|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**Trustees' Annual Report for the period**|||||||
|**From**|Period startdate|||**To**|Period end date|||
||1|5|2024||
30|4|2025|
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|
|---|---|---|
||||
||
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|||
||Katherine Jenkins-
Sojko||||
||Brent Clifford
Hemus||||
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**Names of the trustees for the charity, if any, (for example, any custodian trustees)**
**Name Dates acted if not for whole year**
March **2012**
**TAR**
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## **Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)**
|**Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)**|**Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)**|**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 (eg. trust deed, constitution) 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 (eg. appointed by, elected by)
## **Additional governance issues (Optional information)**
||**ptional information)**|
|---|---|
|||
|You**may choose**to include
additional information, where
relevant, about:
•policies and procedures
adopted for the induction and
training of trustees;
•the charity’s organisational
structure and any wider
network with which the charity
works;
•relationship with any related
parties;|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|
- relationship with any related parties;
- trustees’ consideration of The Gathering Place partners with local associations, churches, help major risks and the system houses, councils, homes for the elderly, mental health wards, and and procedures to manage hospitals in order to provide tangible products, care packages, and them. 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**
March **2012**
**TAR**
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|**Summary of the objects of the**
**charity set out in its**
**governing document**|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.|
|**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 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.|
|**Summary of the objects of the**
**charity set out in its**
**governing document**|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.|
|**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 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)**
March **2012**
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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:
- policy on grantmaking;
- policy programme related investment;
- contribution made by volunteers.
Section D Achievements and performance
March **2012**
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Section D Achievements and performance
|**Summary of the main**
**achievements of the charity**
**during the year**|1stQuarter (May – July 2024)
The first quarter of 2025 marked a continuation of structured growth and
consolidation within The Gathering Place. Entering its fifth full operational
year, the charity focused on stabilising existing programmes while
increasing accessibility for individuals and families experiencing poverty,
housing instability, and relational crisis across Neath.
Demand for services remained consistently high. In response, the
directorship maintained emphasis on predictable provision rather than
short-term intervention. The Community Shop continued operating
multiple days per week, providing clothing, toiletries, and essential items
without referral or eligibility barriers. Compassionate Cuisine, operating
from the newly completed kitchen facility, provided regular hot vegetarian
meals and takeaway food options, strengthening the charity’s ability to
address food insecurity alongside relational support.
In light of potential expansion into additional retail space in 25/26, and to
allow flexibility for infrastructure development, it was unanimously agreed
to continue the temporary £5,000 expenditure approval threshold
originally introduced during capital works. Trustees determined that
reinstating the previous £500 threshold would be premature given
ongoing strategic considerations. This arrangement will remain under
review through 2026.
Partnership working remained central. Collaboration with Neath Port
Talbot Council continued, particularly in relation to family support and
crisis response. The charity’s established reputation as a safe and stable
environment resulted in sustained referrals from local services. Trustees
noted that reliability of opening hours and physical presence within the
town centre has become a significant component of public benefit.
The Warm Hub provision remained active through the colder months,
distributing heating equipment, warm packs, and energy-saving
resources. Additional external support secured through NPTCBC,
National Grid, and Community Matters Fund ensured continuity of this
work without interruption.
Volunteer engagement increased during this period. The Gathering Place
remained entirely volunteer-led, with no salaries drawn from unrestricted
funding streams. Trustees monitored capacity carefully to ensure that
programme growth did not compromise safeguarding standards or
operational oversight.
Throughout Q1, the directorship continued to prioritise long-term stability
over rapid expansion. The focus remained clear: consistent presence,
predictable access, and dignified support for women, children, and
families navigating complex circumstances.
2ndQuarter (August – October 2024)
The second quarter of 2025 reflected both consolidation and measured
expansion across core service areas. Trustees continued to prioritise
stability while responding to sustained demand across food provision,
family support, and crisis intervention.
