- annual report
April 2023 – April 2024
WORLD FLAVOURS BY OUR REFUGEE CHEFS
CONTENTS
Page 3: Note from our founder Page 4: Why Plateful Page 7: What We Do Page 13: Who We Help Page 23: Our journey so far Page 26: Introducing our chefs Page 28: What we offer our chefs Page 30: Celebrating Achievements Page 28: Our plans for 2024 Page 38: Our partners and funders
2 ANNUAL REPORT
MAY 2024
A NOTE FROM IOLANDA CHIRICO – THE FOUNDER
One year on I am delighted to write this introduction piece and celebrate one year of achievements.
Why did I set up Plateful café in December 2019? I strongly believe in the power of food to bring down barriers and people together. Back in 2018 at Action for Refugees in Lewisham I hosted 3 community Iranian dinners which sold out straight away.
When refugees had a chance to cook traditional food from their countries, attitudes changed. Both for those who ate as well as those who prepared the food. Relationships were forged. For the first time, I saw the refugees relaxed and I saw they were sitting down at the dinner table with the guests. They were laughing and talking with each other. They were not afraid, not embarrassed anymore for not speaking the language because they could talk about the ingredients of the particular dish. Rather than being seen as refugees with no skills, no experience and no knowledge, they were able to use the language of food to share their heritage.
I wanted that wonderful feeling of belonging and togetherness to continue not just at sporadic dinners but on a continuous basis around a table laid in a commercial hospitality setting making a valuable contribution to the place we live and to the people around us.
In September 2019 I founded Refugee Café and in December 2022 Plateful Café to continue on the road to establish a physical café and becoming a more integral part of the local community.
Providing employment opportunities from creating delicious food is the mission of the charity. Bringing people together through food, we have given refugees a way to support themselves, break stereotypes and find inclusion in their new communities.
It’s based on the idea that when you know your neighbour, you don’t fear them. When you bake bread with them, you’re more likely to see their humanity.
In the past year we have been on an incredible journey together and since September 2023 to April 2024 we ran a café from Parkside Centre in SE10 offering breakfast, lunches and dinners.
The healthy, vibrant menu introduces and celebrates the communities and cultures of the cooks. Community events, workshops and feasts are central to relationship building as well as a variety of unique artisan products sold online, at markets.
Some refugees never overcome the trauma of losing everything. Losing their families, homes, jobs and sense of place from their country of origin. The café currently works with many people fleeing the civil war in Syria. The trauma resides in their hearts, bodies and minds. The loss shows up in the way they talk. In the way they interact with people, as they remember. They keep telling me even after ten years, I wish I could go back because life in Syria was so much more enjoyable. I had my family around me. But here I’m alone. Still after ten years, they feel so isolated.”
Beyond the actual running of the café, we continue to provides care to the people we work with. Many have complex stories. The norm is that they have experienced hardship and loss. Most of the families were smuggled across various borders and countries. Some may have traveled more than a year to arrive. Their journeys were perilous.
To be employable, they have to overcome prejudice and beliefs about who they are. They require constant encouragement and support.
Getting basic needs met such as grocery shopping can be daunting for a refugee. Embarrassment about speaking English can create problems when seeking a job. Even leaving the house and navigating the streets can be overwhelming.
It’s ironic that we work with people who have such complex needs, that can be solved through the simple common denominator that we all share – eating together.
I am deeply grateful to our chefs,funders, staff, volunteers and supporters who have come together to set up Plateful café and achieve so much in our first year. Plateful exists because of you.
I hope you enjoy reading about what we have achieved so far.
3 ANNUAL REPORT
MAY 2024
Why Plateful?
We live in a society where immigrants and refugees in general are seen as a threat instead of asset.
The current immigration system in the UK is designed to present a very “hostile environment” to migrants.
As our name implies the plate is central to everything we do. A full plate means you’re fulfilled, safe, and not wanting. It also implies arrival, togetherness, and the ability to provide to others. Our plate is one of variety, filled with food from many sources and cultures. We celebrate and appreciate how much they have enriched our society, in so many ways, not least through food.
The humble beetroot shows that we’re a family kitchen, not something manufactured or artificial. Our food is healthy, handmade, and unique. And the cafe itself helps refugees in south London put down roots and flourish in their new environment.
