OpenCharities

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

← The Sara Lee Trust Fund

2025-04-30-accounts

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1055048

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

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 2025

Page
Reference and Administrative Details 1
Report of the Trustees 2 to 21
Independent Examiner's Report 22
Statement of Financial Activities 23
Statement of Financial Position 24 to 25
Notes to the Financial Statements 26 to 35
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 36 to 37

THE SARA LEE TRUST

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

TRUSTEES V Goddard (resigned 2/5/2024)
A Cryar
D Hargreaves (Treasurer)
M Lear (Chair)
M Morton (Vice-Chair)
N H Histed (resigned 16/7/2024)
P Matthews
A Rose
T Lee
M Baughurst (appointed 08/08/2024)
S Morton (appointed 26/09/2024)
M Midgley (appointed 26/09/2024)
S Robinson (appointed 26/09/2024)
T May (resigned 16/03/2025)
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

Page 1

THE SARA LEE TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 30 April 2025. 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

The Trust provides essential support and care for people across Hastings and Rother affected by life threatening illness.

Our highly skilled and experienced therapists provide a hand to hold during what, for many, is the most challenging and difficult time in their lives. The services and care our team provide makes a real difference - improving physical and mental wellbeing, reducing isolation and increasing independence. I am extremely proud to report that, despite the financial challenges that our sector continues to face, the Trust team continue to support more local people with a wider range of services than before.

These achievements are the result of a collective effort, and I would like to give a heartfelt note of thanks on behalf of the Board of Trustees to all those involved with and supporting the work of the Trust.

Michael J Lear Trust President and Chair

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.

The Trust's strategic aims are:

To provide, as widely as possible, our free of charge 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

Page 2

THE SARA LEE TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

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

==> picture [100 x 44] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
‘1. Hub on Rye Hill
‘2. St Michaels Hospice
‘3. Sara Lee Therapy
Centre Sidley
----- End of picture text -----

Hastings and Rother have some of the most socio-economically deprived areas in the country. Hastings is the 13th most deprived local authority in England, with nearly a third of local neighbourhoods in Hastings within the most deprived 10% of all local neighbourhoods nationally. 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.

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.

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

Page 3

THE SARA LEE TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES OUR ACTIVITIES About the Sara Lee Trust

For nearly 30 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 support services, complementary and group therapies and activities 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 multi bed palliative care centre in St Leonards-on-Sea (for over 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 highly experienced practitioner's currently support up to 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 practitioners 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. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and EMDR, 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 activities and support helps people to live with and 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 wellbeing 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 wellbeing and placing heightened pressure on mainstream health, social care and other services.

Page 4

THE SARA LEE TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

Page 5

THE SARA LEE TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

Page 6

THE SARA LEE TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

Page 7

THE SARA LEE TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

Page 8

THE SARA LEE TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

Page 9

THE SARA LEE TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S INTRODUCTION

The core purpose of the Trust, its team and supporters is to improve the lives of local people affected by life threatening illness. Over the last year our practitioners supported over 750 people.

Our services make a difference. Highlights from our latest monitoring and evaluation reports include:

In a region where the need for our support is extreme, we continually strive to provide essential care and support for as many people as possible. In response to a continued rise in referrals we have incrementally increased our therapy capacity by 5% in year.

Working closely with our Service User Group and other stakeholders we continue to evaluate our services to ensure we continue to provide high quality services at the right time and place for the individual.

We need to ensure that our services are sustainable, and with an annual funding gap of over £250,000 to cover existing services this remains a considerable challenge. With a clear plan to enhance our fundraising activities we aim to reach breakeven by 2029.

With the collective support and efforts of all our wonderful team and supporters I am confident we will meet our funding challenges and continue to support more people year on year.

Thank you all for your immense efforts, it is very much appreciated and highly valued.

Dan Redsull Chief Executive Officer

Page 10

THE SARA LEE TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

FINANCIAL REVIEW

THE SARA LEE TRUST PERFORMANCE REPORT SERVICES

Service provision and activities

In the financial year 2024/25 the Trust provided 6,074 hours of therapy and activities, an increase of over 5% on the previous year. Our services benefitted 771 individuals, an increase of 12% from 2023/24.

