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2024-09-30-accounts

Serving Our Superheroes (SOS)

A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION

CHARITY REGISTRATION NO. 1191410

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 30 September 2024

Charity report prepared 14[th] July 2025, covering the accounting period 1[st] October 2023 – 30[th] September 2024.

Serving Our Superheroes (SOS) (CHARITY NO. 1191410)

CONTENTS

Pages
Trustees’ Annul Report 3 – 8
Statement of Financial Activities 9
Balance Sheet 10
Notes to Accounts 11 - 13
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 14

1

Serving Our Superheroes (SOS) TRUSTEES’ REPORT 14[th] July 2025

The Trustees, present their report with the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the period ended 30 September 2025

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATION DETAILS

Charity registration number 1191410 Registered Office 129 Ryefield Ave Hillingdon Uxbridge UB10 9BZ

Trustees The trustees of the charity and its purpose of the charity law, the following Trustees served during the year:

Sarah Gardner (Chair & treasurer) Charlotte Houston (Vice-chair) Stephen Gardner (Secretary)

Accountants STR Associates Ltd Chartered Certified Accountants 239 The Broadway Southall UB1 1ND

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

TO RELIEVE PEOPLE IN LONDON, THE SURROUNDING AREA AND INTERNATIONALLY, WHO ARE IN NEED, BY REASON OF THEIR AGE, ILLHEALTH, DISABILITY, FINANCIAL HARDSHIP OR SOCIAL CIRCUMSTANCES IN SUCH WAYS AS THE TRUSTEES SHALL THINK FIT.

Website

https://www.servingoursuperheroes.com

https://www.facebook.com/servingoursuperheroes

https://www.linkedin.com/company/serving-our-superheroes/

2

TRUSTEES’ REPORT- continued 14[th] July 2025

Introduction

Serving Our Superheroes (SOS) is an award-winning Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), founded by Sarah Gardner BEM BCAv on 13th April 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Officially registered as a charity on 22nd September 2020, and with an international constitution adopted in 2021, SOS has grown into a sustainability-driven humanitarian organisation serving the vulnerable across the UK and globally.

As of July 2024, SOS has donated more than 194,013 items to individuals in need, equating to an estimated £4.5 million in retail value. The work continues to be delivered with minimal cash donations and maximum impact through sustainable sourcing and circular economy practices.

MAIN ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN FOR THE PUBLIC BENEFIT

Since the last accounting period, we have continued to provide……

The Pants for Patients programme, launched in February 2022, exceeded 2,323 handmade trousers by July 2025, helping hospital and hospice patients maintain dignity and comfort.

Pant for Patients, have been donated to the following locations;

  1. Hillingdon Hospital

  2. Michael Sobell Hospice

  3. Harlington Hospice

  4. Chelsea and Westminster Hospital

  5. Northwick Park Hospital

  6. West Herts Teaching Hospital

  7. Fur Clements – To distribute to hospitals in the Wigan area

  8. Nigeria via Rotary

  9. South Tees Hospital / James Cook University Hospital.

3

These trousers are important because many patients arrive in hospital with damaged or unsuitable clothing, the basic hospital gowns are open and so it’s hard to move around. So that patients aren't stuck in bed, unisex, drawstring trousers can be made and donated to hospitals. Loose adjustable trousers are great for all sizes and are easy to get on and off. These are great for anyone who has been in an accident and had their clothes damages, for elderly patients and for maternity patients - the loose clothing is perfect to wear around the hospital. Allowing patients to be able to move around with dignity helps to reduce bed sores and muscle wastage.

Partnerships and Sustainability

In January 2024 we Partnered with Clean Conscience, this has allowed us to provide more toiletry packs (care kits) and has allowed us to reduce our carbon footprint.

These care kits include soap, shampoo & conditioner, bodywash and a toothbrush and toothpaste, as a minimum. They often also include vanity kits, sewing kits (which is useful for the homeless for darning socks), moisturiser/body lotion and lip balm.

4

Ensuring that there is a dental kit in every care pack, because good oral hygiene is so important. researchers have found a strong link between dental plaque buildup and gum disease (gingivitis) and Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Not only that but tooth decay can cause all sorts of pain and problems.

Wash kits help to stop the spread of preventable, debilitating diseases which costs the NHS millions each year. Between 2018 – 2021 a total of 38% of respondents of the Homeless Health Needs Audit had been admitted to hospital in the last 12 months. Common symptoms among people experiencing homelessness (such as stomach problems, skin infections and urinary problems) could be prevented with good hygiene. Individuals have passed away from preventable illnesses on the streets, simply because of an inability to get clean. homeless people often receive stigma in public by not having the opportunity to maintain good personal hygiene.

