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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 2023 to 31[st] May 2024

Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2023 to 31[st] May 2024

CONTENTS
Page 3	-	Legal and Administrative Information
Page 4	-	Introduction
Page 4	-	Mission, Vison and Values
Page 5-18	-	Main Activities
Page 18-22	-	Events
Page 23-24	-	Partners, Funders and Supporters
Page 25-26	-	Volunteer Contribution
Page 27	-	Marketing & Reporting
Page 28-29	-	Structure, Governance & Management
Page 30-35	-	Financials
Page 36	-	Declarations

2 Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2023 to 31[st] May 2024

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 2023 END OF FINANCIAL PERIOD 31[st] May 2024 TRUSTEES Judith King Marianne Welsh Justin Wingfield (Chair) 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

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INTRODUCTION TO SHEPHERD’S STAR AND OUR ACTIVITIES

Shepherd’s Star is a charity operating in the London 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. We are inspired by Christian values, inclusive in our reach and in doing social good.

Who we serve:

Our beneficiaries are adults who’ve experienced life challenges due to being socially or economically dis-advantaged. They include people living with disabilities, people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, single mothers, refugees, “harder to reach” individuals and those facing financial hardship.

Many present with mental fragility, diminished work capacity, loss of confidence or lack of self-worth. Their challenges include social anxiety and exclusion, abuse, criminal past, homelessness or at risk of homelessness, long-term unemployment, drug/alcohol dependence, mental ill health and financial distress.

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Through our key services, beneficiaries develop positive social networks and cultivate relationships that provide emotional support and encouragement, increasing their resilience and reducing isolation enabling them to reengage with the community.

2 MAIN ACTIVITIES (with a focus on Explore)

Shepherd’s Star together with volunteers, local businesses, statutory and charitable partner organisations, supports greater social inclusion and the empowering of individuals.

Shepherd’s Star does this through a number of projects: Explore (personal development and skills programme), Shine (barista and hospitality training), Good Friday (weekly community space), Steps (inclusive community activities) and Table of Hope (monthly communal meal to reduce isolation and enhance wellbeing).

2.1 Explore – Bridging the gap

Explore is a socially-engaging personal development programme, run over six weeks, with practical skills and confidence development.

We recognised the need for a socially inclusive peer support group, enabling beneficiaries to progress in a safe and welcoming, nurturing and low pressure environment. An opportunity to gain motivation, grow and develop personal and life skills.

Since launching Explore in February 2022 we have:-

run seven terms, with 42 participants having completed the programme (Feb 2022-March 2024)
supported 86% participants who progressed to further volunteering, study, employment and apprenticeship opportunities (Feb 2022 - March 2024)

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received 56 Explore registrations, 70% from London Borough of Richmond upon Thames residents and 30% from surrounding boroughs.
come alongside harder to reach individuals through referral partners, these include: -
Spear
DWP - Job Centre
Ruils
RWCDAS
Look Ahead
Reed in Partnership
Work Match

“The work of the Shepherd’s Star Project is indispensable in its provision of an holistic and respectful environment where vulnerable rough sleepers can safely navigate their re-engagement with the local community and gain lost skills.” Mark Taylor, Spear – Operations Director

Upon completion of our programme, beneficiaries are supported with signposting to find volunteer roles, further training and study or work oopportunities to improve their income, reducing poverty and economic disadvantage.

The combination of socially engaging activities; skills training; peer support, confidence building, mental wellbeing workshops and improved nutrition, contributes towards increased resilience and improved wellbeing.

Explore 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 Richmond, The Richmond Furniture Scheme, Kew Gardens, Bhuti, Bingham Riverhouse Hotel, Harrington Design & Build, Relish & Grace, Take 7 Simple Steps, The Social Drinking Company, Therefore Strategy and Insight, Crosslight Advice, Live Well Kew, Maia Rushby Consulting, RHACC and Richmond Council for Voluntary Service.

