Chairman`s Report - Open Door – Colchester

ANNUAL
REPORT
2015
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THE AIMS OF
OPEN DOOR - COLCHESTER
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Advancing the Christian Faith; and
The provision of facilities, resources, and practical support, with the object of improving the
conditions of life for those in need in Colchester.
INTRODUCTION
In 1985, two members of Colchester Baptist Church in Eld Lane befriended two young
drug addicts who were begging and invited them into the Church for coffee and
biscuits. From these humble beginnings, the work began and has grown into what is
today known as ‘Open Door’. We are now a well established befriending centre, which
because of its central location, is ideally placed to extend a warm welcome to ALL
people regardless of their position in society.
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OPEN DOOR - COLCHESTER
ANNUAL REPORT
2015
CONTENTS
Page
2
Aims and Introduction
4-5
Chairman’s Report
6-10
Director’s Report
11
The Public Benefit
12
Constitution and Management
13
Financial Policies
14
Treasurer’s Report
15-17
Accounts for year ended 31 December 2015
18
Notes on the Accounts
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Statement by the Independent Examiner
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Chairman’s Report
Visitor needs are at the heart of our work
Over the course of 2015, the average daily number of visitors to the Drop-In centre
ranged from 35-60. The needs of the visitors are at the heart of all our work at Open
Door Colchester,
“We believe that everyone in life should be able to meet friends, make new ones and
receive support or advice if and when needed, regardless of their present or past circumstance.”
Individual needs. Team leader’s meetings (Weekly).
The needs of individual visitors are discussed, with practical help and support put in
place when required
A team of some 14 volunteers (members of different churches in or around Colchester) provide a safe and happy atmosphere where visitors can forge friendships, drink
tea or coffee and gain advice on issues such as housing, benefits, debt management,
and addiction. I am most grateful to our team of experienced leaders (Maggie Wright,
Rob Urand & Gale Franklin) who oversee the centre on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays. Maggie had, unfortunately, to leave in the Spring of 2016 after a happy three
years. She will be greatly missed, and her calming influence and gift of compassion
will long be remembered. We warmly welcome Chris Delivett, a founding volunteer
of Open Door to the position of team leader.
Individual needs. Trustee meetings (Quarterly and Annual)
The needs of individual visitors are a key agenda item at every trustee meeting.
Trends are identified so that the trustees can mobilise resources, and endeavour to
meet changing visitor needs. Over the past two years, we have seen a growing number
of visitors with mental health issues possibly exacerbated by the reduction in the statutory provision of services. As part of our regular governance review, we agreed to undertake an external review of the changing needs of our visitors and the associated
training needs so that we can meet those needs.
The importance of having suitably qualified and effective trustees is critical for all
charitable organisations. I am very grateful for the high calibre, dedication, and ability
of our team of trustees; each brings a particular skill and background / local knowledge and for their commitment to making a difference to the quality of life for all our
visitors.
We formally welcomed two new trustees during the year, Sandra Stockwell and Mark
Skull, each having first-hand practical experience of our visitor group. Sadly we said
farewell to Billy Campbell after six years of service. He will be missed as much for
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his trustee work as for his behind the scenes support of helping individuals find employment. I would also like to add my thanks to the Director of Open Door, Simon Heard, for his care and concern for the visitors, for managing the volunteer team
so well, and for making the role of the Chairman easier!
Open Door received a number of grants and donations during the year enabling the
organisation to fulfil its charitable objects as it serves the people of Colchester. Our
Treasurer,Ted Drake, has made special mention of the generosity of Essex Fairway
Charitable Trust, Diana Tinson fund through Essex Community Foundation Trust
and the Chiron Fund (Yapp Charitable Trust) and Colchester Baptist Church. With
special thanks to Graham Courtier (Trustee) for representing Open Door to key supporters in such a courteous manner.
Celebrating 30 Years of Open Door Colchester
Since our opening in 1986, we have befriended many people and journeyed with them
through the highs and lows of their lives without judgement or prejudice.
A number of activities are scheduled to take place during 2016 to celebrate this important milestone. These include a sponsored bike ride in July (3m, 10m, and a testing 30-mile route) and a celebratory meal taking place in September where a number
of Open Door visitors will share ‘their story’ on the difference that ‘Open Door’ has
made to their life
Tim Rose
Chairman
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Director’s Report
Why are we here?
Through the years, Open Door has been an essential
part of people’s lives in Colchester. People have
used
our services for just one day and yet others continue
to use it after 20 years. Just today, a homeless man
came in to Open Door crying. He had just come
from a job interview. He had the relevant work
experience and also a CIS card (permission to
work), yet because he had no address, they were unable to hire him. It’s that horrible cycle, where you
need a home to get a job and a job to afford a home.
