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2024-03-31-accounts

ESCAPE Familysupport Annual Report 2023/24 SWILLIIARffYQFIHIY Investors in People Health & Wellbeing Award WINNER ESCAPE Family Support Lid 4 INVESTORS IN PEOPLE unsung heroes

Artwork from a young person accessing ESCAPE Adverse Childhood Experiences ACES) Programme

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ESCAPE in brief

Our vision

ESCAPE’s focus for the future is on ensuring we continue to be a sustainable organisation capable of ensuring our unique service offer is available to those people who need it, when they need it.

Our values

What we stand for

Empowering families, carers, adults, young people and children and the communities of Northumberland to improve their mental and physical health and well-being to reduce the impact of addictions, social and lifestyle pressures, and risky behaviours.

What we do

ESCAPE is the only specialist provision for families, carers, adults, young people, and children of substance users throughout Northumberland. Founded in 1995 in Blyth by Janet Murphy MBE after her daughter died from drug poisoning. With nowhere to go for support ESCAPE was set up by carers for carers.

Why we do it

We strive to be the best we can be

We are respectful

We care

We innovate and learn

We work together

The lives of families we support are ravaged by drug or alcohol misuse. Parents, grandparents, partners, siblings, children and kinship carers suffer multiple factors of disadvantage and deprivation, particularly health, social and economic inequality as well as damaged relationships/chaotic lifestyles , characterised by social determinants of inequalities including children taken into care, domestic violence, family breakdown, truancy, poor educational attainment, crime, antisocial behaviour, unemployment, trauma, mental health issues etc. Families suffer from negative attitudes, stigmatisation and prejudice within society that impacts on their daily lives, on community cohesion resulting in social isolation and financial hardship.

Who we are

A team of committed trustees, staff, volunteers, family champions and supporters who believe everyone can make a difference.

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OE Message from the Chair

It is with great pleasure that we present ESCAPE Family Support’s Annual Report and Accounts 2023/2024.

Yet again, the demand on our services has increased and the charity has risen to the challenge. This Annual Report describes in detail the range of services we have offered, the numbers of people accessing services and the amazing results that have been achieved. I think you will be impressed when you read what we have done to help the people of Northumberland in 2023/2024.

Feedback from our commissioners and funders gives testament to the quality of the services we have provided and the fantastic results we have achieved. This is only made possible with the continued support we receive from all of them, many of whom we have had relationships with over many years and some more recently. We are grateful for the confidence you have shown in us and on behalf of ESCAPE I say ‘Thank You’.

Our beneficiaries tell us time and time again how invaluable the support from ESCAPE has been to them, their families and friends. You will read about this in the pages which follow. We listen to what help our beneficiaries tell us they need and we strive to provide services tailored to meet their needs.

Many beneficiaries go on to volunteer and provide support in many ways, for example befriending, becoming Family Champions, helping with events for carers and families, admin support, tending our garden and general maintenance of the building. ESCAPE could not function without its volunteers. ‘Thank You’ for all you do.

Our staff are at the heart of ESCAPE . They keep the show on the road, so to speak, and work tirelessly to deliver and continually improve the services that ESCAPE is famous for. Following consultation, there was a restructuring exercise in 2023/2024. Some new staff were appointed and many existing staff changed or adapted their roles enabling them to use their skills and experience to progress within the organisation. ‘Well Done and Thank You’ to the staff ’.

The charity has faced many challenges and changes during some turbulent times since it was established almost 30 years ago. It has been adept at coping with uncertainty and has regularly refreshed its strategic plans to ensure it stays relevant and responsive. There is no doubt that we can expect challenge and change to continue but be assured, ESCAPE will continue to focus on delivering its Vision which was created following much consultation within the organisation and with our stakeholders:

Ensuring we continue to be a sustainable organisation capable of ensuring our unique service offer is available to those people who need it, when they need it.

Jackie

Jackie L M Axelby

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Strategy and performance

In 2023 - 24 our focus was on ensuring the organisation achieved financial security and organisational sustainability, this continues to remain our focus going forward. Mission critical for the charity is planning for the retirement of the voluntary CEO both in terms of securing funding for the CEO post and identifying a successor. This would ensure future sustainability and continuity of specialist services for families and young people impacted by a loved ones addiction in Northumberland.

The senior team worked to ensure we made our case to charitable funders and commissioners and while we look forward to expanded service provision through new contracts and tenders, we are mindful that going forward into 2024 - 27 we must continue to work with commissioners to ensure the value of our work is recognised and funded where appropriate.

----- Start of picture text -----
Family Fun Day Blyth
Aug 2023
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Our trauma informed interventions are aligned with Adfam's ‘We Count Too: Good Practice Guide and Quality Standards’. We deliver: 24/7 telephone helpline; crisis support; educational information; 1-1 support; counselling; support groups; Health & Wellbeing Workshops to address anxiety, anger, self-esteem, sleep hygiene etc.; respite breaks in our caravan; personal learning opportunities; diversionary activities (arts, crafts); support for grandparents/kinship carers, partners, people with a family member going through the court system or in prison; those bereaved through substance use; and programmes for young people, children and siblings. We deliver both adult and children ACE’s and CRAFT (detailed later).

ESCAPE’s confidential support services are low threshold, person centred, tailored to needs of individuals. Through comprehensive assessment and personalised care planning we help beneficiaries identify their

Beneficiaries last year

priorities, achieve their goals, and improve their lives.

Well known for its coast, castles and hills, Northumberland has a population of 323,820 spread over 5013KM2, 96.7% of this identified as rural, with 49% of the population living rural areas and 51% residing in the 3% of urban land, mainly in the South East of the county.

38,178 people in Northumberland live in areas within the 10% most deprived decile of the Index Multiple Deprivation (IMD) 2019, an increase of 59.9% on 2015 when 23,877

people lived in the most deprived 10% of Lower Supper Output Areas.

We began the year with 124 cases carried forward from 31/03/2023 and received 225 new referrals across the year ending on 31/03/2024. (51 YP and 174 Adults). We had 19 inappropriate referrals, who we either signposted to services in their own geographic area or on to the treatment service provider or other partners countywide.

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----- Start of picture text -----
124 carried 206 referrals 45 parenting
Forward Programme
— eel
375 worked directly with plus 163 accessing 54 (siblings) receiving Cash for Kids Xmas gifts
respite caravan (72 Adults and 91 children) 375 + 163 + 54 = 592 people supported in
total during 2023/24
Of the 375 people we worked with directly
----- End of picture text -----

271 cases have been closed as follows:

207 Support Completed and mutually agreed exits

45 Parenting Programmes completed and successfully exited

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Interventions and impact

We provide improved rapid response to carers in times of crisis via the Helpline

The 24/7 Helpline is used by many clients as a means to self-refer into ESCAPE and is their sole source of advice, information and support out of hours. The calls we receive out of hours are often in relation to serious issues such as: overdose and harm reduction advice, self-harm, suicidal ideation, mental health crisis, family crisis, domestic violence, Hidden Harm, child protection concerns, bereavement, etc.

This year we averaged 28.58 calls per month to the helpline, receiving a total of 343 calls across the year. This exceeded our target of 24 calls per month, we do not include in these figures the calls made by professionals for referral/advice.

We provide access to specialist befriending provision for carers

ESCAPE volunteers our “experts by experience” often become Family Champions and have opportunities to become directly involved in delivery, providing support through developing powerful mutual relationship through befriending. General volunteers are involved in supporting other areas of the charity’s operations, general maintenance, administration, gardening, fundraising, planning events etc.

à 31 carers accessed the befriending service

We provide access to specialist support services for carers

Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT ), is a behaviour modification programme for carers to help their resistant loved ones get into treatment. Throughout the year we delivered 7 group CRAFT programmes to a total of 63 individuals, this was in addition to delivery of 1-1 to all other adult carers in service, who preferred non-group delivery.

Supporting Parents and Children Emotionally (SPACE) is a relationship-based delivery model which actively advocates and promotes working in partnership alongside parents. Supporting parents and carers to recognise the impact of adult behaviours on children, and how they can develop the protective behaviours to support both themselves and their children.

We delivered 3 programmes with 23 individuals successfully completing.

Delivery of Teen Triple P Parenting Programme is a toolbox of ideas designed to enhance parenting skills. Rather than prescribing a one-size-fits-all approach, it empowers parents to choose strategies that suit their unique family dynamics.

We delivered 3 programmes with 22 individuals successfully completing.

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We provide access to support that reduces isolation and improvement in social integration for carers

We provide a number of respite activities and opportunities for beneficiaries to learn and support each other online and face to face. These include carer coffee mornings, art group, yoga sessions, CRAFT maintenance and bereavement groups and family events throughout the year. Our caravan offers family respite breaks.

We provide access to training, and respite activities to improve health and wellbeing of carers

Wellbeing Workshops were delivered at Briardale House including Anger Awareness, Stress Awareness, Sleep Hygiene, Anxiety and Stress Awareness, Self Esteem and Assertiveness.

Based on 375 beneficiaries

252 (67%) reported improved health and wellbeing.

247 (66%) attended group work with improved skills and confidence

272 (73%) showing improved social isolation.

240 carers (64%) accessed respite activities last year.

Family fun activities throughout the year Easter, Summer, Halloween and Christmas.

Online support, training and maintenance groups. Monthly: bereavement & kinship carer groups. CRAFT maintenance groups.

A qualified volunteer ran our weekly yoga sessions

Our 8 berth caravan based at Berwick offered low cost family breaks with leisure and park facilities included.

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Family & young people interventions

The project offers positive family intervention work, and tailored support packages to families and children. Including but not limited to: Children & Adult Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE), Parenting Programmes including, Supporting Parents and Children Emotionally (SPACE) and Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT), a behaviour modification programme for carers to help their resistant loved ones get into treatment. Care plans support individuals towards

their personal goals, aspirations. With support to improve relationships with family and friends and navigate relationships with other agencies (e.g. school, health visitors and social workers). Practical and individual support to families with a loved one in/wanting to or overcome addiction. Practical help with any other problems a parent/family is facing to keep them and their children safe. Our trained and mentored Family Champion volunteers, “our experts through experience” help us support families wanting to make positive change.

Children experience Hidden Harm within family settings when impacted by chaotic behaviours. We work with YP by raising awareness of risks and increasing protective factors through training & therapeutic programmes to address Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Our work is trauma informed and our YP ACEs, is a pioneering therapeutic intervention support programme designed for, and targeting, children and young people in Northumberland whose lives are blighted by the drug or alcohol dependency of others within the family setting. Most of these children and young people have multiple vulnerabilities (low selfesteem, mental health issues).

