REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1203412
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
FOR
FRIENDS ALTOGETHER IN ROTHER
Gibbons Mannington & Phipps LLP
Chartered Accountants
Landgate Chambers
24 Landgate
Rye
East Sussex
TN31 7LJ
FRIENDS ALTOGETHER IN ROTHER
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
|
Page |
Page |
Page |
Report of the Trustees |
1 |
to |
3 |
Independent Examiner's Report |
|
4 |
|
Statement of Financial Activities |
|
5 |
|
Statement of Financial Position |
|
6 |
|
Notes to the Financial Statements |
7 |
to |
12 |
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities |
13 |
to |
14 |
FRIENDS ALTOGETHER IN ROTHER
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
Thetrusteespresenttheirreportwiththefinancialstatementsofthecharityfortheyear ended
31stMarch2025.ThetrusteeshaveadoptedtheprovisionsofAccountingandReportingby Charities:
StatementofRecommendedPracticeapplicabletocharitiespreparingtheiraccountsinaccordance with
theFinancialReportingStandardapplicableintheUKandRepublicofIreland(FRS102)(effective 1
January 2019).
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
Ourfocusisoninclusion,relievingthosewhoareinneed,inparticularbut,notexclusively,thoseof all
ages,whoarelonely,isolated,medicallyandemotionallychallengedinthewardofRother District
Council and surrounding areas.
WeprovidetheopportunityforavarietyofBefriendingservices,including,peersupportand guidance,
HealthandWellnessserviceswhoattendourmonthlyInformativeandSocialEventstokeep rural
communities aware of services available to them. This reflects in our weekly Companionship Calls.
Significant activities
Collaborating with a variety of Health & Wellness organisations, providing a monthly Cancer Café.
Public benefit
TheTrusteesconfirmthattheyhavecompliedwiththeirdutytohavedueregardtothe Charity
Commission'spublicbenefitguidancewhenexercisinganypowersordutiestowhichtheguidance is
relevant.
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
Charitable activities
Duringtheperiodending31stMarch2025,thecharityhasdevelopedawarenessofitsservices. Our
initialmonthlyTilling,TeaandCake(850attendeestodate)hasattractedregularattendeesfrom across
communities of Rother District Council in East Sussex.
Ourapproachtoproviding'InformativeandSocialevents,whereprofessionalsfromavarietyofHealth &
Wellnessservices,CitizensAdvice,Police,Fire&Rescue,1stResponders,Caregroups,East Sussex
Hearing,DiscDementia,aMentalHealthCounsellor,aGPandSussexOutreachSupport,plus locally
producedcakesandsavouriesandavisuallydecoratedroom,alladdtoanenjoyableevent.Based on
this successful format, in 2025, we have launched 'Winchelsea, Tea and Cake'.
OurmonthlyCancerCafe-launchedinJanuary2025incollaborationwiththecommunityhub,part of
theRye&WinchelseaMemorialHospital.Weprovideaquiet,brightroomwithaterrace,where our
attendeescanfeelsafe,knowingeverythingdiscussed,staysintheroom.Weprovidepeersupport and
guidanceforpeopleofallagesandareregularlysupportedbyaCarecompanyprovidinginformation and
formfillingonWills,PowersofAttorneyandBenefits.Inaddition,volunteersforATouchof Gentleness
providerelaxinghandmassagesandaCalmerSelfprovideopportunitiestolearntechniquesto reduce
stress and anxiety.
AtthebeginningofFebruary2025,welaunchedourweekly'CompanionshipCalls'earlierthanplanned -
deliveredbyvolunteers.Wearenowactivelyworkingtoestablishrelationshipswith respected
organisationstoreceivereferralsinadditiontotheNHS,SocialPrescribersandreceiving personal
referrals.
OurnewBefriendingCoordinator,comeswithawidevarietyofskills,deliveringfundedprojectsfor the
NHS,workingcloselywithGPs,isaMentalWellbeingTherapistandCounsellorworkingwithTed,a fully
trained Pets as Therapists dog. These skills will allow us to widen our services.
