Charity number: 1188977
Open Arms East Devon
Report of the Trustees and Unaudited Financial Statements
For the year ended 30 April 2025
Open Arms East Devon Contents Page
For the year ended 30 April 2025
| Report of the Trustees | 3 to 5 |
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| Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees | 6 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 7 to 8 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 9 |
Open Arms East Devon Report of the Trustees
For the year ended 30 April 2025
The Trustees have pleasure in presenting their report and the financial statements for the charity for the year ended 30 April 2025.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Charity registration number 1188977 Principal address 1 Westcott Way Honiton Devon EX14 1JE Trustees Mr G Wakeham Mrs S Edwards Mr H Brown Mr D Barrow Mrs S Tucker Mr D Staff Independant examiners Simon A Martin Accountants Wessex House, 66 High Street Honiton Devon EX14 1PD
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TRUSTEES
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The Trustees are required to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommend practice have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that this basis applies.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
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Open Arms East Devon
Report of the Trustees Continued
For the year ended 30 April 2025
Governing document
Open Arms East Devon is constituted as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) whose only voting members are its trustees. The constitution was last amended on 20 February 2020 and the organisation was registered with the Charity Commission on 8 April 2020.
Organisational structure
The charity trustees are responsible for the general control and management of the charity. The trustees give their time freely and receive no remuneration or other financial incentives.
The trustees meet regularly during the year, at least on three occasions, but more often as the needs of the charity demand. An Annual General Meeting is also held with anyone wlecome.
Recruitment and appointment of trustees
The existing trustees are responsible for the recruitment of new trustees from within the local community. In doing so the trustees believe that any new trustees are respected members of the local community and that good relations are maintained with the local communities that the charity seeks to serve.
In selecting new trustees, potential trustees are invited to attend trustees meetings as observers and are given more details of the charity's aims and activities and, if all agree, then they are proposed as new trustees at the subsequent trustees meeting. This process allows due consideration of the persons eligibility, personal competence, specialist knowledge and skills.
Risk Management
Disclosure and Barring Service checks are carried out on individuals who work with children and other vulnerable groups within the organisation.
In the next year the trustees plan to regularly assess the risks the charity faces through its regular activities and hopes to put a risk register together.
Objectives and activites
Our Purpose
We support adults experiencing mental health challenges by offering peer group support, engaging activities and positive experiences designed to improve wellbeing and build confidence
Activities
We have continued to deliver two weekly sessions, open to all members and held at the Mackarness Hall on Honiton High Street. These sessions offer a safe, welcoming environment where support and advice are always available. We continue to offer a free counselling service to those in need.
Throughout the year, our members have taken part in a wide range of creative and therapeutic activities, including paint pouring, jewellery making, tie-dye, decorating canvas bags, working with resin moulds and cookery sessions (held weekly on Tuesdays).
Outings
This year, we organised several group outings aimed at enjoyment, social connection, and personal growth. These experiences have helped members broaden their horizons and build confidence in new settings.
Places visited include:
The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth Shaldon Beach A boat trip on the river Exe Sidmouth Trago Mills Otter Nurseries
We also celebrated the festive season with a Christmas lunch at the Otter Inn on Friday 15th December.
Governance
Our board of Trustees meets regurlarly to oversee our operations, ensuring that our activities align with our mission and are delivered effectively and safely.
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Open Arms East Devon Report of the Trustees Continued
For the year ended 30 April 2025
Objectives and activities continued
Community Engagement
We have actively participated in community meetings and local events throughout the year. These effforts help raise awareness of our work and foster valuable partnerships with local organisations and services.
A key event was our Open Day at the Mackerness Hall on Tuesday 4th June. The event was a great success, designed to showcase our activities and raise awarenessof the support we provide. It helped us make a stronger connection with the wider commmunity and also raised over £500 through the sale of handmade crafts, donated goods and refreshments.
Our Impact
We have welcomed several new members this year, and both long-standing and new participants continue to share how much Open Arms East Devon has helped improve their confidence and overall wellbeing. The continued growth in membership and positive feedback highlights the importance of our service.
