Josimah Baby Bank Trustees' Report For the Year Ended 31 December 2023 Charity Registration Number: 1202421
1. Introduction
Josimah Baby Bank (JBB) was established in August 2021 with the mission to support families in need by providing essential baby items. We believe every child deserves the best start in life and work towards alleviating poverty within our community by distributing preloved baby essentials. JBB has been a registered charity since March 2023.
2. Objectives and Activities
Mission Statement: Our mission is to make it easy and convenient for the community to support each other by donating pre-loved baby items in excellent condition. These items are redistributed to families in need, ensuring every child has the essentials for a healthy start in life.
Key Activities:
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Collection and Distribution: We collect donations of baby clothes, toys, travel items, toiletries, and equipment. These donations come from individuals, local businesses, and community organizations.
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Support for New Mothers: We provide maternal hospital packs and emergency baby packs to expectant mothers and those with pre-term babies.
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Educational Initiatives: We promote safer sleeping practices and breastfeeding through educational materials and support groups.
3. Achievements and Performance
Community Impact:
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Number of Families Supported: Between August 2021 and December 2023, we have supported 79 families in the Reading and Wokingham areas, extending our reach as our capacity grows.
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Donations Distributed: We have successfully distributed over ten thousand items, ensuring they meet safety and quality standards before reaching the families.
Volunteer Engagement: We have a robust volunteer program involving drivers, sorters, cleaners, and social media handlers. Volunteers play a crucial role in our operations, helping with the collection, preparation, and distribution of donations. We currently have 10 volunteers on our database.
4. Financial Review
Income: Our primary sources of income include monetary donations from individuals and organisations. We also receive substantial in-kind donations in the form of baby items including nappies, clothes and equipment. The total cash donations received in the year 2023 was £1,181.00 from individuals and other charitable organisations. The majority of the donations came from Shinfield Community Church. We are currently exploring specific activities targeted at fundraising such as sponsored walks, community activities, and also grants from established organisations.
Expenditure: Our main expense in 2023 was largely operational such as transportation for deliveries being made, publicity materials, as well as administrative costs associated with running the charity. The volunteers who undertook these activities for the charity covered these costs personally.
5. Governance and Management
Trustees: The charity is governed by a board of trustees responsible for overseeing its operations and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. We currently have a board of four trustees who meet at least once a quarter.
Policy and Procedures: We have established robust policies to govern the acceptance and distribution of donations, ensuring all items meet safety standards. Our operations are guided by our commitment to transparency, accountability, and the well-being of the families we serve. Our Policies include a Safeguarding Policy, Financial Controls Policy and Volunteer Management Policy amongst others.
6. Plans for the Future
Looking ahead, Josimah Baby Bank aims to expand its services beyond the current localities, reaching more families across England. We plan to enhance our support programs for new mothers and continue to advocate for safe sleeping and breastfeeding practices. Our major focus this year is to organise more community outreach events in local areas which we hope to achieve by partnering with other charities including other baby banks, churches, etc.
7. Conclusion
We are proud of the impact Josimah Baby Bank has made in its first official year. With the continued support of our donors, volunteers, and the community, we look forward to furthering our mission and helping even more families in need.
Approved by the Board of Trustees on 23 September 2024 and signed on its behalf by:
Signature: Mrs Fiona Monger, Chair Board of Trustees
Public Benefit Statement
Introduction
Josimah Baby Bank (JBB) was established to alleviate poverty and improve the quality of life for families in need by providing essential baby items. Our activities deliver substantial public benefits, detailed as follows:
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Alleviating Poverty and Hardship: JBB collects and distributes essential items such as clothing, diapers, toiletries, and baby equipment to families struggling with financial hardship. By providing these items free of charge, we alleviate the financial burden on families, enabling them to allocate their limited resources to other critical needs such as food, housing, and healthcare.
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Supporting Child Development: Access to essential baby items ensures that children have the necessary resources for healthy development. Items like appropriate clothing, safe sleeping equipment, and educational toys contribute to the physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being of children from birth to age five.
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Promoting Health and Safety: We actively promote safe sleeping practices and breastfeeding education. By providing resources and support, such as Moses’ baskets and breastfeeding guidance, we help to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and improve maternal and infant health outcomes. Our focus on distributing items that meet safety standards ensures that families receive safe and reliable products.
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Environmental Impact: Through the collection and redistribution of pre-loved baby items, Josimah Baby Bank promotes recycling and reduces waste. This environmental stewardship not only benefits the planet but also instils a sense of community responsibility and sustainability.
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Community Engagement and Support: Our charity fosters a sense of community by encouraging donations and volunteerism. We engage with local businesses, organisations, and individuals who contribute their time, skills, and resources. This collaborative effort strengthens community bonds and promotes a culture of giving and support.
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Accessibility: We ensure that our services are accessible to all families in need, regardless of their background or circumstances. Our referral system, through partnerships with local agencies, other charities, and community organisations such as local churches ensures that those who need our help most can have easy access to us.