“Every bag tells a story of hope and sustainability. Proud to partner with such a purpose-driven charity.” – Clean Conscience, via LinkedIn

More than just a washbag

Our toiletry packs / wash kits are more than just a washbag for the homeless

The number of people experiencing homelessness in the United Kingdom has been steadily increasing over the last 15 years, although a nationwide problem, it is much more prevalent in London.

The number of people using food banks has quadrupled over the last few years. Even people working full time, struggle to pay for essentials and attend food banks. Food banks supply more than just food, toiletries and other essentials.

Hygiene poverty and period poverty are all too common. As a charity we play part suppling toiletries, period products and other essentials to people in need in the community.

“The washbag I received gave me dignity at a time when I felt I had none. Thank you for this small but powerful gift.” – Anonymous Patient via Facebook

“Your support changed lives in our refuge. A toothbrush and soap may be basic, but to our women, it meant the world.” – Refuge Support Worker

5

Homelessness and hygiene:

Recent research from Shelter showed at least 309,000 people in England spent the end of 2023 homeless. This is a increase of 14%, 38,100 people, in one year. The total number of people experiencing homelessness in London has risen 11%, from 150,000 to 167,000 people. This accounts for around 1 in 51 people. In Birmingham it’s 1 in 71.

As well as preventing the spread of disease maintain good personal hygiene is critical for maintaining good physical and mental health.

Findings from the Homeless Health Needs Audit states the number of people with a mental health diagnosis has increased substantially from 45% in 2014 to 82% in 2021. The most common condition of which was depression. Those who have no choice but to sleep rough are 9 times more likely to take their own life than the average person. Being powerless to maintain personal hygiene exacerbates feelings of inadequacy. and compromises mental and physical well-being.

Being clean can help create a feeling of confidence and motivation, feelings essential for creating positive change. Many people facing homelessness experience low self-esteem and low motivation, exacerbated by a lack of resources to enable them to look after themselves.

Oral hygiene is so important for physical health, and this is why we aim to include dental kits in all our washbags.

Fundraising

As well as receiving items that are re-distributed to us, or made for us we also need to fundraise to purchase additional items. For instance, we have had baby clothes and blankets knitted for us, but we purchase the baby toiletry packs and nappies, to go with them, for the baby banks. We purchase deodorants and sanitary towels, to go to ShowerBox, homeless shelters and hospices.

In June 2024 , SOS launched a charity lottery via One Lottery to help sustain core operations. Most donations come in the form of goods or services, supplemented by:

Crisis and Humanitarian Relief

SOS remained agile and responsive to humanitarian crises:

6

Awards

With thanks to ….

Our wonderful ladies who sew and knit for us;

7

A special thank you to Mrs Bhanumati Ratilal Shah

And her friends Prahbaben Kishore, Sushilaben Kantilal and Jayben Ashwin who have made over 2 thousand trousers for the hospital (Aka Pants for Patients).

Thank you to the companies and individuals supporting us;

Thank you to everyone who has donated.

If anyone would like to donate – the donation page is as seen below

https://gofund.me/954d1572

Conclusion

From a crisis response in 2020 to a multi-award-winning, sustainable humanitarian organisation in 2024, Serving Our Superheroes continues to serve with compassion, innovation, and integrity. This past year has strengthened its legacy of giving “a hug in a bag” – dignifying lives with essentials, care, and love.

Prepared by: Sarah Gardner BEM, Founder and Chair 14th July 2025 Serving Our Superheroes www.servingoursuperheroes.com

8

Serving Our Superheroes (SOS) (CHARITY NO. 1191410)

Serving Our Superheroes (SOS) Statement of Financial Activites for the period ended 30 September 2024

Notes
Income and endowments
from:
Donations and legacies
2
Total
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
4
Other
5
Total
Net gains on investments
Net Income
Transfer between funds
Net Income before other gains/(losses)
Other gains and losses
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted
Funds
Total Funds
2024
2023
£
£
9,299
4,425
9,299
4,425
2,395
923
3,509
3,446
5,903
4,370
-
-
3,396
55
-
-
3,396
55
0
0
3,396
55
3,396
55

9

Serving Our Superheroes (SOS) (CHARITY NO. 1191410)

Serving Our Superheroes (SOS) Balance sheet

at 30 September 2024

at 30 September 2024
Notes
Current assets
Debtors
7
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: Amount falling due within one year
8		 2024
2023
£
£
-
-
3,669
272
3,669
272
-540
-540
Net current assets
Total assests less current liabilities
Net assets excluding pension asset or liability
Total net assets
The funds of the charity
Unrestricted funds
9
Unrestricted income funds
Unrestricted funds
9
Reserves
9
Total funds		 3,129
-268
3,129
-268
3,129
-268
3,129
-268
3,129
-268
3,129
-268
3,129
-268

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small compaies.

