# pera wetai # **ANNUAL REPORT 2024 – 2025** # _**CARE FOR THE COMMUNITY BY THE COMMUNITY**_ 1 ## **CONTENTS** |2025 AGM Agenda|3| |---|---| |2024 AGM Minutes|4| |Contact Details & Staff|5| |Management Committee|6-7| |Trustees Report|8-9| |About LNN|10| |Volunteers|11| |LNN Online|11| |Current Services|12 - 15| |Partnership Working|16| |Acknowledgements|17| |Appendix – Accounts|19 - 23| 2 ## **LADYWELL NEIGHBOURHOOD NETWORK** ## **ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING** ## **Tuesday 28th October 2025** ## **AT 11.00am** ## **AGENDA** 1. WELCOME FROM THE CHAIR AND OPENING REMARKS 2. APOLOGIES 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM LAST AGM 4. CO-ORDINATOR’S REPORT 5. AUDITED ACCOUNTS 6. ADOPTION OF ACCOUNTS 7. APPOINTMENT OF AUDITOR 8. ELECTION OF MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE 10. CLOSING REMARKS 3 ## **Annual General Meeting Minutes of Meeting held on Tuesday 3rd September 2024** > **Apologies:** SCC a introduce himself and a . Thanked everyone for attending. Including > service users. Condolences to ~~|~~ **Approval of Minutes from 2023:** ~~a~~ approved the minutes **Co-ordinator’s Report:** ~~a~~ both thanked the service users for their help and support throughout the year at our Table Top Sales and attending our groups. **Audited Accounts:** ~~=~~ informed the meeting that the Independent Examiner’s Accounts would be available to all Members of the Committee. **Adoption of Independent Examiner’s accounts:** ~~=~~ thanked = for adopting the Accounts. **Appointment of Independent Examiner:** All happy having a as the Independent Examiner of the Accounts. **Election of Management Committee:** thanked the Management Committee for all their hard work and checked that all current members were happy to continue on which they were. **AOCB** 7 thanked a for staying for the meeting and also thanked = for his help. **Date of next meeting To be decided** 4 ## **CONTACT DETAILS** Address: 28 Heatherbank, Ladywell, Livingston, EH54 6EE Tel: 01506 437746 Email: ladywellnn@hotmail.com Website: www.ladywellnn.org.uk ## **STAFF** ~~7~~ **– Project Co-Ordinator - Administrative Assistant** ~~=~~ **– Cleaner** ~~i~~ 5 MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Trustees: Our Management Committee are mode up from a mixture of skilled professionals and individuals along with volunteers and service users. The board meets 6 times a year. - Chairperson joined Ifie Management Committee in September 2015. Sisan cxperienced finance Director who works with owner managed growth businesses. He brings a wealth of financial knowledge and expertise which provides support and financial oversiaht to the oroanisation. Vice Chairperson was a pnmary school class/ASN teacher wth West Lothian Council for many years until ill health forced her to retire. She is a Ladywell resident and joined the LNN committee in 2019. has experience of organising and developing new iniliatives as well as some staff management experience. She is an active member of many of our groups and enjoys leaming new skills from others. credits LNN with rescuing her from severe social Isolation after the death of her oldest son. Honorary Treasurer has been involved with LNN for a number of years. Initially as a group member and volunteer. then joining the Management Committee in 2(X)9. is a retired Clinical Nurse Specialist and has Honorary Secretary tiist came to LNN as a group memhpr thpn a vnlvnteer. She joined the Management Committee in 2018. and shows great empathy and understanding of the needs of individuals and in communication. - Commlttee Member lives In Ladywell and first came to LNN to join the craft group but quickly became involved in volunteering. She has since taken on the role of leading the gardening group with great success. She joined the Management Committee in 2011. - Committee Member I betii an active volunteer with LNN for many years joining the Management Conimittee in 2004. has a background in calering and has a good knowledge of Food Hygiene and Health & Safety requirements. - Committee Member joined our management committee in 2022. She is a very committed member of several of our groups and has great life experiences. supports our fundraising activities. Isabel is a retired Psychiatric Nurse and has lived in Ladywell for over 50 years - Committee Member joined the management committee in 2019 and is a resident of Ladywell. She was previously social worker then went onto managing a day centre for the elderly. has experience in planning, budgeting and funding applications and is experienced in facilitating activities and events. - Committee Member joined our management committee in 2022. and previously worked for another small charity so gained lots of experience there, also worked as a trainer for adult education. is a keen crafter on often donates her makes for fundraisers. she also supports our fundraising activities. - Commillee Member Joined our Management Committee in 2022, retired hairdresser and shows great empathy and understanding of the needs of individuals and has good Communication and Lislening Skills. and a natural eye for artistry which she carried over to her card making hobby which she is keen to share her knowledge and techniques with others. and often donates cards to be sold to help us raise funds. TRUSTEES, REPORT 74/25 I'm pleased to report on my seventh year as chairman of Ladywell Neighbourhood Network. It's our birthday