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2024-03-31-accounts

CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 270251

Age Connected

Unaudited financial statements

31 March 2024

Age Connected

Financial statements

Year ended 31 March 2024

Page
Trustees' annual report 1
Independent examiner's report to the trustees 6
Statement of financial activities 7
Balance sheet 8
Notes to the financial statements 9

Age Connected

Trustees' annual report

Year ended 31 March 2024

The trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in notes to the accounts and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and 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 published in October 2019.

Chair's report

Age Connected have pushed forward with focus and passion in alleviating loneliness and Isolation of older people living in the Borough of Great Yarmouth.

At the heart of our charity is the ACORN centre, a lively hub for anyone aged 50 and over. Radiating the warmest of welcomes bringing joy, friendship and support, the centre isn’t just a social space it truly is a lifeline to so many.

The friendly atmosphere provides opportunities for individuals to meet new friends, reconnect with old ones and access to vital support and information to assist with daily life and promoting independence.

With a weekly timetable of fun activities for all and a chance to try something new to creating meaningful connections, Age Connected is tackling loneliness and creating a stronger community where older life can be enjoyed and fulfilled.

The visible impact Age Connected makes within the community is only made possible by the dedication, fervour and commitment of a small, employed team and the amazing contributions from our invaluable volunteers who truly are the heartbeat of our charity with their generosity and thousands of collective hours given every year make a difference to others.

Age Connected has remained steadfast over the last few years in what have been challenging times for many charities. Many hurdles have been overcome by demonstrating the increasing need for our services and received funding has been so greatly appreciated, making a significant difference to the lives many older people.

The continuation and building of collaborative working relationships with the abundance of valuable resources we have within our community is integral to the future development of Age Connected and the onward support we can provide to individuals.

We look forward to the progression, growth and future development of services at Age Connected where you will always find Fun, Laughter, Togetherness and Understanding in a place fondly known by many as ‘The Older Peoples Youth Club.

- 1 -

Age Connected

Trustees' annual report (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2024

Reference and administrative details

Registered charity name Age Connected Charity registration number 270251 Principal office The Acorn Centre 8-9 Regent Street Great Yarmouth NR30 1RN

The trustees

The trustees who served during the year and at the date of approval were as follows:

Mr M Castle Mr R Ellis Ms A Warner Mrs P Waters-Bunn Mr D Garwood (Appointed 21 March 2024) Service Manager Andrea King Independent examiner Mark Proctor FCA DChA Lovewell Blake LLP Chartered accountants Bankside 300 Peachman Way Broadland Business Park Norwich NR7 0LB Bankers Lloyds Bank Plc 1-2 King Street Great Yarmouth Norfolk NR30 2BA

- 2 -

Trustees' annual report (continued)

Age Connected

Year ended 31 March 2024

Objectives and activities

The primary objective of the charity is, as always, working for the well-being of older people living in the borough of Great Yarmouth. The Charity does this by actively supporting people aged 50 years and over, by developing services and activities helping reduce loneliness and isolation, encouraging active participation, helping to improve mental health and well-being, promoting active healthier lifestyles and positive ageing, giving opportunities to try new things, meet new people, make new friends in a safe and supported environment. We believe older people should feel valued in their community as people with a contribution to make, helping build stronger communities.

The Trustees have taken due regard to the information published by the Charity Commission regarding public benefit. It is considered the charity provides a public benefit through:

Achievements and performance

See comments within the Chair's report.

Financial review

The results for the year are shown on pages 7 to 18. The charity has reported a deficit of £4,554 for the year (2023: deficit of £2,232).

Reserves policy

The Trustees have decided to hold a minimum of three months running costs within the reserves to ensure the continuation of services. The free reserves, represented by unrestricted net current assets, as at the 31 March 2024 were £19,490 (2023: £47,543).

Restricted funds being carried forward, as shown in note 16 of the accounts, amounted to £33,780 (2023: £9,611). The amounts carried forward represent funds to be used in future periods.

- 3 -

Age Connected

Trustees' annual report (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2024

Plans for future periods

See comments with the Chair's report.

Structure, governance and management

Governing document

The charity is controlled by its governing document and constitutes an unincorporated charity.

Recruitment, appointment and training of Trustees

Trustees shall be persons who through residence, occupation, employment or otherwise have special knowledge of the area of benefit or who are otherwise able by virtue of their personal or professional qualifications to make a contribution to the pursuit of the objects of the charity.

On appointment, Trustees are provided with:

a) A copy of the constitution;

b) The Charity Commission guidance CC3 - "The Essential Trustee: what you need to know, what you need to do.";

c) A copy of the latest independently examined accounts.

