2025-07-31-accounts

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 1st August 2024 - 31st July 2025 Charity Number - 1190702

CONTENTS

1.Objectives

2.Activities for the public benefit

3.Finance Report

4.References and Administrative Information

5.Impact Report 2024 - 2025

OBJECTTIVES

(1) To promote social inclusion for the public benefit by preventing people from becoming socially excluded, relieving the needs of those people who are socially excluded and assisting them to integrate into society by the provision of intergenerational storytelling activities.

(2) The advancement of the Christian faith.

ACTIVITIES FOR THE PUBLIC GOOD

Truth Be Told (TBT) is all about Storytelling For Life. We bring joy and hope to people of all ages, cultures, and abilities making it really easy for everyone to belong together. Just as God intended. We provide resources, training, and support to help churches and individuals extend this invitation of belonging to everyone in their community.

Storytelling sessions can take place in community spaces, churches, care homes or other locations, and have been designed specifically to involve, encourage and fulfil all guests. The trained Storyteller tells a short bespoke story, using props and drawing everyone in the room together.

The group all share memories and imaginative ideas together. The sessions have Christian roots and references but are enjoyable for those of any faith and none.

Everyone is equal and valued and belongs, regardless of their age or stage, ethnic origin or needs. It is this interdependence and mutuality that means TBT is in its very essence, socially inclusive and combative against loneliness and isolation. The sessions act as a vehicle to facilitate the building of authentic, long-lasting and supportive relationships outside of the group context.

In supporting the activities of TBT, the Trustees have given consideration to the guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission.

FINANCE REPORT

The charity’s financial position is healthy and can fund the immediate plans to further its strategy, although we are dependent on grant-funding and continued Church Licence fees. The due diligence carried out by our reputable funders confirms TBT’s good governance and pioneering impact. Grants during the year 2024/2025 received from:

Benefact Trust Valentines Trust Joseph Rank Trust Souter Charitable Trust

Our Income for 2024 - 2025 came to £93,589 and was sourced from five different areas. In particular, £82,170 was from grant funding. Our partner church income was £7,060.

Our Expenditure for this year was £76,999 .This includes £61,531 on salaries and £720 on freelance fees.

reserves

The charity recognises the propriety of not building up funds for which there are no clear expenditure plans. The charity’s policy is to allow reserves to accrue to a level of a minimum of four months average expenditure, plus funds which may be earmarked for specific projects in the future.

As the charity is growing, reserves may only exceed this policy level in order to be able to respond positively to new opportunities. This situation is monitored to ensure that reserves do not build up unnecessarily.

At the end of the year, the cash at bank balance was £75,271, of which £41,821 was unrestricted and could be used for any of our charitable purposes, The reserves policy of holding £30,000 in unrestricted funds was met.

Our reserves are high at year-end, as a bulk of our grant funding comes in towards the end of our financial year and our current funds will enable the programme to continue at it’s current level until August 2028, whilst maintaining an 4 month reserve (£30,000) as per our reserves policy. There are plans in place to expand the staff team / skills available further in 2025/26.

Jackie Last

Jackie Last (Dec 4, 2025 08:40:59 GMT)

Dec 4, 2025

Independent Examiner’s report to the trustees of truth be told:storytelling for life

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Truth Be Told: Storytelling For Life ('the charity') for the year ended 31 July 2025 on following pages.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

1. accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; or

2. 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.

Lisa Darby

Lisa Darby (Dec 8, 2025 15:14:48 GMT)

Lisa Darby FCA Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage

LONDON

EC1Y 8AB

Date: Dec 8, 2025

receipts and payments account for the year ended 31[st] july 2025

						Unrestricted Funds	Unrestricted Funds
						General	Designated			Restricted
						Funds	Funds			Funds	2025	2024
					Notes	£		£		£	£	£
Income receipts
Grants						43,000		-		39,170	82,170	69,500
Donations						2,332		-		-	2,332	1,127
Sales of services	and products					1,045		-		-	1,045	1,958
Church partner income						7,060		-		-	7,060	7,225
Bank interest						951		-		-	951	841
Gift aid						30		-		-	30	-
Total receipts						54,419	-	-	-	39,170	93,589	80,652
Payments
Payments in relation to activities undertaken directly			charitable		2	41,279		-		35,720	76,999	74,540
Total payments						41,279		-		35,720	76,999	74,540
Net of receipts / (payments) transfers				before		13,140		-		3,450	16,590	6,112
Transfers between funds					4	(30,000)	30,000			-	-	-
Net movement in funds						(16,860)	30,000			3,450	16,590	6,112
Cash funds as at	last year	end				58,681		-		-	58,681	52,569
Cash funds at this year end					A	41,821	30,000			3,450	75,271	58,681

The notes on the following pages form part of these accounts.

