NORTH DEVON MEKfAL HEALTH SERVICE USERS FORUM UNAUDrrED TRUSTEES REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT8 FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 CHARrrY NUMBER 1055224
North Devon Mental Health Servlce Users Forum Charity Number 1055224 Contents Page Trusteas report Legal and administrative informalion Independent examiners, report Receipts and payments account Statement of assats and liabilities 10 Notes to the financial statements
North Devon Mental Health Servlce Users Forum Charity Number 1055224 Report of the trustees for the perlod ended 31 December 2023 Message from the Chalr of the Board - Dr Rlchard Holman Claritys Mission is simple - to ensure every adult in North Devon can access the mental health care that they need - promptly. professionally and affordably - whatever the challenge. In a challenging economic climate, increasing numbers of our clients a unable to afford the cost of a private therapisl, and unable to secure a suitable or timely service from overstretched NHS services. With a rural population of over 160,000 across some 800 square miles, Northem Devon is one of the most economically disadvantaged and least accessible areas of Devon, served by the most remote acute hospital in mainland UK. The area also boasts some of the highest house prices and lowest salaries, exarbated by a housing crisis as numerous long-term rentals are converted to holiday accommodation to meet the needs of a thriving tourist industry. The Cosl-of-living crisis. coupled with a local housing crisis has cut deep into this community, and an increasing number of people struggle with Iheir mental health and emotional wellbeing. To ensure mental health support is accessible, Clarity launched a new website in 2023 www.claritynorthdevon.org.uk making self-referral easier than ever. Our waiting list has increased as a result, and we have introduced new triage and risk assesstnent procedures to ensure we can meet this increased demand. All our counsellors are volunteers. most are fully qualified and widely experienced, though we also offer clinical placements for counselling students in their final year, offering them learning opportunities, peer support line management and clinical supervision. Many of our students stay on to support us as volunteers after they become qualified. However, in line with national trends, we have seen a reduction in the number of people able to volunteer with us this year, as many have to increase their working hours for paid employment to meet rising costs. Our volunteers are our lifeblood, so to ensure they feel valued for their time, we offer free clinical supeniision, travel expenses, and are introducing a new training programme that allows our qualified counsellors to upskill in specific areas of knowledge, while also ensuring we are able to meet the changing needs of our clients. We are grateful to our volunteers for their ongoing commitment. passion and expertise that allowed us to support 164 people with 1,860 counselling hours in 2023. II,iiJF Dr Richard Holman Page 1
North Devon Mental Health Servlce Users Forum Charity Number 1055224 Report of the trustees for the period ended 31 December 2023 The trustees present their report and the financial statements for the period ended 31 December 2023. The trustees who served during the period and up to the date of this report are set out on page 7. Our Pur ose To provide accessible. timely and affordable counselling and therapeutic group support to those experiencing mental health and emotional issues within the communities of North Devon. Our Vision That everyone over the age of 18 in North Devon can receive prompt, professional and high-quality mental health care no matter their income or background. Our Ethos We believe in every person's right to have access to therapeutic services that meet their needs and will improve their mental wellbeing. To provide excellence in the counselling and group work we deliver, we will always promote a culture of sensitivity, trust and respect for those who need our services. Our Publlc Beneflt The charity operates for the public benefit by providing mental health support to adults in North Devon by way of counselling and group therapy, using appropriately and professionally trained counsellors. The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the charity Commission's guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charitys aims and objectives and in planning future activities. Our Strat Over the next 5 years we remain committed to supporting as many people as possible, with the shortest possible waiting time. In order to achieve this our strategic goals are as follows: 1. To identify and meet the mental health needs of the community by expanding and developing the range of therapies available. 2. To ensure continuing growth and development, by reviewing and providing the appropriate skills and expertise required to support the service and community 3. To continue developing the counselling team and supporting them in their continuing professional development. 4. To provide a welcoming, supportive and safe environment for therapy, and investing in our premises and resources as required to meet this goal. 5. To ensure that Clarity is well known locally for the service it provides, with easy and accesslble self-referral for the public, or referral processes for other organisations. 6. In order to meet the strategic aims and needs described, to develop and increase fundraising activities and income generation from both public and private Sour$. Pago 2
