
Impact Report 2025 Scan the QR code to see our Facebook page 






I lost my husband & a few months ago lost my mum. Its just a way of giving back as I know what it’s like to be lonely. Plus it gets me out & chatting. 


**2** 



## Table of Contents 

|Table of<br>Contents|||
|---|---|---|
|Central|||
|**Message from the CEO**|**...............................**|**4**|
|**Image & Quote**|**...............................**|**5**|
|**Vision, Mission & Values**|**...............................**|**6**|
|Befriending|||
|**Case Study**|**...............................**|**8**|
|**What We Offer**|**...............................**|**9**|
|**Statistics**|**...............................**|**11**|
|Children & Families|||
|**Case Study**|**...............................**|**13**|
|**Children & Families Update**|**...............................**|**14**|
|**Statistics**|**...............................**|**15**|
|Community|||
|**Case Study**|**...............................**|**17**|
|**Christmas Gift Appeal**|**...............................**|**18**|
|**Household Support Funding**|**...............................**|**19**|
|Central|||
|**Meet The Team**|**...............................**|**20**|
|**Stakeholders / Partners**|**...............................**|**21**|



**3** 



## Message from The CEO 

This year has been one of growth, reflection, and real encouragement. 

Our Befriending project has gone from strength to strength, and it has been incredible to see the real impact our volunteers are having in Bolton. At its heart, this work has always been about neighbours looking after neighbours, and this year, we have seen that happen time and time again. Our service user reviews all speak of befrienders who go above and beyond, make them feel part of their family and remind them they are not forgotten. We are incredibly proud of the volunteers we have, people from Bolton who chose to make a difference. 

With Jean stepping away from her role as co-CEO, it has also felt like a natural moment to pause and reflect. That space has allowed us to rethink how we support children and families, and I’m really excited about where this has led us. As we look ahead, our focus is sharpening around supporting SEND families, with new projects planned to launch in 2026 that respond directly to what families have told us they need most. 

Behind the scenes, a lot of work has gone into strengthening the foundations of the organisation. This year we’ve restructured, improved governance, and taken important steps to ensure we are sustainable for the long term. We’ve appointed a Chief Operating Officer and a new Project Manager, and together with the CEO role, this forms our core team, a small but committed group focused on delivering well, leading with integrity, and staying true to our values. 

I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved this year, not just the outcomes, but the care, prayer, and intention behind them. None of this would be possible without our volunteers, staff, trustees, partners, and supporters, who continue to believe in the difference we can make. 

We are so excited and expectant for 2026 and all it holds for us. 

Thank you for being a part of this journey. 

Angela Barry - Chief Executive Officer 

**4** 




Reach has been an invaluable resource for my family. Their support has truly made a difference in our lives. From the friendly and helpful staff to the wonderful service users, the organisation has notably assisted my youngest son in managing his anxieties. It is reassuring to know that we have someone to talk to and we have also forged many new friendships with others in similar situations, providing mutual support to one another. We genuinely look forward to the Thursday sessions, they are both engaging and enjoyable. 

**5** 



Vision, Mission & Values 

## Vision 

That no one will feel excluded from society, lonely or forgotten but instead know that they are valued. 

## Mission 

To promote social inclusion and improve the quality of life of both children and families and those who are elderly and disabled in the Bolton and Bury area. 

## Values 

‘Loving others, giving out’ to always show love and care for those we support, always going the extra mile. To be reactive to the changing needs of the communities we work in. 

**6** 



BEFRIENDING

## Case Study 

Lizzy was referred to Reach in March after receiving the heartbreaking news that she had only two months to live. Due to the urgency of her situation, our usual volunteer befriending process was not appropriate, so our pastoral lead, Hayley, began visiting Lizzy immediately to ensure she was supported and not alone. 

Over the following weeks, Lizzy was admitted to a hospice, where Hayley continued to visit two to three times a week. Whether Lizzy was awake or asleep, Hayley remained by her side—offering companionship, helping to make her comfortable, feeding her jelly when it was all she could manage, and giving her water when she was thirsty. When awake, Lizzy was chatty and clearly comforted by the visits, often calling out Hayley’s name. 

Lizzy sadly passed away in August. Her daughter later expressed her heartfelt thanks, sharing how much comfort it brought to know her mother had a loving and kind friend at the end of her life. Through Reach, we were able to make a meaningful difference during Lizzy’s final months, ensuring she was cared for, comforted, and not alone. 