Alloftheaboveismadepossiblebyourgenerousfunders,TheLottery-AwardsforAll, Sussex
CommunityFoundation,CheyneWindFarm,ChalkCliffTrust,Benefactgroup,anddonationsfrom local
businesses and attendees to our events.
Page 1
FRIENDS ALTOGETHER IN ROTHER
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Financial position
Thetotalfundsheldat31March2025were£24,051(2024-£18,100)whichincludesrestrictedfunds of
£8,454 (2024 - nil).
Thetrusteessetagoalofholdingunrestrictedfinancialreservesequalto6monthsoftotalrunning costs,
based on these accounts the current reserves are in excess of this.
Asthecharitylookstoincreaseitsactivityinthenextaccountingperiod,runningcostsareexpected to
increase. The trustees will continue to monitor reserve levels and budget accordingly.
Reserves policy
Thetrusteessetagoalofholdingunrestrictedfinancialreservesequalto6monthsoftotalrunning costs,
current reserves are in excess of this.
FUTURE PLANS
Basedonoursuccessfulmonthly'InformativeandSocialevents'wearedevelopingplansfora Battle,
TeaandCaketolaunchlaterin2025andwilllooktoestablishinothercommunitiesacrossrural Rother
in East Sussex in 2026.
Once our 'Companionship Calls' are established, we would like to establish weekly 'face to face' visits.
Wearealsoplanningnewprojects,PetsasTherapywithTed,andwearebeingconsideredforthe UOK
EastSussexWellbeingserviceasoneofthe5principlesub-contractorsandagranteepartner, including
workingwithyoungpeopleandthosewhoareisolatedduetoEmotionallyBasedSchool Avoidance
(EBSA)andElectiveHomeEducation(EHE),subjectscurrentlyhighontheagendaofourMP Helena
Dollimore and Central Government
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
Thecharityiscontrolledbyitsgoverningdocument,aconstitutionadopteduponregistrationas a
Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).
Recruitment and appointment of new trustees
Trusteeshavebeenrecruitedbasedontheirindividualskill-setsandhowtheycancontributeto the
running and growth of the charity.
Where necessary, trustees having been provided training on appointment.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Registered Charity number
1203412
Principal address
52 Vidler Square
Rye
TN31 7FP
Trustees
N K Forman
Dr S Jacques
M Symons
S Mohun-Smith
Page 2
FRIENDS ALTOGETHER IN ROTHER
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Independent Examiner
Gibbons Mannington & Phipps LLP
Chartered Accountants
Landgate Chambers
24 Landgate
Rye
East Sussex
TN31 7LJ
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 16th July 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
N K Forman - Trustee
Page 3
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF
FRIENDS ALTOGETHER IN ROTHER
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Friends Altogether in Rother
IreporttothecharitytrusteesonmyexaminationoftheaccountsofFriendsAltogetherinRother (the
Trust) for the year ended 31st March 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
AsthecharitytrusteesoftheTrustyouareresponsibleforthepreparationoftheaccountsin accordance
with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
IreportinrespectofmyexaminationoftheTrust'saccountscarriedoutunderSection145ofthe Act
andincarryingoutmyexaminationIhavefollowedallapplicableDirectionsgivenbythe Charity
Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
Ihavecompletedmyexamination.Iconfirmthatnomaterialmattershavecometomyattention in
connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or
3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
Ihavenoconcernsandhavecomeacrossnoothermattersinconnectionwiththeexaminationto which
attentionshouldbedrawninthisreportinordertoenableaproperunderstandingoftheaccountsto be
reached.