North Devon Mental Health Servlce Users Forum Charlty Number 1055224 Report of the trustees for the period ended 31 December 2023 In line with the strategy outlined above, for the period April to December 2023 we set and met the following objectives: 1. Relaunched our programme of psychoeducation therapeutic groups, with themes focussed on needs identified through our assessment process, and through collaboration with other local voluntary sector organisations that support specific groups within our community. 2. Refocussed our strategic oversight and development through recruitment of new trustees with relevant andlor transferrable skills. 3. Implemented a programme of training for volunteer counsellors to support their continuous professional development, and ensure Clarity has the relevant skills and knowledge required by our clients. 4. Improved the client experience with a new website that incorporates an easy self-referral process. 5. Raised awareness of Clarity and the services available by networking with voluntary and statutory organisalions across northern Devon, in line with the Community Mental Heafth framework. 6. Developed a new funding strategy for greater financial sustainabilty and stability, and secured multi-year funding Ihat gives Clarity a stable foundation to grow from. Our Ob'ectives For 2024 In line with the strategy outlined above, this coming year we have set the following objectives: 1. To introduce a new programme of therapeutic groups, with specialist focus in areas of need such as addictive behaviours, coping with challenging relationships and parenting through neurodiversity. 2. To increase our volunteer numbers to pre-pandemic levels. 3. To identify and meet client needs by providing a programme of Continuous Professional Development opportunities for our volunteer counsellors. 4. To raise awareness of Clarity services with a new social media campaign to support the launch of the new website in 2023. Page 3
North Devon Mental Health Servlce Users Forum Charity Number 1055224 Report of the trustees for the period ended 31 December 2023 Our Fundraisin Activi We are immensely grateful to all those people and organisations that have supported and raised money for the charity during the year. 11 is only with this support that we are able to continue to provide our vital mental health support to the people of North Devon. In 2023 we were also able to secure vital funding from Trusts and Foundations that sustain our activities including Forrester Family Charitable Trust, John's Charity, Barnstaple Town Council, The Trusthouse Charitable Foundation, the Norman Family Charitable Trust, David Gibbons Foundation, Hendy Foundation, Devon Community Foundation and Fullabrook CIC, and corporate support from Turnstyle Designs. We remain indebted to The National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for their support over the last five years that has provided the foundation from which we have grown enormously. We are thrilled to have recently secured a further three years of funding to underpin our core costs for 2024, 2025 and 2026. With this solid foundation, we have developed a fundraising strategy that allows us to seek grants from other sources for distinct elements of our service, and maintain our sustainability during a time when many trusls and foundations are ovepNhelmed by demand. Our Flnanclal and erformance Trustees took the decision to alter the financial year end to 31 December this year, resulting in a nine-month financial year for 2023. Our total receipts in this nine-month period amounted to £98,333 (2022-23: £113,662} reflecting a 150/0 increase this period pro rata. Total payments for the period were £107,792 (2022-23: £109,750), resulted in net payments of £9,459 (2021-22: net receipts £3,912). The 15 % pro rata increase in receipts in the nine months to 31st December 2023, compared to the previous year. is as a result of the first grant for National Lottery Hear Together of £17,338 prior to the start of the project in January 2024. We have also received substantial one-off grants from the Trusthouse Charitable Foundation and from John's Charity in the year. Reserves Polic The trustees have set a reserves policy which includes a designated fund to allow a structured closure of the charity should operational reseNes deplete to a level at which the charity is no longer sustainable. This designated fund is reviewed annually and currently stands at £13,591 (2023 £40,000). This decrease represents the funding of a significant proportion of the cost of service provision. payroll costs and overheads by long-term restricted funds. The resulting designated fund would cover Ihe cost of long-term leases and the professional fees required to implement closure. Due lo the nature of our service. the trustees have also set an unrestricted reserve policy of a minimum of Ihree months total costs to ensure that the charity is able to support its clients safely through the wind-down period. Based on current expectations, this amounts to approximately £15,000 in addition to those costs represented by designated funds. Page 4