**8** 



## What We Offer 

## Befriending 1:1 

Our Befriending service has continued to go from strength to strength this year, and we have had so much to celebrate along the way. One of our proudest moments was celebrating our very first volunteers who have now reached five years of volunteering with Reach, a huge milestone that speaks volumes about the commitment, relationships, and heart behind this service. Even more amazing, we know there will be many more five year celebrations to come in 2026, and we couldn’t be prouder. 

Today, over 200 elderly and isolated individuals are part of our Reach family. We continue to work closely with local GPs, NHS services, churches, and community groups across Bolton, who refer some of the most elderly and vulnerable people to us. Each person is thoughtfully matched with a volunteer befriender who lives within their local postcode area, helping to build trust, consistency, and a real sense of connection. 

At the heart of our Befriending service is a simple but powerful vision: neighbours looking after neighbours. Time and again, these matches grow into genuine friendships, bringing companionship, dignity, and hope to those who may otherwise feel forgotten. We remain incredibly proud of the impact this service has in reducing loneliness and helping people feel seen, valued, and part of a community. 

## Pastoral Support 

This year, our pastoral support project has remained a vital part of our Befriending service, continuing to ensure that those most impacted by isolation are not left waiting for support. Anyone referred to us who is over the age of 80 or experiencing severe isolation is placed onto our pastoral project and will receive a visit within 3 weeks of referral. We have grown and strengthened our pastoral team this year, with two staff members now employed across a total of 15 hours per week, fully dedicated to this work, alongside a consistent and committed volunteer. A member of the pastoral team continues to visit each individual regularly until they are matched with a befriending volunteer, ensuring continuity of care and meaningful connection during what can often be a particularly vulnerable time. This project continues to have a significant impact and remains a key part of our Befriending offer, providing reassurance, dignity, and timely support to those who need it most. 

**9** 



## Reach Together 

Following the success of our Reach Together social eating project, this year we have seen the group continue to flourish. Attendance has grown so much that we’ve had to rearrange the room to make space for more people, a great challenge to have! The group is now supported by a growing team of five weekly volunteers and one staff member, ensuring consistency, care, and a warm welcome for everyone who attends. 

The group continues to reflect the heart and ethos of Reach, going above and beyond what happens in the room. Team members regularly visit attendees at home when they are unwell or grieving, and the group celebrates birthdays and special occasions together. Alongside a free hot meal and a warm, welcoming space, members enjoy a range of activities, including singing for the memory, painting, and games. This year also included another much loved day trip, giving people the chance to enjoy time together beyond their local community. 

We continue to see genuine friendships forming through Reach Together, with care, connection, and belonging at the centre of everything we do. 

## Above and beyond 

We always aim to go above and beyond in the care and support we provide, remaining responsive to the changing needs of those we support. This year, we were once again able to access household support funding, which allowed us to provide food vouchers to service users who were struggling with the rising cost of living. 

Alongside this practical support, we continue to prioritise the small but meaningful gestures that help people feel seen and valued. Every service user receives a handwritten birthday card, with special care taken to mark significant birthdays. At Christmas, we delivered hot Christmas dinners to those who are housebound, provided Christmas hampers to individuals spending the festive period alone, and, through our successful gift appeal, ensured that every service user received a Christmas gift. Through both practical help and personal touches, we remain committed to making sure that those we support know they are cared for, remembered, and never forgotten. 

**10** 



## Statistics 

**235** 

7225 

Total Service Users 

Visits & Calls Total Service Users **9331** 101 Volunteer Hours New Service Users 

**75** Extra Pastoral Users 

**473** Extra Pastoral Hours 

**221** 

Total Volunteers 

48 

New Volunteers 

**1068** 

Hot Meals Provided 

**11** 



CHILDREN
FAMILIES
12

## Case Study 

Paul was referred to one of our parenting courses focused on managing anger within the family. Despite living on the other side of town, Paul was eager to access support and cycled to every session after dropping his child at school. As a single parent with no local support—his family lives over 40 miles away—these sessions were especially important to him. 

Initially, Paul was very quiet within the group, but as his confidence grew, he became an engaged and articulate participant. Over the course of the programme, he moved from having little belief in himself or his parenting abilities to developing greater confidence and determination. 

Paul expressed deep gratitude for the support he received and shared how valuable it was to speak openly with others about his challenges. 


**13** 



## Children & Families Update 

This year has been a quieter one for our Children and Families project, and that pause has been intentional. 

Due to challenges in securing funding, we were unable to deliver the full range of activities we had hoped for. While this was disappointing, it created space for us to listen, reflect, and refocus on what families are really telling us they need most. 

