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2023-04-30-accounts

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1055048

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023

FOR

THE SARA LEE TRUST

Manningtons Chartered Accountants 39 High Street Battle East Sussex TN33 0EE

THE SARA LEE TRUST CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023

Page
Reference and Administrative Details 1
Report of the Trustees 2 to 19
Independent Examiner's Report 20
Statement of Financial Activities 21
Statement of Financial Position 22 to 23
Notes to the Financial Statements 24 to 33
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 34 to 35

THE SARA LEE TRUST REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023

TRUSTEES S Lee (deceased 8/7/2022) V Goddard A Cryar D Hargreaves M Lear M Morton C Chaloner N H Histed P Matthews A Rose K Hughes (resigned 18/5/2023) T Lee (appointed 13/7/2022) T May (appointed 19/05/2023) PRINCIPAL ADDRESS 25 Upper Maze Hill St leonards on Sea East Sussex TN38 0LB REGISTERED CHARITY 1055048 NUMBER

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Manningtons Chartered Accountants 39 High Street Battle East Sussex TN33 0EE

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THE SARA LEE TRUST REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023

The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 30 April 2023. The trustees have adopted the provisions 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).

The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 30 April 2022. The trustees have adopted the provisions 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).

A welcome from our President

I joined The Sara Lee Trust as a Trustee almost twenty years ago. Since then, I have served as Vice-Chair and then for the last ten years as Chairperson. Throughout that time Sally Lee MBE, Sara's mother, Trust Co-founder, and former President provided me with a great source of inspiration to help the Trust to grow and support more local people with their essential support and care.

She provided the leadership and energy needed to enable the Trust to develop into an organisation that now supports almost 1,000 people a year with a wide range of therapies and group activities from facilities that are designed to provide the best patient experience possible.

I am extremely proud to have the opportunity as Trust President to continue both Sally Lee and Jeremy Lee's amazing legacy and continue to strive with our Board, Team and supporters to deliver Sara's vision of free and accessible therapy support and care for all those affected by life threatening illness living in Hastings and Rother.

Michael J Lear Trust President

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES TRUST AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The Sara Lee Trust is an independent local charity which aims to improve the quality of life of people affected by cancer and other life-threatening illnesses in Hastings and Rother (East Sussex), through the provision of psychological and counselling support, complementary therapies and therapeutic group activities. The Trust was established in early 1996.

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THE SARA LEE TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

The Trust's strategic aims are:

To provide, as widely as possible, our individual and group Counselling and Therapy services to people affected by life threatening illnesses.

To develop our services as needed to ensure equitable access for all, in particular for the more vulnerable groups within our society.

To deliver our care and services in the most appropriate setting for the patient and at a time that best meets their needs.

To ensure that Trust services are supported by long - term sustainable income streams.

The Trust's strategic plan “Improving Care for Local People: 2023 – 2028” is available from our website: www.saraleetrust.org

OUR ACTIVITIES About the Sara Lee Trust

For 25 years we have worked to improve the quality of life for people affected by cancer and other life-threatening illnesses across Hastings and Rother, East Sussex. Our combined experience and expertise has enabled us to develop a range of psychological and counselling support, complementary and group therapies to benefit and support patients, their carers, family members and loved ones. We are the dedicated provider of psychological support and therapy care services for St Michael's Hospice, a 26-bed palliative care centre in St Leonards-on-Sea (for 25 years) and the Rye, Winchelsea and District Memorial Hospital (since 2007). The Trust is the only provider of these specialised services in the region.

Our team

The Trust Team of over 20 highly experienced practitioner's support almost 800 people per year with the free counselling, therapy care and group support they need to help them through what is often the most difficult time of their life. All Trust practitioner's have recognised training in the therapy they provide and have significant experience of working with our patient group.

Whilst ensuring that we comply with local and national guidelines, our flexible model of care is designed to empower the individual, to enable lasting improvement to their wellbeing. We promote the development of long-term connections and supportive networks through individual and / or group activity. Our team provides psychological support including specialist counselling, psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), a range of complementary therapies and a growing number of group activities. Care is tailored to the needs of each individual.

All Trust services are provided completely free of charge.

How we help

People affected by life-threatening illness are often at an extremely vulnerable stage in their life, both mentally and physically. They will often feel isolated and marginalised by their illness. Our individual and group support helps people to live with, and increasingly through their illness. Improved confidence and mobility can help service users to be more independent of carers while at the same time enabling them to broaden social networks so that they feel better connected to their community. Because our services are also available to the families and loved ones of patients, they too benefit through the opportunity to process the impact of the diagnosis and potential bereavement.

