OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

← Somerset Counselling Centre

2024-10-31-accounts

Docusign Envelope ID: 53109BB6-C7F9-4CF9-870E-1B2B3B916D46

Company registration No. 02926858 Charity registration No. 1038975

SOMERSET COUNSELLING CENTRE (A company limited by guarantee)

Annual Report and Financial Statements For the 12 months ended 31 October 2024

Docusign Envelope ID: 53109BB6-C7F9-4CF9-870E-1B2B3B916D46

Trustees’ Report

CONTENTS

ONTENTS
Page
Trustees’ Report
Introduction 1-2
Statement of purpose 2-4
Community and Collaboration
5
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion 5-6
Financial Review 6-7
Future Developments Looking forward 7
Governance 8-9
Statement of Trustees’ responsibilities 10
Independent Examiner’s Report 11
Statement of Financial Activities 12
Balance Sheet 13
Statement of Cash Flows 14
Notes to the Financial Statements 15-24
Legal and Administrative Details 25

Docusign Envelope ID: 53109BB6-C7F9-4CF9-870E-1B2B3B916D46

Trustees’ Report

Introduction

This has been another year full of activity for Somerset Counselling Centre (“SCC”). There is unprecedented demand for our services as the understanding of mental health and the role of counselling continues to grow alongside an economic backdrop of increasing financial hardship in our communities. As the nature of demand and our existing relationships continue to develop new opportunities, we have adapted in terms of both scale and process to meet this significant demand within our community .

Online face-to-face counselling has become established as a successful ‘remote’ delivery model, increasing our ability to provide services to clients across the county, who cannot attend in person. It has enabled the Charity to extend its reach and resources, as counsellors can offer greater access and more flexibility when working from home to provide a wider cross-section of clients’ access to high-quality, long-term counselling. As an organisation, we continue to provide counselling, to clients’ flexibility in how they wish to manage their counselling sessions. Adding online capability to our core model of face-to-face delivery has extended our inclusivity, accessibility and responsivity, increasing opportunities for both clients and the counsellors who serve them.

The mix of counselling services provided means we have been able to achieve our target for the provision of affordable counselling to the community yet again this year, whilst managing the increased volume of total sessions delivered. With this performance, the Charity has been successful in delivering the five-year goal for affordable counselling.

In August, our counselling service passed the annual review maintaining our accreditation status awarded by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (“BACP”). This is an indicator of our commitment to the highest of organisational standards, excellent quality of counselling service delivery and strong clinical governance. We support and expect that counsellors also achieve personal professional accreditation with BACP or another recognised association, so that there is strength in depth across the organisation. This year we saw four of our counsellors achieve BACP accreditation of which we are very proud.

The collaboration with Somerset Council to provide specialist mental health support to individuals affected by domestic abuse was extended during the year, with an exclusive agreement in place until 2028. The comprehensive programme will deliver individual counselling sessions as well as two different types of group work to support the Council in its objectives. This is a complex programme of work involving multi-agency engagement and high-risk safeguarding cases. The team have been exceptional in maintaining their professional standards and responding effectively to the complexities and needs of this client group.

As the organisation has increased the scale of sessions delivered it has continued to develop its operational capability to ensure both the client experience and commercial resilience is managed most effectively. This has included greater supervision resources to help manage clinical delivery as well as enhanced booking and reporting procedures to further streamline administrative processes, reduce manual interventions and improve data capture and analysis.

We continued to invest in the professional development of our counsellors. We ran an enriching programme of Continued Professional Development courses and workshops for both SCC counsellors and external therapists. Our courses included a workshop with Sally Openshaw discussing Resilience and Vicarious trauma, an introduction to EMDR and a masterclass in the support system around survivors of domestic abuse. We also ran an online workshop discovering dreams and how they can be used in the therapeutic work and our Clinical Director, Noelle Adler, led training on working with couples. Our fundamental course, The Frame, training event was well attended. The Centre remains committed to developing trainees through our placement programme, enabling them to gain experience and make use of SCC’s high-quality supervision. Trainees and counsellors are actively supported by senior colleagues in their advancement to registration and accreditation.

The changes in our personnel and organisational structure, to create more agile, flatter support systems to leave the counsellors freer to concentrate on client delivery, have been further established

1

Docusign Envelope ID: 53109BB6-C7F9-4CF9-870E-1B2B3B916D46

Trustees’ Report

during the year. Our Board of Trustees has been strengthened in its numbers and skillset, ensuring we have a robust mix of experience and expertise when heading into the next financial year.

We would like to extend our thanks and gratitude to all the counsellors and support team at the Centre who have all contributed to the success of the organisation as it has grown and developed, to reflect the needs of the market and of individual clients, seeking more accessible and affordable support. During a period of rapid expansion and change for the Charity, each and every member of the team have consistently delivered the highest levels of quality and commitment, whatever has been asked of them.

