# **Resound Trust Trustees Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31st March 2025** # **Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity, its Trustees and Advisers** **Governing Instrument** Trust Deed dated 2 June 1986 ## **Change of Charity name:** **Bristol Christian Fellowship to Resound Trust** Supplemental Deed dated 29 July 2012 ## **Trustees** Mr Nigel Carter Mrs Sarah Bennett Mr Richard Porter Mrs Oluwakemi Odi Mr Tony Berndes Jane Riches (Appointed 16[th] September 2025) ## **Bankers** Cooperative Bank Plc Kingdom Bank Ltd Kings Valley Ruddington Fields Business Park Yew Street Mere Way Stockport Ruddington Cheshire NG11 6JS SK4 2JU The Charity Bank Ltd Ecology Building Society Fosse House 7 Belton Road 182 High Street Silsden Tonbridge Keighley TN9 1BE West Yorkshire BD20 0EE ## **Independent Examiner** Matthew Bracher BSc FCA Gravita Audit Western Limited Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors Bath House 6-8 Bath Street Bristol BS1 6HL ## **Solicitors** Star Legal Solicitors 40 High Street Thornbury Bristol BS35 2AJ ## **Office** Resound Blackhorse Road Mangotsfield Bristol BS16 9BP 0117 3050969 office@resoundbristol.co.uk **Charity Registration Number** 294924 ## **Structure, Governance and Management** ## **Governing Document** The Charity is governed by its Trust Deed dated 2 June 1986. A Supplemental Deed dated 29 July 2012 was implemented to change the name of the Trust from Bristol Christian Fellowship to Resound Trust. ## **Statement of policies & description of organisation** The Resound Trust’s objectives are largely met through the activities of the Resound Church. A team of Leaders take responsibility for the life and health of the Church. Trustees are appointed by the Leadership Team, following recommendations from the existing Trustees and are taken through a standard induction process, which includes Charity Commission guidelines and the current financial position of the charity. The Trustees are responsible for governance of the Trust, particularly its policies, finances, buildings and equipment in accordance with the Trust deed. A staff team conducts the day to day management of the Trust's affairs. ## **Pioneer Network** Resound Church is part of the Pioneer Network and draws on resources from Pioneer. ## **Woodlands Church** Resound is part of a local association of churches in order to maintain relationships with others in the area, as well as to connect with a more local level of resourcing. Woodlands Group of Churches is a large resourcing church in the centre of Bristol that Resound has had relationship with for many years. The above represents no material change from the Church's previous objectives and policies. ## **Risk assessment** The Trustees have identified risks that the charity is exposed to and policies and actions to mitigate those are in place. This is captured in a formal risk register. Across all children and youth activities our Safeguarding Policy is actively enforced, including DBS checks on all key workers (voluntary & paid members). We have also implemented a vulnerable adult’s policy. Health & Safety policies are in place at Resound, and are annually reviewed. ## **Objectives and Activities** ## **Our Vision is to be a place where people belong to a community, become more like Jesus, and build God’s Kingdom.** The Trust Deed sets out the following objects and purposes of the Trust: ## _**The advancement of the Christian faith:**_ the worship of God - preaching and proclaiming the Christian gospel - teaching Christian doctrine and principles - the pastoral care of Christian people ## _**The relief of those in hardship, need or distress, or who are aged or sick**_ ## _**The advancement of education on the basis of Christian principles, for both children and adults**_ The strategies employed to meet these objects and purposes for the public benefit are described more fully in the achievements and performance section. ## **Advancement of Religion for Public benefit** The trustees continue to have regard for the Charity Commission’s guidelines on public benefit. The information set out below under the Achievements and Performance heading demonstrates how the trust benefits the wider community by providing support to many: spiritually, practically, and financially. Resound continues working in partnership with other churches, as well as charities and statutory agencies, in order to further enhance the lives of those we seek to serve. **Achievements and Performance** ## **Children and Families** ## **Children’s Church and Crèche Space** Every Sunday, alongside our morning service, we welcome children to our Children’s Church session and creche spaces. Our Children’s Church