North Devon Mental Health Service Users Forum Charlty Number 1055224 Report of the trustees for the perlod ended 31 December 2023 Currently, unrestricted reserves are £30,338 {2022-23- £12,057). Combined with relevant designated funds, this represents 3.65 months of anticipated total costs. The trustees feel that unrestricted funds are sufficient to support the charity in its day-to-day operations in 2024. The Irustees also believe that the designated fund totalling £13,591 is, in current circumstances, sufficient to allow a structured closure of the charity. if necessary, but consider that the charity is sustainable for the immediate future. Our Or anisational Structure Clarity registered as a charity in May 1996. The charity is managed by a Board of Trustees who are responsible for ensuring financial stability and providing professional and strategic advice on policy and resource management. The trustees are responsible for the overall management and control of the charity and receive regular reports from the clinical team involved in the day-to-day setvice delivery, and from the administrative and fundraising team tasked with maintaining, recording and safeguarding the charitys finances and supporting the clinical team. All matters and powers of strategic management and control are vested in the Board. The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed in the year and have taken steps to mitigate these risks. Meeting quarterly, the Trustee Board bring a range of skills to the charitvs governance Including a retired GP Partner as Chairman and a retired project manager for a major pharmaceutical company as Secretary. Other Trustees bring experience and expertise in marketing, communications, digital marketing and finance. Trustees also bring lived experience of mental health concems either Ihrough the experience of close family members, or their own personal journey. Two are past service users who were ineligible for statutory support following a life-changing experience. For them, joining the Board of Clarity is an opportunity to give back by bringing expertise in website and optimisation, project management and marketing and charity governance. All give their time freely. New trustees are appointed by existing trustees, who actively recruit based on experience and skills. and three new Trustees with relevant and transferrable skills joined the Board in early 2024. Clarty is traditionally a volunteer led charity. which has grown to include a small staff team at the helm as the charity grows lo meet demand. The trustees would like to acknowledge and thank the commitment and care that has been given by staff, counsellors, students and volunteers during the year. Pago 5
North Devon Mental Health Service Users Forum Charlty Number 1055224 Report of the trustees for the period ended 31 December 2023 Statement of trustees, responsibilities The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice}. Law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepa financial Statements for each financial period which give a true and fair view of charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements the trustees are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP; make judgements and esiimates that are reasonable and prudent; state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements" and prepare the financial statemenls on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that Ihe charity will continue in operation. The Irustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charity {Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection ot fraud arKI other irregulartties. On behalf of the board Dr Chrislopher Arber Truslee Page 6
North Devon Mental Health Servlce Users Forum Charity Number 1055224 Legal and administrative information Status North Devon Mental Heallh Service Users Forum {also known as Clarity) is an unincorporated charity governed by a formal constitution adopted 9 May 1996. Charity number 1055224 Business address 104A Boulport Street Barnstaple Devon EX311SW Trustees Dr Alison Judith Ayers James Craigie Matthew Jones Dr Chrislopher Arber Dr Richard Holman Frank Biederman Christopher McDonald Bryony McDonald (Resigned 29 September 2023) (Appointed 24 January 2024) (Appointed 24 January 2024) (Appointed 9 January 2024) Accounlants Westcotts 47 Boutport Street Bamstaple Devon EX31 1SQ Page 7
North Devon Mental Health Service Users Forum Charlty Number 1055224 Independent examiner's report lo the trustees on the unaudited flnanclal ststements of North Devon Mental Health Service Users Forum. IrKlependent examiner's report to Ihe trusiees of North Devon Mentsl Health Servlce Users Forum. I report 10 the trustees on my examination of the accounts of North Devon Mental Health Service Users Forum for the period ended 31 December 2023. Responsibllitles and basis of report As the charivs trustees of North Devon Mental Health Service Users Forum you are responsible for the preparaiion of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the act,)., I report in respect of my examination of North Devon Mental Health Serivce Users Forum accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable directions given by Ihe Charity Commission under section 145(5){b) of the Act. Independent examlnerfs ststemenl I have completed rny 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: accounting records were not kept in respect of North Devon Mental Health Users Forum as required by section 130 of the Act; or the accounts do not accord with those records. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examinations to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Catherine Williams FCA DChA Independent Examiner Weslcotts (SW) LLP 47 Boutport Street Barnstaple Devon EX311SQ Page 8