Over 1,500 referrals were received / generated over the year, up from 1,308 in 2022/23 (an increase of 17%).

Location of therapies and activities

Page 11

THE SARA LEE TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

Provision of therapies and activities by diagnosis

In Year Developments

Highlights

Art & Craft Groups - Regular sessions in our hall space that provide opportunities not only for service users to participate weekly in a range of structured art & craft activity but also to engage in meaningful and valued activities which provide an opportunity to develop new skills, give a sense of achievement, self-efficacy, and confidence. And make new social connections and networks.

Be Kind to your Mind (Managing anxiety) - 6-week courses aimed to provide an all-encompassing holistic approach looking at bringing balance to the individuals physical, mental, and emotional parts.

This is an opportunity to understand how our minds respond to stresses, anxieties and possibly depression; acquire skills and techniques such as relaxation, guided visualisation, and mindfulness to still the chattering mind and calm the body.

Page 12

THE SARA LEE TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

Breast Cancer Support Groups

Going through Treatment - This group discusses topics such as wigs - dealing with hair loss, what to expect with Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy, advice and preparing for a Mastectomy, PICC lines and ports.

Post Treatment - This group focuses on topics such as anxiety and fear of recurrence, body image, lymphoedema, menopause and how to manage without HRT, and returning to work.

Strengthen & Chill - this is a six-week course for men who would like to build back their muscle tone after treatment. Each week the group will gradually strengthen muscles, work on balance, and mindfulness exercises to help with stress relief.

Increasing Awareness

The Trust is a founding member of the Hastings and Rother Cancer Support Network - an alliance of over 25 local stakeholder groups who aim to

The first network information leaflet is expected to be launched in the summer.

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 2024-2025 Trust Annual Evaluation Report and the 2025-26 Trust Action Plan.

USER FEEDBACK AND CASE STUDY

Examples of service user feedback in 2024/25

Page 13

THE SARA LEE TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

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. This case study relates to Counselling Service.

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

I worked with client HM who was diagnosed with cancer and came to the Sara Lee Trust to help her process her treatment (chemotherapy, colostomy bag etc.) journey and her fears of dying and leaving her family (husband and 2 children) behind. I Initially worked with her in St Michael's hospice as she came for 1-2-1 sessions. Some of these sessions took place in the garden as HM liked talking to me in the serenity of the garden. Some were online via Zoom when she couldn't come into the hospice for her session. Cancer treatment was stopped as she was then told that her cancer was terminal, and she then started receiving end of life care. I then worked with her at home, and then in the IPU up until the week before her death. I also supported her family when they came onto the IPU and would talk to them about how they were feeling about HMs imminent death. I liaised with her family as to when they wanted me to stop seeing HM, so that they could spend quality time with her saying goodbye at the end without any outside interference. Normally we give clients 12 sessions, but due to the change in HMs diagnosis and our patient centred model it was agreed that I could work with her until the end of her life.

The initial aim of therapy for HM was to process her cancer diagnosis and treatment. Then when she was told that there was nothing more that could be done for her treatment wise, our work together was helping HM sit with her fear of dying, leaving her family behind, and working on accepting this.

I worked with HM in a Person-Centred way and used Gestalt methods and some art therapy to help her process all the issues that she faced throughout her cancer journey. I was led by what HM needed during each session and brought in art therapy when talking was just too difficult, so that she could process her fears in other ways.

Due to the strong therapeutic alliance I built with HM, I supported her in her process of managing her fears of dying, and helped her approach her death in a more accepting way. She could explore her fears and grief in a safe way with me and could say things to me that she didn't want to burden her family with.

Building a good therapeutic relationship was the key to helping her process her fears of her death. My compassion and empathy helped her face the end of her life in a dignified way. Walking her journey with her and being there for her was enough for her to manage her fears of leaving her family behind.

