The Block Armed Forces Foundation is pleased to present its Annual Report for November 2024 to November 2025 .
This year has seen major developments in housing, safeguarding addiction-recovery partnerships, data management, and fundraising.
Our mission remains clear: to ensure that veterans, serving personnel, and their families receive the support and stability needed to rebuild their lives with dignity. With strengthened leadership, improved systems, and increased public engagement, the Foundation has made substantial progress across all service areas.
1. Appointment of Safeguarding Manager Mark Bracken
The introduction of a dedicated Safeguarding Manager role has significantly strengthened our safeguarding framework.
Mark has led improvements in incident reporting, case follow-up, training compliance, and trauma-informed practice across the organisation.
2. Appointment of Liverpool City Region Housing Manager Colin Bascombe
The recruitment of Housing Manager Colin has greatly enhanced our capacity to address veteran homelessness in the city region. His knowledge of local housing systems and landlord engagement has accelerated placements and improved long-term tenancy sustainability. He has grown the partnership with local authorities and his position was key when satisfying Liverpool City council in The Blocks supported housing benefit application.
3. Reduction in Veteran Homelessness
Through expanded outreach, cross-agency cooperation, and improved case management, the Foundation has contributed to a demonstrable reduction in veteran homelessness within the Liverpool City Region.
4. Impact Through Partnership with Tom Harrison House
Our ongoing collaboration with Tom Harrison House continues to deliver life-changing support for veterans in addiction and recovery. Shared assessment processes and coordinated aftercare have contributed to higher completion rates and stronger reintegration outcomes.
5. Successful Delivery of the ‘Hidden Voices’ Programme
With support from the Armed Forces Covenant Trust , the Hidden Voices programme has empowered veterans to share their stories, reduce stigma around mental health, and strengthen community understanding. Engagement levels exceeded expectations and produced impactful participant-led content.
6. Implementation of the Beacon CRM System
The adoption of the Beacon CRM system has been a transformative step for the Foundation’s data management and operational efficiency. Key benefits include:
-
Faster and more accurate case-tracking
-
Improved communication between safeguarding, housing, and support teams
-
Clearer outcome measurement and reporting
-
Enhanced transparency for trustees and funders
-
Streamlined referral pathways and reduced administrative delays
The system has strengthened accountability and ensured more consistent support for veterans.
7. Strengthened Case Management and Internal Communication
In conjunction with the Beacon CRM rollout, internal communication channels were modernised, reducing delays in referrals and improving the accuracy of service-user records.
8. Expansion of Volunteer and Peer-Support Engagement
Our volunteer network has grown substantially, with veterans from the local community offering peer-led support across wellbeing activities, events, and outreach. This has fostered a stronger sense of community and empowerment.
9. Community Integration, female only spaces and pop-up support hubs
Regular drop-in sessions, workshops, and group activities have helped reduce isolation and support positive reintegration for veterans in the community. The Pop-up support hub in collaboration with Knowsley council at Kirkby Towerhill community centre has seen some early success with veterans in the area beginning to engage requesting access to veteran services.
10. Enhanced Staff Training and Compliance
The Foundation continues to deliver training in safeguarding, mental-health awareness and first under its corporate sponsor veteran owned business Salamanca training. A new partnership with Total Training Provision has given access to fully funding counselling and mental health courses
11. Self Fundraising Success
In March 2025, the Foundation participated in the Liverpool 10K Tunnel Tab , followed by Remembrance Street collections in November .
Combined, these events raised over £19,000 a significant contribution that has directly supported the expansion of the wellbeing programmes, daily operations and service development.
12. Strengthened Governance and Oversight
Trustee structures, reporting procedures, and compliance checks were updated this year to ensure transparency, accountability, and high standards of service delivery.
13. Impact Summary
Across the 2024–2025 reporting period, the Block Armed Forces Foundation has:
-
Enhanced safeguarding through dedicated leadership and improved systems
-
Expanded housing pathways, reducing veteran homelessness across the region
-
Delivered holistic recovery support through specialist partnerships
-
Empowered veterans through storytelling and community engagement initiatives
-
Modernised data management through the Beacon CRM system
-
Increased community awareness and financial sustainability through successful fundraising
-
Strengthened governance and operational standards
These achievements represent a significant step forward in our mission to support veterans and their families.