North Devon Mental Health Service Users Forum Charity Number 1055224 Receipts and Payments Account For the period ended 31 December 2023 Period ended Unrestricted Restrlcled 31112123 tunds funds Total Year ended 514123 Total Notes Receipts Incoming resources from generating funds: Donations and grants Investment income Incoming resources from charitable activities 4 24,657 1,073 1,544 71,059 95,716 1,073 1 ,544 108,552 201 4,909 Total receipts 27,274 71,059 98,333 113,662 Payments Employment costs Other Slaff costs Self Employed costs Establishment costs Travel costs Legal and Professional Fees Accountancy fees Telephone and IT costs Office Costs Management costs Subscriptions Sundry expenses Fundraising costs Total payments 7,940 10,906 18,846 111 111 23,532 25,872 8,782 8,782 4,498 4,947 223 493 3,470 6,482 6,482 4,341 4,341 12,540 23,721 36,518 933 42,573 3,634 5,258 1,346 3,550 3,610 1,709 2,340 449 270 3,470 11,181 240 1,886 8,493 250 9,502 945 30 1,195 9,532 35,402 72,390 107,792 109,750 Net of receiptsl(payments) (8,128) (1,331) (9,459) 3,912 Cash funds brought fonvard 52,057 51,635 103,692 99,780 Cash funds carried forward 43,929 50,304 94,233 103,692 All of the above amounts relate lo continuing activities. The notes on pages 11 to 17 form an Intsgral part ot these flnanclal statements. Page 9
North Devon Mental Health Service Users Forum Charity Number 1055224 ststement of Assets and Llabillties As At 31 December 2023 31112123 05104123 Notes Cash funds Bank and cash 94,233 103,692 94,233 103,692 Assets and liabilities 94,233 103,692 Funds Restricted income funds Unreslricted income funds Unreslricted designated funds 50,304 30,338 13,591 51,635 12,057 40,000 Total funds 94.233 103,692 The financial statements were approved by the trustees on behalf by and signed on its Dr Chrlstopher Arber Tru8188 The notes on pages 11 to 17 form an integral part of these flnanclal statements. Page 10
North Devon Mental Health Service Users Forum Charity Number 1055224 Notes to the financial statements for the period ended 31 December 2023 Accounting policles The principal accounting policies are summarised below. The accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the period and the preceding year. 1.1. Basis of accounting The financial statements are prepared under the receipts and payments basis and in accordance with FRS102. the Charities SORP (FRS102} and the requirement of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS102) and the Charities Act2011. 1.2. Cashflow The charity has taken advantage of the exemption in FRS102 from the requirement to produce a cashflow statement as it is classed as a small charity. 1.3. Fund accounting Unrestricted funds are donations and other incoming resources received or generated for the objects of the charity without further specific purpose and which the charity may use for its purpose al its discretion. Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the terms of an appeal. 1.4. Incomlng resources All incoming resources are included in the Receipts and Payments when the charity receives the income. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income: Donations are received by way of grants, donations and gifts and is included in full in the Receipts and Payments when received. The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included. Fees are included in full in the Receipts and PanentS when received. All other incoming resources are also included in full in the Receipts and Payments when received. Grants. including grants for the purchase of fixed assets, are recognised in full in the Receipts and Payments in the year in which they are received. 1.5. Resources expended Expendrture is recognised on a payments basis. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates. Page 11
North Devon Mental Health Service Users Forum Charity Number 1055224 Notes to the financial statements for the period ended 31 December 2023 Donations and grants Period ended Unrestricted Restricted 31112123 Year ended 514123 Donations > £100 Donations < £100 Counselling Donations Grants Received Regular giving Government grants Fundraising Income 8,500 1,103 7,801 6,500 753 1,500 10,000 1,103 7,801 29,140 35,640 753 40,419 40,419 7,666 1.819 9,076 83,458 1,175 2,675 2,683 24,657 71,059 95,716 108,552 Funders Turnstyla Designs are a Barnstaple based company delivering luxury door hardware for high-end residential, commercial and yacht projects. The company strives wherever possible to support local causes and give back to the community, and Clarity is grateful for their continued support in the form of unrestricted donations (included above) https./fvN.turnstyIedeS1gns.ComlsUSta1nabIIIty1 We are also grateful to the following funders for making unrestricted grants that make our work possible: Norman Family Charitable Trust Barnstaple Town Council Investment income Period ended Unrestricted 31112123 funds Total Year ended 514123 Total Bank interest received 1,073 1,073 201 1,073 1,073 201 Page 12
North Devon Mental Health Servlce Users Forum Charity Number 1055224 Notes to the financial statements for the period ended 31 December 2023 Incoming resources from charitable activities Period ended Unrestrlcted 31112123 tunds Total Year ended 514123 Total Counselling Travel Costs Counselling fees 1.350 194 1,350 194 4,170 679 60 1,544 1,544 4,909 Employees Employment costs Period ended 31112123 Year ended 514123 Wages and salaries Pension costs 18,525 321 35,926 592 18,846 36,518 No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 (514123 . None). Number of employees The average monthly numbers of employees during the period was as follows: Period ended 31112123 Number Year ended 514123 Number Employees Pago 13
