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2024-04-30-accounts

Trustees' Annual Report for the period
From Period start date To Period end date
1 5 2023
30
4 2024
Section A Reference and administration details Section A Reference and administration details Section A Reference and administration details
Charity name
Other names charity is known by
Registered charity number (if any)
Charity's principal address

The Gathering Place

The Gathering Place UK
1189467

18 Queen Street
Neath
Wales
Postcode SA11 1DL

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Trustee name Office (if any) Dates acted if not for
whole year
Name of person (or body)
entitled to appoint trustee
(if any)
Kenneth Arrington Director / Chair
Susan Rees
Martyn Greenway
Names of the trustees for the charity, if any, (for example, any custodian trustees)
Name Dates acted if not for whole year

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Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of adviser
Name
Address
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of adviser
Name
Address
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of adviser
Name
Address
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
CLARE BELL – COMMUNITY DIRECTOR

Section B Structure, governance and management Description of the charity’s trusts

Constitution enacted 1 January 2020 Type of governing document

CIO Constitution How the charity is constituted (eg. trust, association, company) Trustees are appointed for 2 year terms at end of year returns meeting / Trustee selection methods review

Additional governance issues (Optional information)

You may choose to include additional information, where relevant, about:

Volunteers and volunteer counsellors are vetted based on experience, education, and agreement with principles set out in all related charity documents, including Wales safeguarding procedures, and additional documentation and statements of belief.

The director oversees day to day aspects and duties of running the charity, including the power to do anything which is calculated to further its objects or is conducive or incidental to doing so. The director moves and works under the auspices of voting trustees and also seeks guidance and views of volunteers in deciding activities to be undertaken and run for the public benefit.

Safeguarding policies are in place and checks are taken out on those dealing directly 1:1 with the public at large.

The Gathering Place partners with local associations, churches, help houses, councils, homes for the elderly, mental health wards, and hospitals in order to provide tangible products, care packages, and resources for the betterment of public health.

All trustees and volunteers give their time voluntarily and received no renumeration or other preferential benefits

Section C Objectives and activities

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Summary of the objects of the
charity set out in its
governing document
Summary of the main
activities undertaken for the
public benefit in relation to
these objects (include within
this section the statutory
declaration that trustees have
had regard to the guidance
issued by the Charity
Commission on public
benefit)
The prevention, relief and support of those trapped in poverty cycles and
those in need throughout Neath / South Wales by providing items,
resources, and counselling services. We encourage and train volunteers
and local leaders and network with regional organisations to directly
impact the local community.
In planning our activities for the year, The Gathering Place, its director,
trustees, and volunteers kept in mind the Charity Commissions guidance
on public benefit at our meetings and within our communications.
The planned activities upon listing as a registered charity were as follows:
-
Prevention, relief, and support of those trapped in poverty cycles
and those in need by offering free clothing, toiletries, food, drink,
and dry goods procured via donations and purchase
-
Vehicular delivery of needed goods such as clothing and food to
those in need, the hospitalised, isolated, elderly, the disabled, the
impoverished, and the general public; as well as to other charities
or voluntary bodies
-
Offering a safe and warm space for sanctuary at our 18 Queen
Street, Neath, SA11 1DL location, free teas/coffees/refreshment,
warm hub, recharging of devices, as needed counselling services,
and care package pickup – including sleeping bags, tents, shoes,
coats, and gear
-
Free general counselling / weekly meetings across multiple
spectrums provided by approved volunteer counsellors –
women’s outreach, homeless outreach, general outreach, and
personal fulfilment
-
To provide free hosted dinners and luncheons for our women’s
outreach, and community and homeless outreaches, stirring
interest through signposting, social media, and word of mouth.
These meetings provide counselling and volunteer opportunities
to gauge the needs of the public and provide essential immediate
services to those in need
-
Weekly programmes of adult oriented events, trainings, and
activities designed to inspire creativity, music, and art; and
provide a safe space and equipment free of charge to do so. We
believe it is through discovering one’s creative nature that one
can aspire to changing their lives and reality and that anyone that
is in need can find hope and companionship through listening
ears and willing hearts.
These activities benefit those in need within our community by providing
them with essential goods, services, counselling, and training to better
their lives, induce self-confidence, and most importantly provide help in
times of dire need. These activities also provide opportunities for
volunteer and leadership growth, helping volunteers to become leaders,
and those receiving services to become volunteers.
We serve all people who may need our services regardless of age,
gender, religion, or personal circumstances.

