Accountancy Solutions
BLESS COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Financial statements for the Period ended 29[th] February 2024
Charity number: 1202061
Charitable Incorporated Organisation Registered England and Wales
[Call: 07926 450 250 ] Email: info@hslaccountancysolutions.co.uk www.hslaccountancysolutions.co.uk
BLESS COMMUNITY SUPPORT Contents of the financial statements for the period ended 29th February 2024
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Administrative Details | 1 |
| Trustees Report | 2 - 3 |
| Independent Examiners Report | 4 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 5 |
| Balance Sheet | 6 |
| Notes to the accounts | 7 - 10 |
BLESS COMMUNITY SUPPORT Administrative details for the period ended 29th February 2024
Registered Charity number 1202061 Trustees and Management Committee Bradley David Ellis John Egan Julie Pauline Robinson Elaine Griffin Beverley Ross Administrative address 2 HIGHFIELD CENTRE HEMSWORTH PONTEFRACT WF9 4SH Bankers Lloyds Bank Plc 139-141 Barnsley Rd, South Elmsall, Pontefract WF9 2AA Independent Examiner Heera Singh FMAAT HSL Accountancy Solutions Ltd Enterprise House 61a Carr House Doncaster DN1 2BY
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BLESS COMMUNITY SUPPORT The trustees present their annual report for the period ended 29th February 2024
Governing document
The organisation is operated under the rules of its constitution which was adopted 1st February 2023.
Recruitment and appointment of new trustees
The charity aims to ensure that its trustees are able to bring a range of different skills to the board. It also looks to recruit trustees who have worked with offenders and ex-offenders with learning difficulties, which contributes towards the achievement of the charity’s objective.
Induction and training of new trustees
All new trustees are provided with details of their responsibilities by way of relevant Charity Commission leaflets. Further training is available to any trustee who wishes to receive it.
Organisational structure and management
The day-to-day running and management of the charity is undertaken by the trustees. They are responsible for identifying and appointing staff members, to whom some aspects of the charitable work are delegated.
Risk management
The trustees must identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.
The Charity’s objectives
Bless offers daily activities which universally aim to reduce isolation and loneliness across a diverse range of ages, backgrounds, health and abilities. We currently deliver our services from our two bases: Upton and North Elmsall Village Hall and our centre in Hemsworth. Many of our activities centre around a creative, physical or educational theme to help people re-engage with their community.
Achievements and main activities
Bless Community Support (Bless) answers the devastating isolation, poverty and hardship gripping rural West Yorkshire. In just four years, we have gone from six volunteers during the COVID pandemic to a calendar of activities designed to combat isolation, reduce loneliness and raise hope in the villages of Upton and Hemsworth.
Both villages are in the country's 20% most deprived areas, with limited local services, including public transport to our nearest city (Wakefield). During lockdown, we cooked and delivered over 60 meals daily to many vulnerable people in the community. Our eyes were opened to the alarming number of residents of all ages who are alone and without statutory, social or welfare support. With most provisions targeted in Wakefield, our neighbours felt there was nothing for them in their community.
Four years on, Bless has bases in both villages, with 20 volunteers delivering over 11 creative and pastoral activities across our two sites from Monday to Saturday.
At the time of our transfer to a charity last year, we had just one useable base in Upton Village Hall (our Hemsworth unit had been gifted to us by Wakefield District Housing but had not been repurposed) and no paid staff. With over 2,225 visits to our services in the first half of 2023 alone, some of our groups had more than doubled in membership size since the beginning of the year, and our small voluntary team were close to breaking point.
Funding in the second half of 2023 came at a pivotal time for our grassroots organisation, allowing us the breathing space throughout the summer to continue to support our 11 different groups each week while we awaited the outcome of a significant multi-year funding application from The National Lottery Reaching Communities England fund. In particular, this support included being able to continue to purchase food for our Cancer Support Afternoon Tea group, which averages 55 people a week, and our Memory Friendship Group for older adults with Dementia and their carers. For most of these members, your grant support that allowed Bless activities to continue was the difference between these individuals leaving the house and being able to socialise, and being entirely alone and cut off from their community.
We are thrilled to say that in September 2023, we were awarded a three-year grant from The National Lottery to cover a full-time salary for Julie, our Founder, and a part-time administrative role. This step-change has allowed us the time and space to be able to focus on improving and growing our services so we can provide the best possible support for the people of Upton and Hemsworth.
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BLESS COMMUNITY SUPPORT The trustees present their annual report for the period ended 29th February 2024
Achievements and main activities (Continued)
In 2023, Bless had over 7,000 attendances across our groups. We can confidently say that all 7,000 of these visits will have been impacted by Bless Community Support. While we support over 90 children each school holiday with our Happy Healthy Holidays programme (funded by Wakefield Council), most individuals attending our groups are over 40; the largest proportion are over 60.
Future plans
Our aim for 2024 is not only to enhance our current groups we are proud that we have also received our second venue in Hemsworth which will allow us growth in this district. We will be operating 2 units which are situated next door to one another, and our goal is to be able to offer the opportunity to increase the capacity by 50%.
