2025-08-31-accounts

Official - Financial

Annual Report

Charity Name: Operation Community Hamper

Report and Financial Statements

Year Ending: 31[st] August 2025

Charity Number: 1209237

Introduction

This annual report provides an overview of our charity’s achievements, financial performance, and key activities throughout 2025. Our mission remains focused on making a lasting impact in the community by supporting those in need and advocating for positive change.

Reference and Administrative Information

Trustees

K Williams – Chair of Trustees Appointed July 2024

P Gunter – Appointed July 2024

S Streeter – Appointed July 2024

J Harding - Appointed July 2024

A Harding - Appointed July 2024

A Bryant – Appointed February 2025

S Wallbridge – Appointed February 2025

Auditors – Harris Accountancy, 2 Beckford View, Bakers Lane, Chilcompton, Somerset. BA3 4ER

Bankers: Zempler Bank, Cottons Centre, Cottons Lane, London, SE1 2QG

Our Mission Statement

Our goal is to help vulnerable individuals and families in the community who through different life situations are struggling.

These struggles are exacerbated by the current economic climate leading to people's declining finances which are under more pressure particularly around seasonal periods.

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How It All Began

This initiative started in 2020 with a simple but powerful mission: to help families struggling to put food on the table during the Covid-19 pandemic. Our founder, working in safeguarding, saw first-hand how many vulnerable families were turning to local food banks—and she knew something had to be done.

That Christmas, OCH delivered 19 hampers filled with food to families in need. It was a small gesture, but the smiles it brought reminded us that even a little support can make a huge difference. The following year, as the economy worsened, we doubled down, providing 47 hampers to help more families feel the warmth and hope of the festive season.

By 2022, the need was greater than ever. Rising gas and electricity bills, alongside soaring food prices, left families and individuals struggling—even those who weren’t eligible for government support. We expanded our network of partners, including schools, nurseries, health professionals, and social services, to reach those most in need. That year, we received 221 referrals and delivered over 340 hampers, making sure our food also reached the homeless and elderly.

In 2023, our humble initiative became a registered Community Interest Company, opening doors to official funding and donations from companies. That year, we provided 656 Christmas hampers, each filled with food and gifts to bring joy to families across the South West.

By July 2024, OCH became a registered charity, officially becoming Operation Community Hamper CIO. The growing need meant our support had to extend beyond Christmas: we began helping families with groceries throughout the year, topping up gas and electricity meters, providing enriching activities, and even furnishing homes for victims fleeing domestic abuse. That year, we delivered 1,010 Christmas hampers, ensuring no family went without.

From humble beginnings to a charity making a tangible difference across the South West, OCH continues to grow, driven by one mission: to ensure that every family in need feels supported, valued, and remembered.

Objectives and Activities

The objects of Operation Community Hamper (OCH) are to relieve poverty and promote the wellbeing of individuals and families in need.

The charity’s principal aim is to support those experiencing financial hardship, food insecurity, and social isolation within the local community. In setting objectives and planning activities, the trustees have had due regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit.

Key Objectives

During the reporting period, the charity’s key objectives were to:

• Provide essential food support to individuals and families in need

• Alleviate the effects of fuel poverty and financial hardship

• Reduce social isolation and promote community wellbeing

• Support vulnerable children and families through inclusive and enriching activities

To achieve these objectives, the charity carried out the following activities:

Food Provision:

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• Distributed festive food hampers and provided year-round food support to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.

Crisis and Seasonal Support:

• Delivered targeted assistance during periods of increased need, particularly over winter, including support to help mitigate the impact of fuel poverty.

Community Engagement and Wellbeing:

• Organised and delivered activities aimed at improving wellbeing and reducing social isolation, particularly for vulnerable individuals and families.

Support for Children and Families:

• Provided access to enriching activities for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping to promote inclusion and improve overall wellbeing.

Partnership Working and Resource Mobilisation:

• Worked collaboratively with local organisations such as Local Authority Health and Children’s services and Avon and Somerset Police, businesses, and the wider community to secure donations, gifts in kind, and volunteer support to deliver services effectively.

Public Benefit Statement

The trustees of Operation Community Hamper (OCH) confirm that they have complied with their duty under section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the guidance on public benefit published by the Charity Commission.

The charity’s purposes are to relieve poverty and promote the wellbeing of individuals and families in need. In shaping the charity’s objectives and planning its activities, the trustees have carefully considered how these activities contribute to public benefit.

OCH provides direct support to individuals and families experiencing financial hardship, food insecurity, and social isolation. This includes the provision of food hampers, emergency food supplies, and support with essential household needs, particularly during periods of increased financial pressure such as winter months.

The charity’s services are targeted at those in greatest need, including low-income households, vulnerable individuals, and those at risk of fuel poverty or social exclusion. Beneficiaries are identified through professional community referrals, local knowledge, and engagement with partner organisations.

In addition to meeting immediate needs, OCH aims to improve overall wellbeing by fostering community inclusion and providing opportunities for vulnerable children and families to participate in enriching activities.

The trustees are satisfied that the charity’s activities provide clear and identifiable public benefit by:

• Relieving financial hardship

• Reducing food insecurity

• Supporting vulnerable individuals and families

• Promoting social inclusion and wellbeing within the community

Financial Report

The Charity’s first year as a registered CIO resulted in a surplus from operations of £30,267 with an unrestricted cash balance of £30,074 held as at the 31[st] August 25 year end.

Total income was £109,161 comprising donations & gifts of £49,247, grants & other charitable activities of £55,750 and local fundraising activities of £4,164.

