SHEPHERD’S STAR
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER - 1196520 CIO-Foundation Registered 11[th] November 2021
Trustees Annual Report for the Financial Year 1[st] June 2022 to 31[st] May 2023
CONTENTS
| Page | 3 | - | Legal and Administrative Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Page | 4 | - | Introduction |
| Page | 4 | - | Mission, Vison and Values |
| Page | 4-12 | - | Main Activities |
| Page | 13 | - | Partners |
| Page | 13 | - | Volunteer Contributions |
| Page | 14-15 | - | Structure, Governance & Management |
| Page | 16-19 | - | Financials |
| Page | 20 | - | Declarations |
2
Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2022 to 31[st] May 2023
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
CHARITY NUMBER 1196520 LEGAL STATUS Charitable Incorporated Organisation DATE OF REGISTRATION 11[th] November 2021 START OF FINANCIAL PEROID 1[st] June 2022 END OF FINANCIAL PERIOD 31[st] May 2023 TRUSTEES Judith King Marianne Welsh Justin Wingfield DIRECTOR Desiree Shepherd BANKERS Metro Bank 64-66 Clarence Street Kingston-upon-Thames KT1 1NP ADDRESS 49 Richmond Hill Richmond TW10 6RE E-MAIL AND WEBSITE connect@shepherdsstar.org www.shepherdsstar.org
Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2022 to 31[st] May 2023
3
INTRODUCTION TO SHEPHERD’S STAR AND OUR ACTIVITIES
Shepherd’s Star is a charity operating in the borough of Richmond Upon Thames. We encourage self-development and a sense of purpose by bringing communities together through specific projects.
In a collective effort, Shepherd’s Star strives to rebuild confidence, develop skills and reignite the potential of those in need, to accomplish our objective of bringing relief to those in need.
1 MISSION, VISION AND VALUES
Our Mission - is to bring communities together, supporting those in need through connections, friendships and development programmes.
Our vision - is for a world where everyone has the opportunity to be a connected, valued and contributing member of society.
Our values - at the heart of everything we do, is our belief in people, inclusivity, collaboration and empathy for all.
2 MAIN ACTIVITIES (with a focus on Explore)
Shepherd’s Star collaborates with volunteers, local businesses, and charitable partner organisations, to support greater social inclusion, inspire hope and empower individuals. Shepherd’s Star does this through a number of activities: Explore, Shine (a barista and hospitality training programme), Good Friday (GF), Steps (regular socially inclusive activities within the community) and Table of Hope (TOH) which seeks to inspire hope and build friendships.
2.1 Explore
Explore is our flagship project. Launched in February 2022 to fill a training and skills gap in the Borough of Richmond through a variety of carefully selected workshops, our aim is to build confidence, self esteem and re-ignite potential; improving emotional and mental wellbeing.
4
Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period
1[st] June 2022 to 31[st] May 2023
We recognised the need for a socially inclusive peer support group, enabling beneficiaries progress, in a welcoming, nurturing and low stress environment, growing and developing their personal and life skills.
Our Explore programme provides training and support for people looking to reach their personal potential and progression on their life's journey. Explore aims to build their confidence, support their mental wellbeing and reconnect and reintegrate within the local community in the hopes of fulfilling their human potential.
We help people who are economically or socially disadvantaged including those on a low income or unemployed; racially excluded; need support with rehabilitation from substance misuse; facing a personal or family crisis such as homelessness; ex-offending or domestic violence, or experiencing physical or mental ill-health.
Explore helps people feel socially included, builds their resilience through a variety of workshops and peer support. We enable our beneficiaries to find volunteer roles, work or improve their income with new skills, reducing poverty and economic disadvantage.
2.1.1 Activities and benefits of Explore
Workshop activities include introductions to budgeting, cooking, barista, gardening and woodwork. The change or benefit of this includes:
-
The benefit of trying out new skills in a supportive, empathetic, low pressure environment alongside peer support, helps raise participants' motivation, confidence, self esteem and sense of purpose and belonging.
-
The main output is evidence of participants taking steps towards developing one or more skills i.e. signing up for a specific skill eg Gardeners sign up to Kew Gardens Discover Horticulture; cooking learners sign up for Cooking with Confidence or Baking Skills for Beginners at RHACC; aspiring Baristas join the SHINE project and keen woodworkers join a volunteer team at the Richmond Furniture Scheme, all of which contribute towards increasing social inclusion.
5 Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2022 to 31[st] May 2023
Developing personal profiles following a workshop on understanding personal values. The change or benefit of this includes:
-
The benefit of building personal profiles and understanding one's own personal values helps participants' sense of self worth, value and builds confidence in their skills and ability as well as providing a sense of potential direction for the future.
-
With Explore's individual-centred approach, the main output is each beneficiary develops their own pathway and development plan: building self-belief and confidence.
