BIG HELP PROJECT
We work closely with our local community to develop and deliver impactful services which empower people to break down barriers and live happier healthier futures. Through our award-winning Debt Advice, Welfare Benefits Advocacy and Employability Support we work tirelessly to liberate people from the cycle of poverty.
Financial health, per its FY2022 accounts
The accounts state that unrestricted reserves total £4,932,749, which the trustees confirm meets their policy target of covering approximately three months of running costs. However, the independent auditors issued a disclaimer of opinion because they were unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding charitable income and expenses. The trustees maintain that the charity is a going concern despite the surrender of major property leases.
What the accounts disclose
“The Trustees have agreed that the charity should maintain unrestricted funds, which are the free reserves of the charity at a level equivalent to cover approximately three months running costs of Big Help Project.” — page 4
“We do not express an opinion on the financial statements of the charity. Because of the significance of the matters described in the Basis for disclaimer of opinion section of our report, we have not been able to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to provide a basis for an audit opinion on these financial statements” — page 7
“Also at the balance sheet date the charity owed £2,378,488 (2021-E£nil) to Big Help Homes CIC, Big Help Green, Big Help Property Services, Big help Housing and BHP Limited. These are all connected entities by a common trustee/director, Mr P Mitchell.”
“At the balance sheet date, the charity was owed £7,947,790 (2021 - £1,860,619) by Big Help Homes CIC, Big Help Green, Big Help property services and Big help Housing.” — page 24
“Also at the balance sheet date the charity owed £2,378,488 (2021-E£nil) to Big Help Homes CIC, Big Help Green, Big Help Property Services, Big help Housing and BHP Limited. These are all connected entities by a common trustee/director, Mr P Mitchell.”
“At the balance sheet date, the charity was owed £7,947,790 (2021 - £1,860,619) by Big Help Homes CIC, Big Help Green, Big Help property services and Big help Housing.” — page 24
“In respect of the transactions in the note above, the Charity has breached s.185 of the Charities Act 2011 and such payments were technically unauthorised at that time.” — page 24
“The consolidated group financial statements consist of the financial statements of the parent charity, The Big Help Project and its trading subsidiary, Big Help Trading Co Limited.” — page 15
Charity Commission inquiry
In the news
- Wigan Athletic: Liquidation hits Liverpool-based charity Big Help Project
- Liverpool: The Big Help Project investigated by Charity Commission
- Big Help Project announce two new events for 2023
- Southport FC announce Big Help Project as new stadium sponsor with £100,000 investment
- Award-winning charity Big Help Project will feature front and centre on Wigan Athletic FC's new kit
- Meet the man who traveled 155 miles on foot and slept rough to raise funds for the Big Help Project
- The Sovini Group raises £6,000 for the Big Help Project
- The Big Help Project hopes to help local community
Property (HM Land Registry)
Structured financials (annual return, FY ending 31/03/2022)
Trustees
- Andrew Moorheadchair
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/03/2025 | — | — |
| 31/03/2024 | — | — |
| 31/03/2023 | — | — |
| 31/03/2022 | £15.8m | £13.4m |
| 31/03/2021 | £9.5m | £6.6m |
Common questions
Is BIG HELP PROJECT financially healthy?
Per its FY2022 accounts: The accounts state that unrestricted reserves total £4,932,749, which the trustees confirm meets their policy target of covering approximately three months of running costs. However, the independent auditors issued a disclaimer of opinion because they were unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding charitable income and expenses. The trustees maintain that the charity is a going concern despite the surrender of major property leases. Its FY2022 accounts were audited by Raffingers LLP.
Who funds BIG HELP PROJECT?
Funders whose own accounts filings name BIG HELP PROJECT as a grant recipient include THE STEVE MORGAN FOUNDATION, SMALLWOOD TRUST, THE DWF FOUNDATION, SIR HARRY PILKINGTON FUND.
Known funders
| Funder | Year | Amount | Purpose (as stated by the funder) |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE STEVE MORGAN FOUNDATION | FY2022 | £60k | DCMS Fund Grants >£50k |
| SMALLWOOD TRUST | FY2021 | £8k | |
| THE DWF FOUNDATION | FY2022 | £2k | |
| THE DWF FOUNDATION | FY2022 | £2k | |
| SIR HARRY PILKINGTON FUND | FY2022 | £1k |
Government & lottery funding
| Funder | Date | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| The National Lottery Community Fund | 17/03/2023 | £10k | The Big Eurovision Party |
| The National Lottery Community Fund | 15/10/2021 | £10k | The Wildflower Welcome Kit |
| UK government | 04/09/2020 | £94k | Coronavirus Community Support Fund |
| UK government | 01/04/2020 | £414k | DOMESTIC ABUSE |
| UK government | 01/04/2019 | £30k | Knife Crime Community Fund 2019-20 |
| The National Lottery Community Fund | 31/05/2018 | £306k | GetConnected2 |
| The National Lottery Community Fund | 30/09/2015 | £10k | Moving Communities Out of Poverty |
| The National Lottery Community Fund | 12/01/2015 | £183k | GetConnected |