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2023-12-31-accounts

Charity registration number: 1189401

Community Lives Matter

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

https://communitylivesmatter.org/

Community Lives Matter

INDEX TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Page
Legal and administrative information 1
Trustees' report 2 - 10
Independent examiner's report 11
Statement of financial activities 12
Balance sheet 13
Notes to the financial statements 14 - 17

Community Lives Matter

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Trustees: Rev Paul Griffiths (Chair)
Alan Heaton - resigned 24 May 2023
Luke Milner - resigned 8 March 2023
Neil Rees
Thomas Whitfield
Elizabeth Wynne
Roy Wynne
Treasurer: Thomas Whitfield
Project and Development Manager: Jo Anne McGonigal
Charity Number: 1189401
Charity Address: Cottage Lane Mission
Cottage Lane
Ormskirk
L39 3NE
Charity Website: https://communitylivesmatter.org/
Independent Examiners: Lifestyles Accountancy Limited
39 Kirklees Road
Southport
PR8 4RB
Bankers: The Co-operative Bank
49a Fishergate
Preston
Lancashire
PR1 8BH

Page 1 of 17

Community Lives Matter

TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

The trustees submit their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023. The financial statements follow the requirements of the revised Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (FRS 102) (second edition - October 2019) – Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The organisation is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation which was registered on 7 May 2020. It is governed by its Constitution based on the Charity Commission's model governing document for foundation Charitable Incorporated Organisations.

Recruitment and appointment of the trustees

The board seeks to achieve a balance of skills and experience amongst the trustees. In order to maintain this, the board reviews its skill and experience mix each year and seeks to recruit new trustees when necessary.

There must be at least 3 charity trustees serving at any one time and the maximum number of trustees is 12.

In accordance with the Constitution, apart from the first charity trustees, trustees are appointed or reappointed for a term of three years by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity trustees.

In appointing trustees due consideration is given to ensuring that the trustees have, between them, the skills and experience necessary to manage the charity effectively and in accordance with charity law. In order to retain our relevance to the needs of the community, we also look to recruit trustees with active experience and first-hand involvement in the sector.

Trustee induction and training

The current board of trustees will provide any new trustee with an overview of the timetable of board meetings, copies of the recent minutes of meetings, the recent reports and accounts and explains their general and specific responsibilities.

Ongoing training is provided by the board of trustees as and when the need arises.

Risk management

The trustees are aware of the major risks to which the charity is exposed to and have plans in place to mitigate these as far as possible. A full risk review is monitored by the trustees to ensure that all known risks are mitigated as effectively as possible.

Page 2 of 17

Community Lives Matter

TRUSTEES' REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objects of the charity

The trustees have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives and in planning future activities.

The purpose of the charity is to further or benefit the residents of Ormskirk and the neighbourhood, without distinction of sex, sexual orientation, race or of political, religious or other opinions by associating together the said residents and the local authorities, voluntary and other organisations in a common effort to advance education and to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation and leisure time occupation with the objective of improving the conditions of life for the residents.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

What a year we had in 2023!

With a focused goal… to improve the lives of local people in the community including disabled people, those experiencing loneliness and isolation, those with long-term health conditions and those with dementia. We also wanted to provide much needed support for asylum seekers and refugees, and support children with educational needs.

We have sought new ways to improve these lives, and have pushed the boundaries of our capabilities to provide new experiences for as many people as possible.

Outputs and outcomes for the Charity’s beneficiaries

Year on year, the demand for our activities has risen, and we have grown and developed to meet this demand, recruiting new volunteers to enable us to grow each of our services.

Dementia bowls & Carers Support Group

In 2023, we had record numbers of people (32) attending this weekly group for those living with dementia and their carers. To ensure we are best meeting needs, we request regular feedback, in response to this, we have sought to provide more days out and trips in addition to the weekly bowls.

Everyone loves the sense of family, community, friendship and support at this group, and the days out/events allow carers and partners to have fun and relax in the knowledge that staff and volunteers are there to assist with their loved ones, it makes all the difference! One member said:

"It is wonderful to have a chance to chat to those who are going through the same things as you.”

Page 3 of 17

Community Lives Matter

TRUSTEES' REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Dementia bowls & Carers Support Group (continued)

For some, they do not have the confidence to continue to take their loved ones out and about, so these trips are a lifeline to a former life which they reminisce about. They are priceless!

Our trip to Liverpool was a particular highlight of the year, with a coach load of people enjoying a cruise on the Liverpool Ferry across the Mersey followed by some wonderful fish and chips. A wonderful day was had by all. One of our carers commented:

“It has been a great help for myself…I can chat to other family members in the group and realise that I am not alone, we can laugh about many problems, I always come out smiling”

We have new members joining us each week, as word spreads of this fabulous group, and provides much needed comfort and support to those in this unique and complex position.

