# **ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** For year ending 31st August 2023 Charity Registration Number (England and Wales): 1200145 ## Table of Contents Page 1 - About us Page 2 - Why we are needed Page 3-6 - Our impact Page 7 - Our volunteers Page 8 - Our supporters Page 9 - Administrative information Page 10 - Trustee’s statement Page 11 - Independent Examiner’s report Page 12-13 - Financial statements Page 14-17 - Notes on accounts ## About us Little Green Sock Project is a volunteer powered initiative committed to alleviating child poverty in Trafford and surrounding areas. We’re on a mission to reduce the financial burden of clothing and essential equipment for families in hardship, by reusing clothing & children’s items donated by the local community. We’re creating a sustainable positive change in public behaviour towards a more circular economy for social benefit; and that’s why we’re the Little ‘Green’ Sock Project. Families are referred by organisations such as health and social care professionals, foodbanks and domestic abuse refuges who are acutely aware of the family circumstances and their requirements. We supply a carefully selected bundle of clothing & other essentials they may need for their children, including high value items such as cots and prams. We don't have any family (other than each other) so these bundles make me feel very special - like they are something that family members would buy for us. Anonymous feedback from a parent we have supported We know that when a crisis happens, an immediate response is needed, but recovery from a crisis takes time. Our work ensures the immediate support is available, but we can also remove the financial aspects of children’s clothing and equipment for families as they recover by inviting them to access ongoing support as their children grow. Our organisation has quickly become an invaluable resource for struggling families in our community and for organisations working with families in hardship. 1 ## The need for our support ## **Child Poverty in the UK: Statistics and Reports** The UK has a significant child poverty problem, and recent reports have highlighted the severity of the issue. In April 2022, Little Village and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation presented a report that outlined the following details regarding the depth and scale of poverty faced by families across the country: - Half of the 4.2 million children living in poverty in the UK are part of a family with a child under five years old. - Of the 4.2 million children living in poverty, 1.3 million are babies and children under five years old. - 47% of families from ethnic minority groups with a child under five years old are living in poverty. 55% of children from single-parent families with a child under five years old are living in poverty. 40% of children in households with a disabled parent and a child under five years old are living in poverty. Furthermore, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation have reported that child destitution has almost tripled in the UK since 2017 with a million children are now living in destitution where even basic needs cannot be met. It is recognised in this report that destitution is experienced by a growing number of families with children, particularly lone-parent households. It is also identified that the North West region have some of the highest levels of destitution, bar London and the North East. ## **Child Poverty in our local community** Greater Manchester Poverty Action report that there are 249,825 children living in poverty in Greater Manchester, 13,057 are living in Trafford*. Trafford is one of Manchester’s more affluent borough’s, but the affluence is not equally distributed. There are pockets of deprivation within Trafford, with 5 area’s which rank in the 10% most deprived area’s in the UK, mostly in North and West Trafford. Child poverty rates in these area’s reaches 48.2% (Clifton ward) in comparison to 21.9% (Hale) in South Trafford. This is reflected in our referral rates with over 80% of our bundles being distributed to families living in North, Central, and West Trafford. It is well documented that child poverty has a profound and long-lasting effect on a child's development and can lead to life long challenges affecting mental health, educational attainment and relationships. By supporting families through our network of referral partners, we ensure we are reaching some of the most vulnerable families within our community ensuring they have their basic need of clothing, footwear, toiletries and equipment met. References: The Little Village Famiily Poverty Report 2022 Destitution in the UK 2023: Joseph Rowntree Foundation GMPA Poverty Monitor 2023 *End Child Poverty Coalition 2 ## the Impact of our work ## **Referrals** Our referrals have doubled over the