The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2026.
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 Charitable company'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)".
The charitable company's objectives include the following:
To promote the inhabitants of Chell and the neighbourhood thereof without distinction of sex, sexual orientation, race or political religious or other opinions, by associating together the said inhabitants and the local authorities, voluntary and other organisation in a common effort to advance education and to provide facilities in the interest of social welfare for recreation and other leisure time occupation with the object of improving the general public health and welfare of the said inhabitants;
To establish or secure the establishment of a family centre and to maintain and manage, the same, whether alone or in cooperation with any local or authority or other person or body in furtherance of these objects.
To achieve its objectives, the charity, CAFAG operates several parallel projects from the building known as the Whitfield Valley centre at Fegg Hayes
Ofsted Registered Nursery
Youth Club
Café
Gardening
Charity Shop
Wellbeing Team
Room Hire
Gym
Social Groups
Volunteering
As CAFAG continues to develop and consolidate position in the third sector, delivering its services to, the community whilst developing new opportunities and tackling new challenges in the changing world.
The emphasis has been on enhancing health and well-being for the people of Fegg Hayes, while also expanding volunteering opportunities, promoting the sustainability of services, and incorporating environmental priorities.
The Board of Trustees continue to guide CAFAG and opportunities to join the Board are still available and suitable candidates are being sought. The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the Charitable company should undertake.
Summary of the main achievements during the year.
Our Objectives and Aims:
CAFAG’s charitable objectives are to improve the health, wellbeing and life opportunities of individuals and families within the local community, particularly those experiencing disadvantage. The charity delivers inclusive services focused on health, early years development, youth engagement, community cohesion, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion.
The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity’s aims and activities and are satisfied that all work undertaken directly contributes to these objectives.
Activities and Achievements
Nursery Provision:
The Whitfield Valley Community Nursery has undergone significant development during the year. With funding support from Stoke-on-Trent City Council, the Nursery expanded its provision, transitioning from a crèche model to structured childcare services, now offering a Baby Room (0–2 years) and Nursery Room (2–5 years).
This expansion has increased capacity and improved access to high-quality early years provision within the community. Plans are also underway to introduce holiday provision, supporting working families during school closures.
A newly appointed Nursery Manager, supported by increased leadership from the Nursery Director, has driven improvements across the setting, including curriculum development, learning environments and operational standards. The Nursery continues to follow Ofsted guidance, with updated curriculum planning supporting children’s development.
Outcomes include:
Positive feedback from parents and carers
Improved developmental progress for children
Increased uptake of childcare places
Children also benefit from the Centre’s outdoor learning environment, promoting physical activity, environmental awareness, and hands-on learning through gardening.
Youth Services:
CAFAG has continued to deliver youth engagement through its partnership with Dizzy Heights, who provide regular youth sessions, activities, and trips. Additional provision has been delivered during school holidays through HAF funding, increasing reach to young people at risk of disengagement.
The charity maintains a strong safeguarding culture, with monthly safeguarding meetings attended by all Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs), ensuring robust procedures remain in place.
Outcomes include:
Increased youth engagement and participation
Safe, structured environments for young people
Positive feedback from participants and families
Café Provision:
The Centre café is now operated by Dez’s Kitchen, a local start-up business founded by a former CAFAG service user. This partnership supports local enterprise and social mobility while generating rental income for the charity.
The café contributes to:
Increased Centre footfall
Training and development opportunities for volunteers
A welcoming, community-focused space
Gardening and Environmental Projects:
CAFAG’s gardening project continues to deliver environmental and social value. The service remains in high demand across Stoke-on-Trent and includes work to improve community spaces and promote sustainability.
Key developments include:
Creation of a community heritage mural celebrating local history
Partnership work with Keele University on environmental initiatives
Delivery of wildlife, walking, and cycling activities
CAFAG has also embedded environmental sustainability across the organisation by:
Training all staff in environmental awareness
Appointing an Environmental Champion in each department
Developing a five-year environmental action plan.