Compassionate Cuisine operated at full capacity throughout the quarter
from the completed community kitchen facility, and our new partnership
with Food for Life has provided consistency when needed most. Regular|
|---|---|
March **2012**
**TAR**
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Section D Achievements and performance
preparation and distribution of vegetarian meals strengthened the charity’s food insecurity response while maintaining compliance with food hygiene and storage regulations. The integration of the kitchen into daily operations has allowed The Gathering Place to address nutritional need alongside relational and emotional support, reinforcing a holistic model of care. The Community Shop remained a central point of access for individuals and families requiring clothing, toiletries, and basic household goods. Trustees observed continued patterns of repeat attendance, indicating that the building has become part of the weekly rhythm for many households experiencing instability. The computer lab remained available throughout the week, enabling individuals to apply for housing, manage benefits, seek employment, and reconnect with statutory services in a private and supported environment. Mindful Mamas continued to operate weekly, supporting mothers navigating early parenthood in the context of trauma, isolation, or limited external support. Attendance remained steady, and trustees noted the importance of providing preventative relational support rather than only crisis-based response. Home education sessions also continued to grow, with multiple families gathering weekly for collaborative learning, music, science, and creative exploration. These sessions provided structured yet relational support for children who had struggled in traditional educational settings due to trauma, anxiety, or unmet needs. Parallel tutoring sessions supported children whose education had been disrupted by instability or neurodivergence. Partnerships deepened during this quarter. Western Bay Adoption Services continued to utilise the space for sensitive family meetings. The trustees remain aware that these meetings carry significant emotional complexity and require a stable, predictable environment. Maintaining safeguarding, confidentiality, and environmental consistency remains a priority. Town Centre Outreach continued in its established format, engaging individuals facing street-based vulnerability, with particular attention to women at risk. Trustees have been made aware through local feedback that visible street-based exploitation indicators have declined in certain areas. While multiple factors contribute to such changes, the board recognises that consistent relational presence may play a supportive role. The Friday Hobby Group for men continued to strengthen, providing structured space for skill-building and connection. Trustees remain committed to addressing isolation and mental health among men through activity-based engagement rather than formal intervention models. Throughout Q2, the organisation remained entirely volunteer-led. No trustee or volunteer remuneration was drawn from Moondance funding. Governance oversight continued to ensure compliance with safeguarding requirements, financial controls, and public benefit obligations. Trustees continued preliminary discussions regarding the newly remodelled upstairs space and its potential use in future programming. Any expansion will proceed cautiously and only where sustainability can be assured.
March **2012**
**TAR**
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Section D Achievements and performance
The second quarter reinforced the trustees’ strategic direction: careful growth, relational depth, and operational consistency over scale. 3[rd] Quarter (November – January 2025) The third quarter of 2025 demonstrated sustained operational strength alongside thoughtful development of creative and relational programming. Under the strategic oversight of the Chair and Board, dayto-day operational decisions continued to be led by the Community Director, who remains empowered to make programme adjustments as required without the need for full formal trustee approval in routine matters. The Community Shop and Compassionate Cuisine continued operating at consistent capacity. The integration of food provision within the daily rhythm of the building has reduced short-term crisis presentations, allowing individuals to engage more gradually and relationally rather than only at points of acute need. Preparations for the Warm Hub season began during this quarter in anticipation of colder months. The Chair secured and coordinated additional support streams to ensure continuity of heating resources, warm packs, and winter supplies. Given ongoing cost-of-living pressures within the region, early preparation was prioritised to prevent service interruption. Creative programming continued to expand steadily. Partnership work with Studio 40 and Queen Street Art Gallery provided ongoing free art workshops for families and children with limited access to creative resources. During the local Arts Festival, artwork created by participating children was publicly displayed, contributing to positive identity development and community inclusion. The Friday Hobby Group maintained steady attendance and has become an established relational environment for men experiencing isolation. The Director continues to oversee this programme as part of the charity’s broader commitment to preventative mental health support delivered through accessible, non-clinical environments. Youth engagement broadened through partnership with Pathfinders, offering structured gathering space for young people navigating complex home circumstances. Attendance patterns indicate the programme is becoming embedded within participants’ weekly routines. Tutoring and school support sessions continued, focusing on rebuilding trust and confidence among children whose education has been disrupted. Outcomes remain relational and developmental rather than immediately measurable. A significant benefit arising from secured STEM project funding has been the ability to bring in guest speakers and specialist teachers from local businesses, museums, and music centres. This has broadened the educational exposure available to participating children, introducing them to applied science, creative industries, technical skills, and vocational pathways that would otherwise be inaccessible. Access to external professionals has strengthened both engagement and - aspiration, helping children connect learning with real world possibility. It