Throughout the year, we continued to run our Parents Drop-In and Stay and Play sessions. These spaces have been invaluable. The honest feedback and shared experiences from parents, particularly those raising children with additional needs, have helped us to shape the future direction of the project, ensuring our support is more responsive, meaningful, and rooted in real lived experience of SEND families. 

We also worked in partnership with the Community Locker and King’s Church Bolton to deliver a School Uniform Day, which supported over 100 families with essential items. For many, this practical support made a real difference in helping their child access school with dignity and confidence, easing pressure at an already stressful time. While this year highlighted the financial challenges facing children and family services, we are choosing to see this season as an opportunity, a chance to regroup, strengthen partnerships, and develop new plans that are sustainable and truly meet local need. 

Alongside these changes, there has also been a transition within our leadership. Jean, our Co-CEO, who project managed the Children and Families work, has now stepped away from the role. We are incredibly grateful for her commitment since Reach Children and Families first formed. Moving forward, Angela will be taking the lead on the Children and Families project, supported by Helen, our newly appointed Project Manager. 

As we look ahead, we do so with renewed vision and commitment to walking alongside children and families, especially those navigating additional challenges, ensuring they are seen, heard, and supported. 

**14** 



## Statistics 

**301** 

112 

Sessions (Face to Face) Total Service Users 

**1107** 

30 

Volunteer Hours Volunteers 

**171** 

New Service Users 

5 

New Volunteers 

**15** 



COMMUNITY
16

## Case Study 

This Christmas we were able to support a family who were facing significant challenges following a child’s diagnosis of kidney failure. The father made the selfless decision to donate his kidney, and as a result has been unable to work while recovering from major surgery. The mother was now caring for her partner, their child recovering from transplant surgery, and two other children — one of whom has learning difficulties. The family had to be reliant on DLA and benefits, 

and the loss of income alongside increased caring responsibilities had placed a lot of financial and emotional strain on the household. 

With Christmas approaching, the mum reached out for support with gifts for the children. After a really difficult year marked by serious illness, surgery and ongoing recovery, the family was struggling to provide extras. Through the gift appeal, we were able to provide gifts which helped ease the financial pressure and ensure the children could experience some joy and normality during the festive period. 


**17** 



## Christmas Gift Appeal 

Our Christmas Gift Appeal is now in its fifth year, and it continues to grow in both scale and impact each year. In this latest appeal, we were able to support 315 families and 209 elderly individuals, distributing a total of 1,560 gifts across the community, a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when people come together with generosity and compassion. 

Working in partnership with Kings Church, Bolton and The Community Locker, we once again invited local businesses across Bolton to act as collection points for new, unopened gifts for both children and the elderly. This year, we were especially encouraged to see many new local businesses getting involved as drop-off points, helping the appeal reach even further into the community. We were also grateful to be supported by our sponsors, Change Glazing and Locks alongside new sponsor Eagley House School Nurseries, whose support helped make the appeal possible. 

Gifts were distributed through a one-off event, where families referred by local agencies were invited to choose three gifts per child, helping to preserve dignity and choice during what can be a financially challenging time of year. Gifts for elderly and isolated individuals were delivered directly to their homes by our Befriending volunteers, ensuring they felt remembered and valued during the festive season. 

The feedback from recipients and the wider community was incredibly encouraging, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make the Gift Appeal possible. Bringing the community together to care for one another remains at the very heart of this work. 

**18** 



## Household 

## Support Funding 

This year, we were grateful to once again receive Household Support Funding, enabling us to support both families and elderly people with food vouchers, as well as helping to sustain our groups by providing warm spaces and peer support during the colder months. 

The funding was shared across our Children & Families work and our Befriending service, helping to ease the pressure of ongoing cost of living challenges. Through this support, we were able to provide food vouchers to those who needed them most, offering practical help while also reducing anxiety and stress around basic necessities. Alongside this, the funding helped ensure our community groups could continue to offer a safe, warm, and welcoming space where people could come together, connect, and support one another. 

The feedback we received powerfully highlights the reality many people are living with day to day: 

“I won’t feel as worried about food shopping now. Thank you so much.” 

“This will really help us get through the week — it takes such a weight off.” 

“You are superstars, thank you for helping! So much appreciated!” 

“Knowing there’s a warm place to go and people who care makes such a difference.” 

To be able to offer this support, both practical and relational, and to make a real difference to those who need it most has been incredibly humbling. We are deeply thankful for the funding that made this possible and for the opportunity to continue walking alongside our community during challenging times. 