Our services offer some respite from the caring role and its physical and emotional impact. In this broader context, we improve health and well-being in our community by offering more opportunities for employment and volunteering, playing a key role in enhancing community spirit and reducing the burden of care in the wider community generally. When our resources are not available people sometimes struggle without essential care, resulting in deterioration in health and well-being and placing heightened pressure on mainstream health, social care and other services

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THE SARA LEE TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

LOCAL CONTEXT

The Trust provides essential care and support for people living across Hastings and Rother who are affected by cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Locally the level of need for this support and care is extreme. Trust Therapy hubs across Hastings and Rother

Trust Therapy hubs across Hastings and Rother

1.Hub on Rye Hill 2.S Michaels Hospice 3.Sara Lee Therapy Centre Sidley

Hastings and Rother have some of the most deprived areas in the country where prevalence rates for cancer are far higher than the national average and many people continue to live with their illness unsupported, resulting in unnecessary suffering and isolation. East Sussex Joint Strategic Needs & Assets Assessment (JSNA) 2022 highlights not only that Hastings has higher than regional average levels of premature death, with the primary contributor being lung cancer but also that the rates have increased significantly since 2019.

Sussex Uncovered 3, a data-led report by Sussex Community Foundation sets out both the needs and strengths of our communities across Sussex. This report highlights the continuing inequality across Sussex and that people in the disadvantaged areas of Sussex are more likely to have shorter lives and poorer health. There is a 14.5 year age gap in male life expectancy and an 18.9 year age gap in female life expectancy between the most and least deprived areas in Sussex. Hastings & Rother contains 10 of the 15 most deprived wards in Sussex and Hastings is ranked the 13th in the country on the same indicator.

The pressure on our services remains very high and, with The Sussex Cancer Alliance predicting increasing local prevalence rates long into the future, this trend will only but continue.

Funding allowing, the Trust is committed to increasing its capacity to meet this extreme level of need.

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THE SARA LEE TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

I feel privileged to be the Chair of the Sara Lee Trust. I was appointed in January 2023 having served as a Trustee and been a member of the Service User Group. I experienced first-hand the difference the Trust makes to the lives of those affected by cancer and other life-threatening conditions.

It is the amazing work of the therapists, staff and volunteers and this inspires me to leading the Charity forward into the future. As we all work together building upon the determination, hard work and achievements of the Trust since it was established in 1996, in the memory of Sara Lee, we strive to ensure all those affected by cancer and life-threatening conditions in Hastings and Rother have free and easy access to our services and support. In the words of Sara Lee, we strive to support our service users, "To live life to the full, in spite of the cancer within".

Despite the considerable impacts of COVID-19 on our services and finances, I am pleased to say that almost all services have now been fully re-established, and we are now supporting almost the same number of people as before the pandemic.

The Trust team have been extremely busy over the last 18 months, not just rebuilding our operations after the ravages of the pandemic but also developing a purpose designed hallspace for group support activities as well as reconfiguring our therapy centre in Bexhill to increase our capacity for one-to-one therapies. With all the building works now complete we now have the right facilities to support more people for generations to come.

With your ongoing support I am confident that not only will we support more people looking forward but also become a stronger and more sustainable organisation.

I give my sincere thanks to you all for your individual and collective efforts.

Anita Rose Chair of Trustees

Sara Lee Centre Hallspace opened April 2023

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THE SARA LEE TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S INTRODUCTION

The core purpose of the Trust is to improve the lives of local people affected by life threatening illness.

Despite the considerable external and internal challenges faced over the last year including managing the ongoing impacts of the COVID pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis as well as the closure of our centre in Sidley, I am very pleased to say that the level of support we provide has continued to increase and is almost back to pre-pandemic levels. We expect this trend to continue as we build capacity and establish a wider range of group support activities delivered from our new hallspace in Sidley.

Through our monitoring and evaluation processes we know that our services make a real difference and feedback from our service users remains highly positive and compelling.

Highlights from our latest monitoring and evaluation reports include:

After an extended period of exceptional change and upheaval it will come as no surprise that our near term priorities and focus are centred on our core services and ensuring that we continue to provide high quality services at the right time and place for the individual. That our services and patients are supported by accessible, timely and efficient administration processes.

In addition, we are incrementally re-establishing and enhancing the scope and range of our group support activities with several already up and running from our new hallspace including Wellbeing Through Nature Groups, beginner and intermediate level specialist Yoga classes, Brighter Outlook physical exercise programmes run in partnership with Albion in the Community and regular Look Good Feel Better workshops.

With the financial environment becoming increasingly challenging, raising funds to support our core services and activities is becoming increasingly difficult. We need to adapt our approach to fundraising to embrace and integrate new trends, technologies and opportunities alongside what our Fundraising team already do so successfully.

The Trust is extremely fortunate to be supported by so many people, groups and organisations who give so much in many different ways. It is through this tremendous support that we will, I am sure, continue to raise the necessary funds to not only continue to provide our services at current levels but also to fund additional capacity enabling us to support more people in need in the future.

Dan Redsull Chief Executive Officer

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THE SARA LEE TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023

FINANCIAL REVIEW THE SARA LEE TRUST PERFORMANCE REPORT SERVICES

Service provision and activities

In the financial year 2022/23 the Trust provided 4,823 hours of therapy and activities, an increase of 22% on the previous year. Our services benefitted supported 653 service users, an increase of 18% from 2021/22.