-
The personal profiles created are used to match Explore graduates with community partners for volunteering, work or community hours served i.e. gardening.
-
Evidence of personal profile matching and influencing the next steps to change and improving aspects of lives is recorded. Personal and professional network development is offered to help with social inclusion, and engagement is monitored.
Communal lunch: each day of Explore includes a delicious and nutritious lunch. The participants help set up the table, serve one another and together, enjoy a meal around a communal table. The change or benefit of this includes:
-
As relationships develop around the casual, safe, welcoming environment of a shared meal, friendships become mutually supportive.
-
Participants are providing peer support to one another - both practically and emotionally. The outcome of the shared lunches around a communal table is a sense of belonging, of social inclusion, of being seen, heard and appreciated.
-
This builds our participants' confidence, encourages friendships, inspires hope and supports social inclusion.
6
Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2022 to 31[st] May 2023
Personal surveys: at the start and end of the Explore programme we invite participants to complete a self assessment, scoring their skills, confidence development and social inclusion on a rating scale. The change or benefit of this includes:
-
The benefits of these self assessments are two-fold: not only do they provide a wonderful expression of personal progression for our participants (100% of participants reflected a growth in their progression at the end of Explore) but also for impact reporting and capturing successful outcomes.
-
The desired outcome is for a positive result from the nine objectives including (a) social inclusion and self-belief (b) confidence and motivation to maintain a positive way of life and to be interviewed by course instructors and potential employers (c) personal organisation and time management.
-
This supports their personal progression, helps them track their growth and boosts their confidence to continue on their journey to becoming more independent and a contributing member of the local community.
We introduce our cooking workshop with an introduction to healthy eating. Emphasising the importance of good nutrition, introducing more fruit and vegetables into one's diet whilst reducing the intake of saturated fats, added sugar and salt levels in the diet (based on the Eatwell Plate model). The change or benefit of this includes:
-
Participants will then have the opportunity to follow a recipe and cook a meal together. This will then be enjoyed over a communal table, encouraging conversation and connection, whilst reducing loneliness and feelings of social exclusion.
-
Participants are all given a Cook Box (funded by Richmond Active Fund) - a bag containing the ingredients and recipe of the meal they have just made to encourage cooking at home with familiar ingredients and recipes.
-
Participants also complete a self-assessment on understanding how to cook a nutritional meal.
-
The small group environment is ideal for participants suffering from social isolation who may feel overwhelmed by a large group.
7
Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2022 to 31[st] May 2023
- Cooking together promotes a positive activity, can help relieve depression, increases goal-orientated actions and can motivate participants to an active role in their health and wellbeing.
2.2 Shine
Shine provides barista and hospitality training for those experiencing isolation and worklessness, enabling them to explore options towards employment within the hospitality industry whilst building their skills and confidence.
8 Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2022 to 31[st] May 2023
2.3 Steps
Regular, socially engaging activities including outings and trips to local places of interest under the banner of our Explore programme. Steps also invites participants to “give back” to our local community and have included Be Richmond litter picking days, Habitats & Heritage clean up days and Kew Gardens work parties – painting and re-organising their community allotment.
2.4 Table of Hope (TOH)
Table of Hope is a monthly invitation to gather together as a community, around a communal table and enjoy a delicious meal in the company of friends. Together breaking down the barriers to social exclusion, connecting community and inspiring hope.
Why Table of Hope?
-
Increased community engagement: Table of Hope provides a regular opportunity for individuals and businesses to connect and invest in their local community, strengthening social bonds and enhancing community spirit.
-
Enhanced well-being: Table of Hope promotes a sense of well-being and happiness, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness, contributing towards an improved mental and emotional health for our guests.
-
Support network development: Table of Hope invites invitations of support, resources, advice and befriending to those in need, leading to the development of a strong support network within the community.
-
Strengthened community identity: Table of Hope helps foster a shared sense of identity and pride within the community, enhancing community spirit, inspiring hope and a sense of belonging making people feel connected.
9 Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2022 to 31[st] May 2023
*pHE•o. STAB Celebrating Table of Hope onne¢tlnq to Ill syr41 16 buSInGe5 hwr• July 2021- July 2023 io Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.she herdsstar.or Trustees Report for the Period 1° June 2022 to 31" May 2023
2.5 Good Friday (GF)
Good Friday (GF) runs (out of the side hall) of Twickenham United Reformed Church (side hall), on the edge of Twickenham Green, every Friday from 11am-2pm. It is a social pop-in hub where we focus on food and friendship! Participants are encouraged to bring along a craft or a board game, to learn a skill and make new friends.
Good Friday community hub was originally birthed through conversations and feedback received from our TOH and Explore service users, who requested a regular space in which to connect, socialise, share a communal meal and receive advice if needed.
