Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 1[st] January 2025 Period start date To 31[st] December 2025 Period end date
Charity name: Alternative Angels
Charity registration number: 1204095
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | The prevention or relief of poverty in Swindon and the surrounding area by providing; - meals and food items - services to individuals in need - essential furniture items - clothing, and any other items to meet basic standard of living |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
Alternative Angels supports Swindon's most vulnerable, including survivors of abuse, those facing homelessness due to financial struggles, and individuals battling addiction. Alternative Angels is dedicated to enhancing well-being. Our core mission revolves around providing essential aid, hot meals, clothing, and furniture, to uplift lives, improve circumstances, and promote holistic wellness. |
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | The trustees have paid due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit in deciding what activities the charity should undertake. The trustees consider that they have acted in the public benefit. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
SORP reference Para 1.38 Policy on grant making Para 1.38 Policy on social investment including program related investment
Para 1.38 Contribution made by volunteers Other
Achievements and Performance
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SORP reference
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| Achievements and Performance | Achievements and Performance | Achievements and Performance |
|---|---|---|
| SORP reference | ||
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | Our charity continued to strengthen its role within the Swindon community, building on existing partnerships and developing new collaborations that directly support our beneficiaries. During the year, we expanded our health-focused support through our work with NHS Swindon, providing on-site testing for Hepatitis B and C and helping improve access to essential healthcare for those who may otherwise face barriers. We continue to work closely with local organisations to provide joined-up support. Our partnership with Change Grow Live ensures that specialist drug and alcohol recovery support is available directly within our service, while Voluntary Action Swindon supports us with governance, training, and safeguarding. We also maintain strong links with Swindon Borough Council, acting as an approved data sharer and contributing to coordinated local efforts to reduce homelessness. These partnerships enable us to respond quickly, share information effectively, and help people access the right support at the right time. Community support remains at the heart of what we do. We continue to receive valued contributions from groups such as Swindon Big Knit, alongside ongoing donations from local businesses and community initiatives. During the year, we also engaged with the wider community through events such as the Wroughton Monthly Craft Fair. We were proud to be recognised with the Asda Foundation Community Diamond Award, reflecting the impact of our work and the dedication of our volunteers. We also partnered with TOG24’s “Swap A Coat”campaign, collecting 39 coats to |
support people experiencing homelessness during the winter months. Our marketing activity supports this wider engagement, helping us raise awareness, attract volunteers, and connect with the community. In 2025, we achieved over 284,000 Facebook views and 5,800 interactions, alongside continued growth on LinkedIn. Our website generated 91 enquiries during the year, many from prospective volunteers, providing a consistent route for new people to join and support our work. We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of corporate partners, including Zurich Community Trust, part of the Z Zurich Foundation, who have matched donations through our fundraising efforts. This support has significantly increased the impact of contributions, helping us continue to provide essential services to those who rely on us. We proudly continued to support young volunteers working towards their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, offering opportunities to prepare and deliver food as part of our service. This initiative helps young people build confidence, develop practical skills, and form meaningful connections with their community, while contributing directly to our weekly provision. Throughout the year, we maintained our commitment to providing additional support during key periods. Our Easter and Christmas initiatives once again ensured that those experiencing homelessness and poverty could access donated items, homecooked meals, and a sense of community during times that can otherwise feel isolating. Alongside service delivery, we have focused on strengthening our internal operations to support sustainable growth. Following a review of our policies and processes, we have improved our approach to data protection, safeguarding, and volunteer onboarding. These changes include clearer consent processes, improved handling of sensitive information, and enhanced training and support for volunteers, helping us reduce risk while maintaining a practical, community-led approach. We have also continued to develop new initiatives that support longer-term
outcomes for our beneficiaries. In partnership with Swindon Borough Council’s Adult Services and Community Learning teams, we are enabling access to free courses such as cooking and budgeting. In addition, our founder is undertaking a Money Guider qualification with Feeding Britain, allowing us to provide trusted financial guidance and support people in building greater independence over time. We were also proud to see our leadership recognised at a national level, with our CEO, Jane Richards, and Chair Trustee, Anna Somaiya, attending the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. This recognition reflects not only their dedication, but the collective effort, compassion, and commitment of the entire Alternative Angels community. As we continue to grow, our focus remains on delivering consistent, high-quality support while strengthening partnerships, improving governance, and expanding opportunities for those we serve. This balanced approach ensures we can meet immediate needs while helping people move towards stability and rebuild their lives.