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The Charity’s top single donation received during the year was for £20k.

Total expenditure was £78,894 which included £3,705 fundraising costs & £10,434 to cover support costs. The largest support cost was £4,065 for expenses relating to the hire of storage space.

The remaining £64,755 was donated to good causes in line with the Charity’s aims & objectives.

Donations to vulnerable families included £41,088 for seasonal food & support, £14,908 for food donations during the remainder of the year, £4,146 for essential goods & £690 for clothing.

In line with its objectives the charity’s policy is to maximise donations to good causes & therefore the surplus unrestricted cash funds of £30,074 at the year-end results from the timing of receipt of donations. It is anticipated that subject to maintaining adequate reserves these surplus funds will be utilised to undertake charitable grants during the current financial year (YE Aug 26).

The Charity does not hold Property assets or maintain an investment portfolio.

Reserves Policy

The Trustees aim is to maintain reserves, in unrestricted funds at a level which equates to a minimum of 3 months of administrative expenditure, support costs & fundraising costs. The Trustees consider that in the event of a reduction in fundraising income this would give it sufficient time to revise strategy whilst ensuring ongoing essential costs are covered.

The current reserve (6/26) stands at £5,000 which meets the above criteria.

Risk Management

The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to mitigate these risks.

The Trustees continue to assess the major risks and are satisfied that systems are in place to manage our risk exposure.

The principal risks faced by the charity are financial risk from the fluctuating nature of charitable donations received & operational risks from direct charitable activity.

DBS checks are undertaken on relevant volunteers where appropriate to do so.

The charity does not have exposure to property, investment or currency risk.

Structure, Governance and Management

Governing Document

The charity is governed by its Constitution, which was formally adopted upon its conversion to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in July 2024.

Charitable Structure

Operation Community Hamper is established as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and is registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales under charity number 1209237.

The Governing Body

The organisation is overseen by a Board of Trustees, who hold ultimate legal responsibility for the strategic direction, governance, management, and administration of the charity. The Board is chaired by Karly Williams, who leads and supports trustees in fulfilling their duties and responsibilities.

Trustee Recruitment and Appointment

Trustees are appointed by the existing Board, following a structured process designed to ensure an appropriate balance of skills, knowledge, and experience. The Board seeks to recruit individuals with expertise relevant to

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the charity’s work, including community engagement, logistics, social care, and financial management, to support the effective governance of the organisation.

Trustees are appointed for a minimum term of three years. In accordance with the Constitution, the charity must have no fewer than three trustees and no more than eleven serving at any one time.

Impact Summary 2024/25

Operation Community Hamper has made significant progress in supporting the community since becoming a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in 2024. During the 2024/25 period, the organisation’s funding was primarily secured through grants from The National Lottery, Feeding Bristol, and the Foundation for Children, alongside continued fundraising efforts led by a dedicated core team of volunteers.

The charity’s primary focus throughout this reporting period has been the provision of Christmas hampers to children, families, and vulnerable individuals across Bristol and the surrounding areas. In December 2024, Operation Community Hamper successfully distributed 1,110 hampers and 900 bags of Christmas gifts. Referrals for these provisions were submitted by professionals within the community, including schools and children’s social care services, ensuring that support was directed towards those most in need, in line with the charity’s key objectives.

In addition to hamper provision, the charity received 74 referrals as part of its broader community engagement, wellbeing, and family support objectives. These referrals originated from five local authorities: 45 from Bristol, 16 from Bath and North East Somerset, 5 from South Gloucestershire, 7 from Wiltshire, and 1 from North Somerset. As a result, support was provided to a total of 146 children and 112 adults. Assistance included the provision of shopping vouchers, support with utility costs, and access to enriching community-based activities for children in need.

The charity’s food provision objectives have also been strengthened through funding from Feeding Bristol. This grant enabled the supply of fresh fruit and vegetables to nurseries and schools within the Bristol catchment area, benefiting 420 children. Additionally, one school was provided with air fryers to support the delivery of healthy cooking initiatives, with 30 children directly benefiting from this intervention.

Grant making policy

Operation Community Hamper (OCH) ensures that all grant-making is fair, transparent, and consistent, fully aligned with its charitable objectives.

Grants are provided to:

• Individuals or families experiencing financial hardship

• People at risk of or facing social exclusion

• Community groups or partner organisations delivering support that aligns with OCH’s mission

The policy ensures that funding decisions are made with integrity and support those most in need within the community.

Plans for the Future

Operation Community Hamper aims to continue and build upon the work undertaken to date, supporting vulnerable individuals and families within the community who are experiencing hardship due to a range of life circumstances.

The charity recognises that ongoing economic pressures are having a significant impact on household finances, with many individuals facing increased challenges, particularly during seasonal periods such as winter. In response, the charity intends to maintain and, where possible, expand its provision of essential support.

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Key priorities for the coming year include:

• Continuing the delivery of food support, including festive hampers and year-round provision for those experiencing food insecurity

• Expanding outreach to ensure that more individuals and families in need are able to access support

• • Strengthening partnerships with local organisations, businesses, and community groups to enhance service delivery and resource availability

• Increasing fundraising efforts to ensure the sustainability and growth of the charity’s activities

• • Developing additional wellbeing and community-based initiatives to further reduce social isolation and improve quality of life for beneficiaries

The trustees remain committed to responding flexibly to emerging needs within the community and ensuring that the charity’s resources are used effectively to maximise public benefit.

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