These increases reflect the removal of pandemic related restrictions in the early part of the financial year and are expected to continue as services and capacity are re-established.

The Trust received 1,092 referrals over the year.

Provision of therapies by service user

Location of therapies and activities

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THE SARA LEE TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023

FINANCIAL REVIEW (continued )

Provision of therapies and activities by diagnosis

In Year Developments

Highlights

-Our Sara Lee Therapy Centre in Sidley was closed for major improvements and enhancements for a considerable part of the year. Re-opening in March 2023 the centre now has 2 complementary therapy suites as well as a dedicated counselling room.

-Established group activities including gentle yoga, healthy cooking and Look Good Feel Better sessions are as popular as ever.

-New group support activities were introduced in year including drop in Information & Awareness sessions run in partnership with Bexhill Primary Care Network, Brighter Outlook Exercise programmes and Wellbeing Through Nature groups.

Action Plan and Annual Evaluation

In the coming months we will be analysing the results of our annual service user survey, and undertaking an evaluation process leading to the 2022-2023 Trust Annual Evaluation Report and the 2023-24 Trust Action Plan.

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THE SARA LEE TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023

USER FEEDBACK AND CASE STUDY

Examples of service user feedback in 2022/23

Case studies and personal stories

Case studies demonstrating how the Trust has made a difference to the life of an individual and their family through the service it provides. The first case study relates to our Shiatsu therapy and the second our Counselling service.

Names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of the patient and their family.

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THE SARA LEE TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023

Case Studies and personal stories (continued)

Steven is a gentleman in his seventh decade. As part of his treatment plan with his Medical Team, he is receiving Hormone Therapy. He experiences hot flushes. Here is his account in his own words regarding the time he has shared with various members of the Team with The Sara Lee Trust.

"When I was diagnosed with advance cancer a year ago I was given the opportunity to have some therapy by the 'Sara Lee Trust', but not knowing what I was about to experience was something out of this world. I was offered 6 sessions of body therapy which was totally relaxing and cleared my mind of the complaint. At a later time I was introduced to another therapist for 6 sessions this time of 'Acupuncture', whereby very small needles where inserted into various places on the body and to my and everyone's amazement the 'Hot Flushes' I was plagued with ever since I started my monthly injections had decreased a lot, not completely but a lot.

The centre at Sidley had to be closed for major improvements and all services were put out onto the road, but 'The Trust' was unable to obtain a license from the local council to carry on therapy in people's houses and alike. We were told that we could go to St Michael's Hospice where space was given to the trust to carry on therapies of other kinds. We were again invited to see another Therapist who could perform therapy in the form of 'Shiatsu'.

This was a soothing and very relaxing form of therapy whereby it was to train your mind to try and control these Hot Flushes. Again, things began to work in reducing the severe hot flushes from the first session not completely but gradually. Having now had 4 sessions and they seem to get better all the time. Before I started my sessions the Hot Flushes were quite severe but now only 4 sessions into this therapy they have decrease immensely.

I have to say that the 'Sara Lee Trust' have given me faith in the therapies I have had and I cannot thank them enough and all the staff are so kind in their care for what they have done for me, I am and will always be eternally grateful, as without all their help I would still be suffering these severe flushes. As once I could count anything up to 20 a day, but now I don't bother to count as there as so few.

Thank you to the Sara Lee Trust."

Marian was referred by medical profession for Sara Lee Trust counselling support. She had in total 24 telephone sessions started in May 2022 till February 2023. In her assessment session the counsellor addressed boundaries, confidentiality, data protection as well as her goals for what she wanted to achieve. Marian's' initial goals was to work on having a happy life so that she could say at the end of her life that she hadn't wasted it due to her health anxieties. She already had health anxieties and cancer exacerbated these anxieties. In several of our sessions we used mindfulness techniques with my client as she regularly had what she called "meltdowns" over these anxieties.

In our penultimate sessions together I reminded her of her original goal for therapy which was to have a happy life and not feel that she had wasted it. I asked her to imagine what living her life meant to her. Marian said that travel, friends and having fun meant that she had lived a good life. Also having a relationship of equals would be something she would want for the future. She was able to look ahead to when her surgery was finished and then book a group holiday to Rome.

My client was anxious about our sessions ending so my supervisor suggested that we look our journey together so far in our penultimate session, and for her to draw this journey whilst on the phone with me. She really enjoyed this activity and described our journey together as a roller coaster which had highs and lows.

At the beginning of our journey my client was sitting with fear of dying and was processing recent family bereavements due to cancer. She went through a period of "static and calm" and was at a high point on the roller coaster. She then had a car accident which sent her crashing downwards and had a "Why is this happening to me?" period. We explored all the tools and techniques we had used throughout our sessions so that she felt that she had a "toolkit" to help her when our sessions ended.

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THE SARA LEE TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023

She felt positive at the end of our sessions as she could see how far she had come on her personal journey. My client was able to see the benefits of having time to reflect on all the insights that she had gained from our work together. She wanted "to be her own therapist."

