Charity registration number 1108057
Company registration number 05135567 (England and Wales)
HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees
Mrs S Bolland, Chair
Mr J Harman
Ms R Wray
G Aplin
J Arthurs
Charity number
1108057
Company number
05135567
Registered office
L5 Temple Court
Knights Park
Knight Road
Strood
Kent
ME2 2LT
Independent examiner
TC Group
Star House
Star Hill
Rochester
Kent
ME1 1UX
HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
CONTENTS
Page
Chairman's statement
1
Trustees' report
2 - 20
Statement of trustees' responsibilities
21
Independent examiner's report
22
Statement of financial activities
23
Statement of financial position
24 - 25
Notes to the financial statements
26 - 38
HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 1 -

The year 2023 marks 50 years since our founder Margaret Harrison set up the very first Home-Start in Leicester. Margaret’s founding ethos was that the best way to give children the strongest start in life is to offer families friendly, volunteer-led support in their own homes. Simple, yet so powerful. Home-Start’s work has developed over the decades but Margaret’s ethos remains at the heart of what we do.

Home-start Medway was born in 1987 and since that time has provided services to Families in the Medway area diversifying service delivery over the years to meet the needs of the community and to access funding. In a year when the environment has been challenging for charities across the UK, with increasing competition for funding and volunteers, I am particularly proud of how Home Start team has responded. I am aware some charities have not found their way through this difficult time.

We have had a lot to celebrate at Home-start Medway. Firstly, we have moved premises to a larger and more suitable building where we can offer group work and training. This move is from Gillingham to Strood. We have been busy securing funding and support for Home-Start work, particularly of note is long term funding from Medway council and the Big Lottery, partnering with other organisations, developing training for staff and volunteers, and collectively celebrating our wonderful Home-Start volunteers who support our families and the trustees who also give their time voluntarily. In the last year we have developed early speech projects and have been fortunate to continue our work with local army families.

There have been staff changes but we have been very fortunate to recruit excellent team members to all the posts. We have strengthened our bonds across the network, pulling closer together rather than becoming more insular in the face of local challenges. 50 years of experience tells us that by coming together, supporting each other, and celebrating progress, we will find solutions to the challenges around us and be able to stand alongside families. Home-start is all about the families we work alongside.

I’d like again to thank every member of the wonderful Home-Start team – for their hard work and commitment this includes staff, volunteers, supporters and partners – for the part you’ve played in making Home-Start Medway what it is today.

 

Mrs S Bolland
Chairman
HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 2 -

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)".

Structure, governance and management

CONSTITUTION

The company is a charitable company limited by guarantee and has been in operation for 37 years.

 

The company is constituted and is a registered charity number 1108057.

 

The principal objective of the company is to recruit and train volunteers who are usually parents themselves to visit families at home with at least one child under five and offer them informal, friendly and confidential support.

METHOD OF APPOINTMENT OR ELECTION OF TRUSTEES

The management of the company is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co‑opted under the terms of the Memorandum and Articles of Association. One third of the board retire by rotation, by reference to those who have been longest in office since their last election, together with any members of the board who have been appointed to fill a casual vacancy since the last annual general meeting.

RISK MANAGEMENT

The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the company is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the company, and are satisfied that the policies, systems and procedures are in place to mitigate our exposure to the major risks.

 

The Board of Trustees will clarify annually the level of known financial liability it carries so that policy and operational actions can be implemented.

The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
Mrs S Bolland, Chair
Ms I Jeffrey, Treasurer
(Resigned 17 July 2024)
Mr J Harman
Ms R Wray
G Aplin
J Arthurs
HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 3 -
Objectives, achievements and performance
POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES

Home‑Start helps to improve the life chances of children by supporting their parents and carers at difficult times. In particular Home‑Start offers emotional and practical support as well as friendship to parents with at least one child under the age of five. The organisation gives families support by assisting them to identify what family and child centred issues are a problem in their lives and how they can get help. This is done at an initial visit, with regular follow ups to review progress and determine to what extent Home‑Start is making a difference and how other resources may be accessed to improve the family’s circumstances.

