PROJECT PEARL
Report and unaudited Financial Statements Year ended 31 December 2024
Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered number: 1203506
Project Pearl
Contents
Organisation Details ............................................................................................................................. 3 Trustees Report .................................................................................................................................... 4 Objects and purpose ........................................................................................................................ 4 Overall vision..................................................................................................................................... 4 Mission Statement ............................................................................................................................ 4 Our Aspirations ................................................................................................................................. 4 Statement on Public Benefit ........................................................................................................... 5 Activities during the year ................................................................................................................. 5 Financial Review .............................................................................................................................. 9 Reserves Policy ................................................................................................................................ 9 Trustee information .......................................................................................................................... 9 Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities...................................................................................... 10 Accountants and Independent Examiner.................................................................................... 10 Independent examiner’s report to the Trustees of Project Pearl ................................................ 11 Responsibilities and basis of report ............................................................................................. 11 Independent examiner’s statement ............................................................................................. 11 Statement of Financial Activities ...................................................................................................... 12 Balance Sheet..................................................................................................................................... 13 Notes to the Financial Statements ................................................................................................... 14
Organisation Details
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Name: Project Pearl
Address: Saint Philips Chapel Street
2 Wilton Place
Salford
M3 6FR
Telephone Number: 0161 8399709 (Saint Philips church office)
07902 449283 (Lizzy Robinson)
Email: contact@projectpearl.org.uk
Website: www.projectpearl.org.uk
Charity status: The Charity Commission approved Project Pearl as a
charity and it was entered onto the Register of Charities
with the Registered Charity Number 1203506 on 12 June
2023
Bankers: Co-operative Bank Plc
Independent Examiner: Peter Salmon ACA
Sheffield
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Project Pearl- Trustees Report
For the year ended 31 December 2024
Trustees Report
The Trustees are pleased to present their report and accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Objects and purpose
The charity’s Objects are: The relief of women involved in the sex industry who are in need by reason of financial hardship, ill-health, poverty and other disadvantage, through the provision of accommodation, counselling, advice and pastoral care, in partnership with other agencies, such as local authorities, local churches, and other charitable bodies. To advance the Christian faith by way of offering a Christian chaplaincy service to people affected by the sex industry and offering spiritual support by invitation; and to advance the education of the public in the issues surrounding women and the sex industry.
Project Pearl is a charitable project working alongside Saint Philips Chapel Street (Church of England), Wilton Place, Salford M3 6FR. The Project Pearl vision has grown out of several years of outreach work, led by the founder and Chair of Trustees, Lizzy Robinson, team coleader at Saint Philips Chapel Street, along with volunteers from the church. They work with women who are involved in sex work and partner with organisations who also support women on the streets.
Overall vision
Our vision is to see women who feel trapped in the sex industry set free to step into their full potential for their future purpose in life in a world where sexual exploitation has been eradicated from both streets and screens.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide a first step Christian-led ‘home from home’ sanctuary, a trauma-informed holistic support programme and a specialist chaplaincy outreach service, all providing practical and spiritual care for women who are working in and affected by the sex industry.
Our Aspirations
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To see women who feel trapped in the sex industry set free to step into their full potential.
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To provide compassionate care in an environment where the women can experience rest, recovery, restoration and reconnection.
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To enable and support the women to feel safe, valued, loved, supported, equipped, and empowered to rebuild their lives for the next step of independent living, free from constraints such as homelessness and substance abuse.
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To be a centre of excellence that draws on the experience, knowledge and expertise of recognised specialists and organisations in this complex field of work.
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To show Christian love, kindness, and justice in everything we do. We want the women to know they are loved by God and that they have a future purpose in life. We believe everyone is made in the image of God and deserves to be treated with respect and dignity.
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Project Pearl- Trustees Report (cont’d)
For the year ended 31 December 2024
Our Ethos
Project Pearl is a charity founded on a Christian vision and driven by Christian values. The theologian Miroslav Volf writes that ‘Christian faith will be an active faith, engaged in the world in a noncoercive way… To be engaged in the world well, Christians will have to keep one thing at the forefront of their attention: the relationship between God and a vision of human flourishing’. This Christian vision of human flourishing in an invitational, noncoercive way is the heart of Project Pearl.