Aims of our interventions

Family members have introduced sustainable behaviours and are better placed to find their own solutions to problems and increase the likelihood of a loved one entering the treatment system. They feel positive about their role as parents and their family’s future. The project has reduced the social isolation and stigma that families and relatives of addicts face daily and throughout their lifetimes by breaking down the barriers (i.e., feelings of embarrassment and shame) that prevent people asking for and accessing support. Children and young people are able to maintain the improvements in their mental health and wellbeing , and continue to utilise the learned coping strategies. In doing so release their potential by developing, resilience, confidence, self-esteem, and Independence.

The Young Person ACE’s project began the year with 19 cases carried forward from 31/03/2023 and received 51 new referrals to 31/03/2024.

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Young People ACE’s programme performance

19 cases carried Forward

51 referrals

70 young people

Referral source Number
Children Services 27
EarlyHelpHUB 10
Schools 12
Familymember 8
ESCAPE team/helpline/internet 7
Commissioned D& A(NRP) 1
Internet 1
Carers Northumberland
Officer		 1
NCC Health & WellbeingOfficer 1
Places For People 1
Silx Teen Bar 1
Total 23/24 70

Of the 51 referrals, 7 were unfortunately inappropriate referrals (5 x Children’s Services 2 x Schools). A further 4 YP did not access the project, 3 due to out of area moves and 1 unplanned exit. We referred 2 YP on.

From the 53 individuals we offered service to last year 30 young people cases were closed during the reporting period, with support completed. We carried a case load forward of 23 young people.

30 YP showing improved social isolation

30 YP with improved mental health 30 YP improved confidence/coping strategies

The ACE’s Recovery Toolkit is used with the Young People accessing service provision, it is a proven intervention Cagenen: ese

programme which we use to help children and young people come to terms with their

experiences, develop a positive lifestyle and coping strategies.

Figure 1 ACES (pre intervention)– Girl, 11 yrs.

The programme includes topics including, How abuse affects our thinking, Self-esteem – what is it? Who’s my family?

Talking positive, Ways to handle difficult feelings and Healthy relationships and trust.

Figure 2 ACES ( post intervention) – Girl, 11 yrs.

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~~a~~ Volunteering training project

We provide access to training that supports delivery of ESCAPE services. As beneficiaries move through their —~S~) journey, they are given opportunities to formally gain the skills and competencies that will equip them to work as facilitators, peer mentors, befrienders, and to equip them with skills to progress towards employability and or further learning.

ESCAPE is an AIM registered centre providing personal learning, accredited training and volunteering opportunities including:

· Befriending Level 1
· Peer Mentoring Level 2
· Support Skills Training Level 2
· Supporting Families Affected by Addiction Level 2
· Family Dynamics Level 3

Volunteers add an immense amount of value and contribute greatly to supporting staff and beneficiaries at ESCAPE. We have volunteers who provide support through befriending, counselling, fundraising, family fun days, administration, cleaning and general maintenance.

We delivered accredited courses and trained 9 new volunteers / peer mentors last year. They completed 19 accredited qualifications between them as most did multiple courses.

It is worth noting that 33% of the volunteers/course participants were from ethnic minority groups. The trainer provided support with English to develop understanding of course materials. We opened up our peer mentoring programme to people from other organisation to ensure that all courses were filled. This led to people who have been addicted to substances who are at a good place in their recovery journey gaining Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications. The carers and service users who participated learnt a lot from each other on these courses gaining an understanding of how addiction and their behaviours and coping strategies affect their own family members.

Last year 22 volunteers provided 5,568 hours of support, equal to

2.9 Full time staff members!!

~~a~~ Aims of our family champions

In addition to empowering and equipping volunteers and family champions, with new skills, improved confidence, improved mental health etc. this approach enables ESCAPE to:

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How people accessed our services

Referral source
~~ee~~		 Total
~~ee~~
Children Services/social workers
~~ee~~		 36
~~ee~~
~~eee~~
Familyhub –parentingreferrals
~~ee~~		 45
~~eee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
EarlyHelpHub
~~ee~~		 13
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~eee~~
Familymember
~~ee~~		 36
~~eee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
ESCAPE team/helpline/internet
~~ee~~		 63
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~eee~~
Commissioned D& A(NRP)
~~ee~~		 34
~~eee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
Returningbeneficiaries
~~ee~~		 22
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
Friend/word of mouth
~~ee~~		 16
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~eee~~
General Hospital
~~ee~~		 13
~~eee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
NSEC/A&E
~~ee~~		 1
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~eee~~
Internet/leaflet
~~ee~~		 12
~~eee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
Schools
~~ee~~		 17
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
SORTED
~~ee~~		 11
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~eee~~
Carers Northumberland
~~ee~~		 9
~~eee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
Mental Health Team
~~ee~~		 7
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~eee~~
Adult Services
~~ee~~		 4
~~eee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
Crisis Team
~~ee~~		 6
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~eee~~
NCC Health & WellbeingOfficer
~~ee~~		 2
~~eee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
Probation
~~ee~~		 2
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
Greenacres
~~ee~~		 2
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~eee~~
RecoveryCollege 2
~~eee~~
Northumberland Domestic Abuse
Service
~~ee~~		 1
~~ee~~
Places For People
~~ee~~		 1
~~ee~~
~~eee~~
~~ee~~
Silx Teen Bar
~~ee~~		 1
~~eee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
PROPS
9
Total 23/24
375
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~

Young Person (YP) Tom (not real name).

Tom was 12 years old when referred into service by his social worker who has since successfully closed the case. Referral information stated that Tom would benefit from specialist support to address the impact of Dad’s harmful drinking on him in his early years. At the start of engagement dad was 7 months sober.

Mum was contacted and told us it was a constant battle to get Tom to go to school, his attendance was very poor. School had excluded him on a number of occasions citing “defiant and obnoxious behaviour” to his parents. Everyone was struggling with the conflict at home. School were aware of ESCAPE support.

Following 1-2 Ace’s support, Tom developed healthy coping strategies, recognising when he was getting frustrated and learning how to redirect his focus when struggling. Building resilience which helped him manage stressful situations better, his confidence and ability to concentrate in lessons improved. The issues at school reduced.

At parents evening mum, teachers reported Tom was doing great in lessons, good attendance and less anger. Tom is a happy, confident young man and all members of the family reported positive outcomes.

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Sample data analysis carer & family support

We capture improvement and transitional success for beneficiaries using a range of recognised and validated tools: Carer Support Outcome Profile CSOP, ACE’s Tools, Rosenberg Questionnaires, Outcome Action Plans, focus groups and service questionnaires. Broadly speaking, outcome measures aim to quantify changes that occur in a beneficiary’s status over a course of treatment and social support. The commonest strategy involves the use of standardised outcome measures, based on pre-set questions administered to a group of beneficiaries. The standardised structure of these measures allows for mechanisation of the outcome measurement process, since all individuals are presented with the same pre-determined questions (OECD 2013).

The Substance Misuse Carer Support Outcome Profile (CSOP) is a tool developed by the Bridge Project in collaboration with the University of Bradford. It’s designed to support carers of individuals with substance misuse issues. It is a nationally recognised survey used to measure the impact that caring has on carers, both physically and psychologically.

From the 271 closed cases last year we extracted 109 cases to be used in our data analysis to determine the effectiveness of our intervention's, against the 8 sections the CSOP covers. We saw a significant (p < .01) increase in scores post intervention across all 8 areas with three “small medium” effects and five large effects.

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The 8 sections of the CSOP cover these specific areas:

Knowledge of substance misuse - Large change effect.

ESCAPE interventions significantly increased beneficiary knowledge and helped carers have a better understanding of their situation, helping reduce anxieties around a loved one’s substance use behaviours

Relationship with the User - Large change effect.

ESCAPE interventions significantly increased carer understanding of the challenges their loved one faced, & increased their ability to provide appropriate support. Carers feel more able to discuss and address their feelings.

- Relationship with family/Safety of household/ Relationship with Wider Community Small/medium effect.

ESCAPE interventions increased protected factors leading to carers feeling improvement across all 3 areas. Carers have strategies in place that can help minimise collusion and manipulation within the family/ community. In reality even a small effect can have large and meaningful impacts, within complex settings.

- Physical and Psychological Health Large change effect.

ESCAPE interventions significantly improved carer’s mental and physical wellbeing. Carers are better equipped to understand their own health needs and make healthier lifestyle choices.

- Aspects of daily life & Ability to tackle the problem Large change effect.

ESCAPE interventions significantly improved carer’s ability to tackle the problem and cope with aspects of daily life. Carers have had the emotional and practical support that has enabled them to gain a level of knowledge that helps them understand and handle their circumstances better.

“ESCAPE changed my life as I did my education courses through ESCAPE, not only do I work in Recovery now, I also volunteer when I can at ESCAPE. I can’t speak highly enough of all the staff and the services they provide.” 2024 Family Champion Rob H.

“The Alcohol Care Team, Northumbria Healthcare Trust have established an effective partnership over numerous years with ESCAPE to facilitate a cohesive approach to the care pathway between primary and secondary care, thereby providing continuity of care for families. ACT are extremely grateful for their continued commitment and dedication to the families of Northumberland”.

Linda Sample, Advanced Alcohol Specialist Nurse, Alcohol Care Team, Gastroenterology, Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital

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Sample data analysis carer & family support

The WEMWBS survey is an internationally recognised tool for evaluating the effectiveness of programmes and interventions and their impact on the mental well-being of clients. The 14-item scale WEMWBS has 5 response categories, summed to provide a single score. The items are all worded positively and cover both feeling and functioning aspects of mental wellbeing, thereby making the concept more accessible.

From the 271 closed cases last year we extracted 224 cases to be used in our data analysis to determine the effectiveness of our interventions, pre- and post-intervention scores were statistically compared to look for differences.

Our statistical analysis discovered a significant (p < .001) increase in scores post-intervention compared to scores before intervention. The effect of our interventions was also calculated to be “extremely large”, showing that our services at ESCAPE made a great contribution to the improved mental wellbeing of our clients. Our interventions were found to have especially large effects on clients in areas such as optimism, relaxation, ability to deal with problems, and ability to think clearly.

“ ESCAPE Family Support were really fantastic at supporting me when I needed it the most. My workers patience, regular calls and advice saw me through some tough situations and I’ll be forever grateful for that”. (Female carer)

“My daughter has taken a lot from her counselling sessions and has come a long way mentally and emotionally since. Thank you so much you have really made a difference in our lives.” (YP ACE’s mother)

Escape has been very helpful in aiding me to change my life through my recovery and providing me with opportunities to better myself professionally. Escape has a great team that does not get the credit it deserves for the work they do in the community. Without Escape I would not be where I am today. (Family Champion Matt)

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Sample data analysis YP ACEs project

The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE) is a widely used self-esteem measure in social science research. Developed by sociologist Morris Rosenberg, it consists of 10 statements related to overall feelings of selfworth or self-acceptance. Participants rate these statements on a four-point scale , from “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree.” The RSE provides insights into an individual’s self-esteem/self- efficacy and a score below 15 may indicate problematic low self-esteem.