this year, as we turn 40. For most of us, our 40ths were a while ago but we rejoice in staying active and engaged with others. We have been as busy as ever at the Network. Our mission is to serve our community and provide creative and fun ways for people to enjoy each other's company. We combat isolation and ill health. We run a wide range of activities in our premises and around the neighbourhood. We have been grateful to Forestbank Community Centre, who have been hosting our Monday Meetups, Helping Hands and Rummikub Klub. This has enabled us to support a larger number of clients. We are pleased to report growing membership in the last year, as we serve more people in our community. We have a strong committee who help run the Network. l am grateful for them and our network co-ordinator, supported by our administrator This year we say a sad goodbye to trustees who have served us for many years as co-chair). Our outdoor health and wellbeing Worker, and we bid him a fond farewell on 12 October 2025 work with- cheerful, resourceful and industrious. , joined in September 2022 has been a delight to We have been blessed by our new partnerships with Salvation Army and TCV, and were pleased to welcome as a trustee in April 2025. Finance The Network has worked hard at fundraising and seeking donations during the year. We are grateful to the organisations and individuals who have given money, materials and time. We also acknowledge the advice and support or our link officer from 24125 INCOME Artivity fees 21% West Lothian Council 27% Donations and fundraising Bank of Scotland Foundatlon Other corporate donors & trusts 17% Wishing you all the best for the year ahead. October 2025 ## **ABOUT LNN** Livingston was designated as a ‘new town’ in 1962 and although the first new residents moved into Craigshill in 1966, it was a number of years before other residential areas such as Ladywell were completed. By the late 70’s many areas, including Ladywell, were populated and it was becoming apparent that problems had arisen associated with people who now found themselves displaced from the networks of friends and family who had previously provided support. The Neighbourhood Networks were the brainchild of Livingston Ecumenical Parish church. They recognised the needs of those who had made the move from the big cities but now felt isolated and were separated from the communities that had provided practical help and support. In the early 1980’s unemployment was also high and this meant there was a supply of willing volunteers who were happy to do something useful with their time. Bringing these two groups together seemed an obvious solution and in October 1985 the inaugural meeting of Ladywell Neighbourhood Network was held. Over the past 40 years Ladywell and the needs of the community who live here, have changed. In response to these changing needs LNN has evolved and developed and will continue to do so to meet the ever-changing demands of the community we serve. ## **LNN’s Vision** ## **LNN’s Mission** _To build a community where everyone has access to companionship, skill building and social equality._ _LNN exists to create a vibrant hub for adults in the heart of our community reducing social isolation and improving well-being._ We are an independent organisation working in a trusted partnership with West Lothian Council providing opportunities for social contact, practical help & support and serving the local community in a variety of ways. We provide a vital network of interest and support groups working with around 200 individuals each year who may otherwise find themselves feeling isolated or vulnerable, often due to major lifestyle changes over which they have no control. We are constantly seeking new projects which will meet the needs of Ladywell and the surrounding communities. On May 25th 2016 we took the step of becoming a SCIO (Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation). This was a major change for us but we believe that in the long run the work and effort will be worth it. The main benefits for LNN becoming a SCIO are: - The liability of our charity trustees is limited and members are not liable to contribute to the assets if the charity is wound up. - A SCIO has a legal personality and can undertake transactions in its own right. - It has a single regulator which is OSCR. - It has freedom to take all steps and actions in pursuit of its charitable objects. - Creditors have certain protection when conducting business with a SCIO. 10 ## **VOLUNTEERS** LNN has an incredible group of volunteers who work with us to provide our services. From group helpers throughout the week to our Trustees they all give of their time freely and with great enthusiasm and we are very grateful for their support. Volunteering is a great way to support your local community while developing, or passing on, skills and experience. We are always in need of volunteers and with new programmes planned for the coming year we would love you to join our team. The gardening team especially can always use some extra help. ## **LNN ONLINE** LNN’s website is a resource which we recently redesigned and relaunched. This and the use of social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter is helping us to keep service users engaged and perhaps reach some new ones. Find us at: **www.ladywellnn.org.uk** Or on **Facebook:** Ladywellnn Or on **Twitter** : @ladywellnn 11 ## **CURRENT SERVICES** **Monday