The Christian values of love and compassion for the most marginalised in our society were the underlying principles of Jesus’ ministry, and have been practised by many organisations throughout history. We are continuing this work, by aiming to assist in the relief of poverty of women wanting to leave the sex industry. As Jesus did, we will treat every woman as well as staff and volunteers with care and compassion, understanding that each one of them is loved unconditionally by their heavenly father.
Statement on Public Benefit
Project Pearl Trustees have referred to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on Public Benefit throughout the process of establishing the organisation and also in planning the future activities. Project Pearl will bring benefits beyond the lives of individuals who progress through the programme by providing specialist services and accommodation which will ultimately reduce pressure on already stretched statutory services including the Police, the NHS and local homelessness services.
Activities during the year
There have been three key areas of development during the year:
1. Premises
a) Soul Cafe in Oldham for Drop-in sessions.
b) Residential house for women wishing to leave the sex industry.
2. Safeguarding
a) Information and intelligence sharing with Partner Agencies.
3. I.T.
a) Launch of the Project Pearl website, newsletter and social media platforms
1. Premises
1a. Building for Drop-in sessions.
The Stoller Trust have donated the use of a building, rent free in Oldham, Greater Manchester, known as ‘Soul Café’. The property is central to many of the vulnerable women in the area. Drop-in sessions are held twice weekly by Project Pearl staff, volunteers and partners offering support. Services include sexual health information, prayer when asked, housing
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Project Pearl- Trustees Report (cont’d)
For the year ended 31 December 2024
support, domestic violence information, and when appropriate, help with the reporting of serious criminal offences to Police.
We now hold a drop-in/ pamper session for sex workers there to develop and improve our one-to-one support for the women we meet on foot whilst on outreach. This is an excellent space to signpost the women and connect them with partner agencies – we are working with sexual health nurses and a drug and alcohol support charity present at the Drop-in to support the women.
1b. Residential property
Project Pearl has been offered the use of a residential house in the Greater Manchester area. The house will give the support, shelter, provide holistic services, therapy and be a ‘home from home’ for women wishing to leave the sex industry.
2. Safeguarding – Information and intelligence sharing with Partner Agencies
Project Pearl has developed a clear, safe, timely and effective protocol on how to share information with law enforcement agencies. This has had numerous benefits which include a more enhanced collaboration with agencies, improved decision making especially in high-risk situations and increased transparency and trust with the women we work with.
3. I.T - Launch of the Project Pearl website, newsletter and social media platforms
A key development for us has been the launch of a new website and social media channels. This provides crucial information about the Project. We are able now to reach a wider audience and highlight the issues affecting vulnerable women involved in the sex industry.
Our new quarterly newsletter provides up to date information about our work, how to get involved and donate to the charity.
Throughout the year, the Trustees have continued to meet with organisations who are already supporting vulnerable adults around Greater Manchester, as well as individuals and organisations who may be able to support financially. During the year, our Outreach has continued, with details shown in our Impact Report below.
Multi-agency working and partnerships also continue to allow us to effectively signpost the women to agencies and organisations with whom we have an established relationship. This gives confidence to the women as well as the volunteers creating the connection.
Our partner agencies to whom we signpost women include those helping offer financial and debt advice; sexual health; drugs and alcohol; asylum; homelessness; modern slavery; mental health; and spiritual wellbeing. During the year, we have partnered with 9 different agencies to help connect and support women working as sex workers in 3 boroughs of Greater Manchester.
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Project Pearl- Trustees Report (cont’d)
For the year ended 31 December 2024
Future Plans
The work from 2024 will continue, and we aim to recruit more volunteers and improve our safeguarding training for a more effective practice.
Priorities for 2025 are to develop the focus group of women with lived experience of the sex industry and to employ a full-time Project/ House Manager.
Focus Groups
The aim of these focus groups is to empower and hear from female sex workers with lived experience so that their thoughts and opinions can inform the development of the Project Pearl home. It will be important to hear their perspective so that the home can offer a safe place for those who want to leave the sex industry and function as an effective first step home-from-home. This is so that the work is done with the women, not just for them. We aim to meet alongside the women in this focus group every few months.