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Education and Awareness: JBB will also work to raise awareness about poverty and the challenges faced by families with young children. We are developing educational initiatives and community outreach programs, which will aim to educate the public and advocate for policies that support vulnerable families.
Conclusion: The activities of Josimah Baby Bank provide significant public benefits by supporting families in need, promoting child health and safety, encouraging environmental responsibility, and fostering community engagement. Our work ensures that every child has the essentials for a healthy start in life, reflecting our core belief that every child matters.
Trustees' Declaration: The trustees of Josimah Baby Bank confirm that they have complied with their duty to have due regard to the guidance on public benefit published by the Charity Commission in exercising their powers or duties.
For more detailed information about our activities, please visit our website at Josimah Baby Bank.
Risk Management Statement
1. Introduction
The Trustees of Josimah Baby Bank (JBB) are committed to ensuring that the charity effectively manages potential risks that could affect its ability to achieve its objectives and deliver services.
2. Risk Management Framework
The charity's risk management process includes:
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Identification of Risks: Regularly identifying potential risks across all areas of operations including financial, operational, reputational, and compliance risks.
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Assessment of Risks: Evaluating the likelihood and potential impact of identified risks.
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Mitigation Strategies: Implementing measures to manage, mitigate, or eliminate risks. This includes establishing policies, procedures, and controls.
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Monitoring and Reporting: Continuously monitoring risks and reviewing the effectiveness of mitigation strategies. Regular risk assessments are reported to the Board of Trustees.
3. Key Risk Areas
1. Financial Risks:
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Risk: Insufficient funds to meet operational needs.
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Mitigation: Maintain appropriate reserves, diversify funding sources, regular financial monitoring and forecasting.
2. Operational Risks:
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Risk: Disruption to services due to operational issues.
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Mitigation: Maintain robust operational policies and procedures, ensure staff and volunteers are well-trained, maintain an updated disaster recovery plan.
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Reputational Risks:
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Risk: Damage to the charity's reputation impacting donor confidence and support.
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Mitigation: Adhere to high standards of governance and transparency, implement a strong communications strategy, engage with stakeholders – including donors effectively.
4. Compliance Risks:
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Risk: Non-compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
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Mitigation: Stay informed about legal and regulatory changes, regular compliance audits, and training for trustees and volunteers as applicable.
4. Review and Reporting
The Risk Management Policy and framework are reviewed annually by the Board of Trustees to ensure they remain relevant and effective. Any significant changes in risk or emerging risks are reported to the Board as part of regular governance meetings.
| Charity NameJosimah Baby Bank | Charity NameJosimah Baby Bank | Charity NameJosimah Baby Bank | 1202421 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Receipts andpayments accounts | |||
| For the period from |
01/03/2023 | To | 31/12/2023 |
CC16a
Section A Receipts and payments
| A1 Receipts | Unrestricted funds to the nearest £ 1,181 - - - - - - - 1,181 - - - 1,181 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1,181 - - 1,181 |
Restricted funds to the nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Endowment funds to the nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Total funds to the nearest £ 1,181 - - - - - - - 1,181 - - - 1,181 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1,181 |
Total funds to the nearest £ 1,181 - - - - - - - 1,181 - - - 1,181 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1,181 |
Last year to the nearest £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donations | 1,181 | - | ||||
| - | - | |||||
| - | - | |||||
| - | - | |||||
| - | - | |||||
| - | - | |||||
| - | - | |||||
| - | - | |||||
| Sub total(Gross income for AR) |
1,181 | - | ||||
| A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table). |
||||||
| - | ||||||
| - | - | |||||
| Sub total | - | - | ||||
| Total receipts A3 Payments |
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| - | ||||||
| - | ||||||
| - | - | |||||
| - | - | |||||
| - | - | |||||
| - | - | |||||
| - | - | |||||
| - | - | |||||
| - | - | |||||
| - | - | |||||
| **Sub total ** | - | - | ||||
| A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table) |
||||||
| - | ||||||
| - | ||||||
| **Sub total ** | - | - | ||||
| Total payments Net of receipts/(payments) A5 Transfers between funds A6 Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end |
||||||
| - | ||||||
| 1,181 | - | - | 1,181 |
- | ||
| - | - | - | - | - | ||
| - | - | - | - | - | ||
| 1,181 | - | - | 1,181 | - |
CCXX R1 accounts (SS)
27/09/2024
1
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
| Categories Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees B5 Liabilities B3 Investment assets B2 Other monetary assets B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use B1 Cash funds |
Details Details Details Total cash funds (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) Details Details Signature |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ 1,436 - - - - - 1,436 - Agreement Error OK Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - - - - - Fund to which liability relates Amount due (optional) - - - - - Print Name Fiona Monger |
Endowment funds to nearest £ |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| OK | |||
| Endowment funds to nearest £ |
|||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| Current value (optional) |
|||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| Current value (optional) |
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| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| When due (optional) |
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| Date of approval |
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| Fiona Monger | 23-Sep-24 | ||
CCXX R2 accounts (SS)
27/09/2024
2