Bells Lane Community Association (Registered charity, number 1195948) Financial statements for the period 1 October 2023 to 31 December 2024
| Page | Contents |
|---|---|
| 2 - 8 | Trustees’ annual report |
| 9 | Independent examiner’s report |
| 10 | Receipts & payments account |
| 11 | Statement of assets & liabilities |
| 12 | Notes to the accounts |
Bells Lane Community Association Trustees’ annual report for the period 1 October 2023 to 31 December 2024
Full name Bells Lane Community Association
Organisation type Charitable incorporated organisation
Registered charity number 1195948
Principal address 194 Amesbury Circus Cinderhill Nottingham NG8 6DD
Trustees
Natasha Elaine Bryan Kelvin Ugwonna, from 01/10/25
Sarah Wright, from 17/05/25 Samantha Banton, until 17/05/2025
Independent examiner
Eva Stevens, employee of Community Accounting Plus, Units 1 & 2 North West, 41 Talbot Street, Nottingham, NG1 5GL
Governance and management
The charity is operated under the rules of its constitution adopted 28 September 2021.
We recruit trustees from among users of the community centre, and others who are involved in the local community.
Objectives and activities
To further or benefit the residents of the Bells Lane area of Nottingham and the neighbourhood without distinction of sex, sexual orientation, race or of political, religious or other opinions, by associating together the said residents and the local authorities, voluntary and other organisations in a common effort to advance education and to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation and leisure time occupation with the objective of improving the conditions of life for the residents. In furtherance of these objects but not otherwise, the trustees shall have power: to establish or secure the establishment of a community centre and to maintain or manage or co-operate with any statutory authority in the maintenance and management of such a centre for activities promoted by the charity in furtherance of the above objects.
Public benefit statement
The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit, 'Charities and Public Benefit'.
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Bells Lane Community Association
Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit
We provide premises for community organisations to hire for the benefit of the local community, and for members of the public to hire for social events. We also run our own activities for the benefit of the local community, such as a food bank, and special events and celebrations that are open to all.
Children and young people in our area benefit from the activities provided by youth and children's organisations which hire the Centre, such as; Girl Guides, Brownies, Rainbows, a nursery, a youth club for teenagers and an after school club. Older members of the community benefit from the work the NHS do in the Centre on a longterm basis, through the help they provide to members of the local community who are suffering from cardiac issues. Aspley Mentors use the Community Centre to offer support to people in our community, and in addition the three churches which are based in the Centre, help to bring the community together. Local people also benefit through participating in parties and other functions, when the premises are hired out. The special events we organise from time to time also help to bring members of the local community together.
Summary of the main achievements during the period
Bells Lane Community Centre hosted a number of projects during the period which the centre supported in its delivery.
Youth Project
The project started 3[rd] October 2023 and ran until 26[th] November 2024.
The AKA Youth Group at Bells Lane Community Centre ran a weekly programme designed to provide a safe, fun, and engaging space for children aged 13-17 years. Running every Tuesday from 7pm to 9pm, the project aimed to support children’s social development, confidence, and well-being through a variety of structured and creative activities. Sessions included arts and crafts, team games, football, computer games, sports, music and dance, group challenges, and free-play opportunities, all delivered in a welcoming environment where children could learn new skills, make friends, and express themselves.
They enjoyed refreshments from our Tuck Shop! 40 children per week attended the sessions with 1080 children for the year.
Children engaged enthusiastically in the activities, developed new skills, and built positive relationships with both peers and staff. Feedback from parents and the community indicated that the group provided a much-needed safe, supportive, and enjoyable environment. Overall, the project achieved its goals of building confidence, creativity, teamwork, and social development among the young participants.
We received a grant of £1,000 from our local councillors which supported the project activities. The sessions were funded by the AKA group.
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Bells Lane Community Association
Food Bank Project
The project started 13[th] October 2023 and ran until 15[th] December 2023.
The Food Bank at Bells Lane Community Centre was a weekly support service designed to help local families facing food insecurity. Running every Wednesday from 10am to 12pm, the project provided essential food supplies in a welcoming, dignified, and confidential environment. Alongside food provision, the sessions also offered valuable talking slots from Nottingham City Council (NCC) and other partner organisations, giving families access to guidance on well-being, benefits, and community services. Additional support was available through information provided by our adjoined nursery, health visitors, and the NHS heart health team, ensuring families could connect with broader health and early-years support. The project aimed not only to meet immediate needs, but also to strengthen overall well-being and community connection.