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Explore to More: In May 2024 we began a six week pilot of our Explore to More programme. The idea for the group was birthed by our Explore graduates: “we started Explore to More because we did not want Explore to end.” The aim of the fortnightly meet up is to offer a regular space to support and encourage those who have graduated from Explore on their next steps.

Following a successful six-week pilot, Explore to More will start up again in September, following a unanimous decision by the group to continue meeting up after the summer. Currently, there are 6-8 regular participants.

Explore to More has been described by participants as:

“supportive and encouraging”

“a place to practice conversation in a safe place”

“friendship, connections and community.”

Explore to More is open to all of our Explore programme graduates.

Some partners offer potential for beneficiaries to participate in longer term opportunities e.g. volunteering, apprenticeships, further training, social support and mentoring.

“One of the few organisations working at the earliest stages of the development pathway” Ursula Johnston, Reed in Partnership.

"We have partnered with Desiree and Shepherd’s Star from the start, with our team carrying out workshops for their clients. It has been a real joy to see people, initially shy and nervous, try new things and feel a sense of achievement. It's great to see these positive steps being made." - Lucy, from Richmond Furniture Scheme

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2.1.1 Activities and benefits of Explore

Workshop activities include introductions to practical money, cooking, baking, barista, gardening and woodwork skills. Other workshops include personal values, personal profiles, meeting planning, wellbeing and introductions to further study, training and volunteering providers.

Change or benefits include:

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 e.g. Gardeners sign up to Kew Gardens Discover Horticulture; cooking learners sign up for Cooking with Confidence or Baking Skills for Beginners at Richmond Adult Community College; Cooking with Cooking Up; 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.
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. Relationships develop around the casual, safe, welcoming environment of a shared meal and friendships become mutually supportive.

The outcome of the shared lunches around a communal table gives 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.

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. 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.

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Feedback from Remmington, one of our Explore graduates referred by Look Ahead charity.

“The courses gave me a reason to get out of bed in the mornings and helped to motivate me during the days I attended. ”During the Discover Horticulture Course at Kew Gardens I discovered I knew more about botany and plants than I thought I did before. I also enjoyed the tours at Kew Gardens. I learnt to work in groups and explain in detail succinctly. At the Richmond Furniture Scheme, I learnt practical skills like hand-eye coordination in building a planter box. It was challenging but I was grateful for the help received from the staff there. I would like to take this moment to thank the aforementioned organisations and Shepherd’s Star for the opportunity to participate in the activities offered. I would also like to thank my support worker, Lauria and Jane Ballinger for referring me.”

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Jamie’s journey with Shepherd’s Star: “I wasn't confident at all... and now I am improving and doing things I never thought I would do”

Jamie, a former music student, experienced a significant personal and social transformation through his involvement with Shepherd's Star. Introduced to the charity through a job centre, Jamie's journey with Shepherd's Star began with the Good Friday social hub, where he found a welcoming and supportive community.

As he participated in the Explore and Good Friday programmes, Jamie discovered new interests and skills beyond music, such as cooking. He commented, “I'm learning something new every week at Good Friday."

His confidence levels soared, making him more comfortable in social settings and enabling him to interact with a diverse group of people. Jamie now sees multiple career paths, including potential in cooking. This broader perspective has opened new possibilities for his future.

Jamie's consistent participation and growth exemplify the positive change that Shepherd's Star aims to bring to individuals. His story is a testament to how the support of Shepherd's Star has led to newfound confidence and broader career perspectives.

Jamie’s advice for others is “coming here is a good start, even if you're nervous or worried about what it's going to be like, everyone is always friendly and nice”.

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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.

“Being in a small group really helped the quality of training as I was able to use the grinder and coffee machine several times which helped with my confidence. The trainer was really accommodating and helpful making sure I felt comfortable”. Shine Coffee Barista trainee

2.3 Steps

Regular, socially engaging activities including outings and trips to local places of interest e.g. The Holly Lodge Centre. 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.