North Devon Mental Health Servlce Users Forum Charity Number 1055224 Notes to the financial statements for the period ended 31 December 2023 Analysis ot net assets between funds Unrestrlcted funds Restricted funds Total funds Fund balances at 31 December 2023 as represented by: Current assets 43,929 50,304 94,233 43,929 50,304 94,233 Unreslrlcled funds At 6 April 2023 Incoming resources Oulgoing resources 31 December Transfers 2023 Unrestricted funds Designated fund 12,057 40,000 27,274 (35.402) 26,409 (28,409) 30.338 13,591 52,057 27,274 (35,402) 43,929 Purposes of unrestrlcted funds Unrestricted funds are used to further the objects of the charity, but are subject to no restrictions on their use within those objects. Designated funds are used to cover potential costs if the charity finds that it is unable to continue to operate. Page 14
North Devon Mental Health Service Users Forum Charlty Number 1055224 Notes to the financlal statements for the period ended 31 December 2023 Restrlcted funds At31 6 April Incoming Outgoing December 2023 resources resources 2023 Break the Cycle Dannrfs Line Devon Community Foundation Fullabrook CIC John's Charity National Loltery - Hear Together National Lottery Reaching Communities David Gibbons Trust Trusthous8 Charitable Foundaiion Hendy Foundation 1,478 14,030 (1,182) 296 15,530 1,500 2,000 5,000 7,200 17,338 23,081 (2,000) 5,000 7,200 17,338 11,002 (11,002) 25,125 (48,206) 2,000 10,000 2,940 2,000 (10,000) 2,940 51,635 71,059 (72,390) 50,304 Page 15
North Devon Mental Health Service Users Forum Charity Number 1055224 Notes to the financial statements for the period ended 31 December 2023 Purposes of restricted funds Break the Cycle - is an initiative funded by North Devon Police to provide counselling to reduce the repetitive behaviour of individuals that results in police attendance to incidents. In addition to supporting the individuals concerned, this intervention frees up police time, reduces the need for other emergency services and reduces the impact on the wider community. Dannys Line is an ongoing fundraising initiative to provide a telephone support service, staffed by experienced counsellors. to help individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts and intention. Devon Community Foundation kindly provided a community grant towards our core expenditure, funding such essential costs as insurance, professional fees, premises and office costs. Fullabrook CIC - following earlier funding towards the charity's running costs, this year's grant generously provides additional funding of volunteer support costs, whether that is covering their travel costs, providing free clinical supervision and support, or opportunities for training. John's Charity - this funding in 2022123 was to cover various capital improvements to the charitls off ice environment and technology. This has improved the experience of clients engaging with our service, by improving comfort and security as well as increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of staff. Funding has been used for new phones, IT equipment, door entry system, furniture, internal redecoration, and a new website to improve our branding and increase awareness ol the charity. Futiabrook CIC In 2023 we were fortunate to receive additional funding identified to cover the significant travel costs of the charity's team of volunteer counsellors in 2024. The grant will be used for mileage and parking costs incurred, ensuring that these crucial volunteers are not financially impacted by their generous support to the charity. The National Lottery - Hear Together grant commences in 2024 for a period of three years covering the costs of key personnel, the chariws premises costs and also its core business professional support costs. The support of the National Lottery continues to be the cornerstone of funding for the charity in the absence of any financial SLJPPOrt from the government. COMI The National Lottery - Reaching Communities funding was provided over a five year period to help the charity finance its service delivery, both directly for counsellors, fees and travel, and in respect of administrative costs such as payroll, office costs and insurance. David Gibbons Trust have kindly given funding to support our team of volunteer counsellors in their essential work. We provide them with free clinical supervision and also regular line management, peer support, CPD training opportunities and travelling expenses. Trusthouse Charitable Foundation generously provided funding towards the costs of the post of charity manager in 2023. This role is crucial to the effective running of the charity, pulling all the diverse functions of the charity together cohesively and providing both clinical and adminsitrative support and guidance. Page 16
North Devon Mental Health Service Users Forum Charlty Number 1055224 Notes to the financial statements for the period ended 31 December 2023 Hendy Foundation is specifically meeting the costs of running one of the charitys twelve-week groups in 2024. Groups involve a wide variety of direct and indirect costs including group facilitators, group development and administration, clinical lead input, clinical supervision of facilitators, monitoring and evaluation, as well as venue costs. Page 17