Additional details of objectives and activities (Optional information)

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We are grateful for the hours that our volunteers have contributed to listening, offering ideas, and taking the weight of the charity upon their shoulders to see objectives through. Without the valuable contribution of our volunteers’ time, creative thinking, energy, and focus we would not have been able to re-adjust and achieve so much in so short a period.

You may choose to include further statements, where relevant, about:

Section D Achievements and performance

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Section D Achievements and performance

Summary of the main
achievements of the charity
during the year
1stQuarter (May – July 2023)
The first quarter of our fourth year as a charity has been marked by
growth and deepened community impact. Building on the strong
foundation laid in previous years, we have expanded both our outreach
and partnerships, increasing accessibility for those in need.
One of the most significant developments this quarter was theboard’s
unanimous approval of the Compassionate Cuisine
programme.This initiative will providefree food offeringsto those
experiencing food insecurity andbudget-friendly cooking classesto
help individuals and families make the most of their resources. To fully
implement this programme, we have opened upgrant funding
opportunitiesto replace our aging kitchen with a new, fully-equipped
community kitchen to support the scale of outreach required.
With the increasing demand for our services—due in part toour Warm
Bank status with Neath Port Talbot Council, exposure from last
year’s Wales Online feature, and our dedicated volunteers—we have
experienced exponential growth in community engagement. As a result,
in late May,Neath Port Talbot Council’s Family Crisis Unit
approached us for assistance. The Annual Audit Summary for Neath
indicateda sharp rise in poverty, particularly child poverty,
throughout 2022-2023,straining the Council’s ability to meet the needs
of the public. With growing requests for aid and a shortage of available
facilities,The Gathering Place was asked to provide space for their
family programmes two days a week, free of charge.
Recognizing the impact of this collaboration, Neath Council, in turn, has
provideda dedicated team of volunteersto assist in our ongoing
projects. This additional support has enabled us toextend our
shopfront hoursand, as of October 1st,move to a full five-day
operational week with optional Saturdays—a long-term goal that is
now becoming reality.
To accommodate the continued development of our programmes,
theboard unanimously voted to maintain the revised fiduciary
policyfor the year. As in 2023, the £5,000 expenditure approval
threshold will remain in place due to the scope of work required for the
new kitchen installation. The original£500 policy will be reinstated in
2024-2025upon completion of the upgrades.
Even as we continue to expand our outreach, The Gathering Place
remains committed to its mission:to serve, to uplift, and to stand in
the gap for those who need it most.The first quarter of this year has
already demonstrated the power of collaboration, and we are excited for
what lies ahead.
2ndQuarter (August – October 2023)
The second quarter of our fourth year has seenremarkable growthin
both our leadership and outreach. One of the most significant
developments has been theofficial naming of Clare Bell as Project
Manager and Community Director.This transition allows for expanded
leadership within The Gathering Place, asKen Arrington steps back
from daily operations to focus on chair and trustee
responsibilities.With Clare’s leadership, we have been able to increase