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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 they belong.

“Table of Hope is a place to meet people and because I have cancer, I like to come somewhere that gives me hope." – guest

“The setting was gorgeous, and the food delicious…As the [Table of Hope] lunch was love themed, we were also entertained to a beautiful poem by Kofyah Remmington, specially written for the occasion. I was deeply moved and felt very privileged to have been invited to such a wonderful and inspiring event.” - Deputy Mayor, Councillor Fiona Sacks.

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STA Celebrating Table of Hope v•lu•ol 331 houvs 35Tobles ol Mop• July 2021- May 2024 13 Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.she herdsstar.or Trustees Report for the Period I" June 2023 to 31" May 2024

A very special thanks to all of our Table of Hope sponsors:

Richmond Council (Active Fund) Relish & Grace Bingham Riverhouse Cambrian Community Centre Shiuli Greek Cook & Grill The United Reformed Church, Twickenham East Sheen Baptist Church The Social Drinking Company Pots & Co Harrington Design & Build Mortlake Community Centre Madhu’s St Thomas Aquinas Church, Ham Cafe Mamma Franco Manca Da Alfredo Kew Gardens Richmond Thai Cafe Angel & Crown community pub Spice Up, Whitton

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2.5 Good Friday (GF)

This financial year saw the completion of the first full year of Good Friday. The weekly social community space launched on 3rd March 2023 has grown from strength to strength with an average monthly attendance of approximately 200 individuals. Shepherd’s Star Communications Lead Laura Stone was employed on a contract basis to co-ordinate the project with its ever increasing demand for volunteer coordination and logistical requirements.

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Good Friday runs out of the side hall of Twickenham United Reformed Church, on the edge of Twickenham Green, every Friday from 11am-2pm.

It is a vibrant community space with a focus on social connection and reducing food poverty through the provision of a light lunch and surplus food provision from Gail’s Bakery in Twickenham.

Guests 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 Table of Hope and Explore service users, who requested a regular space in which to connect, socialise, share a communal meal and receive advice if needed.

Since its inception, we have fed lunch to individuals every week, made by our volunteers, using surplus food, pastries and bread donated by Neighbourly and Gail’s Bakery in Twickenham.

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Rocketing food prices and widespread loneliness with many people facing increased hardship and isolation, has meant Good Friday has become a valuable meeting space and lifeline for our guests.

Good Friday 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.

Good Friday benefits include:

2.5.1 Connecting communities: we help strengthen and build resilient communities by bringing people 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 Reducing food insecurity 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.
2.5.3 Promote change: provide a space to learn and volunteer with new skills. From barista / hospitality training to craft and baking workshops.
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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2.6 All-in-one Hub

Good Friday serves as a hub for information sharing and specialist advice, providing updates on relevant services, benefits, and support programmes.

Guests have the benefit of accessing specialist advice under one roof (All-inOne Hub). We also link and signpost to other agencies – and invite them to visit. I.e. United Response, Hampton Fund and Healthwatch Richmond.

Accessing resources in a communal setting can have the added benefit of helping reduce the stigma associated with seeking help, encouraging individuals to reach out for support they may otherwise hesitate to seek.

“Shepherd’s Star showed me the impact of kindness, acceptance and encouragement. How being part of a community can make you feel a lot more confident and proud. Also, that being in a new environment can positively change your perspective in a short time.” - Explore graduate and Good Friday guest.

“I used to be homeless, I’ve been in recovery for a year now and my life has completely changed. I love coming to [Good Friday] once a week - it gets me out of the house so I am not on my own. I love being with people and connecting. I especially love cooking with Mary - chopping up vegetables and making soup - and helping. It makes me feel good about myself.” Good Friday volunteer and Richmond Community Drug & Alcohol Service (RWCDAS) referral.

3 EVENTS

3.1 Christmas Box

In 2022, Shepherd's Star was encouraged by local residents and business owners, to begin a Christmas crowdfunding campaign through Just Giving, to support families in need over Christmas.