Between 51-62 families attended each week.
The Food Bank project at Bells Lane Community Centre was highly successful. The weekly sessions consistently supported families in need, with steady attendance demonstrating the value of the service within the community. In addition to providing essential food supplies, the project effectively connected families with wider well-being and support services through regular talking slots from NCC, health visitors, the NHS heart health team, and our adjoined nursery. Feedback from families highlighted that the food bank not only eased financial pressures but also improved access to information, support, and early-years and health resources. Overall, the project achieved its aims of reducing hardship, strengthening community well-being, and increasing awareness of local services.
The food bank project was funded from HIMA and collected by Diversify Education. The sessions were run by our volunteer committee.
Funder Fair and Grant Support
The Funder Fair and Grant Support project at Bells Lane Community Centre was designed to help residents access financial support and practical guidance, particularly around heat in the home and cost-of-living pressures. The event brought together funders, support organisations, and community services to provide information on available grants, energy-efficiency schemes, and help with heating costs. Residents were able to speak directly to advisors, explore eligibility for funding, and gain a better understanding of how to reduce household energy expenses. The project aimed to strengthen financial resilience, improve home warmth and safety, and ensure the community had clear, accessible pathways to the support they needed.
34 people attended The Funder Fair and Grant Support project at Bells Lane Community Centre, it was a big success. Residents who attended gained valuable information about funding opportunities, heating support, and ways to make their homes more energy efficient. Advisors and partner organisations were able to provide tailored guidance, and attendees reported increased confidence in accessing grants and understanding available support.
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Bells Lane Community Association
While the event achieved its aims, there was capacity for more people to attend, and future sessions could reach even more residents with additional promotion and engagement. Overall, the project provided meaningful benefits to those who took part and remains a strong foundation for continued community support.
The project was funded by the local councillors.
Painting & Gardening Project
The project started 22[nd] January 2024 and ran until 26[th] January 2024.
This was delivered over a one-week period by volunteers from a Volunteering Project Group. They focused on painting and garden improvement at the centre and opened the invitation to helpers from our local community. The project brought young people together to take pride in their community space by refreshing indoor areas with new paintwork and revitalising the outdoor garden. Through hands-on teamwork, the volunteers developed practical skills, built confidence, and contributed to creating a brighter, more welcoming environment for all centre users. The project aimed to encourage responsibility, community ownership, and positive engagement among local young people.
47 people attended, the Painting & Gardening Project was a great success. The young volunteers made a significant impact through their painting and garden improvement work, creating a cleaner, greener, brighter, and more welcoming space for everyone who uses the community centre. Their teamwork, commitment, and enthusiasm were evident throughout the project. To recognise their contribution, certificates were presented to all helpers, celebrating their efforts and highlighting the value of their community involvement. Overall, the project achieved its goals and left a lasting positive difference to both the centre and the young people who took part.
Day Trip to Skegness
This year also saw the centre providing an outing for persons who may not have otherwise visited Skegness on the 23[rd] August 2024.
The Day Trip to Skegness organised by Bells Lane Community Centre was created to provide families from a deprived area with the opportunity to enjoy an affordable day out they might not otherwise be able to experience. Thanks to funding from local councillors, the centre was able to offer cheap tickets, making the trip accessible to families who may never be able to afford holidays or excursions. We took two 80-seat buses, and all seats were sold, showing the high interest and engagement from the community.
The day was filled with fun and memorable activities. Families sang and laughed together on the coaches, enjoyed the fresh air and sand at Skegness Beach, and savoured a traditional fish and chips meal. The trip not only provided a joyful day out but also promoted community cohesion, allowing residents to make new friends, spend quality time together, and create lasting memories in a relaxed and happy environment.
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Bells Lane Community Association
160 persons enjoyed this trip. Yes, the Day Trip to Skegness was a resounding success. Both 80-seat buses were fully booked, showing strong demand and engagement from the local community. Families from a deprived area who may never have had the chance to enjoy a day out experienced a fun, memorable, and affordable trip. The children and adults sang on the coaches, played on the beach, and enjoyed a traditional fish and chips meal, creating shared experiences that strengthened community bonds.
