Charity registration number 1194111 (England and Wales)
BAGS FOR STRIFE
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
BAGS FOR STRIFE
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees A Allen J Dugdale O Allen A Allen N Fell Charity number (England and Wales) 1194111 Principal address Room 103, 1 Exchange Street 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 - 10 |
BAGS FOR STRIFE
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.
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;
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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
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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 2025 saw the trustees continue to run the charity in accordance with its aims. During the year ended March 2025 the charity provided over 1500 bags of support via direct enquiries, multiple police force partnerships, other agencies and charitable organisations. This brought the total since the charity started to over 3,250. During the year various trustees spoke at numerous events, appeared on BBC TV and Angela Allen, CEO, was invited to present a keynote speech at the Suicide and Co national event. Our brand continued to develop with a focused social media presence, aligned across all platforms. The trustees took the decision to trademark our name and several images that we use within our promotional material. In addition to this we continue to work with a distribution and warehouse company to maintain stock, pack and deliver bags. Due to inflationary rises the cost of providing a bag now is over £33. Whilst some costs will continue to rise the trustees are always looking for new partnerships to bring these costs down. Due to demand increasing in the year to 2025 our costs have increased significantly verses 2024, but the charity raised substantially more money in 2025 than in previous years due to a very successful “Stride for Bags” for run, Sunflower Ball and partnership with a number of Booth Supermarket Stores.
Financial review and reserves
Total income for the year was £106,931 and expenditure was £67,855. At the end of the year the charity had unrestricted funds of £136,412. 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 12 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 £60,000 (£15,000 in 2024). The increase is due to a combination of price rises for the contents of the bag and the average number of bags being provide each month increasing to 150.
Plans for future periods
The charity is continuing to look for opportunities to work with more charitable organisations as well as increasing our partnerships with the police and prison service. Last year we successfully applied for some funding to allow the charity develop a new bag aimed at children bereaved by suicide. The trustees hope that now funding has been secured for this the new bag, it should be launched in the financial year to 31 March 2026. Unilever have chosen Bags for Strife as one of two charities for 2025/26 and we hope to receive in the region of £25,000 from them which we will be able to put towards funding the provision for our existing bags. We have a number of events planned for the coming year including the first Bags for Strife Golf day, as well as joining Unilever staff for their annual big walk.
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BAGS FOR STRIFE
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
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.
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 (Resigned 14 November 2024)
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.
A Allen
Trustee
15 December 2025
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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 2025.
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
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the financial statements in accordance with the relevant version of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn. I understand that this has been done in order for the financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
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:
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1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the chairty as required by section 130 of the Charities Act 2011.
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2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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3 the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of financial statements set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the financial statements 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.
Dean Rodgers ACA PM+M Solutions for Business LLP New Century House Greenbank Technology Park Challenge Way Blackburn Lancashire BB1 5QB
Dated: 15 December 2025
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BAGS FOR STRIFE
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| Notes | £ | £ | |
| Income and endowments from: | |||
| Donations and legacies | 2 | 106,931 | 50,583 |
| Other income | 3 | 1,557 | 143 |
| Total income | 108,488 | 50,726 | |
| Expenditure on: | |||
| Charitable activities | 4 | 67,855 | 18,968 |
| Total expenditure | 67,855 | 18,968 | |
| Net income and movement in funds | 40,633 | 31,758 | |
| Reconciliation of funds: | |||
| Fund balances at 1 April 2024 | 95,779 | 64,021 | |
| Fund balances at 31 March 2025 | 136,412 | 95,779 |
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 10 form part of these financial statements.
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BAGS FOR STRIFE
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
| Notes Current assets Stocks 8 Debtors 9 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 10 Net current assets The funds of the chairty Unrestricted funds 11 |
2025 £ 18,171 3,159 120,876 142,206 (5,794) |
£ 136,412 136,412 136,412 |
2024 £ 12,819 5,296 83,079 101,194 (5,415) |
£ 95,779 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 95,779 | ||||
| 95,779 | ||||
| The notes on pages 6 to 10 form part of these financial statements. |
The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 15 December 2025
A Allen Trustee
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BAGS FOR STRIFE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
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 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
1.3 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.
1.4 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.
1.5 Stocks
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell.
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BAGS FOR STRIFE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
2 Donations and legacies
| **Unrestricted ** | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Donations and gifts | 106,931 | 50,583 |
| Donations and gifts | ||
| Donations | 41,887 | 21,351 |
| Corporate donations | 8,400 | 4,796 |
| Booths Charity of the Year | 22,599 | 20,736 |
| Bags Sunflower Ball | 17,769 | - |
| Fun run | 15,503 | - |
| Contributions towards bags | 773 | 3,700 |
| 106,931 | 50,583 |
| 3 | Other income | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| **Unrestricted ** | Unrestricted | ||
| funds | funds | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Interest received | 1,557 | 143 |
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BAGS FOR STRIFE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
4 Expenditure on charitable activities
| Heading | Heading | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| #ac982 | #ac982 | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Direct costs | |||
| Bags and contents | 42,380 | 17,266 | |
| Distribution costs | 11,899 | - | |
| Fun run | 1,633 | - | |
| Merchandise for resale/for fundraisers | 1,837 | - | |
| Event costs | 1,320 | - | |
| 59,069 | 17,266 | ||
| Share of support and governance costs (see note 5) | |||
| Support | 8,786 | 1,702 | |
| 67,855 | 18,968 | ||
| Analysis by fund | |||
| Unrestricted funds | 67,855 | 18,968 | |
| 5 | Support costs allocated to activities | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Bank charges | 69 | 506 | |
| Other professional services | 4,777 | - | |
| Subscriptions | 1,689 | 251 | |
| Accountancy | 750 | 660 | |
| Advertising | 44 | 40 | |
| Printing, postage and stationary | 428 | - | |
| Web hosting | 245 | 245 | |
| Design costs | 594 | - | |
| Insurances | 190 | - | |
| 8,786 | 1,702 | ||
| Analysed between: | |||
| Charitable Activities | 8,786 | 1,702 |
6 Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the chairty during the year.
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BAGS FOR STRIFE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| 7 Employees The average monthly number of employees during the year was: Total There were no employees employed in 2025 (2024 - 0), only volunteers. There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000. 8 Stocks Goods for resale 9 Debtors Amounts falling due within one year: Trade debtors Prepayments and accrued income 10 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Trade creditors Accruals and deferred income |
||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Number - |
2024 Number - |
|
| 2025 £ 18,171 2025 £ 75 3,084 3,159 2025 £ - 5,794 5,794 |
2024 £ 12,819 |
|
| 2024 £ 2,400 2,896 |
||
| 5,296 | ||
| 2024 £ 3,333 2,082 |
||
| 5,415 |
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 | 1 April | Incoming | Resources | At 31 March | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | resources | expended | 2025 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| General funds | 95,779 | 108,488 | (67,855) | 136,412 |
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BAGS FOR STRIFE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| 11 Unrestricted funds Previous year: At General funds 12 Related party transactions |
(Continued) 1 April 2023 Incoming resources Resources expended At 31 March 2024 £ £ £ £ 64,021 50,726 (18,968) 95,779 |
|---|---|
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).
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