FOREST KIDS ANNUAL REPORT For the perfod Ilt January 2024 to 31 December 2024 A. Reference and Admlnlstratlon Charity Name: Forest Klds Regrstered Charity Number: 1199728 Principal Address: Woodcock, Fox Hills Lane, Ash, Aldershot GU12 6AF Trustees: Sam Stephens (Chairl, appointed 20 July 2022 by governlng document Peter Findley, appointed 20 July 2022 by governin8 document Anne Richardson, appointed 20 July 2022 by governing document (resigned 26th September 2024) Sophie Burrows, appointed 26 March 2025 by Resolution of the Trustees Bank: Virgin Monev B. Reference and Admlnlstratlon Type of Governing Document: CIO Constitutlon How the Charity is Constituted:. Charitable Incorporated Organisation How New Trustees are Appointed: Resolution of exlstin8 Trustees C. Objertives and Activltles Objertives: l. The advancement of the Christian faith for the public benefrt, in accordance with the statement of faith in the schedule, in Surrey and Hampshire and in such other parts of the United Kingdom as the Trustees may determinÈ, especially in relation to children and young people. 2. The advancement of education for the public benefit, in relation to the environment and the natural world, in Surrey and Hampshire and in such other parts of the United Kingdom as the Trustee5 may determine, especially in relation to children and young people.
Maln ArtlvltlÈs Forest Kids exlsts to enable chlldren and youn8 people In the Ash area and beyond to find a place of belon8in8 where they can explore the Chrlstlan falth. Improve thelr mental and physical wellbein& and cultivate an Interest In and care for the natural envlronment. This Is done through regular a8e-approprlate group actlvltles In a woodland settln8. The Charlty was formed In July 2022, and started runnln8 artlvltle5 for chlldren in November 2022. The Charlty has been offered the use of Candle Wood, adJolnin8 Henley Buslness Park, free of charge for sesslons with chlldren, and this ha5 been very sultable for its needs 50 far. Transport for the children to get to Candle Wood has been provided by rentin8 a minibus from Wokin8 Communrty Transport, whose help and support is gratefully acknowled8ed. D. Management and Perfornianee The Charlty has contlnued Its work In dellverlng woodland-based sesslons, with an expansion from fortnightly to weekly sessions during term tlme In the summer of 2024. This increase wa5 made posslble through the recrultment of a new volunteer. Termly famlly events have contlnued, alon8 With pre-sesslon home vlslts. Each sesslon welcomed up to 18 chlldren, with an avera8e attendance of 11. Over the year, 16 new children Joined, with referrals primarily comlng from a local school. Partlcipants have continued to enjoy learning bushcraft skills, deepenin8 thelr understandln8 of the natural envlronment, and engaging in discussions about the Christian falth and positive Ilfe choices. A noticeable increase In confldence ha5 been observed in many of the children. Parent feedback has been ovenvhelmlngly posltlve, partlcularly highlightln8 improvements In soclal skills and connertion5. The Trustees extend their sincere gratitude to the volunteers who support thÈ charivs events. Their dedlcation and wlllingness make it possible for the Charity to contlnue its valuable work. The Trustees met three time5 durln8 the financial period. The Trustees have referred to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit when reviewlng the charitws aims and objectives and in plannln8 activitles. They are confident that the Chariws activitles as outlined in thls report meet the publlc benefit requlrements.
Flnandal Revlew The Charl5 first financial period ran from 20 July 2022 to 31 December 2023. Subsequent periods end on 31 December in each year. The ChariWs main source of Income Is re8ular glvlng from Indlvldual supporters I£10.5841. Most giving comes via Stewardshlp. whlch collects Glft Ald on the Charitvs behalf. Total Income for the period was £10,700. The Charitys maln expenditure consists of salarles and pension {£5,689}, equlpment and materials for sessions {£1,202), and the hire of minibuses for transport l£1,4241. Total expenditure was £9,257. leaving a net surplus of £1,443 and total reserves of £4,020. The Trustees consider that these reserves are sufficient for the Charltrfs needs. The Charity has no restricted funds. The Charity does not hold any investments for income generation, or any interest In land. The Charity has not made or received any grants. Rlsk Assessment and Safeguarding The Trustees have revlewed the malor risks to which the Charity is exposed, and have policies and procedures in place to mitigate these risks. E. Declaration No serious incident hasoccurred duringthefinancial period which should have been reported to the Charity Commission. The Trustees have approved this report. Slgned Sam Stephens Chair of Trustees
Forest Klds from l J•nu•ry 2024 to 31 l>•c•mb•r 1024. These accounts have been prepared usln8 the recelpts and payments method avallable to CIOS with Income bekjw £250,. Glvlng (Stewardshlp) Glvlng (Other Other Income Tot•1 Recelpts £8.754 8.106 £1,830 £2,459 £117 £28 £10,7 £1093 Staff Salartes and Penslon Staff Expenses Insurance Safeguarding Admlnlstration Equipment and Materlals Transport (Minibus Hire) Training Other Expenditure Total Payments £5,689 £222 £435 £234 £0 £1,202 £1,424 £52 £0 £5,484 £69 £435 £182 £0 £990 £988 £37 £10 £8.195 £9.257 Surplus / defidt £1.443 £2.398 Balances Opening Balance Receipts Payments £2,577 £179 £10,700 £10593 £9.257 £8.195 Closin8 Balance £4,020 £2.577 No Trustee received any remuneration or expenses in relatlon to their services as trustees. The Charity has glven no guarantees and has no capital commitments or longterm contrarts. Candle Wood Is part owned by one of the Trustees, and the Charity uses it by permission. No payment is made by the Charity for its Use of the wood. This arrangement is reviewed annually bythe otherTrustees. Except as stated in this paragraph, there were no related party transactions during the financial period.