is aimed at primary-aged children and we engage with the Bible through activities, stories, videos, games, prayer and craft. The aim of this space is to encourage the children to move deeper in their personal faith and understand more about the stories found in the Bible. We often choose to follow along with the teaching happening in the main service in order for continuity for the parents and the volunteers. There is also a creche space in the auditorium for children aged 0-4 years old with toys and a sensory activity which links with the teaching for the day. We also provide a quieter creche space in the café with toys and a space for parents to spend time with their children. ## **Primary School Lunch Club** We have run a weekly Lunch Club for Year 6s in Barley Close Primary School, one of our local schools. Each week there is space for up to 8 children to attend and there is a core group of students who like to come along each week. Over the course of this academic year (Sept 2024 to Jul 2025), we have had contact with approximately 20 students from the year group. The aim of this club is to provide a space for the children to talk with a trusted adult and discuss what is on their mind, to think about what is going on in their lives, and to have time out of a sometimes busy and overwhelming school day. ## **Toddler Group** Every Thursday during term time, Resound Toddler Group runs. This is a space for families to come and connect with one another through play, crafts, and singing. We have between 25-30 children aged 0-4 years old attending each week, plus their parents or carers. ## **School Holiday Activities** We have run activities aimed at primary-aged children and their families over the half terms, Easter, summer, and Christmas holidays over the last year. We’ve welcomed families known to us, and new faces, for activities, games, crafts and time for connection and respite. We’ve had holiday activities based around a variety of themes including Circus, Jungle Jamboree, Olympics, Pirate Adventure, Water Games, Beach Bonanza, Light Party, Christmas Story, and Archaeology. We’ve been able to share the Christian message through our Light Party activities and our Christmas Story activities, and we have seen families in our local community engaging well with these sessions. At our final holiday activity of the financial year we had 37 children in attendance, plus their parents and carers. ## **Faith Formation & Discipleship** ## **Sundays** Our Sunday Services are foundational to what we do as Resound Church. Each week, we provide opportunity for sung worship, prayer and teaching from the Bible or on a topic relating to faith. There is age appropriate provision for both adults and children to engage and learn. ## **Baptisms** This year, four people were baptised at Resound Church, each marking an important step in their faith journey. These were meaningful occasions for the individuals involved and for the wider church community. We were also pleased to make our baptistry pool available to other local churches, including regular building users and others from the surrounding area. Providing access to this resource is a practical way we can support and collaborate with fellow churches in the community. ## **Small Groups** During the week, Resound has many different 'Small Groups' which run as a setting for more intentional relationship building, pastoral care and discussion of topics. Quite often these discussions will follow on from our sermons on a Sunday, but also we use specific resources to stimulate thought and conversation. ## **Daily Bible Reading Plan and Weekly Blog** As a church, we provide a calendar with a set Bible reading each day. The people of Resound are welcome to join in and read along with this plan, which provides a more structured way to help support people engage with scripture. Each week, as part of this process, we write a blog post/reflection on the readings from that week, which teaches in more detail on some of the themes and theological questions which arise in the passages covered. ## **Bible School** Something we have launched at Resound this year is the Resound Bible School. This was created with the aim to help people get to know God better through a better understanding of the Bible. These events run bi-monthly and approach reading the Bible through a more educational means, with a taught element covering a slightly more academic focus, then engaging in applying learning in bible study activities and then encouraging discussion around the learning. ## **Pub Theology** Our Pub Theology events have been a long standing part of life at Resound. These now run on alternate months to the Bible School, and offer a safe and