4 ANNUAL REPORT
MAY 2024
About Plateful
Plateful café is a refugee-led charity which provides employment for refugees and brings together communities through the art of food. Plateful Café was set up in December 2022 by founder Iolanda Chirico with the mission to empower refugees to obtain mainstream employment in the catering industry. We work with refugees in sharing cultural dishes from their home countries, where they are paid London living wage to serve them at our café. They are provided with tailored training to expand their existing culinary skills, whilst being given the environment to utilise their existing abilities.
5 ANNUAL REPORT
MAY 2024
What we tackle
Refugee unemployment & poverty Ethnic & socio-economic inequality Language barriers & improving cultural cohesion
6 ANNUAL REPORT
MAY 2024
What we do ANNUAL REPORT MAY 2024
We operate in various environments: OUR PHYSICAL CAFÉ
----- Start of picture text -----
MARKETS
----- End of picture text -----
Our physical café
Peabody Housing Association approached us at the beginning of the year to offer a café space at Parkside Community Centre in SE10 8FY. We were thrilled about the venue opportunity, which has a good kitchen and a spacious front of house – sitting 24 people.
The location is in a prime position within a new housing development with a potential customer base of 8000 people. We recruited a Kitchen Manager in June and started training a group of 7 female cooks from Syria and Iran from July to September. The training included: Level 2 Hygiene and Allergens Courses, Barista training, and handson practical training in working in a commercial kitchen and cooking menu dishes.
Our physical café opened to the public in September 2023, offering a wide menu of breakfast, lunch, and hot & cold drinks. The café was open from Thursdays to Saturdays weekly and our opening hours were 9:30-15:00.
Since opening our physical café, we have received affirmation that our café is providing quality food with entirely 5 star google reviews. The café closed on 30th April 2024 after a 8 months pilot.
9 ANNUAL REPORT
MAY 2024
EPORT MAY 2024
OUR CUSTOMER REVIEWS H•lefiOK Soplil• H•nso Sarah ftodrigu•• * (L) ¢ingykng X G) •fflMth O •fflc•thagP WI1 a 9cwu8 cale. Yle thusl colfee 8omo w$19 bul will be b•ck tor Ihe wnwny h)okng r•the tastem knKhes very %)orK Had a illiant evenif%J here with Ilve iazz. delicious wraps and it was BYOB which Ss always welcome. Lovety crowd. will be going back! Everytimè l attermj afi event thi5 cale has tun. it has ways been such a bovely affair. The lood is amazing. so simple and hurrbble yet so tull ot lIar Ihat realy m•k•5 you leel lthe Y.rn eallng S¢ffieOrn'S trflginal "9raftdma's- rnclpe. Tho live nwsk on Is so lovdy J li'$ lust all f(xJnd lov•ty pllu to b• ar sp Ilff*. Wish I Ilved ¢lo$er so that I coukl make a klY AQ) L4ir• l ¢i-iO Amazing café - not only was the food amazing but the atmosphere and the charity initiative it supports is absolutely w¢xKlerful and first of its kirKI. Will definitely be revtsiting soon! They al do externl cathr4 so wtrry Th)1 Ixok Irn lor your party7 I ho altendod lols ol ih• 04wts have here •nd hwe never been th'sappoinledt Always incred4Jl¢ lood that I haven't been able lo fir al stsch feasonable pnce anywhere else. often live mLtsie 4Th1 Itsvtrly aimosphèr•. Run r•fug••s y(W'f• a190 SW¥Qrtkng a w•ai Food.. 5 1 S•ryle•: S l Aimo•ptr•: 5 Fo(Ml: S I Sw¥lc•4. 