Statement of assets and liabilities for the year ended 31st july 2025

Notes A Cash funds Cash at bank with immediate access Deposit accounts B Other monetary assets Other debtors C Liabilities Falling due within one year Taxes due Fee for Independent Examination Pensions payable		General Designated funds funds £ £ 10,046 - 31,775 30,000 41,821 30,000 75 - 75 - - 1,110 - - - 1,110 - Unrestricted Funds	Restricted funds £ 3,450 - 3,450 - - - - - -	2025 2024 £ £ 13,496 17,853 61,775 40,828 75,271 58,681 75 255 75 255 - 2,176 1,110 1,020 - 1,397 1,110 4,593
		General funds £ 10,046 31,775 41,821 75 75 1,110 - 1,110

D Assets retained for charity's own use

Computers and IT	Fund to which asset belongs General	Cost £
		1,596

E Guarantees and secured debts

The charity has not given any guarantees and has not provided its assets as security for any liabilities.

The accounts were approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:

Jackie Last

--------------------------------------------Jackie Last (Dec 4, 2025 08:40:59 GMT) JACQUELINE LAST

Date: ____Dec 4, 2025

The notes on the following pages form part of these accounts.

notes to the accounts for the year ended 31[st] july 2025

Accounting policies

The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis and comprise a statement that shows the charity's receipts and payments, a statement that summarises the charity's assets and liabilities and related notes. The accountancy profession have determined that only accounts prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards present a 'true and fair' view and, as these receipts and payments accounts have not (and cannot) be prepared in accordance with accounting standards, these accounts do not present (and are not intended to present) a 'true and fair' view of the charity's financial activities and state of affairs.

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. Restricted funds are donations which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors; they include donations received from appeals for specific activities or projects.

Payments in relation to charitable activities undertaken directly Employment costs Subcontracted Staff Rent Advertising and promotion IT expenses Office Costs (including equipment) Training Travel and Accomodation Insurance Accountancy Consultancy fees Subscriptions Bank Charges Other costs	Unrestricted Funds General Designated funds funds £ £ 26,531 - - - - - 1,906 - 1,955 - 197 - 150 - 2,031 - 497 - 1,020 - 2,510 - 1,476 - 550 - 2,456 - 41,279 -	Restricted Funds £ 35,000 720 - - - - - - - - - - - - 35,720	Total Total 2025 2024 £ £ 61,531 43,922 720 18,878 - 4,630 1,906 712 1,955 1,285 197 720 150 492 2,031 623 497 469 1,020 - 2,510 - 1,476 892 550 114 2,456 1,804 76,999 74,540

Transactions with related parties

No payments are made to trustees (or connected parties) other than the reimbursement of expenditure incurred on behalf of the charity.

Movement of funds

General funds Designated funds Ongoing commitments and future projects Restricted funds Grant for storytelling sessions at Castle Dene Care Home Joseph Rank fund ESOL fund Travel grant	Opening balance £ 58,681 - - - - - - - -	Receipts £ 54,419 - - - 1,170 10,000 25,000 3,000 39,170	Payments £ (41,279) - - - (720) (10,000) (25,000) - (35,720)	Closing Transfers balance £ £ (30,000) 41,821 30,000 30,000 - - 30,000 30,000 - 450 - - - - - 3,000 - 3,450
Total funds	58,681	93,589	(76,999)	- 75,271

The grant for storytelling sessions was specifically given to provide sessions for residents and young children at Castle Dene Care Home.

The Joseph Rank Fund provides a contribution towards staff costs and overheads ESOL fund contributes towards staff costs, development costs, travel and equipment to engage non-English speakers in areas of deprivation with the charity’s activities.

The travel grant was given towards travels costs to Taiwan or Ghana to deliver training, this is provisionally planned to be spent for travel to Taiwan in early 2026

The trustees have elected to hold approximately 4 months reserves in a designated fund, to meet ongoing commitments and/or put money aside for future projects.