informal setting within which to explore some of the big theological, philosophical and faith questions. This takes place in a local pub, which helps break down some barriers and promotes community engagement, and runs like a small group with conversation and questions. ## **Alpha Course** We try to run at least one Alpha Course each year at Resound. This is a safe space for people to explore faith and ask big questions. The course runs like a small group, supported by video content to discuss, and includes sharing a meal together. The Alpha Course is appropriate for people who have never attended church and are exploring faith, but also works as a place for believers to revisit some of the fundamental elements of Christian teaching to reflect. ## **Resound Library** Supplementing other provision at Resound, we have opened the 'Resound Library' which is an expanding collection of books, resourced with the aim of supporting teaching and learning for the church. People are able to access this library in the building and can borrow books on a wide range of topics, all seeking to help people better understand ideas about God, the Bible, and a life of faith more broadly. ## **The Chosen** As part of our commitment to creating spaces where people can explore faith and engage with the story of Jesus, this year we hosted viewings of _The Chosen-_ a multi-season television series based on the life of Christ. These gatherings provided a relaxed and accessible way for people to come together, reflect, and discuss the person and message of Jesus. ## **Pastoral Care and Discipleship** At the heart of Resound Church is a deep commitment to care- for one another and for those going through difficult times. Our pastoral care is led by our Pastoral and Discipleship Lead, supported by a wider team of trained volunteers. Together, they offer support in a wide range of ways, shaped by the needs of individuals and families within our community. Pastoral care at Resound prioritises those who are sick, vulnerable, lonely, or isolated. Over the past year, this has included hospital and home visits, listening and praying with those facing tough seasons, and walking alongside people through grief, illness, or personal challenge. At the same time, we celebrate with those experiencing joy- recognising that our role is to be present for the highs and lows of life alike. Our small group leaders play a vital role in extending pastoral care, often being the first to notice when someone is struggling and offering support through ongoing relationships. We have hosted gatherings for these leaders, creating space to encourage, equip and listen to those who carry this responsibility with care and commitment. A significant part of our pastoral work has involved building deeper relationships within the Resound family- getting to know people’s stories, journeys of faith, and different outlooks on life. Through this, we have witnessed the beauty of a community that responds with compassion, resilience, and generosity. It has been humbling to see the mutual love and support shown by people at Resound to others in their time of need- a living expression of our shared faith in action. ## **Prayer** Prayer continues to be a vital and foundational part of life at Resound. Throughout the year, we have nurtured a rhythm of both corporate and individual prayer, recognising its importance in deepening faith and supporting our community. Each Sunday begins with pre-service prayer, open to all, and a dedicated intercessory team lead prayers during the service. A separate prayer ministry team is available each week to pray with anyone seeking personal prayer. We also held quarterly prayer breakfasts, two prayer weeks, including 24-hour prayer and fasting, and a reflective Candlelight Christmas Meditation. These gatherings provided space for worship, reflection, and intercession. Prayer is also a central element within our midweek small groups, where members regularly pray for one another. In addition, members of the pastoral and prayer ministry teams are available, by arrangement, to pray with individuals. Through all these expressions, prayer remains a vital thread that holds and guides the life of the church. ## **Community Hub** This year marked a significant step forward in our long-term vision to establish Resound as a thriving Community Hub- an inclusive, welcoming space where people from Mangotsfield and the surrounding areas can connect with one another and access support. Building on the success of our existing activities, such as the Toddler Group, Community Café, Afternoon Tea for older people, monthly music events, and our art group, we began the process of drawing these strands together under a