It is important also to mention the significance and value to the smooth running of the organisation that is contributed by our volunteers. Everyone in the Centre is involved in meeting our charitable objectives and our vision of being a valuable outreach option for health care and directly appointed clients throughout Somerset. The talent and energy put into every aspect of running the organisation, from administration, clinical supervision, clinical leadership, the maintenance of high standards by all counsellors working with clients and the willingness of our colleagues to take on new and exciting challenges, is highly rewarding to witness. Without the blend of counselling experience, knowledge and the professionalism of our office teams supporting “behind the scenes”, we would not have made the journey to doubling the number of sessions annually delivered so successfully.

We are delighted to be leading SCC into what promises to be an exciting next phase as the recognition and importance of mental wellbeing grows. Our intention is to continue to evolve to meet this need and be a beacon of quality and accessibility for everyone seeking support. We will shortly be entering our next strategic cycle and will be considering how best to respond to the challenges of meeting both institutional and individual counselling services in the most effective and sustainable way for clients, councils and the Centre itself. We look forward to the journey ahead.

Statement of purpose

SCC’s vision is that

SCC is recognised for the provision of high-quality long-term counselling services for everyone. The services that it provides support an increase in access to affordable counselling, thereby helping to improve emotional health, wellbeing and resilience in local communities.

The Centre will grow the qualified counsellor workforce through the provision of high-quality supervised work placements for the up-and-coming trainee workforce; alongside expert-led Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for existing and qualified workforce. Thus ensuring a strong pipeline of counsellors to meet both the current and the future needs of our services and clients and for those looking to undertake a career in counselling.

SCC will collaborate proactively with other organisations and initiatives to conduct research to support this vision, and to promote increased awareness and understanding of emotional health and wellbeing and will be a key enabler of growth for high quality counselling services regionally and nationally.

SCC’s Mission is

2

Docusign Envelope ID: 53109BB6-C7F9-4CF9-870E-1B2B3B916D46

Trustees’ Report

SCC’s Strategic Objectives

The objectives and principal activities of the Charitable Company (‘Somerset Counselling Centre’) contained in the Charitable Company’s Articles of Association are:

The strategy for achieving these objectives is contained in the five-year business plan (2021-2025) which is delivered by the senior management team in consultation with the Trustees.

SCC’s Values are

Embracing - accessible to everyone who needs us in our communities Effective - providing a confidential, high-quality, personalised service to our clients Energetic - offering the service in a dynamic, choice-led and enthusiastic way Empowering - helping our clients find the way to greater self-understanding and personal growth.

How we structure the delivery of services to meet the needs of the market

Adult counselling . We offer safe and confidential counselling for individual adults experiencing personal, emotional or psychological difficulties. Our main focus is to offer counselling without the traditional time restrictions to help clients achieve better wellbeing on a weekly commitment basis (for as long as the client needs us) on the most affordable basis available to the Centre. A psychodynamic approach to therapy ensures there is adequate time to address early and deep-seated trauma and to then move forward and rebuild.

How we help with professional contracts

3

Docusign Envelope ID: 53109BB6-C7F9-4CF9-870E-1B2B3B916D46

Trustees’ Report

Training and Development Programmes

Individual Accreditation: The Centre has developed monthly ongoing BACP accreditation pods for experienced counsellors, with 350 hours or more, who wish to move to the next level of their qualifications and recognition. This not only offers the counsellors an opportunity to upskill, but to also review what they know and who they are in their counselling work. This is invaluable and enables counsellors to learn through the process. The ability to join on Zoom, discuss and share, in a seminar situation, is also a vital part of the growth, support and cohesion of counsellors.

How we raise funds

At the Centre, resilience and sustainability are key. We do not want to become over-reliant on any singular opportunity but develop a mix of income streams that enable us to be largely self-sufficient.

We raise funds in the following ways:

Volunteering

The variety of work we attract allows for increased interest in volunteer support, which further illustrates the impact of our social value as an organisation. Volunteers support the organisation in a number of ways and currently we have around fifteen people across the organisation who give their time to support our work. All our counsellors give their time to participate in our fundraising activities to promote the Centre.

4

Docusign Envelope ID: 53109BB6-C7F9-4CF9-870E-1B2B3B916D46

Trustees’ Report

Community and Collaboration

Collaboration with other organisations involved in the provision of mental wellbeing counselling is critical to our strategic aims. We continue to have strong working alliances with multiple agencies in the community, particularly through the Domestic Abuse collaboration with Somerset Council and The You Trust. Our safeguarding work means we work closely with Avon and Somerset Police, SARSAS and local GP surgeries.

We have begun to raise our profile in other areas of the community, engaging in networking events and fundraising opportunities. These include:

Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge fundraising event National Counselling Network Somerset Chamber of Commerce Somerset Community Foundation Somerset Council Somerset Ladies in Business Southwest Lottery Taunton Chamber of Commerce Taunton Flower Show Taunton Round Table Swimathon (SCC were the beneficiaries) Taunton Vale Rotary Club (SCC were the Charity of the Year) Tone FM YouTrust 2 Wish Charter for Compassion (Oct) - signed by Taunton Town Council and Sangha House Local business community networking events

Working with other statutory organisations and key stakeholders such as Somerset Open Mental Health is also critical in our blend of partners for service delivery, community work, fund raising and is a priority to continue to build a strong network in the coming years.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Somerset Counselling Centre takes the Equality Act 2010 to heart. For our clients and employees, not only do we believe that these areas need to be protected but we do everything in our power to enact an accessible service that allows for equality no matter what the financial, educational, mental health, race, gender, sexual identification, physical, age, or faith status of our clients is.

