The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 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 governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" 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)".
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
The Board of Trustees are satisfied that they have fully complied with the duty in section 4 of 2011 Charities Act to have due regard to public benefit guidance issued by the Charity Commission, and that the mission, aims and activities of Hope Housing, Training and Support Ltd meet with these criteria.
Residents Supported through the year
During 2025 181 residents resided at Hope Housing 33 moved on successfully into independent living and 66 residents out of the 181 stayed with us for 3 months or longer and had no issues during their stay. Our success rate for 2025 was 52%. 87 out of the 181 residents had a criminal history, our reoffending statistic was zero. Staff have supported over half of these residents to receive PIP and the higher universal credit payment due to their complex issues. Improving an individual’s finances and supporting their structure and purpose enables the resident to sustain a long tenancy that allows them to work on themselves and build a better future. Hope Housing offers the following support to all residents:
Experienced qualified support team, delivering unique support model.
Health and Well Being Coach to monitor health issues weekly.
Supporting residents to access the correct benefits.
Weekly counselling service
Weekly Personal Development workshops
Weekly group activities (bingo, quiz, walk and talk, bike project, cookery classes, life skills singing lessons and art)
Weekly football team/training
Weekly volunteer and educational workshop
10 for 10 move-on scheme supporting residents financially to move on into independent living.
Volunteering opportunities, soap making and charity shop and maintenance.
Supporting learning needs with ‘Read Easy’ weekly
Weekly food donations from Pret, Waitrose and Aldi.
Food bank vouchers, clothing vouchers, shoe vouchers.
Our evidence shows that the amount of relapse evictions continues to decrease from the last year. The number of residents that volunteer and have structure has increased. This would explain why our relapse evictions are less because more residents have structure, giving them purpose. This reflects well on the support team as it shows they are focusing on giving the resident a purpose, building on the resident’s self-worth and self-esteem.
Less residents left Hope Housing during this year compared to last. Improving residents benefit status and applying for PIP, has also had a positive impact. Residents can sustain their tenancy financially and stay in their accommodation longer. The support team need to continue with their focus being to assess the resident’s financial situation and support structure and purpose.
Clients Needs
We have residents with very complex needs hence the need for good support in a way which suits the needs of the individuals.
One or more of our residents suffers from the following conditions, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar, Psychosis, Suicidal thoughts, Cancer, High Cholesterol, Epilepsy, Asthma, Emotional unstable personality disorder, ADHD & DVT, COPD, leg Ulcers & DVT, Heart Disease, Arthritis, Autism, Gambling Addiction, Drug Addiction, Alcoholism, Aspergers, Dyslexia/Dyspraxia, Schizophrenia, Poor Vision, Chronic Pancreatitis, Hearing Impairment, diabetes, Brain injuries or HIV Positive.
We sign post clients to the local partners who assist with Mental health and drug and alcohol abuse. We also make sure they are receiving the correct benefits and help them with applications and attending interviews and appointments.
We look at the benefits of the resident receiving Counselling through Hope Housing or through specific facilities like Cruse, Bereavement, Stars or Steps to wellbeing.
Funding
During 2025, we raised £243,178 through grants, trusts, foundations, corporate and individual donations, legacy income and online giving, compared with £206,859 in 2024. This funding enabled us to provide person-centred support, activities and practical assistance to our residents through a wide range of initiatives and projects.
Grant and donation income is essential because our accommodation-related income does not cover the cost of providing intensive, person-centred support. External funding enables us to provide counselling, structured keywork, health and wellbeing activities, personal development, practical life-skills support and preparation for independent living.
The fundraising environment remained highly competitive during 2025, with increased demand for charitable funding and many funders receiving more eligible applications than they could support. We therefore continued to diversify our income across trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, individual giving, community fundraising and income-generating activities.
We have developed strong relationships with local corporate partners and intend to build on these during 2026 and 2027. We also plan to hold a fundraising event in autumn 2026 and strengthen our individual giving through JustGiving, with the aim of attracting more regular donations to the charity.
Financial improvements in 2025
Having secured a three-year grant from the National Lottery in 2023, alongside several smaller multi-year grants, we entered 2025 with an element of confirmed grant income. During 2025, we received £82,138 through the National Lottery grant, providing valuable stability for the delivery of our person-centred support.