House
A key part of our vision is to run this home-from-home. With the house now identified, we can develop the appropriate procedures and working practices the volunteer team who will be helping to run it will operate to help the women.
Employment
All of the outreach work is currently undertaken by volunteers. During 2025, we are planning to fund or recruit our own part-time outreach worker.
For the house to be successful, we need to secure the services of a professional fundraiser to help identify grant-making bodies and develop a long-term sustainable fundraising strategy for the charity.
Finally, to ensure smooth running and operational oversight we aim to use the fundraising strategy to help us employ a Project/ House Manager.
Impact Report In 2024
Please note that specific areas within Greater Manchester and the names of women have not been referenced in the report given the sensitive nature of our work, the intelligence sharing with partner agencies and to protect our outreach workers, the women we work with and the communities they work and live in.
Project Pearl made over 400 connections with women working on the streets in 2024 and worked directly with 87, including 77 referrals to one of 13 partner agencies.
As well as initial training for our outreach team members, throughout the year we ran 4 further team training sessions including trauma informed working and good practice.
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Project Pearl- Trustees Report (cont’d)
For the year ended 31 December 2024
Outreach Sessions
In 2024 Project Pearl volunteers delivered over 100 outreach sessions. This included street outreach sessions, sauna/ parlour outreach visits and centre-based drop-in pamper sessions. Trained outreach volunteers were able to identify and directly engage with sex workers in ‘hotspot’ areas in three boroughs of Greater Manchester. In total the team made 443 individual points of contact with women working in the sex industry.
Project Pearl volunteers provide responsive and effective support and signpost the women to appropriate partners when necessary (e.g. Police, health, local authority safeguarding teams). They quickly identify any immediate needs of the women they are working with, which are then assessed and dealt with as appropriate. They ensure compliance with appropriate Safeguarding Policies and Procedures.
During the pamper sessions delivered in 2024, women could have their hair cut, their nails done, or feet and hands massaged. These sessions provide a place of refuge, safety and peace where they can be pampered and talk with members of our team.
Bags of Hope and Basic Essentials Bags of Hope is an initiative run by St Philip’s Church offering a bag of 10 items including shampoo, shower gel and other hygiene products. For sex workers these Bags of Hope also include condoms. Bags of Hope offer dignity and are a practical way for the church and wider community to show care and compassion. In 2024, 239 Bags of Hope were distributed mainly through our Outreach sessions and through partner agencies such as MASH. Women supported by Project Pearl can also collect Bags of Hope and other supplies directly through the Foodbank and Drop-In operated by Saint Philip’s Chapel Street and Soul Cafe in Oldham twice a week.
SIM Cards
Through the generosity of Vodafone we have received free SIM cards which offer 40GB of data for 6 months at no charge to the women. During 2024 we gave out more than 100 SIM cards to women through Project Pearl. These SIM cards mean the women are able to communicate more readily and consistently with support workers and agencies, increasing digital inclusion and access to information and helping the women to feel safe as they are able to maintain regular contact with others.
Chaplaincy and Spiritual Wellbeing
This is an integral part of our outreach work, to offer chaplaincy and pastoral support to the women in a way that is open and accessible, inviting their engagement without coercion or obligation. This might mean spending time with women on street outreach, listening to the challenges and concerns shared and then offering to pray for them (and only pray if they are happy to do so); offering tea lights for the women to light as a prayer during the pamper sessions; and sharing about our Christian faith if and when the women ask questions about our personal motivations or the origins of Project Pearl.
Through these conversations, we have seen some of the women start to open up to us and begin to explore faith for themselves, with a small number of them starting to find support and community through local churches.
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Project Pearl- Trustees Report (cont’d)
For the year ended 31 December 2024
Financial Review
During the year, we received a number of small regular donations plus a couple of one-off donations. Very little other income was received during the year. We invested in the services of an experienced fundraiser to compile Case for Support and Theory of Change documents, and to conduct Prospect Research. Although the documents were produced, unfortunately the individual felt unable to continue supporting us by making the funding applications, although the research carried out remains valuable for the future.