past twelve months - a development that can be attributed to more referral partners becoming aware of our services. However, there is also clear evidence of an increasingly pressing need. With the ongoing global human rights crisis, wars, and the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, the cost of living has become even more difficult for many families. This trend is also reflected in the rise of referral rates in baby banks across the UK. In light of these circumstances, it is projected that referrals will continue to increase as more families are forced into poverty. The relief was visible, mum’s shoulders relaxed and she just cried knowing her boys would be warm. Your presentation, thoughtfulness and love that goes into every bundle makes them so very special and makes the families feel valued and deserving **----- Start of picture text -----**
Children supported per Referrals per
100 month month
75
50
25
0
Apr 22May22Jun 22Jul 22Aug 22Sept 22Oct 22Nov 22Dec 22Jan 23Feb 23Mar 23Apr 23May 23Jun 23Jul 23Aug 23
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Referral partner We understand that recovering from a crisis can be a lengthy process, which is why we offer continuous support to families in the Trafford community. As their children grow or as seasons change, more families return for further assistance, highlighting the undeniable need for our services. **----- Start of picture text -----**
60
Returning Families
New Family
40
20
0
Aug 22Sep 22Oct 22Nov 22Dec 22Jan 23Feb 23 Mar 23Apr 23May 23Jun 23Jul 23Aug 23
**----- End of picture text -----**
3 ## **The primary reason families seek support remains constant: they want to provide for their children, but financial constraints - whether complicated or straightforward - make it impossible.** ## **Two pregnant mothers** Earlier this year we were contacted by a social worker regarding two women she had met in the Home Office Hotel who pleaded with her for help to provide for their unborn children. ## **Refugee support** In April 2022 we saw the effects of the Ukraine war and the arrival of refugee’s in Trafford. Working with Manchester Homes for Ukraine we were able to support 24 Ukrainian children with essential clothing and equipment. As the refugee crisis in the UK deepened, March 2023 brought about the opening of a Home Office hotel in South Trafford where refugee’s, asylum seekers and migrants were being housed. Our referrals increased rapidly, and the stories of the families fleeing their home countries were harrowing, from homes being bombed in war zones, to children fleeing following a parent being assassinated with a threat to the remaining family. Families were arriving with just the clothes on their backs, with no access to financial support. 23% of our referrals are for families seeking refuge or asylum in Trafford. The referrer placed a referral and we supplied newborn starter packs supplied by Early Essentials, moses basket and stand, prams, bouncy chairs, baby play gym and clothing/footwear for the older children to a value of £1100. They had left their homes with nothing, due to their safety being at risk. They were absolutely overwhelmed with emotion and could not thank the project enough for what they provided. Referral partner From the bottom of my heart, baby and I highly appreciate it so so so much... ...Thanks for putting smiles on our face. Direct feedback from a refugee family 4 **Domestic Abuse** ## “Mum has a 10 day old baby and a toddler. She’s just arrived with a carrier bag of belongings. She needs help with everything”. ## Referral partner The prevalence of domestic abuse is a significant issue amongst the families referred to our organisation. Currently 28% of families referred are victims of domestic abuse. These referrals are generally time-sensitive and often require immediate and substantial attention, reflecting the dire circumstances that families face when they are forced to leave their homes with little or nothing. Children are significantly impacted by the abrupt departure, while parents are left without any means or support system to provide for their children. Our organisation is always prepared to offer support, providing practical essentials such as a safe place to sleep, clothing, nappies, and toiletries to cater to their immediate requirements. Additionally, we assist them in adjusting to their new circumstances by offering continued support with clothing and equipment as their children grow. ## **Disability** “His youngest child has a disability meaning bedding and clothing is frequently soiled. The washing machine is broken, we are sourcing a replacement as dad is unable to afford a new washing machine”. Referral Partner Around 8% of referrals are for families with a disabled parent or child. Disability increases the risk of living in poverty by 12% (Child Poverty Action Group 2022-23). For many families disability brings added complexity. For the family mentioned in the above quote, additional clothing and bedding to enable frequent clothing changes were paramount to ensuring the child’s hygiene, wellbeing and dignity were maintained. 