2025-12-31-accounts - Norton Men's Shed

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of

Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From 1[st] January 2025 To 31[st] December 2025

Charity name: Norton Men’s Shed

Charity registration number: 1212037

Objectives and Activities

	SORP reference
Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document	Para 1.17	To the public benefit, the preservation and promotion of health and wellbeing among adults, primarily men, at risk of social isolation, living in and around Norton in the borough of Stockton-on-Tees, by providing facilities that support social interaction, skills learning and expertise sharing, realised by conversation, workshop activities, crafts and hobbies in an atmosphere of peer support.
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	Founded in January 2022 and registered as a CIO with the Charity Commission of England on 6thFebruary 2025, the ongoing purpose of the charity is to provide an environment where men can meet socially and engage in various “doing” activities. During this reporting period (Jan – Dec 2025), as well as the “traditional” woodworking, new activities have been added; most notably 3D design and manufacture, model railway construction and a suite of digital technologies. The production of large scale models for community events continued, including a quarter scale model of a WW1 tank for a youth Remembrance Service and a full scale model of Stephenson’s Locomotion 1 for a stage backdrop. Numerous smaller projects too. Activities require space, and during the reporting period the charity has gained additional rented working space adjacent to the space already rented. Moreover, the project has now developed from 3 mornings a week to 5. There is a new business-grant funded activity aimed at benefitting the housebound and isolated based on promoting online dialogue and learning/sharing concerning technologies such as voice control (e.g. Alexa). It aims to build confidence and safety in use of digital services (NHS, news, banking, shopping etc). Particularly notable has been the evolution of a Cancer Portal, a “friendly” route into the Shed designed for the cancer diagnosed. It is a portal not a destination, because those who come often decide to attend on other days instead, or in

		addition to the Thursday. This has involved the charity working with Macmillan Cancer Support, NHS Northern Cancer Alliance and the Northern Cancer Voices charity. This is a simple way to engage with men with a cancer diagnosis and the intent is to promote to existing and new Men’s Sheds in the NE and through the UK Men’s Sheds Association to promote the suggestion nationally. We continue to work closely with Billingham and Norton Social Prescriber Link Workers as referrers of patients and as advisors in Shed development. This will continue into 2026 and will, we hope, be ongoing. It is way of working that supports the interests of a stakeholders, not least the direct beneficiaries. There has been a strategy this period to reach out to other Stockton organisations, including agencies and authorities. That has been followed through with some success, with access to two local MPs, the Borough Council (and services), other projects and charities working in other fields. The aim is for Norton Men’s Shed to contribute to both local and district communities. We have begun a local campaign for more Sheds on Teesside. This is bearing fruit and two locations have already been identified. It will be ongoing through the next year. In November 2025, the Shed was a finalist in the Health and Wellbeing category of the national UK Men’s Sheds Awards held at Westminster. Peer support is a key factor. Not just for mutual support, but to create an ethos of shared ownership and shared responsibility for the “success” and ongoing operation of Norton Shed. Numerically, the Shed has grown to include 30 – 35 different individuals attending once a week or more. The project is at about 75% capacity.
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 regard to the charity objects and awareness that what is done to be for the public benefit. Whilst internally the Trustees are committed to supporting its beneficiary base, they are encouraging of the Shed to be open to newcomers who meet the criteria of being at “risk of social isolation”. Trustees are keen to lend experience to others seeking to start new“local to them”Sheds.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

	SORP reference
Policy on grant making	Para 1.38
Policy on social	Para 1.38

investment including program related investment
Contribution made by volunteers	Para 1.38	The Trustees express their appreciation for the work of the beneficiaries who are also the volunteers sustaining the project. This is a key factor in the success of Sheds. Norton Men’s Shed, like the majority of others, is run entirely voluntarily which is why Sheds have very low overheads. Shedders are our finest asset.
Other

Achievements and Performance

	SORP reference	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	Every Shedder (Shed member) is a unique individual. We target those who are isolated and that can be for many reasons from many kinds of bereavement, not only the loss of a partner. For example, loss of social contacts through retirement, redundancy, relocation, illness or incapacity and mental health consequences. Being cut off from others is harmful to wellbeing, particularly in the older years. Just getting out of bed to attend the Shed is something purposeful! How does the charity help people? It provides no healthcare or have qualification to advise people professionally. We simply provide a welcoming environment and opportunities for people to help themselves, influenced by what they see of others on their personal journeys. We endeavour to lower barriers to people attending. The Trustees feel privileged to have a role in supporting people and seeing them move forward. Concerned relatives and friends see progress of an individual and this contributes to a supportive community shell around the Shed. We manage an active web-site (a blog a week) and reach the local community through Facebook shares on external pages. Community response to requests for donations of items is very good. The community is aware that the Shed exists. One way or another people discover a new purpose in the company of others. The support of healthcare professionals is vital both practically but through encouragement. Through some of the“big”projects undertaken, we also

reach the wider Norton/Stockton community.

