Accountancy Solutions
BLESS COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Financial statements for the Period ended 28[th] February 2026
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 28th February 2026
| 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 28th February 2026
Registered Charity number 1202061 Trustees and Management Committee Bradley David Ellis Barry Cannon 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 4-6 Thorne Road Doncaster DN1 2HS
Page 1
BLESS COMMUNITY SUPPORT The trustees present their annual report for the period ended 28th February 2026
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 CEO and trustees must identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.
The Charity’s objectives
Bless Community Support was established to promote well-being and education in Upton, Hemsworth, and surrounding areas. Our mission is to reduce isolation and loneliness among people of diverse ages, backgrounds, health statuses, and abilities by offering daily activities that encourage social engagement and personal development.
Main activities
Learning Support
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Skills classes for adults
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Additional learning support for students
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Parenting and family support
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Community access to IT facilities
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Adult learning and career development opportunities
Support Groups
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Memory Friendship Group for people living with dementia and their carers
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Social activities including games, singing, dancing, and peer support
Environmental Awareness
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Children’s Allotment to engage them in sustainability and wildlife
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Gardening activities
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Sustainability education
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Healthy hobby development
Social Engagement
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School holiday clubs
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Afternoon Tea & Quiz for older residents
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Crochet group
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Activities designed to build friendships and community cohesion
Well Being Groups
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Crafting sessions
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Resilience and positive thinking workshops
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Meditation classes
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Tranquil Tuesday – Women’s Wellness & Cancer Support Group
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• Macmillan Cancer Support Groups
All activities are designed to re-engage individuals with their community, promoting inclusivity, confidence, and personal growth, and all are provided free of charge.
Page 2
BLESS COMMUNITY SUPPORT The trustees present their annual report for the period ended 28th February 2026
Achievements and main activities
Bless Community Support has continued to grow significantly, responding to the deep isolation, poverty, and hardship affecting rural West Yorkshire. Both Upton and Hemsworth are among the 20% most deprived areas in England, with limited local services and poor transport links to Wakefield.
What We Are Especially Proud Of
We are especially proud of Julie Green’s role on the NHS Cancer Panel for Yorkshire, which ensures Bless services remain informed by the latest guidance and truly reflect the needs of people affected by cancer in our community. As a cancer survivor, her lived experience brings unique insight to shaping regional cancer strategies. Julie was also awarded a Charity Hero Award, presented by Charlotte Church, bringing national recognition to Bless’s mission of kindness and inclusion.
Additionally, Bless Community Support has been nominated for a Charitable Excellence Award, and Julie has been nominated for Charity of the Year at the Yorkshire Choice Awards 2026, further affirming the quality and impact of our work.
We were also selected by the Cancer Alliance to feature in their 2026 promotional campaign, a significant recognition of the quality and impact of our work. Being invited to stand alongside such a respected regional partner highlights the trust placed in our approach and strengthens our ability to reach people who may benefit from early intervention, wellbeing and cancer awareness activities.
Growth and Participation
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10,650 attendees took part in 444 groups during 2025.
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Attendance across all programmes has increased substantially, demonstrating growing trust and reliance on our services in both Upton and Hemsworth.
Community Impact
Bless began with six volunteers during the COVID-19 pandemic, delivering over sixty meals a day to vulnerable residents. This work revealed the scale of loneliness and lack of support in the area. Four years later, Bless now operates from bases in both villages, with 20 volunteers delivering 14 creative and pastoral activities across three venues, Monday to Saturday.
| We are also extremely proud of the measurable improvements in wellbeing achieved through our programmes within |
|---|
| our community. Our 2025 WEMWBS survey shows a remarkable shift in how participants feel before and after |
| engaging with Bless activities. As the report states, “All activities are designed to re-engage individuals with their |
| community, promoting inclusivity, confidence, and personal growth.” This commitment is reflected clearly in the data: |
| Wellbeing Category - Before - After |
| Low wellbeing - 62% - 12% |
| Moderate wellbeing - 38% - 62% |
| High wellbeing - 0% - 26% |
These results demonstrate a significant reduction in low well-being and a meaningful rise in both moderate and high well- being. They show that Bless Community Support is not only providing activities but genuinely transforming how people feel, helping residents move from isolation and low confidence toward connection, resilience, and improved mental health.
