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Annual Report 2024 to 2025 & Thy, MILITARY VETERANS & COMMUNITY CHARITY Ccou hod. 2025-
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Our Purposes
| (as described in the Constitution) | Garelochhead Support Trust has been formed for the benefit of the electoral wards of Helensburgh and Lomond, Alexandria, Dumbarton and Renton, engaging with voluntary groups within these area ina complimentary way (the Community) with the purposes listedinthe sub-clauses hereto (the Purposes) to be exercised following the principles of sustaining development (where sustainable development means development which meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generation to meet their own needs) In accordance with the Charity and Trustee Investment Act 2005 the aims of the organisation are To: Reduce social isolation and loneliness to veterans and their families, and the relief of those veterans in need by reason of age, ill health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage.
The advancement of citizenship through community development to enhance regeneration of rural communities.
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2024-2025 Garelochhead Support Trust
Chairman's Report
Our last AGM in September 2024 the decision was taken to withdraw interest from the Railway station building and change the name of the organisation to Garlochhead Support Trust, this all took place quickly and with minimal of fuss. A new website was created
WWW.GARELOCHHEADSUPPORTTRUST.COM
This gives a full insight into the work we do with our members and the services we provide. We have a board of Trustees, two part time staff members and some very loyal and dedicated volunteers, which all go to create a caring friendly atmosphere to allow our members to relax, interact and socialise.
Our regular groups like Line Dancing, Indoor Bowls, Model making and art/craft all remain popular. Bye monthly Bus Trips remain very popular though it is becoming more difficult to find more interesting places to visit. Of course all this would not be possible without the fantastic support of funders whom without the funding would make this impossible. We continue to work closely with 3rd sector organisations and are involved in a second phase of study with the NHS Ideas Fund with the full participation of our members. Our Welfare team continue to support our members whether it be attending appointments, transportation, or form filling the support they provide to members and their family’s is invaluable and is an important part of the organisation.
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The most important thing to our organisation is our members and the members of the community who have supported everything we as an organisation have tried to achieve. We also continue to have support of the serving community and maintain a good relationship with HMNB Clyde, with serving members attending our Brunch events especially if it is of a Military event or celebration.
The outlook for the next year is promising we will look to continue to expand the membership and with new additions to the board of trustees comes new ideas and also there has been interest from possible sponsors though this is just in its infancy of discussions.
We look forward to continuing to look after the members and bring them the love and support and not to mention the respect they all deserve.
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Towards the end of 2024 we were fortunate enough to secure a second year of engagement with the Ideas Fund and to meet with 2 new researchers ae vi: continuity provided by
During 2025 in partnership with Carrie GST and the researchers carried out several workshops to ascertain the impact of engagement with GST has on members mental wellbeing. They also discussed how members felt engagement with the NHS could be improved and the obstacles faced by veterans.
Feedback from both the video interviews and the World café have given some unique insights into the delivery of services by GST
Below is an extract from the transcript for the world café
GST as Community Anchor and Social Support
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Many stories were shared of GST ‘stepping in’ to rebuild a sense of community where it had eroded.
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» One participant called GST “the social glue."
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Public sector cuts were felt to reduce the time professionals can spend with individuals - GST helps fill that gap by providing meaningful human contact.
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Attendees described how GST gives people the opportunity to “mix and socialise” and feel that “someone has time for me."
Implications & Observations
The session provides detailed, real-life accounts from GST trustees, volunteers, and community members that:
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» Illustrate the lived experience of veterans in rural areas.
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» Surface the challenges in accessing and navigating primary and secondary care.
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» Highlight the mental health and wellbeing consequences of isolation, poor transport, and service fragmentation.
The feedback shows:
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» GST is acting as a bridge between individuals and formal healthcare systems.
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. Their activities help build “social glue," mitigate isolation, and provide practical and emotional support.
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GST fills gaps left by under-resourced or overstretched public services.
Themed brunches we held
2024 to 2025.
The themed brunches we ran through the year:
Hawaiian
Remembrance Burns
Halloween
Christmas
Valentines
World Happiness Day
VE Day
Easter
Armed Forces Day
Hawaiian
One of the most popular Brunches of the year. Everyone loves the Hawaiian Brunch! A bright cheerful, happy and delicious morning was had by all. Thanks to the RN for coming along, we love having you guys here and thank you to all our members who show up and support the Trust, you are all fabulous and make it all worthwhile.