For those with hearing or mobility impairments we provide practical support with hearing loops for the hard of hearing and accessible rooms for people with limited mobility. When maintaining the building we source lighting and low odour paints for those who experience sensory issues. We endeavour to not restrict people by our own assumptions or judgements.

As accredited members of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (re-awarded in July 2023) we adopt the approach of the Good Practice guides regarding ED&I, of Awareness, Allyship, Ask and Assumptions.

For example, in terms of Awareness we endeavour to walk the talk. Our counsellors are all highly trained therapists and therefore are aware of conscious and unconscious prejudices that need to be noticed in self and in a collective. In addition, all counsellors have supervision to help them find a place to embrace difference.

In Allyship we see our operational skills and therapeutic skills as essential to demonstrate active support of this marginalised group. Our therapists and supporting officers do not take sides with, but live alongside, our client experiences. A number of the office support team have experience of

5

Docusign Envelope ID: 53109BB6-C7F9-4CF9-870E-1B2B3B916D46

Trustees’ Report

counselling themselves and working with neurodiversity and educational difficulties, helping support clients to access our services in the least stressful way.

We are keen to challenge the purpose of data gathering and therefore become curious about how it is helpful. For example, we regularly review our registration process, to manage the relevance and necessity to capture race and ethnic origin information. We feel this is inadequate to capture the complexities of how a client may experience their culture and identity and may in fact contribute to clients’ experiences of racial discrimination. We believe that replacing the standardised ethnic background question with an open-ended one, we invite our clients to talk more openly about any discrimination they may have suffered.

Assumption and Ask are closely linked: to not assume means to ask. We therefore encourage our clients to be included in deciding their options. It would be easy to assume, through our own biases, that we know best for the client. We could easily assume that a female victim of domestic abuse will not want to work with a male therapist, therefore we ensure that this something we ask our clients. In line with BACP ED&I policy we understand that as humans we have fear and anxiety and out of that place we may well make assumptions and judgements that aren’t fair. Awareness allows us to question that and readjust to the four A’s.

Financial Review

Overview

Thanks to the hard work of our team and our supporters over the last couple of years, we are in a positive position to deliver on our strategy to respond to the growing mental health need.

Overall result

Our total income of £342,616 and total expenditure of £356,629 resulted in a net deficit for the year of £14,013 (2023: surplus of £2,460).

Our income from charitable activities

Our income for the year in total was £295,497 and we offered 5,751 sessions overall in the period (2023: 6,428 sessions)..We offered 3,576 business as usual counselling sessions which brought in £138,220 of income (2023: £112,262) in the period with a mix of subsidised rates per session and some standard rate sessions. The Domestic Abuse and other contract work delivered 1,440 sessions with £132,669 of income (2023: £160,551). Other income came to £24,608 (2023: £18,288)

At the end of October, the number of clients that we have offered sessions to came to 417 (2023: 437).

Income from grants

During the period we received £24,444 in grant income (2023: £47,558). £nil is unrestricted (2023: £nil), £24,444 is restricted (2023: £47,558). In 2024 grant income was received from The National Lottery and the Somerset Community Foundation, in 2023 the funders included the following:

Of the restricted funds £43,061 (2023: £39,405) has been utilised in 2024 with the balance to be used in the next 12 months to support both individual and group counselling sessions.

Much of the Centre’s work is Open-ended or ‘long-term’ counselling, which is a type of talking therapy where it is understood that the client will probably attend for at least several months or even years, and so no official end date is set to be worked towards. Funding streams therefore will inevitably spread over a two-year period to support this type of work.

6

Docusign Envelope ID: 53109BB6-C7F9-4CF9-870E-1B2B3B916D46

Trustees’ Report

Domestic Abuse contract

In collaboration with Somerset Council, we have managed a client list of nearly 300 adults experiencing domestic abuse. During the period we have offered 1,440 sessions.

Expenditure

Expenditure in 2024 totalled £356,629 (2023: £341,633). Our unrestricted charitable expenditure rose to £299,608 (2023: £293,439). The cost of generating funds for our unrestricted fundraising was £13,960 (2023: £8,789) and the cost of charitable activities for our restricted grants received was £43,061 (2023: £39,405).

Net assets

SCC’s net assets reduced to £131,397 (2023: £145,410). This is due to the deficit that the Centre has made in the year. £10,660 of this is restricted and will be utilised to fund places for clients in 2024/2025.

Reserves Policy

The objective of SCC reserves policy is to ensure that the Charity maintains sufficient cash and readily realisable assets to enable it to withstand any shortfall in income or unforeseen expenditure while any necessary adjustments are made to the Charity’s operations.

The level of unrestricted operating expenditure represented by the General fund is 117 days (2023: 116 days) increasing to 141 days (2023: 140 days) if Designated funds are included.

At the present time we remain of the opinion that our present level of reserves would be sufficient to wind up the Centre in an orderly fashion should the need ever arise.