Young People ACEs

The project worked with 53 x individuals (8-18 yrs.), we extracted 20 closed cases with pre and post intervention Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE) assessments. We used these scores to determine whether the interventions provided through ESCAPE’ support led to a statistically significant improvement in selfefficacy/self-esteem.

The results of these tests, demonstrated a significant difference in scores and a “large effect” (p < .001). Meaning that our interventions significantly improved the self-esteem of our YP clients. The results of the paired t-test showed post-intervention scores were significantly higher than scores pre-intervention. It also demonstrated ESCAPE’s interventions have had a “large” effect on the result.

“The children find the service useful because for most of them it’s the first time someone is there for them to talk about their parents' addiction who is not a social worker. This helps a lot because the relationship with a social worker is usually strained because we say that we are there to keep them safe but then, we remove them (this is not all of them of course), or we put safety plans in place and disrupt their day to day living and family time (contact) arrangements and for some, that knock by the social worker changed their life forever. It’s often very difficult to build this relationship so when you come in to ESCAPE and say you are there to listen to them and to support them, they build that relationship easily. You also have an in-depth understanding of how they are feeling, and you give them that one to one time each week which we cannot do.” Nomsa Ndweni - Social Worker (Northumberland County Council)

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Accounts

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

Charity Number 1063500

Company Number 03256554

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (SoFA)

(Including Summary Income and Expenditure Account )

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Donations and Legacies
6
4,849
3,950
8,799
6,226		 Donations and Legacies
6
4,849
3,950
8,799
6,226		 Donations and Legacies
6
4,849
3,950
8,799
6,226		 Donations and Legacies
6
4,849
3,950
8,799
6,226		 Donations and Legacies
6
4,849
3,950
8,799
6,226		 Donations and Legacies
6
4,849
3,950
8,799
6,226
Charitable Activities
Grants and Statutory Funding
7
60,032
189,098
249,130
305,293
Other Trading Activities
8
12,335
3,000
15,335
3,638
Investments
9
976
-
976
125
Total Income 78,192 196,048 274,240 315,282
Raising Funds
10
851
2,162
3,013
7,540		 Raising Funds
10
851
2,162
3,013
7,540		 Raising Funds
10
851
2,162
3,013
7,540		 Raising Funds
10
851
2,162
3,013
7,540		 Raising Funds
10
851
2,162
3,013
7,540		 Raising Funds
10
851
2,162
3,013
7,540
Charitable Activities
Operations of the charity
11
72,368
208,434
280,803
312,862
Total Expenditure
73,219
210,596
283,816
320,402
Net Income/(Expenditure) and
4,973
(14,548)
(9,575)
(5,120)
Reconciliation of funds
Total Funds Brought forward
239,064
234,615
473,679
478,799
Total Funds Carried Forward 244,037 220,067 464,104 473,679

The Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) includes all grants and losses recognised during the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

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Thanks to our funders

ESCAPE are very grateful to commissioners, Town and Parish Councils, charitable and corporate funders, and our community fundraisers who support both front line services through revenue funding and the upgrades and maintenance of the building through capital funding.

a) Prudh

HALTWHISTLE TOWN COUNCIL

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Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

A company limited by guarantee

REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

Annual Report and Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Contents Page

Contents Page
Trustee Annual Report 1 to 15
Independent Examiners Report 16
Statement of Financial Activities (including
Income and Expenditure account) 17
Balance Sheet 18
Notes to the financial statements 19 to 33

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

Report of the Management Committee for the year ended 31 March 2024

The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. 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 October 2019).

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Company number

03256554 (England and Wales)

Registered Charity number

1063500

Registered office

Susan Kennedy Centre 63 Southview Ashington Northumberland NE63 0SF

Trustees

J L M Axelby Chair H Scarfe (previously Madin) Vice Chair & also Treasurer from 17/10/23 N Furno Treasurer until 17/10/2023 T Devine Company Secretary J Murphy S J Murphy A Park Laura Keen Appointed 30/01/2024

Company Secretary

T Devine

Independent examiner Connected Voice Business Services Ltd Higham House Higham Place Newcastle Upon Tyne Tyne And Wear NE1 8AF

Bank:

Lloyds Bank

Solicitors:- Employment Law

Solicitors:- Employment Law Solicitors:- Property Helen Kay Cuthbertson’s HMK Legal Ltd 3 Stanley Street Clavering House Blyth Clavering Place Northumberland Newcastle upon Tyne NE24 2BS NE1 3NG

1

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

OUR AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Purposes and Aims

Our aims and objectives as set out in the objects contained in the company's memorandum of association are:

i. to provide support, counselling, mediation to relieve the poverty, sickness and distress to drug, alcohol and solvent users’ and their families who are or have been suffering from the misuse of substances, being any substance which is misused to the detriment of the health of the individual in the community of Northumberland and elsewhere as the Association may determine;

ii. to advance education and training of the community of Northumberland and elsewhere as the Association may determine in the problems resulting from non-medical use and abuse of drugs and associated problems; and

iii. to provide support, counselling, and mediation to relieve the poverty, sickness and distress of vulnerable adults in the community of Northumberland and elsewhere as the Association may determine.

Ensuring our work delivers our aims

Our aims, objectives and activities are reviewed annually. This involves evaluating what we have achieved and the outputs and outcomes of our work in the aforementioned 12 months. The success of key activities and benefits these bring to our beneficiaries are appraised. This ensures that that our aims, objectives and activities continue to focus on our specified purposes, facilitates continuous service improvement and prevents mission drift. We have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aim and objectives and in planning our future activities. In particular, the trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set.

The focus of our work

Our main objectives for the year were to maintain high-quality service delivery to vulnerable families, carers and young people in Northumberland, particularly those who are affected by a loved one’s addiction; to continue the review and strengthening of systems and to increase funds raised to ensure long term sustainability of our work.

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Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

How our activities deliver public benefit:

Our main activities and people we try to assist are outlined below. All our charitable activities are focused on relieving poverty, sickness and distress, the provision of support to vulnerable families, particularly those affected by substance misuse, and the provision of education and training to advance our charitable purposes for the public benefit of Northumberland.

Who needs, used, and benefited from our services?

Our funding and resources continue to focus our main service provision to residents of Northumberland. Northumberland has a population of over 326,000 people, many scattered thinly in relatively isolated towns and settlements across expanses of countryside, whilst a significant concentration lives in the southeast of the county in declining economic communities. The county of Northumberland is a unitary authority. People in parts of Northumberland suffer extremes of poverty with low average incomes in three of the county's previous six district areas, with demonstrable inequalities of income across the county. In common with other areas of the U.K., Northumberland continues to experience drug taking along with an increase in alcohol use amongst its population.

The North East has had the highest rate of drug misuse for the past nine consecutive years (between 2013 and 2021), before this Wales had a higher rate than all English regions (between 2010 and 2012). The North East continues to be statistically significantly higher than all other regions of England as well as Wales. (ONS 3 August 2022).

The statistics for deaths by drug misuse and figures for death by drug poisoning both show that the North East region has the highest death rate in England and Wales, at almost twice the national average. There were 1,123 deaths linked to drug misuse in the North East between 2019 and 2021, which works out at an average annual rate of 204.1 per 1,000,000 people, almost twice as high as England's average rate of 102.8 for the same period (ONS 3 August 2022).

The North East also has the highest rate of deaths for drug poisoning, which include the misuse figures along with statistics for deaths caused by complications such as deep vein thrombosis or septicaemia from intravenous drug use, drug-induced suicides and deaths caused by prescription and over the counter medicines, obtained illegally or legally (ONS 3 August 2022).

Figures released in December 2021 by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show that alcoholspecific deaths in the North-East rose by more than 20.5%.

Public Benefit Statement

The trustees/directors have paid due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit and are confident that the organisation’s aims, objectives and activities are in accordance with the guidance on public benefit. Our activities and achievements as outlined demonstrate our commitment to ensuring that the organisation’s resources and activities maximise the potential benefit to our local community.

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Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

Since 1995, ESCAPE Family Support has been supporting people in Northumberland who have been affected by substance use. We support parents, partners, grandparents, children, and wider family members who are affected and struggling to cope.

ESCAPE continues to provide Northumberland’s only specialist support services for families and carers of substance users, without which beneficiaries are left isolated and unsupported.

ESCAPE has supported 375 beneficiaries directly during 2023/24, including 70 young people/children, whose lives have been negatively impacted by a family member’s substance use. 271 cases were closed during this year with 93% of these people leaving service in a planned way reporting improved health and wellbeing and the skills to cope ongoing. Our current caseload is 104. Of these, 18 are receiving Tier 1 support (Low level support), 22 are receiving Tier 2 interventions (Intermediate) with 64 people receiving Tier 3 (Intensive) services.

ESCAPE’s confidential support services are person centred, evidence based, and tailored to the needs of each individual to help them identify their priorities, achieve their goals and improve their own lives. Wherever possible and appropriate, we mediate between the family and substance user to reduce conflict and alleviate the problems experienced and distress caused by drug and alcohol use. We deliver impartial and stand-alone services but also work in partnership with statutory and voluntary agencies and groups. Some examples of our evidence-based service delivery are outlined below.

Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT )

Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) is a significant part of the work we undertake with families; it is an evidence-based, motivational programme of support for family members who have frequent contact with a loved one (i.e., partner or adult son / daughter) who is using alcohol or drugs problematically but who refuse to enter treatment. It is also proven to be very effective with families whose loved ones are in treatment. The three main aims of CRAFT are to: improve the life of the "Concerned Significant Other", reduce the user’s substance misuse and encourage a loved one into treatment. Family members who have participated in CRAFT report significant benefits for themselves and the substance user.

Teen Triple P Programmes

Teen Triple P is an initiative of the Parenting and Family Support centre at the University of Queensland. This programme is designed to support parents/carers in their parenting role.

All parents raising teenagers find it easier when they get support, as raising teenagers can be challenging and this can be made less stressful if parents don’t have to do it on their own. Throughout the programme, parents learn strategies to promote positive behaviour and strategies to manage misbehaviour, and also the importance of looking after themselves building their self-esteem, confidence and belief in themselves.

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Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

(A company limited by guarantee)

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

ACEs entails work with Young People or Adults who are living with, or have lived within, households and communities where there are significant events that mean they are experiencing high levels of emotional trauma. ACEs is an intervention that will provide a foundation that aims to develop practical skills, build self-esteem and self-confidence. By providing interventions in a group setting, it also provides people with an environment that reduces social isolation and encourages the building up of social skills. This enables the development of resilience through meaningful participation however some people that attend may need further interventions to recover from their trauma. The programme runs for eight weeks and has a range of techniques and self-help ideas, the programme provides the person with the skills needed to take part in more in-depth therapy concentration and understanding emotional regulation.