MONITORING AND EVALUATION

The aim of the Trust is to improve the quality of life of people affected by cancer and other life threatening illnesses. Effective and robust evaluation ensures that our work is evidence based and quality assured. Our service evaluation underpins all funding applications and has enabled us to successfully secure funding for some key services.

All trust services are subject to evaluation at service user level using standardised templates. Outcome reporting is underpinned by our use of EMIS Web, a nationally recognised patient information system.

Key statistics for 2022/23 (year ending 30 April 2023) include:

Improved mental wellbeing

95% of service users reported improved confidence and wellbeing 89% reported reduced anxiety and depression Over half (58%) reported reduced use of mental health services

Improved physical health

73% of service users reported an improvement to physical health 57% reported a reduction in symptoms / side effects A third reported a reduced of GP services

Increased independence and reduced isolation

60% of service users reported feeling less isolated 51% reported being more able to look after themselves Almost a third reported participating in new social networks and / or making new friends

We will continue to research and develop our reporting systems to ensure that our evidence based information meets best practice and national guidelines

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THE SARA LEE TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023

FINANCIAL REVIEW FUNDRAISING

The Trust is almost totally reliant on fundraising, donations and retail activities

to fund its services. We are extremely grateful to all those who have supported

the Trust over the last year in particular, those who have:

Fundraising for the Trust is delivered by a small team of 4 (2.5 whole time equivalent), supported by our part-time Volunteer Coordinator and many wonderful volunteers. We would like to thank all our volunteers for their fantastic support.

Funds were raised throughout the year using a variety of means including:

Key highlights:

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THE SARA LEE TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023

FINANCIAL REVIEW FUNDRAISING (continued)

Impact of Coronavirus

Individual, corporate and group giving has all seen a further impact from the cost of living crisis following the end of the coronavirus pandemic, as many donors see a reduction in income themselves.

Collecting box and cash donations have not recovered since the end of the pandemic.

Income from Trusts and Foundations has seen another drop, due to the increased demand for support from these organisations, and therefore increased competition.

Income from events has, however, risen significantly in the last year. Larger and more diverse events attract different audiences. A new addition - Golf Day - has seen significant and increasing interest from local businesses, which has also led to new and potentially supportive relationships.

Challenge events have seen growth this year as more mass participation activities return in full following the pandemic.

Our digital offer continues to grow, including increased social media output, further development of video content; along with a larger variety of online fundraising platforms.

During these continued exceptionally difficult circumstances, the Fundraising Team has been able to maintain a flexible approach which has ensured income for The Trust through as many streams as possible.

Our sincere thanks go to all the charitable trusts, companies, organisations and individuals who have supported our fundraising efforts throughout the year.

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THE SARA LEE TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023

FINANCIAL REVIEW CHARITY RETAIL

Funding generated by our charity retail operations is a core income stream for the Trust and is critical to our ability to maintain existing levels of therapy support and care. Increasing capacity into the future is reliant on further growth across all our fundraising activities including charity retail.

Charity retail is entirely reliant on the provision of items to sell and we would like to give thanks to everyone supporting our retail activities including those who have:

The Trust Retail Team operate 5 charity shops across Hastings & Rother and have an online presence on a number of platforms including ebay. Overall income is enhanced by our Van and Donation Centre Team through specialist sales, direct / online sales and a house clearance service.

Key highlights:

Our annual donation to the Trust was just over £110k which although in part is supported by one off grant income, reflects the hard work and considerable efforts of the whole retail team in particular our amazing volunteer supporters to whom we give our immense thanks.

Given the uncertain and unstable economic environment the Retail Team will, in the short to medium term be focused on increasing donations,

improving sales and enhancing the customer experience across our existing shops, sales platforms and operations. Alongside this we will continue to invest in our people and supporters.

Retail has its own dedicated website, facebook page and ebay shop. saraleetrustretail.org Facebook https://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/saraleetrustretail

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THE SARA LEE TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023

FINANCIAL REVIEW FINANCE

The charity sector faces a very uncertain future with funding support and voluntary giving becoming increasingly restricted and competitive and costs escalating across the board.

In March 2023 our Board of Trustees approved a revised four-year budget plan which recognised the changed financial climate and the considerable pressures that we are now faced with. Whilst targeting recovery and momentum building within our key fundraising areas and maintaining overall service capacity, the budget plans take account of increased risk to future funding levels and increased operating costs.

Forecast targets are extremely challenging with fundraising and retail activities charged with meeting an annual income shortfall of approximately £150,000. The application of contingency reserves to support the Trust maintain its services and activities through the pandemic has left residual reserves at a level where any further reduction would risk the charity's ability to carry on its activities in the future in the event of financial difficulties.

At year-end the charity had raised £654,216 against capital and revenue expenditure of £653,801 achieving a small one-off surplus of £415. This headline position was reached through a combination of one-off income streams (e.g. government covid grants / insurance settlements) and staff vacancies. Looking forward, if we are not successful in securing additional funding support whilst we rebuild our fundraising activities our underlying costs will continue to exceed expected income levels and small deficits are forecast for the next three years to pre-pandemic levels necessitating interim cost cutting measures which would be detrimental to both existing services and plans for increasing fundraising activity.