Page 14

THE SARA LEE TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

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 2024/25 (year ending 30 April 2025) include:

Improved mental wellbeing

88% of service users reported improved confidence and wellbeing 78% reported reduced anxiety and depression

Over half (53%) reported reduced use of mental health services

Improved physical health

71% of service users reported an improvement to physical health 49% reported a reduction in symptoms / side effects Almost a third reported a reduced of GP services

Increased independence and reduced isolation

63% of service users reported feeling less isolated 49% reported being more able to look after themselves Over 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.

FUNDRAISING

Fundraising for the Trust is delivered by a small part - time team of 5 (2.2 whole time equivalent), supported by many wonderful volunteers whom we would like to for their fantastic efforts.

Whilst the Trust has and continues to actively develop and progress initiatives aimed at diversifying its income streams and reduce the risk of fluctuations, we remain very much reliant on fundraising, donations and retail activities to fund our services. Our annual funding gap is over £250,000 which presents a considerable ongoing challenge, especially with the ongoing very difficult financial environment.

Page 15

THE SARA LEE TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

FUNDRAISING (continued)

We would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to all who have supported the Trust over the last year in particular, those who have:

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

Key highlights in 2024/25 include:

Page 16

THE SARA LEE TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

CHARITY RETAIL

The Trust Retail Team operate 5 charity shops across Hastings & Rother, which are supported by our Donation Centre and Van Team. Overall income is enhanced through specialist sales, an on-line presence and a house "caring clearance" service.

Our charity retail operations are entirely reliant on the generous donation of the thousands of items we sell each week, and we would like to thank everyone who has donated in this way.

We have a wealth of experience and expertise across the team, which includes our wonderful volunteers. Without their amazing support and contribution, we would not be able to keep our shops open, and the Trust gives special thanks to them.

Other initiatives and highlights:

Our annual donation to the Trust was £104k which although in part is supported by one off grant income, reflects the immense hard work and fantastic efforts of the whole retail team in particular our wonderful volunteer supporters to whom we give our sincere thanks.

Looking forward we are continuing to explore options and opportunities for an additional retail outlet, enhancing the customer experience across our existing shops by developing our uniform brand. In addition, we will be looking to introduce giving through Gift Aid.

Retail has its own dedicated Facebook page and eBay shop. Facebook https://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/saraleetrustretail

Page 17

THE SARA LEE TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

FINANCIAL REVIEW(continued)

FINANCE

The unpredictable and challenging times the charity and voluntary sector has experienced in recent years look set to continue into 2025/6 and beyond. We, like many others are experiencing reducing funding, increasing costs and soaring demand for services.

As a result, our Board of Trustees have approved an updated four-year budget plan that continues to target recovery and momentum building whilst taking account of the increased risk to future funding levels and increased operating costs. Service capacity will as a minimum be maintained at current levels and where possible increased incrementally. Our aim is to reach a sustainable breakeven position by 2029 and to limit the annual deficit before that position is reached. Any deficits positions will be met through cost base efficiencies, and, where necessary from existing contingency reserves.

One-off income means that the Trust ended the financial year with a non-recurrent surplus of £48,692 with income of £471,345 against expenditure of £422,653. This one-off surplus will be used to reduce risk to our services by further rebuilding our emergency reserves to a minimum level as well as supporting further diversification of our income streams. Additional support will also be provided for the development of group activities from our new hallspace.

Looking forward, our overall underlying financial position has not changed - in order to avoid interim cost cutting measures which would be detrimental to therapy capacity and patient care; we need to secure additional funding support whilst we rebuild our fundraising activities.

RESERVES

The level and application of reserves are subject to a full review 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. £315,000). In the current operating environment, 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 and maintain current service capacity while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised.

In addition, under normal circumstances a further reserve should be maintained to ensure that sufficient resources are available to properly maintain Trust fixed assets in the event of a significant drop in funding. This to be maintained at a level of 2.5% of our fixed property assets total £1,89m (2023/4: £1.55m) which equates to £47,000.

Therefore, our cash and bank reserves at year end of £354,581 have been fully ring-fenced for the operational provisions as referred to above.

