**Charity registration number 1194111** ## **BAGS FOR STRIFE** **ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **BAGS FOR STRIFE** ## **LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION** |**Trustees**|A Allen| |---|---| ||J Dugdale| ||O Allen| ||A Allen| ||N Fell| ||A Moorhouse| |**Charity number**|1194111| |**Principal address**|Room 103, 1 Exchange| ||Blackburn| ||Lancashire| ||BB1 7JN| |**Independent examiner**|PM+M Solutions for Business LLP| ||New Century House| ||Greenbank Technology Park| ||Challenge Way| ||Blackburn| ||Lancashire| ||BB1 5QB| ## **BAGS FOR STRIFE** ## **CONTENTS** ||**Page**| |---|---| |Trustees' report|1 - 2| |Independent examiner's report|3| |Statement of financial activities|4| |Balance sheet|5| |Notes to the financial statements|6 - 9| ## **BAGS FOR STRIFE** ## **TRUSTEES' REPORT** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the chairty's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). ## **Objectives, activities and public benefit** The object of the CIO is the relief of those in need who have been affected by loss through suicide by providing such support, education and training as the trustees deem appropriate, in particular but not exclusively by; - Educating members of society of the impact of suicide and providing them with the capabilities, competencies, skills and understanding in order for them to support those directly affected by loss through suicide; and - Providing practical support bags to those who have been affected by suicide and adapted accordingly to help with matters such as information to navigate their path through the immediacy of planning a funeral, contact with the coroner, media management, emotional support and advice to help their mental health and resilience both for the immediate and long term. Bags for Strife is a charity set up by people who have lost loved ones to suicide. They have all experienced blame, anger, guilt and sadness. Now they want to share what helps them, to help those whose journey has just begun. In establishing the objects and activities, the trustees have had due regard to the charity guidance on public benefit. ## **Achievements and performance** The period to 31 March 2024 saw the trustees continue to run the charity in accordance with its aims. The year was very much dedicated to raising our profile and working with Booths Supermarkets as their charity of the year in three Lancashire stores. By the end of March 2024 the charity had provided over 1,750 bags of support via direct enquiries, multiple police force partnerships, other agencies and charitable organisations. At the end of the previous financial year we took the decision to outsource our storage, packing and distribution. This has been very successful and has allowed the charity to help more people in the 12 months to 31 March 2024 than ever before. ## **Financial review and reserves** Total income for the year was £50,726 and expenditure was £18,968. At the end of the year the charity had unrestricted funds of £95,779. The Trustees review reserves on a regular basis. The reserves policy is to ensure that there are enough reserves to be able to fulfil the provision of bags for 6 months, in the event of no donations for a period of time. On this basis, the minimum level of reserves considered to be adequate by the trustees is £15,000. ## **Plans for future periods** The charity is continuing to look for opportunities to increase the number of police forces we work with, and widen our reach across the UK. Last year the charity began work on a new version of the bag aimed at children bereaved by suicide and is currently at a focus group stage of the project with a hope that the new bag can be launched in the financial year to 31 March 2025. We have a number of events planned for the coming year including the first of what will become an annual Fun Run “Stride for Bags” and our Biennial Sunflower Ball. ## **Structure, governance and management** Bags for Strife is a CIO Foundation, registered 16th April 2021 as a charity in England and Wales Charity no. 1194111. The charity's day to day operational running is managed by Trustees as the charity becomes established. - 1 - ## **BAGS FOR STRIFE** ## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: A Allen J Dugdale O Allen A Allen N Fell A Moorhouse The charity considers its key management personnel which comprise of six Trustees. Trustees are appointed by the current Trustees. ## **Risk review** The Trustees have put in place procedures to mitigate the risks of the charity. The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees. ## angela allen .............................. A Allen **Trustee** Date: ............................................. 21/08/2024 - 2 - ## **BAGS FOR STRIFE** ## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF BAGS FOR STRIFE** I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Bags For Strife (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2024. ## **Responsibilities and basis of report** As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). I report in respect of my examination of the ’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. 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 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 chairty as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or - 2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or - 3 the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. 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 financial statements to be reached. ## **Ceri Dixon BSc (Hons) FCA** ## **PM+M Solutions for Business LLP** New Century House Greenbank Technology Park Challenge Way Blackburn Lancashire BB1 5QB 20/08/2024 Dated: ......................... - 3 - ## **BAGS FOR STRIFE** ## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** |||**Unrestricted**|**Unrestricted**| |---|---|---|---| |||**funds**|**funds**| |||**2024**|**2023**| ||**Notes**|**£**|**£**| |**Income and endowments from:**|||| |Donations and legacies|**2**|**50,583**|42,015| |Other income|**3**|**143**|80| |**Total income**||**50,726**|42,095| |**Expenditure on:**|||| |Charitable activities|**4**|**18,968**|17,814| |**Total expenditure**||**18,968**|17,814| |**Net income and movement in funds**||**31,758**|24,281| |**Reconciliation of funds:**|||| |Fund balances at 1 April 2023||**64,021**|39,740| |**Fund balances at 31 March 2024**||**95,779**|64,021| The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities. The notes on pages 6 to 9 form part of these financial statements. - 4 - ## **BAGS FOR STRIFE** ## **BALANCE SHEET** ## **AS AT 31 MARCH 2024** |**Notes**
**Current assets**
Stocks