Along with a proportion of our contingency reserves, this year's small surplus has been used to fund to our hallspace capital development and the reconfiguration of our existing centre to provide an additional dedicated space for hands on therapies.

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THE SARA LEE TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023

FINANCIAL REVIEW RESERVES

The level and application of reserves are subject to a full reserve at least on an annual basis. It is the current policy of the Trust that under normal circumstances, unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to approximately 9 months of recurrent operational expenditure (i.e. c£281,000). The Trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the Trust's activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. Under normal circumstances a further reserve would be maintained to ensure that sufficient resources are available to properly maintain Trust fixed assets in the event of a significant drop in funding.

The Board of Trustees has however recognised that we are in exceptional times and that considerable resource has and continues to be needed to mitigate against the impacts of the pandemic and global cost of living crisis - in particular to ensure that the essential support and care we provide for so many across the region remains, as far as is possible, unaffected whilst we rebuild our support activities over the coming years.

In addition the Board of Trustees was committed to the development of a purpose designed therapy hall space to enable a step change in the scope and scale of group activities available for local people.

Therefore, of the cash and bank reserves at year end (£162,428), £25,000 is committed towards mitigating the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic and cost of living crisis, £25,000 to capital developments including the completion of our purpose designed hallspace in Sidley, and the remaining £112,428 (equivalent to approximately 3 months recurrent expenditure) has been ring-fenced for operational provisions as referred to above.

The Board has a long-term objective of rebuilding contingency reserves to a level equivalent to 9 months annual expenditure.

As at the 30th April 2023, the Trust held no other uncommitted reserves or balances.

SERVICE USER & PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND INVOLVEMENT (PPI)

The Trust is committed to involving users in the development of its policies and services. It has a core belief that user involvement and engagement is essential to providing services that best meet user needs. Users of Trust services play an active and leading role in the planning of service improvements and assisting in wider developments within the organisation.

Our independent Service User Group continues to contribute their thoughts and ideas across many important areas. In the last year this has included:

As well as our Service User Group (SUG), existing and former service users are actively engaged in a number of other important Trust forums, committees and initiatives including our Board of Trustees, The National Lottery Community Fund Project Board and Volunteer Committee.

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THE SARA LEE TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023

FINANCIAL REVIEW

A note from the Interim SUG Chair – Susan Richardson

I have been a member of the Service User Group for approximately 9 years and am now providing transitional support as the Interim Chair.

My journey began with the Sara Lee Trust as a carer for my father who was terminally ill. I was referred by a specialist nurse as I have several chronic illnesses which can be exacerbated by stress. Sara Lee supported me through providing complementary therapies and counselling. I shall be forever grateful for the help I received.

Having been involved with the SUG through a period of considerable change I have experienced first-hand just how involved the SUG is in the operational and strategic development of the Trust. Not only are we directly involved in the monitoring and assessment of day to day services, we have contributed considerably to major projects including the development of the Sara Lee Centre and Hallspace in Sidley.

The SUG have now reached a stage where we are becoming more active and as a result would dearly like new additional members to join us. Being a member of the SUG is an enjoyable and rewarding experience and I would encourage any former or present service users to consider helping us to help those who may need Trust services in the future. It's a wonderful way of giving back and saying thank you!

Susan

VOLUNTEER SUPPORT

The Trust was founded by volunteers in 1996 and they have been the foundation stone of the organisation ever since. They are involved in a wide range of activities across the charity; from therapy care to charity retail.

For some volunteering is a one-off activity, others choose to make a long-term commitment. We are grateful to each and every person who gives their time to make a difference for those affected life-threatening illness.

We have almost 200 active volunteers from across Hastings and Rother bringing a wide range of backgrounds, occupations, knowledge, life experiences and skills.

Training and support

We are proud of the high standard of training and support we provide to our volunteers. This includes regular online meetings for information sharing and training and more social events. All volunteers are in regular contact with our staff team and those supporting our services are offered one-to-one supervision sessions to manage their own wellbeing.

Impact

Volunteer support is critical to work of the Trust. Without the tremendous efforts that are provided each and every working day across the Trust we simply would not be able to provide the level of care that we do.

Involvement and Engagement

We actively encourage regular feedback from volunteers as well as involvement in our decision making processes. We have an established Volunteer Committee and Annual Volunteer survey in addition to regular volunteer team meetings.

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THE SARA LEE TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Here is some of feedback from our last survey highlighting why people volunteer for the Trust:

"I just like helping when l can"

"Am helping others making a difference, supporting a worthwhile charity"

"To give back something"

"To help promote the trust"

"Helping a charity I believe in"

"Friendship, enjoyment, contributing to our local society"

"Making money for a good cause"

.

"Meeting new people & Learning new skills"

"WR shop we r all like family."