To ensure long-term sustainability the Board has a long-term objective of maintaining operational reserves to a level equivalent to 9 months annual expenditure in addition to maintaining a capital maintenance reserve.

As at the 30th April 2025, 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.

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 Forum.

Page 18

THE SARA LEE TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

FINANCIAL REVIEW (continued) A note from the SUG Chair – Susan Richardson

Hello everyone,

I have been a member of the Service User Group for approximately 10 years now.

I was extremely fortunate to be referred to the Trust when I was a carer for my father who was terminally ill. Sara Lee supported me through what was an incredibly difficult time with complementary therapies and counselling. I shall be forever grateful for the help and kindness I received.

The service user group meets every 3 months with Dan our CEO and other staff members when we are given an update on how services are progressing

and what developments are in the pipeline. Our opinions and personal experiences are sought on various operational and strategic matters. In other words, we can help to shape and improve services through sharing our own ideas on their plans and procedures. Members feedback is incredibly important to the trust, so we are a highly valued part of the 'team'.

The group is always welcoming, and our meetings are inclusive and friendly. If anyone who is receiving or has received Trust services is interested in joining us please do send me an email.

Susan SUGChair@saraleetrust.org

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 a Staff and Volunteer forum, Annual Volunteer survey in addition to regular volunteer team meetings.

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

It makes people feel included, welcome and appreciated

Page 19

THE SARA LEE TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

VOLUNTEER SUPPORT (continued)

The Trust is able to show a genuine care and concern for the wellbeing of its volunteers and their families. I have noticed this on a number of occasions and it's great to be valued as a person and not just as a tool to be used when needed and then discarded, as I have found when working with some other charities. I particularly appreciated the effort made to show appreciation to volunteers at the Christmas get together in Hastings last year.

Looks after your well-being and listens to any concerns raised

The trust will always make sure we are OK. They thank us for our hard work by treating the volunteers to a lovely evening out and Christmas dinner. That is a lovely way to show their appreciation.

Very welcoming, and friendly. Good at keeping in contact. Made to feel of value.

Provides a safe and happy environment in which to volunteer

Makes us feel part of a group. Making volunteers feel welcome

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:

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 12 Trustees (as at 30[th] April 2025).

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.

Shortlisted candidates are interviewed and the successful candidates undergo a comprehensive induction where they meet key members of the Trust and are introduced to all aspects of the Trust's work. Each new Trustee is provided with a summary of the responsibilities of a new Trustee.

Page 20

THE SARA LEE TRUST

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

RISK MANAGEMENT

The Trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust and constitutes an unincorporated charity.

Risk Management

The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.

Approved by order of the board of trustees on nk? Okober202, and signed on its behalf by:

==> picture [86 x 36] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
M Lear -A i.
----- End of picture text -----

Uo eo An NO eee Pg

ep ee ee

Page 21

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 2025.

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 Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, 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 27/10/2025 Date: .............................................

Page 22

THE SARA LEE TRUST

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

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 gains on investments
NET INCOME
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD		 Unrestricted
funds
£
147,329
141,344
94,879
1,926
385,478
80,742
314,707
395,449
316,384
306,413
1,452,215
1,758,628		 Restricted
funds
£
72,867
13,000
-
-
85,867
-
27,204
27,204
-
58,663
515,623
574,286		 2025
Total
funds
£
220,196
154,344
94,879
1,926
471,345
80,742
341,911
422,653
316,384
365,076
1,967,838
2,332,914		 2024
Total
funds
£
379,457
163,100
56,219
8,858
607,634
77,397
321,621
399,018
-
208,616
1,759,222
1,967,838

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 23

THE SARA LEE TRUST

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 30 APRIL 2025

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		 2025
£
22,192
1,892,140
1,914,332
94,055
354,581
448,636
(30,054)
418,582
2,332,914
2,332,914		 2024
£
20,597
1,551,891
1,572,488
132,978
305,303
438,281
(42,931)
395,350
1,967,838
1,967,838

The notes form part of these financial statements

continued...