5 1 Almo•skn•: 6 Oh and lry Ihfr httle In • iir io lake lY V A1 il's greol lo feel Ikg pjr i• golng lo • Fwd.. S I S. 6 1 At. 6 Fr•c•s R•y Fopd.. 5 1 S l At11. S Footr, S I Swvlw. S l Aimo•ph•rn: 6 * (D Frc•K• Seoti-Slll• S•m Lwi Vffj•t*thndlwlnos: Vq••tMlkn mww +y S•¢1 é(D Jrnmth••g l I110-XI Great cafe wlth dellcious Middle Eastern food. Very reasonably priced. Lovely, friendly staff v • O ••r•h4W l ¢wn¢ h¢r¢ l(tyr p1•11,1 Y•ldo ¢lknalion, fopd was Iw•ly rnusic wo5 be4uirful :) all tt Vn1eerS were so rwce arKI helplul 100 V WHI defirwt¢ly bjck •NI highty rf¢oThwner¥J to Inends x This place is fantastic! The food Is great and the staff are lovely. I hope they stay here for a long time Kristymè Novako¥a ** * 0 Dm IA l 141-10 O Jfft&thi••o Great falafels, hummus. and tea. The cafe is run by refugees and volunteers - delicious food for a good cause. Definitely rec¢ynmend! Food: 51 S•r¥k•: S l Almowkn: S Delicious food f(Y a gat cause - all staffed by refugees or volunteer And super cheapl Really good falafels. hummu& and babaganoush. Very kidlbaby friendty. too Sun•*a¢ rec(¥wn•nd V•g•il•n oll•flrffjK. MC Food: S I SwvK•', 5 1 Almww•". S V•g•14vl•A oll•flng1: L4f9• bg•t•rknn th•c F•od.. S I Sw¥. 5 1 AtnwW*rn: 6 Sdney Paftton Food: S I Swvlw. 61 AtmMth•: 6 G) In l Lwh I f 1-19 Jom V•9•t¥b•n otlTlnoL Larg• Y•91n Chity The live jazz evening was a laxed. fun atmosphere with great food. All of the people helping (xjt were attentive and took enormous care in making sure everyone was having a good time. Lovely cafe servlng deliCis food from around the world. selling home made jams. Even better knowing it all supports refugees from the area with training and onto full time employment! O Vty•twwn othin•: Pr•lty s¢Jr •v•rylhlng w•• Recommend it! DeliCiOUS food and friendty stafflvolunteers. Special thanks to lolanda who runs the charity. Will definitely be back Excellent cafe. very friendly and tasty food. A welcome addition to the area. Kd.Irv•wIittl.' Pl•nl¥ ol hlgh Lm. (rn IMI ¢a$y Kees$ Who•lchDir •c¢•ullylily: AM l•v•l 4Th1 %4lwkN•lr roc¢essil>le Food: 6 1 Swl¢•: S l Almos. 6 Food.. S I Swvtu: 6 1 6 Food: S I Sw¥l¢v. S l Almos*. 6 Food.. S I S•rvt¢v. S l S V•gw¥l•n oM•fln9•: Clwly l•l>W•d dtshv4 11 ANNUAL REPORT pla MAY 2024
----- Start of picture text -----
Top 10 sold items
10. Syrian Mezze Platter
Number of Sales: 73
TOTAL SALES:
9. Herbal Tea
September 2023 – April 2024 Number of Sales: 79
1. Latte
2,856 = £11,363.23
Number of Sales: 231
8. Water
Number of Sales: 95
7. Breakfast Tea
Number of Sales: 95
2. Chicken Shawarma
Number of Sales: 203
6. Flat White
Number of Sales: 105
5. Americano
Number of Sales: 117
3. Cappuccino
Number of Sales: 194
4. Canned Drink
Number of Sales: 175
12 ANNUAL REPORT
----- End of picture text -----
MAY 2024
Who we help 13 ANNUAL REPORT pla MAY 2024
WHO WE HELP
Our inclusive café benefitted many people of various backgrounds. The chefs acquired valuable skills during their time at the café which they can carry for their future prospects.
As a refugee-led café, refugees are at the forefront of the operations for the café. The trustee board are all refugees, providing an integral role in sustaining our charity.
However, our café not only provides for refugees, but our volunteers are also from all scopes of life and whilst volunteering with us, they are encouraged to branch out, trying new things and learning useful new skills.
We are also determined to unite the local community through both our daytime café and our community dinners/events.
14 ANNUAL REPORT
MAY 2024
Online shop
Christmas Hamper 2023
Persian Carrot Jam
Seasonal Hamper
Valentine’s Day Card
Valentine’s Day Hamper
We sell products made by refugees in our online shop on platefulcafe.co.uk and we tailor our products to target our customer base during certain holidays. For example in December we sold Christmas gifts and in February Valentine Gifts.
Our products consists of preserved foods (e.g. chutneys), knitted items, and artwork - all handcrafted by refugees.
15 ANNUAL REPORT
MAY 2024
Markets
We regularly sell our refugee-produced goods at local markets.These markets not only help to sell our products, but they also promote our cafe and encourage new customers.
At these markets we sell the same products as in the online shop.
