Safe Haven - A Ray of Hope (Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
Report and Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31[st] August 2025
Charity number 1195796
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
Safe Haven (A Ray of Hope)
Trustees Report
For the year ended 31 August 2025
The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of Safe Haven – A Ray of Hope (the Charity) for the year ended 31 August 2025. The report and financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (FRS 102).
Reference and Administrative Information
Charity name: Safe Haven – A Ray of Hope Charity registration number: 1195796 Registered office and operational address: 59 Hadrian Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 9HN, United Kingdom
Trustees
The Trustees who served during the year were: Chair of Trustees Blessing Olalemi Trustee Kerry-Ann Batten Trustee John Olalemi
The Trustees confirm that they have acted in accordance with the charity’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011, and all other applicable charity law and regulation.
Independent Examiner: Peter Okwu Unit 2, Q10 Neon Quorum Business Park, Benton Lane, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE12 8BU
Peter Okwu FCA is a member of a body listed in section 145(2) of the Charities Act 2011 and is eligible to act as an independent examiner.
Bankers:
Barclays Bank, Leicester LE87 2BB
Objectives and Public Benefit
Safe Haven – A Ray of Hope exists to support children, young people, and families in the United Kingdom who are experiencing disadvantage, hardship, or social exclusion.
In setting objectives and planning activities for the year, the Trustees have had due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. The Trustees confirm that the charity’s activities during the year were undertaken in furtherance of its charitable purposes and for the public benefit.
Activities and Beneficiaries
During the year, the charity delivered activities in furtherance of its charitable objectives, including: Community support initiatives for children and families
Visiting and supporting families of children with disabilities and families experiencing hardship Advocacy and awareness activity aimed at increasing donor engagement within Black and Asian minority ethnic communities
Launch of the “Hope for Every Child” food support initiative Development of the “Be the Best Version of You” programme for young people aged 12–17
The charity’s primary beneficiaries during the year were children, young people, and families within local communities across the United Kingdom.
Review of the Year and Financial Overview
The year ended 31 August 2025 represented a period of growth and consolidation for the charity. Activity levels increased compared with the previous year, with a broader range of programmes delivered and increased engagement with local communities.
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(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
Total income for the year amounted to £68,740 (2024: £30,605), reflecting growth in voluntary donations and the recognition of Gift Aid receivable in accordance with HMRC guidance.
A significant proportion of programme delivery continued to be supported through donated services and facilities provided by a related supporter organisation, including venue use, training support, and campaignrelated costs. These donated services were recognised in the financial statements in accordance with the Charities SORP, with corresponding charitable expenditure recorded.
Statement of Financial Activities and Financial Position
All income received during the year was unrestricted. Income of £68,740 (2024: £30,605) arose entirely from donations and Gift Aid. The charity did not receive income from charitable activities, trading activities, or investments during the year.
Expenditure totalled £55,362 (2024: £25,251), all of which related directly to charitable activities. These costs - included programme delivery, campaign and outreach activity, venue hire, rent and rates, communications, training, printing, advertising, and other support costs necessary to deliver the charity’s objectives. Governance costs were minimal during the year and have been included within charitable activity expenditure.
The charity recorded a net surplus of £13,378 for the year (2024: £5,354). This surplus arose primarily from Gift Aid income recognised as receivable at the year end rather than cash received.
At 31 August 2025, total funds stood at £13,378 (2024: £nil), all of which were unrestricted. The charity held no restricted or designated funds. Cash balances at the year end were minimal, with £13,373 recognised as debtors relating to Gift Aid receivable and £5 held at bank.
The Trustees are satisfied that the charity remains solvent and able to meet its obligations as they fall due, and the accounts have therefore been prepared on a going concern basis. The Trustees are also satisfied that post year-end Gift Aid receipts and ongoing voluntary income provide sufficient liquidity to meet the charity’s shortterm operational needs.
Financial Review
Total expenditure for the year was £55,362 (2024: £25,251), all of which related to the charity’s charitable activities. The charity recorded a surplus of £13,378 for the year (2024: nil).
The surplus for the year primarily reflects Gift Aid income recognised as receivable at the year end. Cash balances at 31 August 2025 remained low, highlighting the charity’s reliance on the timely receipt of Gift Aid and voluntary income to meet short-term cashflow needs.
The Trustees continue to monitor cashflow closely and recognise the importance of strengthening unrestricted cash reserves over time in order to support the charity’s sustainability.
Principal Funding Sources
The charity’s principal funding sources during the year were:
Voluntary donations and donated services from a related supporter organisation Donations from individual supporters
Donations from corporate supporters
The Trustees recognise that a significant proportion of income continues to be derived from related parties. Steps are being taken to diversify income streams in order to strengthen the charity’s financial resilience and reduce dependency on any single source of funding.
The charity operates independently, with Trustees retaining full control over governance, decision-making, and financial management.
