2024-09-05-accounts

ANNUAL REPORT 2024 TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 6.9.23 - 5.9.24 THECOURTNEY FOUNDATION Registered charity number: 1187689 (England and Wales)

Administrative details Charity name.. Registered charity number.. Principal address.. The Courtney Foundation 1187689 (England and Wales) 145a High Street, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU4 9LE Structure and governance Trustees.. Melissa Llewellyn Ahmed Adde Ashley Parker Mohammed Sadiqul Choudhury Ahmed Aweis Ahmed 3rd Feb 2020- current 3rd Nov 2022- current 3rd Nov 2022- current 3rd Nov 2022- current 5th Mar 2023 - current Structure.. Charitable Incorporated Organisation Governing document.. Constitution New trustees are selected with consideration of their skills, knowledge and experience, and are appointed by resolution passed by the existing trustees. Trustees must read and understand all organisational policies, which ref lect statutory and legal requirements and good practice procedures. Adopted pollcles: Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy Code of Conduct and Ethics Conf lict of Interest Policy Data Protection Policy Privacy Policy Whistleblowing Policy Challenging Behaviour Policy Equality, Diversity and Meaningful Inclusion Policy Complaints Policy Health and Safety Policy Volunteer Policy Volunteer Disciplinary Procedures Financial Management Policy Reimbursements of Expenses and Purchases Policy Business Ethics and Anti-Bribery Policy Environmental and Sustainability Policy Hardship Projects Policy Reserves Policy Safeguarding Policy (Refugee Support Drop-in) The Courtney Foundation Trustees, Annual Report and Accounts 2024 Registered charity no. 1187689 (England and Wales) thewurtneyfoundation.org l [e-mail]

Objectives and activities Charitable objects.. a) To promote social inclusion for the public benefit by preventing people from becoming socially excluded, relieving the needs of those people who are socially excluded and assisting them to integrate into society b) The prevention or relief of poverty in England by providing.. items and services to individuals in need and/or charities, or other organisations working to prevent or relieve poverty Thanks to referrers, funders, supporters and local organisations, we were able to help lots of people with clothing, household equipment, and one-lo-one support during ihis period. We ran children's holiday clubs for the first time, connecting with families in new ways and offering fun and enriching activities for local children. We welcomed several new staff and volunteers and launched a new Model for our children's clothes provision. ..when there [was] nothing to fall back on you [came] to the rescue [for] us." Projects Children's Clothing Support Our children's clothing project provides f ree and affordable children's clothing bundles, including shoes and coats. to families in financial difficulty. We supported 129 bables and children from 69 households during this period. This includes working famllies, those who are unemployed or unable to work, people with long term health conditions, those currently seeking asylum or wilh new refugee status, families who've been relocated to Luton due to domestic violence or other reasons, and families with children with special educational needs and health conditions who require suitable clothing. This project has been enabled thanks lo funding from Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation and the Frank Branston Charitable Trust, and partnership with NOAH Enterprise and their charity shop. Working within the shop creates a better customer experience, helping to improve access to support. To ensure dignity and discretion. the family uses a gift card, given to them by a referrer, at the till in exchange for their prepared clothing bundle. The Courtney Foundation Trustees, Annual Report and Accounts 2024 Registered charity no. 1187689 (England and Wales) thewurtneyfoundation.org l [e-mail]

Our children's clothing project.. Relieves some financial burden, allowing funds to be spent elsewhere Reduces stress and promotes healthier, happier households Contributes to healthier, happier children by providing a weather- approprlate coat for a school child, well-fltllng and warm baby clothes, appropriate clothing for a child with special educalional needs, or appropriately styled clothing for a teenager Provides urgent support for children who have extremely limited cloihing,- those who've fled their homes in urgency and only have the clothes they are currently wearlng due to domesllc vlolence or seeklng asylum 'You would nol know the help and happiness you put In our famlly when there Iwasl nothlng to fall back on you Icamel to the rescue [for] us.. Family from our children's clothing project Refugee Support Drop-ln Our refugee support drop-in is open once a week, providing information. signposting, guidance and support for a range of malters including registering with health services, accessing legal support, and housing referrals for recently recognised refugees. We focus on promoting agency,. equipping clients to better understand their rights and options at every possible opportunity. It provides an essential service in the town and makes a posilive impact to the lives of hundreds of refugees. We provide a strong sense of welcome for people in the asylum system and recognised refugees, whilst giving practical support around a range of issues. Over 7 months, we supported 101 people in 184 one-to-one sessions. The Courtney Foundation Trustees, Annual Report and Accounts 2024 Registered charity no. 1187689 (England and Wales) thewurtneyfoundation.org l [e-mail]