16 ANNUAL REPORT
MAY 2024
ié, 11 Pllll; I I, iYII*, Ell
Catered Events
We regularly hosted catered events, provided at our physical cafe out of open hours (usually evenings). Our tickets are always affordable and popular with the local community.
EVENTS WE CATERED:
----- Start of picture text -----
February 2023
VALENTINE DINNER
AT GOLDSMITHS COLLEGE
October 2023
IRANIAN THREE COURSE DINNER
December 2023
YALDA NIGHT
February 2024
FIRST PLATEFUL LATE
March 2024
PLATEFUL LATE &
NOWROZ CELEBRATION
April 2024
PLATEFUL LATE
----- End of picture text -----
THE CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS WE OFFERED:
March 2024 SUSHI MAKING CLASS September 2023 MENDING WORKSHOP
March 2024 EXPLORING NET ZERO IN FOOD SME LONDON
18 ANNUAL REPORT
MAY 2024
49 4.. r4. 44 ij. ",iJ 19 ANNUAL REPORr
Ifr.,;Y:' 20 ANNUAL REPORT plavu MAY 2024
CATERED EVENTS
We continue to offer catering for private events including birthdays, workshops, celebrations and a sample dishes for buffet style to sitting down menu are the above.
Please consider us for one of your events!
21 ANNUAL REPORT
MAY 2024
22 ANNUAL REPORT pla MAY
Our journey so far 23 ANNUAL REPORT MAY 2024
TTTVTV7v11 11 24 ANNUAL REPORT MAY 2024
OUR JOURNEY SO FAR
Since September 2023, we hosted around 20 events
in Parkside Cafe, and have sold about 500 tickets
and as a part of this have provided approximately 160 hours of paid work for our refugee chefs and the help of 20 volunteers
across the events.
OUR EVENTS GIVE VISITORS THE CHANCE...
...to learn about the customs and traditions of a new community and culture.
... to meet like minded people and new friends who are also committed to supporting local refugees.
... to try really tasty food!
...to music and other artistic practices from refugee creators or those who strongly support refugee causes.
25 ANNUAL REPORT
MAY 2024
Introducing our chefs FROM SYRIA FROM SYRIA FROM SYRIA My favourite dish is Fatteh. My favourite dish My favourite dishes are Rice with peas is stuffed vine leaves. and cashew nuts falafel.
FROM SYRIA My favourite dish is Fatteh.
----- Start of picture text -----
FROM SYRIA
I like to bake bread.
Asmahan
----- End of picture text -----
FROM SYRIA I like to cook rice with peas.
FROM IRAN I am eager to showcase Iranian cuisine. 26 ANNUAL REPORT
FROM IRAN I like to make Iranian foods, desserts and sweets in the cafe.
MAY 2024
“I would say working at Plateful Café changed my mental health and gave me a better mindset. Plateful Café also gave me a chance how to sharpen my English speaking and be more active and interactive.” Kevin (Front-of-House) “Improving my English language, giving me a lot of experience about working in a café, making a new community, improving my communication, making money, giving me information to make my new life in the UK, and giving me self-confidence.” Hadis (Chef)
27 ANNUAL REPORT
MAY 2024
-
What we offer our chefs: Training
-
Employment
-
Supportive community
28
ANNUAL REPORT
MAY 2024
WHAT WE OFFER OUR CHEFS
We recruit out of work refugees who have a passion for home cooking and take them through a journey starting from a 8 weeks training programme which takes them from home cooking to confident cooks in our café.
The training programme includes:
→ UK work experience
-
→ Level 2 Food Safety
-
and Hygiene qualification
-
→ English speaking practice
→ A foundation course in working in a community cafe
Trainees also receive 1:1 help towards your long-term employment goals including signposting to extra training, advice looking for jobs with a local employer and well being support.
They also have the option to get involved in events, monthly community dinners, private catering and making our products.
During this course, trainees learn the practical culinary skills to work in a busy cafe cooking professionally the lunch, dinner dishes, pastries and cakes, and the three courses meals served at monthly community dinners.
They also develop practical expertise and produce a range of food products to cater for a busy service in a cafe. We started offering training at Parkside community centre in June 2023.
The classes offered an opportunity to the cooks to interact and build their language skills and confidence, feel valued and appreciated and earn an income.
Alongside the classes we offer our chefs holistic support signposting, helping them with everyday matters and a welcoming community.