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The aim behind the funding was to gift a local family a delicious Christmas food hamper that includes a selection of pantry items to stock their store

cupboard over the Christmas holidays, a Christmas roast - with all the trimmings - dessert, chocolates, biscuits, a selection of vegetable & fruits in season and of course, Christmas Crackers!

In order to identify families in need, Shepherd's Star partnered with Achieving For Children who selected 70 families across the borough of Richmond upon Thames to benefit from Project Christmas Holiday Box. In 2022 our target was to raise £5000 and we raised £5864.50 (our expenditure for the project was: £5695.83).

Following the overwhelming success (and happy recipients) of our first Project Christmas Holiday Box in 2022, we re-ran the campaign again in 2023. As in 2022, our target was £5000 and we raised: £5039 (our expenditure for the project was: £5450.96). Again we worked in partnership with Achieving For Children who identified beneficiaries through their children centres across the Borough of Richmond upon Thames.

The cost of each box works out at £65 however we have learnt from the last two years, to raise the amount to include remuneration for the administration and delivery of the project. This will be reflected in our Project Christmas Box appeal for 2024.

Shepherd’s Star is incredibly grateful to all our supporters, volunteers and community partners for their involvement in our campaign - we could not have done it without them. In particular, we thank:

	Cambrian Community Centre Richmond Furniture Scheme Twickenham Hygiene Bank Sainsbury’s Richmond Rent-a-fridge (Steve) Root Canal Dental Centre Mortlake Community Association	Local families Rumsey & Sons The Alligator’s Mouth Richmond Rotary Our wonderful volunteers Express Signs Achieving for Children

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Christmas Box Testimonials

“The Christmas box was amazing, me and my family enjoyed all the foods you had sent and was overwhelmed with delight that we was able to celebrate a lovely Christmas dinner as we have been struggling and you and Laura made that possible. A huge thank you to you all who made it possible for me and my family who have been hit bad with the financial crisis that's going on. Just seeing my daughter's faces having a amazing dinner and sweets. Words can't describe how you made us feel. Honestly I thought we was not even going to have a Christmas for my girls who have been so excited and was helping prepare dinner. Thank you so much for making Christmas so special for us.” Christmas Box recipient

“We were so grateful and delighted for receiving Christmas Treats and prayers from you. My girls are so happy and had a great time playing Christmas cracker as it is their first time having this and they loved gift cards treat from you. I am so lucky to have met such a good hearted people like you. Thank you for giving us joy and your prayers for us.” Christmas Box recipient

“Thank you to all of you at Shepherd's Star for your amazing generosity, hard work and kindness. The hampers were absolutely bursting with wonderful treats and goodies and were so well received by the families who they were gifted to. Most of the families couldn't believe how big the boxes were and had never anticipated how many delicious items would be contained within. ” Christmas Box recipient

“This is a huge operation for the Shepherd Star team and we understand just how much work goes into every step of the process. From the fundraising, to logistics to reaching out to local organisations- and not forgetting, the hard physical labour of putting the boxes together! Thank you to each and everyone of you. And lastly, but certainly not least, thank you to all of those who donated to the fundraiser to make all of this possible. Without your generosity this couldn't become a reality so thank you all so much for your kindness.”

Laura Edbrooke, Lead Outreach Worker, Achieving for Children

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3.2 Rotary Fair

For the past two years Shepherd’s Star has been fortunate to have a presence at the annual Twickenham Rotary Fair. It represents an opportunity to not only raise funds but also make new connections, friends and represent the community in which we actively serve. This year was once again a wonderful success, despite the rain! The amount raised before expenses was £853.00.