Partnerships and Collaboration
We have strengthened relationships with local organisations, enabling us to expand our reach, improve programme quality, and offer a wider range of activities.
Expansion
We successfully opened a second centre in Hemsworth, increasing our capacity and enabling us to grow the Hemsworth timetable to a five-day schedule rather than the three days currently used.
Page 3
BLESS COMMUNITY SUPPORT The trustees present their annual report for the period ended 28th February 2026
Future Plans
Bless Community Support is committed to further expanding its services to meet growing community needs. Plans for the coming year include:
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Developing new programmes tailored to local needs
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Enhancing volunteer training and support
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Strengthening partnerships with local organisations
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Expanding environmental awareness activities for children
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Introducing learning and back-to-work programmes
Financial Review
The financial statements for the year ending 28 February 2025 have been prepared under the historic cost convention. The trustees are responsible for safeguarding the charity’s assets and have taken reasonable steps to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.
A full financial review accompanies this report.
Reserves policy
The charity has set a target level of reserves equivalent to three months of core operating costs, currently calculated at £13,000. We originally planned to build these reserves during Years 2 and 3 (2024 and 2025).
By the end of the 2026 financial year, we had not yet reached this target. Increased demand for our services meant that a greater proportion of our funds was directed towards supporting frontline activity during this period.
The Trustees remain committed to reaching the £13,000 target and have agreed a plan to strengthen unrestricted ‑ income during 2027 and 2028. The current level of reserves is considered sufficient for short term needs, and the Trustees continue to review the position regularly to ensure the charity’s financial stability.
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
Page 3
Independent examiners report to the trustees of BLESS COMMUNITY SUPPORT for the period ended 28th February 2026
I report on the accounts of the charity for the period ended 28th February 2026 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: 20[th] March 2026 HSL Accountancy Solutions Ltd Enterprise House 4-6 Thorne Road Doncaster DN1 2HS
Page 4
BLESS COMMUNITY SUPPORT Statement of Financial Activities (Incorporating the Income and expenditure account) for the period ended 28th February 2026
| Notes Income Grants and donations 2 Other generated funds Total income Expenditure Charitable activities 3 Total expenditure Net income (expenditure) Balance brought forward at 1st March 2025 Balance carried forward at 28th February 2026 |
Unrestricted Restricted 2026 2025 Funds Funds Total Total £ £ £ £ 48,802 115,270 164,072 185,308 280 2,534 2,814 950 |
|---|---|
| 49,082 117,804 166,886 186,258 |
|
| 47,801 125,128 172,930 173,629 |
|
| 47,801 125,128 172,930 173,629 |
|
| 1,281 -7,324 -6,043 12,629 1,837 48,493 50,329 37,700 |
|
| 3,117 41,168 44,286 50,329 |
The accounting policies and notes on pages 7 to 10 form part of these financial statements.
Page 5
BLESS COMMUNITY SUPPORT Balance sheet As at 28th February 2026
| 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 |
2026 £ 0 900 47,072 47,972 -3,686 44,286 44,286 3,117 41,168 44,286 |
2025 £ 0 900 52,479 |
|---|---|---|
| 53,379 -3,049 |
||
| 50,329 | ||
| 50,329 | ||
| 1,837 48,493 |
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| 50,329 |
The financial statements on pages 5 and 6 were approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
The accounting policies and notes on pages 7 to 10 form part of these financial statements.