29 ANNUAL REPORT
MAY 2024
Celebrating Achievements 30 ANNUAL REPORT MAY 2024
CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTS
Whilst each chef faces individual challenges, the key benefits which are mentioned time and time again fall into four categories:
Wellbeing
Increased confidence and self esteem Improved mental health Reduced social isolation Income Increased employability
Integration Wider social networks and connections
Language Skills Improved Communication skills
31 ANNUAL REPORT
MAY 2024
Volunteering at Plateful Volunteers are the lifeblood of Plateful Café and without them we would not exist as at present we have funds to pay Kitchen Manager and chefs only.
At any time we have at least 40 volunteers helping in different areas from graphic design, website, fundraising to admin, finance, events, press and more.
Our volunteers come from all walks of life – from professionals to students and asylum seekers on placement.
We also have a long-term partnership with Lewisham College who sends students from their catering department on work placement and also Goldsmiths Students Action for Refugees who continue to collaborate on projects such as stalls at the college and also fundraising events.
32 ANNUAL REPORT
MAY 2024
“It has been an incredible fulfilling experience, especially knowing I am supporting a charity that empowers refugees helping them gain valuable skills for a brighter future.” Asrar (Fundraising Volunteer) “As a mum of two children it is important to help them understand and appreciate the world around them, showing them that it’s not all about work, but also enriching our passions.”
Shahnaz (Corporate Volunteer)
33 ANNUAL REPORT
MAY 2024
“My decision to volunteer with Plateful stemmed from my awareness of the disadvantages and struggles of refugees and asylum-seekers in the UK. Plateful’s aim to reduce socio-economic and ethnic inequality resonates with me deeply.” Orla (Admin Volunteer)
34 ANNUAL REPORT
MAY 2024
“I first started volunteering at Plateful Café all the way back to when the cafe started at the tail end of 2021. I had previously volunteered with Iolanda at the Refugee Café and when Iolanda mentioned that she wanted to start a new project, I jumped at the idea! Over the last few years, Iolanda has been such an inspiring person to work alongside. It is her passion and the passion shared by so many other volunteers at Plateful Café to make London and our local communities a more friendly place for refugees that motivates me to keep volunteering at Plateful Café. My experience at this charity has meant that I’ve met so many wonderful people from a whole host of different backgrounds and that’s something I’m really thankful - long may Plateful continue!” Tejan (Events and Social Media Volunteer)
35 ANNUAL REPORT
MAY 2024
“I love working with Plateful, working alongside the chefs and volunteers who have faced unimaginable challenges to reach and settle in the UK.” Anne (Driver) “I am passionate about Plateful Café vision of providing social inclusion, employment opportunities and education to refugees and asylum-seekers through the universal language of food.” Shannon (Fundraising Volunteer)
36 ANNUAL REPORT
MAY 2024
Life after Plateful
We want Plateful to be a first step in a journey to fuller integration not the end destination.
Nahed, one of our chefs has secured employment in a local nursery but continues to work ocasionally with us when we cater for events.
Hadis has finished a barista course with the Red Cross and is now looking for further work as a barista as well as started a band with fellow country people performing Iranian songs.
Yasmin now teaches Arabic at a local mosque and has also just passed her practical driving test.
Sana, Asmahan and Faten continue to attend English language classes at Lewisham College and have significantly improved their spoken English since working at the café.
37 ANNUAL REPORT
MAY 2024
Our plans for 2024
In May 2024 we moved to Star of Greenwich pub and continued to offer pop ups there as well as three course dinners featuring new cuisines.
We are now waiting on the outcome of a tender to buy the building and refurbish it. If successful we will also fit a new kitchen as at present there is not one and we need to cook elsewhere and bring the food in. We will continue in our efforts to find a permanent place to call home and without doubt we will draw inspiration from the many supporters and followers we continue to support our work.
38 ANNUAL REPORT
MAY 2024
Our partners
Star of Greenwich pub have supported us from the start and since October 2023 we have been running pop ups.
The Migration museum and Hill Trader cafe continue to sell our jams and condiments and we would like to have new shops selling our products and promote our charity. Could you be the next one?
“We work with the Plateful Café as they provide excellent quality food, whilst also having a huge impact on our local community. Our customers love that they can taste different types of food in our community pub - much of which they’d never normally try. The fact that it is all served professionally and with a smile, whilst also doing good is even better. We firmly believe that food can be a way to build bridges between people and that’s why we continue to partner with the Plateful Café.”