cohesive identity and purpose. We’ve begun expanding both the depth and breadth of our impact through offering extended café hours and more one-off community events. Alongside offering space for connection and friendship, we are increasingly able to respond to practical needs- whether that’s through a warm space and a friendly face, affordable activities for families, or access to light-touch support and advice. This year, we began trailing new collaborations, welcoming organisations such as Citizens Advice and Skills Connect into our foodbank café space. These visits provide accessible, relational support in a safe and trusted environment. We are also beginning to build new partnerships with organisations such as Southern Brooks and Christians Against Poverty (CAP), as we seek to deepen the support available within our regular activities. Our volunteer team continues to grow in both numbers and confidence. We are intentional about creating space for people to contribute their gifts, whether that’s through setting up spaces, serving refreshments, welcoming others, or sharing creative ideas. Some of our volunteers have first connected with Resound through attending a group themselves. With support from external grant funding and the appointment of a new Community Development Lead in March/ April 2025, we’ve laid the groundwork for a Community Hub that places belonging, compassion, and community life at its heart. Our approach is shaped by listening, hospitality, and partnership- values rooted in our Christian ethos and our ongoing commitment to serving others with dignity and care. Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue developing the Hub not only as a space for activity, but as a place of welcome and long-term support. Through continually listening to our community and collaborating with others we remain committed to strengthening relationships, relieving hardship, and encouraging people of all ages to flourish in a space where they feel valued and supported. ## **Some of our regular Community Hub activities include:** ## **Dewdrop Inn Café** Held monthly, the Dewdrop Inn Café is a gentle, welcoming event where members of the community are invited to enjoy tea, cake, and conversation. Its aim is to offer a space where those experiencing loneliness or isolation can build new friendships and feel part of a wider community. ## **Later** Later is our monthly live music night, providing a relaxed, social environment for people of all ages. It’s a fun evening that brings people together and creates a safe space for relationships to grow. ## **Art Wings** Art Wings runs monthly and is a joyful, low-pressure space to be bold, bright, and brave with arts and crafts. Participants explore different creative techniques, chat over coffee and biscuits, and enjoy expressing themselves in a welcoming environment. ## **Foodbank Community Café** Running alongside our weekly foodbank sessions, the Foodbank Community Café offers a warm, informal space where clients and volunteers can sit down, enjoy a hot drink, and connect with others. It’s more than just a waiting area- it’s a space of kindness and hospitality where people are welcomed without judgement. In recent months, we’ve also invited organisations such as Citizens Advice and Skills Connect to join us at the café, offering light-touch advice and support in a trusted setting. This gentle approach reduces stigma, builds trust, and opens up new pathways to further help and community connection. ## **Foodbank** We partner with North Bristol and South Glos Foodbank, seeded by The Trussell Trust, to run a foodbank outlet. Between April 2024-2025, 14,413.48kg was given out in 673 food parcels from the food bank outlet based at Resound. This supported 1652 people, 722 of which were children. Our vision is to see those who initially come to us for emergency food access other activities that offer long-term support. We are continuing to work towards our food bank outlet becoming a community connect space, a place not only where food is distributed, but where people can come to an inclusive space with activities and services to help foster well-being and a sense of local community. ## **Hope into Action: Caleb House** The purchase of Caleb House was completed in April 2024, marking a significant milestone in our partnership with Hope into Action. Following the purchase, a team of dedicated volunteers from Resound and New Life Church undertook the decoration and refurbishment of the property, creating a welcoming and supportive environment. The first tenant moved in September 2024. While the initial vision was to support young adult care leavers, this proved challenging to implement. In response, the focus shifted to