People can be helped and supported: -

GOVERNANCE

ESCAPE is led by a strong board including people who have relevant personal experience and have encountered problems similar to our client group. ESCAPE employs dedicated staff, supported by volunteers, peer mentors and befrienders throughout Northumberland, who are all committed to supporting people who are suffering because of substance use.

Our strength lies in our people and our team; we invest in their training and development. We have worked with the Investor in People standard since 2004, first achieving Investor in People Gold in January 2010. We are proud to have retained the Gold standard until March 2022 when we achieved a rare Platinum Investor in People standard, a remarkable achievement for any small organisation.

Our Investor in People Insights Report dated March 2022 highlighted that we should be proud of:

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Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

empowered and connected to your plans and strategies.

We are delighted and proud to achieve this award and to have been benchmarked so highly against other organisations delivering social work activities with a score of 861 out of 900 in comparison with an average industry benchmark score of 748 out of 900; with average IIP benchmark scores being 727. Investor in People Insights Assessment and Health and Wellbeing Review Report March 2022.

The service is supported through grants from Public Health at Northumberland County Council, Adult Services at Northumberland County Council, National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund, Greggs Foundation, Sir James Knott Trust, Bernicia Foundation, Ashington Town Council, NCC Children’s Services Family Hubs, Shears Foundation, Blyth Town Council, Barbour Trust, ERDF Energy Blyth Wind Farm, Community Foundation, Coalfields Regeneration Trust, Ridley Family Trust, Squires Foundation, 1989 Willan Trust, Albert Hunt Trust, Karbon Homes, Coop Local Community Fund, RW Mann Trust, Hadrian Trust, Joicey Trust, Prudhoe Town Council, Freemasons of Northumberland, Northumberland High Sheriff, Haltwhistle Town Council, Choppington Parish Council, Ponteland Town Council, Percy Hedley 1990 Trust, Tesco Community Grants, The Bentley Advancing Life Chances Trust, J H Burn Charity Trust and Amble Town Council.

The Trustees are grateful to all of the funders who supported the work of the charity during 2023/24. Trustees would also like to thank individuals who have made personal donations this year.

Thanks to our funders, ESCAPE has been able to sustain, adapt, and enhance its services during 2023/24. The charity continues to embed a stronger mutual aid approach to supporting carers and families and our trauma informed support programme and interventions for young people whose lives are affected by the drug or alcohol dependency of others.

VOLUNTEERING AND PEER MENTORING:

We have an amazing pool of who are invaluable in supporting us in running the charity and the Susan Kennedy Centre and who also help us provide direct support to individuals and groups.

Volunteers continue to support us with cleaning, gardening, administration, caretaking, counselling, befriending, peer mentoring, group facilitation, catering, community fundraising, bid writing, CEO post and helpline cover.

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ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

We successfully recruited and trained a further 9 Family Champions in 2023/24. They completed 19 accredited qualifications between them as most completed multiple courses. Despite having their own personal struggles our Family Champions again contributed to the support we have offered to families this year and our mutual aid provision continues. 1 Family Champions has now gained direct economic benefits from participating in the project as they have gained employment at Full Circle Recovery and are utilising the qualifications, skills and experience they gained through becoming Family Champions. 8 are now volunteering within ESCAPE, Northumberland Recovery Partnership and other organisations. These are excellent outcomes for the people that have trained as family champions.

Family Champions have provided support in running our mutual aid groups for Carers including Kinship Carers, the Bereaved and CRAFT Maintenance groups. There has been a mix of face to face and online support delivered for carers in line with their needs and wishes.

It is worth noting that 33% of the volunteers recruited this year were from ethnic minority groups. Our trainer provided support with English to develop understanding of course materials/ We opened our peer mentoring training to people from other organisations to ensure that all courses were filled. This led to people who have been addicted to drugs and alcohol who are at a good place in their recovery journey gaining Level 1, 2 and 3 qualifications. The carers and service users who participated learnt a lot from each other on these courses, gaining an understanding of how addiction, associated behaviours and their coping strategies affect their own family members.

We currently have 22 volunteers, family champions and peer mentors who have again made a significant contribution to provision this year providing 5,568 hours of work. This is in effect the equivalent of 2.9 full time workers. The combined mix of skills and experience that these people contribute to the organisation brings an added value that is much broader than a single person in a paid post.

Aside from the personal learning journey of family champions, volunteers/mentors (e.g., improving basic life skills and skills for employability) and the assistance and personal experience they bring to ESCAPE as an organisation, there are wider community benefits from volunteer/mentor involvement. By empowering volunteers and peers to facilitate support groups. The stigmas’ associated with drug and alcohol misuse continue to be challenged and broken down and people can make a positive contribution to their community.

In addition to empowering and equipping volunteers and family champions with new skills, improved confidence, improved mental health etc. this approach has enabled ESCAPE to:

The difference our work has made this year:

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Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

We believe our support to families is holistic and accessible due to our hybrid methods of working, service delivery, CRAFT and the ACE’s programmes of support.

Partnership Work

We regularly attend meetings and participate in partnership work within the Northumberland Inequalities Task Force, Northumberland Carers Strategic Partnership, Northumberland Drug and Alcohol Steering Group, Wansbeck and Cramlington Hospitals Alcohol Development Group, Regional Carers of Substance Users Forum, and Adfam’s steering group and newly formed Family Support Alliance. We are a valued partner in these settings.

We have continued to work in partnership with other organisations to deliver group sessions, 1-1 support and mutual aid groups in community settings.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The charity, through sound financial management and the support of staff and volunteers generated a very positive financial outcome for this period and ended this financial year with deferred income which comprises of advance payments of grants relating to future periods. We carry forward £105,070.

Principal Funding Sources

Principal funding sources for the charity during 2023/24 Public Health at Northumberland County Council, Adult Services at Northumberland County Council, National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund, Greggs Foundation, Sir James Knott Trust, Bernicia Foundation, Ashington Town Council, NCC Children’s Services Family Hubs, Shears Foundation, Blyth Town Council, Barbour Trust, ERDF Energy Blyth Wind Farm, Community Foundation, Coalfields Regeneration Trust, Ridley Family Trust, Squires Foundation, 1989 Willan Trust, Albert Hunt Trust, Karbon Homes, Coop Local Community Fund, RW Mann Trust, Hadrian Trust, Joicey Trust, Prudhoe Town Council, Freemasons of Northumberland, Northumberland High Sheriff, Haltwhistle Town Council, Choppington Parish Council, Ponteland Town Council, Percy Hedley 1990 Trust, Tesco Community Grants, The Bentley Advancing Life Chances Trust, J H Burn Charity Trust and Amble Town Council.

The charity was able to improve and maintain the Susan Kennedy Centre facilities thanks to grants from The Clothworkers Foundation, Albert Hunt Trust Screwfix Foundation, Bernard Sunley Foundation and the B&Q Foundation, duke of Northumberland charity, community Chest and Banks Community Fund.

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Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

The Trustees are grateful to all funders who supported and sustained the work of the charity during 2023/24.

Trustees would also like to thank individuals who have made personal donations this year.

Investment Policy

Aside from retaining a prudent amount in reserves each year most of the charity’s funds are to be spent in the short term so there are few funds for long term investment.

Reserves Policy

The Trustees have considered the charity's requirements for reserves in relation to the principal risks to the organisation. Whilst most of the charity's funds are spent in-year, it has always held a contingency reserve on deposit. The charity aims to hold 4 months of operating costs in unrestricted reserves.

The reserves policy is reviewed annually. Risk management is ongoing within the charity and a risk register is held; unrestricted reserves are included within this and are monitored quarterly at board meetings.

We hold these reserves for the following reasons

  1. The need to fund a deficit in the operational budget should insufficient grant funding be raised within the current financial year.

  2. To give the trustees time to raise funds for the forthcoming financial year.

  3. Emergency funding is available should we need it i.e., unexpected large repair bills etc.

  4. To cover any unforeseen day-to-day operational costs, e.g., employing temporary staff to cover a long-term sickness absence.

  5. We have no planned commitments that will not be met by future income. Any matched income ESCAPE needs to provide would be minimal and has never previously exceeded £2,000.

  6. The need to fund short-term deficits in a cash budget, e.g., money may need to be spent before a funding grant is received.

  7. To prevent cashflow problems.

The amount of reserves we hold is reported to the board each quarter within the Current Accounts summary and is also regularly reviewed within the risk register.

The staffing for the organisation and the operational budget is set and agreed by the board each year in Quarter 4 for the forthcoming financial year.

Annually, we review the budget against income already secured and keep enough unrestricted reserves to cover the projected deficit for the forthcoming financial year.

Uncertainty over future income is and always has been our greatest risk so we try to hold four months of reserves. Funding bids submitted can take six months for results to be known and we may need time to downsize should insufficient funding be raised.

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Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

The Charity Commission recommends small charities hold between four to six months unrestricted reserves. We are currently holding 4 months operating costs.

Our annual budget for 2024/25 is £414,981 and this has been secured.

Our annual budget for 2025/26 is currently £380,455, we have secured £175,255.00 of this, leaving us with a starting deficit of £205,170 to find before 31/03/26. We are holding £124,374 in unrestricted reserves. Should the Drug Strategy and ICB funding totalling almost 95k not be renewed for 2025/26 we have a contingency plan in place to reduce the budget and staffing team to resolve this problem. Therefore, our current reserves more than cover the projected deficit should we fail to raise the further funds we require in 2025/26. Trustees are confident that this is a realistic, achievable target for the charity.

Keeping appropriate reserve levels in line with funder expectations can be a fine balancing act. Some funders will not make grants if you have less than three months reserves.

The budget for 2024/25 is £380,455 and therefore the minimum unrestricted cash reserves target is £126,818 to be retained in reserves plus tangible fixed assets. Unrestricted cash reserves funds of £124,374; designated unrestricted funds of £19,030; and £23,090 of restricted cash funds apply on 31st March 2024. The charity also has £285,409 fixed assets.

The charity continues to work in an area of limited resources and insecurities over funding and is working hard to secure its core funding until 31st March 2025 and beyond. To sustain essential services for beneficiaries and retain the optimum skilled paid staff team to undertake the work of the charity, it is imperative to secure significant funds.

The budget for 2024/25 is £380,455 and therefore the minimum unrestricted cash reserves target is £126,818 to be retained in reserves plus tangible fixed assets.

Going Concern

The Trustees have performed a robust analysis of budget, forecasts, reserve levels and cash flows taking into consideration potential scenarios could have on the charity. After making appropriate enquiries, the Board of Trustees has a reasonable expectation that ESCAPE has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, it continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

FUTURE PLANS

The charity will continue to work to sustain, maintain and expand its existing service provision in Northumberland. The focus of our work will continue to be to relieve the poverty, sickness and distress of carers and families affected by substance use including children and young people and to advance education and training within communities. Our Family Champions Programme delivers more mutual aid for carers and our trauma informed work to address the needs of Young People will continue. All of our activity will contribute towards the work outlined within the aforementioned National Drug and Alcohol Strategies.