Meet up Social Club Monday 1pm – 3pm - £2.00 Held at Forestbank Community Centre** Our Monday afternoon meet ups provide significant health benefits for those who are socially active. Those who participate in social activities have a schedule, places to be, people who expect them to show up, and a reason to wake up in the morning. Many studies show that social activity, participation and integration have great positive effects on overall health and wellbeing. An enjoyable afternoon playing games The Social club members enjoy the varied programme of entertainment and activities. Tea or coffee and biscuits are served at the group. Winner of the Week Teamwork ## **Triominos Troopers -Tuesday 10am – 12noon - £2.00** This men’s group branched off from the Thursday Board Buddies group, encouraging an extra weekly opportunity to meet and socialise by playing Triominos and the occasional game of Rummikub and Dominoes. Tea, biscuits and banter included! 12 ## **Thingamajig Tuesday- Tuesday 1pm -3pm - £2.00** Our clients like to come along to this group for a whole mix of activities, board games and anything else you might like to try! ## **Chat-tea Crafters -Wednesday 10am – 12noon - £2.00** The Chat-Tea Crafters is a great place to be on a Wednesday morning. The group does exactly what the name suggests, they chat, drink tea (or coffee) and craft. Our members between them have many skills such as knitting and crochet, jewellery making, quilting and card making to name but a few and this friendly group of ladies are always happy to help new members learn the basics. ## **Rummikub Klub- Wednesday 1pm-3pm - £2.00 Held at Forestbank Community Centre** This fledgling group has gone from strength to strength with players of all levels. Making their afternoon enjoyable but challenging game play testing their skills ## **Helping Hands-Wednesday 10am -12noon - £2.00** ## **Held at Forestbank Community Centre** The Group have been knitting items for various charitable causes including St John’s Hospital Maternity Ward, Salvation Army and the overseas “Fish and Chip Babies”. Here are just a few of the items produced for charity whilst enjoying socialising with friends… 13 ## **Fit to Live- Thursday 10am – 12noon - £1.50** The Fit to Live group meets once a week and provides support, advice and education for people who want to lose weight. The group has been particularly successful in supporting those who have struggled with weight issues over a long period of time and have emotional and stress triggered eating patterns. ## **Board Buddies- Thursday afternoon 1pm – 3pm - £2.00** Our Men’s group is a friendly group open to new members to play cards, dominoes or board games. We have lots of banter and compete for the winner of the week trophy. ## **Night Owls- Every Thursay 7pm -9pm - £2.00** This fairly new group hoped to encourage new members to join us for an evening taster session where they can learn and play new games while socialising with others. This group is perfect for those who live alone and work during the day, offering a great opportunity to connect and have fun. Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of our community. ## **Theatre Starlets** This group initally came about after chatting with clients that many of groups members, enjoyed a evening at the theatre to see a show but did not want to attend alone. So we look for productions that are at our local howden park centre theatre, Giving us the ease of travel and company to catch a show. Usually 8-10 times annually 14 ## **Outings** This year we had two main outings (Portobello beach and Largs) and several mini outings with Seagull trust Barge Cruises. ## **Secret Gardeners** Our growing together group have been involved in partnership working with TCV, Howden Park Centre and NHS Lothian to bring the walled garden back into its former glory. We have a long way to go but are keen to make this a space to be used by all of the Community and perhaps encourage volunteers of all ages to get their sleeves rolled up and get involved. No matter your skill level you would be made most welcome. _**We would like to thank our great team of volunteers help with fundraising, supporting group activities and many other things.**_ **----- Start of picture text -----**
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15 ## **PARTNERSHIP WORKING** **Advice Shop Age Scotland Almond Housing Association Asda Walmart Livingston Bonus Ball Team Co-Operative Group Ltd.** **Spark** **(Auditor)** **Toronto Primary School Forestbank Community Centre Ladywell Community Garden Harrysmuir Primary School Howden Health Centre Inveralmond Community High School Ladywell Baptist Church Ladywell Community Council Howden Community Council Morrisons Carmondean NHS Lothian Charity Regeneration Team S.C.V.O** **TCV- The Conservation Volunteers Salvation Army Livingston West Lothian Connected West Lothian Council West Lothian Drug Alcohol Service West Lothian Food Network West Lothian Leisure West Lothian Volunteer Network** 16 ## **ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS** Ladywell Neighbourhood Network could not carry out the work we do in the community without our amazing team of volunteers. We have around 20 volunteers who give of their valuable time and skills very generously and we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to every one of them. Our Management Committee are also volunteers and give their time and expertise at no cost. We want to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks to all of our team for donating your time, your skills and your continued support … you do a fantastic job … thank you! Our thanks go also to West Lothian Council who have for many years provided our core funding which covers the basic running costs of the organisation. Further thanks must also go to the Bonus Ball team for their regular donations throughout the year. LNN relies also on the many grant making trusts who have generously donated to our work over the past year, enabling us to develop new projects and maintain existing ones. Finally we would like to extend our grateful thanks to our auditor, for auditing our accounts once again. 