Since our inception, we have fed lunch to 30-45 individuals every week, made by our volunteers, using surplus food, pastries and bread donated by Gail’s Bakery in Twickenham.
Rocketing food prices and widespread loneliness with many people facing increased hardship and isolation, has meant GF has become a valuable meeting space and lifeline for our guests.
11 Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2022 to 31[st] May 2023
GF offers beneficiaries a warm space where they are able to enjoy a nutritious lunch, conversation (with other guests and our volunteer befrienders) and socialise.
The main benefit is to offer a warm inclusive space to those experiencing hardship, food poverty or exclusion driven by income reduction or crisis; those impacted by the effects of COVID-19 on their financial situation, mental wellbeing, or social interaction.
We are looking to increase and scale our offering in response to the growing need from our community to provide further benefits.
The work of that will take place will include:
-
2.5.1 Connecting communities: we help strengthen and build resilient communities by bringing people and service users together in a warm, welcoming space, where advice and social connection is offered with the aim of building supportive relationships, reducing hardship and promoting inclusion.
-
2.5.2 Nourishing the hungry: cooking healthy meals for those in need, improving nutrition and reducing hunger for those in need, leading to improved food knowledge and changes in behaviour.
-
2.5.3 Reducing food poverty and surplus food: Take food destined for the bin and turn it into healthy lunches for the community or offered freely to the community to collect from a community fridge.
-
2.5.4 Inspiring hope: support mental health, wellbeing and reduce loneliness by creating a welcoming space where people from all backgrounds and walks of life can have connections, sharing in conversations over a delicious cup of coffee - something that for many in need, is a real luxury.
-
2.5.5 Promote change: provide a space to learn new skills: from signing up to our six-week personal development Explore programme, to our SHINE coffee barista / hospitality training, to craft and baking days.
12 Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2022 to 31[st] May 2023
3 PARTNERS
The Charity has good working relationships with a large number of organisations with a similar vision. Partners involved in delivering and supporting Explore include local businesses, charities and educational providers. All speakers are experienced and knowledgeable in teaching/training the topic and skill of their workshop. Many are formally qualified as trainers (for example Citizen's Advice trainers for money management and budgeting). Partners include: Citizens Advice Bureau Richmond, The Richmond Furniture Scheme, Kew Gardens, Good Life Designed UK, Bhuti, Bingham Riverhouse Hotel, Harrington Design & Build, Relish & Grace, Take 7 Simple Steps, Kapucin and RHACC. Some partners offer potential for beneficiaries to participate in longer term opportunities eg. volunteering, apprenticeships, further training, social support and mentoring.
3.1 Referring Partners
Our recruitment process is largely dependent on referral partners working alongside hard-to-reach clients.
Referral agencies include:- Spear, DWP Twickenham Job Centre, RCDAS, Look Ahead Mental Health and Reed in Partnership.
4 VOLUNTEER CONTRIBUTION
Volunteers play a vital role in the running of Shepherd’s Star - without their input and support, the Charity would not be able to accomplish their objectives. A team of Shepherd’s Star volunteers have been active in the local community since 2020. A number of our volunteers have signed up to volunteer after being a participant or guest at various activities (i.e. Explore, Steps, Table of Hope and Good Friday).
In particular, we have created a number of volunteer roles following graduation from our Explore programme - one such role is that of an Explore Ambassador.
Every term we offer an opportunity for an Explore Graduate to return as an Ambassador - someone who has completed Explore and who is able to support our project leads by creating a warm, welcoming environment for
13 Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2022 to 31[st] May 2023
all participants and guests. This role also includes befriending and supporting participants and guests during our social inclusive activities.
We invite the individual to share their thoughts, experience and insight with regards to feedback, direction and next steps. We highly value lived experience and have benefited greatly from having this input into our Explore project.
We recognise having an appreciation of the challenges through a lived experience can provide help and reassure people in crisis / experiencing poor mental health and at Shepherd’s Star, we welcome the insight and compassion our volunteers are able to bring to the team.
This shared experience contributes towards a culture of empathy and compassion, helps foster understanding, build relationships and reduce social isolation.
5 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT
5.5 Organisation
The Shepherd’s Star trustees meet at a quarterly Trustees meeting. The director also provides the Trustees with a monthly directors report which updates the Trustees on progress, challenges and the day to day matters of the charity. The Director ensures that the Trustees are kept abreast of important issues and regularly communicates with the Chair by email and telephone with updates and information. The Director attends Trustee meetings. The Trustees are unpaid and receive no benefit from their work with the Charity. There is no relationship between any trustee and employees or suppliers.
5.6 Financial Statements
The financial statements have been prepared in the format prescribed by the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP20l9 (FRSI02)) and the Financial Reporting Standard. Shepherd’s Star has in place a Financial and Reserves Policy agreed by the Trustees. The Financial and Reserves Policy sets out the defined parameters by which the charity conducts its business financially. These include budgetary controls, internal financial controls, expenditure controls and the monetary reserves policy.