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4 PARTNERS, FUNDERS & SUPPORTERS

From experiences gained in its first full year of operation and facing steady headwinds towards the end of 2023, the Director and Trustees recognised the need for a more focused and professional approach to grant funding. In January 2024 Shepherd’s Star was very fortunate to receive an initial six month commitment from Volunteer Fundraiser Peter Kelly. Peter was immediately able to secure a number of successes and we are delighted that Peter continues to work with us. A huge thank you to Peter for his tireless efforts.

During this financial year Shepherd’s Star received total funding in the amount of £88.255 representing a 61% increase from the previous financial year. This increase was the result of an increase across all funding sources but most particularly from 3 new grant funders (Hampton Fund, Souter Charitable Trust & Albert Hunt Trust) and one significant private donor.

----- Start of picture text -----
-
Shepherd's Star Funding Sources for the period
Other income (Gift
1 June 2023 - 31 May 2024 (£88.255)
Aid)
£5.121
6%
Events
Income/Campaigns
£12.843
14%
Donations -
Companies
£2.081… Grant Funders
£42.861
49%
Donations -
Individuals
£25.349
29%
Grant Funders Donations - Individuals Donations - Companies
Events Income/Campaigns Other income (Gift Aid)
----- End of picture text -----

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Shepherd’s Star has been fortunate enough to be supported by a number of private donors and grant funders. This has allowed Shepherd’s Star to fund both direct project costs as well as much needed core funding without which these projects are not possible.

Our deepest and sincere thanks to these main funders:

	Donor	Purpose
	The Albert Hunt Trust	Core Funding
	Hampton Fund	Explore
	The National Lottery	Explore
	Heathrow Community Trust	Explore
	Richmond Parish Lands	Explore
	Souter Charitable Trust	Core Funding

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5 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 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.

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6 MARKETING & REPORTING

During the 2023/24 financial year Shepherd’s Star embarked on the development of a strategic framework to better market its activities and create a database system to accurately capture and report on initiatives and events. We were fortunate enough to be given an immense amount of voluntary time by JAD Strategy and Consulting, who facilitated a number of strategic sessions during 2023. As a direct result of these, the director and Trustees were able to gain focus and clarity on directional matters including:

Shepherd’s Star Communications Lead Laura Stone was appointed on a contract basis to ensure effective communication, promotion, marketing, engagement and administrative support.
Initial development of a digital capturing system with the capability to report and analyse data relating to programmes, events, volunteers’ and much more has been created by volunteer IT specialist Derek Papworth. Shepherd’s Star owes a huge thanks to Derek for all his hard work and continued investment of time and expertise.
Initiation of a full Microsoft 365 implementation (free to charity organisations). Again, set up and guided by IT specialist Derek Papworth. Thank you again Derek.

As a direct result of and in conjunction with the aforementioned, Shepherd’s Star applied to the Clothworkers’ Foundation for capital grant funding.

We were delighted to receive the news that our application had been successful in the amount of £8.000. These funds were received in June of 2024 and do not therefore reflect in the 2023/24 financial year. This amount will be utilised (as well as some exciting new charity development opportunities) to enhance Shepherd’s Star’s digital processes across all our projects and events.

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7 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT

7.1 Organisation

The Shepherd’s Star Trustees meet at a quarterly Trustees meeting. The director also provides the Trustees with a quarterly Director’s 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.

7.2 Financial Reserves

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.

7.3 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 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.

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7.4 Risk Management

Shepherd’s Star has the policies listed below in place. These have been approved by the Trustees but are continuously updated to keep these in line with procedural and circumstantial changes.

The Trustees recognised the importance of the correct implementation of a financial reserves policy and along with the Director set about securing these funds. This was partly achieved in the latter part of the financial year with a single donation of over £9000. The Trustees remain committed to securing further reserve funds.