Halloween
Such a great brunch thank you once again to our lovely hardworking Trustees, Kitchen and serving staff
Remembrance
Our Remembrance Brunch is a very special one for our group. We were lucky enough to be joined again by personnel from HM Naval Base Clyde. Our members standing for the ‘Last Post and Reveille’ wearing their medals with pride standing side by side with our wonderful nonmilitary members is enough to bring a tear to the eye.
Christmas
Full marks to everyone involved, the Christmas dinner was excellent. As newly joined members, we were made so welcome and thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon.
Burns
A wonderful fun Burns Brunch for our members today, the haggis which was then addressed by member ff, a toast to the lassies by Trustee RG toast to the laddies by member J A great team of volunteers, trustees and staff made for a fantastic morning.
Fantastic Easter Brunch for our members, lovely to see all the smiling faces some new ones too
An amazing morning, a nice mix of celebratory and commemoration for our VE Day Brunch. A delicious, cooked breakfast fabulously wrapped raffle, a VE Day poem and the Last Post and Reveille. Such a busy morning made even more special with all of our wonderful members.
Social Events (Bus trips)
From July 2024 to June 2025 we have provided our members with 188 seats on 6 bus trips to various places of interest, mostly suggested by our members.
Places we have been this last year:
Dunoon Remembrance
Erskine Hospital (twice)
Stirling Castle
Perth Model Show
New Lanark Heritage site.
Dunoon Remembrance
A lovely day out and a very moving ceremony. Lovely joining the Dunoon friends for this. Lunch was delicious and the company
Stirling Castle
Great day. Well organised. Pre-visit advice very useful. Somewhere I have always wanted to visit. Argyll Museum interesting and emotional. So many interesting exhibits, love to go again. Good to get out with our GST pals. Fun day. Reassured to have the “team” on hand when feeling tired, poorly.
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Social Events (Bus trips) cont.
Perth Model Show
Thank you for a nice day out. The organisation was fantastic & couldn't have been better. Weather was dry so what more can we expect. All the people really nice and helpful, really appreciated that. Thank you again.
New Lanark Heritage Site
New Lanark Heritage Site was a fantastic trip. The staff were very courteous and knowledgeable. The exhibits were really good, and the buildings were well maintained. The café was clean and tidy, and the food was really nice with a great choice of menu. I would also like to mention the GST staff. Second to none. An all-round great trip.
Erskine Veterans Hospital
Wonderful day out at Erskine Veterans Village the weather was kind. SM was very informative about the facility from its inception in 1916 and its journey to the lovely place it is today, we found it very interesting. Also, the lunch in Harry's was excellent Thank you for having us, also thank you to GST for arranging this trip
Weekly Group 2024 - 2025
Line Dancing
From July 2024 to June 2025 the line dancing group has met an astonishing 48 times. This has enabled 628 dancers to meet, socialise, improve their physical and mental wellbeing and dance. This group meets on Tuesday afternoon and hasa slightly later class following on for the more advanced dancers, the group even; their own social events outsideofclasses.
Carpet Bowling 2024 - 20295
Over this past year, July 2024 - June 2025, the group have met 51 times with over 439 people taking part. The group are welcoming to all participants regardless of ability and work to support each other and further develop skills.
Fortnightly Groups Craft and Model Groups
2024 - 2025
A dedicated group of model makers whose ability and skill are more than apparent in the models they complete and show. From tanks to boats, planes to dioramas, this group welcomes anyone regardless of their ability and are always available with assistance and advice
Variety is key for this craft group. Though a smaller group, this fortnightly event is slowly growing in number. Paper craft, to diamond art, fabric craft to knitting, painting to etch art, there is nothing this group will not give a go and are always open to suggestions. Many of the items made have gone on to be sold to generate funds for the groups to continue.
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One to One Tailored Support The Impact
At Garelochhead Support Trust, we as a Charity believe no one should be in a position where they are left feeling vulnerable, open to, or experience, any kind of abuse, exploitation, or harm. As registered Charity we have a zero-tolerance approach to the harm or exploitation of those veterans and members of the wider community. The writer and her welfare colleague endeavour to support and will ensure that each individual's wellbeing and safety is our overriding priority. We have a Vulnerable Adults Policy and Code of Conduct in place which we, the welfare Trustees, adhere too and that is constantly reviewed and implemented.