REFERENCES AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

ORGANISATION TYPE

Charitable Incorporated Organisation

GOVERNING DOCUMENT REGISTERED ADDRESS CEO

Constitution

St Paul’s Church, Landford Way, Bournemouth, BH8 0NY

Gemma Gillard

TRUSTEES

Mrs Jackie Last (Chair)

Mrs Hannah Lawford (Designated Safeguarding Lead) Mrs Lwanga Chibamba (Assistant Safeguarding Lead) Mr Ashley Liddington Mr Stuart Taylor Mr Tosh Hales (resigned March 2025)

Mr William Irwin Buchanan (appointed November 2025)

TEAM

TBT operates with a small part-time team of three who are highly experienced in governance, relationship management, creative content writing and technical implementation. We draw on the skills and experience of a network of other connections in similar positions and charities to inform our decisions and guide on best practise. We are grateful for an involved and supportive Trustee team who are diverse in demographic and skillset along with other trusted advisors and experts.

RECRUITMENT & SELECTION OF TRUSTEES

New Trustees are identified through connections made with individuals in the course of TBT’s activities, and social media publicity. Exploratory conversations occur and if the time/skills of the individual and the needs of the Board align, the person is invited to attend a Board meeting. If this is successful, the person is invited to an interview with two Trustees where they have the opportunity to ask further questions and introduce themselves. If a synergy is identified, then the person is invited to become a Trustee based upon the voting of existing Trustees.

Responsibilities of trustees

Charity law requires us as Trustees to prepare financial statements for each accounting year which record the receipts and payments of the charity for the year.

We are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable us to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011

We also have responsibility to safeguard the assets of the charity and to take ressonable steps to prevent fraud or any other irregularities.

This report was approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:

Jackie Last

Jackie Last (Dec 4, 2025 08:40:59 GMT)

Jacqueline Last

Chair of Trustees Dated: Dec 4, 2025

OUR VALUES - JOY - BELONGING - INTERGENERATIONAL - HIGH QUALITY - SIMPLICITY

Truth Be Told Impact Report 24/25

Our vision is Storytelling For Life. Joyful life. Family life. Full life. Here’s how we delivered it for everyone involved this year. www.truthbetold.org.uk

CONTENTS

Letter from our founder All about us The numbers Storyteller profiles Let me tell you a story

Timeline What’s next Thank you

JOY - BELONGING - INTERGENERATIONAL - HIGH QUALITY - SIMPLICITY

Welcome

Jesus told stories all the time. Between 30 and 50 depending on how you qualify them.

He knew His listeners were story people. That we’re all hardwired for story. Which is why we’re trying to walk in His footsteps at Truth Be Told.

So whilst I’m constantly astonished by the impact you’re going to read about on the following pages, it’s no surprise that a simple story can transform a life.

It happened to me - it may have happened to you? TBT is happening across the UK and excitingly, across the world now too. We are so grateful for the support of individuals, funders, churches and other organisations that have enabled this. So to God be all the glory and may His story be told forevermore.

Gemma

Gemma Gillard Founder & ceo

All about us

Truth Be Told is all about Storytelling For Life. Joyful life, family life and full life.

We bring joy and hope to people of all ages, cultures and abilities through our storytelling sessions, making it really easy for everyone to belong together. Just as God intended.

We partner with individuals, churches and other organisations to provide resources, training and support so they can tell stories in their community. Whether in a care home with older adults and children, those with English as a second language, all age church services, schools, those with learning difficulties, whether in the UK or internationally, anywhere people need to find hope and find family.

If you are on the fringes and isolated for whatever reason, there is belonging available.

What we know, and this Impact Report proves, is that the power of story to . unite everyone is profound

We have big ambitions for the future because we believe the open-arms of the gospel story welcomes everyone home together.

the numbers 24/25

184

4480

Sessions run in care Total reported homes and toddler attendances across all sessions groups

21 National and International ESOL (English as a second language) sessions run

JOY - BELONGONG - HIGH QUALITY - SIMPLICITY - INTERGENERATIONAL

21

Nationalities attended ESOL sessions

677 Reported attendances in ESOL groups

217 Storyteller Reflections completed providing our impact data

Storyteller Profile

Paul and Julie - Care Home Group

After two and a half years with Truth Be Told, we’ve built deep connections with many residents, hearing their stories, meeting their families, and walking with them through moments of joy and loss. Some have grown frail and passed on. Others have shared their spiritual journey with us. One gentleman told me he keeps all his Truth Be Told stickers in his room and once brought me a Christian newspaper because he thought I’d enjoy it.