We intend to apply for continuation funding from the National Lottery in autumn 2026, with the aim of commencing a new grant in May 2027, subject to a successful application.
During 2026 and 2027, we will continue to prioritise unrestricted and multi-year funding to strengthen our financial stability and protect the continuity of our core support services. We will also continue to develop corporate partnerships, individual giving, community fundraising and Hope Soap as part of a more diverse and sustainable funding model.
Hope Soap – www.buyonegiveonesoap.com
Our efforts in our related community interest company, Hope and More, to produce our own income helps us match fund projects with funders and gives social awareness to what we do in the community. We have now opened a Hope Soap shop in Southbourne to replace our Charity Shop which was not being profitable any longer due to cost of living crisis and the prices we had to sell at and the storage, labour and overhead costs we still had to pay. We have also attended Craft Fairs in Romsey, Salisbury, Lymington and Ferndown and Highcliffe Craft Festival. All profits from this venture go towards supporting residents and providing a bar of soap to vulnerable adults across Dorset in need of toiletries. We have developed our range and are looking for a location to provide Soap making courses.
We are working with the community to have stockists of our products which we currently have 5 stockists in the area alongside the shop to increase sales and talking with local businesses that pride themselves in having local made products such as our hand made some in their venues.
Events
Dog walk March 2026 in partnership with Helpful Hounds to raise funds for both charities.
AFC Bournemouth provided funds for Starter packs.
Christmas Dinner for residents.
Mince Pie event Tom Hayes local MP.
Halloween Party for the residents.
Open Day September 2025 Deputy Mayor opened the event.
Grace Trust gave funds for starter packs.
Mondelez International volunteering decorating no 10.
BCHA Right at Home course delivered to our residents.
Wickes donation to refurb kitchens in our properties.
Rick Stein Restaurant gave their tip money to Hope.
4com toiletries April 2025.
Go to events gave us welcome packs 2025.
Zara Bournemouth toiletries makeup and clothes 2025.
The Cooking Kitchen
The old soap kitchen is going to be turning into a separate cooking kitchen and will accommodate the growing interest in our weekly cooking lessons and allow us to put on extra events and breakfast facilities. This should be up and running fully in 2026.
Incoming resources for the year were £1,657,716 (2024 - £1,604,420) and resources expended were £1,577,566 (2024 - £1,505,706), resulting in a surplus for the year of £120,150 (2024 - £98,714).
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 considers that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will beable 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.
Reserves are needed to bridge the gap between the spending and receiving of income and to cover unplanned emergency repairs and other expenditure. The trustees consider that the ideal level of reserves would be £75,656.
The reserves of Hope Housing, Training and Support Limited as at 31 December 2025 were £518,388 of which unrestricted was £288,685.
Risk Management
The Trustees have a risk management strategy which comprises:
An annual review of the principal risks and uncertainties that the Charity face.
The establishment of policies, systems and procedures to mitigate those risks identified in the annual review; and
The implementation of procedures designed to minimise or manage any potential impact on the charity should those risks materialise.
This work has identified that financial sustainability is the major financial risk for charity. A key element in the management of financial risk is a regular review of available liquid funds to settle debts as they fall due, regular liaison of bank transactions, and active management of trade debtors and creditors balances to ensure sufficient working capital by the Charity.
Attention has also been focussed on non-financial risks such arising from fire, health and safety, staff training and IT Systems. These risks are managed by ensuring accreditations are up to date, having robust policies and procedures through our ISO9001 quality system and regular training of staff in these operational areas.
Objectives for 2026
Expanding our property portfolio by leasing an additional 10 bedroom property only a short distance from our main office. These negotiation of started for us to bring back into use a disused property and refurbish it back to a lovely space for our residents to live and access support.
To improve the level of English and Maths across our residents providing one to one session’s to help them pass their functional skills to help them gain future employment or further education at college.
To continue to maintain consistency and improve the service we provide wherever possible. Keeping staff trained on the latest theories and facilities out there to help our residents.
To continue to encourage and motivate our residents to work towards regaining control of their lives and to making positive changes towards independent living and a healthier lifestyle.
To continue to build on relationships with our local community so that we can help each other to make a better future for residents.
To continue to liaise with external agencies with a view to offering new Training and Further Education opportunities.