**19** 



## Meet The Team 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Core Team<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>



Angela Barry CEO 


Michelle Hardman Chief Operations Officer 



**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Helen Norwood<br>Project Manager<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


## KEY STAFF 



**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Debbie Jenkinson<br>Volunteer Coordinator<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>




**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Josh Barry<br> Digital Media Assistant<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>





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Kirstie Hurst<br>Executive Assistant<br>Sarah Welsby<br>Community Worker<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>



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Hayley Green<br>Pastoral Support Lead<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>





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Andrea Mason<br>Pastoral Support Worker<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>



**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Ste Hardman<br>Graphic Design<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


**20** 



Stakeholders / Partners
POSTCODE
Ea.o,le.
Scliiool
Liifs'erie,b
NLllJhbUVAMOOD
TRUST
Ihe
Charity
Service
Bolton's
THE ALLEN L.4NE
FOUNDATION
COMMUNITY
FUND
SirJ&LST
THE SIR JAklES & iADY SCDTh TRUST
KINGSekn
CHANGE
IIPEOPLE'SII
POSTCODE
MCCARTHY STONE
GLAZING AND LOCK5
IILOTTERYII
'.taTION
21

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our Facebook page

CHARITY COMMISSION
FOR ENGLAND AND WALES
Reacl) Faniily Project
1193527
Receipts and payments accounts
CC16a
For the period
from
PL.Iiud slKI.', dale
Pefiod end d(Iie
To
OIIOY25
31112125
Section A Receipts and payments
Unrestricted
funds
Endowment
funds
Restricted funds
Total lunds
Last year
to th• nearest
to th• nMrns¢ £
to the nearest £
to Ihè n•arest £
to the nearesl £
Al Recel ts
CK)nalpJns
GTbnlS
Fundraisin
GIft￿d
Other
8014
8,814
159,981
12.009
139,199
1,811
159,981
7SS
755
6J18
13.138
17,733
Bi
Sub total(Gross income forAR)
A2 Asset and investment sales.
see table .
177.713
'. IM.802
Sub total
17,733
159,981
177.n3
A3Pa
ments
Adverti&ng and PR
8uilding
Fundr&sing
16
61
167
3fj2
CCXX Rl accounts (SS)
2010412026

General Expendilure
Projeci Costs
Training
Volunieèi Costs
Wages & Sal8nes
5,845
io
25
42.524
71
2,942
90.763
34.292
256
5,042
92.707
256
6,174
Sub total
20.962
138,650
159,612
147,735
A4 Asset and investment
urchases
see table
Sub total
Total payments
20.962
8,650
159.612
147,n5
Net of receipts/(payments)
A5 Transfers between funds
A6 Cash funds last year end
Cash funds this year end
3229
21A31
,ioi
18067
19,657
16N28
76,569
97,900
96.226
114J27
77,360
96,227
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
Unrestricted
funds
to nearest £
Restricted funds
Endowment
funds
to nearest £
Categories
Detasls
to neares¢ £
Bl Cash funds
Balance held a bank
16,428
97.900
Total cash funds
16N28
97.900
actountlsl) ' OK
CCXX R2 accounts (SS)
2010412026

Unrestricted
funds
lo neafes¢ £
Reslricled funds
Endomnent
funds
to neafest £
Details
to nearesi £
Fund to which ass¢t
belongs
Current value
(oplional)
Details
Cost (OWlorAI)
Fund io ¥¥hlch a82
belongs
Unre*ncted
Current value
(optlonal)
Details
IT equipfflenl
Cost (omiom
B4 Assets retained for the
charity's own use
205
CCXX R3 accounts (SS)
2010412026

Fund fv whlch
liablllty relales
Amount due
{optlonal)
When due
(opllonal)
Details
B5 Liabilities
Signed by ty￿ trustees on behall of all
the irustees
Signatufe
Print NarT
Date of approval
Z6
ICL CDL¢4J
CCXX R4 accounts (SS)
20104r2026