Page 6
BLESS COMMUNITY SUPPORT Notes to the financial statements for the period ended 28th February 2026
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 28th February 2026
| 2 Income Grants and donations General fund Albert Hunt Barchester Health Charles El Sykes Trust (TQT) Crafting & Company Groundworks - Community grant Happy Healthy Holidays Hemsworth Core Hemsworth Refurb Little Buds NineVEH Trust Memory Friendship Group Morrisons Foundation Little Buds National Academy for Social Prescribing National Lottery - 2024 Craft & Crotchet National Lottery - 2025 Craft & Crotchet National Lottery Reaching Communities Nova Live Well Prosper 2024/2025 Sir George Martin Trust Sovereign Health Care Stitch In Time The Archer Trust The Sylvia and Colin Shepheard Trust West Yorkshire & Harrogate Cancer Alliance Innovation Competition 2024/25 WACCL Total income Charitable activities Generated Income 3 Expenditure Charitable activities Activity and project costs Advertising and marketing Bank charges Cleaning costs Cost of fundraising Insurance costs Motor running costs Legal and professional costs Light and heat Office costs, repairs and renewals Salaries costs Subscriptions Telephone Volunteer travel and expenses Total expenditure |
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Funds Funds 2026 2025 £ £ £ £ 48,802 0 48,802 26,036 0 0 0 3,000 0 2,000 2,000 0 0 5000 5000 0 0 0 0 20 0 0 0 23,066 0 0 0 17,838 0 0 0 6,300 0 0 0 2,437 0 1,200 1,200 0 0 0 0 400 0 3,500 3,500 0 0 2,000 2,000 3,000 0 0 0 8,225 0 0 0 9,809 0 69,421 69,421 60,194 0 10,000 10,000 0 0 12,899 12,899 8,625 0 3,250 3,250 0 0 0 0 2,500 0 0 0 80 0 1000 1,000 0 0 1000 1,000 0 0 0 0 13,780 0 4,000 4,000 0 48,802 115,270 164,072 185,308 £ £ £ £ 280 2,534 2,814 950 Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Funds Funds 2026 2025 £ £ £ £ 24,218 57,442 81,660 31,267 2,636 458 3,095 7,492 30 0 30 200 31 110 141 265 8,698 643 9,341 16,321 1,045 0 1,045 1,998 2,697 0 2,697 3,710 643 36 679 28,777 410 1,970 2,380 2,720 1,876 2,371 4,247 12,365 2,881 60,644 63,525 64,961 498 0 498 398 583 0 583 671 1,554 1,454 3,008 2,485 |
|---|---|
| 47,801 125,128 172,930 173,629 Page 8 |
BLESS COMMUNITY SUPPORT Notes to the financial statements for the period ended 28th February 2026
4 Tangible fixed assets
There were no fixed assets during the period of these accounts.
5 Debtors and creditors
| Debtors and creditors | |
|---|---|
| Trade debtors Creditors - due within one year Trade creditors |
2026 2025 £ £ 900 900 |
| 0 0 -3,686 -3,049 |
6
Trustees remuneration, benefits and expenses
There were no trustees' remuneration in the period of these accounts.