housing young male refugees with the right to remain in the UK. These individuals are now being supported by an Empowerment Worker from Hope into Action and a team of Befrienders from both churches, offering relational support, encouragement, and practical help as they adjust to life in the UK. ## **Charitable Giving** One of the ways Resound Trust has sought to fulfil its charitable objectives this year is through financial giving to a range of organisations whose work aligns with our vision and values. These charities were carefully chosen because they reflect key aspects of our charitable purposes. By supporting these organisations, we are able to extend the reach of our mission beyond what we can deliver directly as a church. This year, we gave to the following charities: Bristol Noise, Bristol Street Pastors, inHope, North Bristol & South Gloucestershire Foodbank, Open Doors, Tearfund, The Bridge Trust (supporting Mutende Children’s Village in Zambia), Wycliffe Bible Translators, Home for Good, and Bristol Refugee Rights. ## **Venue Hire** This year, we took deliberate steps to develop and implement a strategy for how we steward one of our most significant resources: the Resound building. Our aim was twofold- to ensure the use of our space furthers the vision and charitable objectives of Resound, and to explore opportunities for income generation to support the long-term sustainability of our work. Resound is not only home to our own church community, but also to two other churches who gather here weekly for Sunday services, worship, and midweek groups. Their regular presence means that hundreds of people encounter God, grow in faith, and receive pastoral support within our building each week. In addition to these resident churches, we continue to welcome other Christian groups for one-off events, worship nights, and discipleship gatherings. This shared use of the building is a direct expression of our charitable objectives- particularly the advancement of the Christian faith through worship, teaching, pastoral care, and community. Through the use of our space, we support youth and children’s ministry, small group discipleship, and prayer- making the worship of God a central and consistent feature of life at Resound. We also partner with community groups who use the building throughout the week. These partnerships often align with our objective to relieve hardship and need in the local area, particularly through groups focused on wellbeing, support, and inclusion. We are grateful to have several groups who hire us on a regular basis, providing secure income, as well as those who hire us for one off events. The income generated from all our hires helps us to sustain the building financially, but even more significantly, it ensures that our space is being used in line with our values. **Financial Review at 31st March 2025** ## **Accounts Basis** The accounts have been prepared under the receipts and payments basis. The accounts comply with the legal requirements, being that the gross recorded income from all sources did not exceed £250,000 and that the charity is not a company incorporated under the Companies Act. ## **Ongoing Operations** The operational performance of the Trust shows income for the year of £212,768 (2024: £139,988) whilst expenditure was £136,422 (2024: £122,202). These figures include our Social Care Fund which is a restricted fund, and also restricted grant income. Considering the Unrestricted Funds, which are a reflection of the Trust’s ordinary operations, income was £190,638 (2024: £138,286) and the associated costs were £135,914 (2024: £116,392). Our primary source of income is giving by members of Resound. We are grateful for God’s provision through those who support the Trust financially and by generously volunteering their time and skills which enables the trust to continue. However, the increase in income this year has mainly come from increased building hire, a grant to support our community hub plans and some of last year’s Gift-Aid refund being received in this year. The increase in income from building hire is mainly from the pre-school and the other churches who hire the building. This year the largest change in the trust’s outgoings has been the significant increase in our donations to other charities with the recipients listed earlier in this report. After a deficit in the year ending 2023 the trust has had an operational surplus for the last two years and the financial position of the year ahead continues to be positive with our budget showing a surplus albeit a smaller one. ## **Fixed Assets** The Trust’s principal fixed asset is its building which includes an auditorium, offices, conference space, a café area and a