5 ## Our Impact in our first 18 months 810 equipment distributed[Bundles of essential clothing and] Children supported with the 630 essentials they need to thrive Parents provided with practical 571 support for their children worth of savings for families £ 105,000 in hardship of clothing and equipment donated by the local 10,000kgs community of volunteering time 3000 hrs contributed 6 ## Our Volunteers The Little Green Sock Project owes its very existence to the remarkable dedication and commitment of its volunteers, who generously donate their time to the cause. A group of 100 amazing individuals provide support with a wide range of tasks. These include operational support at the warehouse, checking incoming donations, preparing our bundles, cleaning equipment, collecting items in the local community, as well as helping out with fundraising and awareness events. Our organisation welcomes volunteers from all ages and backgrounds, from the youngest Girl Guides to volunteers in their later years; with volunteers reporting reduced isolation, increased well-being and social connection as a result of volunteering. We are proud to be a unifying force in the community. Our volunteers are truly inspirational, with founder Catherine D’Albertanson earning the title of ‘Community Champion’ at the Trafford International Women’s Day Awards. Jasmine Stagg and Maddison Edgar, fellow volunteers, were also recognised for their incredible contributions as Inspirational Volunteer of the Year and Inspirational Young Woman of the Year, respectively. The charity was also recognised with a ‘Pride of Urmston’ award for the commitment and dedication to supporting local families, and was nominated for an ‘I Manchester’ Award by the local community. Having children of my own it gave me that warm fuzzy feeling knowing someone was going to open those bundles and see the thought that went into them. In 2022, we were honoured to have Jane* join our volunteer team. Jane and her young family arrived from Ukraine and were referred to us for clothing assistance. After settling her children in school, Jane reached out to volunteer with us as a way of paying it forward. She continued to volunteer with us when she could, practicing her English and forging local friendships. We were thrilled to provide references for Jane in her recent job application, which she successfully secured. We wish her the best of luck in her new role. (*name changed for confidentiality reasons) Big thanks also to the teams of volunteers from organisations and groups who have joined us over the last 18 months, helping us set up our warehouse, sort through 10 tonnes of donations, and spread the word about the work we do. We're thrilled to announce that, thanks to the funding provided by L&Q and Peoples Postcode Lottery, we were able to hire two new staff members in 2023. We are especially excited to secure Catherine as our CEO, and we are confident in her ability to lead our organization into the future. 7 Volunteer ## Our Supporters ## **Grants and Trusts** Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to the grant giving bodies and trusts who have generously supported us this year. A special thanks to: The National Lottery Community Fund - The Peoples Postcode Lottery - L&Q (was Trafford Housing Trust) - Recycle 4 Greater Manchester Community Fund - Trafford Council Inclusive Neighbourhoods Arnold Clarke - ASDA Foundation - M&S Gifts that Give Campaign - Forever Manchester - Autotrader Award ## **Our Community Partners** Our team is proud to work closely with many organisations nationally and within our community who have supported us with financial, products and/or practical support. We would like to extend a special thank you to: - TBT Fitness Calm Connections CIC Sal’s Shoes Sale and Urmston Early Essentials Lions Buddy Bag Elmscot Group Foundation Nurseries Smalls for All The Masonic Lodge - - Goodness Zero Waste Urmston Homestart Trafford, The Women’s Institute Salford & Wigan The Social Lites Stretford FoodBank SoleMothers Trafford Domestic GoodGym Trafford Abuse Service Mother’s Union ASDA Trafford Park Domino’s Urmston British Gas Thrive Trafford Tesco’s Sale Brick By Brick Project Trafford Community The Mayor of Trafford Response Hubs Play Maker Events Trafford Council GirlGuiding Urmston Stretford Town Centre ## **Fundraising** We were very excited to be selected as one of the Mayor of Trafford’s nominated charities for the year, as well as the official charity for the NHS Party in the Park in July 2023. As well as the vital funds being raised for the charity, these platforms go a long way in raising the profile of our work, and the need within Trafford. We were also delighted in a number of community fundraising efforts being held in our honour, from raffles to choir performances, to sponsored sporting events and marathons! Thank you to everyone who fundraised for us this year! **We are immensely grateful to the businesses and organisations that have partnered with us to support our work. Without their support and generosity we would not be where we are today. Special thanks to TBT Fitness who gifted us space to operate from, and Goodness Zero Waste providing a secure drop off location for donations from local families.