Future Developments Looking forward

“Achieve sustainable positive change on your journey” is one of our straplines for service delivery.

SCC continues to adapt our resources to deliver the agreed five-year strategy and annual business plans to support these objectives. We began implementation of this strategy from May 2020.

The key elements that we wish to focus on for the coming year are:

The range of client choices of face-to-face in-person or face-to-face online-counselling provide greater opportunities for support than previously offered and reach many more who might have had issues with the traditional model of delivery. So long as we can safeguard our clients, classic boundaries are no longer an inhibitor.

We have continuously adapted details within our plans to ensure that we effectively build our sustainability. The need for our counselling services has never been more important to our

7

Docusign Envelope ID: 53109BB6-C7F9-4CF9-870E-1B2B3B916D46

Trustees’ Report

communities and securing sufficient funding within our robust and mixed funding model to enable access for all, is vital. Equally, we are acutely aware that there is a need for a growing, suitably qualified mental and emotional wellbeing workforce and we are in an excellent position to respond to this need.

Governance

The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 9[th] May 1994, and has been registered as a Charity since 28[th] June 1994 (number 1038975). The Company’s Articles of Association were revised and updated in 2013.

The Trustees consider the senior management team (the Operations Director and the Clinical Director) to be the key management personnel of the Charitable Company in charge of directing and controlling, running, and operating the Charitable Company on a day-to-day basis.

Throughout the last year the Trustees have met regularly on operational matters and the strategic direction and policy of the Charity. In addition, there are full counsellor meetings held a minimum of three times a year, to engage all involved with the ongoing work life of the Centre, to advise and support where there are difficulties and to monitor the finances and plans for the future. The senior management team attends all meetings.

Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees

The Trustees of the Charitable Company at the date of this report and those who have served for the duration of the year are set out on page 25.

The Directors of the Charitable Company are also Trustees for the purposes of Charity law and are known as Trustees under the Charitable Company’s Articles. They are elected to serve for a period of three years after which they must stand down and be re-elected at the AGM. All Trustees give their time voluntarily and no Trustee received remuneration in the year for fulfilling the role of Trustee. Details of Trustee expenses and related party transactions are disclosed in note 8 to the accounts. Through the Trustees, the Centre has access to a broad range of business and counselling skills and in this way seeks to ensure that the diverse needs of the client body are fully represented at Trustee level.

During the period a new Trustee, Caroline Barrett, has been appointed.

Trustee Induction and Training

Trustees and members of the Centre actively seek to enhance the potential pool of Trustees through publicity and ‘word of mouth’ in the community at large.

Most potential Trustees are already familiar with the practical work of the Centre having been associated with the work for some time.

Additionally, new Trustees are invited and encouraged to attend Management/Trustee meetings in order to familiarise themselves with the Charity and the context in which it operates. Other areas covered by their induction will be:

Public Benefit

SCC is a registered Charity and a non-profit making organisation; we receive no regular external financial support. Its aim is to provide accessible counselling for all and so it provides a number of

8

Docusign Envelope ID: 53109BB6-C7F9-4CF9-870E-1B2B3B916D46

Trustees’ Report

places at a reduced rate according to means. No one is excluded because they cannot afford the full cost of counselling.

SCC has referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit and their specific guidance on fee-charging when reviewing its aims and objectives and in planning its future activities. Having done that, the Trustees are satisfied that our main activity of the provision of low-cost counselling services to the general public continues to meet our charitable purposes for the public benefit.

Risk Management

SCC reviews risk on an ongoing basis through our Board of Trustees. We consider the impact and likelihood of every risk and give particular attention to the management of the most severe risks. The Board of Trustees are satisfied that the major risks have been identified and have been adequately mitigated where necessary. It is recognised that systems and processes cannot provide absolute assurance and for this reason the Board remain vigilant.

Internal control risks are minimised by the implementation of procedures for the authorisation and control of projects. Procedures are in place to ensure compliance with health and safety of staff, clients and visitors to the Centre. All these procedures are periodically reviewed to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of the Charity.

To help manage clinical risk SCC is bound by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy. This helps us to maintain a high quality of service delivery and clinical practice. These are verified by annual assessment allowing us to maintain our BACP accreditation. We have clear safeguarding policies and procedures, and our counsellors work closely with our Safeguarding Officer and Clinical Director. Safeguarding cases are reviewed weekly with high-risk cases reviewed more frequently if required.

In addition, the Centre maintains insurance cover at a level appropriate for all the relevant professional and operational risks of the Centre.

Quality assurance

The Centre is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and is subject to regular accreditation. The Centre is guided by this internationally recognised organisation alongside local and national NHS policy relevant to the work undertaken.

SCC is accredited with the BACP and complies with its Ethical Framework for the Counselling profession.

9

Docusign Envelope ID: 53109BB6-C7F9-4CF9-870E-1B2B3B916D46

Trustees’ Report

Statement of Trustees’ responsibilities for the financial statements

The Trustees, who act as Directors of Somerset Counselling Centre for the purposes of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act and of the Charities Act.

Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial period. Under that law the Trustees have prepared the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charitable Company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including income and expenditure, of the Charitable Company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charitable Company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charitable Company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’). They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charitable Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the Charitable Company and financial information included on the Charitable Company’s website in accordance with legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime.

By Order of the Board c ………………….. OA8FO56C7B5A4BF...DocuSigned by: H Fry Secretary

10

Docusign Envelope ID: 53109BB6-C7F9-4CF9-870E-1B2B3B916D46

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES ON THE UNAUDITED ACCOUNTS OF SOMERSET COUNSELLING CENTRE

I report to the Trustees of Somerset Counselling Centre (Charity No. 1038975) on my examination of the unaudited accounts of the Charitable Company for the 12 months ended 31 October 2024, which are set out on pages 12 to 24.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the Trustees of the Charitable Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the 2006 Act.

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Charitable Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your Charitable Company’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination, I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent Examiner’s statement

Since Somerset Counselling Centre’s gross income exceeded £250,000, your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charitable Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

  4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of 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) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)).

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

………………………… Robert Cadwallader FCA Milsted Langdon LLP Chartered Accountants Winchester House Deane Gate Avenue Taunton Somerset TA1 2UH

…………………….

11

Docusign Envelope ID: 53109BB6-C7F9-4CF9-870E-1B2B3B916D46

SOMERSET COUNSELLING CENTRE

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

(INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT AND STATEMENT OF TOTAL RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES)

12 MONTHS ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024

Note Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Income and endowments
from:
Donations and legacies 2 20,755 - 20,755 3,684
Grants 3 - 24,444 24,444 47,558
Investments 4 1,920 - 1,920 1,750
Charitable activities 5 295,497 - 295,497 291,101
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total 318,172 24,444 342,616 344,093
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 6 13,960 - 13,960 8,789
Charitable activities 6 299,608 43,061 342,669 332,844
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total 313,568 43,061 356,629 341,633
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net movement in funds 14 4,604 (18,617) (14,013) 2,460
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 16 116,133 29,277 145,410 142,950
at 1 November 2023
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total funds carried forward at 120,737
10,660		 131,397 145,410
31 October 2024
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the period. All income and expenditure derives from continuing activities.

The notes on pages 15 to 24 form part of these financial statements.

12

Docusign Envelope ID: 53109BB6-C7F9-4CF9-870E-1B2B3B916D46

SOMERSET COUNSELLING CENTRE Registered Number: 02926858 BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 OCTOBER 2024

2024 2023
Notes £ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 10 11,187 11,709
Current assets
Debtors 11 57,421 9,292
Cash at bank and in hand 114,882 207,508
----------- ------------
172,303 216,800
Liabilities:creditors falling
due within one year 12 (52,093) (83,099)
----------- -------------
Net current assets 120,210 133,701
----------- ------------
Net assets 131,397 145,410
----------- ------------
Represented by:
The funds of the Charity:
Restricted funds 14 10,660 29,277
Unrestricted income funds
General fund 14 100,737 96,133
Designated funds 14 20,000 20,000
----------- ----------
Total unrestricted funds 120,737 116,133
----------- ------------
Total funds 131,397 145,410
----------- ------------

The Charitable Company is entitled to exemption from audit for the 12 months ended 31 October 2024 under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 and Section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011.

The members have not required the Charitable Company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the 12 months ended 31 October 2024 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for:-

These financial statements have been delivered in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime.

Approved by the Board on 25[th] March 2025

…………………………… H Fry
Crby:
OABFOS6C7BSA4BF.		 …………………………… H Fry
Secretary Secretary
…………………………… . S Malley
Signed by:
BOA
(
TTCEC258DC71495.
Trustee Trustee

The notes on pages 15 to 24 form part of these financial statements.

13

Docusign Envelope ID: 53109BB6-C7F9-4CF9-870E-1B2B3B916D46

SOMERSET COUNSELLING CENTRE

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED 31 OCTOBERr 2024

2024 2023
£ £
Reconciliation of net movement in funds to
net cash flow from operating activities:
Net movement in funds (14,013) 2,460
Add back depreciation charge 4,886 4,506
(Deduct) interest shown on investing activities (1,920) (1,750)
(Increase)/decrease in debtors (48,129) 11,743
(Decrease) in creditors (31,006) (142,660)
---------- ----------
Cash generated from operating activities (90,182) (125,701)
---------- ----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investment income 1,920 1,750
(Purchase) of tangible fixed assets (4,364) (5,091)
-------------- ---------------
(2,444) (3,341)
Cash flows from financing activities:
(Decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (92,626) (129,042)
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 November 2023 207,508 336,550
-------------- ---------------
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 October 2024 114,882 207,508
-------------- ---------------
All of the cash flows are derived from continuing operations during the above two periods.
Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net funds
Net (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents in the year (92,626) (129,042)
Movement in net funds in the year
Net funds at the start of the year 207,508 336,550
-------------- ---------------
Net funds at the end of the year 114,882 207,508
-------------- ---------------

The notes on pages 15 to 24 form part of these financial statements.