Page 24

THE SARA LEE TRUST

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION - continued 30 APRIL 2025

2025 2024
Notes £ £
FUNDS 15
Unrestricted funds:
General fund 111,515 131,486
Contingency Fund - Operational Activities 262,000 262,000
Designated Fund - Fixed Assets 950,729 950,729
Revaluation Reserve 386,384 70,000
Will Charitable Trust 10,000 -
Maintenance fund 38,000 38,000
1,758,628 1,452,215
Restricted funds:
Ted Baker 2,000 2,000
Ernest Kleinwort 11,917 7,417
Sussex Community Foundation 9,798 9,798
February Foundation 5,000 -
Capitalised - Therapy Centre 110,816 110,816
Hospital Saturday fund 2,000 -
The Albert Hunt Trust 3,333 3,333
Big Lottery Fund Grant 60,624 27,387
The Francis & Eric Ford Charity Trust 500 500
I Know How 11,388 11,388
JACT 3,000 1,500
The National Lottery Community Fund - 248,578 236,152
RC London and South East Region
Edward Gostling Foundation 25,000 25,000
Bernard Sunley 15,000 15,000
Legacy J Rosser **65,332 ** 65,332
574,286 515,623
TOTAL FUNDS 2,332,914 1,967,838

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on ......22nd October 2025...... and were signed on its behalf by:

............................................. D Hargreaves - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 25

THE SARA LEE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

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 reducing balance

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, further details on the funds can be found in the Trustees Report.

continued...

Page 26

THE SARA LEE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
Unrestricted
funds
£
Donations
33,897
Gift aid
3,066
Legacies
6,370
Grants
-
Shop income
103,996
147,329		 Restricted
funds
£
-
-
-
72,868
-
72,868		 2025
Total
funds
£
33,897
3,066
6,370
72,868
103,996
220,196		 2024
Total
funds
£
65,236
3,528
120,272
65,625
124,796
379,457

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

Big Lottery Fund
Other Grants
54 NR Hallspace Grant
Other grants		 2025
£
33,238
-
12,426
27,204
72,868		 2024
£
32,036
9,589
-
24,000
65,625

3.

OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES

OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted
funds
£
Fundraising events
100,871
Charitable trust income
40,473
141,344		 Restricted
funds
£
-
13,000
13,000		 2025
Total
funds
£
100,871
53,473
154,344		 2024
Total
funds
£
116,433
46,667
163,100

continued...

Page 27

THE SARA LEE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

4. INVESTMENT INCOME

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
£
£
Rents received
87,124
-
Interest receivable
7,755
-
94,879
-		 2025
Total
funds
£
87,124
7,755
94,879		 2024
Total
funds
£
53,180
3,039
56,219

5. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS

6.

Support
Direct
costs (see
Costs
note 6)
£
£
General
325,305
16,606
SUPPORT COSTS
Information
Governance
technology
costs
£
£
General
9,542
**7,064 **		 Totals
£
341,911
Totals
£
16,606

Governance costs includes £1,560 (2024: £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 2025 nor for the year ended 30 April 2024.

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 £1,980 (2024: £2,800) has been included within the accounts.

TRUSTEES' EXPENSES

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 30 April 2025 nor for the year ended 30 April 2024.

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		 2025
262,374
37.095
5,774
12,900
318,143		 2024
258,655
36,606
6,158
13,054
314,473

continued...

Page 28

THE SARA LEE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

8. STAFF COSTS

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

Support staff
Fundraising staff
Therapy staff		 2025
2
5
14
21		 2024
2
5
11
18

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
226,725
152,732
Other trading activities
90,939
72,161
Investment income
56,219
-
Other income
8,858
-
Total
382,741
224,893
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
77,397
-
Charitable activities
General
267,399
54,222
Total
344,796
54,222
NET INCOME
37,945
170,671
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
1,414,270
344,952
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**
1,452,215
515,623		 Total
funds
£
379,457
163,100
56,219
8,858
607,634
77,397
321,621
399,018
208,616
1,759,222
1,967,838

continued...