To extend on our visits to local prisons in the area and video calls to inmates waiting for release to ensure a smooth transition from prison to Hope Housing. To help reduce the amount of recalls in the area by continuing to liaise with the probation services and residents to enable compliance of their release order of tag conditions. We currently have a 100% no reoffending at Hope and want to allow more people to access our housing and reduce the 51K recalled back to prison in the UK in 2024 who were not recalled for re-offending but because they received a lack of wrap around support and failed to comply with what can be daunting requirements outside of prison.
To instigate a refurbishment plan in 2026/2027 on some properties to make them more environmentally friendly building on the installation of Solar Panels in 2025 to our main 23 bed residence and cost efficiencies while making changes to help residents have a homely place to stay with the facilities they need.
To continue to listen to our residents and improve the service we provide by one-to-one interview, anonymous surveys and our residential panel who represent the residents’ views
The charity is a company limited by guarantee.
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 £10 in the event of a winding up.
The Trustees meet regularly to oversee the charity’s aims and objectives. The Trust employs a Chief Executive Officer, a directors of services, an accounts manager and other support staff.
Under our ISO9001 quality standard work all our HR policies and procedures along with Trustees welcome packs and trustee training has been audited.
Hope's Support costs are not funded by the Local Government and has to be paid for by Donations.
Hope has had all its job descriptions reviewed and pay levels adjusted accordingly inline with market rates.
We have had 2 new staff started in the Maintenance team in 2025.
Hope works across Bournemouth and Poole within thirteen properties and 94 beds available to vulnerable adults from 18 years to 65 years of age. Hope liaises with all the local charities and organisations providing services relating to our residents to provide individual tailor-made support packages. Hope also to liaise with the local Prison services, probation and treatment centres although these are not necessarily in Bournemouth and Poole as they cover the Dorset, Devon and Cornwall area.
In accordance with the company's articles, a resolution proposing that Harrisons be reappointed as auditor of the company will be put at a General Meeting.
The Trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
The trustees, who are also the directors of Hope Housing, Training and 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.
In so far as the trustees are aware:
- there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company’s auditor is unaware; and
- the trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditor is aware of that information.
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Hope Housing, Training and Support Ltd (the ‘charity’) for the year ended 31 December 2025 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion, the financial statements:
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
the information given in the financial statements is inconsistent in any material respect with the Trustees' report; or
sufficient accounting records have not been kept; or
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records; or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
As explained more fully in the statement of Trustees' responsibilities, the trustees, who are also the directors of the charity for the purpose of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.
As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs (UK), we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:
Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.
Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the charitable company’s internal control.
Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by the trustees.
Conclude on the appropriateness of the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the charitable company to cease to continue as a going concern.
Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.
We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity’s trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Harrisons is eligible for appointment as auditor of the charity by virtue of its eligibility for appointment as auditor of a company under section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
Hope Housing, Training and Support Ltd is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 10 St Swithuns Road South, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 3RQ.
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" 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)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
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.
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.
Income from charitable activities relates to rental income receivable on the provision of accommodation to residents in furtherance of the charity's objects. Fees and grants for service provision are accounted for on the basis of the amounts receivable for the year with income recognised in the year in which this supply is made.
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.
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to the expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources, with central staff costs allocated on the basis of time spent, and the depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset's use. Other support costs are allocated based on the spread of staff costs.
All resources expended are inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
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).
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition. Items held for distribution at no or nominal consideration are measured the lower of replacement cost and cost.
Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.
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 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, 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.
The charity benefits greatly from the involvement of its many volunteers. In accordance with FRS 102 and the Charities SORP (FRS 102), the economic contribution of general volunteers is not recognised in the accounts.
Mr G Hannam, a Trustee, received remuneration ((including employers NI and employers pension) from the charity during the year totalling £19,919 (2024: £26,381).
Mr G Hannam was remunerated for his services as a support worker. No remuneration was paid for his services as Trustee.
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.
Bank and other loans secured by the Charity total £58,809 (2024: £71,025).
The mortgage is repayable over 15 years from December 2014 to November 2029 by monthly instalments and carries an annual interest rate of 4.5%.
During the year ending 31 December 2024, a loan agreement was entered into with DKB Leasing Limited. The repayment terms have resulted in £91,048 (2024: £110,333) being disclosed as due over more than one year. Annual interest of 3% is being charged on this loan.
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.