17 ## **LADYWELL NEIGHBOURHOOD NETWORK AUDITED ACCOUNTS 2024/2025** 19 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 24/25 Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Report to the trustees/members of Ladywell Neighbourhood Network. Registered charty number SC017410 On the accounts of the charity for the year to 31103125 set out on pages I to 3 Res ective res onsibilities of trustees and examiner The charivs trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the ternis of the Charities and Tnjstee Investment (Scotland) Act 2￿5 and the Charrtles Accounts IScotland} Regulations 21X)6. The charity trustees conslder that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(1) (a) to (cl of the Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts a5 required under section 4411) (c) of the Act and to state whether particular matters have corne to my attention. Basis of inde endent examiner's statement My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 200G. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also incSudes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeks explanations from the trustees conceming any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provlde all the evidence that would be required in an audit and. consequently. I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts. Inde end nt examin rf5 Statement In the course of my examinatton, no matter has come to my attention l) Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements: To keep accounting records in accordance with section 44(11 (a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations. and To prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 8 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations have been met, or 2) To which, in my opinion. attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understandin ccounts to be reached. Signed Name Date fl Relevan. Address 20 LADYWELL NEIGHBOURHOOD NETWORK STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH Restricted General 2025 2024 INCOME WLC Grant BOS Foundation Wellbeing TVC Coop Fund Fundraising other Donations Activities 375.00 5297.00 5672.00 10000.00 10000.00 10000.00 10000.00 1500.00 1500.00 500.00 500.00 8833.00 8833.00 11700.00 11700.00 9239.00 9239.00 375.00 57069.00 57444.00 24385.07 3487.50 2498.63 1149.69 3921.89 2566.89 7900.30 45909.97 EXPENDITURE Staff Costs Salaries and Pension Expenses 45645.00 45645.00 24 188.00 212.00 24.00 45833.00 45857.00 38909.81 347.61 39257.42 Property Costs Rent L￿ht & Heat Cleaninglmaintenan Insurance 0.00 982.00 84.00 538.00 1604.00 4650.00 1057.01 99.46 521_03 6327.50 982.00 84.00 538.00 1604 0.00 Supplies & se￿iCes Actwities Transport 375.00 1391.00 1956.00 375.00 3347.00 1766.00 1956.00 3722.00 2901.59 0.00 2901.59 Administration Post,Stationery Telephone, BroadbarKI Equipment Payroll Fees Accountant Fee Bank Charges Sundries 52.CKI 867.00 52.00 867.00 0.00 0.00 220.00 323.00 132.68 1594.68 46.11 831.35 177.12 0.00 220.00 205.57 1737.23 3217.38 220.00 323.C(J 132.68 O.CrfJ 1594.68 Total 399.00 52378.68 52777.68 51703.89 SURPLUS for current year Funds blf Funds clf -24.00 4690.32 4666.32 299.10 26652.45 26951.55 275.10 31342.77 31617.87 -5793.92 32745.47 26951.55 Notss The trustees y￿rk on a voluntary basis and receive no rernunerat￿n. There are no endowment funds 21 LADYWELL NEIGHBOURHOOD NETWORK BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31st MARCH SC017410 2025 2024 CURRENT ASSETS Bank Current Account Activities Cash Cash in Hand 30585.97 1101.90 150.00 31837.87 26129.50 892.05 150.00 27171.55 CURRENT UABILrriES creditors/A￿uaIS Defe￿ed Income (Ace) 220.00 220.00 0.00 220.00 220.CX) NET CURRENT ASSETS 31617.87 26951.55 Represented by UNRESTRICTED GENERAL FUND Balance Brought Forward Surplus for current year Balance carried Forward 2e852.45 4690.32 316DO.99 4948.S4 26652.45 31342.77 RESTRICTED FUND Balance Brought Forward Deficit for current year Balan￿ cArried Forward 299.10 -24.00 1144.48 -845.38 299.10 275.10 TOTAL FUNDS 31617.87 26951.55 Note - there are no endowment funds The financial statements have been pr8pared in &cordance with the temis of the Charities and Trustee Investrnent (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Chanlies Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 Tre charity Irustee consider that the audit requirement does not apply. The financial *atements were approved by the trustees on and are signed on their behalf by Slgnature i/g /2 22 LADYWELL NEIGHBOURHOOD NETWORK RESTRICTED FUNDS for the year to 31103r25 Provider FdinbL".r Purpose blf Income Ex ense transporL aquipmant volunteer development Rent Christmas 299 24 275 Vol Soctor Wdollbeing WLC Total 375 375 375 399 299 275 23