Safeguarding Adults at Risk policy
Safeguarding Children policy
Data Protection policy
Privacy policy
Health and Safety policy
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy
Sustainability policy
Eligibility policy
Whistleblowing policy
Anti-harassment and Bullying policy
Feedback Complaints policy
Financial and Reserves policy

7.5 Trustees

Judith King - Trustee, Secretary Marianne Welsh - Trustee Justin Wingfield - Trustee, Treasurer

7.6 Key People

Desiree Shepherd - Director

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8 FINANCIALS

The financial statements are prepared under the “Receipts and payments” method. They contain a statement summarising all money received and paid out by the charity in the financial year (Statement of Financial Activities), a statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the year as well as a record of cash liquidity. The accounts have been independently verified.

8.1 Financial Notes

31[st] May 2024 saw the conclusion of the second full financial year for Shepherd’s Star. The budget forecasted income for the year was £88.800 with actual raised funds of £88.255.

In respect of expenditure, Shepherd’s Star had a forecast budget expenditure of £79.642 with actual expenditure coming in slightly lower at £72.829.

No employees received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in the year. Trustees received no remuneration and were not reimbursed for any expenses in the year (23/24).

Shepherd's Star has not given any guarantees and has no debt secured by an express charge on assets as at the date of the Statement of assets and liabilities.

Shepherd’s Star continues to conduct all of its projects and events from the lowest possible cost base. Core costs form a large part of the total annual expenditure. These are in the main wage costs, however without these,

30 Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2023 to 31[st] May 2024

none of our projects or events could be carried out. Against the aforementioned, Shepherd’s Star keeps operating costs to a minimum through:

Sourcing community venues to conduct activities (Good Friday, Table of Hope & Explore) with a very special thanks to the Twickenham United Reformed Church.
Sourcing local restaurants to provide venues and catering at no charge (Good Friday, Table of Hope & Explore)
The employment of only one permanent staff member (Director), and one additional contracted part-time staff member (Communications Lead).
Finding partners and creating partnerships which greatly reduce the running costs of all projects. A big thanks to Gail’s, Neighbourly and numerous other suppliers.
Remaining geographically focused within the Richmond Borough and its surrounds.
The recruitment of specialised volunteer’s (finance, marketing, IT and strategy) who offer their skills, advice and time.

31 Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2023 to 31[st] May 2024

SHEPHERD'S STAR

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES as at 31 May 2024

Note in pounds Income from: Grants - Funders Heathrow Community Fund (Explore) Hampton Fund (Explore) National Lottery (Explore) Albert Hunt Souter Charitable Trust Richmond Parish Lands (Explore) Richmond Council Richmond Civic Pride Fund Community Donor Richmond Rotary Club H & P Association (Shine) Clothworkers Foundation (Capital Goods) Grace Trust Chapman Charity Ludlow's Charitable Trust The Peter Stebbings Memorial Charity London Catalyst Stephen Roberts Memorial Vintners Foundation Garfield Weston Foundation Donations - Individuals Donations - Companies Events Income/Campaigns Other income (G/Aid) Interest Total Income Expenditure on: Salaries & Wages HMRC Pension Contributions Insurance Telephone Printing and stationery Rent Website and Media Subscriptions Travel Gifts and donations Volunteer expenses DBS Checks Training Event Supplies Miscellaneous expenses Depreciation Capital Goods Total Expenditure Net Income/(Expenditure) Total Funds brought forward Total Funds carried forward	2024/2023 3.000 3.000 16.161 2.081 12.843 5.121 42.206 34.124 - - 335 - 740 475 612 302 557 - 438 - - 8.624 157 - - 46.364 (4.158) 6.266 2.107 Unrestrict	2023/2022 9.866 - - 10.000 984 2.904 2.500 200 18.246 1.336 9.092 1.063 - 56.191 49.884 - - 675 376 995 1.500 2.324 162 256 - 885 - - 9.387 1.041 - - 67.485 (11.294) 17.560 6.266 ed Funds	2024/2023 2.377 10.500 9.956 14.028 9.188 46.049 21.545 - - 519 - 888 735 946 - - - 677 - - 912 243 - 26.465 19.584 - 19.584 Restricte	2023/2022 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - d Funds	2024/2023 2.377 10.500 9.956 3.000 3.000 14.028 25.349 2.081 12.843 5.121 - 88.255 55.669 - - 855 - 1.628 1.210 1.558 302 557 - 1.115 - - 9.536 401 - - 72.829 15.426 6.266 21.691 Total F	2023/2022 9.866 10.000 984 2.904 2.500 200 18.246 1.336 9.092 1.063 - unds
						56.191
						49.884 - - 675 376 995 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 2023 to 31[st] May 2024

