## **Thurrock Play Network** 

Charity number 296428 

## **Annual report to December 2024 Audited accounts to March 2023– 2024** 


## **Charity address:** 

The Pyramid Resource Centre Heath Road Grays 

RM16 4XH 01375387738 info@thurrockplaynetwork.co.uk 

## **Accountant** 

Kim Hooper Chartered accountant 132, Admirals Towers 8 Dowells Street Greenwich SE10 9GE 



## **Chair’s report** 

This last year has seen Thurrock Play Network takes significant strides forward in many positive ways, not least in developing strong partnerships within the community and sharing resources. 

With the serious impact that the cost-of-living crisis is having on families, businesses and the wider community, we have endeavoured to be able to continue to offer a resource that remains affordable and is accessible to everyone. The advantages that play and other activities can have on mental and physical well-being, has been key in recovering from the pandemic and is instrumental in supporting our charity’s objectives and mission statement. 

In 23-24, our Local authority grant, which had supported us for many years, was reduced significantly and in 2024 was reduced even further. With many charities struggling to survive, and funding pots becoming more difficult to access, the trustees have monitored the budget carefully and ensured that we remain sustainable, but also looking for other opportunities to move forward. Last march, we welcomed a surprise grant from the Postcode lottery, that was linked in with the Millionaire Street winners nearby, which made up for the shortfall.  Thank you!! 

We have seen an increase in our membership and support, from not only Thurrock, but a much wider area, reaching far more children and their families. We estimate that we reach nearly 10k children through schools, organisations and families. 

## **Our volunteers** 

We are indebted to all the volunteer support that we have. Our volunteers are part of the furniture and carry out various tasks to keep us organised and to enable us to run efficiently. We now have over 26 volunteers on our books, all ready to contribute in whatever way they can. Some commit on a weekly basis, some when required, or when they can. We also value the volunteers who help us with maintenance free of charge and step forward to drive the van when needed. Not to forget the residents, who watered our community garden during the hot summer months, or our neighbours who share some of their lovely Asian cuisine with us. 

We welcomed a group of enthusiastic volunteers from Amazon, who helped put up shelving and dug over our garden. Amazon also gave us a welcome cash donation. 

We hope that the friendly, welcoming warm environment at the Pyramid Centre provides reciprocal support, as we endeavour to ensure that we are inclusive and value highly our equality and diversity philosophy. 





## **Donations and funding grants** 

We continue to welcome donations from local businesses and individuals in the community, saving a considerable amount from going to landfill. Our recorded tonnage has increased steadily over the year. 

Encouraging an eco-friendly environment is top of our agenda, to reuse ‘waste’ products in some wonderful creative projects that not only are cost effective, but very rewarding. Besides some of the local businesses, both large and small, providing regular donations, this last couple of years has seen large contributions from film companies which has really expanded what we can offer. 



## **Partnership links** 

There are too many to mention everyone, but through you we can support the wider community, whether supporting events, donating goods or sharing experience and good advice with us. 

We are a drop off point for Love Grace, HARP, and the Greyhound trust. In addition, we support other organisations by providing free craft resources, homeware and whatever we can. Thank you: 

- to Cory Riverside trust who have again supported us with a grant but also by involving us in some of their eco activities. 

- IKEA for their weekly contribution 

- Start Thurrock for funding some of our activities, including the wonderful street art on our containers and our national playday. 

- Get started for providing art resources. 

- The Post code lottery 

- The local co-op store. 

- Essex Community Foundation 

- Thurrock Council for their continued support 

- CVS for all the advice and support they share with us. 

- And many others who we are fortunate to be able to work together with 

We are very indebted to Thurrock Council staff who continue to support our charity. 



## **Trustees** 

Our board of 10 trustees has played an important role in the sustainability of TPN and now covers a range of skills and experience. Finances are monitored closely, staff are supported and our policies and procedures have been updated in line with current legislation, supported by the expertise of our HR advisors. Trustees have taken on roles in line with their experience, backgrounds and interests.Thank you so much for your commitment. 

## **Our Staff** 

Thank you to our staff, who often give up their time on a voluntary basis, to ensure that everything runs smoothly, always looking for new ideas, contacts and funding, often going over and above. 

## **Events and activities** 

Since covid, when everything came to a sudden halt, our workshops and activities have exceeded expectation and the number of children and adults has steadily increased. Most are run by volunteers, but some are supported by outside organisations. Our emergency first aid sessions for children, funded by Cory, were particularly successful and well attended. Our forest school sessions including our Halloween event were fully booked in no time. Our children’s art workshop is very popular and our varied craft activities are a success. We just need more space! Following on approval for our kitchen, our Saturday morning café, linked in with Park run is successful, and beside providing drinks and a bacon roll, has also introduced new members. Our rent a shelf was originally set up to encourage our members to sell their wonderful home-made crafts at affordable prices, often made from scrap that had been sought from the Centre. We now have a waiting list. 