We are also looking forward to being able to have a full year running our Environment programme at our Eco allotment, which will give the young children in Upton and surrounding areas the opportunity not only to have fun with planting and learning about insects but also give them a hands-on understanding of Sustainability and the importance of looking after the planet.
Financial review
The Trustees have reviewed the finances for the year and are pleased with the performance of the Charity.
Reserves policy
Our target level of reserves is a target figure of 3 months Core Costs at an amount of £13,000. This is to be built up from Year 2 and Year 3 (2024 and 2025)
Statement of trustees' responsibilities
Charity law 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 at the year end and of its incoming resources and resources expended during that year. In preparing those 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 principles in the Charities SORP; where applicable
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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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 business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which 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 2022.
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 declare that they have approved the above report.
Signed on behalf of the trustees
Date: 10[th] April 2024
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Independent examiners report to the trustees of BLESS COMMUNITY SUPPORT for the period ended 29th February 2024
I report on the accounts of the charity for the period ended 29th February 2024 which are set out on pages 5 to 6.
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(2) of the Charities Act 2022 (the 2022 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2022 Act;
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follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2022 Act; and
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state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the 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 you as 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 my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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1 which gives me 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 2022 Act; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2022 Act have not been met; or
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2 to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Mr Heera Singh FMAAT Date: 11[th] April 2024 HSL Accountancy Solutions Ltd Enterprise House 61a Carr House Doncaster DN1 2BY
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BLESS COMMUNITY SUPPORT Statement of Financial Activities (Incorporating the Income and expenditure account) for the period ended 29th February 2024
| Notes Income Grants and donations 2 Other generated funds Total income Expenditure Charitable activities Total expenditure Net income (expenditure) Balance brought forward at 1st April 2023 Balance carried forward at 29th February 2024 |
Unrestricted Restricted 2024 Funds Funds Total £ £ £ 55,564 101,698 157,262 3,287 3,287 |
|---|---|
| 58,851 101,698 160,549 |
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| 55,943 66,906 122,849 |
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| 55,943 66,906 122,849 |
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| 2,909 34,791 37,700 0 0 0 |
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| 2,909 34,791 37,700 |
The accounting policies and notes on pages 7 to 10 form part of these financial statements.
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BLESS COMMUNITY SUPPORT Balance sheet As at 29th February 2024
| Notes Fixed Assets Current Assets Debtors Cash at bank & in hand Creditors - amounts due within one year Net current assets/liabilities Net assets Fund represented by Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total |
2024 £ 0 1,400 36,300 |
|---|---|
| 37,700 0 |
|
| 37,700 | |
| 37,700 | |
| 2,909 34,791 |
|
| 37,700 |
The financial statements on pages 5 and 6 were approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Date: 10[th] April 2024
The accounting policies and notes on pages 7 to 10 form part of these financial statements.
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BLESS COMMUNITY SUPPORT Notes to the financial statements for the period ended 29th February 2024
1 Accounting policies
1.1 Basis of preparation
These accounts (financial statements) have been prepared under the historic cost convention, with items recognised at cost or transaction value, unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s), in accordance with: (a) The Charities Act 2022
(b) Accounting & Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (Charities SORP FRS102) (effective January 2015)
The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.
1.2 Incoming resources
These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA). Incoming resources are recognised when:
(a) The company becomes entitled to the resources
(b) The directors are virtually certain they will receive the resources; and
(c) The monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability
Where incoming resources have related expenditure (as with fund-raising or contract income) the incoming resources and related expenditure are reported gross in the SoFA. Grants and donations are only included in the SoFA when the company has unconditional entitlement to the resources. Contractual income is only included in the SoFA once the related goods or performance related services have been delivered. Investment income is included in the accounts when receivable.
1.3 Expenditure
Expenditure is charged to the statement of financial activities on an accruals basis, inclusive of any VAT which cannot be recovered. Expenditure is classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred in the delivery of the charity’s activities and services for its beneficiaries, including both direct and support costs.
Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting constitutional and statutory requirements, including Accountancy fees.
1.4 Fund accounting
Restricted funds are funds received from donors which are subject to restrictions on the purposes for which they may be used of which have been raised for a specific project. Unrestricted funds are those where there are no externally imposed restrictions. These include funds freely available to the charity for expenditure or appropriation to reserves for internally designated purposes.
1.5 Assets
Tangible assets are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least £500. They are valued at cost, or, if gifted, at the value to the company on receipt. The rates applicable are; Office equipment - 20% on costs
1.6 Taxes
The charity is not VAT registered. As a Charity the organisation is exempt from taxation on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or s256 of the Taxation of chargeable gains Act section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or s256 of the Taxation of chargeable gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.
1.7. Creditors
Creditors are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors are normally recognised at their settlement amount, usually the invoice amount. Accrued charges are normally valued at their settlement amount.