‘P’, who is non-verbal and physically very vulnerable, listens and responds clearly. As we sang and spoke blessings over her, she quietly said, “Yes, that’s true.” I couldn’t believe my ears. Another woman, ‘J’, times her weekly visit with her mother to join our sessions. She gently repeats the stories in her mother’s ear to ensure she understands.

The children are just as impacted. Pre-schoolers put their hands together to pray and say “amen” with confidence. One threeyear-old, after seeing her sister hurt her foot on a day out, shouted, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus help us!” Many sing “Yes, Jesus loves me” both inside and outside the care home. We’ve watched shy children slowly grow in confidence—learning to share, take turns, and engage meaningfully with their older friends.

Personally, I’ve been humbled. Often on my knees beside the frail, I’m reminded of the scripture that talks about God choosing the weak and those who are considered nothing. I now find it much easier to approach and connect with older people in general. While visiting Ghana, I saw how oral storytelling remains central in communities where many don’t read or write. Local Christian storytellers lead after-school clubs and Sunday schools under trees, teaching scripture through songs, repetition, and the power of the spoken word. It was a privilege to share Truth Be Told with them and to hear reports of them using the project in their community.

Storyteller Profile

Karen - ESOL Group

Storytelling is something that we do every day, and storytelling with a purpose is something that Jesus did all the time. When I was asked if I would join a team that would use storytelling to bring people of all generations together, it was a nobrainer. We started with a community toddler group, and we saw some relationships built. This then moved into a care home setting, and then a further group was launched, aimed at the ESOL community based in Bournemouth.

I think the most important thing that storytelling brings to the guests in my ESOL group is peace and joy. They have said that it is a time in their day when they don’t have to worry about everything else, they can just relax and know that they are accepted and loved. There are many times of joy and laughter as they join in with their children’s laughter and have fun with the parachute and bubbles.

One of the most meaningful moments for me was when a Muslim guest asked whether I was a Christian or a Muslim. They were curious because I often speak about Jesus, yet I also greet them with the traditional Arabic greeting, Peace be upon you . It gave me a beautiful opportunity to share that I am a Christian, and that I truly do wish them peace upon them. It left them thinking, it opened a gentle and respectful door for deeper reflection.

The storytelling sessions have been a powerful way to build relationships and a sense of community between people from different nations and language backgrounds. One of the most beautiful things to witness is the children, speaking different languages, from different cultures, playing and laughing together with ease. The adults now greet one another, and me, with genuine warmth rather than just politeness. They support each other with their children, share smiles, and even walk to the shops together between lessons. It’s a glimpse of the kind of community we long to see more of.

Let me tell you a story...

Value in action - High Quality

Value in action - Belonging

As a childminder, I’m always looking for new opportunities for the children, and that’s how I discovered Truth Be Told. Sophie responded quickly to my enquiry, providing all the details for our first session. She was so welcoming and made us feel comfortable right away. It’s wonderful to be part of something that brings joy to everyone in the room. The sessions are uplifting, fun, and full of encouragement from Sophie. Being involved has not only connected us with the local community but also added to the variety of experiences I can offer the children each week.

I love seeing the residents and children interact during the sessions, it’s heartwarming to watch them sing and play together. Familiar songs like Incy Wincy Spider and The Buzzy Bee songs are always a hit. The residents wave scarves to the music, which helps them feel included and adds to the joy.

The songs often bring back memories and encourage reminiscing, which is so good for the residents. Each session has a clear theme, showing how thoughtfully they’re planned.

Guest Childminder

I also enjoy the Bible stories being shared. They’ve helped me learn more about the Bible, like the fact that there are 66 books! These stories have deepened my understanding in a positive way, without changing my beliefs.

“I have watched the transformation of Addi going from a little girl who was very shy to coming and blowing bubbles with me.” Guest Mum

"The Children themselves make it really enjoyable to be a part of, they seem to have such a good time. It takes me back to when I was their age, and it’s wonderful to take part in some of the activities"

What I love most is the sense of connection. Residents, children, and carers all come together, creating a real feeling of community and belonging. It’s uplifting to be part of something that brings so much joy and togetherness.

Care home Companionship Co-ordinator

Guest Resident George

“Such a lovely message, with wonderful stories that brings a real sense of family and community.”

Let me tell you a story...

Value in Action - intergenerational

It’s always heart warming to see the interactions between the residents and the children as they grow more comfortable with each other. A particularly lovely moment was when the children handed out stickers along with the message, “You are precious.” One little boy took on his role wonderfully, handing out the stickers and saying the special message clearly. It was so lovely to see the smiles and appreciation from the residents, who truly love being around the children.