14. Priorities for 2025–2026
Looking ahead, the Foundation aims to:
-
Expand supported housing availability across the Liverpool City Region
-
Increase mental-health and peer-support provision
-
Grow the Hidden Voices initiative into a regional veterans’ platform
-
Further refine CRM data reporting for deeper impact measurement
-
Build on fundraising successes with new community engagement events
-
Continue developing staff skills and governance frameworks
-
Launch The Pathway Alliance Partnership
15. Conclusion
The period from November 2024 to November 2025 has been one of meaningful progress, improved systems, and strengthened partnerships. The Block Armed Forces Foundation expresses sincere gratitude to our staff, volunteers, trustees, community partners, and supporters. Together, we have delivered real, lasting change for veterans and their families.
Colin Eastaway (Bsc Hons) Msyl
ce@theblockaff.org
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1205854
Report of the Trustees and
Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 21 November 2025
for
The Block, Armed Forces Foundation
DBS Corporate Accountants Suite 4102, Charlotte House Queens Dock Business Centre 67-83 Norfolk Street Liverpool Merseyside L1 0BG
The Block, Armed Forces Foundation
Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 21 November 2025
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 1 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 2 |
| Balance Sheet | 3 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 4 to 8 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 9 |
The Block, Armed Forces Foundation
Report of the Trustees
for the Year Ended 21 November 2025
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 21 November 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust and constitutes an unincorporated charity.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number
1205854
Principal address
241-243 Walton Road Liverpool England L4 4AR
Trustees
Mr Colin John Eastaway Mr David McMullen Stephen Mccarthy Ms Amber Lynch
25th February 2026 Approved by order of the board of trustees on ............................................. behalf by:
and signed on its
.......................................................... Mr Colin John Eastaway - Trustee
Page 1
The Block, Armed Forces Foundation
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 21 November 2025
| Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 2 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD |
Unrestricted fund £ 89,025 124,657 (35,632) 16,169 (19,463) |
Restricted fund £ 56,925 (9,691) 66,616 - 66,616 |
21.11.25 Total funds £ 145,950 114,966 30,984 16,169 47,153 |
21.11.24 Total funds £ 54,654 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38,485 | ||||
| 16,169 - |
||||
| 16,169 |
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 2
The Block, Armed Forces Foundation
Balance Sheet
21 November 2025
| 21.11.25 | 21.11.24 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | |||
| fund | fund | funds | funds | |||
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| FIXED ASSETS | ||||||
| Tangible assets | 5 | - | 18,054 | 18,054 | - | |
| CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||
| Debtors | 6 | 783 | - | 783 | - | |
| Cash at bank | 38,020 | - | 38,020 | 18,367 | ||
| 38,803 | - | 38,803 | 18,367 | |||
| CREDITORS | ||||||
| Amounts falling due within one year | 7 | (9,704) | - | (9,704) | (2,198) | |
| NET CURRENT ASSETS | 29,099 | - | 29,099 | 16,169 | ||
| TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT | ||||||
| LIABILITIES | 29,099 | 18,054 | 47,153 | 16,169 | ||
| NET ASSETS | 29,099 | 18,054 | 47,153 | 16,169 | ||
| FUNDS | 8 | |||||
| Unrestricted funds | 29,099 | 16,169 | ||||
| Restricted funds | 18,054 | - | ||||
| TOTAL FUNDS | 47,153 | 16,169 |
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on ............................................. and were signed on its behalf by: 25th February 2026
............................................. Mr Colin John Eastaway - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 3
The Block, Armed Forces Foundation
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 21 November 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
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 a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.
Page 4
continued...
The Block, Armed Forces Foundation
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 21 November 2025
2. RAISING FUNDS
Raising donations and legacies
| Raising donations and legacies | ||
|---|---|---|
| Staff costs Sundries Support costs |
21.11.25 £ 24,737 27,337 62,892 114,966 |
21.11.24 £ 3,172 6,332 28,981 |
| 38,485 |
3. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 21 November 2025 nor for the year ended 21 November 2024.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 21 November 2025 nor for the year ended 21 November 2024.
4. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
| Unrestricted | |
|---|---|
| fund | |
| £ | |
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM | |
| Donations and legacies | 54,654 |
| EXPENDITURE ON | |
| Raising funds | 38,485 |
| NET INCOME | 16,169 |
| TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED | |
| FORWARD | 16,169 |
Page 5
continued...