Our Vision:

Home-Start Medway has been working with local families for the last 37 years. We are an independent voluntary organisation with a vision to support parents across Medway to give their children the best start in life.

Our Ambition:

What we want to achieve:

 

Services we currently offer:

  1. Home Visiting through a network of volunteers

  2. Group support

  3. 1-1 family support from a dedicated Family Worker

  4. 1-1 support and groups for our forces families

  5. Domestic Abuse Support

 

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Our team:

Our team currently consists of 12 paid members of staff and 35 volunteers (including 6 Trustees).

Volunteers:

Our Volunteers support Home-Start Medway to deliver services across Medway. Roles include Trustees, Home Visiting, Admin, Group Support and Medway’s One Stop Shop.

All volunteers are subject to a DBS check and references to ensure that they are suitable for the role. We provide full training which is delivered using a hybrid approach. This consists of 8 hours on-line training and 8 hours face to face training. The content of this training includes; our Home-Start approach, family life, boundaries, commitment, communication and listening, confidentiality, safeguarding, personal safety alongside information about the additional services the volunteers can signpost to within Home-Start.

HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 4 -
HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
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HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
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HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 7 -
HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 8 -

‘After being let down and discharged from my previous mental health support home start have been invaluable to me. Due to my mental health breaking down and suffering from agoraphobia I found myself surrounded with excess stuff accumulated for comfort and security that started to make me feel suffocated.

 

I can't thank Karen and Sandra enough for their help and support coming and helping me going through the mountains of stuff and also removing it from my house taking it to be donated so that it doesn’t sit her and go back into the house which has previously happened when I have sorted stuff out. I have now managed with their help to start getting the rooms more manageable and can't wait for the house to be empty of all the excess stuff. These wonderful ladies aren't just providing practical help but are being a listening ear when at times I have felt so alone and depressed. Thank you.

 

'At first, it had been very difficult to trust someone new and also, to accept that I needed support with my son behaviour. I was in a very difficult situation when I met Karen. I was struggling with everything and it took time to trust her and follow her guidance. But when I started to listen, to learn and to follow her advice, I’ve been so impressed that it actually worked.

I also learned that kids behaviour and emotions are a reflection of how we feel and behave.

 

Therefore, with Karen’s support all the way, I changed how I answer and react with my son.

It took lots of trials and patience but it worked. My son now is more calm, happy, he listen to me most of the times. When I say no for sweets and toys, instead of throwing himself on the floor and shout in the shops, he now put the toys or sweets back. He moan a bit but still no more crying shouting and kicking.

 

There is still a lot of work in progress but I’m more confident in my skills. By following Karen guidance I had good results, I’m a better person and a happier mum. I will miss her lots but I will keep in touch. Thank you Karen and thank you Home Start Medway!’

 

Domestic Abuse support:

 

We offer specialised support for families with a child under five who are experiencing low/medium domestic abuse or who have experienced domestic abuse historically, including those who have fled to Medway. We have a dedicated Domestic Abuse Co-Ordinator who supports these families directly. 29 families were supported by this worker during the last year.

 

We often find that families supported by the DA Co-ordinator have been placed into emergency accommodation. These are often poorly furnished and do not have the essential equipment needed to meet their child’s needs. Our DA Co-ordinator seeks to provide parents/carers with the essentials that they need through applications to partner charities and the Children in Need grants programme.

 

Our DA Co-ordinator will provide home-visiting support to families weekly. During these visits, victims will be supported to come to terms with the trauma they have experienced, will be supported to ensure that their children have all the support that they need also. The work often focuses on supporting parents to integrate into their new area, as well as practical support, such as Makenzie friend in court and signposting to DA services that can support with the acquisition of legal orders.

