Manna 2025
Chair’s Report
The Trustees are responsible for:
-
Keeping accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act 2011.
-
Preparing accounts which comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act.
-
Safeguarding the assets of the charity.
and hence for taking reasonable steps for the review of the Trust's activities, progress and achievements during the period ending December 2024.
During the year the Trustees had three meetings to discuss and monitor the charity's processes, two of the trustees were re-elected to serve a second term of office. Some of the trustees were also involved in the day to day running of the charity, in that they were involved in packing and delivery of food parcels to clients.
This is the fourth year of the organisation being an independent charity. The trustees continued to seek support and advice from ‘Trust Advice’ – formerly Advice for the Voluntary Sector (known as AFVS), a support and advice organisation which provides ongoing charity advice and training.
During the year the trustees reviewed and updated some of the organisation’s policies, in line with the previously agreed schedule. They also approved the decorating and upgrading of the foodbank premises, including the purchase of new flooring and replacement shelving.
During the year the Spelthorne Borough Council Food & Welfare Network, of which Manna is a member launched a borough wide referral process. Manna continues to provide generous food parcels for those in urgent or immediate need before referring clients on to other foodbanks in the borough, who can support clients in the longer term, so that they can become independent and not reliant on the services of foodbanks.
We continue to be grateful for the support we receive from local donation points, local schools [particularly at Harvest and Christmas] as well as some of the large corporate organisations in the area.