**8**
Debtors
**9**
Cash at bank and in hand
**Creditors: amounts falling due within**
**one year**
**10**
**Net current assets**
**Net assets excluding pension liability**
**The funds of the chairty**
Unrestricted funds|**2024**
**£**
**12,819**
**5,296**
**83,079**
**101,194**
**(5,415)**|**£**
**95,779**
**95,779**
**95,779**
**95,779**|**2023**
**£**
-
106
64,515
64,621
(600)|**£**
64,021| |---|---|---|---|---| |||||64,021| |||||64,021| |||||64,021| The notes on pages 6 to 9 form part of these financial statements. 21/08/2024 The financial statements were approved by the trustees on ......................... ## angela allen .............................. A Allen **Trustee** - 5 - ## **BAGS FOR STRIFE** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **1 Accounting policies** ## **Charity information** Bags for Strife is a charity who provide a bag of support, help and advice to anyone bereaved by suicide. ## **1.1 Accounting convention** The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the chairty's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The chairty is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102. The chairty has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows. The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the chairty. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below. ## **1.2 Going concern** At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the chairty has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements. ## **1.3 Charitable funds** Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives. ## **1.4 Income** Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the chairty has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation. Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the chairty has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset. ## **1.5 Expenditure** Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. ## **1.6 Stocks** Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. - 6 - ## **BAGS FOR STRIFE** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **2 Donations and legacies** ||**Unrestricted **|**Unrestricted**| |---|---|---| ||**funds**|**funds**| ||**2024**|**2023**| ||**£**|**£**| |Donations and gifts|**50,583**|42,015| |**Donations and gifts**||| |Donations|**21,351**|35,815| |Corporate donations|**4,796**|6,200| |Booths Charity of the Year|**20,736**|-| |Contributions towards bags|**3,700**|-| ||**50,583**|42,015| ## **3 Other income** |||**Unrestricted **|**Unrestricted**| |---|---|---|---| |||**funds**|**funds**| |||**2024**|**2023**| |||**£**|**£**| ||Interest received|**143**|80| |**4**|**Expenditure on charitable activities**||| |||**Unrestricted**|**Unrestricted**| |||**2024**|**2023**| |||**£**|**£**| ||**Direct costs**||| ||Bags & contents|**17,266**|16,335| ||**Share of support and governance costs (see note 5)**||| ||Support|**1,702**|1,479| |||**18,968**|17,814| ||**Analysis by fund**||| ||Unrestricted funds|**18,968**|17,814| - 7 - ## **BAGS FOR STRIFE** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **5 Support costs allocated to activities** |Bank Charges
Subscriptions
Accountancy
Advertising
Printing, Postage and Stationary
Web Hosting
**Analysed between:**
Charitable Activities|**2024**
**£**
**506**
**251**
**660**
**40**
**-**
**245**
**1,702**
**1,702**|**2023**
**£**
72
216
600
188
168
235| |---|---|---| |||1,479| |||1,479| ## **6 Trustees** None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the chairty during the year. ## **7 Employees** The average monthly number of employees during the year was: ||The average monthly number of employees during the year was:||| |---|---|---|---| |||**2024**|**2023**| |||**Number**|**Number**| ||Total|**-**|-| ||There were no employees employed in 2023 (2022 - 0), only volunteers.||| ||There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.||| |**8**|**Stocks**||| |||**2024**|**2023**| |||**£**|**£**| ||Goods for resale|**12,819**|-| |**9**|**Debtors**||| |||**2024**|**2023**| ||**Amounts falling due within one year:**|**£**|**£**| ||Trade debtors|**2,400**|-| ||Accrued income|**2,896**|106| |||**5,296**|106| - 8 - ## **BAGS FOR STRIFE** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **10 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year** |**Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**||| |---|---|---| |Trade creditors
Accruals and deferred income|**2024**
**£**
**3,333**
**2,082**
**5,415**|**2023**
**£**
-
600| |||**600**| ## **11 Unrestricted funds** The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes. |**At**
General funds
**Previous year:**
**At**
General funds|**1 April**
**2023**
**Incoming**
**resources**
**Resources**
**expended**
**At 31 March**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**64,021**
**50,726**
**(18,968)**
**95,779**
**1 April**
**2022**
**Incoming**
**resources**
**Resources**
**expended**
**At 31 March**
**2023**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
39,740
42,095
(17,814)
64,021| |---|---| ## **12 Related party transactions** There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023 - none). - 9 -