14

Docusign Envelope ID: 53109BB6-C7F9-4CF9-870E-1B2B3B916D46

SOMERSET COUNSELLING CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Summary of significant accounting policies and key accounting estimates

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

Somerset Counselling Centre meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.

Going concern

The Trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Charitable Company’s ability to continue as a going concern nor any significant areas of uncertainty that affect the carrying value of the assets held by the Charitable Company.

Income and endowments

All income is recognised once the Charitable Company has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of the income receivable can be measured reliably.

Grants receivable

Income from government and other grants, whether 'capital' grants or 'revenue' grants, is recognised when the Charitable Company has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grant have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Donations and legacies

Donations and legacies are recognised on a receivable basis when receipt is probable and the amount can be reliably measured. No gifts in kind were received during the year (2023: £nil).

Deferred income

Deferred income represents amounts received for future periods and is released to incoming resources in the period for which it has been received. Such income is only deferred when:

Income received for services provided under contract is recognised when the performance conditions attached have been met.

Fundraising events

Income from fundraising events is included in incoming resources in the period in which the relevant event takes place.

15

Docusign Envelope ID: 53109BB6-C7F9-4CF9-870E-1B2B3B916D46

SOMERSET COUNSELLING CENTRE

Investment income

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Charitable Company; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.

Gift aid

Income from tax reclaims is included in the Statement of Financial Activities at the same time as the gift to which it relates.

Expenditure

All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregates 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 depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the assets' use.

Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.

Raising funds

These are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income, the management of investments and those incurred in trading activities that raise funds.

Charitable activities

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the Charitable Company 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 costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.

Governance costs include the costs of the preparation and examination of the statutory accounts, the costs of Trustee meetings and the cost of any legal advice to Trustees on governance or constitutional matters. These costs are included within charitable expenditure.

All costs are allocated between the expenditure categories of the SOFA on a basis designed to reflect the use of the resource. Costs relating to a particular activity are allocated directly; others are apportioned on an appropriate basis as set out in note 6.

Fixed assets

Fixed assets are stated at their purchase price, together with any incidental expenses of acquisition.

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of fixed assets over the expected useful economic lives of the assets concerned. The principal annual rates used for this purpose are:

Leasehold improvements - straight line over the period of the lease Equipment and furnishings - 25% straight line

Taxation

The Charitable Company is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the Charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.

16

Docusign Envelope ID: 53109BB6-C7F9-4CF9-870E-1B2B3B916D46

SOMERSET COUNSELLING CENTRE

Debtors

Debtors are amounts due from clients for services performed in the ordinary course of business.

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

Creditors and provisions

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the Charitable Company has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the objectives of the Charitable Company, and which have not been designated for other purposes. Designated funds are funds set aside by the Trustees out of unrestricted funds for specific future purposes or projects.

Restricted funds are funds that can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the Charitable Company. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

The movement in these funds can be seen in notes 14 and 15.

Financial instruments

The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recorded at transaction value and subsequently measured at the carrying value plus accrued interest, less repayments. The financing charge to expenditure is at a constant rate calculated using the effective interest method.

Operating leases

Leases in which substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are retained by the lessor are classified as operating leases. Rentals payable under operating leases are charged in the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the lease term.

2 INCOME FROM DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Donations and legacies:
Donations from Taunton Rotary Club 15,000 - 15,000 315
Donations from Taunton Swimathon 3,000 - 3,000 -
Donations from The Somerset Collective
1,804		 - 1,804 3,000
Donations from fundraising activities 851 - 851 -
Donations from individuals 100 - 100 369
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
20,755 - 20,755 3,684
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------

The income from donations and legacies was £20,755 (2023: £3,684) of which £20,755 was unrestricted (2023: £3,684) and £nil was restricted (2023: £nil).

17

Docusign Envelope ID: 53109BB6-C7F9-4CF9-870E-1B2B3B916D46

SOMERSET COUNSELLING CENTRE

3 GRANT INCOME

GRANT INCOME
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Grant income from:
National Lottery - 20,000 20,000 -
Somerset Community Foundation - 4,444 4,444 27,358
Somerset County Council and the - - - 20,200
Somerset Clinical Commissioning
Group
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total - 24,444 24,444 47,558
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

Grant income was £24,444 (2023: £47,558) of which £nil was unrestricted (2023: £nil) and £24,444 was restricted (2023: £47,558).

4 INVESTMENT INCOME

4 INVESTMENT INCOME
Unrestricted Total Total
funds 2024 2023
£ £ £
Interest from cash held on deposit 1,920 1,920 1,750
---------- ---------- -----------

Investment income was £1,920 (2023: £1,750) of which £1,920 was unrestricted (2023: £1,750) and £nil was restricted (2023: £nil).

5 INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Unrestricted Total Total
funds 2024 2023
£ £ £
Supervision fees 1,829 1,829 3,553
Room hire 16,668 16,668 14,137
Client voluntary contributions 138,220 138,220 112,262
Contract work 132,669 132,669 160,551
Training 6,111 6,111 598
---------- ---------- ----------
295,497 295,497 291,101
---------- ---------- ----------

The income from charitable activities was £295,497 (2023: £291,101) of which £295,497 was unrestricted (2023: £291,101) and £nil was restricted (2023: £nil).