March **2012**
**TAR**
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Section D Achievements and performance
has also reduced social isolation by embedding participants within wider community networks beyond the immediate programme setting. The Director continues to oversee this element carefully to ensure safeguarding standards and educational alignment are maintained while maximising opportunity for participating families. Planning discussions regarding utilisation of the remodelled upstairs space continued under Chair and Director leadership. Any future expansion, if any, will proceed cautiously, ensuring safeguarding capacity, volunteer sustainability, and financial stability are preserved before new programming is introduced. This quarter reinforced that the charity’s impact continues to rest on consistent presence, relational stability, and delegated leadership operating within clear governance parameters. 4[th] Quarter (February – April 2025) The fourth quarter of 2025 marked a period of consolidation and forward planning as the charity prepared to enter 2026 on stable footing. Operational consistency remained the primary focus, particularly as seasonal pressures increased across food insecurity, fuel poverty, and family crisis presentations. The Warm Hub operated at full capacity throughout the colder months, distributing heating equipment, warm packs, coats, blankets, and energysaving resources. Due to early preparation during Q3, provision continued without interruption. Increased winter demand was met through coordinated supply management and volunteer scheduling. The building remained open and heated throughout operational days, ensuring predictable access for vulnerable individuals and families. Compassionate Cuisine maintained steady meal provision through the community kitchen, with hot vegetarian meals prepared and distributed weekly. Integration of food provision within the wider relational environment of the building continued to reduce crisis-only engagement and encouraged sustained participation. Town Centre Outreach remained active, focusing on women and individuals experiencing heightened vulnerability during winter months. Consistent presence rather than episodic intervention continues to define this work. During this quarter, two new funding partnerships were secured to support the launch of a free community music programme beginning in Spring 2026. The Director led planning and safeguarding preparation to ensure the programme could operate independently without drawing resources away from existing core services. The programme will provide structured access to instruments, volunteer-led instruction, and end-ofterm performances. The design remains intentionally relational and limited in scale to preserve quality and sustainability. Significant progress was also made regarding the long-anticipated redevelopment of the upstairs space within the building. With structural works nearing completion, the Chair and Director began discerning potential uses for the space in the coming year. Any new programming will proceed only where financial sustainability, safeguarding capacity, and volunteer infrastructure are secure. The emphasis remains on strengthening existing work rather than rapid expansion.
March **2012**
**TAR**
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Section D Achievements and performance
Throughout Q4, The Gathering Place remained entirely volunteer-led. No salaries were drawn from Moondance funding or other unrestricted support. Financial oversight continued under the extended £5,000 expenditure threshold, which remains in place in anticipation of potential retail space expansion in 2026. The Chair and Board maintained governance oversight while operational authority remained appropriately delegated to the Director.
As 2025 closed, the organisation entered 2026 with strengthened infrastructure, secured programme funding for new initiatives, and stable core services. The consistent operational rhythm of the building continues to provide measurable public benefit through predictable access, relational support, and preventative engagement across women, children, families, and isolated individuals within the Neath community.
March **2012**
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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 £4878.00 in unrestricted funds. Due to potential relocation and/or expansion in 2026, we agreed to maintain our former 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 2026.
**Details of any funds materially in deficit**
Not applicable
## **Further financial review details (Optional information)**
You **may choose** to include additional information, where relevant about:
- the charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising);
- how expenditure has supported the key objectives of the charity;
- investment policy and objectives including any ethical investment policy adopted.