preschool space. In addition, the Trust holds a programme-related investment in a property known as Caleb House, in partnership with Hope into Action. The Trust owns a share of the property under a Declaration of Trust, alongside co-investors from Resound and New Life Church. ## **Reserves** The policy is to hold a reserve to cover six months running costs, which currently amounts to £75,000. We also hold a building reserve and have earmarked £30,000 to fund future Resound initiatives. Beyond this the Trustees are continuing to work with the Leadership Team to develop a plan to use any surplus funds to further the charitable objects of Resound. ## **Investment and Ethical Policy** Apart from bank accounts the Trust’s only financial investment is its shared ownership of Caleb House as described earlier in this report. The trust holds accounts with banks that are judged to be more ethical and has spread its capital so that no more than £85,000 is held with any one financial institution. Policies are in place for the ethical and sustainable operation of the Trust. Throughout the Resound build programme close scrutiny was given to the sourcing of materials and energy usage in the new building, and this continues as part of its maintenance. ## **Related Party Disclosures** During the financial year, two trustees had spouses serving on Resound’s Leadership Team. Pauline Berndes, wife of trustee Tony Berndes, and Mike Bennett, husband of trustee Sarah Bennett, were both members of the Leadership Team. All decisions involving potential conflicts of interest were managed in accordance with the charity’s conflict of interest policy. ## **Conclusion** The trust has made good progress and the trustees would like to express their thanks to all staff, volunteers and supporters for their invaluable contributions to the work of Resound Trust over the past year. Signed on behalf of the board of trustees: **Nigel Carter 10[th] October 2025** Chair of Trustees CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND Afr40 WALÉ5 Re$ound Trust No. 294924 Receipts and payments accounts CC16a For th• yriod from 41112024 To 3112￿25 Section A Receipts and payments Unre8trict•d R•stricied Endowmént Total fund8 lunds tothenoor• funds toth•ne•re8t t funds tothe De•re8tÈ L¥$t y•¥r tothe neare8tt A1 R•c•l ts Tiihe8, OFferÈn y Donaiitrny Grft Md and GASDS 77.193 24.$ 1.100 133 76.592 8.874 seo 24.729 19.962 ?J2Ob 6.515 5.419 R@ntslotPiemiy8s &nd Cafèrnar 73.208 4Q,215 6.S47 2.732 5.$80 5.419 935 Sol31 Panel IncDffl F￿e￿.In.T&llff Sub toial (Gross income brAR) 110.638 22,1X* 212,76B 13•,98 A2 Asset and Investment sales. Ise• tabl• Sub totsl Total rneelpts 190.638 212,768 A3Pa m•nis 55.924 21.989 55.924 21.989 55.889 DDnationytD cngrlt￿S SuDooit ol Poor ano N6eo Trb¥eiano Accommodaiion 5.810 28 242 Ayt Su OfliceeD5T5. Adyellisln L￿enCeS and Suoscii 5 &nd Cleanin d ArtWDik 166 342 4.203 2.3>7 15 1.722 2.J97 15.261 1•.782 1.165 5.084 2.J78 2.064 1•,650 29,B71 Pro n¢J Conference F8ey Inyur8nce 5.084 2.378 2.064 5.347 760 Sub tot81 135.914 136,422 122202 A4 Assot and Invfrstmeni pui¢ha888. se• table Caleb Hous 46.138 1.$1S 47.653 46.138 1.515 47,653 Sub total 508 122.202 Net of recelpts/(payments) A5 Transt•rs between lunds A6 Cash funds lost￿Or ond Cash funds thls yearend 7,071 21.622 28.693 17.786 23B.156 2.949 241 105 223,315 241 105 245 227 24.571 Section B Statement of assets and liabilities atthe end of the period Uniestricted Restricted Catogorlos D8tali• Endowrnent lunds to nyargst¥ funds t(bnoare¥t£ funds to noare¥t E B1 Cashfundg Cash ai Bank and in HHnd 245,227 24.571 Total essh lunds 2J15,227 24571 Unr0$trI￿9d lunds R¢$trlctod funds ton•ar8¥t£ Endovdm*nt funds to n•arv¥t£ DÉtsi B2 Other assets ProgT8m-rel8ted inve5tin8nt 46,13 Dotails Fundtowhl¢h Bs••t CurY•ntvalu• bolon Co¥tloption•ll {optlonA D8ts1 Fundto¥Yhi¢h aB••t Curr•ntviiu• iiono belon CDXtloptiorkTII Land and 8uiidinÉs 824,564 Aanfand Equipment 1,515 B4 Asgtts r•tain•d for the charity's own use Details Fundto ¥Yhi¢h Amountduo %*Th•n du• lat rbol lon B5 Llabllltl•8 tufe Print Name Date ot roval Nlgel Carter 1011012025 ## **Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Resound Trust: Year ended 31 March 2025** I report to the Charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. ## **Responsibilities and basis of report** As the Charity's Trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’). I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts 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 accounts do not accord with those records 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. Matthew Bracher BSc FCA Gravita Audit Western Limited Bath House 6-8 Bath Street Bristol BS1 6HL Date: October 2025