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Section D Achievements and performance the scope of our community engagement while ensuring that the heart of The Gathering Place’s mission remains central to everything we do. Throughout the quarter, our commitment to community inclusion and accessibility has driven new initiatives, such as the Home-Ed Hangout, launched in partnership with community relations director Clare Bell. This non-faith-based programme was developed to provide social and educational support for home-educated children and teens, offering access to computing equipment, craft supplies, and tutoring in math and language. The response has been overwhelming, with attendance reaching full capacity in recent weeks. To accommodate growing interest, we are actively seeking additional volunteer tutors to expand our offerings. Additionally, our partnership with Neath Port Talbot Council has continued to open doors for greater community impact. Recognizing the urgent need for fuel poverty relief , we have been working to expand our Warm Bank operations for the upcoming holiday season. Last year, our Warm Pack initiative provided £6,000 worth of heating support to approximately 120 households over 12 weeks, offering flat fan heaters, fleece blankets, window insulation kits, draught excluders, hand warmers, and energy-saving guides —all free of charge. Demand for these resources far exceeded availability, with weekly supplies depleted by noon every Monday. This year, our goal is to at least double our reach , extending distribution from November through April 2024 to ensure vulnerable households remain warm and safe during the coldest months. With the continued expansion of our services, we have also increased our outreach capacity to five days a week, offering a variety of vital programmes including coffee mornings for high-risk groups, adoptive mother therapy services, addiction recovery and drug remediation, women and teen-at-risk outreach, and crisis intervention services. Additionally, we continue to provide free clothing, toiletries, and essential items through our storefront, with a primary focus on impoverished women, young mothers, and children. As we continue to evolve and adapt to the growing needs of our community, our mission remains the same: to provide a space of refuge, support, and dignity for anyone in need, regardless of background. The second quarter of this year has proven once again that compassion and collaboration can truly change lives, and we are eager to carry this momentum forward in the months ahead. 3[rd] Quarter (November – January 2024) The third quarter of our fourth year has brought unparalleled expansion in our community outreach, with several new initiatives taking off at an incredible pace. From the launch of a free bookshop and lending library to strengthened partnerships with local government and social services , this quarter has been marked by both unexpected successes and strategic growth in response to the needs of the community. One of the standout additions this quarter was the launch of our Free Bookshop and Lending Library. What began as a simple idea quickly became an essential resource, providing books to the public at zero cost while fostering literacy, empowerment, and recovery through reading. Additionally, our Borrow and Bring Back Rail has proven to be

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Section D Achievements and performance

a game-changer for families, allowing them to borrow high-cost items— such as jumpers, work attire, and holiday outfits —and return them when no longer needed. This initiative not only reduces financial strain but also encourages a culture of sustainability and mutual care within the community. Another major development this quarter was our work with Neath Port Talbot Council’s Team Around the Family Unit to establish The School Uniform Partnership. Paired with our long-standing Backpacks of Hope programme, this initiative has alleviated financial burdens for families by providing free school uniforms to children in need. With rising living costs, the importance of ensuring that no child goes without essential school attire cannot be overstated. By incorporating a uniform bank , we have reinforced our commitment to both community support and environmental sustainability. As part of our ongoing focus on women and youth , we have continued to strengthen our Mindful Mamas Group, which now meets every Wednesday. This safe, supportive space for mothers has become a sanctuary for sharing, learning, and growing together. Additionally, we have deepened our partnership with Western Bay Adoptions Partnership, offering practical and emotional support for adoptive families and children throughout the adoption process. Recognizing that adoption affects families in profound ways, we have also become the home of REFLECT, a programme that provides support for women whose children are in foster care or have been adopted. Meeting once a month, REFLECT offers a space for healing, understanding, and community, ensuring that no woman navigates this journey alone. Additionally, our community hub has continued to expand its public services , welcoming numerous grants awarded to our Compassionate Cuisine programme, with construction on the new kitchen slated to begin in the fourth quarter. This quarter has demonstrated that The Gathering Place is more than just a charity—it is a growing movement, a hub of care, and a vital support system for the people of Neath. With each new initiative, we continue to build a model of compassion, sustainability, and empowerment , ensuring that no one is left behind. 4[th] Quarter (February – April 2024) The fourth quarter of our fourth year has been a milestone season of growth, transformation, and community impact. As we closed out the year, The Gathering Place has continued to expand its outreach, develop new initiatives, and strengthen existing partnerships to serve Neath’s most vulnerable populations. One of the most significant achievements this quarter was the completion of the Compassionate Cuisine kitchen in April. After months of planning, grant writing, and construction, the kitchen was successfully completed on budget and is now fully operational. This newly upgraded space will allow us to prepare and distribute more than 50 wholesome, vegetarian meals and sandwiches weekly for off-property consumption —a critical step in addressing food insecurity in one of Wales’ most deprived areas. With proper food inspection, storage licensing, and funding secured, this initiative is expected to impact over a thousand individuals annually. By integrating this service into our existing community hub, we’re not only meeting