14 Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2022 to 31[st] May 2023
5.7 Decision making
The Director is responsible to the Trustees for managing the day-to-day operations of the Charity. To facilitate effective operations, the Director has delegated authority, with terms of delegation, agreed by the Trustees. Trustees are made aware of the seriousness of their responsibilities and obligations under charity and company law. They are encouraged to understand these obligations by reading relevant Charity Commission publications. Trustees are made aware of training courses and conferences and encouraged to extend their knowledge of matters pertaining to their role in the Charity.
5.8 Risk Management
Shepherd’s Star has the following policies in place. These have been approved by the Trustees but are continuously updated to keep these in line with procedural and circumstantial changes.
-
Safeguarding policies for vulnerable adults risk policy
-
Safeguarding children’s risk policy
-
Data Protection policy
-
Privacy policy
-
Health and safety policy
-
Eligibility policy
-
Financial and Reserves policy
5.9 Trustees
Judith King - Trustee, Secretary Marianne Welsh - Trustee Justin Wingfield - Trustee, Treasurer
5.10 Key People
Desiree Shepherd
- Director
15
Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2022 to 31[st] May 2023
6 FINANCIALS
The financial statements have been prepared in the format prescribed by the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP20l9 (FRSI02)) and the Financial Reporting Standard.
Shepherd’s Star has in place a Financial and Reserves Policy agreed by the Trustees. The Financial and Reserves Policy sets out the defined parameters by which the charity conducts its business financially. These include budgetary controls, internal financial controls, expenditure controls and the monetary reserves policy.
Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2022 to 31[st] May 2023
16
SHEPHERD'S STAR BALANCE SHEET as at 31 May 2023
| in pounds Fixed Assets Current Assets Debtors Cash at bank Total Current Assets Liabilities Creditors Total Current Liabilities Total Net Assets The funds of the Charity: Restricted income funds Unrestricted income funds Total Charity Funds |
31 May 2022 - 83 18.402 18.484 924 924 17.560 - 17.560 17.560 |
31 May 2023 - 245 7.062 |
|---|---|---|
| 7.307 1.042 |
||
| 1.042 | ||
| 6.266 | ||
| - 6.266 |
||
| 6.266 |
Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2022 to 31[st] May 2023
17
SHEPHERD'S STAR STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the period ending 31 May 2023
| in pounds Income from: Grants - Funders Donations - Individuals Donations - Companies Events Income/Caimpaigns Other income (G/Aid) Interest Total Income Expenditure on: Salaries (incl. social costs) Insurance Telephone Printing and stationery Rent Website and Media Subscriptions Travel Volunteer expenses Event Supplies Miscellaneous expenses Total Expenditure Net Income/(Expenditure) Total Funds brought forward Total Funds carried forward |
11 November 2021 - 31 May 2022 16.662 1.412 4.970 287 83 - 23.412 3.503 804 60 - 512 307 8 320 23 147 170 5.852 17.560 - 17.560 |
1 June 2022 - 31 May 2023 26.454 18.246 1.336 9.092 1.063 - |
|---|---|---|
| 56.191 | ||
| 49.884 675 377 995 1.500 2.324 162 256 885 9.387 1.041 |
||
| 67.485 | ||
| (11.294) 17.560 |
||
| 6.266 |
Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2022 to 31[st] May 2023
18
SHEPHERD'S STAR STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS for the period ending 31 May 2023
in pounds Net Income/(expenditure) for 2023 Adjusted for: Increase in debtors Increase in creditors Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Change in cash in the reporting period Cash at the beginning of the reporting period Cash at the end of the reporting period |
Total funds 31 May 2022 17.560 (83) 924 18.402 - 18.402 - 18.402 |
Total Funds 31 May 2023 (11.294) (163) 118 |
|---|---|---|
| (11.339) - (11.339) 18.402 |
||
| 7.062 |
Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2022 to 31[st] May 2023
19
7. Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees.