The trip achieved its goals of promoting community cohesion, helping families make new friends, and providing a safe, joyful environment for everyone to relax and have fun. Feedback from participants highlighted their appreciation and the positive impact the day had on both families and the wider community.
The trip was funded by the Local Councillors Fund and £5 ticket fees from passengers.
Health & Well-being Project
The project started 5[th] December 2023 and ran until 17[th] December 2024.
The project involved the NHS using Bells Lane Community Centre as a supportive, accessible space to assist with GP referrals. Sessions ran weekly from 9am–4pm, operating through a booking system while also offering walk-in appointments to make healthcare support even more accessible. Each week, the service supported around 20–25 people, giving residents the opportunity to speak directly with NHS staff, receive guidance, and be referred to the most appropriate health services in a familiar and comfortable community setting.
These sessions reduced barriers to healthcare, helped people get timely support, and provided a friendly environment where individuals felt more at ease asking questions and seeking help. The project also brought more residents into the centre, increasing awareness of the facilities and services the community centre offers. As a result, the initiative not only improved access to healthcare but also strengthened community engagement and highlighted the centre as a valuable local resource.
1500 people attended the project over the year. The project was highly successful. The weekly NHS referral sessions consistently supported 20–25 people each week, showing strong community demand for accessible healthcare guidance. Running from 9am–4pm with both booked and walk-in appointments ensured that residents could receive timely support in a flexible, convenient way.
The service not only improved access to healthcare but also encouraged more people to visit the community centre, increasing awareness of the facilities, programmes, and support available. Feedback showed that residents valued the familiar, welcoming environment and found it easier to speak with NHS staff in a community setting. Overall, the project strengthened community well-being, improved access to essential services, and reinforced the centre’s role as a trusted local hub.
The project was funded by the NHS.
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Bells Lane Community Association
Cook and eat Project
The project started 8[th] March 2022 and ran until 27[th] June 2024.
The project involved Small Steps Big Changes delivering weekly Cook and Eat sessions at Bells Lane Community Centre for parents and carers. During the sessions, parents were able to take part in practical cooking activities while their children were safely looked after in our tenants’ nursery, allowing families to fully engage without worry.
All ingredients were provided free of charge by Small Steps Big Changes, and at the end of each session families were able to take the prepared food home. Each week featured a new menu, including cultural dishes that reflected and celebrated the diverse backgrounds of the families attending. The project aimed to support healthy eating, build confidence in cooking, encourage families to try new foods, and create a warm, inclusive environment where parents could learn, connect, and share experiences.
Over the period 24 people attended.
The Cook and Eat project delivered by Small Steps Big Changes at Bells Lane Community Centre was very successful. Parents engaged enthusiastically each week, enjoying the opportunity to learn new cooking skills while their children were safely cared for in our tenants’ nursery. The free ingredients varied weekly menus, and inclusion of cultural dishes made the sessions both accessible and meaningful for families from diverse backgrounds.
Families reported increased confidence in cooking, a better understanding of healthy eating, and appreciation for being able to take food home at no cost. The sessions also encouraged social interaction, peer support, and community connection, helping parents build new friendships in a relaxed and supportive environment. Overall, the project achieved its aims and had a positive impact on family well-being, confidence, and community engagement.
Aspley Family Mentor Team SSBC funded this project.
Stay and play sessions
The project started 25[th] February 2022 and ran until 18[th] April 2024.
The project involved Small Steps Big Changes delivering Stay and Play sessions at Bells Lane Community Centre for parents and their children aged 0–3 years. These sessions provided a warm, stimulating space where parents could spend quality time interacting with their children through guided play. Activities included sensory play, music and movement, story time, and age-appropriate learning games designed to support early development, confidence, and bonding.
During each session, some children were also able to be booked into our tenants’ nursery, giving parents the chance to take part in focused activities, access advice, or simply enjoy a short break while knowing their child was being safely cared for.
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Bells Lane Community Association
The sessions ran in a relaxed, friendly format, with staff offering support, demonstrating play ideas, and encouraging positive parent-child interaction. The overall aim was to promote early learning, strengthen relationships, and create a supportive environment where families felt welcomed and included.
