CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Trustees, Annual Report for the period From 1st April 2023 To 31st March 2024 Period start date Period end date Charity name: Friends Together Crook Charity registratlon number: 1201793 Objectives and Activitles Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its goveming document Para 1.17 Our charity alms to promote social inclusion by preventing social exclusion and assistin8 Individuals to inte8rate into society. In the past year, we have focused on providing services, activitie5, and support to empower marginalized groups and community connections. This report highlights our achievements, financial activities, and plans for the future. Summary of the main aclivilies in relation lo those purposes for the public benefit. in particular, the aclivilies, projects or services identified in the accounts. Psra 1.17 1.19 Our charity exisis 10 promote soctal inclusion for Ihc public benefit by pre￿¢nting social exclusion and assisting individuals to integrate into sociely. This y￿. wc delivered a range ofcrealivc and community- focused activities. alongside organized trips. lo achieve our mission. K¢y activilie5 Singing Workshops and Performgnces by Guest Singers We organiLed regular singing workshop5 and invited guesl singers to perforni for and wilh our participants. Simple Cbair Exercises for Well-being To prornole physical activity in an accessible way. we conducl¢d regular chair-based exercise sessions. Art Workshops and Creative Projects Our art aclivilies gave individuals the opportunity to express themselves, such as paintin8 drawing and creative projects. Dance and Movement Sessions Dancing to live singers, to engage in light. , and inclusive movemenl activities. Trips Out 2nd Cultural Experiences We organiLLM] trips to local attractions, including museums. theatres and parks. These oulings provided participants wilh opportunities lo experience new environments. Through these programs. w¢ can directly engaged up lo l 00 individuals per week, providing them with opportunities for cr¢alive expression, physical activity, and social intcraction. By combining arts, enlertainmcni, exercise. and community engag¢meni, our charity has made meaningful strides in reducing isolation and promoting social inclusion for those who are most al risk Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit Para 1.18 The trustees confirm that they have had re8ard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit when plannin8 the charity's activities and delivering its objectives. All programs and initiatives undertaken durin8 the year were designed to further the charitws aim of promoting social inclusion, ensuring that the benefits provided were accessible to the public and targeted at those at risk of social exclusion. Achievements and Performance SORP relw8rte Over th¢ pasi year, our charity has made significant stride5 in promoting social inclusion and improving the lives of our beneficiaries through creative, physical, and communily-focused activities. Key achievements and their impact include: Summary of the main achievements of the charity. identifying the differen￿ the charity's work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. Para 1.20 Improi'ed Well-belng and Soci81 Conneclion Through our singers, workshops. perlorn]anc¢s, we brought lo&?dher individuals from diverse backgrounds to share the joy of music. These activities reduced loneliness and foslered m¢aningful connections among participanls, helping Ihem feel part of a supportive Lommunity. Enhanced PhvslcAI and Mental Health Our Lhdir-based exercise sessions and dance class¢s provided an acc¢ssible way for participants to slay active. particularly for those with limited mobility. Regular participation improved their physical fitness, boosted menlal well-being, and created a scnse of routine and accomplishment. Increased Conlldenee and Creailve Expression Art workshops offeroj beneficiaries the opportunity to explore their creativity. express themselves, and develop nNv skills. Participants reported increased sclf-esleem and pride in their work, with some projecls displayed in local exhibitions, helping to foster a sense of achievement and community recognition. Broadened Horiion$ through Trips Out Organized trips lo cultural and recreational deslinalions allowa participants to engage with new experiences and environments. These outings provided a break from isolation, encouraged social interaction. and inspired personal growtth. Wider Benefits to Society Our work has not only transfornied the lives of our beneficiaries bui has also contributed lo the community by fosterinb) inLlusion, reducing isolation, and promotin8 shared cultural expericnLes. Thc friendships and supwrt networks fonned through our prows have empowered participants to engage more aclii'cly in Iheir Lommunilies. slren8thening the social fabric as a whole. The positive changes in the circumstances of our b¢n¢ficiaries highlight Ihc value of our mission and the ongioing need for our work. Financial Review Review of the charity's financial position at the end of the period Parn 1.21 At the end of the reporting period. the charity's financial position remains stable. with total income of £42,747, total expenditure of £30.839 Éind a surplus of £11,908. The charity continues to op¢rate within ils budget. and we have maintained a Careful approach to managing our funds. ensuring ihat resourceg are directed towards achievinb) our charitable objectiv¢s. Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held Pgra 1.22 Reserves provide financial security, enabling the charity to meet its obligations and maintain operations Wlthout disruption. The charity airns to hold sufficient reserves to cover le.g., three to six month5 of operational expensesl. allowing for smooth seryice delivery and stability. Amount of reserves held Reasons for holding zero reserves Details of fund materially in deficit Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern Para 1.22 £38.479 NIA Para 1.22 P•rn 1.24 NIA Para 1.23 The trustees have reviewed the charity's financial posilion and fulurc funding prospecls and acknowledge certain unc¢rtaintTes regarding ils abilily to conlinue as a going concern. These uncertaintics include potential Teducttons in grnni funding and increased operational costs. To addres5 these challenges, the trustees are actively seeking new funding opporiunili¢s, exploring cosl-saving measures, and engaging wilh stakeholders to ensure the charity's long-lerni sustainability. The trustees remain committed to laking the n¢￿sSary steps to safeguard the charity's operations and ensur¢ il can continue to deliver its vital services. Structure, Governance and Management Description of charity's trusts= The charity Opcrntes under a trust deed, which outlines its charitable purposes. governance structure, and operational procedurcs. The trust deed is the foTmal governing document that guides all activities and decisions made by the Iruslees. Type of goveming documenl P*a 1.25 As above How is the charity constituted? Parn 1.25 The charity is constituted as an unincorporated association. This means that the charity does not have a separate legal identity distinct from it5 trustees, and the trustees are personally responsible for mana8ing the charit¢s assets and activities. Trustees are seletted based on le.8.. eleciion, appointment, etc.1. Accordin8 to our governin8 document, trustees are le.8., elected by members at the annual general meeting IAGMI associalion, LIOI Trust8e sgleclion methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election lo post or name of any person or body enli118d lo appoint one or more Irus18es Para 1.2S Reference and Admlnlstrative detalls Charil name Other name the chari uses Registered charity number Friends T ether Crook 1201793 Charity's principal address 18 Victoria Avenue Crook Co Durham DL15 9DB Names of the charlty trustees who manage the charity Dates act￿ rf not for whole Truste• nam• Office any) Nam• of pèrson lor body) entltled toa olnt tru*t•e ifan Eunice May Smith Pauline Dobson Chairperson 1410312024 - 0510412024 Lindsey Ann Stores 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Cor orate trustees - names of the directors at the date the re Dlf•c¢or name ortwasa roved Name of trustees holding tille to property belonging to the charity TruBtee nam• Dat•s act•d If not for whole Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others Description of the assets The charity holds the following assets in its upacity as held in this capacity custodian on behalf of Friends Together Crook The charity holds tangible assets such as equipment for entertainment, and other physKal items raffie and bingo piizes and includes funds held In de5 nated bank accounts Frlend5 To8ether Charlty work in promotlng social Incluslon. The custodlan charity ensures that the assets are appropriatety managed and used for the benefit of the 5peclfied charity. in accordance wlth both its own and the other charitvs objectives. The charity Iw tmplernented clear aTTang¢ments to ensure the safe custody and proper segregation of these assets from Its own resources. The assets 8re held in separdte bank accounts, physical storage locations metsj secure contsiner, and swure digital platfomis that are exclusiv¢ly designated for the use of Friends Togtthtr Crook Charity .Access to these assets is restricted io authori7td ￿rsOnnel. and the assets are regularly rcvicwed and monitored to ensure they are being used in accordance with the intended charitsble Narne and objects of the charty on vthose behalf the assels are held and how this falls within the cuslodian charity'8 objects Detail$ of arrangemants for safe Custody and segregation of such assels from the charty's own assets Additionally, the charity's accounting and financial systern5 maintsin stricl segregation of these assets from its own funds. Regular audits are conducted to confllm that the assets are secure and aTe being used appropriaiely, as per the guidelines sel by both th¢ custodian ¢haTity. Declaratlons Th• trust••• d•clarn that th•y hav• approved th• trust•e•' report abov•. Slgned on behalf ol th• charlty's trustO•8 31gn•tur•(•) Full nam•l8) Po8ltlon (•g S•cr•tary. Chalr, etc) Eunice May Smith Chairperson Dat• 15101r2025 111 1111111111111111 ]llll imml LYtt8 Iioi 111111 111 111 11 ,111111111 **9** ## **Independent examiner's report on the accounts** ## **Section A Independent Examiner’s Report** **Report to the trustees/** Charity Name **members of** Friends Together Crook **On accounts for the year** 5[th] April 2024 **Charity no** 1201793 **ended (if any) Set out on pages** 1 - 2 (remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets) - **Respective** The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. - **responsibilities of** The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year - **trustees and examiner** under section 43(2) of the Charities Act 1993 (the 1993 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to: - examine the accounts under section 43 of the 1993 Act, - to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 43(7)(b) of the 1993 Act, and - to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. - **Basis of independent** My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given **examiner’s statement** 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** In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention - **examiner's statement** 1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements: - to keep accounting records in accordance with section 41 of the 1993 Act; and - to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 1993 Act - have not been met ; or 2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. **Signed: Date:** 15/01/2025 **Name:** Azets Audit Services **Relevant professional** Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW) **qualification(s) or body** **Address** Bede House, 3 Belmont Business Park, Durham, DH1 1TW 6 **IER** IER ## **Section B Disclosure** Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material problems. **Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose** . 7 **April 2009** **IER**