Outcomes include:
Increased community engagement in environmental activity
Improved awareness of sustainability
Enhanced local environment
However, the continuation of some projects is dependent on future funding beyond 2026.
Charity Shop:
The Charity Shop provides both a sustainable income stream and a vital community resource. Located in an area of deprivation, it offers affordable goods while promoting reuse and recycling.
The shop is fully supported by volunteers and contributes to:
Financial sustainability of the organisation
Reduction in waste through upcycling
Accessible support for families facing financial hardship
Community Gym:
The CAFAG Community Gym remains well utilised, with 10–20 new members per month without targeted advertising. Investment from Sport England has enabled improvements to equipment and facilities.
Funding from the Peter Harrison Foundation has supported targeted interventions, including:
40 funded gym memberships for individuals referred for health reasons
Weekly wellbeing support sessions
Accessible Yoga and Chair-based Yoga classes
Outcomes include:
Improved physical and mental health
Increased access to affordable fitness provision
Engagement of individuals with health inequalities
A long-term sustainability plan is in development to support continued growth.
Wellbeing Services:
The Wellbeing Team delivers a wide range of activities addressing social isolation, poverty, and health inequalities. Services include:
Free Breakfast Provision
Lunch and social groups
Befriending and mentoring
Welfare and benefits advice
Financial guidance
Over the past year, CAFAG has supported approximately 7,400 individuals, with an overall 37% increase in footfall across the Centre.
Outcomes include:
Reduced isolation
Improved wellbeing and resilience
Increased access to support services
Room Hire and Partnerships:
Room hire has increased over the financial year, providing an important income stream while strengthening partnerships with local organisations.
CAFAG works with a wide range of partners, including local authorities, charities, community groups and sports organisations. These partnerships enhance service delivery and broaden community reach.
Volunteering:
Volunteers play a vital role in delivering CAFAG’s services. The charity currently supports 30 active volunteers, contributing across all service areas.
CAFAG provides training, mentoring and development opportunities to improve employability. Over the past five years, 14 volunteers have progressed into employment.
Outcomes include:
Increased confidence and skills development
Reduced social isolation
Pathways into employment.
Public Benefit and Impact:
CAFAG’s services are accessible to all members of the community, with a particular focus on supporting those experiencing disadvantage. The charity’s work delivers clear public benefit by:
Improving health and wellbeing
Supporting early years development
Reducing social isolation
Increasing access to employment and volunteering opportunities
Promoting environmental sustainability
The increase in engagement and positive outcomes across all services demonstrates the ongoing need for CAFAG’s work and the impact it continues to have within the local community.
Future:
CAFAG will continue to build on its strengths by:
Expanding childcare provision and holiday services
Securing funding to sustain environmental and gardening projects
Developing a long-term sustainability plan for the gym
Strengthening partnerships and income generation opportunities
Continuing to invest in volunteers and community-led initiatives
Year 2025-2026 we have received the following funds so far in this period.
Awards for All Lottery £19,947 Financial Wellbeing Advisor start date: June 2024 end date: July 2026.
Peter Harrison Foundation £15,000 new gym equipment, fitness classes, wellbeing sessions and paid gym memberships start date: May 2024 end date: June 2025.
Henry Smith £67,500 Youth Service start date: August 2024 end date: September 2025.
Arnold Clark £1,000 Lunch Club project start date: March 2025 end date: May 2025.
Tesco Groundworks £1000 for family summer projects 2026.
Stoke on Trent City Council £17,574 capital funding towards Nursery expansion plans start date: August 2025 end date: December 2025.
During the year expenditure exceeded income leaving net expenditure for the year of £149,648 (2025: £89,203 - surplus).
This has resulted in a deficit on unrestricted funds of £68,498 (2025: £107,532 - surplus) and a deficit in restricted funds of £81,150 (2025: deficit of £18,329).
