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2023-12-31-accounts

Lashes Foundation

Trustees Annual Report Year Ending 31st December 2023

Charity Number - 1197395

Contents

Charity Details 2 Objectives & Activities 3 Chairman's Report 3 2023 In Summary 4 Trustee Update 5 Grants 6 Lashes HQ 7 Major Donors and Supporters 8 Trustees & Board 9 Financial & Governance Review 10 Independent Examiners Report 13

Charity Details Name of charity: Lashes Foundation

Charity registration number: 1197395

Constitution

By trust deed dated 22nd November 2021

Address of principal and registered office: 2 Cardinal Way, Clipstone, Mansfield, Notts, NG21 9FH

Trustees:

Andy Sumner Lee Willson Emma Wilson Kelley Wilson Linzi Pownall Amanda Hill Tony Delahunty

Bankers:

Lloyds Bank Treasurer- Diane Darby Head of Retail - Bev Cheesmond

Independent Examiner:

Mrs Sarah Smith BSc FCCA FCIE TSA (Oakham) Ltd Temple House 8 Main Street Cold Overton Leicestershire LE15 7QA

hello@lashesfoundation.co.uk www.lashesfoundation.co.uk Lashes Foundation Lashes_Foundation

Objectives of the Foundation

To relieve financial hardship, sickness and poor health amongst the community, particularly the elderly and disadvantaged people in the Clipstone Parish and surrounding areas, which they could not otherwise afford through lack of means by providing:

To help young people within the Clipstone Parish and surrounding areas , especially but not exclusively through leisure time activities, so as to develop their capabilities that they may grow to full maturity as individuals and members of society through:

(c) To relieve the poverty of young people by the provision of grants to enable them to participate in healthy recreational and educational activities that they could not otherwise afford

Provide financial support to young people within the parish of Clipstone and surrounding community areas, who demonstrate exceptional commitment and/or ability in academic, sport, or the performing arts but may be held back by their financial situation from pursuing their goals

Chairmans Report

I am honoured to be able to report on the second year of the Lashes Foundation.

In July 2021, Emma and Lee Wilson devastatingly lost Evie aged 13. Evie brightened up any room she walked into with her beautiful smile, giggle and witty sense of humour. She was a special individual who always put others above herself. The Lashes Foundation was set up to keep Evie's legacy alive, carry on her kindness and help others in the local community – just like she did.

Out of such sadness, the Lashes foundation continues to go from strength to strength and has completed it’s second full year through the amazing support of the local community where we have been able to continue to help a significant number of people and groups in our local community.

A big shout out to all of our trustees who work hard on a daily basis to help us support local people and groups in the community and also to our lovely volunteers who are always there at events and Lashes HQ to support us.

Thank you for all of your support and believing in what the foundation is trying to achieve.

Hardship Grants

2023 Year In Summary

252

Grants Received

70k of grants approved

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Foodbank
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Community Grants

Adult Mental Heath Grants

Child Mental Heath Grants

Specialised Equipment

Victims of Abuse Grants

Terminal Illness

Wheelchairs Clubs & Societies

Schools

Trustees Report

The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the period ended 31 December 2023. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting policies as set out by charity law and are based on a receipts and payments format adopted by the trustees. The report includes the information given on the reference and administration page (see page 2).

Structure, Governance and Management:

Governing document: Charitable Trust deed dated 22 November 2021. Recruitment and appointment of new trustees: There must be at least 3 trustees, who hold at least 2 meetings each year with one meeting being of physical presence rather than via digital means. In appointing trustees there must be due regard to the skills required to administer the charity effectively. New trustees, who must be over 18 years of age, must be appointed by a quorate Special Meeting (any 2 trustees) which requires 21 days’ notice.

Risk management:

The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. All payments require two trustees to authorise and no trustee can commit the Trust financially on their own. The majority of transactions are through the Lloyds bank account. Where cash is received controls are in place to ensure that the amounts are verified and banked. All cash expenditure is authorised and documented. Income and expenditure is shown gross, before the deduction of expenditure. No grants are made in cash.

The trustees have judged that the controls currently in place are sufficient for the operation of the trust.

Objectives:

To relieve financial hardship, sickness and poor health amongst the community, particularly the elderly and disadvantaged people in the Clipstone Parish and surrounding areas, which they could not otherwise afford through lack of means by providing:

Grants, goods and services to individuals in need and/or charities, or other organisations working to improve the standard of life, prevent or relieve poverty, and improve mental well-being.

