Support for community groups and organisations
Joining our Community Finance Network has boosted confidence around discussing accounts and what financial questions to ask
Tapping into our Community Finance Network has given trustees at Art Therapy Yorkshire greater confidence with their bookkeeping.
What was the challenge?
Art Therapy Yorkshire has specific room requirements for their therapy work and was finding that their room hire costs were extremely high. In addition, since appointing a new accountant, the trustees were finding that the different way of working and financial questions that were being asked needed more clarification. The trustees wanted more confidence in their bookkeeping skills and dealing with accountancy issues. They turned to the Community Support North Yorkshire team for help.
How did Community First Yorkshire help?
Our development officer suggested that the trustee responsible for bookkeeping at Art Therapy Yorkshire join our Community Finance Network. The trustee wasn’t trained in bookkeeping and needed support with submissions to Charity Commission and greater clarity on terminology.
On joining the network the trustee was pleased to find that the blend of some network members being there in a professional role, coupled with volunteers more like themselves, was helpful and reassuring. Discovering that there was not always a straight answer to something, such as a reserves policy, gave the trustee more confidence.
The organisation’s accounts are in the process of being finalised. Attending the Community Finance Network has helped the trustee feel more confident about discussing the accounts. The trustee board is keen for the organisation to be more sustainable and knowing who to ask for help has been invaluable.
“It was a very helpful session. I found it to be more reassuring than delivering new information but that reaffirmed my knowledge. For next year, it has already helped me work out how to add other information to my spreadsheets but also make things less complex. This should mean it won’t be so phenomenally complicated for others and me.”
What does the future look like?
Following their work with the Community Support North Yorkshire team, Art Therapy Yorkshire are now signed up to receive our Funding Bulletin and would like the Board to attend trustee training.
About the organisation
Art Therapy Yorkshire is a Scarborough based charity providing Art Psychotherapy to children, young people and adults.
How we can help you
As a registered charity, we understand your needs. Our local advisers work across North Yorkshire and will come to you to ensure you get access to the best quality advice and guidance including funding advice, helping you set up as a community organisation, governance and trustees, finance support, marketing advice, and exploring ways to further develop your organisation.
If you know a community group, charity or social enterprise that needs some support to be even more successful, contact one of our friendly advisors on 01904 704177 or communitysupport@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk
Community Support North Yorkshire is funded by North Yorkshire Council and NHS North Yorkshire.
Do you need help with:
- securing income for your organisation or project?
- turning your ideas of becoming a new community organisation into a reality?
- benefiting from greater security as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)?
- thinking about reviewing your organisation and planning ahead?
- understanding trustee’s legal roles and responsibilities?
- benefitting from a financial health check?
Our advisers can help. Call us today 01904 704177 or email communitysupport@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk