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2025-04-05-accounts

CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts *•• Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trusteesl members of SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES On accounts for the year ènded 5TH APRIL 2025 Charity no lif any) 1198803 Set out on pages 3-12 I re￿rt to the Irustees on rny examination of the accounts of the above charity (Ihe Trust") for Ihe year ended 0510412025. As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are Trsponsible for the preparation Responsibllities and of the accounts in accordan￿ with the requirements of the Charities Act basi3 of report 2011 ("the Acr). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the appI￿able Directions given by the Charity Cornmission under section 14515}(b) of the Act. I have completed my examinatton. I confinn that no material matters have come to my attenth)n in connedion with the examination which gives me cause lo believe that in, any fflateTral respect- "accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or 'the accounts do not accord with the accounting Tecords I have no COn￿mS and have c(xne across no olher matters in connectic with the examination to wh￿h attention should be drawn in order to enable 8 proper understsnding of the accounls to be reached. Independent examinerfs statement Signed: Dats: 0710212026 Name: K. L. NEEDHAM FMAAT AATQB Relevant professlonal qualification(sl or body lif any): AAT MEMBER IN PRACTICE LICENCE 6520 Address: KLN ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES LIMITED 1-2 BASFORD HOUSE. DERBY ROAD. HEANOR, DE75 7QL Section 8 Disclosure Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight mallers of conceTn (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners). IER October 2018

Givè here brief detalls of any items that thè examiner wlshes to disclose. IER October 2018

Annual Report and Financial Statements

Year Ended 5th April 2025

Name: Supporting Communities

Charity Number: 1198803

Address: Supporting Communities, 3rd Floor, 86-90 Paul Street, London, EC2A 4NE

Business Office: Normanton Community Hub, Normanton Park, Warwick Avenue, Derby, DE23 8DA

Contact info:

Email - info@supportingcommunitiescio.co.uk

Phone: 020 4538 1060

Website: www.supportingcommunitiescio.co.uk

Management Committee

Chair (Ross Podyma)

Trustee (Ben Rigby)

Trustee (Kirk Gibbons)

Trustee (Loku Char)

Management Team

Organisational Lead (David Walsh)

Head of Service (Gerome Palmer)

Lead Youth Practitioner (Mim Bligh)

Lead Family Support Practitioner (Samantha Rhodes)

Purpose and aims

Supporting Communities is a dedicated charity focused on meeting the needs of at-risk individuals, young people, and their families. Our guiding principle is "Early intervention is prevention," emphasising the importance of timely support for all young people. Our mission is to relieve the burdens of poverty, enhance mental health and well-being, and reduce the number of at-risk individuals, young people and their families entering local authority services. Committed to establishing and sustaining high-quality youth and family support, we aim to build the resilience of families and create opportunities for young people to thrive.

We provide the following services:

Youth Support:

Our Youth Support Services offer bespoke 1-1 interventions for young people aged 11-19 (up to age 25 for SEND) to encourage, inspire and promote behavioural management, social and emotional support, and decision-making strategies for individuals to reach their full potential. We strive for young people to excel academically, socially, and personally whilst considering contextual safeguarding factors to deliver support in the appropriate environments best suited to the young persons' needs. This support will lie in the community or educational setting.

Family Support:

Our Family Support Services cater to children aged 0-11 and their parents/guardians, offering personalised assistance through 1:1 or group sessions in community or educational settings. Embracing a holistic approach, we tackle challenges including mental health, parenting struggles, domestic abuse, and financial hardships. Additionally, we conduct home welfare checks and provide professional communication support, along with aiding in essential paperwork. With our Think Child, Think Parent, Think Family approach, we promptly identify at-risk families and deliver tailored support.

Community Support

Our community support team operates various programmes, including detached youth work, mobile youth provision, and outreach initiatives. These efforts aim to engage with young people where they are, creating positive relationships and providing guidance. Additionally, we deliver group sessions designed to support individuals at risk, addressing concerns such as poverty, health issues, social challenges, crime prevention, and overall well-being. Our goal is to create safe spaces within the community where people feel welcomed, supported and offer pathways of support when needed.

Mission

We are on a journey to alleviate the pressures of poverty, improve mental health, well-being and reduce the number of at-risk individuals, young people and their families entering local authority services. We are committed to building and maintaining a high-quality youth and family support provision.