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: |
|---|---|---|
| Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | |
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | |
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 |
Other
Financial Review
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Review of the charity’s Para 1.21 The total funds at 31 December 2025
financial position at the end were £55,467.
of the period
During the year, the charity was
fortunate to receive significant funding
from the Benevolent Fund and The
National Lottery. However, these grants
are non-recurring, and due to funding
restrictions, we are unable to reapply for
similar support for a period of two
years. As such, these funds must be
carefully managed to sustain the
charity’s operations over this period of
reduced external funding opportunitie
Statement explaining the Para 1.22 Our average monthly running cost in 2025
policy for holding reserves was £2,446.62, covering rent, salaries,
stating why they are held food, petrol, and operational expenses to
support the 900 people we feed each
month. This increase reflects key
investments made during the year,
including the hiring of an Administrative
Assistant and enhanced marketing activity
to strengthen our operations and
fundraising capacity.
We currently hold a higher level of reserves
than usual, as a result of significant
donations received this year. These funds
are intended to support our operations over
the next two years, providing essential
financial stability and allowing us to plan
with greater confidence.
In addition to these changes, we continue
to incur essential operational costs,
including van maintenance and running
costs, accounting and compliance
requirements (with anticipated increases
due to HMRC’s Making Tax Digital), and
ongoing safeguarding training and trustee
development to meet evolving governance
standards.
Maintaining strong reserves ensures we
can operate sustainably, plan for growth,
and respond to changing demands without
compromising our core mission of
supporting those in need.
Amount of reserves held Para 1.22 The total funds at 31 December 2025
were £55,467.
Reasons for holding zero Para 1.22
reserves
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Details of fund materially in Para 1.24 deficit Explanation of any Para 1.23 uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern
Additional information (optional)
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You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
The charity’s principal
sources of funds (including Para 1.47
any fundraising)
Investment policy and
objectives including any Para 1.46
social investment policy
adopted
A description of the principal Para 1.46
risks facing the charity
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| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 | |
|---|---|---|
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | |
| Other |
Structure, Governance and Management
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Description of charity’s
trusts:
Type of governing document Para 1.25 Charitable Incorporated Organization
(trust deed, royal charter) (CIO)
How is the charity Para 1.25 CIO
constituted?
(e.g unincorporated
association, CIO)
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| Structure, Governance and Management | Structure, Governance and Management | Structure, Governance and Management |
|---|---|---|
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
||
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) Para 1.25 Charitable Incorporated Organization (CIO) |
||
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) Para 1.25 CIO |
||
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | Trustees of Alternative Angels are appointed through a structured selection process to ensure alignment with the charity’s mission and governance standards. 1. Application & Initial Screening – Prospective trustees submit an application outlining their experience, skills, and alignment with Alternative Angels’ values and objectives. 2. Interview Process – Shortlisted candidates undergo an interview process with existing trustees, assessing their suitability, expertise, and commitment to the role. 3. Final Interview & Approval – Candidates who progress are invited for a final interview with the Chair Trustee, who provides the final approval before appointment. 4. Formal Appointment – Upon successful selection, trustees are formally appointed and onboarded in accordance with the charity’s constitution. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees |
Para 1.51 | |
|---|---|---|
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | |
| Para 1.51 |
Relationship with any related parties Other
Reference and Administrative details
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Charity name Alternative Angels
Other name the charity uses
Registered charity number 1204095
Charity’s principal address 24 Upper Pavenhill
Swindon
SN5 4DQ
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Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
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Dates acted if not for whole Name of person (or body) entitled
Trustee name Office (if any)
year to appoint trustee (if any)
Bhavna Somaiya
1
Plummer
Cara Leanne
2
Hiscock
3 Gemma Bolton
4 Chelsey Taylor From 13 [th] January 2026
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
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– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved
Director name
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets held in this capacity
Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of Name Address adviser
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
Other optional information
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s) Full name(s) Bhavna Somaiya Plummer Position (eg Secretary, Chair Chair, etc) Date 25th March 2026
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Alternative Angels No (if any)
Receipts and payments accounts
CC16a
For the period
01/01/2025 To 31/12/2025
from
Section A Receipts and payments
Unrestricted Restricted funds Endowment Total funds Last year
to the nearest to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £
A1 Receipts
Funds transferrred on charity set up £ - £ - £ - £ - £ 19,299.91
Donations, legacies and grants £ 56,508.34 £ - £ - £ 56,508.34 £ 41,439.72
Sub total (Gross income for AR) £ 56,508.34 £ - £ - £ 56,508.34 £ 60,739.63
A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table).