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Both the writer and her colleague have in 2024 and 2025 continued to cover the compelling needs and demands of our veterans and members of the wider community. The writer and her colleague have and continue to provide transport to GP and hospital appointments. We will both continue to undertake regular welfare visits to those members that due to various medical conditions etc. are house bound and can't attend our fortnightly Brunch Club or other activities organised by GST.
The writer's welfare colleague has and continues to support veterans that have a formal diagnosis of Dementia and has befriended the veterans to give their respective carers some respite and allow the individual caring for the veteran time and space to themselves. As one can appreciate any individual with such an illness can be demanding, require a significant amount of time and attention, the carer can find their daily demands and competing needs difficult and stressful. The writer has supported and will continue to support any veteran or member of
the wider community who is experiencing a partner's diagnosis of a terminal illness and where the individual is receiving palliative care at home. This once again is to allow the carer individual time to process her/his thoughts and allow the carer space to do any necessary tasks that normally they can't do due to their situation.
The Charity and the Welfare Trustees recognise that there are services available and necessary, such as the Marie Curie Nurses; however, in some cases the veterans/members have developed a strong and trusting relationship with the Welfare trustee and support other service delivery. Having that familiar support from a welfare Trustee enables them to grieve and come to terms with their potential loss and is comforting for those about to lose a loved one. This also provides some respite from the significant and understandable stress related to dealing with a loved one’s declining health, bearing in mind all the emotional turmoil that brings.
GST has since 2024 supported many of the veterans and members of the wider community to apply for the Pension Age Disability payment and this has resulted into a significantly increased work load. This benefit was introduced in Scotland in October 2024. This benefit is for people over state Pension age that need someone to look after them because of a disability or long term health condition. This benefit is not means tested and can make quiet a difference to a Pensioners weekly income, standard of living and enable the individual to get support in place that otherwise they could not afford.
To date the writer has applied for and completed nine of these applications and obtained the award for the member, all have been granted the high rate, the writer is still awaiting the outcome of a further two applications. Completing these forms, seventy four pages of them, is time consuming and require
evidence from a GP and other health professionals involved in the individuals life and a comprehensive report written by the writer giving the DWP a detailed background about the applicant.
When completing these applications the writer has utilised her previous knowledge as a social worker and was part of the writers remit while on duty completing benefit forms. The writer has also used her knowledge of other organisations within Scotland to the advantage of veterans, the impact of which has improved the veteran's physical and emotional health and enable them to have a better quality of life.
The writer is fully aware of the significance of communication between GST and other organisations. Having worked ina statutory setting for a number of years the writer fully appreciates that it is vital to ensuring positive outcomes and | necessary for getting the best for those the welfare and the GST are serving.
The writer has developed her knowledge of Organisations and has worked hard at effecting and enhancing her working relationship with Occupational Therapy and other such like minded organisations. The impact of nurturing a collaborative relationship between OT and Welfare has resulted in the installation of a'Wet room’ for a veteran in need of one. Communication is crucial between partner organisations to ensure continuous effectiveness and is the fundamental differentiator between good and great results for the recipient. The welfare Trustees are aware that there are many veterans that are socially isolated, and their only human contact may be the Brunch and Model clubs and other social group activities provided by GST.
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The writer and her colleague provide transport to and from these activities. There are veterans through either mental health or work commitments that are experiencing difficulties and are unable to attend the social events GST provide. These members are supported by the writer on a one to one basis; one such member has stated that they feel ‘empowered’ by the support the welfare services offers.
Another member, who is receiving personalised emotional support whilst caring for her father who is a veteran, recently stated that ‘she has felt an enhanced self-awareness about her own abilities and capabilities, while being given time to work on sensitive issues ina private setting’, The welfare Trustees will continue to provide ongoing support to vulnerable veterans their families and the wider members of the community. The writer alongside her colleague will monitor and ensure that each veteran physical, emotional, and social needs are being met and to the best of their ability ensure that no veterans/members are left feeling vulnerable and isolated.