Strategies we utilise to fulfil these objectives include:

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Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

All plans have been shaped and formulated by carers, young people, peer mentors, volunteers, staff and trustees. Our plans are based around five key priorities that have been identified:

  1. Identify and assess the service needs of our target populations and the best ways of delivering high quality services to meet those needs.

  2. Explore new and existing funding streams and sources to maximise income to ensure a sustainable future for the organisation.

  3. Finalise the review of our information management systems, implement agreed changes and embed new systems.

  4. Support staff and volunteers to maximise their contribution, and personal and professional fulfilment in their roles within the organisation.

  5. Ensure continuing good governance and control of the organisation.

A focus on our five priority areas, as identified above, will enable us to:

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE and MANAGEMENT

Governing document

ESCAPE Family Support Ltd is a charitable company controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, and complies with the Companies Act 2006 and SORP. Incorporated on September 30[th] , 1996, and registered as a Charity on July 18th, 1997, the Company was established under a Memorandum of Association, which established the objectives and powers of the Charitable Company and is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up, members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1.

Recruitment and Appointment of Management Committee

The directors of the company are also charity trustees for the purposes of Charity law and under the company's Articles are known as Members of the Management Committee, usually referred to as the Board of Trustees. Members of the Management Committee are elected to serve for a period of three years after which they must be re-elected at the next Annual General Meeting.

All members of the Management Committee gave their time voluntarily and received no benefits from the charity. Any expenses reclaimed from the charity are set out in note 16 to the accounts. There have been no trustee resignations this year and we have appointed one new trustee who strengthens the board with their External Marketing and Communications Skills. The more traditional business, social work and nursing skills are well represented on the Management Committee. In the event of particular skills being

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Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

lost due to retirements, Trustee positions are advertised; and individuals may also be approached to offer themselves for election to the Management Committee.

Trustee Induction and Training

New Trustees receive a comprehensive Induction Manual and are supported and familiarised with the work of the charity by the Chair and Chief Executive. The obligations of Management Committee members; the main documents which set out the operational framework for the charity including the Memorandum and Articles, resourcing and the current financial position as set out in the latest published accounts and future plans and objectives are all contained within the Induction Manual. Trustees are given a tour of the charity’s headquarters – Susan Kennedy Centre from which most services are delivered. New trustees are also signposted to the Charity Commission’s guide “The Essential Trustee”.

The Management Committee (the Board) seeks to ensure that it has the requisite skills available to it and that the groups which the Charity serves are reflected in the make-up of the trustee body. An annual skills audit is undertaken, and training is provided as necessary to existing and all new trustees covering:

RISK MANAGEMENT STATEMENT

Governance

Following a trustee skills audit and analysis, further recruitment of at least two more trustees will take place as we have one trustee who will retire in November 2024 after completing nine years of service.

Operational

Trustees have considered local need, sustainability of existing service provision and staffing levels; it was agreed that the current highly skilled team needed to be retained during 2024/25 and beyond. The staff will increase in size during 2024/25 due to two short term 12-month projects to be undertaken in that year.

Financial

Sustainability of the charity is a high priority. Securing a tender from Northumberland County Council for delivery of support services to Families of Substance User and three-year grants from Greggs Foundation and Sir James Knott Trust commencing 1[st] April 2023 and lasting until 31st March 2026 covers 33% of our organisational budget and contributes to financial viability of the charity for the next two years. The charity will continue work to build on this in 2024/25 onwards.

The board has two working groups to strengthen its governance and aid sustainability – a Finance Group and an Operations, Policies and Safeguarding Group. Their work is ongoing.

External Risks

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Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

Trustees recognise that more than ten years of austerity and central government cuts to local authority and public health budgets have negatively impacted on opportunities for the charity to obtain statutory funding. This situation is expected to continue as the new government work to undertake a spending review and balance national budgets. The charity has responded by reassessing its priorities and activities to ensure funds are targeted at the highest areas of need. All funds required to March 2025 has been secured and funding applications to cover the budget for 2025/26 are now being submitted.

Potential external risks to information and cyber security have been mitigated by the engagement of an ISO 27001:2013 accredited ICT Maintenance and Information Security provider that provides quality antivirus and malware protection with systems maintained by highly skilled Information Security engineers through both onsite and remote support.

Compliance with Law and Regulation

The charity utilises the services of an employment law solicitor to ensure compliance with employment law. The work of the Finance Group includes self-assessment against Charity Commission guidelines and models of best practice.

Organisational Structure

The Management Committee (the board) has eight members who meet six times a year for formal board meetings and who are responsible for the strategic direction, policy and governance of the charity. The Management Committee has members from a variety of backgrounds relevant to the work of the charity.

A scheme of delegation is in place and day-to-day responsibility for the provision of the services rests with the Chief Executive. The Chief Executive is responsible for ensuring that the charity delivers the services specified and that key performance indicators are met. In so far as it is complementary to the charity's objects, the charity is guided by both local and national policy.

Monthly full team meetings inform the future planning and strategic thinking of the management committee (the board) and are open to staff, volunteers and peer mentors.

In addition, user and carer involvement groups and surveys of stakeholders inform the work of the charity.

The charity is committed to working in partnership with other organisations and works closely with, and is represented on, Northumberland's Inequalities Task Force, Drug and Alcohol Steering Group, Carers Partnership Board and Young Carer Steering Group. More widely it works closely with bodies that impact on recovery from substance misuse and provide mutual aid to support recovery. Representatives regularly attend steering and special interest groups which impact on health and crime-related programmes and strategies are discussed, analysed, and learning disseminated. We share knowledge, experience and best practice, assisting communities and organisations with identified need, which have heard of our work and wish to replicate it in some form. We circulate external evaluations of our work to partners and funders to share findings and knowledge.

Close working partnerships have been developed with Northumberland Communities Thriving Together, Community Mental Health Teams, Adult and Children's Social Services, Carers Northumberland, Northumberland Recovery Partnership, Relate, Cygnus, Northumberland CVA, Northumberland CAB, Northumberland Domestic Abuse Service, Mental Health Concern, Northumberland Recovery College,

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Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

(A company limited by guarantee)

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

Briardale House and other Community Groups. The charity initially achieved the Investors in People Gold Standard and retained this until March 2022 when a rare Investor in People Platinum standard was achieved which the charity continues to hold until March 2025.

Related Parties

In so far as it is complementary to the charity’s objects, the charity is guided by both local and national policies including Drug and Alcohol and Carer Strategies. The local Drug and Alcohol Steering Group, Carer Partnership Board and Young Carer Steering Group are the local partnerships charged with responsibility for delivering these strategies at our local level and includes representatives from amongst others, the local authority, health, and voluntary sector agencies. ESCAPE Family Support is a member of these partnership groups, and its representatives regularly attend the meetings.

Trustees Janet Murphy and Stephen Murphy are related (mother and son).

TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT

The charity trustees are responsible for preparing a trustees’ annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law requires the charity trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and the group and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable group for that period. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and the group and hence taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Members of the Management Committee

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Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

Members of the Management Committee, who are directors for the purpose of company law and trustees for the purpose of charity law, who served during the year and up to the date of this report are set out on page 2. In accordance with company law, as the company’s directors, we certify that: so far as we are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company’s Independent Examiners are unaware; and as the directors of the company we have taken all the steps that we ought to have taken in order to make ourselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charity’s Independent Examiners are aware of that information.

Independent Examiners

Connected Voice Business Services Ltd were re-appointed as the charities Independent Examiners during the year and have expressed their willingness to continue in that capacity.

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 8 November 2024 and signed on its behalf by:

Holly Scarfe (Nov 14, 2024 09:55 GMT)

H Scarfe - Trustee

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ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES

For the year ended 31 March 2024

I report on the financial statements of ESCAPE Family Support Limited for the year ended 31 March 2024, which are set out on pages 17 to 33.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees (who are also directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2022 ("the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner's statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

I 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.

Lilian Hetherington (Nov 14, 2024 10:20 GMT)

Lilian Hetherington FCA Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales Connected Voice Business Services Ltd One Strawberry Lane Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4BX

Date: 14/11/2024

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ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

(INCLUDING SUMMARY INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)

For the year ended 31 March 2024

----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
Funds Funds 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Income from:
Donations and legacies 6 4,849 3,950 8,799 6,226
Charitable activities
Grants and statutory funding 7 60,032 189,098 249,130 305,293
Other trading activities 8 12,335 3,000 15,335 3,638
Investments 9 976 - 976 125
Total income 78,192 196,048 274,240 315,282
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 10 851 2,162 3,013 7,540
Charitable activities
Operation of the charity 11 72,368 208,434 280,802 312,862
Total expenditure 73,219 210,596 283,815 320,402
Net movement of funds 4,973 ( 14,548 ) ( 9,575 ) ( 5,120 )
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 239,064 234,615 473,679 478,799
Total funds carried forward 244,037 220,067 464,104 473,679
Notes
----- End of picture text -----

The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities

The notes on pages 19 to 33 form an integral part of these financial statements.

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ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

BALANCE SHEET

As at 31 March 2024

----- Start of picture text -----
2024 2024 2023 2023
Total Total
£ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 18 285,609 306,308
Intangible assets 19 12,000 6,000
Total fixed assets 297,609 312,308
Current assets
Debtors 20 7,098 1,665
Cash at bank and in hand 21 265,686 177,382
Total current assets 272,784 179,047
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year 22 ( 106,289 ) ( 17,676 )
Net current assets 166,495 161,371
Total assets less current liabilities 464,104 473,679
Total net assets or liabilities 464,104 473,679
Funds of the charity
Unrestricted income funds 244,037 239,064
Restricted income funds 220,067 234,615
Total funds 464,104 473,679
Notes
----- End of picture text -----

The company was entitled to an exemption from audit under s477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act with the respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to small companies subject to the small companies regime and in accordance with FRS102 SORP.

The notes on pages 19 to 33 form an integral part of these financial statements.

These financial statements were approved by the Board on: 8 November 2024

and are signed on its behalf by:

H Scarfe Treasurer

Holly Scarfe (Nov 14, 2024 09:55 GMT)

18

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

1 Accounting Policies

The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:

2 Basis of accounting

2.1 Basis of preparation

These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts.

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (issued in October 2019) – Charities SORP (FRS 102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2022, the Companes Act 206 and the Uk Generally Accepted Accounting Practice .

ESCAPE Family Support Limited meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.

2.2 Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. In making their assessment the trustees have reviewed and considered relevant information, including their annual budget and future cash flows. The trustees are of the view that the immediate future of the charity for the next 12 months is secure and that on this basis the charity is a going concern.

3 Income

3.1 Recognition of income

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the resources, any performance conditions attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is more likely than not that the resources will be received and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.