In 2024/25, our **primary sources of funding** have remained **grants and donations** , accounting for **96.4 %** 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.
This year marked another period of **substantial growth** , with the expansion of our **Compassionate Cuisine Programme, STEM programme running alongside our Home-Ed Hangout, ASPIRE Teens at Risk Group, Mindful Mamas, addiction recovery partnerships, and expanded Warm Bank operations.** Alongside these, our **Free Bookshop and Lending Library** and **Borrow and Bring Back Rail** have continued to **provide vital resources at no cost to the public.**
As in previous years, our **primary funder** continues to provide an **annual £20,000 grant by 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** :
- **The Moondance Foundation**
- **The National Lottery Wales**
- **Community Foundation Wales**
- **Community Matters Fund (National Grid)**
- **LocalGiving**
- **NPTCBC**
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.**
March **2012**
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## **Introduction**
The year 2025 has been one of consolidation, strengthened infrastructure, and careful forward planning for The Gathering Place. Building on the expansion achieved in previous years, the charity has focused on operational stability, safeguarding consistency, and measured programme development in response to sustained community demand.
Throughout the year, emphasis has remained on predictable access, relational support, and long-term sustainability rather than rapid growth. As we move into 2026, this same principle will continue to guide development decisions.
## **Facility Development and Use of Space**
Significant progress has been made regarding the long-anticipated redevelopment of the upstairs space within our existing premises. Structural works have advanced, and internal discussions between the Chair and Director have focused on ensuring that any future use of this space strengthens existing services without overextending volunteer capacity or financial sustainability.
No programme expansion into the upstairs area will occur without safeguarding readiness, operational viability, and secure funding streams in place. Discussions also continue regarding potential additional retail space in order to increase access to essential goods distribution. In light of this, the extended £5,000 expenditure approval threshold remains in place to allow appropriate flexibility for infrastructure decisions.
## **Warm Hub and Cost-of-Living Response**
The Warm Hub has continued to operate as a core seasonal initiative, responding to ongoing fuel poverty and cost-of-living pressures across Neath. Heating equipment, insulation materials, blankets, coats, and warm packs were distributed throughout the colder months. Planning cycles now begin earlier in the year to ensure uninterrupted provision.
The Community Shop continues to provide clothing, toiletries, and household essentials without referral requirements, ensuring low-barrier access for individuals and families experiencing hardship.
## **Food Provision and Compassionate Cuisine**
Compassionate Cuisine operated throughout 2024/2025 from the completed community kitchen facility. Weekly hot vegetarian meals and takeaway options have strengthened our response to food insecurity while allowing relational engagement within a safe and consistent environment.
The kitchen operates in full compliance with food hygiene and storage regulations. The integration of food provision into the daily rhythm of the building has reduced crisis-only engagement and encouraged sustained participation from vulnerable individuals.
## **Youth, Education, and STEM Development**
Educational support remains central to our charitable objectives. Tutoring sessions and school support programmes continued throughout the year, focusing on children whose education has been disrupted by trauma, instability, or neurodivergence.
Through secured STEM project funding, we have been able to bring in guest speakers and specialist teachers from local businesses, museums, and music centres. This has broadened educational exposure and connected learning to practical, real-world applications.
Our home education community continues to gather weekly, providing collaborative learning environments for families seeking alternative educational pathways. Youth engagement has also expanded through structured partnerships offering safe, relational gathering space.
In 2025, new funding partnerships were secured to support a free community music programme launching in Winter 2025/Spring 2026. The programme will provide access to instruments, volunteer-led instruction, and structured practice opportunities. It has been intentionally designed to operate sustainably without drawing resources away from core services.
## **Support for Women and Families**
March **2012**
**TAR**
11
Targeted support for women and families remains a defining focus. The Mindful Mamas group continues to provide relational and preventative support for mothers navigating isolation, trauma, or early parenthood challenges.