To help young people within the Clipstone Parish and surrounding areas, especially but not exclusively through leisure time activities, so as to develop their capabilities that they may grow to full maturity as individuals and members of society through:

(a) The provision of grants to support recreational and leisure time activities provided in the interest of social welfare, designed to improve their conditions of life

(b) Providing grants to support activities which develop their skills, capacities and capabilities to enable them to participate in society as mature and responsible individuals

(c) To relieve the poverty of young people by the provision of grants to enable them to participate in healthy recreational and educational activities that they could not otherwise afford

Provide financial support to young people within the parish of Clipstone and surrounding community areas, who demonstrate exceptional commitment and/or ability in academic, sport, or the performing arts but may be held back by their financial situation from pursuing their goals.

.

Public Benefit:

The trustees have reviewed the outcomes, achievement of the objectives and activities for the year to ensure they remain focused and continue to deliver benefits to the public.

The trustees are satisfied that the charity's activities provide a wide public benefit, they have read the Charity Commissions guidance and apply public benefit principles to all decision making.

Trustees Update

Thank you to everyone who has signed up for the various schemes like the CO-OP scheme, Easy Fundraising, everyone that nominates us as their work charity and to all our monthly donors and major donors.

Review of Activities to achieve the objectives:

What a year 2023 has been for Lashes Foundation ! The

foundation has continued to go from strength to strength and we are now helping more people than ever in our local communities in memory of Evie

The support from everyone has continued to be beyond anything we could have expected

We have been overwhelmed by the support for our events and also everyone that has helped raised funds for the foundation

Whether that is a sponsored event, a monthly donor, buying a raffle ticket online, visiting Lashes HQ to make a donation or buy something. We are so thankful of your support

We were also so happy for the support everyone showed at the second Evie day. This was not only a fund raising event, but one where we wanted to bring all of the community together to support each other including other local charities and local businesses. We are really pleased we were able to try and help lift the community spirit as well as raising funds

Thank you to all of our social media followers - we now have over 10k followers on facebook alone and we have continued to support small businesses through our Small Business Sunday on our social media platforms as well

We were also incredibly proud to have received the Mansfield and Ashfield Charity of the year for the 2nd year running and also a finalist at the CHAD business awards for the best Charity

Thank you to everyone who also has a collection tin at their business or place of work - the pennies really do build up into pounds and is a massive help to us at Lashes to be able to support the grant requests we receive

You all make a huge difference to us. Thank you

The HQ outlet continues to be important to Lashes and it is great to see the young adults develop as a result of the work experience they gain from being given the chance to work at the shop and also local residents being able to grab a bargain.

Thank you to all of our Major Donors, you all play a significant role in helping us to help others in the community.

Keeping it local: We have also teamed up with the local charity furniture project who we use to provide much needed furniture to people in need, and we also try and use local businesses where we have to provide something new and also our local panel of mental health counsellors who are absolutely fabulous

This year we have also received 51 referrals from local support workers and social workers.

With all of the support on the fundraising, this has meant we have been able to support so many people in the local community which for us is what the Charity is all about and keeping Evie's legacy alive. We have many more ideas and things planned in the third year for the Lashes Foundation to keep on supporting local people and groups

Trustee Update - Grants

The foundation is a grant making charity and has a grant process and policy in place where each grant request is reviewed by all trustees as part of the agreed governance process

In the second year as a registered charity, the foundation received 252 grants in total. Of these grants 220 were approved by the trustees with a total of £70,000 being granted (pledged)

Each grant that we receive are very individual and we have supported a very wide range of causes in our first year in line with our objectives . To name a few of the types of grants we have supported:

We have provided beds for children to sleep on who otherwise would be sleeping on the floor

Women fleeing domestic abuse where we have helped with new furnishings.

We have helped improve lives for local disabled children and adults with vital equipment.

We’ve donated to local food banks

We have provided mental health support for urgent cases and helped children who have suffered bullying, helping give back some of their confidence.

We have helped contribute towards making it safe for some children who were living without any protection on the floors

“I will be forever grateful for the love you have shown my son..Beautiful People”

Supporting people with their mental health has been a regular theme this year. We are thankful for our panel of counsellors who provide priority and discounted support to Lashes.