## **Constitution and charity status** 

Following on agreement at the AGM, through a Special Resolution, our 23-year-old constitution has been updated and accepted by the Charity Commission. Our Object, which defines our charity, to encompass the whole community, and ensure that we are now inclusive to all age groups and sectors of the community. has been expanded and received approval, 

We are also in the process of moving towards changing our charitable status, from an unincorporated charity to incorporated charitable status, which will give us more protection and security and take the onus away from individuals and belong to the organisation.  This again was given approval at the AGM in a special resolution and a consultant is now moving this forward. 



Our new objects are: 

## _**The objects of the association shall be: -**_ 

1. _**to encourage the provision of facilities and services for recreation and other leisure time occupation for children and young people resident in Thurrock being facilities and services: (a) of which such children and young people have need by reason of their youth or social and economic circumstances: and**_ 

   - _**(b) which will improve the conditions of life for such children and young people by promoting their physical, mental and spiritual well-being.**_ 

2. _**to further or benefit all residents of Thurrock without distinction of age, sex, sexual orientation, race or of political, religious, or other opinions by associating together the said residents and the local authorities, voluntary and other organisations in a common effort to advance education and to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation leisure time occupation with the objective of improving the conditions of life for the residents.**_ 

## **Financial information** 

Our finances are well regulated and monitored. We have marginally increased our income this year and sought grants to support various activities. 

We have a reserve fund which in case of difficulties or having to wind down the organization, will support the process. 

We have been able to maintain the existing cost of membership fees, which are still exceptionally low compared with other similar groups throughout the country. 

We continue to search for funding opportunities, not only for larger amounts but for accumulative smaller amounts. 

The trustees set a projected budget for the year and building in a in a contingency for any unpredicted expenditure. We are aware that in 2025, many of the subsidies such as rate relief, that we received will end although we should retain the 80% mandatory relief. . 

General bills are rising and employment costs increasing. 

In 23-24, we managed to have a small underspend which has been carried forward. 

We are looking for longer term sustainability opportunities rather than just go hand to mouth each year. 



Our van is a necessity and we are currently looking for ways to replace it, as it is not ULEZ compliant, being nearly 20 years old. This will have a significant impact on our finances but is becoming a priority as it is used for deliveries and collections of donations. 

## **Risk assessment** 

Like any charity, we can only build in contingency funding, but the future is unpredictable, as we have seen. 

We are clear about the need to follow a realistic business plan but also to recognize any risks that manifest themselves, whether those tend to be on a short-term basis or over a longer period. Risks can be minimized by careful monitoring and strategies put in place to counteract any possible difficulties, seeking advice and support. Strengthening some of our partnerships is key, and sharing resources is beneficial to everyone. We are always looking at current trends and practices to help us achieve more, especially around local need and well-being. 

## **Trustees as of September 2024** 

Sylvia Yates               Chair Margaret Henderson Andy Cole                  Secretary Pam Freestone Paul Allchorne Aileen Burgess Peter Eates Sara Muldowney Dave Henderson Teresa O’Keeffe 

Ngoze Alike -          Councillor rep. 

## **Staff** 

Lauren Strutt - Project co-ordinator Faye Smith Fiona Flint Michelle Tucker Tony Boughen - Driver / handyman 



## Thurrock Play Network 

## Financial Activities 

## April 2023 - March 2024 

|||TOTAL||
|---|---|---|---|
||APR 2023 - MAR 2024||APR 2022 - MAR 2023 (PP)|
|Income||||
|Bank Interest|3,195.06||592.32|
|Cory Riverside grant|-2,800.00|||
|CRAFT|4,332.73||450.55|
|Craft Income|8,730.81||2,503.68|
|DELIVERY CHARGES|68.00||197.50|
|Donations and legacies|4,400.00||1,700.00|
|Donations Misc|2,155.52||661.94|
|event donations|317.20||981.11|
|Grant Essex Community Fund|10,000.00|||
|HIRE|1,275.50||1,320.58|
|MEMBERSHIPS|4,136.00||4,502.15|
|SCRAP DONATION|30,551.10||21,414.15|
|Services|4,248.00||3,362.00|
|Unrestricted Income|100.00||59.18|
|vat refund|294.80|||
|VSDF GRANT|30,000.00||32,000.00|
|**Total Income**|**£101,004.72**||**£69,745.16**|
|TOTAL|**£101,004.72**||**£69,745.16**|
|Expenditures||||
|Advertising/Promotional|184.02|||
|British Telecom - Telephone|||84.90|
|Buildings Insurance|229.39||203.92|
|business rates|358.26||847.35|
|cafe expenses|45.76|||
|Commercial Waste|794.40||620.60|
|Computer Costs|535.14||439.32|
|Computer Equipment|558.31|||
|DBS|142.00||102.50|
|Dues and Subscriptions|40.00||55.00|
|Equipment|1,399.67||1,033.38|
|Health and Safety|403.42||222.23|
|HM Revenue & Customs (VAT) Expense|299.70||11.40|
|Insurances|2,497.62||1,905.05|
|Legal and professional fees|4,633.84||4,295.82|
|Misc Expenses|63.35||25.21|
|Office Shelves|233.33|||
|Office/General Administrative Expenditures|959.64||1,159.95|
|Office/General Administrative Expenses|||70.05|
|Other Professional Services|65.00|||
|Payroll Expenses||||
|Pension|427.47||227.42|
|Taxes|-710.67||-26.60|