Signature
Justin Wingfield Chair
Date
23[rd] November 2023
20
Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2022 to 31[st] May 2023
SHEPHERD’S STAR
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER - 1196520 CIO-Foundation Registered 11[th] November 2021
Trustees Annual Report for the Financial Year 1[st] June 2022 to 31[st] May 2023
CONTENTS
| Page | 3 | - | Legal and Administrative Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Page | 4 | - | Introduction |
| Page | 4 | - | Mission, Vison and Values |
| Page | 4-12 | - | Main Activities |
| Page | 13 | - | Partners |
| Page | 13 | - | Volunteer Contributions |
| Page | 14-15 | - | Structure, Governance & Management |
| Page | 16-19 | - | Financials |
| Page | 20 | - | Declarations |
2
Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2022 to 31[st] May 2023
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
CHARITY NUMBER 1196520 LEGAL STATUS Charitable Incorporated Organisation DATE OF REGISTRATION 11[th] November 2021 START OF FINANCIAL PEROID 1[st] June 2022 END OF FINANCIAL PERIOD 31[st] May 2023 TRUSTEES Judith King Marianne Welsh Justin Wingfield DIRECTOR Desiree Shepherd BANKERS Metro Bank 64-66 Clarence Street Kingston-upon-Thames KT1 1NP ADDRESS 49 Richmond Hill Richmond TW10 6RE E-MAIL AND WEBSITE connect@shepherdsstar.org www.shepherdsstar.org
Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2022 to 31[st] May 2023
3
INTRODUCTION TO SHEPHERD’S STAR AND OUR ACTIVITIES
Shepherd’s Star is a charity operating in the borough of Richmond Upon Thames. We encourage self-development and a sense of purpose by bringing communities together through specific projects.
In a collective effort, Shepherd’s Star strives to rebuild confidence, develop skills and reignite the potential of those in need, to accomplish our objective of bringing relief to those in need.
1 MISSION, VISION AND VALUES
Our Mission - is to bring communities together, supporting those in need through connections, friendships and development programmes.
Our vision - is for a world where everyone has the opportunity to be a connected, valued and contributing member of society.
Our values - at the heart of everything we do, is our belief in people, inclusivity, collaboration and empathy for all.
2 MAIN ACTIVITIES (with a focus on Explore)
Shepherd’s Star collaborates with volunteers, local businesses, and charitable partner organisations, to support greater social inclusion, inspire hope and empower individuals. Shepherd’s Star does this through a number of activities: Explore, Shine (a barista and hospitality training programme), Good Friday (GF), Steps (regular socially inclusive activities within the community) and Table of Hope (TOH) which seeks to inspire hope and build friendships.
2.1 Explore
Explore is our flagship project. Launched in February 2022 to fill a training and skills gap in the Borough of Richmond through a variety of carefully selected workshops, our aim is to build confidence, self esteem and re-ignite potential; improving emotional and mental wellbeing.
4
Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period
1[st] June 2022 to 31[st] May 2023
We recognised the need for a socially inclusive peer support group, enabling beneficiaries progress, in a welcoming, nurturing and low stress environment, growing and developing their personal and life skills.
Our Explore programme provides training and support for people looking to reach their personal potential and progression on their life's journey. Explore aims to build their confidence, support their mental wellbeing and reconnect and reintegrate within the local community in the hopes of fulfilling their human potential.
We help people who are economically or socially disadvantaged including those on a low income or unemployed; racially excluded; need support with rehabilitation from substance misuse; facing a personal or family crisis such as homelessness; ex-offending or domestic violence, or experiencing physical or mental ill-health.
Explore helps people feel socially included, builds their resilience through a variety of workshops and peer support. We enable our beneficiaries to find volunteer roles, work or improve their income with new skills, reducing poverty and economic disadvantage.
2.1.1 Activities and benefits of Explore
Workshop activities include introductions to budgeting, cooking, barista, gardening and woodwork. The change or benefit of this includes:
-
The benefit of trying out new skills in a supportive, empathetic, low pressure environment alongside peer support, helps raise participants' motivation, confidence, self esteem and sense of purpose and belonging.
-
The main output is evidence of participants taking steps towards developing one or more skills i.e. signing up for a specific skill eg Gardeners sign up to Kew Gardens Discover Horticulture; cooking learners sign up for Cooking with Confidence or Baking Skills for Beginners at RHACC; aspiring Baristas join the SHINE project and keen woodworkers join a volunteer team at the Richmond Furniture Scheme, all of which contribute towards increasing social inclusion.
5 Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2022 to 31[st] May 2023
Developing personal profiles following a workshop on understanding personal values. The change or benefit of this includes:
-
The benefit of building personal profiles and understanding one's own personal values helps participants' sense of self worth, value and builds confidence in their skills and ability as well as providing a sense of potential direction for the future.
-
With Explore's individual-centred approach, the main output is each beneficiary develops their own pathway and development plan: building self-belief and confidence.
-
The personal profiles created are used to match Explore graduates with community partners for volunteering, work or community hours served i.e. gardening.
-
Evidence of personal profile matching and influencing the next steps to change and improving aspects of lives is recorded. Personal and professional network development is offered to help with social inclusion, and engagement is monitored.
Communal lunch: each day of Explore includes a delicious and nutritious lunch. The participants help set up the table, serve one another and together, enjoy a meal around a communal table. The change or benefit of this includes:
-
As relationships develop around the casual, safe, welcoming environment of a shared meal, friendships become mutually supportive.
-
Participants are providing peer support to one another - both practically and emotionally. The outcome of the shared lunches around a communal table is a sense of belonging, of social inclusion, of being seen, heard and appreciated.