Luncheon Club

Our well loved Luncheon Club has continued to thrive throughout 2023, with new members joining each week. The average age of our members is their 80’s. As many people live alone, the luncheon club provides much needed company to those who would otherwise be lonely and isolated. One member said:

“I enjoy the company and getting out of the house, especially in the winter”

People often refer to Wednesday as their favourite day because of Luncheon Club, one member commented:

"Luncheon Club gives me something to look forward to…keeps me sane”

We have a paid chef, who with Beryl, and a wonderful team of approximately 20 volunteers, is fully committed to making the Luncheon Club a place where all our members feel welcome and where they can enjoy a 3 course meal, enjoy each other's company and develop friendships.

Page 4 of 17

Community Lives Matter

TRUSTEES' REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Luncheon Club (continued)

As well as wonderful food, Wednesdays can be a place for learning and fun. In 2023, we hosted information sessions about care opportunities from Home Instead, will writing support, and had representatives from the fire service attend with advice. We also worked with Age UK to provide digital wellbeing support sessions to help people use technology, e.g., smart phones, tablets, etc. Throughout the summer, we put on a delightful afternoon tea event, and new for 2023, we launched our classic film afternoons, which proved super popular!

Dementia Café

This monthly group provides a safe and friendly environment for people with dementia and their carers who live in the local community. It offers an opportunity to meet and share experiences with other people going through similar daily issues and concerns.

People can relax, make new friends, gain useful information about the practical issues and concerns that they may have, whilst also having the chance to let their hair down and participate in fun activities.

We provide a variety of activities, to keep things interesting, ranging from quizzes to themed bingo, speakers, games, etc.

Page 5 of 17

Community Lives Matter

TRUSTEES' REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Asylum seekers & refugees weekly drop-in

The drop-in provides a safe communal space for isolated individuals who find themselves with no opportunities for activities or contact with others, but has also become a source of information, resources, support and a place to engage and access fun activities both inside and outside of Community Lives Matter. With an excellent volunteer group as support, and with some generous funding provision, those who drop-in have been able to engage in trips to various activities /places, and we have provided individual local gym memberships to promote both physical and mental well-being. We were also able to provide clothing, resources for learning and financial transport help. Practical support includes:

Our trips out over the year have been so popular and have given new insight into the culture and diversity of life in the UK, and provided some much needed fun opportunities!

Befriending - support and friendship for those on their own or feeling lonely

Whilst luncheon club does provide welcome social contact, for some attendees this is the only time they get out all week, and perhaps the only time they get to sit and chat to others. In recognition of the loneliness expressed by so many, we now have our service up and running, starting out through phone calls and some visits, where appropriate. We are recruiting volunteers through WLCVS to enable us to grow this much needed support, with the aim of alleviating the effects of loneliness for as many of our local residents as possible.

Page 6 of 17

Community Lives Matter

TRUSTEES' REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Befriending - support and friendship for those on their own or feeling lonely (continued)

All of our volunteers are DBS checked and matched to someone that we hope they can relate to well. This service is in the early stages, and recruitment for suitable volunteers takes time, but it is developing, and the people we have recruited are well suited to the role. Recruitment continues, and the pairings we have made are going well.

We foresee this service expanding over the forthcoming year.

Educational support for local school children

We are delighted to have been able to continue to financially support a local school with their extra educational plans for children. This has been so beneficial to them, and we are working towards building this relationship and hosting mutually beneficial plans and events.

Our amazing volunteers

All of our activities rely 100% on the generosity of time and spirit from our wonderful volunteers. In each area of provision, there is a real sense of camaraderie and mutual respect and support. Many of our volunteers have their own needs, and we seek to be as inclusive as possible, to encourage anyone who wishes to be involved, and we seek appropriate roles for them.

A special speaker at our Annual Meeting - Ashley Dalton MP

We decided to make our meeting a real thank you event for all of our fantastic volunteers, and we were honoured to be joined by our local MP. With some wonderful entertainment, it was a lovely social evening which provided some great opportunities to invite representatives from other local organisations.

Moving forward

Community Lives Matter is now a recognised provider of essential services in the community. It has developed considerably since its inception, and the growing range of services, and being able to be responsive to changing needs makes us unique in our delivery.

Throughout 2023, we tried new things, planned new events, met with new people, worked with other organisations for the good of the local community…these links and trials are all part of our development, and it is exciting to see what else we can achieve. It is our aim to make a positive difference to the lives of people, and we are fully committed to serve the community to the best of our abilities.