In addition, the Trustees are encouraged to read Charity Commission and other newsletters and to attend courses designed to keep them abreast of their duties and responsibilities.

Risk management

The Trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure that appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.

Organisational structure

The Trustees meet on a regular basis to discuss the plans for the charity and to monitor outcomes and ensure targets are met in accordance to funding requirements. The day to day management of the charity is delegated to the Services Manager who coordinates the development and activities of the charity along with the large group of volunteers.

True and fair override

The financial statements have been prepared to give a "true and fair" view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a "true and fair" view. This departure has involved following Accounting and Reporting by Charities by charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued in October 2019 rather than Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

Independent examiner

Mark Proctor FCA DChA of Lovewell Blake LLP will be reappointed as independent examiner for the ensuing year.

- 4 -

Trustees' annual report (continued)

Age Connected

Year ended 31 March 2024

The trustees' annual report was approved on 31 January 2025 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by:

Mr M Castle Trustee

- 5 -

Age Connected

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Age Connected

Year ended 31 March 2024

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024 which are set out on pages 7 to 18.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity's financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 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 examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the financial statements do not accord with those records; or

  3. the financial statements do 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.

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the Charity has prepared the accounts (financial statements) in accordance with 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) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has since been withdrawn.

I understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.

Mark Proctor FCA DChA Independent Examiner

Lovewell Blake LLP Chartered accountants Bankside 300 Peachman Way Broadland Business Park Norwich NR7 0LB

31 January 2025

- 6 -

Age Connected

Statement of financial activities

Year ended 31 March 2024

2024 2023
Unrestricted Restricted
funds funds Total funds Total funds
Note £ £ £ £
Income and endowments
Donations and legacies 4 2,450 54,482 56,932 58,026
Charitable activities 5 65,616 65,616 57,455
Other trading activities 6 2,660 2,660 6,635
Investment income 7 242 242 44
   
Total income 70,968 54,482 125,450 122,160
   
Expenditure
Charitable activities 8 (99,691) (30,313) (130,004) (124,392)
   
Total expenditure (99,691) (30,313) (130,004) (124,392)
   
   
Net expenditure and net movement in funds (28,723) 24,169 (4,554) (2,232)
   
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 48,355 9,611 57,966 60,198
   
Total funds carried forward 19,632 33,780 53,412 57,966
   

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The notes on pages 9 to 18 form part of these financial statements.

- 7 -

Age Connected

Balance sheet

31 March 2024

2024 2023
Note £ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets 13 142 812
Current assets
Debtors 14 6,894 9,575
Cash at bank and in hand 65,660 63,463
 
72,554 73,038
Creditors: Amounts falling due within
one year 15 (19,284) (15,884)
 
Net current assets 53,270 57,154
 
Total assets less current liabilities 53,412 57,966
 
Funds of the charity
Restricted funds 33,780 9,611
Unrestricted funds 19,632 48,355
 
Total charity funds 16 53,412

57,966


These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on 31 January 2025, and are signed on behalf of the board by:

Mr M Castle Trustee

The notes on pages 9 to 18 form part of these financial statements.

- 8 -

Age Connected

Notes to the financial statements

Year ended 31 March 2024

1. General information

The charity is a registered charity in England and Wales and is unincorporated. The address of the principal office is 8-9 Regent Street, Great Yarmouth, NR30 1RN, Norfolk.The principal activity of the charity is discussed in the trustees report.

2. Statement of compliance

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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 issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair view'. This departure has involved following the 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 issued in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

3. Accounting policies

(a) Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis.

(b) Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the Trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist.

The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months

With the positive growth of Age Connected and a strong future development strategy, the charity has worked with passion and dedication responding to the increasing need for its support and services as a recognised priority service for older people in the Borough of Great Yarmouth, the Trustees are confident and supportive in the continuation as an independent local charity.

They are also satisfied that the income and expenditure and reserves are sufficient for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern.

(c) Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the charity's purposes.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular future project or committment.

Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure declared by the donor or through the terms of an appeal.

- 9 -

Age Connected

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2024

3. Accounting policies (continued)

(d) Income

All income is included in the statement of financial activities when entitlement has passed to the charity, it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

(e) Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is classified under headings of the statement of financial activities to which it relates:

(f) Operating lease agreements

Rentals applicable to operating leases where substantially all of the benefits and risks of ownership remain with the lessor are charged against profits on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.

(g) Pension costs

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity. The annual contributions payable are charged to the statement of financial activities.

(h) Tangible assets

Tangible assets are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.

- 10 -

Age Connected

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2024

3. Accounting policies (continued)

(i) Depreciation

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:

Fixtures & fittings - 33% straight line Computer equipment - 33% straight line Equipment - 33% straight line

(j) Financial instruments

A financial asset or a financial liability is recognised only when the entity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at the amount receivable or payable including any related transaction costs, unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where it is recognised at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.