EVALUATION AND PRIORITIES

The aim of our annual evaluation is to step back, reflect on the year, and learn from our experiences and the information obtained, to make our services and support activities more effective and efficient in the longer term. An annual evaluation report is published which:

" summarises the evaluation process " highlights key findings

" and communicates the resulting action plan

The action plan serves as a road map in the ongoing monitoring process for the year ahead, and a benchmark against which to evaluate our progress at the end of the year.

All stakeholders including staff, service users (including family members and carers), volunteers, local partners and the wider local community are actively involved in the monitoring and evaluation processes through a variety of forums, regular events and feedback mechanisms which include:

Service User Group Annual Service User Survey Focus group reviews Annual Evaluation workshops Feedback forms and case studies

The Evaluation Report and related action plan is published at the end of each calendar year.

TRUSTEES

The Trust currently has a total of 11 Trustees. All Trustees are mindful of their responsibilities regarding the appointment and training of new Trustees. Presently, the need for new Trustees is discussed amongst existing Trustees with, when a need is agreed, potential candidates being identified through existing networks or by external advertisement.

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE SARA LEE TRUST

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of The Sara Lee Trust

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Sara Lee Trust (the Trust) for the year ended 30 April 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the ACCA, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material 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 Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or

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

  3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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.

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.

R Walsh FCCA

Manningtons Chartered Accountants 39 High Street Battle East Sussex TN33 0EE

04.01.2024 Date: .............................................

Page 20

THE SARA LEE TRUST

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023

Notes
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
2
Other trading activities
3
Investment income
4
Other income
Total
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
Charitable activities
5
General
Total
NET INCOME
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD		 Unrestricted
funds
£
170,782
51,199
58,513
8,860
289,354
77,656
211,283
288,939
415
1,413,855
1,414,270		 Restricted
funds
£
348,529
16,333
-
-
364,862
-
88,191
88,191
276,671
68,281
**344,952 **		 2023
Total
funds
£
519,311
67,532
58,513
8,860
654,216
77,656
299,474
377,130
277,086
1,482,136
1,759,222		 2022
Total
funds
£
230,117
85,102
62,945
17,718
395,882
63,365
313,611
376,976
18,906
1,463,230
1,482,136

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 21

THE SARA LEE TRUST

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 30 APRIL 2023

Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
10
Investment property
11
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
12
Cash at bank and in hand
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
13
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES
NET ASSETS		 2023
£
19,323
1,514,007
1,533,330
140,667
162,428
303,095
(77,203)
225,892
1,759,222
1,759,222		 2022
£
6,945
1,151,481
1,158,426
136,981
265,368
402,349
(78,639)
323,710
1,482,136
1,482,136

The notes form part of these financial statements

continued...

Page 22

Notes MBf zt!22
*
ruhlDs 15
Unresrictedfirds:
Generalfund 253,541 lW,t26
Contingency Fund-OperationalActivities 140,0fi) 169,0m
C-ontingencyFund-AssetMaintenance 25,000
DesignatedFwd-FixedAssets 95O:tZC 95A,729
RevaluationReserve 70,000 ?0,000
,t4t4,ato 1,413,855
Restricted funds:
ShopDonations 1,0m 1,000
$ussexCommuaityFoundatioa 3,132 3,r32
Bexhilltherapy centre
Ilastings Lions		 s&J76
1,100		 58,716
t,rt
SussexMasonic Charities 10,000
Big LotteryFBnd Crraal 5v2
IudependeatAge 4.333
IKnowHow 5,003
Miscellaseous applications 5,0{x}
JACT 250
TheNatioualLotteryCommudtyFund_ 225,159
RC I"ondonandSouthEastRegion
Theleagueof FriendccfBexbiil Hospital 35,fr10
3&$sz 68,281
TOTALI.UI{DS 1,759222 1.48L136

THE SARA LEE TRUST NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

BASIS OF PREPARING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) '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)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of certain assets.

INCOME

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

EXPENDITURE

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Plant and machinery - 10% on cost Fixtures and fittings - 25% on cost

INVESTMENT PROPERTY

Investment property is shown at most recent valuation. Any aggregate surplus or deficit arising from changes in fair value is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities.

TAXATION

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

FUND ACCOUNTING

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between six and nine month's expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity's current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.

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

continued...

Page 24

THE SARA LEE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023

2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

Unrestricted
funds
£
Donations
28,499
Gift aid
4,348
Legacies
23,285
Grants
-
Shop income
114,650
**170,782 **		 Restricted
funds
£
-
-
-
348,529
-
348,529		 2023
Total
funds
£
28,499
4,348
23,285
348,529
114,650
519,311		 2022
Total
funds
£
30,710
2,738
4,029
109,211
83,429
230,117

Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:

Hastings and Rother CCG
Big Lottery Fund
Other Grants		 2023
£
26,724
51,646
270,159
348,529		 2022
£
-
41,148
68,063
109,211

3. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
£
£
Fundraising events
43,199
-
Charitable trust income
8,000
16,333
51,199
16,333		 2023
Total
funds
£
43,199
24,333
67,532		 2022
Total
funds
£
25,252
59,850
85,102

4. INVESTMENT INCOME

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
£
£
Rents received
56,848
-
Interest receivable
1,665
-
58,513
-		 2023
Total
funds
£
56,848
1,665
58,513		 2022
Total
funds
£
62,844
101
62,945

Page 25

continued...