3.2 Offsetting

There has been no offsetting of assets and liabilities, or income and expenses, unless required or permitted by FRS102 SORP or FRS102.

3.3 Grants and donations

Income from government and other grants, whether ‘capital’ grants or ‘revenue’ grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.

Income received in advance of the provision of a specified service is deferred until the criteria of income recognition are met.

19

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

3.4 Donated goods and services

Donated goods are measured at fair value (the amount for which the asset could be exchanged) unless impractical to do so.

Donated services and facilities are included in the SoFA when received at the value of the gift to the charity provided that the value of the gift can be measured reliably. Donated services and facilities that are consumed immediately are recognised as income with the equivalent amount recognised as an expense under the appropriate heading in the SoFA.

3.5 Volunteer help

The value of volunteer help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees' annual report.

3.6 Interest receivable

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

3.7 Income from membership subscriptions

Membership subscriptions received in the nature of a gift are recognised in donations and legacies.

Membership subscriptions which gives a member the right to buy services or other benefits are recognised as income earned from the provision of goods and services as income from charitable activities.

3.8 Investment gains and losses

This includes any realised or unrealised gains or losses on the sale of investments and any gain or loss resulting from revaluing investments to market value at the end of the year.

3.9 Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the charity's work or for specific projects being undertaken by the charity.

4 Expenditure and liabilities

4.1 Liability recognition

Liabilities are recognised when it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.

20

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

4.2 Charitable activities

All expenditure is accounted for on an accrual baisis. Expenditure on charitable activities includes the costs of work and other activities undertaken to further the purposes of the charity and their associated support costs.

4.3 Governance and support costs

Support costs have been allocated between governance cost and other support. Governance costs comprise all costs involving public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice.

Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

4.4 Irrecoverable VAT

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

4.5 Creditors

The charity has creditors which are measured at settlement amounts less any trade discounts.

A liability is measured on recognition at its historical cost and then subsequently measured at the best estimate of the amount required to settle the obligation at the reporting date.

4.7 Pensions

The pension costs charged in the financial statements represent the contribution payable by the charity during the year.

5 Assets

5.1 Tangible fixed assets for use by the charity

Individual fixed assets costing £1,000 or more are capitalised at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful economic lives on a reducing balance basis:

Property and property improvements 5% Straight line - property improvements only Office and computer equipment 25 % Straight Line Caravan 10 % Straight Line Other equipment 25 % Straight Line

21

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

5.2 Intangible fixed assets

Development costs that are directly attributable to the design and testing of identifiable and unique software products controlled by the charity are recognised as intangible assets when the following criteria are met:

Development costs are not amortised until the software is brought into use.

5.3 Debtors

Debtors are measured at their recoverable amounts, being the amount the charity anticipates it will receive in settlement of the debt.

22

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Analysis of income

6
7		 Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Grant income
Greggs Foundation
Sir James Knott Foundation
Bernicia Foundation
The Shears Foundation
The Barbour Foundation
Coalfields
Ridley Family Trust
Banks Community Fund
Albert Hunt
The Duke of Northumberland
Charity
R W Mann Trust
Freemasons of
Northumberland
Hadrian Trust
Community Chest
The Percy Hedley Trust
Bentley's
Tesco community fund
J H Burn Charity Trust
EDF Blyth Wind Farm
Cost of Living
RW Mann
The Asda Foundation
The Percy Hedley Trust
Northumberland County
Council Jubilee Fund
Carried forward balance
Donations and grants
National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund
Big Lottery Awards for All
The Shears Foundation
Santander Foundation
The Screwfix Foundation
Bernard Sunley Foundation
The Clothworkers' Foundation
The B&Q Foundation
The Joicey Trust
Albert Hunt
Garfield Weston
The Ballinger Trust		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
4,849
4,849
Unrestricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Restricted
Funds
£
3,950
3,950
Restricted
Funds
£
24,851
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,500
5,000
5,000
5,000
4,176
4,000
2,250
1,500
1,000
1,000
750
500
500
500
300
5,000
5,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
116,827		 Total
2024
£
8,799
8,799
Total
2024
£
24,851
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,500
5,000
5,000
5,000
4,176
4,000
2,250
1,500
1,000
1,000
750
500
500
500
300
5,000
5,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
116,827		 Total
2023
£
6,226
6,226
Total
2023
£
85,170
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
27,500
25,000
9,996
9,984
5,000
5,000
5,000
5,000
5,000
3,400
1,500
998
700
500
500
190,248

23

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

8
9		 Analysis of grant income
continued
Brought forward balance
Statutory income
Northumberland County
Council - Carers' Grant
Mental Health Concern
Ashington Town Council
Prudhoe Town Council
Haltwhistle Town Council
Amble Town Council
Other income
Other income
NI Employment allowance
Sponsorship Blyth Harbour
Commission
Other trading activities
Other sales
Carers' Feedback Survey
Income from investments
Choppington Parish Council
Room hire
Bank interest
Public Health at Northumberland County Council
Ponteland Town Council
Blyth Town Council		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
-
55,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
55,000
32
5,000
-
60,032
1,275
11,060
-
12,335
Unrestricted
Funds
£
976
976		 Restricted
Funds
£
116,827
26,291
25,000
-
5,000
8,000
1,000
500
500
500
160
183,778
5,320
-
-
189,098
-
3,000
-
3,000
Restricted
Funds
£
-
-		 Total
2024
£
116,827
81,291
25,000
-
5,000
8,000
1,000
500
500
500
160
238,778
5,352
5,000
-
249,130
1,275
14,060
-
15,335
Total
2024
£
976
976		 Total
2023
£
190,248
55,000
25,000
12,935
6,650
6,000
-
-
-
-
-
295,833
3,960
5,000
500
305,293
2,745
773
120
3,638
Total
2023
£
125
125

Income was £274,240 (2023: £315,282) of which £78,192 was unrestricted or designated (2023: £14,989) and £196,048 was restricted (2023: £300,293)

24

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities

10
11		 Raising funds
Charitable activities
Direct costs
Staff costs
Training costs
Respite costs (caravan)
Travel costs
Helpline and outreach
Support costs
Staff costs
Utilities
General running costs
Insurance
Repairs and renewals
Cleaning
Telephone
Internet and ICT costs
Stationery and printing
Sundry expenses
Refreshments
Room Hire
Professional fees
Bank charges
Furniture replacement costs
Building maintenance costs
Small equipment hire
Evaluation fees
Carried forward balance
Depreciation
Volunteer costs including travel
Fundraising costs
Small equipment		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
851
851
Unrestricted
Funds
£
15,779
-
-
117
692
2,342
26,689
9,102
1,167
99
349
78
279
6,494
4,504
-
204
-
2,492
124
245
658
-
-
-
-
71,414		 Restricted
Funds
£
2,162
2,162
Restricted
Funds
£
115,282
4,165
1,116
659
1,446
41
21,436
8,492
1,491
5,900
6,104
263
38
4,915
6,431
3,950
384
4,635
1,522
-
123
20,041
-
-
-
-
208,434		 Total
2024
£
3,013
3,013
Total
2024
£
131,061
4,165
1,116
776
2,138
2,383
48,125
17,594
2,658
5,999
6,453
341
317
11,409
10,935
3,950
588
4,635
4,014
124
368
20,699
-
-
-
-
279,848		 Total
2023
£
7,540
7,540
Total
2023
£
143,964
2,498
6,617
2
2,759
3,453
51,673
5,498
1,773
-
930
216
-
6,953
4,388
-
385
6,105
8,217
222
10,838
19,972
8,325
22,332
288
4,500
311,908

25

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Charitable activities
continued
Governance costs
Independent examiner's fees for reporting on the
accounts
Brought forward balance		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
71,414
954
72,368		 Restricted
Funds
£
208,434
-
208,434		 Total
2024
£
279,848
954
280,802		 Total
2023
£
311,908
954
312,862

Expenditure on charitable activities was £283,815 (2023: £320,402) of which £73,219 was unrestricted or designated (2023: £13,297) and £210,596 was restricted (2023: £307,105)

12 Fees for examination of the accounts

Independent examiner's fees for reporting on the accounts
There were no other fees paid to the examiner (2023: £nil)		 2024
£
954		 2023
£
954

13 Analysis of staff costs and the cost of key management personnel

Other employee benefits
Pension costs (defined contribution pension plan)
Salaries and wages
Social security costs		 2024
£
158,287
12,243
7,645
1,011
179,186		 2023
£
172,905
13,727
7,863
1,141
195,636

No employee received remuneration above £60,000 (2023: nil)

The key management personnel of the charity, comprise the trustees and the Chief Executive. The total benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £0. (2023: £0)

14 Staff numbers

The average monthly head count was 9 staff (2023: 9 staff) and the average monthly number of full-time equivalent employees during the year were as follows:

e parts of the charity in which the employees work
Charitable activities		 2024
Number
5.2		 2023
Number
5.6

The parts of the charity in which the employees work

15 Defined contribution pension scheme

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.

The employer's pension costs represent contributions payable by the charity to the fund and amount to £7,645 (2023: £7,863). There was £0 outstanding as at 31 March 2024 (2023: £0).

26

(A company limited by guarantee)

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

16 Transactions with trustees

None of the trustees have been paid any remuneration or received any other benefits from an employment with their charity or a related entity.

Trustees' expenses

The following details the expenses incurred by the trustees.

Two trustees acting as volunteers were reimbursed travel expenses.
Tom Devine
Janet Murphy		 2024
£
1,126
-
1,126		 2023
£
1,627
84
1,711

Transactions with related parties

As at 31 March 2024

There were no related party tranactions for the year ended 31 March 2024 (2023: £nil).

17 Corporation Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objectives.

18 Tangible fixed assets
Cost
At 1 April 2023
Additions
Disposals
At 31 March 2024
Depreciation
Basis
Rate
At 1 April 2023
Depreciation charge for year
Disposals
At 31 March 2024
Net book value
At 31 March 2023
At 31 March 2024		 Freehold
property
£
341,147
-
-
341,147
SL
5%
63,571
12,715
-
76,286
277,576
264,861		 Office and
computer
equipment
£
23,661
23,661
SL
25%
16,096
3,639
19,735
7,565
3,926		 Caravan
£
32,035
-
-
32,035
SL
10%
12,816
3,204
-
16,020
19,219
16,015		 Other
equipment
£
4,561
-
-
4,561
SL
25%
2,613
1,141
-
3,754
1,948
807		 Total
£
401,404
-
-
401,404
95,096
20,699
-
115,795
306,308
285,609

27

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

19 Intangible fixed assets
Cost
At 1 April 2023
Additions
At 31 March 2023
Amortisation
At 1 April 2023
Amortisation charge for year
At 31 March 2024
Net book value
At 31 March 2023
At 31 March 2024		 Software
Development
£
6,000
6,000
12,000
-
-
-
6,000
12,000		 Total
£
6,000
6,000
12,000
-
-
-
6,000
12,000
20 Debtors and prepayments (receivable within 1 year)
21
Short term deposits
Cash at bank
Cash in hand
22
Debtors
Creditors and accruals (payable within 1 year)
Accruals
Deferred income
Other creditors
Independent examination of accounts
Cash at bank and in hand
Prepayments		 2024
£
1,500
5,598
7,098
2024
£
146,906
118,534
246
265,686
2024
£
265
954
105,070
106,289		 2023
£
1,665
-
1,665
2023
£
65,930
111,426
26
177,382
2023
£
1,267
954
15,455
17,676

28

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

23 Deferred income

Deferred income comprises of advance payments from grants that relate to future periods

Balance carried forward
Balance brought forward
Amount deferred in year
Amount released to income earned from charitable
activities		 2024
£
15,455
( 15,455 )
105,070
105,070		 2023
£
20,384
( 20,384 )
15,455
15,455

24 Events after the end of the reporting period

No events (not requiring adjustment to the accounts) have occurred after the end of the reporting period but before the accounts are authorised which relate to conditions that arose after the end of the reporting period.