 

In addition to our direct work with families, we continue to co-ordinate the One Stop Shop (OSS) in Gillingham. The OSS ensures victims receive support from a range of professional agencies / organisations as needed. In attendance weekly is the DWP, domestic abuse services, legal advisor, and housing. In addition, victims also have access to safety equipment such as door bars and personal alarms.

HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
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HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
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HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
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HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
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HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
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HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
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HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
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HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 16 -
HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 17 -

Plan of work & support offered.

 

1. Parenting

 

FF worker to offer x 4 play sessions in the home using a variety of resources - mainly for C3 but will include C4 when she is not at school.

Mum will be aware of a range of activities she can offer to promote interaction with the children and improve their parent / child relationship.

Discuss routines, boundaries & consistency.

 

Outcomes - Parenting

 

FF worker provided x 4 play sessions – offering painting, playdough, collage, cooking & puzzles. Role modelling each activity. Mum joined in every session and appeared to take on board my explanation of the benefits to the children’s development of each activity. C4 fully immersed himself in the activities.

FF worker offered basic parenting strategies to help improve the children’s behaviour such as distraction techniques to divert their attention.

Open discussion with mum to highlight the importance of supervising the children during play to ensure they are safe but to prevent them drawing on walls & damaging furniture.

 

2 - Practical support

 

FF worker to observe home conditions at visits, discuss any concerns with mum & update CIN team accordingly.

FF worker observed deterioration in home conditions during period of involvement, the flat became increasingly untidy, and often lots of washing piled up, open black sacks of rubbish in kitchen diner area. Mould was unaddressed which then began to transport to children’s beds. These issues addressed by CIN team.

 

Many of the children’s toys were broken & dirty. FF worker gave support to sort & clean toys, disposing of broken toys or toys that were no longer age appropriate.

Outcomes - Practical support

 

FF worker provided a food bank box, Christmas presents to all the family & a food hamper.

 

An unsuccessful application to sofology for a new suite was also submitted.

FF worker requested school uniform for C4 and shoes for both children from Wonderfully Made, this was successful.

 

Mum welcomed FF worker into her home & engaged with the sessions appropriately alongside the children. The children appeared to enjoy the sessions too. It is hoped that Mum will use the experience of seeing activities in action & be able to repeat on her own with the children, this will stimulate their development & continue to develop the parent child relationship.

On going support from CIN team, so final outcome known.

 

Feedback from parent

 

‘I don’t want you to leave, please stay forever. You are a genuine person who tells me as it is. Me & the kids have really enjoyed it all. I have liked having your company as I have no one to talk to. I will engage more with the children, I want to do the activities, but I need to get the equipment. Thank you for your support through it all. I wish you could stay’.

HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 18 -

Case Study 2 - Home Visiting Support (Volunteer)

 

This was a self referral from a 29-year-old first time mum with a child who has just had his first birthday.

 

Objectives:

 

Setting Routines.

Emotional Support – Listening ear.

Support in finding time for herself without feeling guilty

 

Issues:

 

For 3 weeks following the birth mum stated she struggled to bond with the baby. As the baby wasn’t sleeping very much, Mum started to feel very low, crying every day, doubting her ability to be a mother and struggling to bond / interact with the baby. She recognised she had post-natal depression. Mums’ self-esteem was rock bottom and she felt very isolated. Mum was very anxious and was stressed most of the time. She felt the baby sensed this and seemed stressed too. She seemed to struggle with day to day running of the home and housework seemed insurmountable. This has made mum feel more stressed as she described her husband as a bit of a ‘neat freak’ and mum feels guilty that the house is not as tidy as it should be when he comes home from work.

 

Mum was due back to work in March 2023 but due to the amount of holiday accrued since being on maternity leave, is due to officially return to work at the beginning of June. She may do an odd shift leading up to the return so she can put the baby into a nursery so he can get used to being without mum and mixing with other children, making his transition to fulltime nursery easier too.