Our partnership with Western Bay Adoption Services remains active, providing a calm and consistent meeting environment for adoptive families, birth parents, and children. This work requires careful safeguarding oversight and environmental stability, both of which remain priorities.
Town Centre Outreach continues to engage women experiencing street-based vulnerability, offering consistent presence rather than episodic intervention. Feedback from local stakeholders indicates reduced visibility of exploitation in certain areas, reflecting broader community efforts.
## **Men’s Engagement and Preventative Support**
The Friday Hobby Group continues to provide structured, activity-based engagement for men experiencing isolation. The group has developed into a stable relational environment supporting confidence, contribution, and connection.
Partnership working with addiction recovery and street outreach teams remains active, ensuring individuals facing substance misuse or homelessness have access to supportive referral pathways and safe space.
## **Governance and Leadership**
Operational leadership remains delegated to the Director, who is empowered to make routine programme and delivery decisions within agreed governance parameters. Strategic oversight and fiduciary responsibility remain with the Chair and Board.
The charity continues to operate entirely through volunteers. No salaries were drawn from Moondance funding or other unrestricted support during 2025. Financial controls remain robust, and the temporary £5,000 expenditure threshold remains under review pending infrastructure considerations.
## **Financial Sustainability**
The charity continues to pursue diversified funding streams to ensure programme stability. Secured project funding for specific initiatives has allowed targeted expansion without compromising core services. Financial management remains cautious, prioritising continuity of provision over speculative growth.
## **Conclusion**
As 2025 concludes, The Gathering Place enters late 2025/2026 with strengthened infrastructure, secured funding for new initiatives, and sustained core services. The focus remains on careful growth, relational depth, and predictable access for women, children, families, and isolated individuals across the Neath community.
All development decisions continue to be guided by sustainability, safeguarding capacity, and long-term public benefit.
## **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** 14-12-2025
March **2012**
**TAR**
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Maich 2012
**Charity Name No (if any) The Gathering Place 1189467**
## **Receipts and payments accounts**
**CC16a**
**For the period** Period start date Period end date **To from** 5/1/24 4/30/25
## **Section A Receipts and payments**
**Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total funds Last year funds funds funds to the nearest to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £**
**to the nearest £**
## **A1 Receipts**
|**A1 Receipts**|
**funds**
**to the nearest**
**£**|
**funds**
**to the nearest**
**£**|
**funds**
**to the nearest £**|
**funds**
**to the nearest £**|**Total funds**
**to the nearest £**|**Last year**
**to the nearest £**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Grants & Donations|**52,561**||**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**|**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**|**52,561**
**520**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**53,081**|**44,508**|
|Refunds from purchasing public benefit
goods|**520**|||||**515**|
||**-**|||||**-**|
||**-**|||||**-**|
||**-**|||||**-**|
||**-**|||||**-**|
||**-**|||||**-**|
||**-**|||||**-**|
|**_Sub total_**_(Gross income for_
_AR)_|**53,081**|||||**45,023**|
||||||||
|**A2 Asset and investment sales,**
**(see table).**|||**-**
**-**|**-**
**-**|**-**
**-**||
||**-**||||||
||**-**|||||**-**|
|**_Sub total_**|**-**||**-**
**-**|**-**
**-**|**-**
**53,081**|**-**|
|**_Total receipts_**|||||||
||**53,081**|||||**45,023**|
|**A2 Asset and investment sales,**||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|**(see table).**||||||||||
||**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**|||
||**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**|
|**_Sub total_**|**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**|
|||||||||||
|**_Total receipts_**|**53,081**||**-**||**-**||**53,081**||**45,023**|
## **A3 Payments**
|**A3 Payments**|||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Outreach - Women, Youth, Homeless|||||||||||