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Section D Achievements and performance

a physical need but creating a sense of belonging and well-being for those who rely on us.

This quarter also saw a significant deepening of our partnerships with street outreach teams . In collaboration with FRESH and Challenge Valleys Collaboration , The Gathering Place has become a home base and safe haven for individuals struggling with addiction and recovery. These partnerships allow us to extend our reach beyond our walls, meeting individuals where they are and providing a direct path toward support and transformation.

Looking ahead, we are gearing up to launch several new initiatives in early 2024. One of the most exciting is NPT Together , a monthly gathering designed to provide peer support and companionship for individuals living with health conditions and disabilities. This programme will offer a social, creative space for making crafts, building friendships, and breaking down the walls of isolation and loneliness.

Additionally, we are expanding our youth initiatives by introducing creative arts and music instruction. Plans are already in place to acquire guitars, keyboards, and drums , with professional music instruction and non-religious choir and vocal practice sessions led by world-class musician and recording artist Clare Bell. These sessions will provide a creative and expressive outlet for young people , fostering confidence, skill development, and artistic growth—all offered completely free of charge.

As we step into 2024, we do so with a renewed sense of purpose, optimism, and dedication to those we serve. With the completion of the Compassionate Cuisine kitchen, the launch of new support programmes, and the strengthening of partnerships across Neath and beyond, The Gathering Place continues to be a beacon of hope, empowerment, and transformation.

This past year has proven, once again, that when a community comes together, true change is possible.

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Section E Financial review

Brief statement of the charity’s policy on reserves

At close of the day 30/4/2024, cash on hand at the bank was £550.00 in unrestricted funds. While this seemed worrisome, on May 4[th] a delayed grant came through, resulting in £10,550.40 on hand. Due to relocation and massive outreach needs with our Compassionate Cuisine buildout, we agreed to temporarily shift our reserves policy from 2 months/£6,000 reserves policy in 2022/23 to 1 month/£3,000 in 2024, with a return to a 2 month/£6,000 reserves policy in 2025.

Details of any funds materially in deficit

Not applicable

Further financial review details (Optional information)

In 2024, our primary sources of funding have remained grants and donations , accounting for 98.9% of all funds received. As a charity dedicated to maximizing public benefit , we ensure that the vast majority of our general funds are directed towards our outreach programmes , directly supporting those in need across our community.

You may choose to include additional information, where relevant about:

As in previous years, our primary funder continues to provide an annual £20,000 grant on January 5th , with an agreement in principle for continued annual funding as long as we remain aligned with the established aims of our charity. These funds primarily cover operational costs (17.1%) and training and resources (2.7%), with the remainder allocated to outreach programmes and community support (75.6%).

Additional funds secured through grants and donations have allowed us to launch new pilot programmes and strengthen existing services, ensuring we can meet the growing needs of our community.

This year, we were grateful to receive funding from the following foundations and grant-making agencies :

As always, we remain entirely volunteer-run , with no paid staff, trustees, or volunteers. This ensures that every pound received is maximized for direct public benefit , allowing The Gathering Place to continue serving, uplifting, and empowering those in need throughout Neath and beyond.