Mr J Greenslade FCCA
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
Gibbons Mannington & Phipps LLP
Chartered Accountants
Landgate Chambers
24 Landgate
Rye
East Sussex
TN31 7LJ
17th July 2025
Page 4
FRIENDS ALTOGETHER IN ROTHER
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
|
|
|
|
|
Period |
|
|
|
|
|
5/6/23 |
|
|
|
|
Year Ended |
to |
|
|
|
|
31/3/25 |
31/3/24 |
|
|
Unrestricted |
Restricted |
Total |
Total |
|
|
fund |
funds |
funds |
funds |
|
Notes |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM |
|
|
|
|
|
Donations and legacies |
|
11,181 |
20,901 |
32,082 |
23,138 |
Charitable activities |
|
|
|
|
|
Events |
|
- |
- |
- |
241 |
Investment income |
3 |
556 |
- |
556 |
249 |
Total |
|
11,737 |
20,901 |
32,638 |
23,628 |
EXPENDITURE ON |
|
|
|
|
|
Charitable activities |
|
|
|
|
|
Events |
|
7,269 |
1,190 |
8,459 |
1,611 |
Befriending |
|
116 |
7,485 |
7,601 |
- |
Donations |
|
140 |
- |
140 |
- |
Other |
|
6,715 |
3,772 |
10,487 |
3,917 |
Total |
|
14,240 |
12,447 |
26,687 |
5,528 |
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) |
|
(2,503) |
8,454 |
5,951 |
18,100 |
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS |
|
|
|
|
|
Total funds brought forward |
|
18,100 |
- |
18,100 |
- |
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD |
|
15,597 |
8,454 |
24,051 |
18,100 |
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 5
FRIENDS ALTOGETHER IN ROTHER
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 31ST MARCH 2025
Unrestricted
Restricted
fund
funds
Notes
£
£
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
8
1,141
-
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
9
1,327
-
Cash at bank
16,952
8,454
18,279
8,454
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
10
(3,823)
-
NET CURRENT ASSETS
14,456
8,454
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES
15,597
8,454
NET ASSETS
15,597
8,454
FUNDS
11
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS |
2025
Total
funds
£
1,141
1,327
25,406
26,733
(3,823)
22,910
24,051
24,051
15,597
8,454
24,051 |
2024
Total
funds
£
1,320
405
18,788
19,193
(2,413)
16,780
18,100
18,100
18,100
-
18,100 |
|
|
|
ThefinancialstatementswereapprovedbytheBoardofTrusteesandauthorisedforissue on
16th July 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:
N K Forman - Trustee
S Jacques - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 6
FRIENDS ALTOGETHER IN ROTHER
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
1. STATUTORY INFORMATION
FriendsAltogetherinRotherisacharitableincorporatedorganisation,registeredinEngland and
Wales.Thecharity'sregisterednumberandregisteredaddresscanbefoundintheReportof the
Trustees.
2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
Thefinancialstatementsofthecharity,whichisapublicbenefitentityunderFRS102,have been
preparedinaccordancewiththeCharitiesSORP(FRS102)'AccountingandReportingby Charities:
StatementofRecommendedPracticeapplicabletocharitiespreparingtheiraccountsin accordance
withtheFinancialReportingStandardapplicableintheUKandRepublicofIreland(FRS 102)
(effective1January2019)',FinancialReportingStandard102'TheFinancialReporting Standard
applicableintheUKandRepublicofIreland'andtheCharitiesAct2011.Thefinancial statements
have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Therearenomaterialuncertaintiesinrelationtothecharity'sabilitytocontinueasa going
concern, these financial statements have therefore been prepared on the going concern basis.
Income
AllincomeisrecognisedintheStatementofFinancialActivitiesoncethecharityhasentitlement to
thefunds,itisprobablethattheincomewillbereceivedandtheamountcanbe measured
reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilitiesarerecognisedasexpenditureassoonasthereisalegalorconstructive obligation
committingthecharitytothatexpenditure,itisprobablethatatransferofeconomicbenefits will
berequiredinsettlementandtheamountoftheobligationcanbemeasuredreliably. Expenditure
isaccountedforonanaccrualsbasisandhasbeenclassifiedunderheadingsthataggregate all
costrelatedtothecategory.Wherecostscannotbedirectlyattributedtoparticularheadings they
have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciationisprovidedatthefollowingannualratesinordertowriteoffeachassetover its
estimated useful life.