 

At Mid Review:

 

Since the volunteer has been supporting the family, mum stated she found it easier to cope on difficult days and is bonding, interacting and playing with her child. She feels she copes better with the housework but doesn’t stress so much if things aren’t completely done or didn’t get done. She now feels more in control and able to cope with her child’s demands.

 

Mum feels the objectives that were set at the beginning of support have been partly met but feels in need of a bit more support with routines and balancing things.

 

Mum is also juggling raising her child as well as doing a course (deadline is coming soon for coursework to be handed in). Mum is very aware she may not have been able to complete this if she was still feeling the way she was before the help & support of the volunteer.

 

Outcomes:

 

Mum looks forward to the volunteers visits as they have a chat first and volunteer always asks how her week has been which makes such a difference to have someone to chat to and to share things with someone outside of the family who doesn’t judge her. Mum has a better relationship with her child and feels all of her previous concerns are much improved as she doesn’t get so easily upset which makes her feel more in control and a more confident parent.

 

Mum has found the biggest impact since having the volunteer support is she is no longer crying on a daily basis. The volunteer has helped with setting routines, bonding, playing & interacting with her baby, and has learnt not to worry over what she hasn’t done, but to recognise what she has done & how far she has come.

 

HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 19 -

Mum has also managed to complete her coursework before the deadline & this was because of the help of the volunteer playing with the baby whilst she was on the computer doing this.

 

She is now getting out and about to baby groups etc on her own and is no longer feeling isolated.

 

Feedback:

 

Mum said, ‘Its indescribable how much of a difference the help and support of the volunteer has made to our family. She cannot thank her enough and would recommend Home-Start volunteer support to anyone with babies/young children struggling in the future’.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

 

Total income for the year fell slightly to £250,531 from £351,315 in 2023, with the main decrease resulting from an overall reduction in smaller grant applications although we were grateful with the continued support of Medway Council which allowed us to have a strong delivery base. Funding from The Veterans Foundation, Big Lottery, Kent Community Foundation and Nationwide Building Society amongst others allowed us to develop group work and individual support to a range of families in Medway.

 

Total expenditure has increased to £304,499 from £287,769 in 2023, as a result in an increase in staff costs to £229,208 from £202,618 in 2023 additional staff allowed us to develop further projects. Volunteering costs have decreased during the year to £5,352 from £12,458 in 2023.

 

We have also secured the lease of our new premises in Strood, placing us at the heart of our delivery area but also allowing us to hold group sessions and parent groups in the safety and comfort of our bespoke premises.

 

Overall this has resulted in a deficit for the year of £53,968 (2023 – surplus £63,546) and resulted in an decrease in funds from £466,825 to £412,857 at the year end.

 

 

RESERVES POLICY

 

The Board of Trustees has set a Financial Reserve Policy which states that:

 

 

 

At the end of the financial year £110,000 was held for ongoing liabilities including early termination of office lease, state redundancy payments, office equipment on lease, utilities and accountancy fees.

 

The Board of Trustees, who are members of the community who bring with them their own varied specialist skills, have overall responsibility for ensuring that the company has an appropriate system of controls, financial and otherwise. They are also responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose, with reasonable accuracy at any time, the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the Financial Statements comply with the Companies Act 2006.

 

HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 20 -
FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

It remains that the Trustees have in place on‑going arrangements for monitoring services via regular reports to the Board. Through discussions with staff and representatives of volunteers, the Board engages in the operational activities of Home‑Start Medway and reviews the organisation’s policies and procedures that are timetabled for scrutiny at frequencies appropriate to the issues under consideration.