16 families attended weekly. The Stay and Play sessions delivered by Small Steps Big Changes at Bells Lane Community Centre were highly successful. The sessions were well attended by parents and children aged 0–3, with families engaging enthusiastically in the sensory activities, music, storytelling, and play-based learning opportunities. Parents reported feeling more confident in supporting their child’s early development and appreciated the friendly, welcoming atmosphere created by staff.
The option for some children to be booked into our tenants’ nursery also proved valuable, giving parents time to participate in focused activities, access advice, or take a short break. Many families commented on how much their children enjoyed the sessions and how the structured play helped them learn new skills.
Overall, the project strengthened parent-child relationships, encouraged social interaction, and increased engagement with the community centre. It successfully provided a safe, supportive, and fun environment that benefited both children and their families.
Aspley Family Mentor Team SSBC Funded this project.
Financial review
We are pleased to have been able to continue to increase our income through the hiring of our facilities by community groups and members of the public.
The charity’s policy on reserves
The purpose of our reserves policy is to outline Bells Lane Community Association approach to holding adequate financial reserves to ensure the continuation of the work of the organisation.
Reserves are part of our charity’s unrestricted funds that is freely available to spend on any of the charity’s purposes. Which excludes restricted income funds and endowment funds.
Financial risks
Most of our income comes from the hiring out of the community centre, therefore, one of the major risks where we would be adversely affected is if a significant proportion of our long-term bookings were to cease to use the centre.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees:
Signed ______ Date _ Natasha Elaine Bryan, Trustee
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Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Bells Lane Community Association for the period 1 October 2023 to 31 December 2024
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Bells Lane Community Association (the charity) for the period 1 October 2023 to 31 December 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity 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 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all 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 giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records.
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 accounts to be reached.
Signed ____ Date _______ Eva Stevens BSc, CPFA Employee of Community Accounting Plus
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Bells Lane Community Association Receipts & payments account for the period 1 October 2023 to 31 December 2024
| 2023 (As restated) £ Note Receipts 9996 Grants & donations 2 24105 Rents and room hire - Tuck shop - Trip income 300 Sundry receipts 34401 Total receipts Payments 3377 Cleaning 1792 Equipment, repairs & renewals - Events - Facilitator fees 700 Gardening 755 Insurance - Office costs 3036 Payroll - Professional fees - Refreshments 250 Refunds - Training - Travel costs 638 Utilities - Volunteer expenses - Wages 3067 Unidentified 1857 Sundry payments 15472 Total payments 18929 Net receipts/(payments) 2271 Cash funds at start of this period 21200 Cash funds at end of this period |
2024 (15 months) £ 17825 28458 17 737 15 |
|---|---|
| 47052 | |
| 1101 1630 1900 1265 7715 764 305 454 564 907 824 85 1790 15038 290 15433 - 80 |
|
| 50145 | |
| (3093) 21200 |
|
| 18107 |
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Bells Lane Community Association Statement of assets and liabilities at 31 December 2024
| 2023 (As restated) £ Cash assets Note 20900 Bank accounts 300 Cash in hand 21200 Other monetary assets 229 Prepayments - insurance 229 Assets retained for the charity’s own use General equipment Liabilities (564) Creditors 3 (564) |
2024 £ 18107 - 18107 232 |
|---|---|
| 232 (1049) |
|
| (1049) |
These financial statements are accepted on behalf of the charity by:
Signed _____ Date _____ Natasha Elaine Bryan, Trustee
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Bells Lane Community Association Notes to the accounts for the period 1 October 2023 to 31 December 2024
1. Receipts & payments accounts
Receipts and payments accounts contain a summary of money received and money spent during the period and a list of assets and liabilities at the end of the period. Usually, cash received and cash spent will include transactions through bank accounts and cash in hand.
2. Grants & donations
| Nottingham City Council Sundry donations |
£ 17675 150 |
|---|---|
| 17825 |
3. Creditors
| Professional fees Wages (pensions) |
£ 834 215 |
|---|---|
| 1049 |
4. Premises & staff
The premises are provided by the local authority.
5. Trustees’ remuneration
Trustees received no expenses, remuneration or benefits in this period.
6. Related party transactions
There were no related party transactions during the period.
7. Glossary of terms
Creditors: These are amounts owed by the charity, but not paid during the accounting period.
Prepayments: These are services that the charity has paid for in advance, but not used during the accounting period.
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