Company registration number.. CE032738 Charity registration number: 1203669 GRANDFRIENDS THE COMPANY OF ELDERS Charity Registration Number 1203669 GrandFriends (A charitabl¢ incorporat¢d organisation (CIO).) Annual Report and Unaudited Accounts for the financial period from l April 2024 to 31 st August 2025 Cornwall Community Ac¢ountan¢y S¢rvice The Elms. 61 Green Lane Redruth Cornwall TR15 ILS
GrandFriends Contents ReferenceandAdministrativeDetails.................................................. Trustees, Report...... 2 to4 Outcomesand lrnpact..................................................................... IndependentExaminer'sreport........................................................... Statement of receipts and payments. 8 to9 Balance Sheet.............................................................................. 10 Notes tothe financial statements.........................................................
GrandFriends Reference and Administrative Details Charity name Charity registration number Company registration number CE032738 RegTiStered in England & Wales GrandFriends 1203669 Registered and Prineipal offiee 8 Churchtown Road Gwithian Hayle Cornwall TR27 5BX Trustees Lucy Anne Beattie (Chair) Ian Patrick Dunning {Treasurer) Dr Anna Gregorowski Anna Elizabeth Sabine (resigned 5th June 25) Key manrdgement personnel Lavinia Thomas Buhagiar Jayne Watkins Executive Director Volunteers Manager Independent Examiner Debbie Risborough (FCCA) Cornwall Community Accountancy Service The Elms 61 Green Lane Redruth TR15 ILS Page I
GrandFriends Trustees, Report The trustees present their rewrt and the llnaudited, independently examined financial statements for the period ended i l August 2025 This is the charity's second set of examined accounts, for the 18 month period from I st April 2024 to 31 st August 2025. The programme year runs from September to August to reflect the aeademi¢ year, so ihis finanLi&l r¢pori Loiwers Ihc lasi four monihs ot" Y¢ar 2 and the tull Iw¢lv¢ months of Year 3. Full reports for each programme year are available from the charity. In 2024 The Board decided to fix the accounting year as I st September to 31 st August to reflect the programine year, as ot" September 2025. Objectives and activities The object of the CIO is 'foi' Ihe public benefit, lo relieve the needs ofprimarily but not exLlusivelyyoung and elderly people in Bath and North East Somers'et the surroiinding areu, whc) ure experiencing Zc)p7eline.Y.Y hy reu.yijn ii]'Iheir uge, di.suhility, ill heulth c)r.sc?me oiher reason, through social inleraclion between older i'olunteers andyoungerpeople" Principal activity GrandFriends'. The Company ot Elders trains and supports our volunteers who we value as Elders and as community assels. Our Mission is to address intergTenerational loneliness by creating mutually beneficial connections between GrandFriends and people of all younger generations through innovative programmes, thereby building more cohesive coinmunities with elders at the heart. Achievements and performance Year 3 has been a defining period for GrandFriends- The Company of Elders. As we continue to respond to the deepening national loneliness crisis, the need for meaningful intergenerational connection has never been clearer. Recent research shows that the loneliest age group after people of retirement age is now those under 25 and over 16: a stark reminder that involuntary isolation spans gJenerations. At the same time, older people are livingT longTer. often with fewer opportunities for social connection. Against this backdrop, our mission- to bring younger people and elders together through purposeful, jo}'ful interaction- feels both urgent and profoundly hopeful. OUT model, which places elders at the heart of the charity as active contributors and community assets. continues to Prove both innovative and effectiTre. The age-related strengths of OL]r GrandFriends - palience, perspective, humollr, lived experience - are not just N'alued but celebrated. This year's outcomes dernonstrate the power of that approach. We saw a 41 % increase in programme sessions: a 660/0 Lncrease in GrandFriend attendance, and a 62 % rise in measurable intergenerational connection. Equally important, peer-to-peer connection aniong volunteers rose by 54 10, reinloreing what we are learning.. d]at the wellbeing ot our volunteers is strengthened not only througTh giving but through belonging. Page 2
GrandFriends Trustees, Report Volunteer recruitment remained strong, J9 volunteers in total had Completed our bespoke training, pro&Jr(unrne by the end of Year 3 Jn springF 2025, we m(Ide the strategFi¢ decision to pause recruitment temporarily so we could focus on expanding programme capacit! and ensuring that existing volunteers, wishes and strengths are fully supported. This decision reflects our coinmitinent to depth over speed, and to building a eominunity that grows sustainably and with Care. Our programme development this }ear has been both thoughtful and ambitious. Alongside our four established programmes, we trialled two new iniiiatives shaped direedy by volunteer insigTht- the GrandFriends Olympics, a celebratory event for St John's leavers and the GrandFriends who had befriended them over three years. and the Summer Picnic, designed to maintain the momentum of intergenerational connections