James Gasdby (Star of Greenwich)
39 ANNUAL REPORT
MAY 2024
“Plateful Café have been brilliant partners for the Migration Museum and our Migrant Makers Market. As partner organisations, our values are similar and so we are very happy to support the Plateful Café. Supporting, working with and telling the stories of refugees is a key part of the museum’s work, and so collaborating with the Plateful Café on events and products to sell in the museum shop is of great importance to us.”
Katy Clinch (Retail Manager, Migration Museum)
40 ANNUAL REPORT
MAY 2024
“Plateful Café has given some of our refugee students a chance to experience working in a catering environment. It has also provided staff at the college with opportunities to buy products made by local refugees or to have catering provided for family events.” Pascale Herreman (Esol Lecturer, Lewisham College)
41 ANNUAL REPORT
MAY 2024
Our funders
Our work would not have been possible without grants from the trusts and foundations below.
We are all very grateful for believing in us in our first year of operation!
42 ANNUAL REPORT
MAY 2024
platefulcafe.co.uk
Instagram @platefulcafe Facebook Plateful Cafe X PlatefulCafe #platefulcafe
Contact iolanda@platefulcafe.co.uk Charity number 1202710
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING THE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE 15-MONTH PERIOD ENDING 30 APRIL 2024
| Income and Endowments: Note Donations Charitable Activities Total Income Expenditure: Charitable Activities 2 Total Expenditure Net Income/Expenditure Total Funds brought forward Total Funds carried forward |
Unrestricted £ Restricted £ Total £ 2,670 34,877 37,547 31,436 - 31,436 34,106 34,877 68,983 |
|---|---|
| 16,437 28,937 45,374 |
|
| 16,437 28,937 45,374 17,669 5,940 23,609 |
|
| - 17,669 - 5,940 - 23,609 |
| BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30th April 2024 Note £ |
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30th April 2024 Note £ |
2024 £ 108 23,501 |
|---|---|---|
| FIXED ASSETS 4 CURRENT ASSETS Cash at Bank & In Hand 23,501 23,501 NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES FUNDS Restricted Funds 5 & 6 Unrestricted Funds 5 & 6 TOTAL FUNDS |
||
23,609 4,940 17,669 23,609 |
||
23,609 |
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on 10 October 2024, and were signed below on their behalf by:
Enxhi Lami
Notes to the financial statements for the 15-month period ending on 30 April 2024
-
1 Accounting policies: The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:
-
a. Basis of preparation: The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (Second Edition, effective 1 January 2019) – (Charities SORP (FRS102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
The Charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note.
Preparation of the accounts as a going concern: Having reviewed the funding facilities available to the charity together with the expected future cash flows, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that charity has adequate resources to continue its activities for the foreseeable future and consider that there were no material uncertainties over the charity's financial viability. Accordingly, they also continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.
- b. Income: All income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably, and it is probable that the income will be received. The SORP requirements are followed in relation to positions where there is a time restriction.
For donations to be recognised the charity will have been notified of the amounts and the settlement date in writing. If there are conditions attached to the donation and this requires a level of performance before entitlement can be obtained, then income is deferred until those conditions are fully met or the fulfilment of those conditions is within the control of the charity, and it is probable that they will be fulfilled. Gift Aid receivable on donations is recognised as unrestricted income.
No amount is included in the financial statements for general volunteer time in line with the SORP (FRS 102).
- c. Donated services and facilities: Donated facilities and donated professional services are recognised in income at their fair value when their economic benefit is probable, it can be measured reliably, and the charity has control over the item. Fair value is determined based on the value of the gift to the charity. For example, the amount the charity would be willing to pay in the open market for such facilities and services. A corresponding amount is recognised in expenditure.
Gifts in kind donated for resale are included at fair value, being the expected proceeds from sale less the expected costs of sale. Where estimating the fair value is practicable upon receipt it is recognised in stock and ‘Income from other trading activities’. Upon sale, the value of the stock is charged against ‘Income from other trading activities’ and the proceeds are recognised as ‘Income from other trading activities’. Where it is impracticable to fair value the items due to the volume of low value items they are not recognised in the financial statements until they are sold. This income is recognised within ‘Income from other trading activities’.