Home‑Start Medway complies with the national quality assurance scheme. The Trustees have devised a fundraising and promotional strategy set out in a new Strategic Plan. Promotional events will inform interested parties of the excellent value for money services delivered by Home‑Start Medway. Effective communication with stakeholders is essential to maintain the support of partner organisations and the community in which Home‑Start Medway works. In a multi‑agency environment it is essential to have trust and a clear understanding of purpose. This openness and accountability is a strategic approach at the centre of the Board’s decision‑making process, considered fundamental to the success of the Charity’s work.

HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES  
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 21 -

The trustees, who are also the directors of Home-Start Medway Limited for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

 

Company Law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.

 

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

 

- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

 

- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;

 

- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

 

- state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and

 

- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.

 

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Mrs S Bolland, Chair
Trustee
8 October 2024
HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
- 22 -

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Home-Start Medway Limited (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act).

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no 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 386 of the 2006 Act; or

2

the financial statements do not accord with those records; or

3

the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

4

the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

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 financial statements to be reached.

Sally Meah FCCA

On behalf of TC Group
Star House
Star Hill
Rochester
Kent
ME1 1UX
Dated: 11 October 2024
HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 23 -
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
funds
2024
2024
2024
2023
2023
2023
Notes
£
£
£
£
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
15,517
234,648
250,165
78,175
272,913
351,088
Investments
4
366
-
366
227
-
227
Total income
15,883
234,648
250,531
78,402
272,913
351,315
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
5
9,444
294,557
304,001
21,672
266,093
287,765
Other expenditure
8
498
-
498
-
4
4
Total expenditure
9,942
294,557
304,499
21,672
266,097
287,769
Net income/(expenditure) and movement in funds
5,941
(59,909)
(53,968)
56,730
6,816
63,546
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 April 2023
283,264
183,561
466,825
226,534
176,745
403,279
Fund balances at 31 March 2024
289,205
123,652
412,857
283,264
183,561
466,825

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT
31 MARCH 2024
31 March 2024
- 24 -
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
10
24,442
24,112
Current assets
Debtors
11
11,642
241
Cash at bank and in hand
460,504
481,891
472,146
482,132
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
12
(83,731)
(39,419)
Net current assets
388,415
442,713
Total assets less current liabilities
412,857
466,825
Net assets excluding pension liability
412,857
466,825
The funds of the charity
Restricted income funds
14
123,652
183,561
Unrestricted funds
289,205
283,264
412,857
466,825
HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (CONTINUED)
AS AT
31 MARCH 2024
31 March 2024
- 25 -

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 March 2024.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 8 October 2024
Mrs S Bolland, Chair
Trustee
Company registration number 05135567 (England and Wales)
HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 26 -
1
Accounting policies
Charity information

Home-Start Medway Limited is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is L5 Temple Court, Knights Park, Knight Road, Strood, Kent, ME2 2LT. The charity's business office address is Canterbury Street Gillingham Kent ME7 5TP.

1.1
Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

 

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2
Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.
HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 27 -
1.3
Income

All income is recognised once the company has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

 

There is one exception to the above in relation to grant income. The Charity has departed from the SORP and deferred grant income which does not meet the criteria, it is considered beneficial to match the income with the costs for the readers of our accounts. If the charity was to apply the SORP there would be an additional £38,938 of grant income.

 

For legacies, entitlement is taken as the earlier of the date on which either: the company is aware that probate has been granted, the estate has been finalised and notification has been made by the executor(s) to the Trust that a distribution will be made, or when a distribution is received from the estate. Receipt of a legacy, in whole or in part, is only considered probable when the amount can be measured reliably and the company has been notified of the executor's intention to make a distribution. Where legacies have been notified to the company, or the company is aware of the granting of probate, and the criteria for income recognition have not been met, then the legacy is treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material.

 

Donated services or facilities are recognised when the company has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use of the company of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), the general volunteer time of the Friends is not recognised and refer to the Trustees' report for more information about their contribution.

 

On receipt, donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the company which is the amount the company would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.

 

Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

 

Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable.