He wasn’t an alcoholic, yet he did reach for alcohol
Simon Heard, Director
that day. What can you do in such a dire situation?
Especially when he was so keen on helping himself?
We made him a coffee and asked him if we could help him in any way. I was able to
take him to the shop and buy him a large rucksack for all his clothes as his last one
was stolen on the streets. This didn’t solve his housing or working needs but after I
spent some time with him, he started to think more clearly and more positively.
Finding a job and being
housed can take a long
time and during difficult
times like this people need
love and support. They
also need somewhere to sit
and relax, somewhere to
eat and somewhere to
make friends.
Recently, I met with
Colchester Borough
Council. They wanted to
learn more about what
Open Door did and how we can work together (along with other agencies) in the
community. They expressed how frustrating it is, not being able to help certain people who have immediate housing needs. In particular young singles who go straight
to the end of the queue of those waiting to be housed. They have no way of offering
ongoing support once they have left the Council premises.
It can take years before a single person can get any type of housing. We discussed
the possibility of the Council signposting these people to other charities, where at
least they can get some ongoing practical or moral support. We have created a good
link with the Council and hopefully we will be able to work with them and assist
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them now and in the future. The Council do a wonderful job and it is exciting that
they are looking to work more closely with other charities like Open Door.
Homelessness is just one of the issues we face at Open Door, you couldn’t say that
Open Door fulfils one niche in Colchester, that’s because we are faced with many
different problems each day.
We give out food vouchers nearly every day for the food bank. We create small
food parcels for those who have exceeded the food bank limit. People use our phone
for all sorts of reasons (Benefits, bills, solicitors etc.). We hand out clothes and
sleeping bags. We support people with Council visits and court. We offer to escort
people to rehab. We try to create a safe environment for people with different mental health problems. We are so blessed to have such capable and wonderful volunteers that have such compassion and hearts for the work at Open Door. Those who
have been touched by God are able to reflect that love onto others unconditionally.
Testimonies
In this report, I would like to share a few testimonies from our visitors. The question I asked is “what has Open Door done for you?”
JJ
“My parents got divorced when I was
only six years old. I went to move in
with my grandparents, I was also in
and out of care throughout my
childhood. I went to prison at the age
of seventeen and have now been on
and off the streets for twenty five
years. Open Door has helped me
enormously. I couldn't have done with
out them. I have used the facilities at
Open Door for at least eighteen years. I
am currently homeless and would
like to say the Open Door gives me the
strength to keep going in terms of
practical help and moral support”
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Trevor Dale
I had a motorbike accident in 1983. I crashed
and flew headfirst into a concrete lamppost.
This resulted in two broken legs, a broken arm,
a fractured jaw and a fractured skull. I was in a
coma for three and a half months. I had to have
an emergency operation on my skull. During
this time I died three times and was revived. I
knew then that God had his hand on me.
I am diagnosed with partial Brain Damage,
Visual Impairment, Grand Epilepsy, Curvature
of the Spine and Spondylitis of the Spine. During this time my family and friends disowned
me. I have been coming to Open Door for
many years and have found purpose to my life.
Open Door is my new family. What has Open
Door done for me? It has opened my eyes to
life and gave me a reason to live”.
Simon Osborne
“When my parents died, I found living on my
own very tough. I also struggle with my health.
I have a pace maker, I suffer with Diabetes,
Atrial Fibrillation and depression. I am unable
to prepare my own meal at home and when I
travel I sometimes get lost. I first started coming to Open Door about 20 years ago and still
come here most days. It is essential for me,
especially as other services have closed down,
including the Mind Centre. I can honestly say I
wouldn't go out if Open Door wasn't here. It
gives me somewhere to go and people to talk
to. If I could give one sentence it would be, ‘a
very good place for people to go who wouldn’t
normally get out’”.
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Open Door Colchester services
Drop In Centre Opening times
Monday, Wednesday & Friday………..……
10am until 2pm
Saturday………………………………………10:30am until noon
Ask Friendship Group (Arts and Crafts)
Every other Wednesday……………………..
10am until 1pm
Prices
Tea & Coffee………… 10p
Squash……………….. 5p
Cereals……………….. 15p
Sandwich…………….. 20p
Fruit………………….. Free
(subject to availability)
Staff
Director (paid)
3 Team Leaders
11 Volunteers
Rob Urand, Wednesday Team Leader
Final thoughts and vision for the future
From September I will be standing down from my role as Director of Open Door.