25 Analysis of charitable funds

Analysis of movements in unrestricted funds As at 31 March 2024

Unrestricted funds
General unrestricted fund
Designated funds
Unrestricted fixed assets
Contingency
System upgrade
Totals		 Fund
balances
brought
forward
£
118,530
95,291
10,618
14,625
239,064		 Incoming
resources
£
78,192
-
-
-
78,192		 Resources
expended
£
( 72,561 )
( 658 )
-
-
( 73,219 )		 Transfers
£
213
6,000
( 213 )
( 6,000 )
-		 Fund
balances
carried
forward
£
124,374
100,633
10,405
8,625
244,037

As at 31 March 2023

Unrestricted funds
General unrestricted fund
Designated funds
Unrestricted fixed assets
Contingency
System upgrade
Totals		 Fund
balances
brought
forward
£
116,165
89,964
10,618
20,625
237,372		 Incoming
resources
£
14,989
-
-
-
14,989		 Resources
expended
£
( 12,624 )
( 673 )
-
-
( 13,297 )		 Transfers
£
-
6,000
-
( 6,000 )
-		 Fund
balances
carried
forward
£
118,530
95,291
10,618
14,625
239,064

Purpose of unrestricted funds

General unrestricted fund Unrestricted fixed assets Contingency System upgrade

The 'free reserves' after allowing for designated funds. The current value of unrestricted fixed assets.

Contingency to cover one off costs and potential redundancies. For new IT infrastructure including new software and processes.

29

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Analysis of movement in restricted funds As at 31 March 2024

Fund
balances
brought
forward
Restricted fixed assets
£
Susan Kennedy Centre
refurbishment
190,706
Restricted office, computer and
other equipment
9,210
Caravan upgrade
17,100
Restricted funds
Susan Kennedy Centre
1,315
Respite project
( 1,524 )
Centre running costs
715
National lottery Reaching
Communities
110
Northumberland County Council -
Public Health FSW Blyth
-
Northumberland County Council -
Carers Grant
-
Mental Health concern
191
Blyth Town Council
-
Small equipment
206
Donations in Kind
-
Awards for all
1,164
RW Mann
1,035
The Joicey Trust
3,387
The Shears Foundation
638
The Percy Hedley Trust
460
Garfield Weston
1,918
Northumberland County Council
Jubilee Fund
4
Ashington Town Council
-
Asda Foundation
333
Ballinger Trust
3,620
Greggs Foundation
-
Sir James Knott
-
Bernicia Foundation
-
The Barbour Foundation
-
Coalfields
-
Ridley Family Trust
-
Albert Hunt
-
Karbon Homes
-
Freemasons of Northumberland
-
Hadrian Trust
-
Prudhoe Town Council
-
Ponteland Town Council
-
Choppington Parish Council
-
Haltwhistle Town Council
-
Amble Town Council
-
Bentley's
-
Tesco community fund
-
J H Burn Charity Trust
-
EDF Blyth Wind Farm
-
Cost of Living
-
Centre maintenance and new equipment
The Cloth Workers Foundation
4,027
Banks Community Fund
-
The Duke of Northumberland Charity
-
Community Chest
-
Totals
234,615		 Incoming
resources
£
-
-
-
-
5,320
-
24,851
26,291
25,000
-
5,000
-
3,950
-
1,500
-
5,500
500
-
-
8,000
-
-
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
5,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
500
500
500
160
500
500
300
5,000
5,000
-
4,176
2,250
750
196,048		 Resources
expended
£
( 12,714 )
( 4,477 )
( 2,850 )
-
( 1,116 )
-
( 24,961 )
( 26,205 )
( 24,998 )
( 191 )
( 4,996 )
-
( 3,950 )
( 1,112 )
( 2,535 )
( 3,387 )
( 6,138 )
( 960 )
( 1,918 )
-
( 7,990 )
( 308 )
( 3,620 )
( 10,984 )
( 8,000 )
( 10,000 )
( 5,000 )
( 5,000 )
( 5,000 )
( 4,000 )
( 3,000 )
( 1,000 )
( 1,000 )
( 1,000 )
( 500 )
( 500 )
( 500 )
( 160 )
( 500 )
( 108 )
( 300 )
( 5,000 )
( 5,000 )
( 4,027 )
( 4,176 )
( 665 )
( 750 )
( 210,596 )		 Transfers
£
-
-
-
-
-
18
-
-
-
-
( 4 )
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
( 4 )
( 10 )
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Fund
balances
carried
forward
£
177,992
4,733
14,250
1,315
2,680
733
-
86
2
-
-
206
-
52
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
25
-
9,016
7,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
392
-
-
-
-
-
1,585
-
220,067

30

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Analysis of movement in restricted funds As at 31 March 2023

Fund
balances
brought
forward
Restricted fixed assets
£
Susan Kennedy Centre
refurbishment
203,420
Restricted office, computer and
other equipment
9,148
Caravan upgrade
19,950
Restricted funds
Susan Kennedy Centre
1,315
Respite project
1,133
Centre running costs
721
National lottery Reaching
Communities
2,161
Public Health
601
Mental Health concern
2,768
Small equipment
206
Santander Foundation
-
Blyth Town Council
-
Awards for all
-
RW Mann
-
The Joicey Trust
-
The Shears Foundation
-
The Percy Hedley Trust
-
Garfield Weston
-
Northumberland County Council
Carers' Grant
-
Northumberland County Council
Jubilee Fund
4
Ashington Town Council
-
Asda Foundation
-
Port of Blyth Commissioners
-
Ballinger Trust
-
Centre maintenance and new equipment
The Cloth Workers Foundation
-
Albert Hunt
-
Bernard Sunley Foundation
-
B&Q Foundation
-
Screwfix Foundation
-
241,427		 Incoming
resources
£
-
-
-
-
3,960
-
85,170
55,000
12,935
-
998
6,650
9,984
1,500
3,400
5,000
500
25,000
25,000
500
6,000
700
500
9,996
27,500
5,000
5,000
5,000
5,000
300,293		 Resources
expended
£
( 12,714 )
( 3,735 )
( 2,850 )
-
( 6,617 )
( 6 )
( 87,221 )
( 55,601 )
( 15,512 )
-
( 998 )
( 6,650 )
( 8,820 )
( 465 )
( 13 )
( 4,362 )
( 40 )
( 23,082 )
( 25,000 )
( 500 )
( 6,000 )
( 367 )
( 500 )
( 6,376 )
( 19,676 )
( 5,000 )
( 5,000 )
( 5,000 )
( 5,000 )
( 307,105 )		 Transfers
£
-
3,797
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
( 3,797 )
-
-
-
-
-		 Fund
balances
carried
forward
£
190,706
9,210
17,100
1,315
( 1,524 )
715
110
-
191
206
-
-
1,164
1,035
3,387
638
460
1,918
-
4
-
333
-
3,620
4,027
-
-
-
-
234,615

31

(A company limited by guarantee)

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Purpose of restricted funds

Restricted Funds represent income resources used for a specific purpose by the charity in line with requirements set down by the donor. These have been bought together into other restricted balances in total because there should only be a small amount of funds carried forward between financial years and will only be spend on areas specified by the donor in the financial year of the initial grant.

Susan Kennedy Centre assets

Restricted office and computer equipment Caravan upgrade Susan Kennedy Centre Northumberland County Council - Public Health FSW Blyth Susan Kennedy Centre Respite Project Centre Running Costs National Lottery Reaching Communities Santander Foundation Northumbria NHS Health Trust Northumberland County Council – Carers Grant Blyth Town Council Small equipment

Tesco community fund Asda Foundation Ballinger Trust Greggs Foundation The Clothworkers Foundation

Albert Hunt

Screwfix Foundation Bernard Sunley Foundation B&Q Foundation Duke of Northumberland Charity Community Chest Banks Community Fund All other funds

The balance of restricted funds that paid for the refurbishment of the Susan Kennedy Centre.

The balance of the restricted funds that paid for restricted office, computer and other equipment. Restricted for the caravan upgrade. Restricted for the Susan Kennedy Centre running costs.

Restricted to costs associated with the Family Support Worker in Blyth Restricted for the Susan Kennedy Centre running costs. Restricted for the respite project. Restricted to centre running costs.

Restricted to reaching communities Restricted to intern’s salary costs Restricted to Service Manager salary costs

Restricted to Family Support Worker salary costs Restricted to running costs within the Blyth area Restricted to the purchase of small equipment or contributions towards the purchase of larger items

Restricted to items to support the work done with young people Restricted to items to support the work done with young people Restricted to Family Support Worker salary costs Restricted to Service Manager Salary Costs Restricted to the building maintenance project and purchase of equipment for the same Restricted to building maintenance/refurbishment costs Restricted to building maintenance/refurbishment costs Restricted to building maintenance/refurbishment costs Restricted to building maintenance/refurbishment costs Restricted to cost of replacing central heating boiler Restricted to cost of replacing central heating boiler Restricted to work on the roof of the Susan Kennedy Centre Restricted to running costs

32

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Transfers between funds
As at 31 March 2024
As at 31 March 2023
Transfer between The
Clothworkers' Foundation and
fixed assets
Reason for transfer
Reason for transfer
Amount to cover the depreciation of items bought as part
of the refurbishment.		 Amount
£
0
Amount
£
3,797

26 Capital commitments

As at 31 March 2024, the charity had capital commitments of £0 relating to the refurbishment of the Susan Kennedy Centre (2023 - £4,027)

27 Analysis of net assets between funds

Funds
£
Tangible fixed assets
-
Cash at bank and in hand
225,149
( 100,775 )
124,374
Other net current assets/(liabilities)
Unrestricted		 Designated
Funds
£
100,633
19,030
-
119,663		 Restricted
Funds
£
196,976
21,507
1,584
220,067		 Total
2024
£
297,609
265,686
( 99,191 )
464,104		 Total
2023
£
312,308
177,382
( 16,011 )
473,679

33

Escape accounts 23-24 Final

Final Audit Report

2024-11-14

Created: 2024-11-13 By: Lilian Hetherington (lilian.hetherington@connectedvoice.org.uk) Status: Signed Transaction ID: CBJCHBCAABAAe0o2Tr7vGK1OMVsqOgWMwrkzPdEcyQP0

"Escape accounts 23-24 Final" History

Document emailed to hollymadin@hotmail.co.uk for signature

2024-11-13 - 3:38:25 PM GMT

2024-11-14 - 9:55:04 AM GMT

Document emailed to Lilian Hetherington (lilian.hetherington@connectedvoice.org.uk) for signature 2024-11-14 - 9:55:55 AM GMT

Agreement completed.