-
This builds our participants' confidence, encourages friendships, inspires hope and supports social inclusion.
6
Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2022 to 31[st] May 2023
Personal surveys: at the start and end of the Explore programme we invite participants to complete a self assessment, scoring their skills, confidence development and social inclusion on a rating scale. The change or benefit of this includes:
-
The benefits of these self assessments are two-fold: not only do they provide a wonderful expression of personal progression for our participants (100% of participants reflected a growth in their progression at the end of Explore) but also for impact reporting and capturing successful outcomes.
-
The desired outcome is for a positive result from the nine objectives including (a) social inclusion and self-belief (b) confidence and motivation to maintain a positive way of life and to be interviewed by course instructors and potential employers (c) personal organisation and time management.
-
This supports their personal progression, helps them track their growth and boosts their confidence to continue on their journey to becoming more independent and a contributing member of the local community.
We introduce our cooking workshop with an introduction to healthy eating. Emphasising the importance of good nutrition, introducing more fruit and vegetables into one's diet whilst reducing the intake of saturated fats, added sugar and salt levels in the diet (based on the Eatwell Plate model). The change or benefit of this includes:
-
Participants will then have the opportunity to follow a recipe and cook a meal together. This will then be enjoyed over a communal table, encouraging conversation and connection, whilst reducing loneliness and feelings of social exclusion.
-
Participants are all given a Cook Box (funded by Richmond Active Fund) - a bag containing the ingredients and recipe of the meal they have just made to encourage cooking at home with familiar ingredients and recipes.
-
Participants also complete a self-assessment on understanding how to cook a nutritional meal.
-
The small group environment is ideal for participants suffering from social isolation who may feel overwhelmed by a large group.
7
Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2022 to 31[st] May 2023
- Cooking together promotes a positive activity, can help relieve depression, increases goal-orientated actions and can motivate participants to an active role in their health and wellbeing.
2.2 Shine
Shine provides barista and hospitality training for those experiencing isolation and worklessness, enabling them to explore options towards employment within the hospitality industry whilst building their skills and confidence.
8 Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2022 to 31[st] May 2023
2.3 Steps
Regular, socially engaging activities including outings and trips to local places of interest under the banner of our Explore programme. Steps also invites participants to “give back” to our local community and have included Be Richmond litter picking days, Habitats & Heritage clean up days and Kew Gardens work parties – painting and re-organising their community allotment.
2.4 Table of Hope (TOH)
Table of Hope is a monthly invitation to gather together as a community, around a communal table and enjoy a delicious meal in the company of friends. Together breaking down the barriers to social exclusion, connecting community and inspiring hope.
Why Table of Hope?
-
Increased community engagement: Table of Hope provides a regular opportunity for individuals and businesses to connect and invest in their local community, strengthening social bonds and enhancing community spirit.
-
Enhanced well-being: Table of Hope promotes a sense of well-being and happiness, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness, contributing towards an improved mental and emotional health for our guests.
-
Support network development: Table of Hope invites invitations of support, resources, advice and befriending to those in need, leading to the development of a strong support network within the community.
-
Strengthened community identity: Table of Hope helps foster a shared sense of identity and pride within the community, enhancing community spirit, inspiring hope and a sense of belonging making people feel connected.
9 Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2022 to 31[st] May 2023
*pHE•o. STAB Celebrating Table of Hope onne¢tlnq to Ill syr41 16 buSInGe5 hwr• July 2021- July 2023 io Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.she herdsstar.or Trustees Report for the Period 1° June 2022 to 31" May 2023
2.5 Good Friday (GF)
Good Friday (GF) runs (out of the side hall) of Twickenham United Reformed Church (side hall), on the edge of Twickenham Green, every Friday from 11am-2pm. It is a social pop-in hub where we focus on food and friendship! Participants are encouraged to bring along a craft or a board game, to learn a skill and make new friends.
Good Friday community hub was originally birthed through conversations and feedback received from our TOH and Explore service users, who requested a regular space in which to connect, socialise, share a communal meal and receive advice if needed.
Since our inception, we have fed lunch to 30-45 individuals every week, made by our volunteers, using surplus food, pastries and bread donated by Gail’s Bakery in Twickenham.
Rocketing food prices and widespread loneliness with many people facing increased hardship and isolation, has meant GF has become a valuable meeting space and lifeline for our guests.
11 Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2022 to 31[st] May 2023
GF offers beneficiaries a warm space where they are able to enjoy a nutritious lunch, conversation (with other guests and our volunteer befrienders) and socialise.
The main benefit is to offer a warm inclusive space to those experiencing hardship, food poverty or exclusion driven by income reduction or crisis; those impacted by the effects of COVID-19 on their financial situation, mental wellbeing, or social interaction.