It is the policy of the trustees to maintain unrestricted funds, which are the free reserves of the charity, to enable the charity to continue to operate if funding were to fall whilst replacement funding was obtained. The trustees have established a policy whereby the unrestricted funds not committed or invested in tangible fixed assets (the 'free reserves') held by the charity should be between 3 and 6 months of the unrestricted expenditure.
At present the free reserves, excluding long-term net assets stand at a surplus of £168,989 (2025: £235,520).
The trustees have considered the major risks, which are faced by the charity and confirm that systems have been established to lessen these risks.
The trustees have considered the most appropriate policy for investing funds and have found that CAF Cash high interest bank accounts, designed for the charity sector, meet their requirements to generate both income and capital growth. The trustees consider the return on investments to be satisfactory.
Exemptions
The trustees have taken advantage of the exemptions available to small companies, including the audit exemption (see statement on balance sheet).
Funds held as custodian
No funds are held by the Chell Area Family Action Group as a custodian on behalf of others.
The Charitable company is a company limited by guarantee and is a registered charity in England and Wales. The day to day operations are undertaken using the name CAFAG and is operated under the rules of its Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 26 August 1999 and most recently amended by special resolution in February 2012. It has no share capital and the liability of each member in the event of a winding-up is limited to £10.
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:
The charity is required to have between five and fifteen trustees. The congregation of St Michael's Church Chell, Stoke-on-Trent are entitled to appoint up to three Trustees. The congregation of the Church of the Saviour, Chell Heath, Stoke-on-Trent are entitled to appoint one trustee. The existing Trustees are entitled to appoint the remainder.
The Trustees report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Chell Area Family Action Group (the Charitable company) for the year ended 31 March 2026.
Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the Charitable company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the Charitable company’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.
Since the Charitable company’s gross income exceeded £250,000, the independent examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of Institue of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW), 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:
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charitable company as required by section 386 of the Companies Act 2006.
the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 other than any requirement that the financial statements give a true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
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 financial statements 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.
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
Chell Area Family Action Group is a private charitable company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is The Whitfield Valley Centre, Fegg Hayes Road, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, ST6 6QR.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charitable company'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)". The Charitable company is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Charitable company. 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.
At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charitable company 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.
Donations, are recognised when they have been communicated and received in writing with notification of both the amount and settlement date. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that those conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period.
Legacy gifts are recognised on a case by case basis following the granting of probate when the administrator/ executor for the estate has communicated in writing both the amount and settlement date. In the event that the gift is in the form of an asset other than cash or a financial asset traded on a recognised stock exchange, recognition is subject to the value of the gift being reliably measurable with a degree of reasonable accuracy and the title to the asset has been transferred to the charity.
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. All expenses, including support costs and governance costs, are allocated or apportioned to the applicable expenditure headings in the statement of financial activities.
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 directors consider that freehold properties are maintained in such a state of repair that their residual value is at least equal to their net book value. As a result, the corresponding depreciation would not be material and therefore is not charged in the profit or loss account.
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 Charitable company 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.
The Charitable company 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 Charitable company's balance sheet when the Charitable company 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, 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 Charitable company’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
Chell Area Family Action Group is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.
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 Charitable company 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 Charitable company’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.
At the year end there were no estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year.
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
During the year, funding for Making Connections came to an end and one of the employee's fixed term contract ended. As a result the charity made a redundancy payment of £1,098 to the employee in accordance with statutory requirements and the charity's redundancy policy. These costs are included with in charitable activities expenditure.
The remuneration of key management personnel was as follows: £61,662 (2025: £64,047)
The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxationof Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.
All tangible fixed assets are held for direct charitable purposes.
The freehold land and buildings are subject to a legal charge in favour of the Secretary of State for Health, which will take effect if the charity fails to comply with the conditions set out in the Memorandum of Grant dated 30 June 2000.
The Charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Charitable company 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.
Children in Need: To provide crèche and play facilities to children aged 0 – 9 in a highly deprived area. Through the positive support and engagement children will improve their personal and educational development and their social skills.