During the year under review, volunteers have helped us to update our website www.projectpearl.org.uk and produce the first newsletter, both at no cost to the organisation- although we incur cost for the domain and hosting.
Towards the end of the year, the Trustees decided to increase capacity by appointing a selfemployed project manager to oversee work on the drop-in, update the content for the new website and newsletter, draft policies and procedures for the proposed house and submit funding applications. This work has been partially successful, and the Trustees are keeping this use of reserves under close and regular review.
Net unrestricted expenditure exceeded income by £5,019 and at the end of the year we had £24,990 held in General unrestricted reserves.
Reserves Policy
The Trustees have adopted a policy of having reserves no less than 3 months’ worth of regular outgoings, and this has been maintained throughout the year under review.
Trustee information
The Trustees who have served at any time during the year are:
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Appointed Resigned
Elizabeth (Lizzy) Anne Robinson Chair 21 October 2021
Rosalind Claire Holland Trustee 21 October 2021
Donna Allen Trustee 21 October 2021
Rev. Gareth Robinson Trustee 21 October 2021
Stuart Robinson Trustee 21 October 2021
Claire Otto Trustee 8 February 2022 3 June 2024
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Project Pearl- Trustees Report (cont’d)
For the year ended 31 December 2024
Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales 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 and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that year.
In preparing these 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;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material 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 operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient accounting records that 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 2011 and the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. 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.
Accountants and Independent Examiner
The Trustees appointed Peter Salmon, Sheffield, as independent examiner.
Approved by the Trustees on 19 March 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
Elizabeth (Lizzy) Robinson
Chair of Trustees
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Project Pearl
Independent Examiner’s Report
For the year ended 31 December 2024
Independent examiner’s report to the Trustees of Project Pearl
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Responsibilities 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 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
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the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
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the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
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the accounts did 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.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed
Peter Salmon ACA
Sheffield
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Project Pearl Statement of Financial Activities For the year ended 31 December 2024
| Notes Incoming Resources Regular giving One off giving Gift Aid receivable Grant income Events income Total Income Resources expended 2 Raising funds Charitable activities Administrative costs Other Total expenditure Net Income/ (Expenditure) Transfer between Funds Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
General Designated Restricted Total Total Funds Funds Funds 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ £ 475 475 172 822 822 7,485 24 24 279 - - - - - 329 1,321 - - 1,321 8,265 1,300 1,300 - 3,813 3,813 257 1,128 1,128 690 99 99 - 6,340 - - 6,340 947 (5,019) - - (5,019) 7,318 - - - - - (5,019) - - (5,019) 7,318 30,009 - - 30,009 22,691 24,990 - - 24,990 30,009 |
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Project Pearl Balance Sheet As at 31 December 2024
| Notes Fixed Assets Tangible Assets 6 Investments Total Fixed Assets Current Assets Debtors and accrued income 7 Cash at bank and in hand Total Current Assets 8 Net current assets/(liabilities) Total assets less current liabilities Provisions for liabilities Total net assets or liabilities Funds of the Charity General Funds Designated Funds Restricted Funds Total funds Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Creditors: Amounts falling due after one year |
General Designated Restricted Total Total Funds Funds Funds 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ £ - - - - - - - - - - - 48 48 618 24,942 24,942 29,871 24,990 - - 24,990 30,489 - - (480) 24,990 - - 24,990 30,009 24,990 - - 24,990 30,009 - - - - - - 24,990 - - 24,990 30,009 24,990 24,990 30,009 - - - - - - 24,990 - - 24,990 30,009 |
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The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 19 March 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
Elizabeth (Lizzy) Robinson Chair of Trustees
Stuart Robinson Treasurer
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Project Pearl Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2024
1 Accounting Policies
a General
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 and the Charities Act 2011.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.
These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts.
There has been no offsetting of assets and liabilities, or income and expenses, unless required or permitted by the FRS 102 SORP or FRS 102.
b Going concern
The Trustees have no reason to believe that Project Pearl will not continue to operate for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. Accordingly, these financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.
c Fund accounting
General income funds comprise those funds which the Trustees are free to use for any purpose in furtherance of the charitable objects. Unrestricted funds include designated funds where the trustees, at their discretion, have created a fund for a specific purpose.