 

HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 28 -
1.4
Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

 

Governance costs are those incurred in connection with administration of the company and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.

 

Charitable activities and Governance costs are costs incurred on the company's operations, including support costs and costs relating to the governance of the company apportioned to charitable activities.

1.5
Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Leasehold land and buildings
5 years straight line
Computer equipment
25% reducing balance

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.6
Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.7
Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 29 -
1.8
Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

 

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

 

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

 

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

 

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.9
Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

 

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.10
Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 30 -
2
Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

 

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 31 -
3
Income from donations and legacies
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
funds
2024
2024
2024
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
£
£
£
Donations and gifts
15,517
234,648
250,165
78,175
272,913
351,088
Donations and gifts
Medway Council and Medway PCT
-
120,270
120,270
-
109,055
109,055
Big Lottery Fund
-
44,360
44,360
-
79,175
79,175
Kent Community Foundation
-
6,000
6,000
-
-
-
Children in Need Grant
-
16,468
16,468
-
39,815
39,815
Nationwide Groups
-
12,550
12,550
-
-
-
ABF The Soldier
-
35,000
35,000
-
44,868
44,868
Other
15,517
-
15,517
78,175
-
78,175
15,517
234,648
250,165
78,175
272,913
351,088
HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 32 -
4
Income from investments
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
£
£

Interest received

366
227
5
Expenditure on charitable activities
2024
2023
£
£
Direct costs
Staff costs
229,208
202,618
Depreciation and impairment
8,156
6,002

Telephone/IT costs

11,430
13,944

Office expenses

26,330
39,859

Staff expenses

5,716
546

Cleaning

236
638

Insurance

1,235
1,147

Licence fee

5,433
5,899

Volunteers

5,352
12,458

Training

290
681

Entertainment

488
-

Legal fees

5,596
-

Accountancy and bookkeeping

4,531
3,973
304,001
287,765
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
9,444
21,672
Restricted funds
294,557
266,093
304,001
287,765
6
Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.
HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 33 -
7
Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2024
2023
Number
Number
10
10
Employment costs
2024
2023
£
£
Wages and salaries
213,204
186,384
Social security costs
11,816
12,276
Other pension costs
4,188
3,958
229,208
202,618

No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.

8
Other
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
general
2024
2023
£
£
Net loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets
498
4
9
Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.

HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 34 -
10
Tangible fixed assets
Leasehold land and buildings
Computer equipment
Total
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 April 2023
16,505
30,487
46,992
Additions
-
8,985
8,985
Disposals
(16,505)
(4,243)
(20,748)
At 31 March 2024
-
35,229
35,229
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2023
14,025
8,856
22,881
Depreciation charged in the year
2,480
5,676
8,156
Eliminated in respect of disposals
(16,505)
(3,745)
(20,250)
At 31 March 2024
-
10,787
10,787
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2024
-
24,442
24,442
At 31 March 2023
2,480
21,632
24,112
11
Debtors
2024
2023
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Other debtors
6,000
-
Prepayments and accrued income
5,642
241
11,642
241
12
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
Other taxation and social security
4,552
4,096
Government grants
13
76,170
29,234
Other creditors
974
874
Accruals and deferred income
2,035
5,215
83,731
39,419
HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 35 -
13
Government grants

Deferred income is included in the financial statements as follows:

2024
2023
£
£
Deferred income is included within:
Current liabilities
76,170
29,234
Movements in the year:
Deferred income at 1 April 2023
29,234
52,702
Released from previous periods
(29,234)
(52,702)
Resources deferred in the year
76,170
29,234
Deferred income at 31 March 2024
76,170
29,234
14
Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