THE SARA LEE TRUST NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023

5. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS

Support
Direct
costs (see
Costs
note 6)
£
£
General
293,689
5,785
SUPPORT COSTS
Information
Governance
technology
costs
£
£
General
4,117
1,668		 Totals
£
299,474
Totals
£
5,785

6. SUPPORT COSTS

Governance costs includes £1,350 (2022: £1,550) for the Independent examiners fee.

7. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 30 April 2023 nor for the year ended 30 April 2022.

The trustee D Hargreaves is a partner in Acuity Professional Partnership LLP who provide accountancy services to The Sara Lee Trust at a significantly discounted cost. A provision of £1,776 has been included within the accounts.

TRUSTEES' EXPENSES

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 30 April 2023 nor for the year ended 30 April 2022.

KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES

No employees received total employee benefits (excluding pension contributions) of more than £60,000.

Salaries
Key Management Personnel
Employer Pension
Social security and other tax		 2023
252,622
34,753
5,481
12,448
290,345		 2022
231,203
41,029
4,689
13,424
282,111

Page 26

continued...

THE SARA LEE TRUST NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023

8. STAFF COSTS

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:

Support staff
Fundraising staff
Therapy staff		 2023
2
5
16
23		 2022
2
5
14
21

No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.

9.
COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
£
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
115,799
114,318
Other trading activities
77,852
7,250
Investment income
62,730
215
Other income
17,718
-
Total
274,099
121,783
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
63,365
-
Charitable activities
General
159,735
153,876
Total
223,100
153,876
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
50,999
(32,093)
Transfers between funds
(31,207)
31,207
Net movement in funds
19,792
(886)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
1,394,064
69,166
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
1,413,856
68,280		 Total
funds
£
230,117
85,102
62,945
17,718
395,882
63,365
313,611
376,976
18,906
-
18,906
1,463,230
1,482,136

continued...

Page 27

THE SARA LEE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023

10. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Fixtures
Plant and
and
machinery
fittings
£
£
Cost
At 1 May 2022
35,090
8,641
Additions
7,210
8,599
At 30 April 2023
42,300
17,240
Depreciation
At 1 May 2022
28,145
8,641
Charge for year
1,221
2,210
At 30 April 2023
29,366
10,851
Net book value
At 30 April 2023
12,934
6,389
At 30 April 2022
6,945
-
11.
INVESTMENT PROPERTY
Fair value
At 1 May 2022
Additions
At 30 April 2023
Net book value
At 30 April 2023
At 30 April 2022		 Totals
£
43,731
15,809
59,540
36,786
3,431
40,217
19,323
6,945
£
1,151,481
362,526
1,514,007
1,514,007
1,151,481

The value of the property was considered by the Trustees at year end and found to be reasonable.

A revaluation of the investment property at Silverhill was assessed by the trustees during the year 2017.

The National Lottery Fund hold a charge of £248,518 over The Sara Lee Therapy Centre at Ninfield Road.

continued...

Page 28

THE SARA LEE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023

12. DEBTORS

12.
DEBTORS
Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
Amounts falling due after more than one year:
Other debtors
Aggregate amounts
13.
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Trade creditors
Taxation and social security
Other creditors		 2023
£
1,148
1,537
2,685
137,982
140,667
2023
£
12,438
5,752
59,013
77,203		 2022
£
252
1,354
1,606
135,375
136,981
2022
£
5,205
5,479
67,955
78,639

14. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

Fixed assets
Investments
Current assets
Current liabilities		 Unrestricted Restricted
funds
funds
£
£
16,633
2,690
1,184,132
329,875
259,806
43,289
(46,301)
(30,902)
1,414,270
**344,952 **		 2023
Total
funds
£
19,323
1,514,007
303,095
(77,203)
1,759,222		 2022
Total
funds
£
6,945
1,151,481
402,349
(78,639)
1,482,136

continued...

Page 29

THE SARA LEE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023

15. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Contingency Fund - Operational Activities
Contingency Fund - Asset Maintenance
Designated Fund - Fixed Assets
Revaluation Reserve
Restricted funds
Shop Donations
Sussex Community Foundation
Bexhill therapy centre
Hastings Lions
Sussex Masonic Charities
Big Lottery Fund Grant
Independent Age
I Know How
Miscellaneous applications
JACT
The National Lottery Community Fund -
RC London and South East Region
The League of Friends of Bexhill Hospital
TOTAL FUNDS		 At 1.5.22
£
199,126
169,000
25,000
950,729
70,000
1,413,855
1,000
3,132
58,716
1,100
-
-
4,333
-
-
-
-
-
68,281
1,482,136		 Net
movement
in funds
£
415
-
-
-
-
415
-
-
-
-
10,000
592
(4,333)
5,003
5,000
250
225,159
35,000
276,671
277,086		 Transfers
between
funds
£
54,000
(29,000)
(25,000)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 At
30.4.23
£
253,541
140,000
-
950,729
70,000
1,414,270
1,000
3,132
58,716
1,100
10,000
592
-
5,003
5,000
250
225,159
35,000
344,952
1,759,222

continued...

