The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 28 February 2025.
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 articles of association, 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).
The charitable purpose of the organisation is the prevention and relief of poverty. We receive donations of non-perishable food and other household items from the local community through support from churches, businesses, individuals and community groups. Individuals and families in need can access our services through external referral agencies, front line service providers including churches, schools, MLAs and Health and Social Care Trust Keyworkers.
The charity's objects are to tackle poverty borne problems by working together and looking to the community for solutions. Supported by a network of businesses, churches and individuals, the charity has provided a daily safety net for at-risk families, those over 65 years of age and other individuals in the North Down & Ards Peninsula area. We have a proud history of working closely with a wide range of community organisations and front line service providers to provide better outcomes for people.
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
This year we have:
Continued to welcome people in crisis with dignity, compassion, and respect.
Supported families beyond food parcels, helping them connect with other services that address the root causes of their difficulties.
Maintained strong partnerships with local churches, schools, community groups, and businesses, who have provided practical support and donations.
Relied heavily on our team of volunteers and staff, whose hard work and commitment cannot be overstated.
While the demand for our services has been significant, we are proud that BFCS has remained a place of welcome and hope.
This year has been one of both challenge and encouragement. The pressures facing local families have been clear, but so too has the generosity and determination of our volunteers, supporters, and partners. It is thanks to them that we have been able to continue offering vital help to those who need it most.
In addition to meeting basic needs, BFCS has significantly advanced its Financial Inclusion service. This program offers personalised financial guidance and support to help people manage their money more effectively. Over the past year, BFCS has supported over 3,240 individuals through one-on-one financial coaching sessions and workshops, helping them to create budgets, manage debt, and set savings goals. Many participants have reported an improved sense of financial security and reduced stress, showing the tangible impact of this service.
The Ten Tiny Toes baby bank has also seen significant growth, supporting over 106 families with essential baby supplies, including nappies, clothing, and equipment. This service is crucial for parents and caregivers facing financial hardship, ensuring that every child has access to the necessities for a healthy and happy start in life. Feedback from recipients has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude for the support during challenging times.
This year also marked the launch of a new Addiction Drop-In service, addressing a critical gap in support for individuals struggling with substance abuse. The drop-in provides a safe, welcoming space where people can seek help, access resources, and connect with trained volunteers and staff who offer guidance and emotional support. The response to this service has been encouraging, with many attendees taking steps towards recovery and rebuilding their lives. BFCS’s achievements are not only measured in numbers but also in the stories of transformation and hope. The organisation has forged strong partnerships with local agencies, businesses, and volunteers, enhancing its ability to respond effectively to the community's needs. By taking a holistic approach that addresses both immediate and long-term challenges, BFCS has empowered countless individuals and families to overcome adversity and build brighter futures.
Looking ahead, BFCS remains committed to expanding its reach and impact, continuing to serve as a beacon of hope and resilience for those in need. The past year has been a testament to the dedication and compassion of its team, volunteers, and supporters, who have made these achievements possible.
Our income this year has once again come from a mixture of grants, donations, fundraising, and support from local partners. Expenditure has largely gone towards food supplies, staff costs, volunteer support, and the running of our premises and vehicle.
During the year the Charity generated incoming resources of £229,429
Outgoing resources were £221,952 leaving net outgoings of £7,477 for the year to 28 February 2025.
It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.
The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
The main challenges we face are:
Ongoing demand for our services, with many families struggling due to rising living costs.
The increasing cost of food and utilities, which impacts both our clients and our own operations.
The need to continue recruiting, training, and retaining volunteers to keep pace with demand.
The Trustees are aware of these pressures and continue to plan carefully for the future, seeking to secure sustainable funding and partnerships.
In the coming year we will continue to:
Provide food and practical support to people in crisis.
Strengthen our wraparound services to help tackle the causes of poverty as well as the symptoms.
Value and support our volunteers and staff.
Build community awareness and reduce the stigma that still surrounds asking for help.
Our vision remains that every individual or family who needs our services today will one day no longer need them.
The charity is a company limited by guarantee and incorporated on 2nd February 2021. The company was established under Articles of Association which set out the objectives and powers of the charitable company and the company is governed by these Articles. In the event of the company being wound up, board members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1. BFCS is in compliance with legal and other government obligations. The company was formally granted charitable status by the Northern Ireland Charities Commission on 22nd February 2022.
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:
None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.
Volunteers are the backbone of Bangor Foodbank and Community Support (BFCS), playing an essential role in the delivery and success of all our services. Their dedication, compassion, and commitment make a profound difference in the lives of those we serve. From sorting and packing food parcels to offering a friendly and supportive ear, our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. At the foodbank, volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that families in crisis receive nutritious food parcels. They handle the collection, sorting, and distribution of donations, often going above and beyond to create a welcoming and dignified experience for those seeking help. Their friendly, non- judgmental presence makes a significant impact, offering not just food but also a sense of community and support. In our Financial Inclusion program, volunteers provide one-on-one advice sessions, helping individuals navigate complex financial challenges. Their expertise and patience empower clients to take control of their finances and build more secure futures. The Ten Tiny Toes baby bank relies on volunteers to collect, organise, and distribute essential baby items to families in need. Their hard work ensures that parents have access to the supplies they need to care for their children, alleviating some of the stress and anxiety that financial hardship can bring. Our new Addiction Drop-In service also benefits immensely from the dedication of volunteers, who offer a compassionate, listening ear and support to those struggling with addiction. The passion and generosity of our volunteers inspire us every day. Their work is crucial in providing not just practical assistance but also hope, dignity, and a sense of community for those who are struggling. We couldn’t do it without them!
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
The trustees, who are also the directors of Bangor Foodhub and Community Support Ltd 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.
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Bangor Foodhub and Community Support Ltd (the charity) for the year ended 28 February 2025.
Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under company law and are eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:
- examine the accounts under section 65 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008;
- follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act, and
- state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
I have examined your charity accounts as required under section 65 of the Charities Act and my examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act. The examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes a consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as charity trustees concerning any such matters.
My role is to state whether any material matters have come to my attention giving me cause to believe:
accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
the financial statements do not accord with those accounting records; or
the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the 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 ; or
That there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
I have completed my examination and I have no concerns in respect of the matters (1) to (4) listed above and, in connection with following the Directions of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, I have found no matters that require drawing to your attention.
Charitable expenditure
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
Bangor Foodhub and Community Support Ltd is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in Northern Ireland. The registered office is .
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, [modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value]. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
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.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
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 are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
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:
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.
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).
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.
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, 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.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
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.
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
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.
Grants
Charitable expenditure
Charitable expenditure
Motor expenses
Rent
Rates and water rates
Insurance
Telephone
Repairs and maintenance
Heat and light
Computer expenses
Advertising
Bank fees
Legal and professional fees
Vouchers
Food
General costs
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
The remuneration of key management personnel was as follows:
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.
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.
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.