** 8 ## Trustee’s report ## **Trustees** Oliver D’Albertanson (appointed March 2022, resigned March 2023) Michele Simister (appointed March 2022) Laurence Frys (appointed March 2022) Laura Negus (appointed March 2022) Cara Goldrick (appointed March 2022) Rebecca Thomson (appointed March 2022) Lorna Sales (appointed July 2023) Rosalyn Wilde (appointed August 2023) Lauren Chalmers (appointed August 2023) Aileen Edmunds (appointed August 2023) **Charity Number 1200145** **Registered Office 57 Roseneath Road Urmston Manchester M41 5AY** **Operational Base TBT Fitness 88-92 Flixton Road Urmston Manchester M41 5AY** **Independent Examiner BWP-Inspire Charter Buildings 9 Ashton Lane Sale M33 6WT** 9 **STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023** The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards. The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the Charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to: - select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; - observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP; - make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; - state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and - prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. The trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ascertain that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial information included on the charity's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. Approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by: …………………………… Lorna Sales 21st December 2023 Chair of the Board of Trustees 10 ndenl e l ¥ep¢Jrt M th8 aco)unts of the Charrty foTthe year end￿ 31" August 2023. are set out on the accompanied page$112-171. owts.li tets an(J min The thaiity's trustees we r•sporolW• for the weparaiN?n ol Ihe acttsjfits. Th? ¢haniis tyustees eonsider thai an ¥￿it k5 not required for thi* ytrar uThYer 144121 of the Chartbes Act 2011 lthe 2011 AUI and th81 an Indep￿dent examlnation16 ne&l•d. 11 is my respcnsiblllty to.. èxamine ble acxwnts uTrJer sedK)n 145 of the 2011 A¢L lo follow the prkK*Jures laKJ dwi in Ihe 9ernrnl Oira¢kn$ giveA by lh• Chanty Commls6ion und¥ slet￿n 145(SMbl of the 2011 Act,. •NJ to stal8 whether parne￿ar rnattws hav• c4m• to my attwttim. My examination was ¢0rriod in a(￿danc¥ *ilh th• gèr*r* Dir￿￿on$ by the Chanty Commission. An •xamlnation Includes a rèview ol Ihe acLouniirrfJ rKord$ kept by Ihe charity and a c4>nparison of the acxounts pre￿nted wllh tt)ose fw¢$. li aL80 Ind￿•$ Con￿0￿￿￿ ol any unu5u81 iiems ¢y disd05ures in the accounts. and seeking explanats.ons Irom you as trustees con¢orniThJ any s￿h mattws. The pro¢e#uies unoortaken do npi pro¥￿e 011 Ihe evidene• that w￿￿1(1 b? rewired in an cons•]u8nYy no oF4r¥¢y) is 9ivw as to wheiher the aeojunts pr•s8nl a'tyue and falr rwi is lirnSl*J lo I￿¢1 matters sel wt In the Stat￿￿nI bdow. In connodon ￿1h my examination, no matter ha$ (xffl• to Myatten￿￿'. 111 9iv•s me reasonaty? Ca￿ to th•t in any maiwal respo¢t the r•wirem•nts.' to keep •¢¢tyJntiTrJ re￿r¢S in 8cc*rdwc•*ith seuK•n 130 of the 2011 h£i," and to prepare accowts Y4hth a¢oJrd %*ilh Ihe accountirwJ rét*rds an(1 wmply with IM actounting rnouirèments of kne 2011 Aci have not been mel.. or 12110 wNch. In my oplnK)n. attention skKxJld be dra￿ ￿ order lo *￿ble a yopef ul￿ersta￿a1n9 of the account$ to be rea¢h&J. Name.. Thoma5 Middleton ACA R￿8¥ant professwal qualffication or b￿j￿. ICAEW Add￿Ss.. Charter guilding5, Ashlen Lane, Sale. M33 6 Date.. 1V December 2023 li ## Trustee’s report **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023** **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION** **AT 31 AUGUST 2023** The notes on pages 14 to 17 form part of these accounts The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 21st December 2023 Lorna Sales Chair of the Board of Trustees 12 **STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023** 13 **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023** ## **1. Accounting policies** The principal accounting policies are set out below. This is the first year the charity has been operational having registered with the charity commission on 23rd August 2022 therefore no