Charity registration number: 1200832 Company registration number: 13356157
Cherish (Reach and Connect) Company Limited by Guarantee
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND TRUSTEES REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
https://cherishgroup.org/
Cherish (Reach and Connect)
INDEX TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Legal and administrative information | 1 |
| Trustees' annual report (incorporating the directors report) | 2 - 5 |
| Independent examiner's report to the trustees | 6 |
| Statement of financial activities | 7 |
| Balance sheet | 8 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 9 - 13 |
Cherish (Reach and Connect)
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Trustees: | John Fell | |
|---|---|---|
| David Nickson | (Chair) | |
| Pamela Nickson | ||
| Rev Stewart Reid | ||
| Secretary: | David Nickson | |
| Charity registration number: | 1200832 | |
| Company registration number: | 13356157 | |
| Charity Address: | The Cherish Centre | |
| (and registered office) | West Park | |
| 65-67 Albert Road | ||
| Southport | ||
| PR9 9LN | ||
| Charity Website: | https://cherishgroup.org/ | |
| Independent Examiners: | Lifestyles Accountancy Limited | |
| 39 Kirklees Road | ||
| Southport | ||
| PR8 4RB | ||
| Bankers: | NatWest | |
| 130 Lord Street | ||
| Southport | ||
| PR9 0AE |
Page 1 of 13
Cherish (Reach and Connect)
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
The trustees submit their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. The financial statements follow the requirements of the revised Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (FRS 102) (second edition - October 2019) – Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019). For the purpose of charity law, directors are also the company’s trustees and are responsible for making all major decisions on behalf of the company and are referred to throughout this report as trustees.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The organisation is a Charitable company, limited by guarantee, incorporated on 26 April 2021. It is governed by its memorandum and articles of association and registered with the Charity Commission on 13 September 2022.
Recruitment and appointment of the trustees
The board seeks to achieve a balance of skills and experience amongst the trustees. In order to maintain this, the board reviews its skill and experience mix each year and seeks to recruit new trustees when necessary.
Appointment is made once an application for becoming a trustee is received by the charity and the board of current trustees have interviewed the candidate and voted. Usually the board is unanimous in its decision but if that were not the case then a majority vote would prevail.
In appointing trustees due consideration is given to ensuring that the trustees have, between them, the skills and experience necessary to manage the charity effectively and in accordance with charity law. In order to retain our relevance to the needs of the community, we also look to recruit trustees with active experience and first-hand involvement in the sector.
Trustee induction and training
The current board of trustees will provide any new trustee with an overview of the timetable of board meetings, copies of the recent minutes of meetings, the recent reports and accounts and explains their general and specific responsibilities.
Ongoing training is provided by the board of trustees as and when the need arises.
Risk management
The charity has undertaken a review of the major risks to which it is exposed and monitors this regularly. A regular monitoring of the charity's bank account and the taking into account of any fund restrictions by the management ensures that the charity does not commit to spend more than it has available. Financial reporting to the trustees is also undertaken on a regular basis.
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Cherish (Reach and Connect)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objects of the charity
The trustees have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives and in planning future activities.
The purpose of the charity is to promote social inclusion for the public benefit by preventing people from becoming socially excluded, relieving the needs of those people who are socially excluded and assisting them to integrate into society. For the purpose of this clause ‘socially excluded’ means being excluded from society, or parts of society, as a result of one of more of the following factors: unemployment; financial hardship; youth or old age; ill health (physical or mental); discrimination on the grounds of sex, race, disability, ethnic origin, religion, belief, creed, sexual orientation or gender re-assignment; poor educational or skills attainment; relationship and family breakdown; poor housing (that is housing that does not meet basic habitable standards; crime (either as a victim of crime or as an offender rehabilitating into society).
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Review and summary of the year
2024 was a year of steady and successful growth for Cherish (Reach and Connect) as we continued in our goal to combat loneliness and isolation for over-50's in Southport.
It was fantastic to introduce and welcome some great new groups to our regular activities. These new additions, like the Cherish Street Theatre Group, Cherish Lip Reading Group and the Cherish Board Games Group have given our users even more chances to connect, get involved, learn new things, and develop friendships.
We also made some fantastic connections with other charities and small groups last year and by working together, we’ve built a stronger network of support for our users. These partnerships mean we can point people in the direction of a wider range of services and make sure their different needs are really being met. This teamwork has not only made Cherish stronger but has also created a more caring community for older adults across Southport. Because of these new activities and collaborations, we were so pleased to be able to reach out and support even more people who were feeling lonely or isolated, and we’re seeing a real positive impact on their lives.