18

Docusign Envelope ID: 53109BB6-C7F9-4CF9-870E-1B2B3B916D46

SOMERSET COUNSELLING CENTRE

6
EXPENDITURE		 Raising Charitable Charitable
Basis of funds activities activities Total Total
Allocation (unrestrict
ed)		 (unrestrict
ed)		 (restricted) 2024 2023
£ £ £ £ £
Direct Costs:
Counsellors and supervisors Direct - 83,067 18,030 101,097 165,005
Travelling expenses Direct - 1,693 - 1,693 386
Training fees and expenses Direct - 11,635 - 11,635 3,743
Fundraising expenses Direct 982 - - 982 -
Subscription and affiliation
fees		 Direct - 17,717 - 17,717 16,648
----------- ------------ ------------ ----------- -----------
982 114,112 18,030 133,124 185,782
----------- ------------ ------------ ----------- -----------
Support Costs:
Office administration Staff time 8,241 126,118 4,139 138,498 76,317
(including wages)
Heat, light and water Floor
area		 273 2,509 1,799 4,581 4,353
Rates and insurance Floor
area		 212 1,956 1,402 3,570 2,858
Rent payable Floor
area		 845 7,777 5,577 14,199 15,019
Repairs and maintenance Usage 220 2,027 1,453 3,700 3,597
Advertising, printing and
stationery		 Usage 867 7,980 5,721 14,568 11,792
Postage and telephone Usage 144 1,328 952 2,424 1,540
Sundries Usage 204 1,885 1,350 3,439 1,757
Bank charges and interest Direct - 1,111 719 1,830 3,314
Bad debts Direct - - - - 65
Depreciation Usage 291 2,676 1,919 4,886 4,506
----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
11,297 155,367 25,031 191,695 125,118
------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Governance:
Independent Examiner’s fee Direct - 3,562 - 3,562 4,817
Professional fees Direct 1,681 26,567 - 28,248 25,916
----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
1,681 30,129 - 31,810 30,733
------------ ------------ ------------ ---------- ----------
13,960 299,608 43,061 356,629 341,633
------------ ------------ ------------ ----------- -----------

Expenditure on raising funds was £13,960 (2023: £8,789) of which £13,960 was unrestricted (2023: £8,789) and £nil was restricted (2023: £nil).

Expenditure on charitable activities was £342,669 (2023: 332,844) of which £299,608 was unrestricted (2023: £293,439) and £43,061 was restricted (2023: £39,405).

19

Docusign Envelope ID: 53109BB6-C7F9-4CF9-870E-1B2B3B916D46

SOMERSET COUNSELLING CENTRE

7
NET INCOMING/OUTGOING RESOURCES		 2024 2023
£ £
Net incoming/outgoing resources are stated after charging:
Rent payable 14,199 15,019
Depreciation 4,886 4,506
Independent Examiner’s fee 2,412 2,100
Other accountancy fees 1,150 2,717
--------- ----------

8 RELATED PARTIES

The Trustees of SCC did not receive any remuneration for their services as Trustees within the year or reimbursed expenditure

.

9
EMPLOYEE COSTS		 2024 2023
number number
Average number of employees (including part time)
during the year 8 8
---------- -----------
Cost in respect of these employees £ £
Wages and salaries 139,445 128,122
Employer’s NIC 2,201 3,096
Pension costs 2,351 2,296
-------- ---------
143,997 133,514
--------- ----------

There are no employees with emoluments over £60,000.

10 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Leasehold Equipment and
improvements furnishings Total
£ £ £
Cost
At 1 November 2023 6,994 13,053 20,047
Additions 917 3,447 4,364
~~Disposals~~ ~~-~~ ~~-~~ ~~-~~
----------- ----------- -----------
At 31 October 2024 7,911 16,500 24,411
------------ ------------ -----------
Depreciation
At 1 November 2023 3,190 5,148 8,338
Charge for the period 1,313 3,573 4,886
~~Disposals~~ ~~-~~ ~~-~~ ~~-~~
------------ ------------- ------------
At 31 October 2024 4,503 8,721 13,224
------------ ------------- ------------
Net book value
At 31 October 2024 3,408 7,779 11,187
------------ ------------- ------------
At 31 October 2023 3,804 7,905 11,709
------------- -------------- -------------

20

Docusign Envelope ID: 53109BB6-C7F9-4CF9-870E-1B2B3B916D46

SOMERSET COUNSELLING CENTRE

11 DEBTORS 2024
2023
£
£
Trade debtors 50,120
3,926
Prepayments 7,301
5,366
----------- ------------
57,421
9,292
----------- -----------
12 CREDITORS: amounts falling due within one year 2024
2023
£
£
Trade creditors 4,771
17,722
Other creditors and accruals 5,505
9,757
Deferred income 41,817
55,620
----------- ------------
52,093
83,099
----------- ------------
2024 2023
£ £
Deferred income at 1 November 55,620 209,086
Deferred income released from previous period -55,620 -
Deferred income in the period 41,817 (153,466)
----------- ------------
Deferred income at 31 October 41,817 55,620
----------- ------------

Income has been deferred because it does not meet the criteria for recognition as income in the Statement of Financial Activities because entitlement to the income did not exist at the balance sheet date. Deferred income has decreased in the year due to the utilisation of the funding received for the Domestic Abuse projects. The remaining balance will be utilised in the coming year.