prior period comparisons are available. ## **Basis of preparation** The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’ and the Charities SORP ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note. ## **Going Concern** It is noted that the charities outgoings will increase over the next 12 months. This is mainly due to the charity commencing a lease for a premises in Stretford Mall. The landlord has agreed to provide the premises rent free, with a service charge cap of £10,000 + VAT for 12 months with an insurance premium of £2000. We anticipate our utilities will be approximately £3000 a year. Discretionary rates relief has been awarded by Trafford Council. Following successful funding from the Cost of Living Fund confirmed prior to signing of the accounts in November 2023, we are satisfied that the charity has sufficient resources to continue to operate as going concern. ## **Fund Accounting** Unrestricted funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees’ discretion in furtherance of any of the objectives of the charity. Restricted funds are those donated for a specific purpose or project and cannot be utilised for an alternative purpose. ## **Incoming resources** All incoming resources are recognised once the charity has entitlement to the resources, it is probable that the resources will be received, and the monetary value of incoming resources can be measured with sufficient reliability. 14 Cash donations along with any sales income are recognised on receipt. Income from grants is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance criteria has been met and it is probable that the income will be received. ## **Donated facilities and donations in kind** Donated facilities are recognised as income when the charity has control over them, any conditions associated with the facility has been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity is probable and the economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP general volunteer time is not recognised. Donated items of stock are recognised when distributed and therefore any donated items held by the charity at the year-end are not included in the closing stock figure in the financial statements. Stock is valued at the lower of cost or net realisable value. The charity receives a wide range of donations from the public of second-hand items and new items from companies and community groups. All these donations are passed onto families in need, free of charge. These donations are valued at an estimate second-hand value (for second-hand items) and RRP at the time of receipt (for new items) and recorded as both income and expenditure in the accounts. ## **Expenditure** Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. ## **Cash and cash equivalents** Cash at bank and in hand is held to meet the day to day running costs of the charity as they fall due. ## **Pension** The charity participates in the NEST pension scheme which is open to all employees of the charity. ## **2. Critical accounting estimates and judgements** In the application of the Charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. 15 3. Income from donations and grants Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Total Donations and grants Donated goods for benefvarias Donated services and facilities 13.185 8.256 31.140 52.581 74.2(Kl 87.385 8,256 31,140 126.781 74.2 4. Income from other tradlng activltles Total Sales inc(Mne Corporate days Recycling income Other inc￿ne 2,651 2.460 969 6.080 5. Charitsble Activrtles Unr¢stri¢ted Re$tri¢ted funds funds Total Stsff costs Renl and Rates Donaled goods for b8neficiari8s Purchased goc¥Js for bon6fKiaries Consumables Subscriptions Equipment Depr8cialion Insurance 19,938 19,938 31,140 8.256 8,215 1,827 277 2,202 1.118 291 73,265 31,140 8.256 8,215 1,827 277 1,735 1.118 291 33,402 39,863 6. Cost of raising funds Unrestricted Restricted funds fuTrds Total Cost of raising funds Marketing 516 516 516 516 16 7. Tangible Assets Furniture & Fitting Equipment Totsl Cost At 1 April 2022 Additions At 31 August 2023 4,243 4.243 1,243 1.243 5,486 5.486 Depreclatlon Al 1 April 2022 Additions At 31 August 2023 324 324 1.118 1.118 NBV At 31 August 2023 3.449 919 4.368 8. Anafysis of restricted funds Balance at 1 Incom• Expenditurn Balance al 31 Descriplion and purpose of April 2022 August 2023 fund stsrt-up t￿616 Start-up costs Start-up costs Equipmonl, slaffirKJ cx)sts, and 1,177 marketing Adminislralion. insurances, 542 and lead volunteer expense8 12.050 Staff salaries 244 Items for b8neficiari8s Ilems for beneficiaries, 45 additbonal storage 14.058 THT Micro grant Trafford Council Forever Manchester The NalN)nal Lott8ry Communtty Fund Recycle 4 Greater Manchester Trafford Housing Trust Asda Trafford Housing Trust 00 Winter 20tX) 10 10,(KK) 8823 4.2(Ki 25.(MJ) 3.658 12.950 1,256 4,955 35,142 49,200 17