REPORT OF THE TRUESTEE AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD 02 OCTOBER 2023 TO 01 OCTOBER 2024 FOR WALKER AND DISTRICT FOODBANK
TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 01[ST] OCTOBER 2024
Charity number: 1200946
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WALKER AND DISTRICT FOODBANK
TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 01 OCTOBER 2024
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the period 02 October 2023 to 01 October 2024. The trustee has adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommendation Practice (SORP) Accounting and Reporting by Charities issued in March 2005
Reference and Administrative Details Registered Charity Number: 1200946
Principal Address: Walker and District Food bank 25 Church Walk Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 3DP
Trustees:
Bright Onoka - Chair Ijeoma Florence Ogah Pastor Victor Onwudili Michael Mcenaney
Independent Examiner:
Julius Olaogun (FCCA)
Rich Brother Accountants Ltd, 28 Camberwell Road, London SE5 0EN
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TRUSTEES’ REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 01 OCTOBER 2024
Commencement of Activities
Walker and District began operating early in 2015, though it was not until 01 November 2023 that charity status was granted. By that time Walker and District Foodbank had received a number of donations to alleviate poverty in Newcastle upon Tyne. The foodbank now has is own bank account that donation is now made directly into.
Structure, Governance and Management
Government Document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust and constitutes charitable organisation.
The aims and purpose of Walker and District is to relief poverty through activities and events recommended and approved by the trustees of the charity which has identified and approved the following as our main aims and purpose:
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The prevention or relief of poverty of individuals through effective support.
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To b uild a godly community through identifying people’s social and spiritual needs and facilitating ways to meet those needs.
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To actively engage in a continuous collective global community based charitable works to raise good citizens.
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To co-operate with the churches or similar bodies for the relief of poverty and for other charitable purposes that are for the benefit of mankind.
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To advance education and charitable activities for the benefit of disadvantaged children and young people.
In planning our activities for the year, Walker and District Foodbank have considered the Commission guidance on public benefit and in particular the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of eradicating poverty. For wider public benefit purposes, the Charity in the course of the year has actively engaged in community wide activities that are geared towards promoting and empowering people to live a sustainable life. Amongst them are;
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Reaching out to the homeless most especially the single homeless and enabling them to have a new start through help with finding privately rented accommodation, training and life skills.
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Empowering the unemployed through provision of advice and assistance, counselling, life skills and job-hunting advice, etc.
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Enabling the vulnerable in the society through face-to-face surgery in, support, advice, counselling and necessary spiritual guidance.
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Facilitating a multi-agency approach in addressing issues affecting the vulnerable in the society through developing a joint working approach with other existing bodies, charities and local support groups.
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THE TRUSTEES’ REPORT (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 01 OCTOBER 2024
Achievements During the year
Introduction:
The Walker & District Foodbank has demonstrated significant achievements in addressing food insecurity within its community. In the year, the foodbank distributed 6,069 emergency food parcels, supporting 2,500 referrals and 642 households. Among these, 3,812 parcels (63%) were for adults, while 2,257 (37%) were for children, highlighting the critical support provided to vulnerable groups.
The foodbank has shown consistent growth in its operations, with parcel numbers increasing steadily from 4,402 in FY22/23 to 6,069 in the financial year. This reflects both rising demand and the organization's capacity to meet it. The busiest day for parcel distribution was Wednesday, indicating a mid-week peak in need. Geographically, the top wards served were Walker (43%), Byker (26%), and Walkergate (14%), with most referrals coming from Newcastle upon Tyne.
Key referral partners included the Citizens Advice Bureau and City of God Christian Centre, with 30% of referrals from statutory agencies and 27% from churches. The foodbank also addressed diverse causes of food insecurity, with the top reasons for referral being rising costs of essentials (62%), benefit delays (9%), and priority debt (5%).
Operationally, the foodbank maintained a balanced stock system, with donations and purchases ensuring a consistent supply. Notably, 65% of households visited the foodbank for the first time in the year in question, underscoring its role as a lifeline for new clients.
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Mission and Strategic Objectives:
Our mission at the Walker and District Food Bank transcends mere provision of food parcels. We are dedicated to offering comprehensive support to those in crisis, empowering them to overcome challenges and build sustainable livelihoods. Our strategic objectives include:
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Immediate Relief: Providing essential food parcels and comprehensive support to individuals and families facing crisis situations.
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Long-term Empowerment: Guiding individuals towards sustainable livelihoods, fostering independence and fulfilment.
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Setting the Standard: Aspiring to be a beacon of excellence in poverty alleviation, inspiring others to join our mission.
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Raising Awareness: Shedding light on the realities of food poverty and its underlying causes and effects to mobilize public support and drive change.
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Advocating for Change: Engaging with service providers to influence policies and practices addressing the root causes of food poverty.
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Ensuring Effective Governance: Maintaining robust, management, and staffing to ensure the efficient delivery of our objectives.
Impact Amidst Pandemic Challenges:
Despite the challenges posed since the pandemic and its aftermath, the Walker and District Food Bank has experienced remarkable growth in it activities. The escalating cost of living has intensified the need for our services, leading to a significant surge in demand. Over the past years, we have witnessed a substantial increase in clients seeking our assistance:
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2019-20: +39% increase in need
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2020-21: +122%
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2021-22: +77%
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2022-23: +79%
Detailed Impact for 2023/24:
In the fiscal year 2023/24, we provided food parcels to 6,069 service users. Additionally, our financial inclusion services have recorded tremendous impact:
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Number of clients accessing support and advice: 1438
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• Total financial gains for people using the service: £611,601
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Number of persons that achieved financial gains: 809
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• Total amount of debt managed: £475,614
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Total debt written off: £61,258
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Number of persons whose debt was managed: 2
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Number of persons whose debt was written off: 8
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• Number of clients prevented from being Homeless: 33
IMPACT AMIDST POST-PANDEMIC AND COST OF LIVING CRISIS
Basedon our statistics, Walker & District Foodbank impact amidst the ongoing crisis is defined by escalating demand, parcel numbers surged 50% year on year to 6,069 in FY23-24, a dramatic increase from pre-pandemic levels.