Vision:

To establish safe spaces and support networks for at-risk individuals, young people, and their families.

Motto

“Early intervention is prevention.”

Table of Contents

Chairperson's Message

As we celebrate the close of our third year at Supporting Communities, I am proud of the incredible growth and impact we have achieved together. What began as a shared belief in the power of community has grown into a movement transforming lives daily.

This past year has been our most successful yet. Thanks to the unwavering support of our funders, partners, volunteers, and team members, we have expanded our reach and deepened our impact across the communities we serve. We have delivered more programmes, supported more individuals and families, and built stronger partnerships with local organisations who share our vision for a fairer, more connected society.

We have tackled pressing issues such as mental health, social isolation, and educational barriers. Our work has not only provided immediate help but has also laid stronger foundations for lasting change. Through resilience, innovation, and collaboration, Supporting Communities has become a trusted source of support and hope for many.

We remain committed to building a community where everyone is valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our progress over these three years gives me great confidence that, with your continued belief in our mission, we will achieve even greater things.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey. Your support and passion fuel everything we do, and we are shaping a brighter, more inclusive future together.

With sincere gratitude,

Ross Podyma – Chairperson, Supporting Communities

Directors Message

Reflecting on the past year, I am immensely proud of how far we have come as a charity. Our third year has been filled with incredible growth, innovation, and achievement.

This year, we have strengthened our foundations and expanded our impact more than ever. Thanks to the incredible support of our funders, including the Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner, the National Lottery Community Fund, and the Million Hours project, we have reached more individuals, young people, and families than at any point in our history. Their belief in our mission has been instrumental in helping us extend our services to those who need us most.

One of the standout successes of the year has been the continued development of our award-winning mobile service, which has allowed us to break down barriers to access by taking vital support directly into communities. This innovative approach has expanded our reach and received recognition for its impact and creativity.

Another significant milestone was the kickstart of our exciting national project in partnership with BBC Children in Need and McDonald's. This collaboration has amplified our detached youth work efforts, creating meaningful opportunities for young people and bringing national attention to our local work.

Alongside these achievements, we have also seen the significant growth of our team. We have welcomed passionate new staff members who bring fresh ideas, energy, and dedication to our work, helping us to broaden our services and deepen our impact. Looking ahead, I am filled with excitement and determination. The commitment, drive, and heart of everyone at Supporting Communities will continue to fuel our journey as we create even more opportunities, tackle inequalities, and build a brighter, more inclusive future.

It is a privilege to serve alongside such an inspiring team, and I am confident that we will continue to achieve remarkable things together.

Here's to the future and the difference we will continue to make together.

Warm regards,

David Walsh – Director of Operations, Supporting Communities

Executive Summary

As Supporting Communities celebrates the success of our third year, we are proud to reflect on a period of significant growth, innovation, and community impact. Thanks to our funders’ vital support, we have reached over 2,000 participants across the county, delivering personalised 1:1 support, group programmes, and outreach initiatives that have empowered families, young people, and individuals facing a range of challenges.

One of our proudest achievements this year has been the delivery of our award-winning mobile service, covering communities across the county. This innovative approach has broken down barriers to access, taking much-needed support directly into neighbourhoods and providing a flexible, responsive service that meets people where they are.

We have strengthened and expanded our support for refugees, responding to the Ukraine crisis by offering tailored mental health support, resilience-building sessions, and wellbeing training to families and individuals settling in our communities.

Our reach and impact have been made possible through a growing network of partnerships and the generous backing of key funders, including local authorities, the Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner, the National Lottery Community Fund, BBC Children in Need, and the Community Foundation. Their investment in our work has helped us to innovate, scale our services, and forge new pathways for those we support.

This year also marked exciting new opportunities, including our contribution to a national detached youth work initiative in partnership with BBC Children in Need and McDonald’s.

Through this, we have not only strengthened our local offer but have played a role in shaping youth work practice at a national level.

In addition to our operational successes, Supporting Communities was honoured to be named a finalist for two prestigious charity awards, recognising our team's unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and community impact.

As we look to the future, we remain firmly committed to driving positive change, breaking down barriers, and creating a brighter, more inclusive future for all. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our funders, partners, staff, volunteers, and the communities we work alongside.

Mission and Vision

Mission

We are on a journey to alleviate the pressures of poverty, improve mental health and wellbeing, and reduce the number of at-risk individuals, young people, and their families entering local authority services. We are committed to building and maintaining a high-quality youth and family support provision.