We are looking to increase and scale our offering in response to the growing need from our community to provide further benefits.
The work of that will take place will include:
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2.5.1 Connecting communities: we help strengthen and build resilient communities by bringing people and service users together in a warm, welcoming space, where advice and social connection is offered with the aim of building supportive relationships, reducing hardship and promoting inclusion.
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2.5.2 Nourishing the hungry: cooking healthy meals for those in need, improving nutrition and reducing hunger for those in need, leading to improved food knowledge and changes in behaviour.
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2.5.3 Reducing food poverty and surplus food: Take food destined for the bin and turn it into healthy lunches for the community or offered freely to the community to collect from a community fridge.
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2.5.4 Inspiring hope: support mental health, wellbeing and reduce loneliness by creating a welcoming space where people from all backgrounds and walks of life can have connections, sharing in conversations over a delicious cup of coffee - something that for many in need, is a real luxury.
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2.5.5 Promote change: provide a space to learn new skills: from signing up to our six-week personal development Explore programme, to our SHINE coffee barista / hospitality training, to craft and baking days.
12 Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2022 to 31[st] May 2023
3 PARTNERS
The Charity has good working relationships with a large number of organisations with a similar vision. Partners involved in delivering and supporting Explore include local businesses, charities and educational providers. All speakers are experienced and knowledgeable in teaching/training the topic and skill of their workshop. Many are formally qualified as trainers (for example Citizen's Advice trainers for money management and budgeting). Partners include: Citizens Advice Bureau Richmond, The Richmond Furniture Scheme, Kew Gardens, Good Life Designed UK, Bhuti, Bingham Riverhouse Hotel, Harrington Design & Build, Relish & Grace, Take 7 Simple Steps, Kapucin and RHACC. Some partners offer potential for beneficiaries to participate in longer term opportunities eg. volunteering, apprenticeships, further training, social support and mentoring.
3.1 Referring Partners
Our recruitment process is largely dependent on referral partners working alongside hard-to-reach clients.
Referral agencies include:- Spear, DWP Twickenham Job Centre, RCDAS, Look Ahead Mental Health and Reed in Partnership.
4 VOLUNTEER CONTRIBUTION
Volunteers play a vital role in the running of Shepherd’s Star - without their input and support, the Charity would not be able to accomplish their objectives. A team of Shepherd’s Star volunteers have been active in the local community since 2020. A number of our volunteers have signed up to volunteer after being a participant or guest at various activities (i.e. Explore, Steps, Table of Hope and Good Friday).
In particular, we have created a number of volunteer roles following graduation from our Explore programme - one such role is that of an Explore Ambassador.
Every term we offer an opportunity for an Explore Graduate to return as an Ambassador - someone who has completed Explore and who is able to support our project leads by creating a warm, welcoming environment for
13 Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2022 to 31[st] May 2023
all participants and guests. This role also includes befriending and supporting participants and guests during our social inclusive activities.
We invite the individual to share their thoughts, experience and insight with regards to feedback, direction and next steps. We highly value lived experience and have benefited greatly from having this input into our Explore project.
We recognise having an appreciation of the challenges through a lived experience can provide help and reassure people in crisis / experiencing poor mental health and at Shepherd’s Star, we welcome the insight and compassion our volunteers are able to bring to the team.
This shared experience contributes towards a culture of empathy and compassion, helps foster understanding, build relationships and reduce social isolation.
5 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT
5.5 Organisation
The Shepherd’s Star trustees meet at a quarterly Trustees meeting. The director also provides the Trustees with a monthly directors report which updates the Trustees on progress, challenges and the day to day matters of the charity. The Director ensures that the Trustees are kept abreast of important issues and regularly communicates with the Chair by email and telephone with updates and information. The Director attends Trustee meetings. The Trustees are unpaid and receive no benefit from their work with the Charity. There is no relationship between any trustee and employees or suppliers.
5.6 Financial Statements
The financial statements have been prepared in the format prescribed by the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP20l9 (FRSI02)) and the Financial Reporting Standard. Shepherd’s Star has in place a Financial and Reserves Policy agreed by the Trustees. The Financial and Reserves Policy sets out the defined parameters by which the charity conducts its business financially. These include budgetary controls, internal financial controls, expenditure controls and the monetary reserves policy.
14 Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2022 to 31[st] May 2023
5.7 Decision making
The Director is responsible to the Trustees for managing the day-to-day operations of the Charity. To facilitate effective operations, the Director has delegated authority, with terms of delegation, agreed by the Trustees. Trustees are made aware of the seriousness of their responsibilities and obligations under charity and company law. They are encouraged to understand these obligations by reading relevant Charity Commission publications. Trustees are made aware of training courses and conferences and encouraged to extend their knowledge of matters pertaining to their role in the Charity.