The Block, Armed Forces Foundation
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 21 November 2025
| 5. | TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long | |||||
| leasehold | |||||
| £ | |||||
| COST | |||||
| Additions | 18,054 | ||||
| NET BOOK VALUE | |||||
| At 21 November 2025 | 18,054 | ||||
| At 21 November 2024 | - | ||||
| 6. | DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR | ||||
| 21.11.25 | 21.11.24 | ||||
| £ | £ | ||||
| Prepayments | 783 | - | |||
| 7. | CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR | ||||
| 21.11.25 | 21.11.24 | ||||
| £ | £ | ||||
| Taxation and social security | 4,090 | 558 | |||
| Other creditors | 5,614 | 1,640 | |||
| 9,704 | 2,198 | ||||
| 8. | MOVEMENT IN FUNDS | ||||
| Net | |||||
| At | movement | At | |||
| 22.11.24 | in funds | 21.11.25 | |||
| £ | £ | £ | |||
| Unrestricted funds | |||||
| General fund | 16,169 | 12,930 | 29,099 | ||
| Restricted funds | |||||
| Restricted Funds | - | 18,054 | 18,054 | ||
| TOTAL FUNDS | 16,169 | 30,984 | 47,153 |
Page 6
continued...
The Block, Armed Forces Foundation
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 21 November 2025
8. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Restricted Funds TOTAL FUNDS Comparatives for movement in funds Unrestricted funds General fund TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 89,025 56,925 145,950 |
Resources expended £ (76,095) (38,871) (114,966) Net movement in funds £ 16,169 16,169 |
Movement in funds £ 12,930 18,054 30,984 At 21.11.24 £ 16,169 16,169 |
|---|---|---|---|
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Incoming | Resources | Movement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| resources | expended | in funds | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||
| General fund | 54,654 | (38,485) | 16,169 |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 54,654 | (38,485) | 16,169 |
Page 7
continued...
The Block, Armed Forces Foundation
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 21 November 2025
8. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:
| At 22.11.23 £ Unrestricted funds General fund - Restricted funds Restricted Funds - TOTAL FUNDS - A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined included in the above are as follows: Incoming resources £ Unrestricted funds General fund 143,679 Restricted funds Restricted Funds 56,925 TOTAL FUNDS 200,604 |
Net movement At in funds 21.11.25 £ £ 29,099 29,099 18,054 18,054 47,153 47,153 net movement in fund Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (114,580) 29,099 (38,871) 18,054 (153,451) 47,153 |
|---|---|
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
9. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 21 November 2025.
Page 8
The Block, Armed Forces Foundation
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | ||
|---|---|---|
| for the Year Ended 21 November 2025 | ||
| 21.11.25 | 21.11.24 | |
| £ | £ | |
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS | ||
| Donations and legacies | ||
| Gifts | - | 1 |
| Donations | 38,712 | 54,653 |
| Grants | 107,238 | - |
| 145,950 | 54,654 | |
| Total incoming resources | 145,950 | 54,654 |
| EXPENDITURE | ||
| Raising donations and legacies | ||
| Wages | 22,582 | 3,172 |
| Social security | 2,049 | - |
| Pensions | 106 | - |
| Sundries | 27,337 | 6,332 |
| 52,074 | 9,504 | |
| Support costs | ||
| Management | ||
| Wages | - | 4,645 |
| Social security | - | 257 |
| Rates and water | - | 727 |
| Insurance | 592 | 326 |
| Light and heat | 335 | 250 |
| Telephone | 1,346 | 59 |
| Advertising | 10,608 | 5,203 |
| Sundries | 18,648 | 6,286 |
| 31,529 | 17,753 | |
| Finance | ||
| Bank charges | - | 116 |
| Information technology | ||
| Repairs and renewals | 30,256 | 10,192 |
| Governance costs | ||
| Accountancy and legal fees | 1,107 | 920 |
| Total resources expended | 114,966 | 38,485 |
| Net income | 30,984 | 16,169 |
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
Page 9
The Block Armed Forces Foundation is pleased to present its Annual Report for November 2024 to November 2025 .
This year has seen major developments in housing, safeguarding addiction-recovery partnerships, data management, and fundraising.
Our mission remains clear: to ensure that veterans, serving personnel, and their families receive the support and stability needed to rebuild their lives with dignity. With strengthened leadership, improved systems, and increased public engagement, the Foundation has made substantial progress across all service areas.
1. Appointment of Safeguarding Manager Mark Bracken
The introduction of a dedicated Safeguarding Manager role has significantly strengthened our safeguarding framework.
Mark has led improvements in incident reporting, case follow-up, training compliance, and trauma-informed practice across the organisation.