For the period ended 30 September 2021 the company was entitled to exemption under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

The members have not required the company to obtain an auit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.

Approved by the board on 22 July 2024 And signed on its behalf by:

Sarah Gardner Trustee 14 July 2025

10

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 30 September 2024

1 Accounting Policies

Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practise applicable to the charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015) – (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

Change in basis of accounting or to previous accounts There have been no changes to the accounting policies (valuation rules and method of accounting) since last year and no changes have been made to the accounts for previous years.

Fund Accounting
Unrestricted Funds These are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in
furtherance of the general objects of the charity.
Income
Recognition of Income is included in the statement in the Statement of Financial
Income Activities (SoFA) when the charity becomes entitled to, and virtually
certain to receive, the income and the amount of the income can be
measured with sufficient reliability.
Donations and Voluntary income has received by way of donations and gifts is
legacies included in the SoFA when receivable and only when the charity has
unconditional entitlement to the income.
Tax reclaims on Income from tax reclaims in income in the SoFA at the same time as
donations and gifts the gift/donation to which it relates.
Donated services These are only included in income (with an equivalent amount in
and facilities expenditure) where the benefits to the Charity is reasonably
quantifiable, measurable and material.
Volunteer help The value of any volunteer help received is not included in the
accounts.

Expenditure Recognition of Expenditure is recognised on an accrual’s basis. Expenditure includes expenditure any VAT which cannot be fully recovered and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates.

Expenditure on These comprise the costs incurred by the Charity in the delivery of its charitable activities activities and services in the furtherance of its objects, including the making of grants and governance costs.

Governance costs These include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the Charity, including any audit/independent examination fees, costs linked to the strategic management of the Charity, together with a share of other administration costs.

Other expenditure These are support costs not allocated to a particular activity.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

Trade and other debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayment are valued at the amount prepaid net any trade discounts due.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and on hand, demand deposits with banks and other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less and bank overdrafts. In the statements of financial position, bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings or current liabilities. In the Statement of Cash Flows, cash and cash equivalents are shown net of bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form and integral part of the company’s cash management.

Trade and other creditors

Short term creditors are measured at the transaction price. Other creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing any trade discounts due.

12

2 Income from donations and legacies

3 Expenditure on charitable activities
Expenditure on charitable
activities
Charity goods
4 Other expenditure
General administrative costs
Legal and professional costs
5 Creditors:
amount falling due within one year
Accruals and deferred income
6 Movement in funds
Unrestricted funds:
Unrestricted income funds:		 2024
£
540
540
Incoming
resources
(including
other
gains/losses
)
£
9,299		 Unrestricted
2024
£
9,299
Total
2023
£
4,425
9,299
4,425
Unrestricted
£
2,395
Total
2022
£
923
2,395
923
Unrestricted
£
2,969
540
Total
2022
£
2,906
540
3,509
3,446











Resources
expended
£
At 30
September
2024
£

(5,903)
3,396
9,299
(5,903)
3,396

13

Serving Our Superheroes (SOS) Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the period ended 30 September 2024

Income and endowment from:
Dotnations and legacies
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
Charity goods
Total of expenditure on
charitable activities
General administrative costs
Marketing and Fund Raising
Insurance
Postage and stationery
Telephone
Website
Travel
Legal and professsional costs
Accountancy fees
Total of expenditure of other costs
Total expenditure
Net income
Net income
Other Gains
Net movement in funds		 Unrestricted
funds Total funds
2024
2023
£
£
9,299
4,425
9,299
4,425
2,395
923
2,395
923
2,395
923
1,924
2,043
162
162
117
250
242
242
149
79
374
129
2,969
2,906
540
540
540
540
3,509
3,446
5,903
4,370
3,396
55
-
-
3,396
55

Approved by the board and signed on its behalf by:

Sarah Gardner

Founder and Chair of the board: Serving Our Superheroes

14[th] July 2025

14

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17

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19

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