We provide an essential service to recently recognised refugees and people navigating the asylum system in Luton. We offer information and support in a dignified, patient and clarifying way. We help ensure.. People do not become homeless. or are helped into accommodalion if sleeping rough Adults and children have access to healthcare by registering at GPS and dentists Chlldren are able to go to school and adults know how to access education and training People can access external legal services, and are aware of lothing, social and other projects I nformatlon relatlng to other Issues can be explained In a way it is undersiood Reassurance and clarlty can be found in a frlendly environmenl Thanks to LETS Hub and Community Interesl Luton for providing space for the drop-in, and funding from the UK Government's Cost of Living Grant via The National Lottery, and Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation's Stability Grant (The Steel Charitable Trust and The Amateurs Trust). In addition to the drop-in, we developed a Refugee Support section on our website, providing a range of information about relevant services and aclivities. Thank you to our new staff and volunteers whose dedication and kindness is making a real difference to people's lives. "I felt better when I found out that this organisatlon was my partner." 'Your servlce to us had an Impact on me and my family, in lèrms of advice, guldance. knowledge of the countrfs law, and your standlng wlth me In my needs. Many thanks and appreciation for your constant kindness." Client from our Refugee Support Drop-ln Client from our Refugee Support Drop-ln The Courtney Foundation Trustees, Annual Report and Accounts 2024 Registered charity no. 1187689 (England and Wales) thewurtneyfoundation.org l [e-mail]

Household Support Between Jan- Mar 2024, we provided household support to 201 people in 72 households,. 55 were families with children. We provided over £40,000 worth of equipment and furniture- washing machines, cookers, fridges, freezers, pushchairs, cots, beds, mattresses, and Boots vouchers for families wilh children under 4, thanks to The UK Government's Cost of Living Grant from The National Lottery. We are linked to over 200 referrers from a variety of sectors including education, health, charity, and specialist organisations, ie. which support refugees or vulnerable women. Many practitioners visit families at home and see first-hand the poverty that they are living in, where they are without access to basic necessities, including appropriate clothes, shoes, and essentlal household equipment. By working wlth a large number of referrers we aim to reach as many families as possible and the nature of their roles ensures we're reaching people truly in need. Working with referrers means we ourselves don't ask personal questions to assess need which helps maintain a dignified and friendly service, though people often tell us about their circumstances. Children's Holiday Clubs Our clubs welcomed 20-30 7-11 year olds every day across flve four-day weeks in April, July and August 2024. Activities included t-shirt designs, sports tournaments, Maths and English competitions and prizes, and craft-based activities exploring what the young people flnd Important and ideas around value, communication, safety and wellbeing with support from Faiths Against Child Sexual Exploitation. We welcomed new volunteers and staff to our team through this project- thanks in particular to all our young volunleersl The Courtney Foundation Trustees, Annual Report and Accounts 2024 Registered charity no. 1187689 (England and Wales) thewurtneyfoundation.org l [e-mail]

TLove "l Just wanled to say a huge thank you for the 4 weeks of fun my children had, they were genuinely so upset yesterday. You and the other staff done a wonderful Job at keeplng the chlldren safe and entertalned. Thank you agaln. Parent from our Summer Kids Club IE In +k¢ lJori& i (OVL al boohb9 4kir ￿¥} y￿{, Adult Clothing Drop-ln Thanks to funding from the UK Government's Cost of Living Grant via The National Lottery. and local organisalions Grow Your Potential and Al-Hikmah Boys School, we were able to welcome people into our own Luton Clothing Bank space to browse and choose the clothes they needed. Between Feb - June 2024 we provided free clothes, shoes and coats to 197 people experiencing f inancial diff iculty in Luton. We also offered employability support and housing information. Other Activities Lutonkind Networking Event We welcomed people from 13 local organisations to create and strengthen connections and improve understanding of the roles we all play in supporting Luton's children and families. Welcome Home Festival We were delighted to contribute to the Welcome Home Festival in Luton as part of Refugee Week 2024, hosting dessert food and providing craft equipment. The Courtney Foundation Trustees, Annual Report and Accounts 2024 Registered charity no. 1187689 (England and Wales) thewurtneyfoundation.org l [e-mail]

Future plans We're excited to grow our existing areas of work and expand into new areas, informed by the needs and views of local people and our partners. We have plans to... Sustain our children's clothing provision and continue working closely with NOAH Enterprise Sustain our Refugee Drop-ln, ensuring its vital service is available locally Restart a provision of Household Support, providing cookers, beds and other urgent items to those struggling most in Luton Offer children's holiday clubs, developing our relationship with families and providing enriching activities to young people Offer dyanamic one-to-one support to local people, covering a range of issues, with the aim of providing financial relief and improving food sufficiency The Courtney Foundation Trustees, Annual Report and Accounts 2024 Registered charity no. 1187689 (England and Wales) thewurtneyfoundation.org l [e-mail]