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## Thurrock Play Network 

## Financial Activities 

## April 2023 - March 2024 

|||TOTAL||
|---|---|---|---|
||APR 2023 - MAR 2024||APR 2022 - MAR 2023 (PP)|
|Wages|50,892.84||28,554.94|
|**Total Payroll Expenses**|**50,609.64**||**28,755.76**|
|PC Insurance|9.17||110.04|
|Phone Costs|521.67||348.81|
|Printing, Postage and Stationery|181.22||25.02|
|Raising funds|||140.00|
|Refreshments|267.83||418.72|
|Rent or Lease of Buildings|5,600.00||5,597.50|
|Repairs and Renewals|703.40||721.97|
|Supplies|1,540.36||1,546.80|
|craft supplies|5.50||28.90|
|**Total Supplies**|**1,545.86**||**1,575.70**|
|Travel and Accommodation|32.50|||
|Uniform|||109.31|
|Utilities|829.44||847.27|
|Van Expenses|1,538.91||1,706.42|
|Volunteer Expenses|731.11||129.60|
|**Total Expenditures**|**£76,013.60**||**£51,562.80**|
|NET OPERATING INCOME|**£24,991.12**||**£18,182.36**|
|NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)|**£24,991.12**||**£18,182.36**|



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## Thurrock Play Network 

## Balance Sheet 

## As of March 31, 2024 

|||TOTAL||
|---|---|---|---|
||AS OF MAR 31, 2024||AS OF MAR 31, 2023 (PY)|
|Fixed Asset||||
|Tangible assets||||
|Office Equipment Cost|0.00||0.00|
|**Total Tangible assets**|**£0.00**||**£0.00**|
|**Total Fixed Asset**|**£0.00**||**£0.00**|
|Cash at bank and in hand||||
|Cash|0.00||0.00|
|Cash on hand|0.00||215.00|
|CHARITY BANK|12,086.84|||
|Co-Op  Community Direct Plus|53,554.05||33,690.09|
|co-op savings account|100.00|||
|COIF|67,110.03||64,001.81|
|Nat West Current|1,294.01||12,580.31|
|Petty cash|33.88||26.83|
|sundries|0.00||0.00|
|**Total Cash at bank and in hand**|**£134,178.81**||**£110,514.04**|
|Debtors||||
|Debtors|157.00||73.00|
|**Total Debtors**|**£157.00**||**£73.00**|
|Current Assets||||
|other debtors|0.00||0.00|
|Prepayments|0.00||0.00|
|Stock Asset|4,500.00||4,500.00|
|**Total Current Assets**|**£4,500.00**||**£4,500.00**|
|NET CURRENT ASSETS|**£138,835.81**||**£115,087.04**|
|Creditors: amounts falling due within one year||||
|Trade Creditors||||
|Creditors|0.00||0.00|
|**Total Trade Creditors**|**£0.00**||**£0.00**|
|Current Liabilities||||
|Accruals|12,809.00||12,809.00|
|bacs|0.00||0.00|
|bacs control|0.00||0.00|
|barclaycard control|-226.89||0.00|
|Deferred income|5,000.00||2,200.00|
|Payroll Liabilities||||
|HMRC|786.90||2,506.50|
|Other Deductions|0.00||0.00|
|Pension|-68.52||-3.96|
|**Total Payroll Liabilities**|**718.38**||**2,502.54**|
|safe control|-842.57||0.00|
|VAT Control|0.00||1,010.78|



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## Thurrock Play Network 

## Balance Sheet 

As of March 31, 2024 

|||TOTAL||
|---|---|---|---|
||AS OF MAR 31, 2024||AS OF MAR 31, 2023 (PY)|
|VAT Suspense|-129.17||48.78|
|**Total Current Liabilities**|**£17,328.75**||**£18,571.10**|
|**Total Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**|**£17,328.75**||**£18,571.10**|
|NET CURRENT ASSETS (LIABILITIES)|**£121,507.06**||**£96,515.94**|
|TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES|**£121,507.06**||**£96,515.94**|
|TOTAL NET ASSETS (LIABILITIES)|**£121,507.06**||**£96,515.94**|
|Charity funds||||
|Opening Balance Equity|43,591.40||43,591.40|
|Unrestricted Funds|52,924.54||34,742.18|
|Surplus/(Deficit)|24,991.12||18,182.36|
|**Total Charity funds**|**£121,507.06**||**£96,515.94**|



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