“Without the support of the Lashes Foundation, I would not be here”

We are very transparent as a charity about what types of causes we support and update our supporters regularly through our social media and website on how we help others

“Thank you for helping our club give children a chance to participate in sport when the parents could not otherwise have afforded to play”

Lashes HQ

In October 2022. we opened Lashes HQ, Our "pre loved" shop in Forest Town. We are indebted to the support from the trustees, volunteers, ambassadors

Everyone's energy, drive and sheer enthusiasm has made the shop a real success in such a short space of time

We also work in partnership with local schools and students with special education needs. The experience we give in the shop facilitates the development of behavioural and emotional social skills alongside retail and work experience (Customer service skills, stock management). Seeing the confidence grow of the young adults who volunteer for us is really rewarding

The support for donating goods and also people purchasing items has been absolutely fantastic. Thank you

"Lashes HQ helps us achieve three objectives"

Provide local disadvantaged young adults with learning experiences in a retail environment

Provide local people with high quality pre loved goods to help them in what is a challenging time for lots of people

Provide a sustainable source of income to be able to continue to help other in the local community

Major Donors and Supporters

The trustees wish to thank all of our Major Donors and Supporters,. Your ongoing contribution helps the Foundation help more people in the local community who are in need. We thank you all so much

Trustees and Board

Andy Sumner Chairman & Trustee

Lee Wilson Trustee

Emma Wilson Trustee

Kelly Wilson-Parkes Trustee

I'm delighted to be able to support Emma and Lee with the foundation supporting the local communities where I grew up. I hope to bring with my experience in finance and governance to the trust and also with the marketing and communications support.

As Evie's dad, nothing can ever replace my gorgeous girl, but I know this is something she would want us all to do and support as many people as possible in the local community to make them happy

As the mum to our beautiful Evie Wils, this foundation is so important to us as a family to keep Evie's legacy alive and keep supporting others like we know Evie did.

I am honoured to be asked to be a trustee and as a close friend of the family I know how important this is to them. I hope the skills I have in running my own local business will help the foundation keep growing. I will give my all to ensure we can keep raising funds and also ensure we support people in need.

Tony Delahunty Trustee

I have known Lee and the family for many years through sport, and was honoured when I was asked to be a trustee. I will be able to bring my significant experience in commercial and media to ensure that we maximise our fund raising capabilities to help as many local people we can

for Evie

Amanda Hill Trustee

I spent a lot of time with Evie at the Clipstone Youth club and know how much of

an impact she made on everyone. I am honoured to be a trustee to be able to support the foundation in ensuring the funds help the local people in need.

Linzi Pownall Trustee

Di Darby

Board - Treasurer

I am really honoured to be asked to support the foundation and I know how important it is to Lee and Emma to keep Evie's legacy alive. Running my own local business also gives me the skills and contacts to pull on to help keep Lashes going strong so we can make Evie proud

I am honoured to be able to support the foundation on the financial governance The success of Lashes means that the accounting is now more demanding and to bring my banking skills to the team to support the

Lashes

Board - Bev Cheesemond Head of Lashes HQ

I am passionate about supporting the community and with my links to localxx schools, experience in retail, I love running the Pre Loved shop which helps Lashes and so many people in so many ways

Financial Accounts

The charity remains in a very stable position after a strong performance in the second year. Donations substantially increased, from £57k in the first year to £66k in the second year, however income and surpluses from events and the sale of merchandise decreased.

Overall income decreased from £132k in 2022 to £128k in 2023, around 3.7% where in 2022 we also had the initial start up donation to the foundation. of £37k. However total support and fund-raising costs decreased from £51k in 2022 to £48k this year, a decrease of 5%. This includes reduced costs for our every successful fund raising events which overall are significant revenue generators. There were some oneoff costs in the first year in terms of shop fit, equipment web site and legal costs relating to the lease that were saved in the second year and the trustees are aware of this as well as rising rent and utilities costs that they were able to absorb as a result.

Overall, a surplus of £14k was made after the payment of grant pledges that increased from £41k in 2022 to £65k in 2023. There are grant pledges totalling almost £14k at the end of 2023 that will be paid in the following months. This collectively means that £120,000 has been paid or pledged by this charity since inception that has directly helped local residents who have found themselves in need.

The trustees have formulated a Reserves Policy: In order to meet future liabilities in full a minimum of £15k will be held and not distributed. This is to ensure that there are always sufficient funds to pay the Lashes HQ lease.

