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2025-03-31-accounts

CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 270251

Age Connected

Unaudited financial statements

31 March 2025

Age Connected

Financial statements

Year ended 31 March 2025

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 2025

The trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025.

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 in Great Yarmouth continues to effectively combat loneliness for over-50s by providing a vibrant one-stop centre with activities, services and vital support, fostering friendships and independence, thanks to dedicated staff, crucial volunteers, and community partnerships, continuing our fundamental role and presence within the Borough of Great Yarmouth

Our key activities and community impact provides a friendly and welcoming space for creating social connections, friendship, and community conversation for all attendees.

Providing access to crucial information and support to help older people with their daily lives, promoting independence, self-confidence, self-worth and inclusion within our everchanging modern day society.

The fondly known "Older Peoples Youth Club" is known for its fun, laughter and understanding atmosphere, making older life enjoyable for all and where age is very much considered irrelevant.

Our achievements are made possible by our small but passionate core team driving our services and ongoing development. This is partnered by our most valuable and devoted volunteers who contribute thousands of hours every year to make a difference to others.

Community collaborations and building strong partnerships with other local resources are integral to the future growth of Age Connected and the difference our small charity can make to the lives of many.

Our charity continues to overcome daily challenges and through demonstrated and increasing need we have been so appreciative to our received funding supporting our project plans, ideas and vision in providing choice, accessibility, inclusion and opportunity.

Age Connected provides a documented vital lifeline to older people in the Great Yarmouth area, creating positive connections and a sense of belonging for our older residents.

Our commitment will continue in making a visible, impactful difference in their daily lives with our unique and much-loved local provision.

- 1 -

Trustees' annual report (continued)

Age Connected

Year ended 31 March 2025

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 (Resigned 30 May 2025) Mr R Ellis Ms A Warner (Deceased July 2024) Mrs P Waters-Bunn Mr D Garwood Mr T Wainwright (Appointed 30 November 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 2025

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 surplus of £15,685 for the year (2024: deficit of £4,554).

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 2025 were £66,397 (2024: £19,490).

Restricted funds being carried forward, as shown in note 16 of the accounts, amounted to £2,700 (2024: £33,780). The amounts carried forward represent funds to be used in future periods.

- 3 -

Age Connected

Trustees' annual report (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2025

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 2025

The trustees' annual report was approved on 30 January 2026 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by:

Mrs P Waters-Bunn Trustee

- 5 -

Age Connected

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Age Connected

Year ended 31 March 2025

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025 which are set out on pages 7 to 17.

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

30 January 2026

- 6 -

Age Connected

Statement of financial activities

Year ended 31 March 2025

2025 2024
Unrestricted Restricted
funds funds Total funds Total funds
Note £ £ £ £
Income and endowments
Donations and legacies 4 20,425 90,799 111,224 56,932
Charitable activities 5 60,119 60,119 65,616
Other trading activities 6 4,852 4,852 2,660
Investment income 7 477 477 242
   
Total income 85,873 90,799 176,672 125,450
   
Expenditure
Charitable activities 8 (39,108) (121,879) (160,987) (130,004)
   
Total expenditure (39,108) (121,879) (160,987) (130,004)
   
   
Net income/(expenditure) and net
movement in funds 46,765 (31,080) 15,685 (4,554)
   
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 19,632 33,780 53,412 57,966
   
Total funds carried forward 66,397 2,700 69,097 53,412
   

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 17 form part of these financial statements.

- 7 -

Age Connected

Balance sheet

31 March 2025

2025 2024
Note £ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets 13 142
Current assets
Debtors 14 6,320 6,894
Cash at bank and in hand 79,423 65,660
 
85,743 72,554
Creditors: Amounts falling due within
one year 15 (16,046) (19,284)
 
Net current assets 69,697 53,270
 
Total assets less current liabilities 69,697 53,412
Creditors: Amounts falling due after
more than one year 16 (600)
 
Net assets 69,097 53,412
 
Funds of the charity
Restricted funds 2,700 33,780
Unrestricted funds 66,397 19,632
 
Total charity funds 17 69,097 53,412
 

These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on 30 January 2026, and are signed on behalf of the board by:

Mrs P Waters-Bunn Trustee

The notes on pages 9 to 17 form part of these financial statements.

- 8 -

Age Connected

Notes to the financial statements

Year ended 31 March 2025

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.

