## **Trustees’ Annual Report** ## **Connect 2 Combat Homelessness** Charity number: 1202598 **Reporting period: 1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025** ## **1. Reference and Administrative Details** Connect 2 Combat Homelessness is a UK-based organisation established to support anyone who is experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness. - Connect 2 Combat Homelessness - **Governing document:** Constitution - **Trustees/Directors:** - Mr Trevor Bailey - Mr Alex Combes - Mr Eric Teague Hellon - Mr John Painter - Mrs Susan Moffat - **Principal address:** - C2CH - St Georges Chambers - 23 Merrial Street - Newcastle under Lyme - ST52AE ## **2. Structure, Governance and Management** The organisation is governed by a board of trustees who are responsible for the strategic direction, financial oversight and compliance of the organisation. Trustees meet regularly to review operational delivery, safeguarding, finances and risk. Day-to-day activities are delivered by volunteers and sessional staff, many of whom bring relevant lived or professional experience from the Armed Forces, homelessness support, mental health, or outdoor education sectors. New trustees and volunteers are recruited through informal networks and recommendations, with induction and ongoing support provided to ensure safe, ethical and effective delivery of services. ## **3. Aims and Objectives** Connect 2 Combat Homelessness exists to relieve homelessness and hardship by: - Providing practical, emotional and peer-led support - Reducing social isolation - Improving mental wellbeing and confidence - Supporting individuals to re-engage with services, housing pathways and wider society ## **4. Public Benefit** The trustees confirm that they have complied with their duty to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s public benefit guidance. Our activities provide clear public benefit by supporting a vulnerable group at risk of long-term homelessness, poor mental health, social exclusion and crisis intervention. Support is provided without discrimination and is tailored to individual need. ## **5. Activities and Achievements (2024–2025)** During the reporting period, Connect 2 Combat Homelessness continued to deliver frontline, person-centred support to veterans and serving personnel facing housing insecurity. Key activities included: - Outreach and engagement with individuals experiencing homelessness or sofa-surfing - Peer-support sessions designed to rebuild trust, confidence and routine - Wellbeing-focused activities, including outdoor and skills-based sessions, which encouraged positive coping strategies and social connection - Informal advocacy and signposting to housing, health, mental health and veterans’ services Throughout the year, the organisation supported **500** individuals, many of whom presented with complex needs including trauma, anxiety, depression, substance misuse or breakdown of family relationships. Feedback from beneficiaries consistently highlighted the value of peer understanding, non-judgemental support and the sense of belonging created through the organisation’s activities. Several individuals reported improved mental wellbeing, increased confidence, reduced isolation and greater engagement with statutory and voluntary services as a result of our support. ## **6. Lived Experience** Lived experience is central to Connect 2 Combat Homelessness. Many volunteers and leaders have direct or indirect experience of military service, homelessness, or mental health challenges. This ensures services are grounded in empathy, trust and credibility. Volunteers with lived experience are supported through supervision, peer support and clear boundaries, enabling them to progress safely into leadership or mentoring roles if they choose. ## **7. Financial Review** During the year ended 31 March 2025, the organisation received total income of **£4777** , primarily from **grants/donations/fundraising** . Expenditure totalled **£8620** which was used to deliver charitable activities, cover essential operational costs and support beneficiaries directly. The trustees consider the financial position at year end to be **challenging** , with reserves of **£500** held to ensure continuity of services and meet short-term liabilities. ## **8. Risk Management** The trustees regularly assess risks facing the organisation. Key risks include funding uncertainty, volunteer capacity and safeguarding. These risks are mitigated through careful financial planning, strong partnerships, safeguarding policies, and ongoing trustee oversight. ## **10. Plans for Future Periods** In the coming year, Connect 2 Combat Homelessness aims to: - Secure sustainable funding to stabilise delivery - Further develop volunteer training and wellbeing support - Expand preventative work for those at risk of homelessness ## **11. Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities** The trustees are responsible for preparing the annual report and accounts in accordance with applicable law and regulations. Signed on behalf of the trustees: **Name:** ___Trevor Bailey_____________________ **Role:** _____Trustee___________________ **Date:** _____23/01/2025___________________