Funding and Support
Our work is only possible thanks to the generous support of individuals and organisations. As a free-to-access service, we rely entirely on fundraising and donations to continue our work.
We are deeply grateful for the following contributions received this year:
£2,530 from Honiton Town Council through their annual grant scheme £2,000 from South West Community Matters £1,600 from Honiton Town Counicl to support session leader provision £500 interim payment from the Co-op Local Community Fund £250 from Co-op in Honiton £200 from the Lions Club of Honiton £100 Buckerell Parich Council £292 from the family of the late Mr Sweetland in his momory A number of private donations
Looking Ahead
As we continue to grow, we remain committed to offering a safe, inclusive, and empowering space for adults facing mental health challenges. With ongoing community support, we aim to reach even more people and expand the services we offer.
Thank you!
We are so grateful to our many friends, supporters and funders for helping us and making our work possible. These include:
| Devon County Council | Simon A Martin Accountants |
|---|---|
| East Devon District Council | Honiton Carers |
| Honiton Town Council | The National Lottery Community Fund |
| Penny, Di and John Hartnell | Devon Community Foundation |
| The staff and volunteers at St Paul's Church | Gary McGoughlin and the Co-op, Honiton |
| Nicky Salter, Counsellor | The Lions Club of Honiton |
| Hayley Watson of the Little Secret Craft and Design Studio | |
| Our Trustees - Dean Barrow, Henry Brown, Sue Edwards, Susan Tucker, David Staff and Garry Wakeham |
A special thanks go to Garry Wakeham, our founder and Chair, whoe works tirelessly on a purely voluntary basis to help others.
Approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Trustee
Date
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Open Arms East Devon
Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees
For the year ended 30 April 2025
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 145 of the Charities Act 2011) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my respomsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011;
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follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioner under section 145 (5) (b) of the Act; and
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to state whether particulart 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 Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison on the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and the seeking of explanations from you the trustees concerning any 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 oresent 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:
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which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material aspect, the requirements;
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a) to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Act: and
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b) to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or
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to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Mr D Barrow Simon A Martin Accountants Wessex House, 66 High Street Honiton Devon EX14 1PD
Date
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Open Arms East Devon Receipts and Payments Account
For the year ended 30 April 2025
| Note Receipts Activity and Refreshment Costs Office Expenses Equipment Purchased Rent NET RECEIPTS/(PAYMENTS) BALANCES AT 01/05/2024 BALANCES AT 30/04/2025 Total Receipts Refreshments PAYMENTS Insurance Events Grants and Donations |
12,705 5,030 5,030 £ 8,928 -7,675 4,049 8,656 1,253 Restricted Funds |
15,629 7,138 7,138 12,152 20,643 -8,491 1,748 4,049 £ Total Funds 2025 8,954 878 |
12,623 1,415 20,643 14,038 7,473 1,354 2,822 Total Funds 2024 £ 974 14,038 |
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Open Arms East Devon
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
For the year ended 30 April 2025
| CASH FUNDS LIABILITIES Accrued Expenses TOTAL LIABILITIES Assets Retained for own use Bank Current Account Petty Cash Total Cash Funds |
1,253 0 £ 0 1,253 Restricted Funds |
Total Funds 2025 0 0 12,152 12,152 £ |
20,643 0 30 Total Funds 2024 £ 20,485 158 |
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The charity holds musical, kitchen, computer and office equipment.
Trustee
Date
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Open Arms East Devon
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 30 April 2025
1. Accounting Policies
Accounting convention
The financial statements are prepared under the receipts and payments basis and comply with the Charities Act 2011. In preparing the financial statements the charity follows best practice as laid down in the Statement of Recommended Practice 2005 and the 2008 regulations.
2. Trustee remuneration and expenses
Trustees could claim any out of pocket expenses but no one has done so in the year. None of the trustees are paid for their time.
3. Restricted funds
There are restricted funds at the end of the year. These will be used for hall hire and staff for activities.
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