|Support|**35,443**|||**-**||**-**||**35,443**||**33,259**|
|Training/ Reference Library|**210**|||**-**||**-**||**210**||**441**|
|Fundraising (inc travel fees for|||||||||||
|conference)|**340**|||**-**||**-**||**340**||**1,024**|
|Operational Costs(inc utilities)|**11,047**|||**-**||**-**||**11,047**||**9,842**|
|Office Needs (inc technology upgrades)|||||||||||
||**525**|||**-**||**-**||**525**||**1,279**|
|Remittance|**924**|||**-**||**-**||**924**||**2,225**|
||**-**|||**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**|
||**-**|||**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**|
||**-**|||**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**|
|**_Sub total_ **|**48,489**|||**-**||**-**||**48,489**||**48,071**|
||||1||||||||
CCXX R1 accounts (SS)
**----- Start of picture text -----**
A4 Asset and investment
purchases, (see table)
- - -
- - -
Sub total [ - ] - - - -
Total payments 48,489 - - 48,489 48,071
Net of receipts/(payments) 4,592 - - 4,592 - 3,048
A5 Transfers between funds - - - - -
A6 Cash funds last year end 285 - - 285 -
Cash funds this year end 4,878 - - 4,878 285
**----- End of picture text -----**
CCXX R2 accounts (SS)
2
## **Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period**
|**Categories**
**B1 Cash funds**
**B2 Other monetary assets**
**B4 Assets retained for the**
**charity’s own use**
**B3 Investment assets**|Office Furniture - Décor
Clothing - Shelters - Trailer - Toiletries for
~~distribution~~
~1,000 clothing items inc shoes, boots,
~~coats, womens, mens, kids~~
Library and Resources
Cash at Bank
**Details**
**_Total cash funds_**
(agree balances with receipts and payments
account(s))
none
**Details**
**Details**
none
**Details**
Car
Computer & Media Equipment
~~3~~|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**to nearest £**
**4,878**
**-**
**-**
**4,878**
OK
**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**to nearest £**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**Fund to which**
**asset belongs**
**Fund to which**
**asset belongs**
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Unrestricted|**Restricted**
**funds**
**to nearest £**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
OK
**Restricted**
**funds**
**to nearest £**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**Cost (optional)**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**Cost (optional)**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**|**Endowment**
**funds**
**to nearest £**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||**-**|
|||||**-**|
|||||**-**|
|||||**-**|
|||||OK|
|||||**Endowment**
**funds**
**to nearest £**|
|||||**-**|
|||||**-**|
|||||**-**|
|||||**-**|
|||||**-**|
|||||**-**|
|||||**Current value**
**(optional)**|
|||||**-**|
|||||**-**|
|||||**-**|
|||||**-**|
|||||**-**|
|||||**Current value**
**(optional)**|
||Car|Unrestricted|**-**|**1,070**|
||Computer & Media Equipment|Unrestricted|**-**|**11,245**|
||Office Furniture - Décor|Unrestricted|**-**||
||Clothing - Shelters - Trailer - Toiletries for
~~distribution~~|Unrestricted|**-**|**-**|
||~1,000 clothing items inc shoes, boots,
~~coats womens mens kids~~|Unrestricted|**-**|**-**|
||~~, , ,~~
Library and Resources|Unrestricted|**-**|**-**|
||~~3~~||**-**|**-**|
CCXX R3 accounts (SS)
## **B5 Liabilities**
Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees
||||||**-**|||**-**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||**-**|||**-**|
|||**Fund to which**||**Amount due**|||**When due**||
|**Details**||**liability relates**||**(optional)**|||**(optional)**||
|none|||||**-**||||
||||||**-**||||
||||||**-**||||
||||||**-**||||
||||||**-**||||
|Signature|Print Name
Kenneth RayArrington|Date of
approval|
|---|---|---|
||Kenneth RayArrington|6/6/25|
||||
CCXX R4 accounts (SS)
4
## **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 2025 **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 2025.
- **Responsibilities and** As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation **basis of report** of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
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:
- accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or
- the accounts do not accord with the accounting records
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 2026 **Name:** Chaweevan Williams FCCA **Relevant professional** Chartered Certified Accountants **qualification(s) or body : Address:** Verdant Accountants Limited 20-22 Wenlock Road, London N1 7GU