Henry Smith Making Connections: Supporting those who are lonely and/or isolated, those with mild mental health issues, providing opportunities for people to connect, to integrate back into society and therefore to improve their health & wellbeing. The main beneficiaries of the project will be those people who are most in need, under-represented, people who struggle to access mainstream provision, who have fallen through the mainstream provision net or for whom mainstream provision is not appropriate and those who struggle to overcome barriers to education, work and healthcare.
Awards for All:Ensuring a high quality, standard and regulated Cafe for community members. Nutritious healthy meals will be provided, additionally setting up cooking workshops to teach families how to cook at home. Plus use our CAFAG gardens to enable residents to grow their own fruit and vegetables. Providing affordable low-cost nourished meals to reduce malnutrition and create a social space where people can connect. Local, wider residents, volunteers and community members will benefit from this service. Encouraging more members to use the Centre and the other facilities we have to offer.
Sports England: Chell Area Family Action Group (CAFAG) have recently taken over the gym service in September 2023 as a charity and require funding to enable the continuation and expansion of this service. We have set up a community gym based at the heart of our centre and require funds to purchase the equipment from the former company who previously ran the gym alongside additional equipment to expand the facility for the public to avoid risk of closure. By purchasing this fitness equipment, it will preserve and enhance the fitness facility, which holds immense value for the local community.
Social Care: Work with Locality Connectors within Social Care to deliver support to people in the community who have been discharged from hospital.
Refurbishment of Building: A restricted fund provided by Stoke on Trent City Council for the refurbishment of the charity's café and kitchen.
National Lottery KYN Gardening: This funding will help to support the salary of our current Gardener and Gardening Services at CAFAG and help to further expand our services, including creating workshops based at the Centre and Centre Gardens. The additional services will include a gardening club, gardening workshop and training based at the Centre, woodwork shop, bird watching, creating bird feeders, restoring the Centres greenhouses growing fruit and vegetables and maintaining the Centre and Garden grounds. The listed workshops and services will be managed, organised, and led by the Engagement Officer who will be making connections with local and wider residents that are at risk of loneliness, to network with other local gardens and businesses, advertise services and train volunteers. The Engagement officer’s main roles and responsibilities will include building contacts, engaging in the community based at the Centre and support the Gardener with local gardening jobs, alongside volunteers.
Community Wellbeing: With the ongoing challenges posed by the economic downturn, rising food prices, increased cost of living and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, CAFAG recognise the increased vulnerability faced by many families and individuals in Stoke-on-Trent. Our proposed project aims to provide immediate relief through the distribution of emergency food and hygiene parcels to those in need that use our services at the Whitfield Valley Centre, as well as any referrals from other partnered organisations who have individuals and families in need. We aim to provide 75 emergency parcels containing a variety of basic hygiene products.
National Lottery Reaching Communities: Through the employment of a Community Enterprise Officer, a Community Café Cook and a Community Gardener we will deliver community enterprise projects that not only meet the needs of individuals, communities and organisations but, will also increase the employability and development skills of those individuals volunteering within these projects. Initially the project will focus upon the establishment of community enterprises such as a Community Café, Community Gardening Project and Meals on Wheels. The funding will also cover a percentage of the Centre Manager’s time and a Project Administrator role.
VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme (Groundwork) : For the installation of a new boiler system and lights
Peter Harrison : For additional gym equipment
Henry Smith Youth Project: This is 3 years of continuation funding for the Youth Project which includes three youth session per week targeting 10 to 19 year olds and includes one issue based workshop per week in addition to outreach and detached youth sessions, an annual residential stay and day trips to provide young people with new experiences. The project is staffed by a fully-qualified Youth Worker and two part-time Peer Youth Workers.
Tesco Groundwork (included in smaller funds): This was to provide free Breakfasts on a Wednesday. This has now been continued though the Hubb Club.
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.
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2025 - none).