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2025-03-31-accounts

SAMARITANS OF FALKIRK AND CENTRAL SCOTLAND SCIO

ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED

31 MARCH 2025

Samaritans ’ Vision is that fewer people die by suicide

ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

BRANCH DIRECTOR STATEMENT

I am pleased to present our Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ending 31 March 2025.

This has been a challenging yet productive year for the branch as we continue working towards restoring our full complement of listening volunteers. Our Training and Recruitment Team have worked tirelessly, delivering numerous training sessions and providing prospective volunteers with flexible opportunities to complete their training at times that suit their individual circumstances.

I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to our volunteers, who, in addition to their commitment to delivering our listening service, have undertaken a variety of leadership and support roles that are essential to the successful operation of the branch. Their dedication, professionalism, and willingness to contribute beyond their core volunteering responsibilities are greatly appreciated.

During the year, we undertook a recruitment process in the hope of appointing a new Branch Director to lead the branch into its next phase. Unfortunately, despite our efforts, we were unable to fill this position. As a result, I agreed to continue in the role for a further year to provide continuity and support for the branch.

It remains a privilege to serve as Branch Director, and I look forward to working alongside our volunteers in the coming year. Together, we will continue to deliver our vital listening services, support one another, and work towards achieving our objectives as we further develop and strengthen the branch.

Michael Thompson

Branch Director

CONTENTS

Trustees’ Annual Report............................................................. ........... ............. . 2-7 Independent Examiner’s Report............................................................ ........ ...... 8 Statement of Rece ipts & Payments ........ ........... .................. ............................... . 9 Statement of Balances ................... ....................... ......... ..................................... . 10 Notes to the Financial State ments ............ .......................................................... 11-13 Supporters......................... .................................................................................. 14

ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Charity Name - Samaritans of Falkirk & Central Scotland SCIO Charity Number - SC047635

Principal Address - 19 Orchard Street, Falkirk, FK1 1RF Website Address - www.samaritans.org/branches/falkirk

Current Trustees –

Michael Thompson (Director) Charlotte Bentley Williams (Secretary) Allan Williamson Margaret Coutts Seonagh Perrie

Other Trustees Who Served During the Year

Yvonne Gregg

Bankers

CAF Bank 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling ME19 4JQ

Independent Examiner

Kelly Thompson 40 Sheephousehill Fauldhouse EH479ED

STRUCTURE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The charity is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation that was registered on the 10th of August 2017 and governed by its constitution. It is the successor to the charity to Samaritans of Falkirk and Central Scotland which was an unincorporated association (Charity No SC006695), established in 1974.

ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Appointment of trustees

The board of trustees consists of the branch director (whose appointment is subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees of the Samaritans Charity), a secretary, a treasurer and up to eight trustees elected by the members of the branch. The trustee may co-opt two further trustees.

The Branch Director serves for three years (four years in exceptional

circumstances). All other trustees retire at the AGM but are eligible for re-election if they have not served for six or more consecutive years.

Induction and Training of Trustees

New Trustees are inducted and trained in accordance with Samaritans national policy.

Organisational structure

The Board of trustees, which is responsible for the day-to-day management of the charity, normally meets monthly.

Day-to-today management of the Branch is delegated to the Branch Leadersh ip Team ("BLT") which normally meets monthly.

Sub-sections of the Branch Leadership Team ("BLT"), meet at regular intervals in the furtherance of operational activity.

Volunteers

Our Branch is run entirely by unpaid volunteers. Without them, our Branch would not exist. In addition to their core role of being available for our callers, many of our volunteers give generously of their time to undertake:

We are very grateful for the considerable time, enthusiasm and expertise with which these activities are undertaken.

Our support volunteers are also immensely valuable to us, giving us their expertise in finance, IT, compliance and office organisation.

ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Risk assessment

The trustees and branch leadership team regularly review the risks, including the health and safety of its volunteers, to which the charity is exposed. They do not believe there are any substantial risks beyond the liabilities disclosed in the Balance Sheet. The trustees accept that the Samaritans’ reputation could be at risk through misuse of confidential information but has policies and procedures in place, including safeguarding and Protection of Vulnerable Groups checks on all volunteers, to mitigate this risk.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

The objectives of the charity are:

• To enable people to be in Falkirk and Central Scotland and the surrounding area as well as elsewhere who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those who may be at risk of suicide, to receive confidential emotional support at any time of the day or night in order to improve their emotional health and to reduce the incidence of suicide

• To promote a better understanding in society of suicide, suicidal behaviour and the value of expressing feelings which may otherwise lead to suicide or impaired emotional health; and

• To collaborate with and support Samaritans Central Charity and its affiliated branches in fulfilling these Objects.

Samaritans vision is that fewer people die by suicide. We work to achieve this by making our mission to alleviate emotional distress and reduce the incidence of suicidal feeling and suicidal behaviour.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Summary

This year has been extremely rewarding, we have carried out numerous training sessions and have achieved our goal set last year, number of listening volunteers has increased to a more stable number. We as a branch still have an increasing amount of work to carry out in our public engagement, this is due to the increasing demand from outside organisations, reaching out for mental health awareness materials/ talks.

ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Volunteer capacity

At the end of this financial year, we have 43 volunteers actively supporting and undertaking listening duties. In addition to this we have 2 support Samaritans who contribute to the running of the branch in various capacities. Across this financial year we received several resignations, from our existing volunteer base. This has been a significant loss to the branch in terms of knowledge, skills and community contribution. The reasons for resignations are varied, however, We have seen several volunteers explain that their personal circumstances have changed or retirement from volunteering.

As a board, we are supportive and respectful of everyone, and their decision to volunteer. It’s our wish to share a heartfelt appreciation for the contribution and efforts of each volunteer during their time with the branch.

Volunteer Recruitment & Training

The branch has recruited various intakes of potential new volunteers, who have settled within the branch, as above our training team has worked extremely hard this year to increase the numbers of volunteers.

We have als o carried out a huge number of interview s, this has resulted a re duction in the backlog of potential volunteers from Covid restrictions.

Over the next year we will continue at the same pace as we have, this will enable the branch to keep with demand for applications being received. All mandatory training has been completed by listening and support volunteers as directed by Central Charity across the year.

Service delivery

Across this financial year, the branch has delivered 1252 shifts from listening volunteers. This total is made up of: Out of Hours Shifts: 256 Day Shifts: 956 The branch has remained closed for face-to-face calls.

Prisons

Historically this branch would support both the Cornton Vale women’s prison in Stirling, and the Polmont Young Offenders Institution.

Since the newly opened HMP Stirling opened this year, our branch has bi-weekly visits to the ladies that have moved there from Corton Vale, the increasing demand on our services within HMP Stirling has allowed potential new Listener volunteers to be trained.

ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

We have also carried out various training days/ information sessions with both prisoners and staff, we will continue to work with both HMP Striling and HMP Polmont, throughout the year we will support both prisons through face-to-face visits.

Outreach - Schools

As a branch we are continuing to support local schools within the area, this was paused briefly due to Samaritans changing the policy on supporting schools, regularly reaching out to schools /colleges looking to provide material for awareness.

Partnership Working & National Campaigns

The branch maintains relationships with local partnerships, which supports the visibility and awareness of Samaritans and our services. The partnerships have been specifically cultivated to reach key demographics who have historically found it more difficult to reach out for help and support in times of crisis.

Police Scotland (Forth Valley), the branch has held events to drive awareness in the community in conjunction with Police Scotland of Fourth Valley. This consisted of town centre presence, discussing the service and making contact details available to the public.

Network Rail, in conjunction with network rail, the branch has hosted community awareness events at high traffic train stations across our region. Stations reached include - Stirling, Bridge of Allen, Falkirk High & Falkirk Grahamston. These events supported national Samaritans campaigns such as ‘Brew Monday’, and general awareness across key local dates.

Fundraising Activities

We rely on income from a variety of sectors; some independent people do provide donations and larger groups / companies we appeal to for funds.

Face to face collections and informal fundraising activity have largely been our main income this year, throughout the next financial term we will continue to fundraise the same way and try for grant funding to assist with branch equipment.

Any funds which are received by the branch are used to help run our branch with everyday running costs. We advertise at football grounds, schools, colleges, and use posters to support awareness across the region, in addition to delivering talks. Our aim is to share the message that it is OK to talk to Samaritans at any time of the day or night.

ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

FUTURE PLANS

In the immediate future, there are several activities which we will continue to focus on. on:

• Encourage volunteers to help with running the branch as there are still numerous roles that require filing. – actively promote the role of BD and fill this role within this year

• Build up the branch awareness in the local community, driving awareness of the services we offer and how these are relevant to our area.

M. Thompson

M. Thompson

Michael Thompson

ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Samaritans of Falkirk and Central Scotland SCIO I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 9 to 13.

Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner

The Charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the terms of the

Charities and Trustees Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 ("the 2005 Act") and the Charities Accounts (Scotland)

Regulations 2006 (as amended) ("the 2006 Regulations"). The trustees consider that the audit requirement of

Regulation (10)(1)(d) of the 2006 Regulations does not apply.

It is my responsibility to examine the accounts under section (44)(1)(c) of the 2005 Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of Independent Examiner's Statement

My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the 2006 Regulations. 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 includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and

seeks explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not

provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion

on the view given by the accounts.