STA STAR •TATEIEFif OF ASSETS & LIAblUTIES at 31 lthy 2024 lknistrlct•d Fw 2024r23 2023r22 R•stdct•d F1 2024f23 2023122 T47t•l 2024ff23 2023122 FIA•d A•¥•t• C¥rr•nl A1 O¢bto Cash al bank- ojnnt afxx>unt Cash al bank- r•s•rv• acuiunl 245 7.062 245 7.062 2.943 10.396 13.340 9.1aa Taill Cwr•rtAF•• 3.058 7.307 19.584 22.643 7.307 LAibkn8 952 1.042 952 1.042 Tol•l ¢wr•rt U•blllfl•s 952 1.042 952 1.042 Total 2.107 1.2 19.S14 R4slIld iicomB funds LknrestriLed fflcomF lund% 19.514 19.514 2.107 2.107 6.218 6.281 Totsl Ch#rlty 2.107 6.266 19.584 21.691 6.266 33 Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.she herdsstar.or Trustees Report for the Period I" June 2023 to 31° May 2024

STA SPEPHERtYS STAR STATEhEKf OF CASH FLOWS th• y•ar •nd•d 31 May 2024 Total Funds 31 May 2024 Total Funds 31 May 2023 Net {exp•ndlluf•ylncomo for 202314 Adwsl8d lor.. {Inc¥easeydec¥•as• ffi deblo In(xeasel{d•ma88) n uedlor8 15.425 (11.294> 130 190) {163> Not cath pfoMlod byl{us•d n) oporatiig aclr¥fflios 15.468 (11.339> Not cash prnl•d by {uMd in) mSIg actwLs Chang• in cash in th• rnportiig p•Md Cash ai th• beginning ol the rnporfrig p•iN)d 15.465 7.062 {11.339> 18.401 Cash ai th• end ol th• reporfrig pe{d 22.528 7.062 34 Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.she herdsstar.or Trustees Report for the Period I" June 2023 to 31° May 2024

SHEPHERD'S STAR

Notes on the financial statements

General accounting policy

Financial Statements are prepared on the receipts and payments method.

Incoming Resources

These are included when the charity recived them.

Resources Expended

Expenditure is included on a payment basis.

Analysis of charitable funds

a) Analysis of restricted fund movements

in Pounds 2024/2023 Heathrow Community Fund Hampton Fund National Lottery Richmond Council (Cost of Living Grant Fund) Reserve Amount	2024/2023 - - - - - Fund b brought 1 A	2023/2022 - - - - - alance forward pril	2024/2023 2.377 10.500 9.956 14.028 9.188 46.049 Inco	2023/2022 - - - - - me	2024/2023 2.377 10.500 9.956 3.632 26.465 Expen	2023/2022 - - - - - diture	2024/2023 - - - 10.396 9.188 19.584 Fund b carried f 31	2023/2022 - - - - alance orward May
								-

The objects of each of the restricted funds are to fund the Explore program.

