Annual Report & Financial Statement 2021 – 2022
Birchgrove Community Foodbank is a registered charity, reg. no.1188963
Charity’s Principal Address:
Birchgrove Community Centre Lon Gwesyn Birchgrove SA7 9
Charitable Aims & Objectives
The relief of financial hardship amongst people in Birchgrove and the surrounding area in such ways as the trustees from time to time think fit, in particular but not exclusively by;
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Providing emergency food, essential toiletries and household items to individuals and families in need and/or for distributions by charities or other organisations working to prevent or relieve poverty.
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Such other means, including (though not limited to) the provision of support or signposting to relevant information and other advisory services.
We, the trustees consider that these activities have been and continue to be conducted with regard to the guidance of the Charity Commission on public benefit.
Trustees:
Chair Jordan Rees Secretary Juliet Rees Trustee Leanne Dymond Trustee Tania Arthur
Chair’s Report
As we moved into our second year, we focussed on the immediate issues and concerns of our clients. Providing much needed support, advice and of course food parcels.
Liaising with the Local Authority, in particular Sue Reed Community Partnership & Destination Development Manager we were able to utilise the area behind the community centre and developed this space into a communal garden.
With a very special thank you to all our supporters and indeed the volunteers who worked tirelessly throughout the year regardless of Jordan Rees Chair weather ensuring all clients received their food parcels
Birchgrove Community Garden
Juliet Rees (Foodbank Manager) working alongside a team of local community volunteers, including ‘Bags of Help’ volunteers from Llansamlet Tesco and the local PCSOs were able to create a much needed vegetable garden for the local community to enjoy.
This included a mini orchard and quiet area to just sit and relax while watching the wildlife. The produce from the garden is distributed among the clients of the foodbank, and is also available to the local community in general.
Liaising with the local schools, Juliet has been able to arrange group visits from the children, who have enjoyed learning how to grow vegetables, including Kale, Tomatoes, Cabbages, Carrots, Onions, Beetroot, French Beans, Runner Beans, Broccoli, Spring Onions, Cucumbers, a variety of herbs and even some flowers.
A mini orchard including apple,
was also planted pear and plum trees.
Easter & Christmas at the Foodbank
Once again, our Local Community Councillors provided much needed funding and practical support enabling over 200 special food parcels to be delivered to the local community and surrounding areas. These food parcels included easter eggs, selection boxes and all the trimmings that we all enjoy on these special holidays.
Christmas at the Foodbank
Sponsors & Donors
Special thanks to the local churches, schools, businesses, charities and supermarkets for their continued support enabling the foodbank to provide much needed help and assistance to people and their families living within Birchgrove and the surrounding area.
Our Supporters included:
City & County of Swansea, Sullivans Estate Agents, Saron Evangelical Church, Arbourne’s Winchwen, Glantawe Lions, Rivalslot Llansamlet, Samlet Church, Tesco Llansamlet, Tesco Marina, Farm Foods, CK Supermarket Birchgrove, Co-op Clydach, JCP Solicitors, Sensitive Water Solutions, Elsbe, ATR Construction, Asda, Eastside Foodbank.
Future Developments
We are in the process of setting up monthly Advice & Information days to coincide with the opening times of the foodbank, providing additional support and advice to all users and visitors to the centre.
Special Thanks
Birchgrove Community Foodbank Trustees would like to give special thanks to the local Councillors for their continued support to the Foodbank and local community of Birchgrove
Cllr Alyson Pugh Cllr Ryland Doyle Cllr Matthew Jones Cllr Penny Matthews
Financial Statement
In Partnership with the local Councillors from the City & County of Swansea we were able to apply for and receive funding to cover start-up costs for the new Community Garden
We as Trustees have agreed that a proportion of the monies currently available will be placed into a separate savings account as reserves to ensure the steady supply of food stock is available should the amount of donations lessen.
Income
Cash at 01.04.2021
Bank b/f £12,086 Petty cash £0 Donations £5,694 Grants/Funding £8,940 Total £26,720
Expenditure
Stock replenishment £4,483 Christmas Stock £442 Community Garden £7,441 Volunteer Expenses £267 Insurance £209 Office Supplies (inc Phone) £196 Total £13,040 Less Cash in hand £0 Less Reserves/Savings £8,000 Balance C/f £4,679
Notes to the accounts:
The Trustees discussed and agreed the sum of £8,000 to be placed as a reserve/savings for the bank account.
This will ensure the foodbank will have sufficient funds to continue to operate in the event of a reduction in donations.
I confirm the above accounts provide an accurate record of Birchgrove Community Centre Foodbank's financial transactions for the year 1st April 2021 to 31st March 2022
Signed
Name Juliet Rees Position Secretary Date: 23.02.2023