Current assets and current liabilities are subsequently measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or received and not discounted.

Debt instruments are subsequently measured at amortised cost.

4. Donations and legacies

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2024
£ £ £
Donations
Donations 2,450 2,450
Grants
Grants 54,482 54,482
  
2,450 54,482 56,932
  
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £
Donations
Donations 5,995 5,995
Grants
Grants 2,101 49,930 52,031
  
8,096 49,930 58,026
  

No government grants were received during the year (2023: £3,200).

- 11 -

Age Connected

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2024

5. Charitable activities

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2024
£ £ £
Big Lottery Fund
Acorn activities 64,282 64,282
Lottery income 1,334 1,334
  
65,616 65,616
  
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £
Big Lottery Fund 14,275 14,275
Acorn activities 43,180 43,180
Lottery income
  
43,180 14,275 57,455
  
6. Other trading activities
Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2024 Funds 2023
£ £ £ £
Building income 2,660 2,660 6,635 6,635
   
7. Investment income
Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2024 Funds 2023
£ £ £ £
Bank interest 242 242 44 44
   

- 12 -

Age Connected

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2024

8. Expenditure on charitable activities

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2024
£ £ £
Salaries 38,459 9,482 47,941
Sundry activity costs 20,491 13,845 34,336
Rent and rates 20,599 1,200 21,799
Electricity and water 6,992 2,461 9,453
Telephone 1,099 1,099
Insurance 327 327
Repairs and renewals 2,159 3,325 5,484
Office costs 1,870 1,870
Sundries 2,560 2,560
Depreciation 670 670
Governance costs (see below) 4,465 4,465
  
99,691 30,313 130,004
  
Analysis of governance costs:
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds funds 2024
£ £ £
Independent examination fees - current year 3,660 3,660
Independent examination fees - prior year under
accrual 475 475
Other professional fees 330 330
  
4,465



4,465


Grants to individuals

As part of the Household Support Funding received by the charity, vouchers of £50 each were distributed to 200 individuals, totalling £10,000, in response to the winter warmth crisis (2023: 35 individuals at £150 each, totalling £5,250).

individuals at £150 each, totalling £5,250).
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds funds 2023
£ £ £
Salaries 48,444 48,444
Sundry activity costs 6,257 23,046 29,303
Rent and rates 9,000 9,000 18,000
Electricity and water 6,337 3,160 9,497
Telephone 1,299 1,299
Insurance 4,427 4,427
Repairs and renewals 766 4,982 5,748
Office costs 683 877 1,560
Sundries 736 437 1,173
Depreciation 747 747
Volunteer expenses 559 559
Professional fees 59 59
Governance costs (see below) 3,576 3,576
  
34,446 89,946 124,392
  
Analysis of governance costs:
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds funds 2023
£ £ £
Independent examination fees - current year 2,916 2,916
Other professional fees 660 660
  
3,576 3,576
  

- 13 -

Age Connected

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2024

9. Net expenditure

Net expenditure is stated after charging/(crediting):

Net expenditure is stated after charging/(crediting):
2024 2023
£ £
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 670 747
Operating lease costs 18,000 18,000
 
10. Independent examination fees
2024 2023
£ £
Fees payable to the independent examiner for:
Independent examination of the financial statements 4,134 2,916
Other financial services 660
 
4,134

3,576


11. Staff costs

The total staff costs and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as follows:

2024 2023
£ £
Wages and salaries 43,993 46,604
Other pension costs 3,948 1,840
 
47,941 48,444
 

The average head count of employees during the year was 2 (2023: 2).

The key management personnel of the charity comprises the Services Manager. The employee benefits of the key management personnel for the charity were £27,047 (2023: £27,138).

No employee received employee benefits of more than £60,000 during the year (2023: Nil).

12. Trustee remuneration and expenses

There was no remuneration or other benefits paid to the Trustees during the year (2023: £nil). No volunteer expenses were paid to Trustees during the year (2023: £nil).

