## **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)**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
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
**----- End of picture text -----**
|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**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
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)
**----- End of picture text -----**
|**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**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
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**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
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
**----- End of picture text -----**
– 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
**----- Start of picture text -----**
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
**----- End of picture text -----**
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**