Welfare Trustee GST
Garelochhead Support Trust Finance Report June 2024 to June 2025 re =om
Garelochhead Support Trust
| Profit and Loss Report | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 July, 2024 - 30June, 2025 | |||
| Sales | |||
| 4000 -Age Scotland | 1,000.00 | ||
| 4010 - Foundation Scotland | 10,000.00 | ||
| 4011 -BSA British Science | 32,865.00 | ||
| 4013 -A& B Council | 1,200.00 | ||
4015 -ACHA |
480.00 | ||
| 4030 -Veterans Scotland | 7,624.00 | ||
| 4126 - The MacRobert Trust | 9,976.00 | ||
4127 - Dunbritton Housing |
460.00 | ||
| 4150 - Donations | 13,766.45 | ||
| 4157 - Submariners Association | 500.00 | ||
| 4175 - Arnold Clark | 500.00 | ||
| 4176 -RM Charity | 330.40 | ||
| 4900 - Other income | 5,392.24 | ||
| TotalSales | £84,094.09 | ||
| Direct Expenses | |||
| 5000 - Brunch Club | 5,525.66 | ||
7526 -Trips& Subsistance |
2,385.00 | ||
| 7855 - Memorial Expenses | 289.00 | ||
| Total DirectExpenses | £8,199.66 | ||
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GROSS PROFIT /LOSS |
£75,894.43 | ||
| Overheads | |||
6000 - Marketing |
386.76 | ||
| 7000 - EmployeeWagesand Salaries | 41,521.85 | ||
| 15Jul202516:20; |
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|7030|-|Employer's|Pension|85.88|
|7100|-|Rent|17,470.00|
|7400|- Travelling|339.61|
|7460|-|Subsistence|87.50|
|7510|- Postage and|Carriage|85.00|
|7520|-|Office|Costs|587.05|
|7550|- Computer &|Software|307.66|
|7560|-|Mobile|Charges|311.60|
|7600|- Legal Fees|65.00|
|7610|- Bookkeeping|Fees|600.00|
|7630|- Business|Insurance|1,098.58|||
|7800|-|Repairs and|Renewals|28.14|
|7900|- Bank Charges|and|Interest|53.29|
|8200|- General|Expenses|10,656.48|
|Total|Overheads|£73,684|
|NET PROFIT|/ LOSS|£2,21 ||
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Garelochhead Support Trust Balance Sheet Report
To: 30 June, 2025
ASSETS
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Fixed Assets
Total Fixed Assets £0.00 Current Assets Assets || 1200 - Bank Account 7269 18,844.86 1220 - Bank Account 7867 7,263.60 5001 - Items to sell 277.80 Total Current Assets £26,206.26
Current Assets Assets
TOTAL ASSETS £26,386.26
LIABILITIES | Current Liabilities 2210 - PAYE to pay to HMRC -28,718.66 2220 - NIC to pay to HMRC 963.38 2260 - Pension -8,439.63 | Total Current Liabilities £36,194 Future Liabilities i | Total Future Liabilities £0.00 TOTAL LIABILITIES pee t Page 1 pf 2 | |
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TOTAL NET ASSETS £62,581.17
EQUITY | Net Profit / Loss 62,581.17 Net Profit / Loss (prior year(s)) 60,371.14 Net Profit / Loss (current year) 2,210.03 , TOTAL EQUITY £62,581.17
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15 Jul 2025 16:21
From: 30/06/2020 To: 30/06/2025
Garelochhead Support Trust Trial Balance Report
15 Jul 2025 6:21
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|This|period|only|
|ee|Category Name|As Of 30/06/2025|
|Debit|Credit|
|1200|Bank|Account|7269|18,844.86|
|1220|Bank Account|7867|7,263.60|
|2210|PAYE|to|pay|to HMRC|28,718.66|
|2220|NIC|to|pay|to HMRC|96388|
|2260|Pension|8,439.63|
|4000|Age|Scotland|4.040300|
|4010|Foundation|Scotland|12,761)00|
|4011|BSA|British Science|68,452]00|
|4012|Turcan|Connell|5,000}00|
|4013|A|&|B|Council|2,308)00|
|4015|ACHA|1,460)00|
|4020|Co op|5.42471|
|4021|NHS|Highland|15,25@,00|
|4025|TSI|35,884.16|
|4030|Veterans|Scotland|93,314.00|
|4040|Stafford|2,004.00|
|4045|Babcock|Crafts|etc)|2,154.26|
|4046|The|Corra|Foundation|3,364.00|
|4100|Memberships|2,554.00|
|4126|The|MacRobert|Trust|9,974.00|
|4127|Dunbritton|Housing|469.00|
|47|479.66|
|4150|Donations|
|4157|Submariners|Association|509.00|
|4160|Support|in|Mind|2,319.00|
|4170|Armed|Forces|1,759.00|
|4175|Arnold|Clark|1,259.00|
|4176|RM|Charity|1,407.37|
|4180|HSCP|2,248.00|