- 14 -

Age Connected

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2024

13. Tangible fixed assets

Fixtures and Computer
fittings equipment Equipment Total
£ £ £ £
Cost
At 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024 6,861 7,889 894 15,644
   
Depreciation
At 1 April 2023 6,861 7,077 894 14,832
Charge for the year 670 670
   
At 31 March 2024 6,861 7,747 894 15,502
   
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2024 142 142
   
At 31 March 2023 812 812
   
14. Debtors
2024 2023
£ £
Prepayments and accrued income 6,894 9,575
 
15. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
2024 2023
£ £
Accruals 19,284 15,884
 

- 15 -

Age Connected

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2024

16. Analysis of charitable funds

Balance at 1 Balance at
Apr 2023 **Income ** Expenditure Transfers 31 Mar 2024
£ £ £ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General funds 48,355 70,968 (99,691) 19,632
Restricted funds
Acorn pantry 664 (664)
Befriending service 1,715 (1,715)
Connecting older people 10,000 (472) 9,528
DCMS know your neighbour 32,482 (13,230) 19,252
Digital Inclusion Project 207 (207)
Household Support Funding 10,000 (10,000)
Jubiliee celebrations 275 (275)
Lift fund 5,000 5,000
Surviving winter fund 2,000 (2,000)
Training 1,750 (1,750)
    
57,966 125,450 (130,004) 53,412
    
Balance at 1 Balance at
Apr 2022 **Income ** Expenditure Transfers 31 Mar 2023
£ £ £ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General funds 47,538 57,955 (34,446) (22,692) 48,355
Restricted funds
Big Lottery Reaching
Communities Fund - 2015-2020 14,275 (14,275)
Digital Inclusion Project 4,202 (3,995) 207
Lift fund 5,000 5,000
GYBC Foodcom 2,000 (2,000)
Big Knit 696 (696)
Little Acorns Community Fund
(NCF) 12 (12)
Fuller Revenue Fund (NCF) 750 (750)
Acorn Pantry 1,750 (1,086) 664
Household Support Funding 21,000 (21,000)
Flooring 2,700 (2,700)
Befriending service 1,715 1,715
Training 1,750 1,750
Jubiliee celebrations 3,515 (3,240) 275
Warm spaces 17,500 (40,192) 22,692
    
60,198 122,160 (124,392) 57,966
    

Big Lottery Reaching Communities Fund - 2015-2020 - relates to funds received for the provision of a Services Manager, Older Peoples Development Worker and Admin/Finance Officer to develop services that deliver the following outcomes:

Outcome 1 - Each year one new lunch group will open supported by three volunteers supporting 25 older people to reduce loneliness and isolation.

Outcome 2 - The project will reach 7500 older people giving opportunity for improving health and wellbeing to make life a more enjoyable and fulfilling experience.

- 16 -

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Age Connected

Year ended 31 March 2024

Outcome 3 - Recruit 25 volunteers to support the project developing healthier active lives for themselves and older people.

Outcome 4 - Information packs, outreach sessions and ORCHIDS will ensure older people are better informed allowing for choices meeting their individual needs.

This project was extended and actually ended in June 2022.

Big Knit - represents funding received toward the Big Knit.

Little Acorns Community Fund - represents funding received for the cinema group at the ACORN Centre.

Lift Fund - represents funding received for lift repairs.

Fuller Revenue Fund - represents funding received towards the cost of providing a Christmas lunch and small gift to attendees at the lunch groups and a Christmas party at the ACORN Centre.

Digital Inclusion Project - represents funding received towards costs associated with a project to provide older people living the Great Yarmouth the opportunity to learn how to use a variety of technological devices.

GYBC Foodcom - represents funding received towards costs associated with food costs for the centre.

Acorn Pantry - represents funding received towards the set up and ongoing running of the Acorn Pantry.

Household Support Funding - represents funding received towards the provision of activities and heating and low income grants to beneficiaries.

Befriending service - represents funding towards the new befriending service at the centre.

Training - represents funding towards traning sessions to be held in 2023/24.

Jubilee celebrations - represents funding towards Jubilee celebrations held at the centre.

DCMS know your neighbour - represents funding towards the outreach programme.

Surviving winter fund - represents funding towards costs associated with heating.

Connecting older people - represents funding towards transport costs.

Flooring - represents funding received towards the replacement of floor at the centre.

Warm spaces - represents funding received towards providing a warm space.

Transfers -

2024 transfers - There were no transfers between unrestricted and restricted funds during the year.

2023 transfers - There was a transfer of £22,692 from the general unrestricted fund to the Warm spaces fund to cover the costs associated with this project which exceeded funding.

- 17 -

Age Connected

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2024

17. Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2024
£ £ £
Tangible fixed assets 142 142
Current assets 38,774 33,780 72,554
Creditors less than 1 year (19,284) (19,284)
  
Net assets 19,632 33,780 53,412
  
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £
Tangible fixed assets 812 812
Current assets 63,427 9,611 73,038
Creditors less than 1 year (15,884) (15,884)
  
Net assets 48,355 9,611 57,966
  

18. Operating lease commitments

The total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

2024 2023
£ £
Not later than 1 year 18,000 18,000
Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years 21,750 39,750
 
39,750

57,750


19. Related parties

During the year, unrestricted donations amounting to £480 was received from one Trustee (2023: £360).

- 18 -