Fixtures and fittings- 20% on reducing balance
Computer equipment- 33% on cost
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestrictedfundscanbeusedinaccordancewiththecharitableobjectivesatthediscretionof the
trustees.
Restrictedfundscanonlybeusedforparticularrestrictedpurposeswithintheobjectsof the
charity.Restrictionsarisewhenspecifiedbythedonororwhenfundsareraisedfor particular
restricted purposes.
Furtherexplanationofthenatureandpurposeofeachfundisincludedinthenotestothe financial
statements.
continued...
Page 7
FRIENDS ALTOGETHER IN ROTHER
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
3. INVESTMENT INCOME
3. |
INVESTMENT INCOME |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period |
|
|
|
|
|
5/6/23 |
|
|
|
|
Year Ended |
to |
|
|
|
|
31/3/25 |
31/3/24 |
|
|
|
|
£ |
£ |
|
Deposit account interest |
|
|
556 |
249 |
4. |
SUPPORT COSTS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Information |
|
|
Management |
|
Finance |
technology |
|
|
£ |
|
£ |
£ |
|
Other resources expended |
7,999 |
|
60 |
96 |
|
Events |
246 |
|
- |
- |
|
Befriending |
216 |
|
- |
- |
|
|
8,461 |
|
60 |
96 |
|
|
|
|
Governance |
|
|
|
Other |
|
costs |
Totals |
|
|
£ |
|
£ |
£ |
|
Other resources expended |
583 |
|
1,749 |
10,487 |
|
Events |
|
- |
- |
246 |
|
Befriending |
|
- |
- |
216 |
|
|
583 |
|
1,749 |
10,949 |
|
Support costs, included in the above, are as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
Governance costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period |
|
|
|
|
|
5/6/23 |
|
|
|
|
Year Ended |
to |
|
|
|
|
31/3/25 |
31/3/24 |
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
resources |
Total |
|
|
|
|
expended |
activities |
|
|
|
|
£ |
£ |
|
Bookkeeping |
|
|
1,269 |
- |
|
Accountancy and legal fees |
|
|
- |
480 |
|
Independent review fee |
|
|
480 |
- |
|
|
|
|
1,749 |
480 |
continued...
Page 8
FRIENDS ALTOGETHER IN ROTHER
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
5. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
Therewerenotrustees'remunerationorotherbenefitsfortheyearended31stMarch2025nor for
the period ended 31st March 2024.
Trustees' expenses
Therewerenotrustees'expensespaidfortheyearended31stMarch2025norforthe period
ended 31st March 2024.
6. STAFF COSTS
STAFF COSTS |
|
|
|
|
Period |
|
|
5/6/23 |
|
Year Ended |
to |
|
31/3/25 |
31/3/24 |
|
£ |
£ |
Wages and salaries |
18,576 |
812 |
|
18,576 |
812 |
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
|
Period |
|
5/6/23 |
Year Ended |
to |
31/3/25 |
31/3/24 |
2 |
2 |
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
7. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted
Restricted
fund
funds
£
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
23,138
-
Charitable activities
Events
241
-
Investment income
249
-
Total
23,628
-
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
Events
1,611
-
Other
3,917
-
Total
5,528
-
NET INCOME
18,100
-
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
18,100
- |
Total
funds
£
23,138
241
249 |
|
23,628 |
|
1,611
3,917 |
|
5,528 |
|
18,100 |
|
18,100 |
continued...
Page 9
FRIENDS ALTOGETHER IN ROTHER
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
8. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Fixtures
and
fittings
£
COST
At 1st April 2024
882
Additions
-
At 31st March 2025
882
DEPRECIATION
At 1st April 2024
176
Charge for year
141
At 31st March 2025
317
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31st March 2025
565
At 31st March 2024
706
9.
DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Prepayments
10.
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Trade creditors
Taxation and social security
Other creditors
11.