Looking ahead, our aim to provide essential support remains our priority. Our fortnightly Friendship Cafe, which is a recognised warm space, continues to be a vital part of how we connect with people, offering a friendly and comfortable place to chat, socialise, and find information. We’re actively looking at ways to make this service even more accessible. Plus, we’re committed to developing and offering even more classes and groups, keeping our programme interesting, and relevant to what our users want and need. This ongoing effort to improve means Cherish (Reach and Connect) will continue to be a lively and important resource for years to come.
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Cherish (Reach and Connect)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)
Review and summary of the year (continued)
Finally, we’re delighted to announce that our special Cherish Christmas event will be happening again on Christmas Day. After the success of last year, where we happily welcomed around 70 guests, we’re getting ready to host another Christmas celebration with a free two-course meal and entertainment. This event really encapsulates the heart of Cherish (Reach and Connect), offering a crucial sense of community and companionship at a time when loneliness can be particularly tough. We’re really looking forward to bringing some Christmas cheer and connection to those who might otherwise be alone on Christmas Day, and it’s all thanks to the incredible support of our volunteers, community, funders, and local businesses.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Principal funding sources
The principal funding sources of the charity continue to be received from the very generous donors and grant funders that the charity is so very thankful to.
Review and summary of the year
In the year to 31 December 2024 income of £31,211 was received (2023 - £32,217). Costs during the year totalled £26,645 (2023 - £38,683) which generated a surplus throughout the year of £4,566 (2023 - £6,466 deficit).
Reserves policy
The trustees have decided on a policy of holding sufficient reserves to cover at least 6 months operational expenditure in order to cover possible short term drops in funding. This calculates to be about £10,000.
In the year to 31 December 2024 the amount available in unrestricted reserves, not otherwise designated for future costs or projects, was £9,507 (2023 - £8,335). This level is in line with target and the trustees continue to plan to expand on the valuable work that they undertake to help more and more in need and will aim to continue to use the resources available to them.
PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS
General plans
The charity will continue its current programme throughout the year and aims to attract more support both financially and voluntarily in providing contact to local individuals in need.
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Cherish (Reach and Connect)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES
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 charity's financial activities during the period and of its financial position at the end of the period. In preparing financial statements giving a true and fair view, the trustees should follow best practice and:
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a. select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
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b. observe the methods and principals in the Charities SORP;
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c. make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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d. state whether applicable UK accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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e. prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. 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.
This report was approved by the board of trustees on 28 April 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
……………………………… David Nickson - trustee
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Cherish (Reach and Connect)
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF CHERISH (REACH AND CONNECT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
We report on the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 7 to 13.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is our responsibility to:
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(i) examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
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(ii) to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and
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(iii) to state whether particular matters have come to our attention.
Basis of independent examiner's statement
Our examination was carried out in accordance with general directions given by the Charity Commission. 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 seeking explanations from the 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 examiner's statement
In connection with our examination, no matter has come to our attention:
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a) which gives us reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements:
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act
have not been met; or
- b) to which, in our opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Daniel Styles (Independent examiner)
Dated: 30 April 2025
for and on behalf of Lifestyles Accountancy Limited
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Cherish (Reach and Connect)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Unrestricted Restricted Total funds funds funds 2024 2024 2024 Notes £ £ £ INCOMING RESOURCES Incoming resources from generated funds: Voluntary income: Donations and gifts 2 6,081 - 6,081 Grant income 2 570 1,600 2,170 Fundraising income 2 22,960 - 22,960 TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 29,611 1,600 31,211 RESOURCES EXPENDED Charitable activities 3 16,674 - 16,674 Raising funds 3 6,665 3,206 9,871 Governance costs 4 100 - 100 TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 23,439 3,206 26,645 6,172 (1,606) 4,566 Fund balances at 1 January 2024 8,335 1,606 9,941 Fund balances at 31 December 2024 14,507 - 14,507 NET INCOMING RESOURCES FOR THE YEAR |
Total funds 2023 £ 5,379 6,285 20,553 32,217 26,089 12,394 200 38,683 (6,466) 16,407 9,941 |
|---|---|
The notes on pages 9 - 13 form part of these financial statements.
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Cherish (Reach and Connect)
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Notes CURRENT ASSETS Cash at bank and in hand Trade debtors Prepayments and accrued income CURRENT LIABILITIES Accruals NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL NET ASSETS FUNDS Restricted funds Designated funds Unrestricted funds TOTAL FUNDS 6, 7 & 8 |
Total funds 2024 £ 13,674 650 283 14,607 100 100 14,507 14,507 - 5,000 9,507 14,507 |
Total funds 2023 £ 8,380 619 1,042 10,041 100 100 9,941 9,941 1,606 - 8,335 9,941 |
|---|---|---|
For the year ending 31 December 2024 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Directors' responsibilities:
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial n statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476;
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of n the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime.