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Introduction

The year 2024 has been a defining period for The Gathering Place, marked by significant growth, strengthened partnerships, and an expansion of services. As we look ahead, we remain committed to building on our successes, addressing evolving community needs, and increasing our long-term impact. This report outlines the key initiatives and goals for the upcoming year based on our experiences and achievements throughout 2024.

Facility Expansion and Community Outreach

Following a year of increased engagement, we are now in discussions to expand into the upper floors of our current facility. This expansion would provide much-needed space for additional support groups, educational programmes, and crisis intervention services. Negotiations with the property owner have been promising, and we are actively seeking funding to secure this opportunity. As we move forward, we will also continue our direct community outreach efforts, working closely with Neath Port Talbot Council and local organizations to expand our reach.

Warm Hub Initiative and Free Resources Shop

With the rising cost of living continuing to impact low-income households, our Warm Hub will remain a vital initiative. Over the past year, we have seen an increased demand for heating and insulation resources, and we plan to double our distribution efforts to ensure families in need have a warm and safe living environment. In addition, our free resources shop will continue to provide clothing, toiletries, and household essentials, offering practical support in an inclusive and welcoming space.

Youth and Education Programmes

Educational support remains at the heart of our mission. In 2025, we will expand our youth initiatives, offering more tutoring sessions, creative workshops, and skill-building opportunities. Our Home Ed Hangout will continue to serve families, while our IGNITING FAMILY INNOVATION and IGNITING YOUTH INNOVATION programmes will grow to include additional STEM-based learning experiences and academic support. In addition, our new music instruction programme will provide access to instruments, non-religious choir opportunities, and vocal coaching, ensuring young people have creative outlets for self-expression.

Support for Women and Families

Our targeted support programmes for women and families will continue to grow in the upcoming year. The Mindful Mamas group will remain a core offering, providing a safe and supportive environment for mothers. Our collaboration with Western Bay Adoptions and REFLECT will also strengthen, ensuring that adoptive families and women navigating foster care challenges receive ongoing emotional and practical support. By deepening our relationships with these organizations, we can provide even more comprehensive assistance to families in need.

Men’s Group and Addiction Recovery

Recognizing the unique challenges faced by men in seeking support, we will continue to develop our men’s meet-up and addiction recovery initiatives. Through our partnerships with FRESH and Challenge Valleys Collaboration, we are working to expand intervention services for individuals struggling with addiction and homelessness. These programmes will continue to focus on creating a safe and supportive environment for long-term recovery and reintegration into the community.

Health and Wellness Services

Mental health and well-being remain a priority for The Gathering Place. In 2025, we aim to introduce new support groups, workshops, and wellness initiatives focused on emotional resilience, abuse recovery, and holistic healing. By working alongside mental health professionals and community organizations, we will ensure free and accessible support for those in need.

Partnerships and Collaboration

Collaboration remains essential to our ability to serve the community effectively. In the coming year, we will continue to strengthen existing partnerships while seeking new opportunities for collaboration with local businesses, charities, and government bodies. Our continued work with Neath Port Talbot Council will allow us to expand access to key services, ensuring that individuals in crisis receive the help they need.

Leadership and Governance

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As we continue to grow, we are reviewing our governance structure to ensure strong leadership and sustainable management. Discussions are underway regarding expanding our board of trustees and introducing new directors to support our increasing operations. These steps will help maintain the integrity of our mission while ensuring The Gathering Place remains responsive to the community's evolving needs.

Financial Sustainability and Grants

Securing financial sustainability remains a top priority. In the coming year, we will actively pursue grants, donor support, and funding opportunities to maintain and expand our operations. By leveraging our strong track record of success, we will seek to attract additional funding that supports long-term programme stability, facility expansion, and the introduction of new community initiatives.

Conclusion

The Gathering Place is preparing for another transformative year ahead, with a clear vision and strategy for continued growth. By expanding our facility, strengthening our core services, and deepening our partnerships, we are committed to providing meaningful support to those who need it most. With the dedication of our volunteers, the generosity of our funders, and the resilience of our community, we are confident that 2025 will be another year of compassion, empowerment, and positive change.