- 7 Staff costs
| Salaries and wages | 2026 2025 £ £ 61,151 64,961 |
|---|---|
Average number of employees in the period were 2.No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
8
Movement of funds
| Unrestricted funds General funds Restricted funds Barchester Health Benevolent Fund Charles El Sykes Trust (TQT) Crafting & Company Hemsworth Core Hemsworth Refurb Little Buds NineVEH Trust Memory Friendship Group Morrisons Foundation Little Buds National Academy for Social Prescribing National Lottery - 2025 Craft & Crotchet National Lottery Reaching Communities Nova Live Well Prosper - August 2025 Prosper - December 2024 Prosper - October 2025 Sir George Martin Trust Sovereign Health Care Stitch In Time Stitch In Time - coop The Archer Trust The Sylvia and Colin Shepheard Trust West Yorkshire & Harrogate Cancer Alliance Innovation Competition 2024/25 WACCL Total funds |
Opening Incoming Expended Closing Balance Resources Resources Balance £ £ £ £ 1,837 49,082 -47,801 3,117 0 2,000 -1,554 447 8,941 0 -649 8,292 0 5,000 0 5,000 286 0 -286 0 4,961 0 -4,961 0 511 0 -511 0 0 1,200 -1,200 0 1,201 600 -1,698 103 0 3,500 -1,332 2,169 294 2,000 -2,189 105 7,110 59 -7,169 0 8,097 69,421 -68,318 9,200 0 10,000 -9,412 588 0 4,274 -532 3,743 6,578 0 -6,578 0 0 8,625 -4,508 4,118 0 3,250 -1,249 2,001 2,500 0 -2,500 0 169 206 -375 0 0 1,669 -1,669 0 0 1,000 0 1,001 0 1,000 -594 406 7,846 0 -7,846 0 0 4,000 0 4,000 |
|---|---|
| 50,330 166,886 -172,930 44,286 |
|
| Page 9 |
BLESS COMMUNITY SUPPORT Notes to the financial statements for the period ended 28th February 2026
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
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.
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.
Hemsworth core – Contributions towards core costs.
Memory Friendship Group - A memory friendship group providing singing, dancing and friendship (and much more!) for individuals affected by dementia
Prosper - Funding to support our community with financial issues, who may need support during the cost of living crisis.
Prosper AUG 25 is Prosper Small Grants - This grant will be used to grow our Memory Friendship Group by increasing participation, strengthening support for people living with Dementia and their carers, and enhancing the music ‑ based and social activities that reduce isolation.
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.
National Academy for Social Prescribing – Support for our Memory Friendship Group, to create a space for people suffering from Dementia through music
Sovereign Health Care – Funding towards our Crystal Café our Cancer Support Drop-in Centre in Hemsworth
The Charles El Sykes Trust (TQT) - Will be used to sustain the day-to-day operations of our Cancer Drop-in Centre, including our craft groups, holistic wellbeing sessions, and vital peer support for people affected by cancer.
‑ Little Buds - The funding will support our Little Buds nature based learning sessions and help establish a new children’s Market Stall on the allotment, where young growers can sell the vegetables they’ve nurtured from seed to harvest.
Morrisons Foundation Little Buds - This grant would enable us to expand our Little Buds allotment project by providing essential tools, materials, and equipment so more children can grow food, learn new skills, and take part in hands ‑ on nature activities year ‑ round.
Nova Live Wel - This grant is to fund a dedicated sessional worker who can support, deliver, and expand our growing programme of community activities across Upton and Hemsworth, ensuring we can meet rising ‑ demand while maintaining high quality, personalised support for local residents.
Stitch In Time – coop - Our Stitch in Time group meets three times a week across Upton and Hemsworth, offering a warm, welcoming space where adults can connect with others while learning creative skills such as crocheting, sewing, and knitting. A number of our members come to us feeling deeply isolated or struggling with their mental health, and this group provides a gentle, supportive way to rebuild confidence and community.
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BLESS COMMUNITY SUPPORT Notes to the financial statements for the period ended 28th February 2026
Restricted funds
Sir George Martin Trust - To provide essential craft materials so our busy community groups can continue offering creative, social, and wellbeing support to hundreds of isolated residents.
The Sylvia and Colin Shepheard Trust - This grant would help us launch and strengthen our new Cancer ‑ Drop In Centre, providing vital weekly wellbeing, social, and therapeutic support for the many adults in our community who are living with or affected by cancer.
The Archer Trust - To be used to help us sustain and strengthen our Memory Friendship Group, providing vital ‑ music, movement, and social support for older adults living with Dementia and much needed respite for their carers.
WACCL - Will support our Little Buds allotment programme, helping more children learn, grow, and thrive ‑ through hands on nature activities and community gardening.
9 Previous periods figure
The previous periods figure are provided, where available, for comparison purposes only.
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