|4900|Other|income|11,197.19|
|5000|Brunch|Club|20,131.57|
|5001|Items|to|sell|277.80|
|6000|Marketing|1,836.81|
|reduced|bySage Business|Cloud|Accounting|=|
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Page 4 of 3
From: 30/06/2020 To: 30/06/2025
15 Jull2025 6:21
Garelochhead Support Trust Trial Balance Report
| 7000 | EmployeeWagesand Salaries | 168,591.91 | |
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| 7020 | Employers NI | 1,314.01 | |
| 7030 | Employer's Pension | 400.54 | |
| 7100 | Rent | 36,704.14 | |
| 7400 | Travelling | 12,816.68 | |
| 7415 | Party Events | 938.35 | |
| 7430 | Inverness University Course& Food | 784.56 | |
| 7460 | Subsistence | 143.55 | |
| 7500 | Printing | 1,553.28 | |
| 7510 | Postage and Carriage | 1,202.07 | |
| 7520 | Office Costs | 7,491.14 | |
| 7525 | Arts& Craft Classes |
2,719.79 | |
| 7526 | Trips& Subsistance | 16,558.80 | |
| 7527 | Well Being Course | 525.00 | |
| 7530 | Telephone | 56.00 | |
| 7550 | Computer& Software | 2,758.07 | |
| 7560 | MobileCharges | 775.60 | |
| 7600 | Legal Fees | 275.50 | |
| 7610 | Bookkeeping Fees | 2,779.90 | |
| 7620 | Consultancy & Professional Fees | 225.00 | |
| 7625 | Counselling Support | 985.00 | |
| 7630 | Business Insurance | : | 3,550.02 |
| 7640 | Equipment Hire | 70.00 | |
| 7650 | Laptop Support | 10.00 | |
| 7800 | Repairs and Renewals | 2,158.10 | |
| 7850 | Cleaning Materials/Sanitisers | 134.19 | |
| 7855 | Memorial Expenses | 858.62 | |
| 7900 | BankChargesand Interest | §5.12 | |
| 8000 | Gifts forMembers | 864.32 | |
| 8200 | General Expenses | 31,358.29 | |
| 8210 | Subscriptions | 13:52 | |
| 8225 | Hardship Funding | 350.00 | |
| 8230 | Training Costs | 15,390.76 | |
| 9998 | OpeningBalances | ||
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| ProducedbySageBusinessCloudAccounting |
66,436.03
Page Jof 3
From: 30/06/2020
Garelochhead Support Trust Trial Balance Report
15 Jul R025 6:21
To: 30/06/2025
TOTAL £399,924.76 £399,924/76
Produced by Sage Business Cloud Accounting
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Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Garelochhead Support Trust. The report on accounts for the year ending 30" June 2025
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Respective responsibility of the trustee and examiner i
The charity trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the terms of the Charitie sand Trustees Investment (Scotland) 2005) Act and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended). The charity trustees consider that the audit requirements of Regulation 10(1)(d) of the Accounts | Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the account as required under section 44(1)(c) of the Act and to state whether particular matters have come | to my attention.
Basis of independent examiners statement
My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the 2006Accounts 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 of disclosure 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 be the accounts.
Independent Examiner's Statement
In the course of my examination no matter has come to my attention
1, Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
A To keep accounting records in accordance with section 4491)(a) of the 2005 Act and regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulation, and
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B To prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the Regulation 9 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations
Have not been met, or
2 To which, in my opinion attend should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached
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La Ugot 2028 pated yr” Zo _
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