At 1 April 2023
Incoming resources
Resources expended
At 31 March 2024
£
£
£
£
-
-
1
1
Medway Council
63,969
120,270
(129,765)
54,474
Financial Fitness
55,321
44,360
(70,208)
29,473
REAP
6,156
-
(4,336)
1,820
BBC Children in Need
24,588
16,468
(28,917)
12,139
Groups
1,169
12,550
(9,663)
4,056
Medway Community Healthcare
4,646
-
(3,272)
1,374
Kent Community Foundation
2,290
6,000
(5,839)
2,451
Lloyds Bank Foundation
3,245
-
(2,286)
959
Armed Forces Grant
22,177
35,000
(40,272)
16,905
183,561
234,648
(294,557)
123,652
HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
14
Restricted funds
(Continued)
- 36 -
Previous year:
At 1 April 2022
Incoming resources
Resources expended
At 31 March 2023
£
£
£
£
Medway Council
47,646
109,055
(92,732)
63,969
Financial Fitness
56,341
79,175
(80,195)
55,321
REAP
15,080
-
(8,924)
6,156
BBC Children in Need
20,416
39,815
(35,643)
24,588
Groups
2,863
-
(1,694)
1,169
Medway Community Healthcare
11,382
-
(6,736)
4,646
Kent Community Foundation
5,610
-
(3,320)
2,290
Lloyds Bank Foundation
7,948
-
(4,703)
3,245
Armed Forces Grant
9,459
44,868
(32,150)
22,177
176,745
272,913
(266,097)
183,561
HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
14
Restricted funds
(Continued)
- 37 -

Medway Council

The funding from Medway Council is so Home-Start Medway can offer home-visiting support to local families who have children under the age of five. The funding helps to pay staffing costs and the charities general expenses.

 

Financial Fitness

The Financial Fitness funding enables Home-Start Medway to provide a free service that ultimately helps families get themselves onto a level financial playing field. Reducing the stress of debt helps with all the family members' emotional wellbeing.

 

The Royal British Legion

The one year funding from The Royal British Legion is specifically for Home-Start Medway to support the Army families in the Brompton Barracks area and Ex-Army families. The funding pays for an additional member of staff and expenses attributed to this support and for recruiting volunteers from within the Army families.

 

REAP

The REAP funding enables Home-Start Medway to hire a team to support people in hardship or crisis situations.

 

BBC Children In Need

The three year funding from BBC Children In Need is specifically for Home-Start Medway to support families who have or are experiencing low level domestic abuse. Providing a new Domestic Abuse Coordinator to directly support, organise home visiting volunteers, run a peer support group and help with safety planning via the One Stop Shop.

 

Medway Community Healthcare

Supporting families in their own home around potty training, sleep behaviour and introducing solid food.

 

Groups (Kent Community Foundation, The Big Lottery Awards For All, ABF The Soldiers Charity)

Reducing isolation and increasing social interaction, supporting with parenting, improving gross and fine motor skills through messy play, promoting peer to peer and group support. Within Grey n Play our intergenerational group we are promoting strong intergenerational relationships, increasing social interaction, whilst also helping to improve mental health and supporting older people with dementia.

 

Lloyds Bank Foundation

The above restricted fund represents monies given to us by Lloyds for the delivery of groups.

HOME-START MEDWAY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 38 -
15
Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 April 2023
Incoming resources
Resources expended
At 31 March 2024
£
£
£
£
General funds
283,264
15,883
(9,942)
289,205
Previous year:
At 1 April 2022
Incoming resources
Resources expended
At 31 March 2023
£
£
£
£
Redundancy, lease, utility and accountancy costs
42,200
-
-
42,200
General funds
184,334
78,402
(21,672)
241,064
226,534
78,402
(21,672)
283,264

At the end of the financial year trustees have agreed to designate £42,200 for ongoing liabilities including state redundancy payments, office equipment on lease, utilities and accountancy fees.

16
Operating lease commitments
Lessee

At the reporting end date the charity had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

2024
2023
£
£
Within one year
20,000
5,699
Between two and five years
80,000
-
In over five years
97,425
-
197,425
5,699
17
Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023 - none).

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