Included within transfers is £nil (2024 - £863) which relates to fixed assets purchased by the charity during the year and capitalised within fixed assets. The charity having acquired these fixed assets considers itself to have met the conditions of these funds and hence has released the restricted funds to unrestricted funds.
The specific purposes for which the funds are applied are as follows:
Choir / Music - the fund was created as part of our strategy to provide relaxation therapy for the residents, through choir participation and drum classes.
Education & Skills - Digiskills is held every week for the residents and helps them use modern IT equipment and bring their skills up to date with Iphones, Ipads, touch screen laptops and using Modern VR equipment and Drones. We have found residents are not aware how to use this new technology which is even needed to order at MacDonalds now! Without this upskill they are at a disadvantage when applying for work and to live an independent life. Over 30 residents have already attended this new club.
National Lottery Community Fund - Funds awarded by the National Lottery over a three-year period to support Hope Housing's core programmes for vulnerable and disadvantaged adults, including, life skills training, wellbeing support, and staffing to deliver these essential services.
Food for Future (Hygiene course) - involves organising cookery clubs for residents to learn about cookery skills, healthy eating, new recipes and cooking on a budget. Project also includes accredited training for residents to achieve a catering qualification.
Christmas Dinner - Restricted funds used to provide a festive Christmas dinner for residents.
Health and Wellbeing / Gym - is a project to improve the health and wellbeing of clients through various in-house health monitoring of BMI, blood pressure, weight management etc through to arranging and facilitating doctors, dentist and vision checks. We also provide wellbeing activities such as a gym, cooking evenings, yoga classes, guitar lessons, gardening, outdoor table tennis and regular group events.
Empowering All - Funding used for activities and training programmes that develop residents' confidence, independence, and employability skills.
Maths / English - Tutoring - provide one to one tutoring to our residents who have anxiety around group course to work on their English and Maths up to an accredited level.
Mental Health Support - funding to go towards the large cost of mental health support that our residents need (even more so during and post Covid) through counselling and additional support to help them work through trauma, abuse, addiction, depression, rehabilitation and grief.
Pathway for women to work - We have used this EFA funding through Groundworks to concentrate on getting our female residents back into work. We have run personal development classes, new business start-up groups and work ready sessions liaising with the women and tailoring sessions to the people in the room rather than a set program.
Hope Soap Kitchen - This is a project to get residents involved with the making of soap to sell in the Charity shop.
Starter Packs / Rucksack - are essential items needed by our residents when they first come to us. For those that are without, they are provided with kitchen, bedroom and bathroom items to help them live comfortably.
Hope Open Day - Restricted funds allocated to running the charity's 15th Anniversary Open Day, including events, materials and celebrating milestones.
Painting and decorating -Screwfix - Restricted funds provided by Screwfix to support painting and decorating projects within residents' accommodation, improving living conditions and environment.
Communities against cancer - Funds donated to raise awareness of cancer.
Food and Energy - The Food and Energy Support project was developed to help vulnerable residents experiencing financial hardship, particularly during the winter months. It covers essential food supplies, nutritious meals, starter packs, warm clothing and assistance with energy costs. The project also includes weekly cooking and budgeting sessions to help residents prepare affordable meals, manage household expenses and develop greater financial independence.
New van - The funding was allocated towards purchasing a dedicated maintenance van to improve the efficiency of Hope HTS operations across its supported accommodation properties. The van enables our maintenance team to transport tools, equipment and supplies, respond promptly to repairs and maintain safe living conditions for residents. It also provides additional transport capacity to support charitable activities. The funding was fully expended in 2024.
Ten4Ten - Move on Project 2019 10th Anniversary - to date we have successfully moved on 12 person with support for the first year and then progressing onto unsupported living. This project has been such a success we will be looking to apply for future funding to extend the scheme.
Bike Shed - The bike shed is where donated bikes are kept. Garth, the trustee repairs them, and the residents can use the bikes. Workshops on bike repairs are sometimes held with the residents.
Core Costs - Donation received from The Sackler Trust. The grant is intended to cover running costs, which enable us to provide essential support to our clients. The support includes counselling, training opportunities, employment assistance, family reunification, health and well-being support, and mediation services. It also encompasses life skills development, benefit applications, budgeting assistance, and interview preparation.
