## **Chair Report** ## **Vikki Thomas** ## **For year ending 31[st] March 2025** ## **Introduction** I have been in the role of chair for almost a year and have been with the charity since it started. This has been another year of amazing work for the community. Our fourth year as a charity. But the fifth year as a charitable concern. Producing hand-made items for a variety of establishments within our community. ## **Our Aims / Objectives** The charity aims are to continue to support a range of establishments within the community with a wide range of products whilst having fun and supporting the wellbeing of our crafting community. We will continue to ensure we run the charity ethically and in alignment with our charitable objectives. ## **Our Achievements over the last 12 months** We have had a reshuffle of some of our rooms to enable a more efficient running of operations within HQ. We continue to strive towards finally getting the lease. This has now been finalised internally, strengthened by a fantastic working relationship with We Love Carers (with whom we share the building). This is now in the hands of the council. HQ has seen an increase in volunteers and drivers, the support of whom has been a real asset. Facebook makers group numbers are currently around 3,200 with others joining us who do not use Facebook. Total made items in this financial year are: 57376 Total items out in this financial year are: 57256 (this includes 966 Christmas presents donated) We have continued to develop our Craft and Chat sessions with new sessions being taken into nursing homes, which has helped us to develop community support and relations. The leadership team has seen a lot of change in the last year, all members are working well together to ensure the phenomenal demand for products is being met. Crafting for Communities Registered Charity – 1194136 ## **Trustees** I would like to say a huge thanks to all of our Trustees. Who are passionate about the charity, and fulfilling its charitable objectives: Vikki Thomas (Myself) - newly appointed as chair Trish Bradley - newly appointed CEO and charity ambassador. Carolyn Cieslik - newly appointed as secretary Alison Hill - Fundraising Sue Edwards - newly appointed trustee and deputy treasurer ## **Leaders:** Carolyn Cieslik – Fundraising – Inc Raffles and Auctions Sue Edwards – Schools, Hubs, recipient liaison except care homes and Driver management Trish Bradley – Head of Operations, Sewn items, Cutting, Treasurer/ Financial Controller Carol Bennett – Wool Queen Tina Kelly – Hub & Workshop Management Edna Pingree – Care Homes Julie Tyler - social media Vikki Thomas - marketing leader (new role and appointment) We believe that this group of volunteers is working cohesively, We have a great balance of skills, who all have the best interests of the charity at its heart. ## **Governance** The Charity is governed and managed by a constitution, which has been agreed and is subject to review by the Trustees. ## **Volunteers** All people within the charity are volunteers, there are no plans to have any paid roles within the trustees or leadership team. Our volunteers are the backbone of this charity. And without all of the makers, drivers, hub managers, operational leads and supporters, we couldn’t help all those we help. Our volunteers are so very passionate about helping our community. Not only do what we make, make a difference to our community. But we have created a community. Which has made a huge positive impact for everyone involved and their mental health. Crafting for Communities Registered Charity – 1194136 **The next 12 months** - Finalise is the lease. - Encourage member involvement both within HQ and in the delivery of chat and craft sessions - Continue to make a range of products for communities in need - Develop the branding to be more noticed within an ever-changing market and to represent the development the charity has undertaken since its conception. It has been truly amazing to see all we have achieved and all we continue to achieve each day. Every person involved is a valued member of the team and I am so grateful to all the volunteers, leaders, Trustees and those who fund us. Vikki Thomas Chair of Trustees 26[th] June 2025 Crafting for Communities Registered Charity – 1194136 **Financial Report for 1[st] April 2024 – 31[st] March 2025** We started the year with £ 22,607.17 in the bank. Our income comes mainly from donations, auctions and raffles which you all so kindly participate in . Auctions raised over this period £ 5,615.00 and the raffles raised £1,344.00 Other donations came from craft fayres, fabric sales, giving talks to various groups etc. Came to £6,738.71 We have also successfully applied for grants and have obtained £ 2,950.00 over the year. This gives us a total income of £16,647.71 Expenditure has gone on fabric, haberdashery, wool, equipment, stationery, plastic packing bags and marketing. We are all volunteers and no salaries or wages have been paid. £18,791.34 (this includes £1,500 transfer to 35 Day account) Our 35 Day savings account holds monies that are ring fenced amounts for the Service Charge for the premises (This covers what we owe the Council). We are still waiting for Dudley MBC to produce the invoice. We also hold £4,000 in this account as a safety net. Interest £298.42. This account has a closing balance £20,492.84. The remaining £0.48 in the Metro Account was transferred to the Co-op Bank and all Metro Accounts were closed. ## **Income and Expenditure Account** **£ Current Account Opening Balance 3,912.75 Total Income 16,647.71 Total Expenditure 18,791.34** (includes £1,500 transfer to 35 day account) **Balance to date 1,769.12 35 Day Account Opening Balance 18,694.42 Deposits 1,500.00 Interest 298.42 Withdrawal 0.00 Balance to date 20,492.84 Total in Bank 22,261.96** **We close the year with £22,261.96 in the bank accounts** Patricia Bradley Treasurer Trustee 26[th] June 2025 Crafting for Communities Registered Charity – 1194136