Fledge’s Annual Report and Accounts for 2021-22, have been recently released. The document, which, in the style of 2020-21, takes the form of an Annual Review of the Charity’s year while including the formal Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts highlights that 21—22 was a year of consolidation and a gradual return to ‘normal’ as Fledge, and the country, gradually emerged from the worst of the Covid pandemic. Commenting on the change, Chair of Trustees, Phil Watts, said “At Fledge we shared with the nation in the challenges and frustrations imposed by Covid and its restrictions, not least on the often-fragile mental health of our service users. I am pleased that, though the sustained determination, professionalism and loyalty of our amazing staff team we have emerged stronger. We have continued to offer outstanding support and homely accommodation to our service users, as well as welcoming a further four members to our staff team during the year.” 2021-22 saw the Charity’s income increase by almost 19% on 2020-21, with expenditure rising by over 30%, reflecting the continued growth of the organisation and the accommodation and services it provides. As a result, the retained surplus was 31% lower than in the previous year. Commenting on the Charity’s performance in 2021-22, Fledge’s Chief Executive said “We continue to be amazed by the generosity of our partners and donors, and their support has been invaluable as we have faced the continuing challenges of Covid, and worked to further grow our organisation and the services it provides. Sadly, the demand for our accommodation and support seems never-ending, with the number of homeless and vulnerable young people in the Borough seeking accommodation remaining high. More and more are likely to need help in the future, with rising living costs, a growing lack of affordable accommodation, and the detrimental impact these issues have on the mental health of so many.
We have been building on our achievements in 2021-22 during recent months as we have sought to meet this increasing demand.” Click here to see the Review and Report.