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 2025

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 2025

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 2025
£ £ £
Donations
Donations 20,425 20,425
Grants
Grants 90,799 90,799
  
20,425 90,799 111,224
  
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
  

- 11 -

Age Connected

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2025

5. Charitable activities

Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2025 Funds 2024
£ £ £ £
Acorn activities 58,242 58,242 64,282 64,282
Lottery income 1,877 1,877 1,334 1,334
   
60,119 60,119 65,616 65,616
   
6. Other trading activities
Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2025 Funds 2024
£ £ £ £
Building income 4,852 4,852 2,660 2,660
   
7. Investment income
Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2025 Funds 2024
£ £ £ £
Bank interest 477 477 242 242
   

- 12 -

Age Connected

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2025

8. Expenditure on charitable activities

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2025
£ £ £
Salaries 25,647 25,950 51,597
Sundry activity costs 64,708 64,708
Rent and rates 2,327 18,000 20,327
Electricity and water 4,024 4,024
Telephone 1,556 1,556
Insurance 1,331 1,331
Repairs and renewals 4,251 3,206 7,457
Office costs 62 496 558
Sundries 1,092 1,092
Depreciation 142 142
Volunteer expenses 2,608 2,608
Governance costs (see below) 5,587 5,587
  
39,108 121,879 160,987
  
Analysis of governance costs:
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds funds 2025
£ £ £
Independent examination fees - current year 4,626 4,626
Independent examination fees - prior year under
accrual 624 624
Other professional fees 337 337
  
5,587



5,587


Grants to individuals

As part of the Household Support Funding received by the charity, vouchers of £48 from Aldi and £50 from Asda were distributed to 250 individuals, totalling £24,500, in response to the winter warmth crisis (2024: 200 individuals at £50 each, totalling £10,000).

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
  

- 13 -

Age Connected

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2025

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
  
9. Net income/(expenditure)
Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):
2025 2024
£ £
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 142 670
Operating lease costs 18,000 18,000
 
10. Independent examination fees
2025 2024
£ £
Fees payable to the independent examiner for:
Independent examination of the financial statements 5,250 4,135
 
11. Staff costs
The total staff costs and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as follows:
2025 2024
£ £
Wages and salaries 50,164 46,334
Other pension costs 1,433 1,637
 
51,597 47,971
 

The average head count of employees during the year was 2 (2024: 2).

The key management personnel of the charity comprises the Services Manager. The employee benefits of the key management personnel for the charity were £29,283 (2024: £27,047).

No employee received employee benefits of more than £60,000 during the year (2024: Nil).

- 14 -

Age Connected

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2025

12. Trustee remuneration and expenses

There was no remuneration or other benefits paid to the Trustees during the year (2024: £nil). No volunteer expenses were paid to Trustees during the year (2024: £nil).

13. Tangible fixed assets

Fixtures and Computer
fittings equipment Equipment Total
£ £ £ £
Cost
At 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025 6,861 7,889 894 15,644
   
Depreciation
At 1 April 2024 6,861 7,747 894 15,502
Charge for the year 142 142
   
At 31 March 2025 6,861 7,889 894 15,644
   
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2025
   
At 31 March 2024 142 142
   
14. Debtors
2025 2024
£ £
Prepayments and accrued income 6,320 6,894
 
15. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
2025 2024
£ £
Social security and other taxes 691 4,341
Accruals 10,666 12,814
Other creditors 4,689 2,129
 
16,046 19,284
 
16. Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year
2025 2024
£ £
Other creditors 600
 

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Age Connected

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2025

17. Analysis of charitable funds

Balance at 1 Balance at
Apr 2024 **Income ** Expenditure Transfers 31 Mar 2025
£ £ £ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General funds 19,632 85,873 (39,108) 66,397
Restricted funds
Community based hardship
fund 46,060 (46,060)
Connecting older people 9,528 (9,528)
DCMS know your neighbour 19,252 36,064 (52,616) 2,700
Lift fund 5,000 (5,000)
Love Norfolk fund 2024 4,425 (4,425)
Norfolk Armed Forces
Covenant 500 (500)
Sheila Ann Day fund 3,750 (3,750)
    
53,412 176,672 (160,987) 69,097
    
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


Lift Fund - represents funding received for lift repairs. All funds have been repurposed and used in 2024/25.

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.

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 held in 2023/24.

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Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Age Connected

Year ended 31 March 2025

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

DCMS know your neighbour - represents funding towards the outreach programme. Funds used to establish a befriending service and rural outreach in great yarmouth

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

Connecting older people - represents funding towards transport costs.

Community based hardship fund - represents funding towards supporting older people in Great Yarmouth with winter warm essentials, food and clothing

Sheila Ann Day Fund - represents funding towards engaging service users with musical opportunities by delivering weekly sessions

Love Norfolk Fund 2024 - represents funding towards running six months of weekly 1hr acitivty sessions

Norfolk Armed Forces Covenant - represents funding towards VJ day celebration - afternoon tea and performers

18. Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2025
£ £ £
Current assets 83,043 2,700 85,743
Creditors less than 1 year (16,646) (16,646)
  
Net assets 66,397 2,700 69,097
  
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
  

19. Operating lease commitments

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

2025 2024
£ £
Not later than 1 year 19,000 18,000
Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years 3,958 21,750
 
22,958 39,750
 

20. Related parties

During the year, unrestricted donations amounting to £480 was received from one Trustee (2024: £480).

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