The Explore program is the flagship project. Launched in February 2022 to fill a training and skills gap through a variety of carefully selected workshops with the aim to build confidence, self asteem and re-ignite potential, improving emotional and mental wellbeing.

b) Analysis of unrestricted fund movements

in Pounds 2024/2023 Albert Hunt Charitable Trust Souter Charitable Trust General Fund	2024/2023 - - 6.266 6.266 brought 1 A Fund b	2023/2022 - - 17.560 17.560 forward pril alance	2024/2023 3.000 3.000 36.206 42.206 Inco	2023/2022 - - 56.191 56.191 me	2024/2023 3.000 3.000 40.364 46.364 Expen	2023/2022 67.485 67.485 diture	2024/2023 - - 2.108 2.108 carried f 31 Fund b	2023/2022 - - 6.266 orward May alance
								6.266

35 Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2023 to 31[st] May 2024

9 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

19[th] August 2024

Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period

1[st] June 2023 to 31[st] May 2024

STA Notes (When required) 37 Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.she herdsstar.or Trustees Report for the Period I" June 2023 to 31° May 2024

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 2023 to 31[st] May 2024

Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2023 to 31[st] May 2024

CONTENTS
Page 3	-	Legal and Administrative Information
Page 4	-	Introduction
Page 4	-	Mission, Vison and Values
Page 5-18	-	Main Activities
Page 18-22	-	Events
Page 23-24	-	Partners, Funders and Supporters
Page 25-26	-	Volunteer Contribution
Page 27	-	Marketing & Reporting
Page 28-29	-	Structure, Governance & Management
Page 30-35	-	Financials
Page 36	-	Declarations

2 Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2023 to 31[st] May 2024

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

3 Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2023 to 31[st] May 2024

INTRODUCTION TO SHEPHERD’S STAR AND OUR ACTIVITIES

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.

Who we serve:

4 Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2023 to 31[st] May 2024

2 MAIN ACTIVITIES (with a focus on Explore)

Shepherd’s Star together with volunteers, local businesses, statutory and charitable partner organisations, supports greater social inclusion and the empowering of individuals.

2.1 Explore – Bridging the gap

Explore is a socially-engaging personal development programme, run over six weeks, with practical skills and confidence development.

Since launching Explore in February 2022 we have:-

run seven terms, with 42 participants having completed the programme (Feb 2022-March 2024)
supported 86% participants who progressed to further volunteering, study, employment and apprenticeship opportunities (Feb 2022 - March 2024)

5 Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2023 to 31[st] May 2024

received 56 Explore registrations, 70% from London Borough of Richmond upon Thames residents and 30% from surrounding boroughs.
come alongside harder to reach individuals through referral partners, these include: -
Spear
DWP - Job Centre
Ruils
RWCDAS
Look Ahead
Reed in Partnership
Work Match

6 Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2023 to 31[st] May 2024

Explore to More has been described by participants as:

“supportive and encouraging”

“a place to practice conversation in a safe place”

“friendship, connections and community.”

Explore to More is open to all of our Explore programme graduates.

Some partners offer potential for beneficiaries to participate in longer term opportunities e.g. volunteering, apprenticeships, further training, social support and mentoring.

“One of the few organisations working at the earliest stages of the development pathway” Ursula Johnston, Reed in Partnership.

7 Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2023 to 31[st] May 2024

2.1.1 Activities and benefits of Explore

Change or benefits include:

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 e.g. Gardeners sign up to Kew Gardens Discover Horticulture; cooking learners sign up for Cooking with Confidence or Baking Skills for Beginners at Richmond Adult Community College; Cooking with Cooking Up; 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.
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. Relationships develop around the casual, safe, welcoming environment of a shared meal and friendships become mutually supportive.

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. 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.

8 Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2023 to 31[st] May 2024

Feedback from Remmington, one of our Explore graduates referred by Look Ahead charity.

9 Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2023 to 31[st] May 2024

Jamie’s journey with Shepherd’s Star: “I wasn't confident at all... and now I am improving and doing things I never thought I would do”

Jamie’s advice for others is “coming here is a good start, even if you're nervous or worried about what it's going to be like, everyone is always friendly and nice”.

10 Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2023 to 31[st] May 2024

2.2 Shine

2.3 Steps

11 Registered Charity Number 1196520 www.shepherdsstar.org Trustees Report for the Period 1[st] June 2023 to 31[st] May 2024

2.4 Table of Hope (TOH)

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 they belong.