R ach F mll Pro
ect
Financial statements
for the year ended
31" December 2025

Reach Family Project
Trustees annual report
st
for the year ended 31 December 2025
Règlstered address
19 Dovedale Road, BL2 5HT
Trustee Detalls
Esther Bullock - Appointed May 2022
James Fearnley- Appointed March 2023
Rachel Greenhalgh - Appolnted September 2024
Helen NoN4ood - Reslgned September 2025
Charlty Reglstratlon Number
1193527
Bankèrs
Natwest
36 The Rock
Bury
Lancs
BL9 ONU
Independent examlner
Penny Clarke
2 Ashford Close
Bolton
BL2 3JY
Governance and management
Reach Family Project Is a Charitable Incorporated Organlsatlon reglstered on the
15th February 2021. prior to whlch It operated as a constituted community group
from 2014.
Reserves Pollcy
The trustees aim to maintaln free reserves in unrestricted funds at a level whlch
equates to approximately three months of unrestricted charitable expenditure. The
trustees conslder that thls level will provide sufficlent funds to respond to
applicatlons for grants and ensure that support and governance costs are covered.
At year-end, the charity held £17,733 In unrestricted reserves. which reflects our
reserves policy. The trustees are satisfied that reserves remaln In line wlth policy
and that designated funds will be used as intended to further the charlty's
objectlves.

Reach Famlly Project
Recelpts & payments account
for the year ended 31" December 2025
Recelpts:
Donation5
Grants
Fundmislng
Gift old
Other
8.814
159.981
1,846
755
6.318
Total receipts
Payments:
Advertlslng & PR
Buildlng
Fundrclslng
General £¥penditure
Project Costs
Troining
Volunteer Expenses
Wages & Salorles
61
34
10,364
36.641
256
6.174
104.234
Tetal Payments
159 612
Net recelptslpayments
Bank and cash at the start of the period 96 226
Bank and cash at the end of the period 114

Reach Famlly Project
Statement of assets and liabilities
at 31" December 2025
Cash assets
Current account
114,327
Total cash assets
Liabilities
There are no Ilabilities
These financlal statements are accepted on behalf of the organlsatEon by:
Signed:
Role:
Prlnted: rfA44<5 f-
(>&tè. £•/F/.,
Slgned:
Role: TrtuST6£
Printed:
IrJL c, Dc(
Signed:
Role: c&0
21 ILPI 26
Printed: ¢1 (WLIH
Date:

Reach Famlly Project
Notes to the accounts
for the year ended 31 December 2025
1. Receipts & payments accounts
Recelpts and payments accounts are statements that summarlse the rnovement of cash
into and out of the organisation during the financlal year. In thls context "cash-
includes cash equivalents, for example, bank accounts where cash can be readily
withdrawn to pay for debts as they become due.
2. Grants & Donations
Grants and donatlons
National Lottery Reochlng Communltles
Household Support
National LotteryAwards for all
Sir James & Lady Scott
Peel Trust
Mccorthy Stone
Postcode Lottery
The Charity Servlce
Allen Lane Foundatlon
Albert Hunt
Charles Hayword
Peter Kershaw
Other
39,810
35.625
20.000
3,000
8,000
10,000
16,666
3.000
3,500
5,000
s.000
4,000
6,380
Total grants and donations159 981

CHARITY COMMISSION
FOR ENGLAND AND WALES
Independent examinerfs
report on the accounts
Report to tho tru8tw81
memborn of
(L6ftcd KpffiiL
On accounts for th• y•ar
•nd•d
S I DECe4￿Arn
Charlty no
(If any)
Sot out on pages
I report to the tsustees on my exarnlnatlon of the accounts of the above
charity (Ihe Trust") for the year ended i ItiL 'fLrt.r
Responslbllltles and AS the tharity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparatlon
basls of report of the accounts In accordance wlth the requlrements of the Charlties Act
2011 (Ihe Act").
l ￿port in respect of my examlnation of the Trusys accounts carried out
under section 145 of the 2011 Act and In carrying out my examinatlon, I
have followed the appllcable Directions glven by the Charlty Commlsslon
under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
I have completed my examlnatlon. I confirm that no materlal matters have
come to my attention (other than that disdosed below ") in connection with
the examination whlch glves me cause to believe that in, any material
respect:
accounting records were not kept in accordance wlth section 130 of
the Act or
the accounts do not accord with the accounting records
Independent
examinerfs statement
I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection
with the examinatlon to whlch attention should be drawn in order to enable
a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
. Please delete the words in the brackets rf they do not apply.
Slgned:
Date:
Name:
8OZfiYM(& PtrnfKry
October 2018

Relevant professlonal
quallflcatlon(8) or body
(If any):
Address:
ÉoLYorJ
Only complete If the examlner needs to hlghllght matters of concem (see CC32.
Independent examlnation of charity accounts: dlrectlons and guidance for
examiners).
October 2018

Glv• h•r• brf•f d•tall• of
any Items that th•
•xamln•r wlshos to
dl•clos•.
ER
October 2018