1.8. Debtors
Debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid.
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BLESS COMMUNITY SUPPORT Notes to the financial statements for the period ended 29th February 2024
| 2 Grants Grants and contracts General fund Albert Hunt Benevolent Fund Big Lottery Brelms Trust Crafting & Company Francis Whinham Generated Income Happy Healthy Holidays Hemsworth Refurb Little Buds Memory Friendship Group Prosper 2023/2024 Sir George Martin Trust Stitch In Time The Liz and Terry Bramall Trust Total income 3 Tangible fixed assets There were no fixed assets during the period of these accounts. 4 Debtors and creditors Trade debtors Creditors - due within one year Trade creditors 5 Trustees remuneration, benefits and expenses There were no trustees' remuneration in the period of these accounts. 6 Staff costs Salaries and wages No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000. |
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Funds 2024 £ £ £ 3,541 0 3,541 0 3,000 3,000 0 8,941 8,941 0 28,430 28,430 0 6,000 6,000 0 1,000 1,000 0 5000 5000 0 0 0 13,063 0 13,063 0 11,315 11,315 0 4,062 4,062 0 5,308 5,308 0 5,750 5,750 0 3,000 3,000 0 11,203 11,203 0 5,000 5,000 |
|---|---|
| 16,604 98,008 114,612 2024 £ 1,400 0 0 2024 £ 46,913 |
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BLESS COMMUNITY SUPPORT Notes to the financial statements for the period ended 29[th] February 2024
7 Movement of funds
| Unrestricted funds General funds Restricted funds Albert Hunt Benevolent Fund Big Lottery Brelms Trust Crafting & Company Francis Whinham Hemsworth Refurb Little Buds Yarndale Trip Memory Friendship Group Prosper 2023/2024 Sir George Martin Trust Stitch In Time The Liz and Terry Bramall Trust Total funds |
Opening Incoming Expended Closing Balance Resources Resources Transfers Balance £ £ £ £ £ 0 58,851 -55,943 0 2,909 0 3,000 -1,250 0 1,750 0 8,941 0 0 8,941 0 28,430 -24,155 0 4,274 0 6,000 -3,000 0 3,000 0 1,883 -466 0 1,416 0 5,000 -833 0 4,167 0 11,315 -11,083 0 232 0 4,062 -4,062 0 0 0 298 -298 0 0 0 5,408 -1,857 0 3,551 0 5,750 -2,145 0 3,605 0 3,000 -3000 0 0 0 13,612 -11,805 0 1,806 0 5,000 -2,950 0 2,050 |
|---|---|
| 0 160,549 -122,848 0 37,700 |
Movement of funds (continued)
Designated funds
The designated funds are unrestricted in nature, these fund have been earmarked by the Trustees in line with the Charity's Reserves Policy. The Charity's reserves consist of 3 months operating costs, staff redundancy and other closure costs.
Restricted funds
Albert Hunt - This is to cover costs for Cancer Support Afternoon Tea & Quiz which we average around attendees per week.
Benevolent Fund - The Benevolent Fund was struggling to operate with their accounts so merged with Bless Community Support. The fund is there to help the area with support and well-being.
Big Lottery - Core Costs to cover the salaries of the CEO and part-time admin to enable to run the groups and structure the charity.
Brelms Trust - The funding will be directed towards the annual core running costs of our varied projects and cover costs for Insurance and general utility bills for Hemsworth.
Crafting & Company - Weekly activity in Hemsworth to assist people suffering from loneliness. Build selfconfidence and support through others.
Hemsworth Refurb - This fund is to cover the overall refurbishment of our second unit in Hemsworth. The costs cover furniture, decorating, new heating and plumbing, flooring and security.
Little Buds - The Little Buds project was supported by National Highways who reached out to their subcontractors to support the creation of our Eco Allotment where children can learn to plant flowers and vegetables and gain valuable knowledge of insects and sustainability
Yarndale Trip - Annual Trip to Yarndale for the Stitch In Time group, to gain a better understanding of Knitting. This gives the attendees a chance to socialise
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BLESS COMMUNITY SUPPORT Notes to the financial statements for the period ended 29[th] February 2024
Restricted funds (Continued)
Memory Friendship Group - A memory friendship group providing singing, dancing and friendship (and much more!) for individuals affected by dementia
Prosper 2023/2024 - Funding to support our community with financial issues, who may need support during the cost of living crisis.
Sir George Martin Trust - Allowed us to cover the costs of valuable services towards the running of our 11 weekly groups that are being run.
Stitch In Time - We meet three times a week in Upton and Hemsworth, offering a safe space for adults to socialise while learning new creative skills such as crocheting, sewing and knitting. Most people attending our craft groups are incredibly isolated, and struggling with poor mental health.
The Liz and Terry Bramall Trust - An invaluable amount of money for our young charity and will make an insurmountable difference to the thousands of isolated and vulnerable people in our rural villages who we support daily
8 Previous periods figure
The previous periods figure are provided, where available, for comparison purposes only.
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