Financial review Reserves Our reserves limit is currently £5000. We aim to only have an amount of reserves that is proportionate to what is required to continue our existing operations for up to 6 months, and to respond io any urgent operational needs that may arise due to unexpected financial implications. Our reserves limit will be adjusted accordingly as our work progresses, and this will be reflected in our Reserves Policy. Income from any sources are principally used io further our charitable purposes and benefit those we work with. Grants, contracts and donations We're extremely grateful for the grants we've been awarded thls year.. Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundalion and The Steel Charitable Trust, The Amateurs Trust, and Frank Branston Charitable Trust Active Luton's Energise Luton Hollday Camps funded by the Department for Education's Holiday Activities and Food Programme The Nalional Lottery managed Cost of Living Grant by the UK Government In-kind support A final thanks to the local organisations who've supported our work, giving their time and premises in-kind for activities,. greatly reducing costs in our efforts to relieve poverty and promote social inclusion- Grow Your Potential Al-Hikmah Boys School NOAH Enterprise LETS Hub and Community Interest Luton Faiths Against Child Sexual Exploitation Funded by UK G(y￿nment THE NATIONAt LOTfERY COMMUNITY FUND STABILITY FUND IIANK #kANsfoN FiIAO [2 NOAH letshuti // Steel A BL FBCT BL OLIDAYCIMPS Declaration The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees, report above. Signed on behalf of the trustees.. Full name: Signed: Date: Melissa Llewellyn 11.02.25 The Courtney Foundation Trustees, Annual Report and Accounts 2024 Registered charity no. 1187689 (England and Wales) thewurtneyfoundation.org l [e-mail]

Receipts and payments accounts

Charity name: The Courtney Foundation Charity number: 1187689 (England and Wales) For the period: 6th September 2023 to 5th September 2024

Receipts and payments

Receipts
	Unrestricted funds (£)	Restricted funds (£)	Endowment funds (£)	Total funds (£)	Last year (£)
Donations and legacies	20	414	0	434	3586
Grants	8163	87110	0	95273	57572
Fundraising events	0	0	0	0	0
Fees for services	0	0	0	0	0
Other	0	0	0	0	1087
Subtotal	8183	87524	0	95707	62245
Sale of fixed assets	0	0	0	0	0
Sale of investments	0	0	0	0	0
Loans received	0	0	0	0	0
Sub total	0	0	0	0	0
Total receipts	8183	87524	0	95707	62245

Payments
	Unrestricted funds (£)	Restricted funds (£)	Endowment funds (£)	Total funds (£)	Last year (£)
Salaries and related costs	4486	36083	0	40569	8608
Rent/hire	0	6100	0	6100	3378
Insurances	483	0	0	483	345
Telephone and internet	49	34	0	83	78
Stationary,
printing and	0	0	0	0	228
office supplies
Subscriptions,
including digital and online	0	0	0	0	59
packages
Bank charges	0	0	0	0	0
Website costs	0	0	0	0	0
Staff and volunteer training	60	0	0	60	0

Staff expenses and purchases	0	945	0	945	0
Volunteer expenses and purchases	0	36	0	36	860
Trustee expenses and purchases	0	1573	0	1573	0
Advertising and promotion	0	0	0	0	0
Other project costs	41	46486	0	46527	46228
Refunds recieved	-41	-1467	0	-1507	0
Sub total	5078	89791	0	94868	59785
Purchase of fixed assets	0	0	0	0	0
Purchase of investments	0	0	0	0	0
Loans repaid	0	0	0	0	0
Sub total	0	0	0	0	0
Total	5078	89791	0	94868	59785
Net of receipts/ (payments)	3105	-2267	0	838	2460
Transfer between funds	0	0	0	0	0
Cash funds last year end	119	5643	0	5762
Cash funds this year end	3224	3376	0	6600
Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
	Details		Unrestricted funds (£)	Restricted funds (£)	Endowment funds (£)
Bank account	Co-operative Bank		3224	1704	0
Digital account	Equals Money		1672	0	0
Total cash funds	-		4896	1704	0
Other monetary assets	-		0	0	0
Investment assets	-		0	0	0
Assets retained for the charity's own use	-		0	0	0
Liabilities	-		0	0	0

Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period	Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period	Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
	Details	Unrestricted funds (£)	Restricted funds (£)	Endowment funds (£)
Bank account	Co-operative Bank	3224	1704	0
Digital account	Equals Money	1672	0	0
Total cash funds	-	4896	1704	0
Other monetary assets	-	0	0	0
Investment assets	-	0	0	0
Assets retained
for the charity's	-	0	0	0
own use
Liabilities	-	0	0	0

Notes on the accounts

Numbers have been rounded in accordance with standard practice and expectations for charity accounts. This may result in some numbers not adding up due to rounding. Significant refunds received are related to our household support provision where large goods purchases were refunded. The Equals Money digital account listed is an online finance management platform which we utilised to enable staff to manage the household support budget.

Print name MELISSA LLEWELLYN Signature Date 27.01.2025

Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of The Courtney Foundation

on the accounts for the year ended 5th September 2024

Charity number: 1187689 (England and Wales)

Responsibilities and basis of report

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity for the year ended 05/09/2024.

As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.

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 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination 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 which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Signed Name Date Jennie Cuffy 21.4.25

Relevant professional qualifications or body (if any)

DipGBS ACCA - Revenue Specialist

Address

24 Dordans Road Luton Bedfordshire LU4 9BP