Page 30

THE SARA LEE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023

15. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Ernest Kleinwort
Sussex Community Foundation
The Albert Hunt Trust
The Pink Ribbon Foundation
Sussex Masonic Charities
Big Lottery Fund Grant
Independent Age
East Sussex CCG
I Know How
Miscellaneous applications
JACT
The National Lottery Community Fund -
RC London and South East Region
The League of Friends of Bexhill Hospital
TOTAL FUNDS		 Incoming
resources
£
289,354
4,083
3,333
1,667
2,000
10,000
23,961
-
26,723
27,686
5,000
250
225,159
35,000
364,862
654,216		 Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(288,939)
415
(4,083)
-
(3,333)
-
(1,667)
-
(2,000)
-
-
10,000
(23,369)
592
(4,333)
(4,333)
(26,723)
-
(22,683)
5,003
-
5,000
-
250
-
225,159
-
35,000
(88,191)
276,671
(377,130)
277,086

continued...

Page 31

THE SARA LEE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023

15. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparatives for movement in funds

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Contingency Fund - Operational Activities
Contingency Fund - Asset Maintenance
Designated Fund - Fixed Assets
Revaluation Reserve
Restricted funds
Shop Donations
Sussex Community Foundation
Bexhill therapy centre
Hastings Lions
Big Lottery Fund Grant
Independent Age
I Know How
TOTAL FUNDS		 At 1.5.21
£
178,163
169,000
25,000
951,901
70,000
1,394,064
1,000
-
58,716
1,100
8,350
-
-
69,166
1,463,230		 Net
movement
in funds
£
52,170
-
-
(1,172)
-
50,998
-
3,132
-
-
(13,319)
4,333
(26,238)
(32,092)
18,906		 Transfers
between
funds
£
(31,207)
-
-
-
-
(31,207)
-
-
-
-
4,969
-
26,238
31,207
-		 At
30.4.22
£
199,126
169,000
25,000
950,729
70,000
1,413,855
1,000
3,132
58,716
1,100
-
4,333
-
68,281
1,482,136

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Designated Fund - Fixed Assets
Restricted funds
Sussex Community Foundation
Big Lottery Fund Grant
Independent Age
East Sussex CCG
I Know How
Rye, Winchelsea and District Memorial
Hospital
TOTAL FUNDS		 Incoming
resources
£
274,099
-
274,099
3,132
41,147
4,333
26,276
41,787
5,108
121,783
395,882		 Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(221,929)
52,170
(1,172)
(1,172)
(223,101)
50,998
-
3,132
(54,466)
(13,319)
-
4,333
(26,276)
-
(68,025)
(26,238)
(5,108)
-
(153,875)
(32,092)
(376,976)
18,906

continued...

Page 32

THE SARA LEE TRUST NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023

16. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

A donation of £114,650 was made from Sara Lee Trading Ltd during the year.

Page 33

THE SARA LEE TRUST DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
Donations
Gift aid
Legacies
Grants
Shop income
Other trading activities
Fundraising events
Charitable trust income
Investment income
Rents received
Interest receivable
Other income
Insurance claim
Total incoming resources
EXPENDITURE
Other trading activities
Fundraising events
Wages
Charitable activities
Wages
Insurance
Postage and stationery
Advertising
Therapist fees
Aromatherapy & housekeeping
Carried forward		 2023
£
28,499
4,348
23,285
348,529
114,650
519,311
43,199
24,333
67,532
56,848
1,665
58,513
8,860
654,216
10,719
66,937
77,656
69,072
4,139
1,796
1,249
173,664
25,763
275,683		 2022
£
30,710
2,738
4,029
109,211
83,429
230,117
25,252
59,850
85,102
62,844
101
62,945
17,718
395,882
6,153
57,212
63,365
100,757
3,856
764
412
138,493
12,220
256,502

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 34

THE SARA LEE TRUST

DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023

Charitable activities
Brought forward
Staff training
Travelling expenses
Sundry service costs
Premises costs
Plant and machinery depreciation
Fixtures and fittings depreciation
Bank charges
Support costs
Information technology
Computer running costs
Governance costs
Accountancy
Independent examiners fee
Total resources expended
Net income		 2023
£
275,683
6,162
2,671
1,006
4,576
1,220
2,210
161
293,689
4,117
852
816
1,668
377,130
277,086		 2022
£
256,502
8,182
1,277
4,887
28,686
1,172
-
216
300,922
8,899
1,930
1,860
3,790
376,976
18,906

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 35