statement of Financial Activities (continued) For The Year Ended 31 January 2025

Finance costs Other interest payable Depreciation: Computer Equipment TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED NET INCOME LESS NET EXPENDITURE	174 1,580	- -	174 1,580	185 1,592
	1,754 11,875	50,875 -	62,750 1,754	1,777 71,721
	14,915	(12,855)	2,060	659

Page 10

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