Restricted funds are to be used for specific purposes as laid down by the donor.
d Income
All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
Planned giving receivable under Gift Aid is recognised only when received. Income tax recoverable on Gift Aided donations is accrued for on the donation date.
Any Gift Aid amount recovered on a donation is considered to be part of that gift and is treated as an addition to the same fund as the initial donation unless the donor has specified otherwise.
The Trustees operate a policy that any donations greater than £5,000 or where there is some doubt as to the source of funds will be subject to a Know Your Donor documented review. This was not needed during the year under review (2023: none).
e Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and includes irrecoverable VAT. Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.
f Volunteer help
The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees’ annual report.
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Project Pearl Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2024
2 Analysis of Expenditure
| Analysis of Expenditure | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | Designated | Restricted | Total | Total | |
| Funds | Funds | Funds | 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Expenditure Raising Funds | |||||
| Raising funds | 1,300 | 1,300 | - | ||
| Expenditure delivering the charitable activities | |||||
| Charity: Staff/ Consultancy costs | 3,438 | 3,438 | - | ||
| Charity: Premises | - | - | - | ||
| Charity: Outreach | 375 | 375 | 257 | ||
| Administrative costs running the charity | |||||
| Admin costs | 1,128 | 1,128 | 690 | ||
| Other | 99 | 99 | - | ||
| Bank/ card charges | - | - | - | ||
| 6,340 | - | - | 6,340 | 947 | |
| Prior year fund split: | 947 | - | - | 947 | |
| Staff costs, Trustee remuneration and expenses Salaries and wages Social security costs Pension costs (defined contribution scheme) Other employee benefits |
2024 £ - - - - |
2023 £ - - - - |
|||
| Total staff costs | - | - | |||
| Average number of employees | - | - |
3 Staff costs, Trustee remuneration and expenses
The charity did not have any employees during the year under review. No employee earned £60,000 per annum or more in the current or preceding accounting period.
Trustees were not paid and did not receive any other benefits in their capacity as Trustees in the year (2023: £nil) neither were they reimbursed expenses in their capacity as Trustees during the year (2023: £nil).
4 Related Party Transactions
During the year, donations totalling £115 were received from the Trustees and or the Trustees' families (2023: £10). During the period, the following expenses were reimbursed to Trustees out of General Funds:
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Elizabeth Robinson | 99 | 115 |
Gareth Robinson (Trustee) is Rector and Lizzy Robinson (Chair) is Team Leader at St Philip's, Chapel Street, Salford. During the year £26 relating to Project Pearl was received into the bank account of St Philips, and St Philips paid £539 expenses on behalf of Project Pearl. Funds were reimbursed to the correct entity and at the end of the year, funds due to Project Pearl from St Philip's were £Nil (2023: £113).
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Project Pearl Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2024
5 Independent Examination Fee
As the gross income of the charity is less than £25,000, there is no legal requirement for the financial statements to be independently examined. However, the Trustees decided to carry out an independent examination to ensure the highest level of transparency and governance.
The 2023 financial statements were independently examined by Knight Goodhead, a firm of professional accountants. Due to the reduction in income and as 2024 was the second year of operation, the Trustees decided to appoint Peter Salmon ACA as Independent Examiner for 2024. Mr Salmon carried out the examination pro bono so no fee was accrued. No other fees were paid for accountancy services during the year.
6 Fixed Assets
The organisation did not own any Tangible Fixed Assets or Investments at the year end.
7 Debtors and Accrued Income
| Stock of donations Accrued income Amounts due from St Philips Prepayments Other Debtors Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Trade Creditors Accruals |
2024 2023 £ £ - - 19 250 - 113 29 255 - - 48 618 2024 2023 £ £ - - - 480 - 480 |
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8 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
9 Post Balance Sheet events
There were no events between the year end and the date of approving these accounts that the Trustees consider would have a material impact on the reader's understanding of the performance and position of the charity.
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