The Worcestershire Homeless Appeal
Report of the trustees for the period from 1[st] September 2023 to 31 August 2024 Registered Charity Number: 1195682
Principal’s address: Bowater House, Rectory Lane, Shrawley, WR6 6TN
The Trustees of the Worcestershire Homeless Appeal present their annual report and accounts for the year ended 31[st] August 2024 and confirm they comply with the requirements of the Charities Act and the Charities SORP (FRS102).
OUR AIMS & OBJECTIVES
The Worcestershire Homeless Appeal seeks to prevent or alleviate poverty in Worcestershire by supplying items and services to individuals and families in need, as well as charities and organisations tackling poverty, all while adhering to the Charity Commission’s guidelines on public benefit. We strive to offer a weekly pantry to the local community, providing groceries, toiletries, and other household necessities. Additionally, we have supported the community by distributing 300 Easter Eggs and 600 Christmas gifts for children, as well as enhancing food packages with £10 Aldi vouchers to help 120 families prepare Christmas meals at home.
Our community consists of 26 volunteers who warmly welcome anyone wishing to support our Charity. This initiative is especially beneficial for individuals who are lonely, facing mental health issues, or looking to join a volunteer network. It has nurtured strong connections, a sense of belonging, and authentic friendships among the volunteers.
ACHIEVEMENTS & PERFORMANCE
The Worcestershire Homeless Appeal aims to reduce food poverty in the community and minimise food waste from distribution centers and supermarkets. Food and essential items are collected directly from Oakland International, Mindful Chef, Gusto, Tesco’s, Ali, Lidl, Sainsbury’s and Muller to create support packages for families in need.
Our mission is to assist anyone who believes they can benefit from our services. Individuals do not need to provide any proof or details about their current situation, and we will not turn anyone away. Approximately 120 families receive support weekly through the Pantry, along with an additional 18 from housing and family referrals.
Collections of food are made using our own vehicle along with deliveries from Oakland International. These items are brought to the unit in preparation for the weekly pantry service. Support packages are distributed on Wednesdays at the Droitwich Spa Baptist Church.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The Worcestershire Homeless Appeal is a nonprofit organisation with all support provided voluntarily.
Income for the period was £19,318, which came from Pantry membership and donations online (JustGiving), offline contributions from local businesses and individuals, and grants from local councils. Total expenditure was £ 20,862, resulting in a loss of £ 1,544.
Total income from membership for the year reached only £6367 compared to the previous year's £12,177. This was due to the fact that food donations from supermarkets were significantly lower than the previous year, resulting in fewer food parcels provided to members, for which they pay. Supermarkets are conscientious about food waste, and this has had a knock-on effect on the amount of food available for donation.
Each member pays £3 and receives bags of groceries containing bakery items, fruits, and vegetables, refrigerated items, and shelf-stable food, along with other essential items when available. There is a need to increase the membership fees, which will be considered in the next financial period.
An income of £1,500 was derived from grants provided by Wychavon District Council. Donations and fundraising efforts totaled £11,451 from key benefactors such as Global Giving, G. Hall, A Sealey Foodies, and crowdfunding campaigns. Donations decreased by 54%. There was a lack of fundraising during the accounting period, although we anticipate a significant improvement in the next financial year.
Fuel costs of £1,773 cover the refueling of our single van that collects food from suppliers and delivers it to the Pantry. We spent £582 on maintenance, repairs, insurance, and taxes for the vehicle.
Not all food is supplied by donations, and this year, a total of £7,745 was spent to supplement the food packages distributed at the Pantry. We also spent £1,200 on Aldi vouchers for Christmas.
Premises expenses decreased slightly by £1,374 from the previous year's significant increase. Although the unit is rent-free, we incur costs related to electricity, insurance, equipment, and other expenses.
We have a total cash balance of £17,066. During the next financial year, we will need to relocate, which will involve a significant investment for the move as well as a potential ongoing cost for the lease. We continue to maintain a reserve of £5,000 for emergency vehicle repairs, monthly operational costs, and food supplies.
The Financial Accounting Services were kindly donated by NJR Accountancy.
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STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
The Worcestershire Homeless Appeal is a Charity Incorporated Organisation – Foundation, registered on the 1[st] September 2021. It has the power to do anything that is calculated to further its objectives or is conducive or incidental to achieving that goal. The income and property are solely used for the promotion of these objectives.
The current trustee panel consists of individuals who volunteer their time without any financial compensation.
The charity has 5 Trustees with the following terms: Ashlea Stone – Chairperson (4 years) Rebecca Ricketts – Treasurer (3 years) Vanda Warrington – (3 years) Che Warrington – (3 years) Julie Davies – (3 years)
Kay Ramsden completed her tenure as a Trustee on August 1, 2024. A new Trustee will be appointed in the next financial period.
Apart from the first charity trustees, every trustee is appointed for a term of 3 years and their appointment is selected for the skills, knowledge and experience needed for effective administration of the charity.
The Trustees manage the affairs of the Worcestershire Homeless Appeal with a duty to perform their functions in a manner that they believe, in good faith, is most likely to further the purposes of the charity. Decisions made by the trustees are documented in writing (or electronic form) and must be agreed upon by the majority.
DECLARATION
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustee’s report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
| Signature(s) Full Name(s) Position(s) Date |
||
| ASHLEA STONE | REBECCA RICKETTS | |
| CHAIR | TREASURER | |
| 8thJune 2025 |