13 LEGAL STATUS

The Charitable Company is limited by guarantee and does not have share capital. In the event of the Charitable Company being wound up, the liability of the members is limited to £1 each.

21

Docusign Envelope ID: 53109BB6-C7F9-4CF9-870E-1B2B3B916D46

SOMERSET COUNSELLING CENTRE

14 FUNDS

Balance at
1
November
2023		 Income Expenditure Transfer
between
funds		 Balance at
31 October
2024
£ £ £ £ £
Restricted funds
National Lottery - 20,000 (15,800) - 4,200
Somerset Community Foundation 13,427 4,444 (13,611) - 4,260
Somerset County Council and the
Somerset Clinical Commissioning
Group		 15,850 - (13,650) - 2,200
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total restricted funds 29,277 24,444 (43,061) - 10,660
Unrestricted funds
General fund 96,133 318,172 (313,568) - 100,737
Designated funds
Closure fund 20,000 - - - 20,000
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
145,410 342,616 (356,629) - 131,397
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Balance at
1
November
2022		 Income Expenditure Transfer
between
funds		 Balance at
31 October
2023
£ £ £ £ £
Restricted funds
Somerset Community Foundation 11,424 27,358 (25,355) - 13,427
Somerset County Council and the
Somerset Clinical Commissioning		 9,700 20,200 (14,050) - 15,850
Group
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total restricted funds 21,124 47,558 (39,405) - 29,277
Unrestricted funds
General fund 101,826 296,535 (302,228) - 96,133
Designated funds
Closure fund 20,000 - - - 20,000
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
142,950 344,093 (341,633) - 145,410
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------

The specific purposes for which the funds are to be applied are as follows:

Restricted funds

National Lottery - The Hardship Fund Somerset Community Foundation - My Family Talking Gateway and Art Heals Somerset County Council and the Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group - Leaving Care Counselling Service.

22

Docusign Envelope ID: 53109BB6-C7F9-4CF9-870E-1B2B3B916D46

SOMERSET COUNSELLING CENTRE

Designated funds

The Closure fund was set up in May 2003 to hold funds for the closure of the service, should it become necessary. The balance of the Fund was fixed at that time at £10,000. Last year, the Trustees decided to increase the fund to £20,000 to reflect the growing size of the Charity.

15 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

Current year

General Restricted Designated
fund
funds		 funds Total
2024
£
£		 £ £
Fixed assets 11,187
-		 - 11,187
Net current assets 89,550
10,660		 20,000 120,210
---------
----------		 ----------- ----------
Net assets 100,737
10,660		 20,000 131,397
----------
----------		 ----------- ----------
Prior year
General Restricted Designated
fund
funds		 funds Total
2023
£
£		 £ £
Fixed assets 11,709
-		 - 11,709
Net current assets 84,424
29,277		 20,000 133,701
---------
----------		 ----------- ----------
Net assets 96,133
29,277		 20,000 145,410
----------
----------		 ----------- ----------

23

Docusign Envelope ID: 53109BB6-C7F9-4CF9-870E-1B2B3B916D46

SOMERSET COUNSELLING CENTRE

16 COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT AND STATEMENT OF TOTAL RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES)

12 MONTHS ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023

Note Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds 2023
£ £ £
Income and endowments
from:
Donations and legacies 2 3,684 - 3,684
Grants 3 - 47,558 47,558
Investments 4 1,750 - 1,750
Charitable activities 5 291,101 - 291,101
----------- ----------- -----------
Total 296,535 47,558 344,093
----------- ----------- -----------
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 6 8,789 - 8,789
Charitable activities 6 293,439 39,405 332,844
----------- ----------- -----------
Total 302,228 39,405 341,633
----------- ----------- -----------
Net movement in funds 14 (5,693) 8,153 2,460
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 121,826 21,124 142,950
at 1 November 2022
----------- ----------- -----------
Total funds carried forward at 116,133 29,277 145,410
31 October 2023
----------- ----------- -----------

24

Docusign Envelope ID: 53109BB6-C7F9-4CF9-870E-1B2B3B916D46

SOMERSET COUNSELLING CENTRE

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Trustees
Helen Fry (Secretary and Treasurer)
Deborah Howell
Andrew Palmer
Simon Malley
Zillah Morris
Caroline Barrett (appointed 20 February 2024)
Principal Office Somerset Counselling Centre
Apsley House
Tower Street
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 4BH
Registered Office Somerset Counselling Centre
Apsley House
Tower Street
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 4BH
Company Registration Number 02926858
Charity Registration Number 1038975
Bankers Lloyds Bank plc
31 Fore Street
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 1HN
Independent Examiner Robert Cadwallader FCA
Milsted Langdon LLP
Chartered Accountants
Winchester House
Deane Gate Avenue
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 2UH

25