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
At 1/4/24
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
18,100
Restricted funds
National Lottery
-
TOTAL FUNDS
18,100 |
Computer
equipment
£
921
404
1,325
307
442
749
576
614
2025
£
1,327
2025
£
1,625
1,050
1,148
3,823
Net
movement
in funds
£
(2,503)
8,454
5,951 |
Totals
£
1,803
404
2,207
483
583
1,066
1,141
1,320
2024
£
405
2024
£
1,871
62
480
2,413
At
31/3/25
£
15,597
8,454 |
Totals
£
1,803
404 |
|
|
|
2,207 |
|
|
|
483
583 |
|
|
|
1,066 |
|
|
|
1,141 |
|
|
|
1,320 |
|
|
|
2024
£
405 |
|
|
|
2024
£
1,871
62
480 |
|
|
|
2,413 |
|
|
24,051 |
|
continued...
Page 10
FRIENDS ALTOGETHER IN ROTHER
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Elm Tree Boot Sale
National Lottery
TOTAL FUNDS
Comparatives for movement in funds
Unrestricted funds
General fund
TOTAL FUNDS
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above
Unrestricted funds
General fund
TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming
resources
£
11,737
1,000
19,901
20,901
32,638
are as follows:
Incoming
resources
£
23,628
23,628 |
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(14,240)
(2,503)
(1,000)
-
(11,447)
8,454
(12,447)
8,454
(26,687)
5,951
Net
movement
At
in funds
31/3/24
£
£
18,100
18,100
18,100
18,100
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(5,528)
18,100
(5,528)
18,100 |
|
|
|
NationalLotteryfundingwasreceivedtosupportthecharityrunningcostsincluding employment,
events and volunteer costs.
Elm Tree Boot Sale funding was received to support the befriending activities of the charity.
continued...
Page 11
FRIENDS ALTOGETHER IN ROTHER
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
12. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
Adonationof£720wasreceivedfromRyeNews,aCICorganisationwitha common
director/trustee.
Page 12
FRIENDS ALTOGETHER IN ROTHER
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
|
|
Period |
|
|
5/6/23 |
|
Year Ended |
to |
|
31/3/25 |
31/3/24 |
|
£ |
£ |
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS |
|
|
Donations and legacies |
|
|
Donations |
5,682 |
3,138 |
Grants |
26,400 |
20,000 |
|
32,082 |
23,138 |
Investment income |
|
|
Deposit account interest |
556 |
249 |
Charitable activities |
|
|
Event income |
- |
241 |
Total incoming resources |
32,638 |
23,628 |
EXPENDITURE |
|
|
Charitable activities |
|
|
Wages |
14,408 |
- |
Event expenses |
1,158 |
1,611 |
Volunteer expenses |
32 |
- |
Donations |
140 |
- |
|
15,738 |
1,611 |
Support costs |
|
|
Management |
|
|
Wages |
4,168 |
812 |
Insurance |
185 |
- |
Telephone |
334 |
60 |
Postage and stationery |
332 |
307 |
Advertising |
545 |
665 |
Sundries |
324 |
186 |
Rent |
1,260 |
750 |
Cleaning |
76 |
137 |
Subscriptions |
767 |
5 |
Travel costs |
169 |
- |
Training |
101 |
- |
Volunteer entertaining |
200 |
- |
|
8,461 |
2,922 |
Finance |
|
|
Bank charges |
60 |
- |
Information technology |
|
|
Website and computer expenses |
96 |
32 |
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
Page 13
FRIENDS ALTOGETHER IN ROTHER
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
|
|
Period |
|
|
5/6/23 |
|
Year Ended |
to |
|
31/3/25 |
31/3/24 |
|
£ |
£ |
Information technology |
|
|
Other |
|
|
Plant and machinery |
141 |
176 |
Computer equipment |
442 |
307 |
|
583 |
483 |
Governance costs |
|
|
Bookkeeping |
1,269 |
- |
Accountancy and legal fees |
- |
480 |
Independent review fee |
480 |
- |
|
1,749 |
480 |
Total resources expended |
26,687 |
5,528 |
Net income |
5,951 |
18,100 |
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
Page 14