Herefordshire Veterans Support Centre
Annual Report & Accounts
For the year ended 31 December 2024
Registered Charity Number: 1192644
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Reference & Administrative Details
| Charity Name: | Herefordshire Veterans Support Centre |
|---|---|
| Registered Charity Number: | 1192644 |
| Charity’s Principal Address: | 100 Widemarsh Street |
| Hereford | |
| HR4 9HG | |
| Trustees: | Samantha Lewis (Chair) |
| Philip Chandler | |
| Christopher Tipping | |
| Shaun Leavy | |
| Sarah Kaye | |
| Andrew Bridgewater | |
| Paul Guest | |
| Harriet Dearden | |
| Rosalind Kearney | |
| John Richard Collyer | |
| Maria Boyle | |
| Bank: | CAF Bank Limited |
| 25 Kings Hill Avenue | |
| Kings Hill | |
| West Malling | |
| Kent | |
| ME19 4JQ | |
| Independent Examiner: | R J Francis & Co Ltd |
| Suites 1 & 2 Marshall Business Centre | |
| Faraday Road | |
| Hereford | |
| HR4 9NS |
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Trustee’s Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2024
Herefordshire Veterans Support Centre
Charity Registration No: 1192644
Purpose of the Charity
To promote the health, wellbeing and resettlement into the community of any and all ex HM Armed Forces personnel, ex HM Armed Forces Reservists or former members of the Merchant Navy who have served alongside their Armed Forces comrades during a conflict (also referred to as veterans) along with their families, carers and dependents who reside in Herefordshire or the surrounding area and who are in charitable need including those who are suffering from mental or physical illness of any description or are in need of rehabilitation as a result of such illness, who are experiencing difficulties adjusting to post service civilian life, are experiencing hardship, unemployment or homelessness in such ways as the trustees of the charity think fit by:
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Providing a single point of contact to assist in the provision of physical, psychological, practical support, advice and encouragement to relieve a veteran’s distress, illness or hardship.
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Providing or assisting in the provision of activities and facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation or other leisure time activities with the object of improving veterans’ wellbeing, self-esteem, self-confidence and aiding their transition back into local society.
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Providing or arranging provision of education, vocational skills training, or other assistance and to create and facilitate job opportunities along with assisting hm armed forces veterans to prepare for and find employment.
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Operate a drop in and activity centre staffed by volunteers, and HM Armed Forces veterans to provide advice, empathy, support and a sign posting service to help HM Armed Forces veterans who are experiencing problems due to one of the above challenges. To assist them with access to local service providers and support organisations that may be able to provide help or support.
Public Benefit & Review of the Year
2024 was one of exceptional growth and transformation for the Herefordshire Veterans Support Centre (HVSC). We have continued to strengthen our role as a trusted hub for veterans and their families, providing connection, practical help, and a sense of community.
A major milestone was our relocation from West Street to our new premises at 100 Widemarsh Street. The move, completed in October 2024, has given us the space and facilities needed to meet rising
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demand. The official opening by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, followed by a community celebration, marked an important moment in our journey and reflected the strong local support for our mission.
Our service delivery has expanded significantly. Between January and December 2024 our staff and volunteers supported over 1,000 veteran visits and more than 200 family visits, alongside 300 supportive phone calls, 234 home visits, and 46 hospital or care home visits. Volunteer numbers grew from 7 to 23, reflecting the community’s commitment to supporting those who have served.
Our team of employees grew from 1 part time centre manager to a full time, job share centre manager, a full time support officer and a part time outreach officer. Our growing team, supported by major grants from the National Lottery Community Fund and the Veterans’ Foundation, has enabled us to deepen and diversify our work. Staff members have provided both in-centre support and outreach visits, ensuring that no veteran feels isolated or forgotten. We have also strengthened our partnerships with local authorities, health providers, and other charities, helping veterans access specialist support when needed.
Our events programme has flourished, offering social, cultural, and educational opportunities for our community. Highlights included our weekly veterans’ brunches, and our annual lecture at The Courtyard Theatre with the Warrior Monk Krishna Thapa. Volunteer development has remained central to our work. This year, team members attended specialist training in dementia awareness, mental health first aid, and suicide prevention, equipping them to offer more effective and compassionate support.
Alongside our core funders, we received generous support from the High Sheriff Fund, Herefordshire Community Foundation, the Rotary Club, the Herefordshire Freemasons, the Masonic Charitable Fund, and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, as well as a growing corporate members scheme and numerous individual donors. Every contribution directly enhances the support we can provide to the veteran community.
We were also delighted to welcome Victoria Harley as our new Patron, and we celebrated the achievements of our trustee and volunteer Philip Chandler, who was awarded the MBE for services to the community.
The year has been characterised by momentum, collaboration, and care. As we look ahead, we remain committed to growing our reach, strengthening our partnerships, and ensuring that every veteran in Herefordshire has access to the respect, support, and camaraderie they deserve.
Financial Review
The income generated by the charity this year from fundraising, donations and grants totalled £126,638 (2023: £27,162).
As of 31 December 2024, the charity had reserves of £121,911 (2023: £41,965). Successful applications for significant grants were awarded in April 2024 enabling the Centre to increase its opening times and become operational 5 days a week.
The charity remains reliant on individual charitable donations and grant awards.
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Independent examiner’s report to the Trustees of Herefordshire Veterans Support Centre
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Herefordshire Veterans Support Centre for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 6 to 7.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of Herefordshire Veterans Support Centre you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011(‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trustee’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 respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or
(2) the accounts do not accord with those records.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed: A A Houston FCA On behalf of R J Francis & Co Ltd Chartered Accountants Suites 1 & 2 Marshall Business Centre Faraday Road Hereford HR4 9NS
Date: 30 October 2025
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Herefordshire Veterans Support Centre Registered Charity No 1192644
Income & Expenditure Account For the year ended 31 December 2024
| INCOMING RESOURCES Fundraising & donations received Grants received Interest received Total Incoming Resources RESOURCES EXPENDED Wages Rent Water rates Light & heat Telephone & internet Repair & renewals Insurance Bank charges Fundraising/marketing expenses Fundraising consultancy Marketing consultancy Brunch costs Travel costs Sundry expenses Total Resources Expended NET INCOME / (EXPENDITURE) TOTAL FUNDS BROUGHT FORWARD TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD |
£ 20,526 - 142 20,668 - 18,100 278 2,900 522 2,764 209 60 1,274 - 1,500 592 180 2,104 30,485 9,817 - 30,660 20,843 Unrestricted Funds |
£ £ - 20,526 104,674 104,674 - 142 104,674 125,342 10,000 10,000 1,600 19,700 - 278 - 2,900 - 522 1,515 4,279 - 209 - 60 302 1,576 1,000 1,000 500 2,000 1,290 1,882 - 180 - 2,104 16,207 46,692 88,466 78,650 11,305 41,965 99,771 120,615 Restricted Funds Total Funds |
|---|---|---|
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Herefordshire Veterans Support Centre Registered Charity No 1192644
Statement of Assets & Liabilities As at 31 December 2024
| Assets Cash at Bank and in Hand Cash in Hand CAF Bank Account Liabilities |
£ 646 25,548 26,194 - Unrestricted Funds |
£ - 94,421 94,421 - Restricted Funds |
Total Funds |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ 646 119,969 |
|||
| 120,615 | |||
| - |
The trustees approve the Income & Expenditure Account and Statement of Assets & Liabilities.
Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees Samantha Lewis Chair
Date: 24 October 2025
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