during the long school break. We also launched Library Sessions at a new partner school, further strengthening our presence in the community. Governance developments included the departure of our founding Chair, Anna Sabine: following her election as MP for Frome. We thank Anna for her vision and leadership. This year also saw signiticant strcngthLnin&J of our compliancc proc¢ss¢s and risk assessment frameworks, all essential foundations for a growing charity. As we look ahead, the trustees are mindful of both opportunities and the constraints. The national fundraising landscape r¢mains ¢hallenging. and our Executive Director s relocation to Cornwall needed logTiStic adjustments which the board has been pleased to support in recognition of her continued drive and vision for the charity. The appetite for GrandFriends in our communit! is unmistakable, and the dedication of our volunteers and staff gives us ¢onfid¢nc¢ in th¢ road ah¢ad. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to our small but exceptional team - Lavinia and Javne whose commitment, creativity. and care underpin every success in this report. Their work is not only operationally impressive but deeply huinan. To our GrandFriends volunteers.. your generosity of time, spirit, and companionship is the beating heart of this charity. You show, week after week, what community can look like when people choose to show up for one another. Together. we have built something rare and needed. Year 3 has shown what is possible; Year 4 will show what we can become. Structure? governance and management GrandFriends'. The Company of Elders was launched in September 2022 and registered with the charity commission as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in June 2023. Governing document The chariti s governing docuinent is a constitution following the charity cominission foundation model with the only voting m¢mbcrs bein&J the charity's trust¢¢s. Page 3
GrandFriends Trustees, Report Trustee Responsibilities The Trustees are responsible for keeping, proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charit! and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements compl!, with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and the applicable Statement of Recommended Practice. The Trustees are also responsible for safegJuardingT the assets of the charity and hence taking reasonable steps for the Prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. In so far as the trustees are aware: there is no relevant infomiation of which the chaTitable company's independent examiner is unaware. and the trustees have taken all steps that they ought to haN'e taken as trustees to make themselves aware of. any relevant infomiation and to establish that the independent examiner is aware of that infornlation. Small company provisions This report has been prepared in accordance with the sinall companies regime under the Companies Act 2006. Approved by the Board on 2910612026 and signed on its behalf by.. Luc), Beattie Ch4iir of Trustees Page 4
GrandFriends Outcomes and Impact OUTCOMES YEAR 3 GIIAINDTr-IIILINDS WOLLJ.N I'ELIIS -L'otal coinpleted on-boarded Active at least once in last Tenn eRan e of all on-bo&rdLd Trainin 39 32 57 to late 80s PROCRAMMES LUNCH AND PLAY SESSIONS -L-otal GF attendance Total pupil attendances at lunch Total piipils connectiiig through plai, 36 254 750 390 LIBRARY SESSIONS 48 Total GF attendancc Total il attendatice SUNDAY SOCIALS "L'otal GF attendance Total (TF attendance HOBBIES CLUBS 248 402 155 Total (TF attendance Total uest attendance GRANDFRIENDS OLYMPICS L'otal GF attendance Total pupil attendance 25 48 44 THF. GRANDFRIF.NI)S C.OMNIIINITY CAFE COLLECTIVES Total GF attendance SIIMMER PIC.NIC Total GF attendance -I'otal guest attendance C'.HRISTMAS PARTY Total GF attendance Total llesl attendance SIJMMER PARTY Total GF attendance Total uest attendance GF ini'ited attendance at external comInunih' eTrents 69 li 18 25 27 21 39 Page 5
GrandFriends Outcomes and Impact IMPACT YEAR 3 TOTALS (Year 2} GrandFriends Volunteers 31 1250/0 increase) Active Volunteers 25 128/0y incrvase) Total Programme Sessions 68 (410/0 incre<ise) Total GrandFriend attendance5 at Programmes Total soeial events organised by the eh#ri 3)2 (66/0 increase) io Total Unils of MIC Value 2496 li42 (62/00 increase) Total Units of MPC Value 1214 788 How we calculate measurable value from statistics: l Unit of 'MIC' Value One experience of MEANtNGFUL INTERGENE114TIONAL CONNEC.TION between a GrandFriend and younger person, through conN'ersation, play or reading. l Unit ot 'MPC' Value One experience of MEANTNCJFIJL PEER-TO-PEER CQNNECTION between the GrandFriends while volunteering7 at prograrnmes or at events organised by the charity which take place outside programmes. Page 6