- d. Fund accounting: Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for
Notes to the financial statements for the 15-month period ending on 30 April 2024
particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
- e. Expenditure and Irrecoverable VAT: All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. It is categorised under the following headings:
Costs of charitable activities include costs directly associated with delivering the charity's objectives and an apportionment of overhead, support, and governance costs.
Irrecoverable VAT is charged as an expense against the activity for which expenditure arose.
-
f. Allocation of support costs: Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs include finance, H.R., I.T, general office and premises and governance costs which support the charitable activities of the charity.
-
g. Critical accounting judgement and key sources of estimation uncertainty: In the application of the accounting policies, Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and underlying assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affected current and future periods. There are no estimates or judgements which the Trustees consider are subject to significant uncertainty.
-
h. Operating leases: Operating lease rentals are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities over the period of the lease.
-
i. Tangible fixed assets: Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost (or deemed cost) or valuation less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Cost includes costs directly attributable to making the asset capable of operating as intended.
Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets, at rates calculated to write off the cost, less estimated residual value, of each asset on a systematic basis over its expected useful life as follows: Kitchen equipment.
-
j. Debtors: Trade debtors and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due. Accrued income is valued at the amount due.
-
k. Cash at bank and in hand: Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity date of three months or less.
Notes to the financial statements for the 15-month period ending on 30 April 2024
2 CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
| CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES | |
|---|---|
| Charitable activities | 2024 Staff Cost Direct Support Total £ 12,522 £ 30,834 £ 2,018 £ 45,374 |
| 12,55230,834 2,018 45,374 |
Included under Support costs are governance costs of £300.
3 STAFF COSTS AND KEY PERSONNEL
No remuneration was paid to trustees during the year. Expenses reimbursed to them in their capacity as trustees amounted to £Nil.
The staff costs of remaining staff were:
| 2024 | |
|---|---|
| £ | |
| Wages and Salaries | 12,522 |
| 12,522 | |
| During the year no staff were paid more than £60,000. | |
| The charity employed 1 staff with a total full time equivalent of 0.5. |
4 FIXED ASSETS
| Assets at cost Balance at 1 December Additions Balance at 30 April Accumulated depreciation Balance at 1 December Depreciation for the year Balance at 30 April Net book value |
2024 Kitchen Equipment £ - 155 155 - **47 ** |
|---|---|
47 **108 ** |
Notes to the financial statements for the 15-month period ending on 30 April 2024 (continued)
| 5 FUNDS Restricted funds Training & Development Grant Founder Grant Manager Salary Grant General reserves Total reserves |
Balance Incoming Balance B/F Resources Expenditure C/F £ £ £ £ - 15,777 12,415 3,362 - 8,100 4,000 4,100 - 10,000 12,522 -2,522 |
|---|---|
| - 33,877 28,937 4,940 |
|
| - 34,106 16,437 17,669 |
|
| - 67,983 45,374 22,609 |
During the year the charity received funding from the Lottery fund for its shop (2020: £nil).
6 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
| Restricted funds Unrestricted funds |
Fixed Assets £ Net Current Assets £ Total £ - 4,940 4,940 108 17,561 17,669 108 22,501 22,609 |
|---|---|
7 TAXATION
The company is a registered charity and no provision is considered necessary for taxation.
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Sectlon A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the ITUStee$ Plateful Cafe On accounts for the year ended 30 April 2024 Charity no lif any) 1202710 Set out on pages .ryl¢ t.'J I report lo the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity I'the Trust") for the year ended 30 Apiil 2024. Responsibilitios and basis of report As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 I'lhe Act'i. I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Ad and in carrying out my examination, I h8ve followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Cornmission under section 14515llbl of the Act. Indepondent I have completed my ex8mination. I confirm that no material mallers have examinorf5 Statement come to my 8ttenlion in connection with the examination which gives me Cause to believe that in, any material respect.. the accounting records were nol kept in accordance with section 130 of Ihe Charities Act., or the accounts d id not accord with the accounting records., or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and conlenl of accounts set out in the Charitles (Accounts and Reporlsl Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'lrue and fairf view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concems and have come across no other matters In connection with the examination lo which attention should be drawn in this report Sn order to enable a proper understanding of the 8cGounls to be reached. Date: 13 October 2024 Slgnod: Name: John Axon Relevant professlonal qualification{sl or body {If any): CIMA Addresg: 85 Montbelle Road, London, SE9 3NY