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	Norton Men’s Shed is expanding growing in overall attendance by acquiring additional space in adjacent premises and by increasing the number of weekly sessions to four. We have been able to expand the activities offered, particularly to digital technologies and to online social connection.
Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set	Para 1.41	The Trustees are greatly appreciative of the trusts, agencies, administrations, businesses and individuals who provide both finance and encouragement to the charity’s work. Our Shedders donate session “subs” that provide around 30% of the charity’s income. Our landlord is sympathetic to our work and provides accommodation at an affordable rate. Recently we were granted a 5 year tenure of the premises we use which has provided a sense of security to our status.
Investment performance against objectives	Para 1.41	N/A
Other

Financial Review

Financial Review
Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period	Para 1.21	At the end of 2025, the charity finances are stable. The members’ daily session subs directly received and indirectly as a prior payment from one funder (Macmillan Cancer Support NE) in lieu of some members personal subs on one morning a week amounted to 30% of total income, which covers the equivalent of the annual premises rental. The bank balance stands at just over £6000. There are no external creditors or debtors. At the end of the reporting period, the charity was notified of a Lottery Community Fund award with a grant of £9130 which will be received early in the next financial period. This is for Shed development and operating costs.
Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held	Para 1.22	The charity is building a reserve to cover 6 months’ operating costs in the event of cessation of operation.
Amount of reserves held	Para 1.22	A sum of £1500 is considered by Trustees as adequate, plus potential income from liquidating equipment assets.
Reasons for holding zero reserves	Para 1.22
Details of fund materially in deficit	Para 1.24
Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern	Para 1.23

Additional information (optional)

You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising)	Para 1.47	We apply for funds of varying sizes and are generally successful because the endeavours of Shedders to help themselves and each other speaks for itself. We have well-wishers who signpost us to grant opportunities plus help from the VCSE sector supporting bodies.
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	The Trustees are aware that several of their number are aging and becoming less agile. There is a 2026 strategy set to recruit fresh blood.
Other

Structure, Governance and Management

Description of charity’s trusts:
Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter)	Para 1.25	Constitution
How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO)	Para 1.25	Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). Foundation Model)
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	A balance of internal (active Shed member) trustees and external trustees having awareness of the practical and people oriented purposes of the charity, with relevant management skills sets.

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
Relationship with any related parties	Para 1.51
Other

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name	Norton Men’s Shed
Other name the charity uses	Normens
Registered charity number
Charity’s principal address	17 Barnett Road Norton Stockton-on-Tees TS20 1FH

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

Trustee name	Office (if any)	Dates acted if not for whole year
David Priestley	Chairperson
Graham Storer	Treasurer/Secretary
Patricia Mann
Danielle Cutler
Dennis Cutler
Michael Ward
Kevin Goldsbrough		30thJune 2025
Paul Howells
Kevin Storer

– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved

Director name
David Priestley	Graham Storer
Michael Ward
Danielle Cutler
Dennis Cutler
Steven Dancsics
Kevin Storer

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

GRAHAM STORER Signature(s) DAVID PRIESTLEY Graham Storer Full name(s) David Priestley Position (eg Secretary, Chair Treasurer/Secretary Chair, etc) Date 20/6/2026

Charity Name No (if any) Norton Men's Shed Receipts and payments accounts

CC16a

For the period Period start date Period end date To from 1/1/2025 12/31/2025

Section A Receipts and payments

Section A Receipts and payments
A1 Receipts 6,757 - - - - - - - 6,757 - - Sub total - Total receipts 6,757 A3 Payments Premises Rent 2,620 Utilities(power and heating) 599 Tools & Equipment 1,887 Materials 1,406 Housekeeping (Insurance, Publicityetc) 1,236 - - - - Sub total 7,748 - - Sub total - Total payments 7,748 Net of receipts/(payments) - 991 A5 Transfers between funds - A6 Cash funds last year end 4,116 Cash funds this year end 3,125 Unrestricted funds to the nearest £ *Sub total*(Gross income for AR) A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table). A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table)	to the nearest £ 3,594 - - - - - - - 3,594 - - - 3,594 1,000 100 1,000 350 - - - - - 2,450 - - - 2,450 1,144 - 2,000 3,144 Restricted funds	to the nearest £ Endowment funds	Total funds to the nearest £ 10,351 - - - - - - - 10,351 - - - 10,351 3,620 699 2,887 1,756 1,236 - - - - 10,198 - - - 10,198 153 - 6,116 6,269	Last year to the nearest £
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		- - - - - - - - - -	3,620	-
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	1,144	- - - -	153	-
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	2,000		6,116	-
	3,144		6,269	-

Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period

Details Assessed split Details Equipment/Materials Furniture Details Details Details Signature Graham Storer *Total cash funds* (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s))	to nearest £ to nearest £ 4,116 2,000 - - - 4,116 2,000 Agreement Error Agreement Error to nearest £ to nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - Cost (optional) - - - - - Cost (optional) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Print Name Graham Storer Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Fund to which asset belongs Fund to which asset belongs Fund to which liability relates Amount due (optional)	to nearest £ Endowment funds
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		Date of approval
Graham Storer	Graham Storer	8/18/2026