Section F Other optional information

Section G Declaration

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s) Full name(s) Kenneth Arrington Position (eg Secretary, Chair, Chair etc) Date 14-01-2025

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Charity Name The Gathering Place

No (if any) 1189467

Receipts and payments accounts

Period start date Period end date To 5/1/2023 4/30/2024

For the period from

CC16a

Section A Receipts and payments

to the nearest £
A1 Receipts
Grants & Donations
44,508
515
-
-
-
-
-
-
45,023
-
-
Sub total -
Total receipts 45,023
Unrestricted
funds
Refunds from purchasing public benefit
goods
Sub total(Gross income for AR)
A2 Asset and investment sales,
(see table).
to the nearest £
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Restricted
funds
to the nearest £
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Endowment
funds
Total funds
to the nearest £
44,508
515
-
-
-
-
-
-
45,023
-
-
-
45,023
Last year
to the nearest £
76,084
1,156
-
-
-
-
-
-
77,240
-
-
- - 45,023 77,240
A3 Payments
33,259
Training/ Reference Library
441
Fundraising (inc travel fees for conference) 1,024
Operational Costs(inc utilities)
9,842
Office Needs(inc technologyupgrades)
1,279
Remittance
2,225
-
-
-
Sub total 48,071
Sub total -
Total payments 48,071
Net of receipts/(payments) - 3,048
A5 Transfers between funds
-
A6 Cash funds last year end
3,598
Cash funds this year end 550
Outreach - Women, Youth, Homeless
Support
A4 Asset and investment
purchases, (see table)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
33,259
441
1,024
9,842
1,279
2,225
-
-
-
48,071
-
-
-
48,071
- 3,048
-
3,598
550
63,088
2,237
967
14,261
1,599
1,315
-
-
-
83,468
-
83,468
- - - 3,048 - 6,228
- - - -
- - 3,598 -
- - 550 3,598

Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period

Categories
B1 Cash funds
B2 Other monetary assets
B3 Investment assets
B5 Liabilities
B4 Assets retained for the
charity’s own use
Signed by one or two trustees on
behalf of all the trustees
Details
Cash at Bank
Details
none
Details
none
Details
Car
Computer & Media Equipment
Office Furniture - Décor
Library and Resources
Details
none
Signature
Total cash funds
(agree balances with receipts and payments
account(s))
Clothing - Shelters - Trailer - Toiletries for
distribution
~1,000 clothing items inc shoes, boots,
coats, womens, mens, kids
to nearest £
to nearest £
550
-
-
-
-
-
550
-
OK
OK
to nearest £
to nearest £
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Cost (optional)
-
-
-
-
-
Cost (optional)
Unrestricted
-
Unrestricted
-
Unrestricted
-
Unrestricted
-
Unrestricted
-
Unrestricted
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Print Name
Kenneth RayArrington
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Fund to which
asset belongs
Fund to which
asset belongs
Fund to which
liability relates
Amount due
(optional)
to nearest £
Endowment
funds
-
-
-
-
OK
to nearest £
Endowment
funds
-
-
-
-
-
-
Current value
(optional)
-
-
-
-
-
Current value
(optional)
1,770
9,245
-
-
-
-
-
-
When due
(optional)
Date of
approval
Kenneth RayArrington 1/12//2024

Independent examiner's report on the accounts

Section A Independent Examiner’s Report

Report to the trustees/ THE GATHERING PLACE members of On accounts for the year 30 April 2024 ended Set out on page 1-2

Charity no 1189467 (if any)

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the period ended 30 April 2024.

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 the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have examiner's statement come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Signed: Date: 24 February 2025 Name: Chaweevan Williams FCCA Relevant professional Chartered Certified Accountants qualification(s) or body : Address: Verdant Accountants Limited 20-22 Wenlock Road, London N1 7GU