We are, as always, keen to extend our provision to meet ever changing needs, and provide events and services to support this.

Page 7 of 17

Community Lives Matter

TRUSTEES' REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

A very proud note from the Project Manager…

It is an honour to be project manager of such a wonderful, forward thinking and progressive charity. Without the dedication of each and every volunteer, our services would be unable to run, and I couldn’t be prouder of both the services we provide to the community, and the wonderful people who enable us to do so. It is my pleasure to support the volunteers and group activity leaders to continue to do what they do, so well, and it is my goal as we go forward into 2024, to seek new opportunities for us to enrich and help the lives of people in need in our local community.

Jo Anne McGonigal Project and Development Manager

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Principal funding sources

The major source of income for the charity has come from grants awarded. All other income has been from individual donations received from beneficiaries or others connected with the charity, mainly from standing orders with some cash giving. We will be processing these gifts to receive Gift Aid where donors are eligible.

Reserves policy

The Charity’s policy on reserves is to generate and maintain a balance which is sufficient:

For these purposes the Charity will endeavour to generate and maintain reserves which are at least 25% of its annual turnover.

As at 31 December 2023, 25% of income was calculated to be £16,149, whilst the amount held in reserves was £50,328. The trustees appreciate that this level is in excess of what is immediately needed but is deemed appropriate for this year since we took on further paid staff during 2022 and have a budget of £77,000 for 2023. Some finance has also been carried over from activities that were unable to be put in place due to pandemic restrictions and this is planned to be invested in these activities in years to come. The trustees keep the balance held in reserves under review.

Page 8 of 17

Community Lives Matter

TRUSTEES' REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

FINANCIAL REVIEW (continued)

Remuneration of Trustees

All trustees act in a voluntary capacity and receive no remuneration or other material benefits from their services to the Charity.

Out-of-pocket expenses necessarily and reasonably incurred by trustees in promoting the purposes of the Charity are reimbursed at cost.

Financial review of the year

In the year to 31 December 2023 income of £64,596 was received (2022 - £52,756). Costs during the year totalled £48,511 (2022 - £37,293) which generated a surplus throughout the year of £16,085 (2022 - £15,463).

PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS

General plans

The charity will continue its operations throughout the year, with a view to further its objectives. We will work with our service users to better understand their needs and how we can increase our impact and target more beneficiaries. With this in mind, we expect to increase our activities in providing support and friendship for those feeling on their own or lonely. We also anticipate adding further services for vulnerable older people and will look additionally to engage with the needs of younger people in the community as we understand better how these are expressed.

Page 9 of 17

Community Lives Matter

TRUSTEES' REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

Law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the charity's financial activities during the period and of its financial position at the end of the period. In preparing financial statements giving a true and fair view, the trustees should follow best practice and:

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. 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.

This report was approved by the board of trustees on 10 June 2024 and signed on its behalf by:

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………………………………
Rev Paul Griffiths - Chair of Trustees
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Page 10 of 17

Community Lives Matter

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF COMMUNITY LIVES MATTER

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

We report on the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2023, which are set out on pages 12 to 17.

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 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is our responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner's statement

Our examination was carried out in accordance with general directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such 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 present 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 our examination, no matter has come to our attention:

have not been met; or

b) to which, in our opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Daniel Styles (Independent examiner)

Dated: 17 June 2024

for and on behalf of Lifestyles Accountancy Limited

Page 11 of 17

Community Lives Matter

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
2023
2023
2023
Notes
£
£
£
INCOME
Income from generated funds:
Voluntary income:
Donations and gifts
2
15,846
-
15,846
Grant income
2
-
48,750
48,750
Fundraising income
2
-
-
-
TOTAL INCOME
15,846
48,750
64,596
EXPENDITURE
Charitable activities
3
1,086
45,668
46,754
Raising funds
4
1,603
54
1,657
Governance
5
100
-
100
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
2,789
45,722
48,511
13,057
3,028
16,085
Fund balances at 1 January 2023
17,406
16,837
34,243
Fund balances at 31 December 2023
30,463
19,865
50,328
NET INCOME FOR THE YEAR		 Total
funds
2022
£
14,384
38,322
50
52,756
36,251
942
100
37,293
15,463
18,780
34,243

The notes on pages 14 - 17 form part of these financial statements.