5.8 Risk Management
Shepherd’s Star has the following policies in place. These have been approved by the Trustees but are continuously updated to keep these in line with procedural and circumstantial changes.
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Safeguarding policies for vulnerable adults risk policy
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Safeguarding children’s risk policy
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Data Protection policy
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Privacy policy
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Health and safety policy
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Eligibility policy
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Financial and Reserves policy
5.9 Trustees
Judith King - Trustee, Secretary Marianne Welsh - Trustee Justin Wingfield - Trustee, Treasurer
5.10 Key People
Desiree Shepherd
- Director
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Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2022 to 31[st] May 2023
6 FINANCIALS
The financial statements have been prepared in the format prescribed by the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP20l9 (FRSI02)) and the Financial Reporting Standard.
Shepherd’s Star has in place a Financial and Reserves Policy agreed by the Trustees. The Financial and Reserves Policy sets out the defined parameters by which the charity conducts its business financially. These include budgetary controls, internal financial controls, expenditure controls and the monetary reserves policy.
Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2022 to 31[st] May 2023
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SHEPHERD'S STAR BALANCE SHEET as at 31 May 2023
| in pounds Fixed Assets Current Assets Debtors Cash at bank Total Current Assets Liabilities Creditors Total Current Liabilities Total Net Assets The funds of the Charity: Restricted income funds Unrestricted income funds Total Charity Funds |
31 May 2022 - 83 18.402 18.484 924 924 17.560 - 17.560 17.560 |
31 May 2023 - 245 7.062 |
|---|---|---|
| 7.307 1.042 |
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| 1.042 | ||
| 6.266 | ||
| - 6.266 |
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| 6.266 |
Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2022 to 31[st] May 2023
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SHEPHERD'S STAR STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the period ending 31 May 2023
| in pounds Income from: Grants - Funders Donations - Individuals Donations - Companies Events Income/Caimpaigns Other income (G/Aid) Interest Total Income Expenditure on: Salaries (incl. social costs) Insurance Telephone Printing and stationery Rent Website and Media Subscriptions Travel Volunteer expenses Event Supplies Miscellaneous expenses Total Expenditure Net Income/(Expenditure) Total Funds brought forward Total Funds carried forward |
11 November 2021 - 31 May 2022 16.662 1.412 4.970 287 83 - 23.412 3.503 804 60 - 512 307 8 320 23 147 170 5.852 17.560 - 17.560 |
1 June 2022 - 31 May 2023 26.454 18.246 1.336 9.092 1.063 - |
|---|---|---|
| 56.191 | ||
| 49.884 675 377 995 1.500 2.324 162 256 885 9.387 1.041 |
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| 67.485 | ||
| (11.294) 17.560 |
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| 6.266 |
Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2022 to 31[st] May 2023
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SHEPHERD'S STAR STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS for the period ending 31 May 2023
in pounds Net Income/(expenditure) for 2023 Adjusted for: Increase in debtors Increase in creditors Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Change in cash in the reporting period Cash at the beginning of the reporting period Cash at the end of the reporting period |
Total funds 31 May 2022 17.560 (83) 924 18.402 - 18.402 - 18.402 |
Total Funds 31 May 2023 (11.294) (163) 118 |
|---|---|---|
| (11.339) - (11.339) 18.402 |
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| 7.062 |
Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2022 to 31[st] May 2023
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7. Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees.
Signature
Justin Wingfield Chair
Date
23[rd] November 2023
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Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2022 to 31[st] May 2023
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the tru8tse81 members of Charity Narne Shepherd's Star On •¢eounts for the year endod 31 May 2023 Charlty no (If any) 1196520 Sot oui on pages Page numbers TBC. Includes Income Stat8menl, B818n¢e Sheet and Cashflow. I report to the trustees on my ex8mln8tion of the accounts of the above charity (Yhe Trusv) for the year ended 31 May 2023. R06ponslbllltle8 and As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparatlon basis of report of the accounts in accordanc8 with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Acf). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and In carying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directtons glven by the Charity Commission under section 145{5Xb) of the Act. I h8ve completed my examination. I confinn ttt no materlal matters have come to my attention in connectkjn with the examination which giv8s m8 cause to believe that in. any material respect.. accounting records were not kept in accordanc8 With section 130 of the Act or the accounts do rM)t attord with the accounting récords Independont examinar's statement I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection wlth the examination to whid) attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of th8 accounts to be reached. Signod: Dato: 26 Jun8 2023 Namo: Leanne Christmas Relevant professional qualificationls) or body (If any): ICAEW 1145113 Address: & KSY ÉTrJLL AML SLL U1 IOD IER October 2018
Section B Disclosure Only comp18te if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (see CC32. Independent examination of Charity accounts: directions and guidance for 8xaminers . Givo here brfof dotalls of any ftoms that tho •xaminor wishos to dis¢loso. Nothing malerfal lo note. IER October 2018