Solar Panels - Funding was secured to install solar panels at Hope HTS main 23-bed supported accommodation property. The project was designed to improve energy efficiency, reduce electricity costs and make our accommodation more environmentally sustainable. The installation was completed in 2025 and forms part of our wider commitment to reducing operational costs and making our properties more energy-efficient.
18-25 Project - The funding supports vulnerable young adults aged 18–25 who have experienced homelessness and are moving into supported accommodation. It has provided essential starter packs containing household and personal items, helping young people settle into a safe and stable living environment. This forms part of our wider support programme, which helps young adults build confidence, develop independent living skills, manage their finances and work towards sustaining their accommodation and preventing repeat homelessness.
Challenging behaviour training - Funding was provided towards specialist staff training in challenging behaviour and trauma-informed approaches. The training equips staff with the knowledge and practical skills to respond appropriately to residents presenting with complex needs, including mental health difficulties, addiction and experiences of trauma. It focuses on managing challenging situations, effective communication, conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques, helping to maintain a safe and supportive environment for both residents and staff.
Gym fund - The Gym Fund relates to our Rebuild and Rise – Empowering Recovery through Exercise project, developed to restore and upgrade the existing on-site gym facilities. Funding was sought to replace ageing and broken equipment, including cardiovascular and strength-training machines, and to support structured exercise sessions for residents. The project aims to make physical activity more accessible, improve physical and mental wellbeing, reduce stress and isolation, and help residents establish healthier routines as part of their recovery.
DKB Lease - Funding was requested from DKB Leasing towards improvements to Hope HTS residential accommodation, originally proposed as a bedroom redecoration programme. The project included painting, decorating, minor repairs and associated labour costs to improve the condition of residents' rooms. The overall purpose was to provide safe, clean and welcoming accommodation that promotes residents' dignity, comfort and wellbeing.
DKB Donation - The donation from DKB was used alongside support from B&Q towards the refurbishment of the kitchen at No. 10 and the shower room at No. 8. These improvements have enhanced the quality and functionality of essential communal and residential facilities, providing residents with a safer, more comfortable and hygienic living environment. The work forms part of Hope HTS ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving its supported accommodation properties.
Therapeutic Gardening - The Therapeutic Gardening Fund supports the development and improvement of garden spaces within Hope HTS accommodation. Funding contributes towards gardening equipment, tools, plants, seeds, compost, raised beds and other materials needed to create accessible gardening areas. Residents are encouraged to participate in planting, growing and maintaining these spaces as part of our wider health and wellbeing activities. Gardening provides opportunities for physical activity, social interaction and developing practical skills, while helping to reduce stress and isolation, improve mental wellbeing and build confidence.
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.
The Talbot Trust has a proportional charge over the property 24 Library Road. In the event that the property is either sold or no longer used for its charitable purpose an amount would be owed to the Talbot Trust at a value proportional to the contribution the Trust made to the purchase of 24 Library Road (being £55,000 of £242,237).
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:
During the year £688,545 (2024 - £668,924) of lease payments were recognised as an expense.
The CEO of the charity, Mrs Julie Berti, is a director and person of significant control of DKB Leasing Limited. DKB Leasing Limited established the charity in 2009 to enable supported housing to continue after the loss of supported people funding.
During the year the charity paid rent at the market rate totalling £622,511 (2024 - £636,857) to DKB Leasing Limited. There is also £28,788 (2024 - £29,795) included within accruals relating to accrued rental payments to 31 December 2025. Included in trade debtors is a balance of £31,901 due to overpaid rent during the year (2024 - creditor of £8,215).
During the year the charity received £10,000 (2024 - £2,000) in donations from DKB Leasing Limited.
At the year end the charity owed DKB Leasing Limited a loan balance of £104,247 (2024 - £122,333). On this loan interest of £3,527 (2024: £3,794) has been included.
Included with other debtors is balance owed by DKB Leasing Limited of £1,332 (2024 - £3,587).
The CEO of the charity is also a director and person of significant control of Hope & More Community Interest Company. Hope & More Community Interest Company was established in 2019 to support and make more profitable several community projects in the area, to involve more volunteers and to enable more community members to benefit from their facilities.
During the year the charity received £nil (2024 - £1,497) in unrestricted donations from Hope & More Community Interest Company. At the year end stock of £5,000 held by the charity was transferred to Hope & More Community Interest Company.
Included with other debtors is balance owed by Hope & More Community Interest Company of £3,850 (2024 - £1,229).