Vision

To establish safe spaces and support networks for at-risk individuals, young people, and their families.

Delivering Our Mission and Vision This Year

This year, Supporting Communities has made significant strides in realising its mission and vision by expanding its services and strengthening key partnerships. We have grown our offer through targeted services such as our award-winning Mobile Outreach Service , which has brought vital youth and family support directly into neighbourhoods across the county, removing barriers to access and ensuring help is available to those who need it most. Thanks to projects funded by the National Lottery Community Fund , Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner , and the Million Hours Fund , we have delivered over 2,000 meaningful interventions, supporting families to alleviate the pressures of poverty and helping young people find positive pathways. Our mental health and well-being initiatives have also expanded significantly. Through our Helping Hands project and partnerships with local authorities and refugee support networks, we have provided tailored mental health support to Ukrainian and Afghan families, helping individuals build resilience and settle into their new communities with dignity and support.

To tackle the risks young people face, we launched a national detached youth work programme in collaboration with BBC Children in Need and McDonald's . This initiative has enabled us to engage young people in safe, supportive spaces, providing alternatives to anti-social behaviour and early intervention support that reduces the likelihood of entry into the criminal justice system.

Internally, we have invested heavily in staff development to maintain the high quality of our youth and family services. Our team has grown, bringing in new expertise to strengthen our counselling, mentoring, and educational support work, ensuring that everything we deliver remains evidence-based and community-driven.

Our proactive approach extends beyond crisis intervention. We have delivered educational workshops, skills development programmes, and community events designed to equip families and young people with the tools they need for long-term success. By offering practical life skills, employment pathways, and positive role models, we are helping young people build confidence and resilience for the future.

Through these expanded services and dynamic partnerships, Supporting Communities has stayed true to our mission and vision, creating safe spaces, fostering strong support networks, and helping individuals and families to overcome challenges, grow stronger, and thrive.

Programme Highlights

Over the past year, Supporting Communities has made significant strides towards realising our mission of alleviating poverty, improving mental health and well-being, and reducing the number of at-risk young people and families entering local authority services. Thanks to the hard work of our team, our valued partners, and the critical support of our funders, we have expanded our reach and impact across the county.

This year alone:

Youth Support – 1,700+ Hours of 1:1 Intervention

Our Youth Support Services have provided over 1,700 hours of bespoke 1:1 interventions for young people aged 11–19 (up to 25 for SEND), inspiring positive behavioural change, emotional resilience, and strong decision-making. We deliver support in both educational settings and community environments, always placing young people’s safety and well-being at the centre of our work.

Family Support – Holistic Assistance Across 40+ Locations

Through our Family Support Services, we have extended targeted help to children aged 0–11 and their parents/carers across more than 40 communities. Using our "Think Child, Think Parent, Think Family" model, we have addressed mental health challenges, parenting difficulties, domestic abuse, and financial hardship, offering personalised support through 1:1 sessions, group work, and home welfare checks.

Training and Support – Building Skills and Resilience

We have delivered a wide range of training and support sessions, including skills development workshops, education sessions, and vocational training. By equipping families and young people with practical tools and knowledge, we have contributed to building a more resilient, empowered community ready to face the future.

Warm Space and Family Stay and Play – Strengthening Families through 300+ Group Sessions

Through our Warm Space and Family Stay and Play initiatives, we facilitated over 300 group sessions, totalling 1,200 hours of engagement. These welcoming spaces have enabled families to connect, learn, play, and access support, building community resilience and reducing social isolation.

Mobile Youth Bus – Expanding Reach Across the County

Our award-winning Mobile Youth Bus has brought vital services directly into communities, reaching hundreds of young people who may otherwise be disconnected from support. It has served as a mobile hub for recreational activities, educational workshops, and mental health support, ensuring accessibility for all.

Detached Youth Work – Reaching the Unreached

Through our Detached Youth Work programme, we have maintained a strong presence in neighbourhoods, streets, and parks, building relationships with young people in their own environments. Our outreach approach has enabled early intervention, offered pathways to positive activities, and helped to prevent crisis situations before they develop.

Trips and Positive Activities – 40+ Events Organised

Recognising the importance of enrichment and positive experiences, we organised over 40 trips and activities throughout the year. These experiences have provided young people and families with opportunities to build confidence, strengthen relationships, and create lasting memories.