These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on 28 April 2025, and are signed on behalf of the board by:
………………………………
David Nickson - trustee
The notes on pages 9 - 13 form part of these financial statements.
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Cherish (Reach and Connect)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES
a Charity information
Cherish (Reach And Connect) is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is The Cherish Centre, West Park, 65-67 Albert Road, Southport, PR9 9LN.
b Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's memorandum and articles of association incorporated 26 April 2021, the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective January 2019)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest whole £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
c Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
d Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements where relevant.
Designated funds represent unrestricted funds designated by the trustees to be used toward specific future costs and projects.
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Cherish (Reach and Connect)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
e Income
All incoming resources are included in the SOFA when the charity is legally entitled to the income and can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. For legacies, entitlement is the earlier of the charity being notified of an impending distribution or the legacy being received. No amounts are included in the financial statements for services donated by volunteers.
f Expenditure
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of the resources.
Fund raising costs are those incurred in seeking voluntary contributions and do not include the costs of disseminating information in support of the charitable activities. Support costs are those costs incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity and include project management costs. Management and administration costs are those incurred in connection with the administration of the charity and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.
g Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets costing more than £500 are capitalised and included at cost including and incidental expenses of acquisition.
h Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other shortterm liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
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Cherish (Reach and Connect)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
2 VOLUNTARY INCOME
| Donations and gifts: Donations received Gift aid tax reclaimed Grant income: Grants received Fundraising income: Event income Centre rental Sundry sales |
Unrestricted Restricted Total funds funds funds 2024 2024 2024 £ £ £ 5,798 - 5,798 283 - 283 570 1,600 2,170 5,613 - 5,613 16,727 - 16,727 620 - 620 29,611 1,600 31,211 |
Total funds 2023 £ 4,446 933 6,285 4,341 15,586 626 32,217 |
|---|---|---|
3 COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
| Unrestricted Restricted Total funds funds funds 2024 2024 2024 £ £ £ Administration costs: Equipment and maintenance 6,617 - 6,617 Centre rent 4,998 - 4,998 Telephone and internet 922 - 922 Computer costs 1,328 - 1,328 Website costs 394 - 394 Printing, postage and stationery 584 - 584 Sundry costs 959 - 959 Travel costs 368 - 368 Staff training and entertainment 88 - 88 Charitable donations - - - Fundraising costs: Event costs and materials 6,623 3,206 9,829 Advertising and marketing 42 - 42 Support costs: Insurance 416 - 416 23,339 3,206 26,545 |
Total funds 2023 £ 16,429 4,168 644 1,314 384 604 1,141 264 336 389 11,948 446 416 38,483 |
|---|---|
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Cherish (Reach and Connect)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
4 GOVERNANCE COSTS
| Independent examination | Unrestricted Restricted Total funds funds funds 2024 2024 2024 £ £ £ 100 - 100 |
Total funds 2023 £ 200 |
|---|---|---|
5 TRUSTEES REMUNERATION
No trustee received any remuneration throughout the year.
6 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
| Current assets Current liabilities Garden Group Warm Spaces RESTRICTED FUNDS |
Unrestricted Restricted Total funds funds funds 2024 2024 2024 £ £ £ 9,607 - 9,607 (100) - (100) 9,507 - 9,507 Balance at Incoming Resources 1 Jan 24 Resources Expended £ £ £ 548 - 548 1,058 1,600 2,658 1,606 1,600 3,206 |
Total funds 2023 £ 10,041 (100) 9,941 Balance at 31 Dec 24 £ - - - |
|---|---|---|
7 RESTRICTED FUNDS
All restricted grants received as shown above are for the furtherance of the charitable activities of the charity and are to cover the cost of the events and activities to which the grants were intended.
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Cherish (Reach and Connect)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
8 UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
| Designated funds: Future garden development Kitchen equipment Unrestricted funds: |
Balance at Incoming Resources 1 Jan 24 Resources Expended Transfers £ £ £ £ - - - 4,000 - - - 1,000 - - - 5,000 8,335 29,611 23,439 (5,000) 8,335 29,611 23,439 - |
Balance at 31 Dec 24 £ 4,000 1,000 5,000 9,507 14,507 |
|---|---|---|
The two designated funds above have been created to fulfil projects that are planned to be undertaken in the forthcoming year that are outside of the day to day operation of the charity.
9 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
There were no known disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023 - costs totalling £9,259 were paid to the sons of two of the directors for structural garden work).
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