Receipts from sale of fixed assets £ 10.00 £ - £ - £ 10.00 £ -
Sub total £ 10.00 £ - £ - £ 10.00 £ -
Total receipts £ 56,518.34 £ - £ - £ 56,518.34 £ 60,739.63
A3 Payments
Bank interest and charges £ - £ - £ - £ - £ 4.45
Costs of charitable activities £ 13,003.90 £ - £ - £ 13,003.90 £ 16,228.47
Governance costs £ 1,939.36 £ - £ - £ 1,939.36 £ 1,440.58
Grants and donations paid £ 100.00 £ - £ - £ 100.00 £ -
Insurance £ 1,757.53 £ - £ - £ 1,757.53 £ 1,985.51
Printing, postage, stationery and computer
supplies £ 128.97 £ - £ - £ 128.97 £ 209.97
Rent/ hire of rooms £ 1,625.00 £ - £ - £ 1,625.00 £ 1,807.80
Repairs and maintenance £ 547.18 £ - £ - £ 547.18 £ 395.20
Volunteer expenses £ 2,060.83 £ - £ - £ 2,060.83 £ 2,537.64
Wages / salaries and national insurance £ 8,018.52 £ - £ - £ 8,018.52 £ 8,000.00
£ - £ - £ - £ - £ -
Sub total £ 29,181.29 £ - £ - £ 29,181.29 £ 32,609.62
A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table)
Sub total - - - - -
Total payments 29,181.29 - - 29,181.29 32,609.62
Net of receipts/(payments) 27,337.05 - - 27,337.05 28,130.01
A5 Transfers between funds - - - - -
A6 Cash funds last year end 28,130.01 - - 28,130.01 -
Cash funds this year end 55,467.06 - - 55,467.06 28,130.01
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CCXX R1 accounts (SS)
13/04/2026
1
| Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period | Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Categories Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the B1 Cash funds B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use B2 Other monetary assets B5 Liabilities B3 Investment assets |
(agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) Details Details Lloyds Bank Total cash funds Details Signature December net pay PAYE Details Details |
Unrestricted Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ 55,467 - - - - - - - OK OK Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - Fund to which Cost (optional) - - - - - Fund to which Cost (optional) - - - - - - - - - Fund to which Amount due 169.82 42.16 - - - Bhavna Somaiya Plummer Chair Trustee Print Name |
Endowment to nearest £ - - - |
|
| - | ||||
| OK | ||||
| Endowment funds to nearest £ - - - - - - Current value - - - - - Current value - - - - - - - - - When due Date of approval 26/03/2026 |
CCXX R2 accounts (SS)
13/04/2026
2
Independent examiner's report on the accounts
Section A Independent Examiner’s Report
Report to the trustees Charity Name Alternative Angels On accounts for the 31 December 2025 Charity no 1204095 period ended (if any) Set out on pages 1 and 2 (remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets) I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the period ended 31/12/2025 Responsibilities and As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in basis of report 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 I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my examiner's statement attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
-
the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
-
the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
-
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: Name: Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any): Address: |
Date: | |
|---|---|---|
| 09.04.2026 | ||
| James Gare | ||
| FCA. DChA | ||
| Monahans, Hermes House, Swindon, SN2 2GA | ||
1
Oct 2018
IER
Section B Disclosure
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).
Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .
2
Oct 2018
IER