In total, funds at 31 December are £92k. allowing for a non-distributable amount for contracted liabilities of £15k and outstanding pledges of £14k, free reserves are at £63k to carry forward to new projects and grants in 2024.

The trustees have updated their Investment Policy, from maintaining all funds on a current account to holding £60k in 2 accounts, an instant access and a 32-day notice account. Investment income of £492 has been received in the year.

The Receipts and Payments Accounts, page 7 and the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, page 8, together with the Notes on pages 9 and 10 provide full details of the financial transactions.

The trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees’ Report above. Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees: Andy Sumner

Mr A Sumner

Chairman Date: 30th October 2024

Independent Examiners Report

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the period ended 31 December 2023, which are set out on the attached pages.

Respective responsibilities of Trustee and Examiner.

As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts; you consider the audit requirement of s144 (2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) does not apply, and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to examine the accounts under s 145 of the 2011 Act; to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under s145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent examiners report.

My examination was carried out in accordance with the applicable General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and the seeking of explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters.

The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a "true and fair view" and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent examiners statement.

In connection with my examination, I have no concerns and no material matters have come to my attention:

Sarah A Smith

Mrs Sarah Smith MSc BSc FCCA FCIE

TSA (Oakham) Ltd

8 Main Street, Cold Overton, Leicestershire LE15 7QA

30th October 2024

Financial Accounts[Receipts and Payments Accounts 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2023.]

Financial Accounts

Statement of Asset as at 31st December 2023

*Lease dated 12 July 2022 for 3 years to 12 July 2025 at £400 per month. 7 months remaining.

Financial Accounts

Notes to the accounts as at 31st December 2023

1.Accounting policies:

a) These accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis in accordance with the Charities Act 2011, and as adopted by trustees.

b) Fund Accounting

Unrestricted Funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds arise when the use of a donation or legacy is stipulated by the donor or funds are raised for a specific purpose. There are no restricted funds received in this financial year.

c) Going concern. The trustees are satisfied that they will be able to meet the liabilities of the charity as they fall due for at least 12 months from the date of signing the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

**For the Dad’s n Lads event we also received donations which have been accounted for in the general donations category which exceeded the costs incurred on the day which was primarily aimed at raising awareness for mental health rather than a fund raising event

Financial Accounts

Notes to the accounts as at 31st December 2023

  1. Grants Unpaid

2023 2022

4. Payment To Trustees:

There are no related party transactions and no remuneration was paid to the trustees

Financial & Governance Review

Methods of appointment or election of Trustees

Review of activities

These accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis in accordance with the Charities Act 2011, and as adopted by trustees.

Fund Accounting- Unrestricted Funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the trustees. Restricted funds arise when the use of a donation or legacy is stipulated by the donor or funds are raised for a specific purpose. There are no restricted funds received in this financial year.

Going concern

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees: There must be at least 3 trustees, who hold at least 2 meetings each year with one meeting being of physical presence rather than via digital means. In appointing trustees there must be due regard to the skills required to administer the charity effectively. New trustees, who must be over 18 years of age, must be appointed by a quorate Special Meeting (any 2 trustees) which requires 21 days’ notice. No changes to the trustees appointed in 2021 have been made at the date of signing this report.

The management of the Charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Trust deed. No changes have been made since the original trust deed was signed

Strategies for achieving objectives

After making appropriate enquires, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

To raise funds through fund-raising activities, donations, donors and grants and after expenses to make charitable donations in accordance with the trust deed and grant making policy

Activities undertaken to achieve objectives

. Financial risk management objectives and policies

Risk management: The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. All payments require two trustees to authorise and no trustee can commit the Trust financially on their own. Grant approvals are in line with the grant making policy which requires a majority vote.The majority of financial transactions are through the Lloyds bank account. Where cash is received controls are in place to ensure that the amounts are verified and banked. No grants are made in cash. The trustees have judged that the controls currently in place are sufficient for the operation of the trust.

Keep appropriate audited records of all grants made in line with the grant making policy and in line with the charitable objectives, including properly recorded meetings of the Trustees, receive nominations and agree such local causes which, at the Trustees discretion, meet the objectives of the Trust and make cash or gift donations to these causes.

Reserves policy

The Trustees have recently reviewed the Reserves Policy and have agreed a minimum reserves value of £15,000 (reducing basis) to cover liabilities for the remaining term of the Lashes HQ lease

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Thank You
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to everyone that has supported and believed in what we are trying to do as a foundation