The primary driver is the “ring cost of essentials” cited in 62% of referrals far exceeding the national average. this indicates the profound effect of the cost- of - living crisis on the local community. A significant 9of referrals were due to “no access to financial support due to immigration status” highlighting specific vulnerable groups. While first time visits decrease to 65%, the data shows a reliance on repeated support with 50% of households visiting more than once.
Conclusion:
As we continue our journey, we invite individuals and organizations to join us in making a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve. Together, we can create a community where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. The Walker and District Food Bank remains steadfast in its commitment to tackling poverty and fostering hope in the hearts of those in need.
THE TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 08 NOVEMBER 2024
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The trustees present their annual report together with the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 1 October 2024. The Trustees confirm that the Annual Report and financial statements of the charity comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the Charity’s governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” issued in March 2005.
REVIEW OF FINANCIAL POSITION
The financial statements covered the operation of Walker and District Foodbank and they have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the 2005 Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP)
For the year ended 01 October 2024, the financial activities show total incoming donations of £244,581 which is the total donations received. This was engaged mainly on charitable activities to alleviate suffering and poverty and total expenditure amounted to £173,129. We closed the year with a net surplus of £.71,452
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEE’S RESPONSIBILITIES
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustee’s rep ort and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law.
Charity law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.
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Observe the methods and principle in the Charity SORP;
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Make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.
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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 adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity, hence taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
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THE TRUSTEES, REPORT (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 08 November 2024 This report was approved by the Trustees on 121h June 2025 and signed on their behalf. Summary of the issues raised and adopted: Brlght Onoka Vlctor C Onwudili Walker and Dlstrkt Foodbank: Tnjstees. Rem and Financial Statements 2024
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES ON THE PREPARATION OF THE UNAUDITED
FINANCIAL STATEMENT WALKER AND DISTRICT FOODBANK
We report on the financial statements for the year ended 1[st] October 2024 which are set out in the financial report below. This report is made solely to the Charity’s Trustees, as a body.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
As explained more fully in the Trustees’ responsibilities statement, the Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements.
The charity’s trustee consider that an audit is not required for these financial statements (under section43 (2) of the Charity Commission (under section 43(7) (b) of the Act), and to state whether particular matters have come to our attention.
Basis of Independent examiner’s report
Our examination was carried out in accordance with Charity SORP. 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 hence the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner’s statement
During our examination, no matter has come to our attention: which indicates that:
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Adequate accounting records have not been kept.
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The financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records.
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We have not received all the information and explanations require for our audit.
Julius Olaogun (FCCA)
For and on behalf of
RICHBROTHER ACCOUNTANTS LTD CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS AND TAX CONSULTANTS 222A Camberwell Road LONDON, SE5
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RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 01 DECEMBER 2024
| RECEIPTS Donation Collections other than giving Income Tax Gift Aid PAYMENTS Charity activities (Note 2b) Excess of Receipts over payments 5Net Capital Movement Balances brougt forward fund carry carry forward 68411 |
Unrestricted funds £ 244,581 - |
Designated funds £ - - - |
Restricted funds £ - - - |
Endowment funds £ - - - |
Total Total 2024 2023 £ £ 244,581 69,894 - - |
Total Total 2024 2023 £ £ 244,581 69,894 - - |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 244,581 | 244,581 69,894 |
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| 173,129 | 173,129 72,935 |
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| 173,129 | 173,129 72,935 |
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| 71,452 | 71,452 -3,041 |
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| 71,452 | 71,452 | -3,041 | ||||||
| -3041 | -3041 -3041 |
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| 68,411 | 68411 -3041 |
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STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AS AT 01 OCTOBER 2024
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
| Cash Funds Cash Creditors Within 1yr Assets retained for charity use Shelf Net Funds |
Unrestricted funds £ |
Restricted funds £ |
Endowment Total Total funds 2024 2023 £ £ |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| 72’709 | - | 72,709 14,210 |
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| - - |
- - |
- - - - |
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| - | - | |||
| - | - | - - - |
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| - | - - - |
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| 1,896 | - | - 72,709 1,896 |
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| 16,106 | - | - 16,106 |
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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 01 OCTOBER 2024
1.The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charity’s governing document
- Receipts and payments
analysis of the charity activities
Receipts
| Receipts | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donation received Payments groceries & Purchase Salaries Citizen Advice Transport and Sundries bank Charge Telephone Training Accounting fees office Administration consultancy welfare Adverisement& Promotion maintenance Crusade sundries |
Unrestricted funds £ |
Designated funds £ |
Restricted Total Total funds 2024 2023 £ £ £ |
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| 244,581 | 244,581 69,894 |
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| 102,301 25,872 154 69 106 1140 800 18.786 13,615 700 3,766 4,122 2838 |
102,301 39,863 25,872 24,659 6000 - 154 22 69 67 106 106 1140 800 800 18786 13615 700 3766 4122 2,838 278 |
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| 173,129 | 173,129 32,935 |
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Parti1¥r af employees: The average numberof employees during the year calcutated on the basis of lull time is three for the year. No employee recetved emolument of more than £60.((Q during the peri. This rèpjrtwas aFrIed by the Twstees 1> June 2025 aThJ swJned on their bthJf ty. BTlght Onoka Vlctor C Omyudlll 13 Walker and District F(XIbank. Trustees, Report and FanCIal Statements 2024