The reason being is that I am going to train to be a Baptist Minister. Things are always changing and I really do look forward to seeing how the next Director will
bring a new vision. During my time at Open Door we have increased the range of
services provided. With the help of Colchester Baptist Church, we have started a
Sunday Service, in which we have seen a hundred people attend at one time.
Whether people come for food or to learn more about Jesus we are open to all to
reach out with the message that “We care” and “God loves you”. We have also
started a Bible Study on Tuesday which is attended by approximately twenty people.
These services will continue on into the future under Colchester Baptist Church.
Open Door will continue to focus on the practical needs of the visitors but at the
same time working closely with the Church to help people both practically and spiritually. Therefore the role of a Director is essential, not just to manage and run Open
Door but also to work with the Church, the Council and other charities within the
town.
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I would say that my time serving here have been the most amazing years of my life
and I would pray that it continue on for many years to come. I thank the Trustees,
and I thank those who have contributed to make it possible for me to work here.
Thank you
We are sad to see our Team Leader, Maggie Wright leave Open Door. Maggie has
been with us for a few years and took the role of Team Leader last year. She has
been a such a blessing to us and also to the visitors. I would like to thank Chris Delivett for taking over the role as Team Leader. Chris is one of the founding members
of Open Door with a wealth of experience. I would also like to thank Rob Urand and
Gail Franklin for their leadership, experience, time and care. Without the Team
Leaders we would not be able to run efficiently. I would also like to thank every volunteer that helps, they really are an inspiration to me.
I would like to thank all who have contributed to Open Door. A Special thank you to
the Essex Fairway Trust and the Diana Tinson Fund (administered by Essex Community Foundation), the Chiron Fund of the Yapp Charitable Trust, for their support
financially. I would like also to thank Colchester Baptist Church for their support and
use of the premises. thank you to Maldon Baptist Church, Maldon All Saints Church,
Aldham Parish Church, Brightlingsea Baptist Church, Mariners’ Chapel, St Mary the
Virgin Parish Church of West Bergholt, Bures Baptist Church, Kingsland Church
and St John’s Church for their support. I would also like to thank Richard Green for
the money he has raised to help purchase items for the homeless. A big thanks also to
Gerry Linderman who has raised money to help toward the future re-decoration of
the Church Lounge. For everyone who has given in some way, a massive thank you!
Networking
We seek to work with other agencies and bodies. I want to give a special mention to
Beacon House, Colchester Night Shelter, Needas, DNA Networks, Open Road, One
Support, Shelter, Colchester Borough Council (Welfare and Housing Depts.), Colchester Borough Homes, The Korban Project, Emmaus, North Essex Mind and Spirit
and Essex Police. I would encourage any agency who wants to come and visit Open
Door to contact us by email [email protected], or just pop in to
see us.
Simon Heard
March 2016
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THE PUBLIC BENEFIT
In carrying out their duties throughout the year, the Trustees of Open Door Colchester have always considered the Guidance of the Charity Commission on
public benefit (particularly the specific guidance for charities with the advancement
of religion as part of their objects).
Open Door has always welcomed newcomers and our services have always been
available to all who wish to use them, regardless of their religious beliefs or lack
thereof.
A number of our visitors are very regular in their attendance, thus demonstrating that
our services and facilities are valuable to them. The warmth of the welcome they
receive and the loving interest in their welfare shown by all the helpers is much
appreciated. Some appreciations are given on page 10.
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CONSTITUTION AND MANAGEMENT
Open Door - Colchester was constituted as a charity separate from Colchester Baptist
Church on 25 November 2003 and registered with the Charity Commission on 22 January 2004 (registered number 1101675)
Open Door - Colchester is managed by an Executive Committee of between 5 and 12
members, including
Honorary Officers (Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer) elected at each Annual
General Meeting.
Ex Officio, the Senior Minister for the time being of Colchester Baptist Church.
Nominated members, who are practicing Christians, and the majority of whom
are members of Colchester Baptist Church, appointed by the Deacons of that
Church..
Membership of the Executive Committee during 2015 consisted of
Tim Rose, Honorary Chairman.
William Butcher, Honorary Secretary.
Ted Drake, Honorary Treasurer.
Gill Balfour .
Billy Campbell (retired at the AGM).
Graham Courtier
Mark Skull
Sandra Stockwell (appointed January 2015)
Rob Urand.
Bob Woodcock.
These are the Trustees of Open Door - Colchester.