Reserves Policy
The Trustees aim to maintain unrestricted reserves equivalent to between three and six months of core running costs. Based on annual expenditure of approximately £55,000, the target reserve range is £13,750 to £27,500. At 31 August 2025, unrestricted reserves stood at £13,378, slightly below the lower end of the target range. This position reflects the charity’s stage of development and the recognition of Gift Aid receivable rather than cash held at bank.
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(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
Unrestricted reserves are held to meet working capital requirements and to ensure continuity of charitable activities in the event of short-term funding interruptions. No funds were designated for specific purposes at the year end.
Plans for Future Periods
Subject to securing sustainable funding, the Trustees plan to continue and expand the charity’s activities. Key priorities for the forthcoming period include:
Strengthening training, mentoring, and empowerment programmes for children and young people Broadening the charity’s donor base through grant applications and community fundraising initiatives Improving cashflow resilience and reducing reliance on related-party support
Structure, Governance, and Management
Governing Document
The charity is governed by its Constitution and was registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation on 24 July 2021.
Trustee Appointment and Induction
Trustees are appointed for fixed terms in accordance with the governing document. Recruitment is skills-based and aligned with the charity’s strategic needs. New Trustees receive an induction covering governance responsibilities, financial oversight, and safeguarding duties.
Management and Decision-Making
The Trustees meet quarterly and are responsible for setting the charity’s strategic direction, overseeing activities, and ensuring compliance with charity law. All Trustees serve in a voluntary capacity and receive no remuneration.
Risk Management
The Trustees maintain a risk register which is reviewed annually. The principal risks identified include financial sustainability and cashflow management. Appropriate financial controls are in place, including expenditure authorisation procedures and regular oversight of financial reporting. Related Party Transactions and Conflicts of Interest
The charity received donations and donated services from related parties during the year. All such transactions were undertaken solely in furtherance of the charity’s objectives and on an arm’s-length basis.
The Trustees operate a conflicts of interest policy. Any potential conflicts are declared, recorded, and managed in accordance with the charity’s governance procedures. No Trustee derived any personal benefit from these transactions.
Trustees’ Responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and financial statements which give a true and fair view of the charity’s financial position and activities. They are also responsible for maintaining proper accounting records, safeguarding the charity’s assets, and taking reasonable steps to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.
This report was approved by the Trustees on 20 December 2025 and signed on their behalf by the Chair of Trustees
Signed on behalf of the Trustees
Chair of Trustees
Blessing Olalemi
20 December 2025
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(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
Independent Examiner Report
I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 August 2025 , which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities , the Balance Sheet , and the related notes to the accounts .
Responsibilities and Basis of Report
As the charity’s Trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 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 which give me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts 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.
Signed:
Name: Peter Okwu
FCA / Independent Examiner
December 20, 2025
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(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
Safe Haven A Ray of Hope Statement of Financial Activities (including Income & Expenditure Account) for the year ended 31 August 2025
For the year ended 31 August 2025
| Incoming resources | Unrestricted Funds (£) |
Restricted Funds (£) |
Total 2025 (£) Total 2024 (£) | Total 2025 (£) Total 2024 (£) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income from donations and legacies | 68,740 |
– | 68,740 | 30,605 |
| Income from charitable activities |
– |
– | – | – |
| Other trading activities |
– |
– | – | – |
| Investment income |
– |
– | – | – |
| Total income |
68,740 |
– | 68,740 | 30,605 |
Expenditure
| Resources expended | Unrestricted Funds (£) |
Restricted Funds (£) Total 2025 (£) Total 2024 (£) |
Restricted Funds (£) Total 2025 (£) Total 2024 (£) |
Restricted Funds (£) Total 2025 (£) Total 2024 (£) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expenditure on raising funds | – | – | – | – |
| Expenditure on charitable activities | 55,362 | – | 55,362 | 25,251 |
| Governance costs | – | – | – | – |
| Total expenditure | 55,362 | – | 55,362 | 25,251 |
Net movement in funds
| Unrestricted (£) | Restricted (£) | Total (£) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Net income for the year | 13,378 |
– |
13,378 |
Reconciliation of funds
| Unrestricted (£) | Restricted (£) | Total (£) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total funds brought forward at 1 September 2024 |
0 | – | 0 | |
| Net movement in funds | 13,378 | – | 13,378 | |
| Total funds carried forward at 31 August 2025 |
13,378 | – | 13,378 |
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(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
Safe Haven a Ray of Hope Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed Assets | ||
| Tangible assets | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Current Assets | ||
| Stock | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Debtors | 13,373 | 0.00 |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 5 | 0.00 |
| 13,378 | 0.00 | |
| Net Current Assets | ||
| 13,378 | ||
| Net Assets | 13,378 | 0.00 |
| Unrestricted | 13,378 | |
| Designated funds | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Revaluation Fund | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Restricted Fund | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Total Funds | **13,378 ** | 0.00 |
Trustees’ statement
The Trustees are satisfied that the charity is entitled to prepare accounts under Charities Act 2011.
The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.
These financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 20 December 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
Signed on behalf of the Trustees
Chair of Trustees
Blessing Olalemi 20 December 2025
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