2. Appointment of Liverpool City Region Housing Manager Colin Bascombe
The recruitment of Housing Manager Colin has greatly enhanced our capacity to address veteran homelessness in the city region. His knowledge of local housing systems and landlord engagement has accelerated placements and improved long-term tenancy sustainability. He has grown the partnership with local authorities and his position was key when satisfying Liverpool City council in The Blocks supported housing benefit application.
3. Reduction in Veteran Homelessness
Through expanded outreach, cross-agency cooperation, and improved case management, the Foundation has contributed to a demonstrable reduction in veteran homelessness within the Liverpool City Region.
4. Impact Through Partnership with Tom Harrison House
Our ongoing collaboration with Tom Harrison House continues to deliver life-changing support for veterans in addiction and recovery. Shared assessment processes and coordinated aftercare have contributed to higher completion rates and stronger reintegration outcomes.
5. Successful Delivery of the ‘Hidden Voices’ Programme
With support from the Armed Forces Covenant Trust , the Hidden Voices programme has empowered veterans to share their stories, reduce stigma around mental health, and strengthen community understanding. Engagement levels exceeded expectations and produced impactful participant-led content.
6. Implementation of the Beacon CRM System
The adoption of the Beacon CRM system has been a transformative step for the Foundation’s data management and operational efficiency. Key benefits include:
-
Faster and more accurate case-tracking
-
Improved communication between safeguarding, housing, and support teams
-
Clearer outcome measurement and reporting
-
Enhanced transparency for trustees and funders
-
Streamlined referral pathways and reduced administrative delays
The system has strengthened accountability and ensured more consistent support for veterans.
7. Strengthened Case Management and Internal Communication
In conjunction with the Beacon CRM rollout, internal communication channels were modernised, reducing delays in referrals and improving the accuracy of service-user records.
8. Expansion of Volunteer and Peer-Support Engagement
Our volunteer network has grown substantially, with veterans from the local community offering peer-led support across wellbeing activities, events, and outreach. This has fostered a stronger sense of community and empowerment.
9. Community Integration, female only spaces and pop-up support hubs
Regular drop-in sessions, workshops, and group activities have helped reduce isolation and support positive reintegration for veterans in the community. The Pop-up support hub in collaboration with Knowsley council at Kirkby Towerhill community centre has seen some early success with veterans in the area beginning to engage requesting access to veteran services.
10. Enhanced Staff Training and Compliance
The Foundation continues to deliver training in safeguarding, mental-health awareness and first under its corporate sponsor veteran owned business Salamanca training. A new partnership with Total Training Provision has given access to fully funding counselling and mental health courses
11. Self Fundraising Success
In March 2025, the Foundation participated in the Liverpool 10K Tunnel Tab , followed by Remembrance Street collections in November .
Combined, these events raised over £19,000 a significant contribution that has directly supported the expansion of the wellbeing programmes, daily operations and service development.
12. Strengthened Governance and Oversight
Trustee structures, reporting procedures, and compliance checks were updated this year to ensure transparency, accountability, and high standards of service delivery.
13. Impact Summary
Across the 2024–2025 reporting period, the Block Armed Forces Foundation has:
-
Enhanced safeguarding through dedicated leadership and improved systems
-
Expanded housing pathways, reducing veteran homelessness across the region
-
Delivered holistic recovery support through specialist partnerships
-
Empowered veterans through storytelling and community engagement initiatives
-
Modernised data management through the Beacon CRM system
-
Increased community awareness and financial sustainability through successful fundraising
-
Strengthened governance and operational standards
These achievements represent a significant step forward in our mission to support veterans and their families.
14. Priorities for 2025–2026
Looking ahead, the Foundation aims to:
-
Expand supported housing availability across the Liverpool City Region
-
Increase mental-health and peer-support provision
-
Grow the Hidden Voices initiative into a regional veterans’ platform
-
Further refine CRM data reporting for deeper impact measurement
-
Build on fundraising successes with new community engagement events
-
Continue developing staff skills and governance frameworks
-
Launch of The Pathway Alliance Partnership
15. Conclusion
The period from November 2024 to November 2025 has been one of meaningful progress, improved systems, and strengthened partnerships. The Block Armed Forces Foundation expresses sincere gratitude to our staff, volunteers, trustees, community partners, and supporters. Together, we have delivered real, lasting change for veterans and their families.
Colin Eastaway (Bsc Hons) Msyl
ce@theblockaff.org