GrandFriends Independent Examiner's Report I report on the accounts of the company for the period ended 31 August 2025 which are set out on pages8to 11. Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation ot the accounts in a¢¢ordan¢e with ihe requireinenls of the Charities Act 2011 ('tthe 2011 Act"). The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the 2011 Act and that an independent examination is needed. Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to.. examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act; follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145 (5} (b) of the 201 l Act- and state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent examiner's report My exarnination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes Consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts. and seeking explanations frorn you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'trlle and fair view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent examiner's statement In connection with my examination, no matter has Come to my attention.. l ) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respec( the requirements.. to keep a¢¢ountingJ records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006 and section lio of the 2011 Act; and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recominended Practice.. Accounting and Reporting by Charities have not been met; 2} or to which, in rny opinion. attention should be dTawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. 2810612026 D¢bbi¢ Risborou&Jh, Chart¢r¢d C¢rtiti¢d A¢¢ountant Cornwall Cominunity Accountancy Service The F.Ims, 61 Green Lane, Redruth, Cornwall TRI 5 1 LS Date: Page 7
GrandFriends Statement of Receipts and Payments for th¢ period end¢d 31 August 2025 Restricted income funds 2025 Prior period funds 2024 Unrestrieted funds 2025 Total funds 2025 Income and endowments from: Donalivns and legacies." Appeals and donations 41.884 41,884 16.000 41,884 41.884 16.000 Charituble uctivitigs Grani Inei)me." Allen Lane Foundation Barchester Foundation Foyle Foundation Medlock Foundation Norie Trusc Other grant t"unding 3,000 3,000 1.000 4,000 10,000 3,000 1,000 4,000 10.000 3.000 11,000 Primary Purpose Trading.. Contributions to Gardening Club Contributions to Sunday Social 413 413 30 7,413 14.000 21,413 11.035 Investments." Interest on cash deposits 22 22 Total Income and Endowments 49,306 14,000 63,306 27,057 Page 8
GrandFriends Statement of Receipts and Payments Expenditure on: Charitable activities: Direct costs Programme expenses Ev¢nt Costs Induction and trainin Research and networking 3,157 1,284 904 117 1.555 402 4,712 1,686 904 117 2,741 1,736 1,596 5.462 1,957 7.419 6,073 Support costs Wages and salaries Sub-contractors Insurance Subscrlptions Printing postage and stationary Sundry expenses Travel and subsistence Advertising & Marketing Consulianev Lees Bank charges 6.308 41.477 270 2,153 816 24 541 544 260 179 29,442 270 2,153 816 24 541 536 260 179 12,035 16,933 286 593 1,013 389 Total Support Costs 40,529 12.043 52,572 19,214 Governance Costs Accountancy fees The independent examination of the charity's accounts 1,064 1,064 1,680 1,680 Total Governance Costs Total Charitable Expenditure 2,744 2,744 62,735 14.000 25.287 Totdl 14.000 62,735 25.287 Net income/{expenditure} 571 571 1,770 Net eash surplus l (defieit) Nel moventenl infunds Reconcilialion offunds.. Total cash funds brought Total cashfunds carriedforward 571 571 1,770 1,770 571 571 1.770 1.770 2,341 2,341 1,770 Page 9
GrandFriends Balance Sheet As at 31 August 2025 2025 2024 Note Cash at bank and in hand 2,341 2,341 1.770 1.770 Net current assets 2.341 1,770 Total assets less current liabilities 2,341 1,770 Net assets 1,770 The funds of the charity: Restricted funds 20 Unrestricted fund$ lJnrestrieted income funds Total unrestricted funds 20 2,341 1,770 2.341 1.770 Total eharity funds 2,341 1,770 Approved by the Board on 2910612026 and signed on its behalf by- Lucy B¢attie Chair of Trustees Page 10
GrandFriends Notes to the Accounts l Aeeounting policies Basis of aecounting The financial statements are prepared on a receipts and paym¢nts basis as is p¢nnilted for charities with an income below £250.000 by the Charity Comrnission. This basis for preparing the accounts is not designed to show a true and fair view of the charity's financial activity and position. The financial statements are prepared in sterling which is the functional eurrency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these finthcial statements a rounded to the nearest £. Change in basis of accounting or to previous accounts There has been no change to the accounting policies (valuation Tules and Method of accounting) since last year and no changes have been made to accounts for previous years. Fund aceounling poliey Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees, discretion in furtheranee of the objectives of the charity. Designated funds are amounts that are allocated for specifie purposes by the charity itself. Restricted funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose. 1.4 Taxation The charity is exempt frorn ¢oryx)ration tax on its Charitable activities. 1.5 Trustees, ren]uneration and expenses Tru%tees received no remuneration. benefits in kind or expenses during the ¢unent or preceding accounting period. 1.6 Contingent liability This being the second year of operations there have been costs incurred in relation to sub-contractor costs for the Executive Director which were not paid as at the end of the accounting period. The value of these at 31s1 August 2025 was £26.770. In aOrdanCe with the agreement made with Trustees on 5th March 2024 any balance is payable 'upon satisfactory. funds being available, at the discretion of the trustees, that the amount shall be reirnbursed at increments until it has been compleiely repaid,. Page 11