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 info@thecourtneyfoundation.org
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 info@thecourtneyfoundation.org
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 info@thecourtneyfoundation.org
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 info@thecourtneyfoundation.org
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 info@thecourtneyfoundation.org
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
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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 info@thecourtneyfoundation.org
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 info@thecourtneyfoundation.org
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(ynment
THE NATIONAt LOTfERY
COMMUNITY FUND
STABILITY FUND
IIANK #kANsfoN FiIAO
[2 NOAH
letshuti
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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 info@thecourtneyfoundation.org
## **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