Financial Summary

In the accounting year, Supporting Communities Charity recorded a total income of just Under 176k. We express our gratitude to our donors, partners, and supporters for their invaluable contributions to our financial resilience and ability to make a positive difference in the lives of those we support.

Funding & Grants Funding & Grants Funding & Grants Funding & Grants
Funder Total Funding 2024/2025 Payment
BBC Children In Need -
Core Funding		 £28,690.00 £14,990.00
Community Foundation
Stafordshire - Ukrainian
Support Project -
Stafordshire		 £9,610.00 £9,610.00
Toy Trust £1000.00 £1000.00
Sporting Communities
(Partnership Grants)
Mobile Youth Services and
Detached Youth Work		 £70665.00 £57165.00
Derbyshire Community
Foundation - Youth
Support Services		 £12360.00 £12360.00
Community Action Derby-
Referral Services		 £3400.00 £3400.00
Police and Crime
Commissioner		 £5000.00 £2500.00
Derby City Council -
Wellbeing Services		 £20,000.00 £5000.00
National Lottery
Community - Youth
Sessions - Derbyshire		 £87,174.98 £50809.76
Total £237899.98 £156834.76
Donations & Fundraising
Donations & Fundraising Events £4359.86
Total £4359.86
Sales & Other Income Sales & Other Income
Sales £14606.07
Other Income £135.62
Total £14741.69

Financial Statements

Income Statement

Income Statement
Revenue Categories Amount
Donations & Fundraising Events £4359.86
Grants £156834.76
Sales £14606.07
Other Income/Miscellaneous £135.62
Total Revenue £175936.31

Expenses

Expenses
Expense Categories Amount
Equipment £4675.49
Insurance and Tax £1319.34
Wages £126044.59
Training £1198.68
Advertising (incl. website) £6732.52
Project Costs (incl. Refreshments) £33849.64
Misc (incl. Phones and DBS) £8976.56
Total Expenses £182796.82

Net Surplus/(Deficit)

Amount
Net Surplus/(Defcit) -£6860.51
Amount
Restricted Funds £156834.76
Unrestricted Funds £19101.55

Balance carried into 2025/2026

Amount £36,422.53

Balance Sheet

Balance Sheet
Assets Amount Liabilities Amount
Current Assets £36,422.53 Current Liabilities £36,422.53
Fixed Assets £8000.00 Long-term
Liabilities		 £0
Total Assets £44422.53 Total Liabilities £36,422.53
Net Assets £8000.00

Cash Flow Statement

Cash Flow Statement
Cash Flow Categories Amount
Cash from Operating Activities £182796.82
Cash from Investing Activities £0.00
Cash from Financing Activities £0.00
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Cash -£6860.51

Future Outlook

As Supporting Communities moves into our fourth year, we are filled with optimism and excitement for the opportunities that lie ahead. This next chapter marks a significant milestone for us, as we take the important step of operating from our very own building, a dedicated space that will serve as a hub for our expanding services, community engagement, and long-term growth.

The recent boost in funding we have secured is a strong endorsement of the care, resilience, and impact we have demonstrated through challenging times. Being recognised as finalists for two prestigious charity awards further highlights our commitment to excellence and innovation in everything we do.

In our fourth year, we are focused on building upon the strong foundations we have laid. The additional resources now available to us will enable us to enhance our programmes, expand our family and youth support services, and increase our capacity to address mental health and well-being needs. We are excited to introduce new workshops, skill-building activities, and outreach initiatives to connect with even more individuals and families who need our support.

The move into our own premises also opens up new possibilities for developing sustainable income streams. We are actively exploring innovative ways to generate revenue while remaining firmly rooted in our mission, ensuring that our work continues to thrive for years to come.

Inclusion remains central to everything we do. We are forming new partnerships with community organisations to ensure our support reaches even more diverse and underserved groups, breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for all.

Alongside service development, we are strengthening our fundraising strategy by participating in events, applying for new grants, and launching campaigns that will secure our financial resilience and help us extend our reach even further.

To our funders, partners, staff, volunteers, and supporters — thank you. Your belief in our work has brought us to this exciting point. As we move into our fourth year and a new home for Supporting Communities, we look forward to the incredible impact we can continue to make together.

Here’s to a future filled with opportunity, growth, and lasting change.