The day to day work of Open Door is controlled by the Director, Simon Heard. Currently, Open Door opens three days a week with groups of helpers led by Team Leaders, Chris Delivett, Rob Urand and Gail Franklin. Saturday Coffee Mornings were
continued through the year. Open Door works with Colchester Baptist Church in
Sunday@One services and Tuesday@Twelve Bible Study/teaching sessions.
During 2015, the Staff consisted of the following:Director (the only paid member of staff, all others are volunteers)
3 Team Leaders
A Team of some 11 other Volunteers working 1 day a week each
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Financial Policies
Investments
The funds possessed by Open Door – Colchester are relatively small and it has been
considered appropriate for funds not immediately needed for current expenses to be
placed on deposit. These funds are placed in an account with the Affirmative Deposit
Fund for Charities (ADFC) operated by Epworth Investment Management (associated
with the Methodist Church) in order to obtain as high a rate of interest as practicable in
current markets. .
No other investments are held.
A current account (which earns nominal interest) is held with the CAF Bank and a further current account to facilitate loans and other payments to Visitors is held at the
Co-operative Bank.
Reserves
The question of what reserves (if any) should be held was considered early in 2005.
The Executive Committee decided that it would be prudent to aim to hold a balance of
funds of around six months’ expenditure. This would allow for an orderly windingdown of operations should this ever prove necessary. The balance of funds at the end
of 2015 was a little over a six month’s expenditure.
No reserves for particular contingencies are held.
Grants and Loans
Open Door – Colchester does not normally make large grants to individuals or to organisations. Small gifts and loans are made to individual Visitors in appropriate cases at
the discretion of Team Leaders and of the Director to assist with living expenses, travel
costs, etc.. In 2014, a loan of £250 was made to one visitor to assist when problems
with benefits were encountered. This loan had been partially repaid by the end of
2015.
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Treasurer’s Report
The Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2015 follow this Report and should be
read with the accompanying notes.
In 2015, expenditure exceeded income by a little over £3000. The substantial grants
received from the Essex Fairway Charitable Trust (£6000), the Diana Tinson Fund administered by the Essex Community Foundation (£5000) and the Chiron Fund of the
Yapp Charitable Trust (£2000) have again had a major impact on the finances of Open
Door. Open Door is very thankful for this generosity. The continuing support of
Colchester Baptist Church (through a donation and allowing the use of their premises
without charge) and other Churches and organisations in Colchester and District is
much appreciated.
We are once again grateful to Michael Baker FCCA for his work in Examining the Accounts.
E A Drake
Honorary Treasurer
February 2016
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Notes on the Accounts for the Year ended 31 December 2015
1. Accounting Policy As Open Door has a low turnover, the Accounts are presented on a “receipts and payments” basis in accordance with Sections 132 &
133 of the Charities Act 2011.
2. Status Open Door – Colchester became a Registered Charity (No 1101675)
on 22 January 2004.
3. Donations and Grants Large amounts include £6000 from the Essex Fairway Charitable Trust, £5000 from the Diana Tinson Fund administered by the
Essex Community Foundation, £2000 from the Chiron Fund of the Yapp
Charitable Trust, £1100 from Colchester Baptist Church, £300 from Kingsland
Church and a further £500 to the Richard Green “Special Needs” Fund. During the year, Open Door registered with MyDonate. This yielded one very
generous donation of £2000 (plus £500 tax refund under Gift Aid) and a further £172. At the end of the year, there were four individuals making donations on a monthly basis (2014: four).
4. ASK Friendship Group This group was started in May 2008. No income
or expenses have been posted for 2015.
5. The Richard Green Special Needs Fund arises from specific donations: its
purpose is to help Open Door buy objects such as sleeping bags, tents, etc for
Visitors with particular needs.
6. Loans from Visitors These have been provided by individual Visitors as
part of assistance with their personal budgeting and are expended entirely for
the benefit of those Visitors. At the end of 2015, just one Visitor was being
helped in this way.
7. Borrowings Apart from the loans mentioned at 6 above, Open Door does not
owe money to anyone. The Director and Team Leaders are provided with
monetary floats out of which they make small grants and loans to Visitors.
Unexpended balances of these floats amounted to some £118 at 31 December
2015.
8. Income Tax refunded A number of individual donations have been made
under the Gift Aid Scheme. A tax reclaim in respect of the years 2013 to
2015 will be made early in 2016.
9. Insurances As an independent entity, it is necessary for Open Door to have a
range of insurances. Insurances held include Public and Employer’s Liabilities, Trustee’s Indemnity and Legal expenses. Insurance for risks associated
with buildings and contents is held by Colchester Baptist Church, in whose
premises Open Door operates.
E A Drake, Honorary Treasurer, February 2016
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