Independent Examiner's Statement

In connection with the examination, no matter came to my attention: -

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect, the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with section 44(1)(a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Regulations, and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 9 of the

2006 Regulations have not been met, or

  1. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Kelly Thompson 40 Sheephousehill Fauldhouse

EH479ED

ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Receipts
Donations
Gift Aid
Prison support grant
Other grants
Fund Raising
Bank interest
Payments
Fund raising costs
Charitable activities
Branch costs
Service delivery
Central charity dues
Governance costs
Annual accounts
Data Protection registration
Deficit for the year		 Note Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
2025
Total
2024
7
8		 £
£
£
£
4,907
4,907
6,217
1,305
1,305
1,238
2,127
2,127
2,514
702
702
691
0
825
63
63
80
8,403
702
9,105
11,564
236
236
236
11,128
11,128
12,521
4,446
4,446
5,051
1,138
1,138
1,517
0
0
0
35
35
35
16,982
0
16,982
19,360
-8,580
702
-7,878
-7,796

ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

STATEMENT OF BALANCES

STATEMENT OF BALANCES
AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
Cash at Bank
Balance as at 01 April 2024
Surplus/(Deficit) for period
Balance as at 31 March 2025
Other Assets
Tangible fixed assets
Debtors & prepayments
Liabilities
Central charity dues
Other creditors		 Note Unrestricte
d Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
2025
Total
2024
9
11
12		 £
£
£
£
34,726
69
34,795
42,591
-8,580
702
-7,878
-7,796
26,146
771
26,917
34,795
737,554
737,554
716,956
2,353
1,783
4,136
2,737
739,907
1,783
741,690
719,693
0
1,138
272
272
39
272
0
272
1,177

The Notes on pages 11 to 13 form an integral part of these accounts.

These accounts, which which have been prepared in accoradance with the Charities and Trustee Investment

(Scotland) Act 2005, and signed by:

Michael Thompson

Director

ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

These accounts have been prepared on the receipts & payments basis in accordance with:

The Charities and Trustee Investment (a) (Scotland) Act 2005 The Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (b) (as amended)

There has been no change to the basis of preparation or to the previous year's accounts.

Unrestricted funds are those that can be expended at the discretion of the

The charity is not liable to corporation tax or capital gains tax on its charitable (a) activities.

The charity is not registered for VAT, thus all costs are shown inclusive of VAT (b) charged.

Trustee

No remuneration was paid to trustees during the year or in the (a) previous year.

The charity's insurance policy includes trustees indemnity insurance cover (b) for all of its trustees.

ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

5 Trustee expenses Expenses were reimbursed to trustees as follows:

Travelling expenses
Transactions with		 2025
2024
No
£
No
£
0
0
0
0
Cleaning &
housekeeping
Heating & lighting
Insurance
Office equipment
Property
Maintenance
Rent
8
Service delivery
costs
Advertising &
publicity
Print Postage &
Stationery
Telephone
Travel expenses
Prison expenses		 Unrestricte
d Funds
Restricte
d Funds
Total
2025
Total
2024
£
£
£
£
4,489
4,489
4,576
4,331
4,331
5,286
1,548
1,548
1,557
0
0
117
759
759
985
0
0
0
11,128
0
11,128
12,521
Unrestricte
d Funds
Restricte
d Funds
Total
2025
Total
2024
£
£
£
£
2,113
2,113
1,850
217
217
187
1,783
1,783
1,393
0
918
273
273
0

ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Sundries
60
2,663
1,783
9 Fixed assets
The charity owns the property at 19 Orchard Street, Falkirk, which has been
refurbished over time. No
reliable market value is available, but current
insurance cover is as follows:
Buildings
Contents
10
Movements in
funds
As at
31/03/24
Receipts
Unrestricted Funds
£
£
General fund
36,119
8,403
Restricted Funds
CFSLA lottery
-1,324
701
Total Funds
34,795
9,104
11
Debtors &
Prepayments
Unrestricte
d Funds
Restricte
d Funds
£
£
Debtors
NCS
Overpayment
Prepayments
Insuranc
e
1,548
Accrued income
Gift Aid to be charged to
HMRC
805
CFSLA charge payment
to come
1,783
2,353
1,783		 60 60
192
2,663
1,783		 4,446
4,540
2025
2024
£
£
707,147
686,549
30,407
30,407
737,554
716,956
Payment
s
As at
31/03/2
5
£
£
36,119
8,403		 £
£
14,062
30,460
-1,324
701		 1,783
-2,406
34,795
9,104		 15,845
28,055
Unrestricte
d Funds
Restricte
d Funds		 Total
2025
Total
2024
£
£
1,548
805
1,783		 £
£
0
0
1,548
1,548
805
805
1,783
3,566
2,353
1,783		 4,136
5,919

ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

12
Creditors
Creditors
Travel
Expenses
Office
Equipment
Contribution to central
charity		 Unrestricte
d Funds
Restricte
d Funds
Total
2025
Total
2024
£
£
£
£
272
272
39
0
0
1,255
1,255
1,138
1,527
0
1,527
1,177

An unrestricted fund that may be expanded at the discretion of the General Fund trustees in furtherance of the objects of the charity. Grant funding from the CFSLA lottery to cover internet and CFSLA Lottery telephone costs. Claims are submitted to CFSLA after bills have been paid which results in a negative balance until the funds are received.