Page 12 of 17

Community Lives Matter

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

Notes
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash at bank and in hand
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accruals
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL NET ASSETS
FUNDS
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS
7 & 8		 Total
funds
2023
£
50,428
50,428
100
100
50,328
50,328
19,865
30,463
50,328		 Total
funds
2022
£
34,343
34,343
100
100
34,243
34,243
16,837
17,406
34,243

Approved and signed on behalf of the board on 10 June 2024 by:

………………………………

Rev Paul Griffiths - Chair of Trustees

The notes on pages 14 - 17 form part of these financial statements.

Page 13 of 17

Community Lives Matter

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

a Basis of preparation

The financial statements follow the requirements of the revised Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (FRS 102) (second edition - October 2019) – Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).

The Charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for Charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest whole £.

b Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements where relevant.

c Income

All incoming resources are included in the SOFA when the charity is legally entitled to the income and can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. For legacies, entitlement is the earlier of the charity being notified of an impending distribution or the legacy being received. No amounts are included in the financial statements for services donated by volunteers.

d Expenditure

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of the resources.

Fund raising costs are those incurred in seeking voluntary contributions and do not include the costs of disseminating information in support of the charitable activities. Support costs are those costs incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity and include project management costs. Management and administration costs are those incurred in connection with the administration of the charity and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.

e Fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets costing more than £500 are capitalised and included at cost including and incidental expenses of acquisition.

Page 14 of 17

Community Lives Matter

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2 VOLUNTARY INCOME

Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
Donations and gifts:
Donations received
15,846
-
15,846
Grant income:
Grants received
-
48,750
48,750
Fundraising income:
Lynn Rees marathon
-
-
-
15,846
48,750
64,596
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
Administration costs:
Venue hire
-
8,271
8,271
Equipment and activity materials
261
5,879
6,140
Food costs
-
11,229
11,229
Wages and salaries
-
20,107
20,107
Travel
-
-
-
Grants and donations
-
-
-
Sundry costs
110
108
218
Training
128
-
128
DBS checks
13
74
87
Support costs:
Insurance
334
-
334
Payroll administration
240
-
240
1,086
45,668
46,754
COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES		 Total
funds
2022
£
14,384
38,322
50
52,756
Total
funds
2022
£
6,554
2,555
9,458
14,465
1,258
1,000
243
131
86
301
200
36,251

3 COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Page 15 of 17

Community Lives Matter

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

4 COSTS OF RAISING FUNDS

Grant application fees
Advertising materials
Independent examination
GOVERNANCE COSTS		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
1,603
-
1,603
-
54
54
1,603
54
1,657
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
100
-
100
100
-
100		 Total
funds
2022
£
942
-
942
Total
funds
2022
£
100
100

5 GOVERNANCE COSTS

6 TRUSTEES REMUNERATION

No trustee received any remuneration throughout the year.

7 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

Current assets
Current liabilities		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
30,563
19,865
50,428
(100)
-
(100)
30,463
19,865
50,328		 Total
funds
2022
£
34,343
(100)
34,243

Page 16 of 17

Community Lives Matter

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

8 RESTRICTED FUNDS

Albert Hunt
Anwyl Construction
Bennett Family Charity
Church Urban Fund
Co-op
Community Action Fund
Community Champions Scheme
Community Foundation
Dementia Support
Dowager Countess Peel
Dulverton
Edgar Langley
Edith Mary Clark
Eric Wright
Francis Winham
Lancashire County Council
McCarthy and Stone
Morrisons
Morrisons
Ormskirk Rotary
Peter Lathom Charity
Red Rose Charitable Trust
Red Rose Community Fund
Springfield Court
Tesco
The National Lottery Community Fund
W. Lancs Council for Voluntary Services		 Balance at
Incoming
Resources
1 Jan 23
Resources
Expended
£
£
£
-
2,000
(2,000)
-
1,000
(821)
-
300
(300)
1,339
-
(881)
-
1,787
-
508
-
(508)
-
500
(224)
-
2,000
(2,000)
-
525
(525)
-
4,200
(2,897)
3
-
(3)
-
1,500
(1,500)
194
-
-
10
450
(10)
-
1,000
(1,000)
-
1,400
-
466
-
(466)
2,970
-
(1,850)
-
4,000
(759)
-
1,000
(1,000)
10
-
(10)
4,788
-
(4,418)
-
5,000
-
-
362
(362)
1,000
-
-
5,549
21,726
(24,188)
-
16,837
48,750
(45,722)		 Balance at
31 Dec 23
£
-
179
-
458
1,787
-
276
-
-
1,303
-
-
194
450
-
1,400
-
1,120
3,241
-
-
370
5,000
-
1,000
3,087
-
19,865

All restricted grants received as shown above are for the furtherance of the charitable activities of the charity and are to cover the cost of building hire, staff costs and the purchase of food and equipment.

Page 17 of 17