Storyteller Sophie

Guest Mum

Value in action - Joy

Value in action - Simplicity

‘I just love coming. It brings me joy, lifts my spirits, and makes me feel happy every time. Even on days I don’t feel well, I still make the effort, because it’s the light of my life.’”

“Seeing the children smiling and laughing fills me with happiness. It’s just gorgeous. I look forward to Fridays when they come to cuddle me, and afterwards I feel rested and calm.”

Guest Resident Lynn

Guest Resident Viv

Let me tell you a story...

“Thank you for this mornings session it was really great, I loved the story and how easy it was to follow and how you explained the end. The games were really good.”

Guest mum

“Will we be doing this when we go to big school?” asked a regular little visitor during one of the TBT sessions.

Guest child

Let me tell you a story...

“Best day ever!” From a resident guest who had heard about TBT and shared with staff that he needed to join us every time. Guest resident

“I love being greeted by the children. They come and hug me and make my day”

Guest resident

timeline for tbt year

Oct to Dec

Oct 2024

Jan 2025

Feb 2025 Feb 2025

Launch of website and TBT Stories

Hand in Hand Conference

Coaching New cohort of coaching started for the Growing Faith Foundation Strategic Leaders Programme Mar 2025 Preston Childrens and youth workers conference Delivered a workshop to encourage participants in the field of Missional Storytelling Oct 2025

Awards ceremony at House of Lords

Prep for relaunch

New strategy to make just ‘Stories’ available to everyone. Creation of bespoke app and website redevelopment.

Hosted a seminar and ran a stand resulting in ten TBT Stories sign ups

TBT won an award from the Christian Funders Forum for ‘Pioneering work in Mission and Evangelism’

Completion and relaunch of website and TBT Stories app

May 2025 May 2025 Mar 2025 Mar 2025 Leaders Day Moorlands Bible Hereford Roadshow Significant Contacts College Workshop delivered to Guest lecture to students Travelled around the Diocese Ongoing discussions with other charity leaders on discussing the power of of Hereford delivering parachurch organisations ‘Storytelling your Missional Storytelling training and launching regarding strategic organisation’ Diocesan Partnership partnerships June 2025 June 2025 Oct 2025 Messy Church Birmingham Childrens and 2:19 Teach to Reach Conference youth workers conference Conference Storytelling workshop Storytelling workshop delivered Stand at conference to connect facilitated and new with a view to engage young with those working with the connections made people with the word of God nations on our doorstep

Christian Resources Exhibition Stand at Europe’s largest Christian exhibition as well as delivery of Missional Storytelling seminars

Messy Church Conference Storytelling workshop facilitated and new connections made

Growth in 2024-2025

As we began the 2024 academic year, we knew we wanted to widen our net and reach more isolated communities, in particular those with English as a second language.

We wanted to make it easy for anyone to share a parable-style, gospel-based story wherever they are, without cost being a barrier.

As a result of this research we rebranded and relaunched our website in January 2025 with more options of how to partner with us including the launch of TBT Stories, where for just £5 per month an individual can partner with us and have access to some training and 16 of our stories. The outcome has been incredible with our partnerships more than doubling from 12 to 30.

We’ve also seen an increase in the settings and locations we’re seeing these missional stories being shared, both in the UK and overseas.

We’re excited to have been able to create our first Diocese Partnership in Hereford as well as a partnership with a church plant in Asia and a missional community in Ghana.

What’s next?

Two-thirds of the world are oral learners, and as we’re connecting with more people internationally, we are seeing the need firsthand. Our services are expanding as a result, so get in touch if any of these questions are your questions:

1.How can we tell any Bible stories with anyone? 2.How can we connect the disconnected through missional storytelling? 3.How can we write parables that point to Jesus?

We have the determination and passion to progress but it takes time, energy, people, resources and money and so if you have felt in any way inspired to get involved in any capacity, please do get in touch, we would absolutely love to hear from you: [e-mail]

Thank you! A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS AND PARTNER CHURCHES

Be a part of the storyline...

Donate

We only exist thanks to the generous support of our donors and funders. If you would like to support the work of Truth Be Told our bank details are below or visit our website for other opportunities to support us.

HSBC Account Name: Truth Be Told Sort code: 40-13-07 Account number: 92808609

01202 112 448 www.truthbetold.org.uk [e-mail]