Page 29

THE SARA LEE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

10. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Fixtures
Plant and
and
machinery
fittings
£
£
Cost
At 1 May 2024
46,014
17,359
Additions
4,285
1,019
At 30 April 2025
50,299
18,378
Depreciation
At 1 May 2024
31,196
11,580
Charge for year
2,239
1,470
At 30 April 2025
33,435
13,050
Net book value
At 30 April 2025
16,864
5,328
At 30 April 2024
14,818
5,779
11.
INVESTMENT PROPERTY
Fair value
At 1 May 2024
Additions
Revaluation
At 30 April 2025
Net book value
At 30 April 2025
At 30 April 2024		 Totals
£
63,373
5,304
68,677
42,776
3,709
46,485
22,192
20,597
£
1,551,891
23,865
316,384
1,892,140
1,892,140
1,551,891

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

Fair value at 30 April 2025 is represented by:

Valuation in 2025
Cost		 £
316,384
1,575,756
1,892,140

A revaluation of the investment property at Silverhill was assessed by the trustees during the year 2024.

continued...

Page 30

THE SARA LEE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

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
14.
ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
Unrestricted Restricted
funds
funds
£
£
Fixed assets
19,502
2,690
Investments
1,459,381
432,759
Current assets
284,463
164,173
Current liabilities
(4,718)
(25,336)
1,758,628
574,286		 2025
£
2,115
6,863
8,978
85,077
94,055
2025
£
5,885
4,596
19,573
30,054
2025
Total
funds
£
22,192
1,892,140
448,636
(30,054)
2,332,914		 2024
£
1,772
12,767
14,539
118,439
132,978
2024
£
9,089
1,082
32,760
42,931
2024
Total
funds
£
20,597
1,551,891
438,281
(42,931)
1,967,838

continued...

Page 31

THE SARA LEE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

15. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Unrestricted funds
General fund
Contingency Fund - Operational Activities
Designated Fund - Fixed Assets
Revaluation Reserve
Will Charitable Trust
Maintenance fund
Restricted funds
Ted Baker
Ernest Kleinwort
Sussex Community Foundation
February Foundation
Capitalised - Therapy Centre
Hospital Saturday fund
The Albert Hunt Trust
Big Lottery Fund Grant
The Francis & Eric Ford Charity Trust
I Know How
JACT
The National Lottery Community Fund -
RC London and South East Region
Edward Gostling Foundation
Bernard Sunley
Legacy J Rosser
TOTAL FUNDS		 At 1.5.24
£
131,486
262,000
950,729
70,000
-
38,000
1,452,215
2,000
7,417
9,798
-
110,816
-
3,333
27,387
500
11,388
1,500
236,152
25,000
15,000
65,332
515,623
1,967,838		 Net
movement
in funds
£
(14,971)
-
-
316,384
5,000
-
306,413
-
4,500
-
5,000
-
2,000
-
33,237
-
-
1,500
12,426
-
-
-
58,663
365,076		 Transfers
between
funds
£
(5,000)
-
-
-
5,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 At
30.4.25
£
111,515
262,000
950,729
386,384
10,000
38,000
1,758,628
2,000
11,917
9,798
5,000
110,816
2,000
3,333
60,624
500
11,388
3,000
248,578
25,000
15,000
**65,332 **
574,286
2,332,914

continued...

Page 32

THE SARA LEE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

15. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

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

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Revaluation Reserve
Will Charitable Trust
Restricted funds
Ernest Kleinwort
February Foundation
Hospital Saturday fund
Big Lottery Fund Grant
East Sussex CCG
JACT
The National Lottery Community Fund -
RC London and South East Region
TOTAL FUNDS		 Incoming
resources
£
380,478
-
5,000
385,478
4,500
5,000
2,000
33,237
27,204
1,500
12,426
85,867
471,345		 Resources
expended
£
(395,449)
-
-
(395,449)
-
-
-
-
(27,204)
-
-
(27,204)
**(422,653) **		 Gains and
Movement
losses
in funds
£
£
-
(14,971)
316,384
316,384
-
5,000
316,384
306,413
-
4,500
-
5,000
-
2,000
-
33,237
-
-
-
1,500
-
12,426
-
58,663
316,384
365,076

continued...

Page 33

THE SARA LEE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

15. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparatives for movement in funds

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Contingency Fund - Operational Activities
Designated Fund - Fixed Assets
Revaluation Reserve
Maintenance fund
Restricted funds
Shop Donations
Ted Baker
Ernest Kleinwort
Sussex Community Foundation
Capitalised - Therapy Centre
Hastings Lions
The Albert Hunt Trust
Sussex Masonic Charities
Big Lottery Fund Grant
The Francis & Eric Ford Charity Trust
I Know How
Miscellaneous applications
JACT
The National Lottery Community Fund -
RC London and South East Region
The League of Friends of Bexhill Hospital
Edward Gostling Foundation
Bernard Sunley
Legacy J Rosser
TOTAL FUNDS		 At 1.5.23
£
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		 Net
movement
in funds
£
37,945
-
-
-
-
37,945
-
2,000
7,417
6,666
-
-
3,333
-
26,795
500
6,385
-
1,250
10,993
-
25,000
15,000
65,332
170,671
208,616		 Transfers
between
funds
£
(160,000)
122,000
-
-
38,000
-
(1,000)
-
-
-
52,100
(1,100)
-
(10,000)
-
-
-
(5,000)
-
-
(35,000)
-
-
-
-
-		 At
30.4.24
£
131,486
262,000
950,729
70,000
38,000
1,452,215
-
2,000
7,417
9,798
110,816
-
3,333
-
27,387
500
11,388
-
1,500
236,152
-
25,000
15,000
65,332
515,623
1,967,838

continued...

Page 34

THE SARA LEE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

15. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

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

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Ted Baker
Ernest Kleinwort
Sussex Community Foundation
The Albert Hunt Trust
Big Lottery Fund Grant
The Francis & Eric Ford Charity Trust
East Sussex CCG
I Know How
JACT
The National Lottery Community Fund -
RC London and South East Region
Edward Gostling Foundation
Bernard Sunley
Legacy J Rosser
TOTAL FUNDS		 Incoming
resources
£
382,741
2,000
7,417
6,666
3,333
32,036
500
27,204
6,385
1,250
10,993
25,000
15,000
87,109
224,893
607,634		 Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(344,796)
37,945
-
2,000
-
7,417
-
6,666
-
3,333
(5,241)
26,795
-
500
(27,204)
-
-
6,385
-
1,250
-
10,993
-
25,000
-
15,000
(21,777)
65,332
(54,222)
170,671
(399,018)
208,616

16. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

The Trust has a trading company called the Sara Lee Trading Ltd, both entities share some trustees and directors, the following transactions and balances happened during the year:

D Hargreaves, current trustee is a partner of Acuity Professional Partnership LLP who prepare the Trust accounts, further information on this can be found in note 7.

Page 35

THE SARA LEE TRUST

DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

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		 2025
£
33,896
3,066
6,370
72,868
103,996
220,196
100,871
53,473
154,344
87,124
7,755
94,879
1,926
471,345
19,626
61,116
80,742
62,772
7,926
2,702
540
196,362
22,348
292,650		 2024
£
65,236
3,528
120,272
65,625
124,796
379,457
116,433
46,667
163,100
53,180
3,039
56,219
8,858
607,634
12,870
64,527
77,397
60,179
3,299
2,751
741
190,466
23,777
281,213

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 36

THE SARA LEE TRUST

DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

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
Legal fees
Total resources expended
Net income		 2025
£
290,575
4,356
1,617
5,329
17,537
2,239
1,470
107
325,305
9,542
1,160
1,560
4,344
7,064
422,653
**48,692 **		 2024
£
281,213
2,800
1,906
2,833
20,235
1,830
729
103
311,649
4,772
2,884
972
1,344
5,200
399,018
208,616

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 37