2024-11-14 - 10:20:54 AM GMT

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

A company limited by guarantee

REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

Annual Report and Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Contents Page

Contents Page
Trustee Annual Report 1 to 15
Independent Examiners Report 16
Statement of Financial Activities (including
Income and Expenditure account) 17
Balance Sheet 18
Notes to the financial statements 19 to 33

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

Report of the Management Committee for the year ended 31 March 2024

The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. 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 October 2019).

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Company number

03256554 (England and Wales)

Registered Charity number

1063500

Registered office

Susan Kennedy Centre 63 Southview Ashington Northumberland NE63 0SF

Trustees

J L M Axelby Chair H Scarfe (previously Madin) Vice Chair & also Treasurer from 17/10/23 N Furno Treasurer until 17/10/2023 T Devine Company Secretary J Murphy S J Murphy A Park Laura Keen Appointed 30/01/2024

Company Secretary

T Devine

Independent examiner Connected Voice Business Services Ltd Higham House Higham Place Newcastle Upon Tyne Tyne And Wear NE1 8AF

Bank:

Lloyds Bank

Solicitors:- Employment Law

Solicitors:- Employment Law Solicitors:- Property Helen Kay Cuthbertson’s HMK Legal Ltd 3 Stanley Street Clavering House Blyth Clavering Place Northumberland Newcastle upon Tyne NE24 2BS NE1 3NG

1

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

OUR AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Purposes and Aims

Our aims and objectives as set out in the objects contained in the company's memorandum of association are:

i. to provide support, counselling, mediation to relieve the poverty, sickness and distress to drug, alcohol and solvent users’ and their families who are or have been suffering from the misuse of substances, being any substance which is misused to the detriment of the health of the individual in the community of Northumberland and elsewhere as the Association may determine;

ii. to advance education and training of the community of Northumberland and elsewhere as the Association may determine in the problems resulting from non-medical use and abuse of drugs and associated problems; and

iii. to provide support, counselling, and mediation to relieve the poverty, sickness and distress of vulnerable adults in the community of Northumberland and elsewhere as the Association may determine.

Ensuring our work delivers our aims

Our aims, objectives and activities are reviewed annually. This involves evaluating what we have achieved and the outputs and outcomes of our work in the aforementioned 12 months. The success of key activities and benefits these bring to our beneficiaries are appraised. This ensures that that our aims, objectives and activities continue to focus on our specified purposes, facilitates continuous service improvement and prevents mission drift. We have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aim and objectives and in planning our future activities. In particular, the trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set.

The focus of our work

Our main objectives for the year were to maintain high-quality service delivery to vulnerable families, carers and young people in Northumberland, particularly those who are affected by a loved one’s addiction; to continue the review and strengthening of systems and to increase funds raised to ensure long term sustainability of our work.

2

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

How our activities deliver public benefit:

Our main activities and people we try to assist are outlined below. All our charitable activities are focused on relieving poverty, sickness and distress, the provision of support to vulnerable families, particularly those affected by substance misuse, and the provision of education and training to advance our charitable purposes for the public benefit of Northumberland.

Who needs, used, and benefited from our services?

Our funding and resources continue to focus our main service provision to residents of Northumberland. Northumberland has a population of over 326,000 people, many scattered thinly in relatively isolated towns and settlements across expanses of countryside, whilst a significant concentration lives in the southeast of the county in declining economic communities. The county of Northumberland is a unitary authority. People in parts of Northumberland suffer extremes of poverty with low average incomes in three of the county's previous six district areas, with demonstrable inequalities of income across the county. In common with other areas of the U.K., Northumberland continues to experience drug taking along with an increase in alcohol use amongst its population.

The North East has had the highest rate of drug misuse for the past nine consecutive years (between 2013 and 2021), before this Wales had a higher rate than all English regions (between 2010 and 2012). The North East continues to be statistically significantly higher than all other regions of England as well as Wales. (ONS 3 August 2022).

The statistics for deaths by drug misuse and figures for death by drug poisoning both show that the North East region has the highest death rate in England and Wales, at almost twice the national average. There were 1,123 deaths linked to drug misuse in the North East between 2019 and 2021, which works out at an average annual rate of 204.1 per 1,000,000 people, almost twice as high as England's average rate of 102.8 for the same period (ONS 3 August 2022).

The North East also has the highest rate of deaths for drug poisoning, which include the misuse figures along with statistics for deaths caused by complications such as deep vein thrombosis or septicaemia from intravenous drug use, drug-induced suicides and deaths caused by prescription and over the counter medicines, obtained illegally or legally (ONS 3 August 2022).

Figures released in December 2021 by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show that alcoholspecific deaths in the North-East rose by more than 20.5%.

Public Benefit Statement

The trustees/directors have paid due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit and are confident that the organisation’s aims, objectives and activities are in accordance with the guidance on public benefit. Our activities and achievements as outlined demonstrate our commitment to ensuring that the organisation’s resources and activities maximise the potential benefit to our local community.

3

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

Since 1995, ESCAPE Family Support has been supporting people in Northumberland who have been affected by substance use. We support parents, partners, grandparents, children, and wider family members who are affected and struggling to cope.

ESCAPE continues to provide Northumberland’s only specialist support services for families and carers of substance users, without which beneficiaries are left isolated and unsupported.

ESCAPE has supported 375 beneficiaries directly during 2023/24, including 70 young people/children, whose lives have been negatively impacted by a family member’s substance use. 271 cases were closed during this year with 93% of these people leaving service in a planned way reporting improved health and wellbeing and the skills to cope ongoing. Our current caseload is 104. Of these, 18 are receiving Tier 1 support (Low level support), 22 are receiving Tier 2 interventions (Intermediate) with 64 people receiving Tier 3 (Intensive) services.

ESCAPE’s confidential support services are person centred, evidence based, and tailored to the needs of each individual to help them identify their priorities, achieve their goals and improve their own lives. Wherever possible and appropriate, we mediate between the family and substance user to reduce conflict and alleviate the problems experienced and distress caused by drug and alcohol use. We deliver impartial and stand-alone services but also work in partnership with statutory and voluntary agencies and groups. Some examples of our evidence-based service delivery are outlined below.

Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT )

Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) is a significant part of the work we undertake with families; it is an evidence-based, motivational programme of support for family members who have frequent contact with a loved one (i.e., partner or adult son / daughter) who is using alcohol or drugs problematically but who refuse to enter treatment. It is also proven to be very effective with families whose loved ones are in treatment. The three main aims of CRAFT are to: improve the life of the "Concerned Significant Other", reduce the user’s substance misuse and encourage a loved one into treatment. Family members who have participated in CRAFT report significant benefits for themselves and the substance user.

Teen Triple P Programmes

Teen Triple P is an initiative of the Parenting and Family Support centre at the University of Queensland. This programme is designed to support parents/carers in their parenting role.

All parents raising teenagers find it easier when they get support, as raising teenagers can be challenging and this can be made less stressful if parents don’t have to do it on their own. Throughout the programme, parents learn strategies to promote positive behaviour and strategies to manage misbehaviour, and also the importance of looking after themselves building their self-esteem, confidence and belief in themselves.

4

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

(A company limited by guarantee)

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

ACEs entails work with Young People or Adults who are living with, or have lived within, households and communities where there are significant events that mean they are experiencing high levels of emotional trauma. ACEs is an intervention that will provide a foundation that aims to develop practical skills, build self-esteem and self-confidence. By providing interventions in a group setting, it also provides people with an environment that reduces social isolation and encourages the building up of social skills. This enables the development of resilience through meaningful participation however some people that attend may need further interventions to recover from their trauma. The programme runs for eight weeks and has a range of techniques and self-help ideas, the programme provides the person with the skills needed to take part in more in-depth therapy concentration and understanding emotional regulation.

People can be helped and supported: -

GOVERNANCE

ESCAPE is led by a strong board including people who have relevant personal experience and have encountered problems similar to our client group. ESCAPE employs dedicated staff, supported by volunteers, peer mentors and befrienders throughout Northumberland, who are all committed to supporting people who are suffering because of substance use.

Our strength lies in our people and our team; we invest in their training and development. We have worked with the Investor in People standard since 2004, first achieving Investor in People Gold in January 2010. We are proud to have retained the Gold standard until March 2022 when we achieved a rare Platinum Investor in People standard, a remarkable achievement for any small organisation.

Our Investor in People Insights Report dated March 2022 highlighted that we should be proud of:

5

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

empowered and connected to your plans and strategies.

We are delighted and proud to achieve this award and to have been benchmarked so highly against other organisations delivering social work activities with a score of 861 out of 900 in comparison with an average industry benchmark score of 748 out of 900; with average IIP benchmark scores being 727. Investor in People Insights Assessment and Health and Wellbeing Review Report March 2022.

The service is supported through grants from Public Health at Northumberland County Council, Adult Services at Northumberland County Council, National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund, Greggs Foundation, Sir James Knott Trust, Bernicia Foundation, Ashington Town Council, NCC Children’s Services Family Hubs, Shears Foundation, Blyth Town Council, Barbour Trust, ERDF Energy Blyth Wind Farm, Community Foundation, Coalfields Regeneration Trust, Ridley Family Trust, Squires Foundation, 1989 Willan Trust, Albert Hunt Trust, Karbon Homes, Coop Local Community Fund, RW Mann Trust, Hadrian Trust, Joicey Trust, Prudhoe Town Council, Freemasons of Northumberland, Northumberland High Sheriff, Haltwhistle Town Council, Choppington Parish Council, Ponteland Town Council, Percy Hedley 1990 Trust, Tesco Community Grants, The Bentley Advancing Life Chances Trust, J H Burn Charity Trust and Amble Town Council.

The Trustees are grateful to all of the funders who supported the work of the charity during 2023/24. Trustees would also like to thank individuals who have made personal donations this year.

Thanks to our funders, ESCAPE has been able to sustain, adapt, and enhance its services during 2023/24. The charity continues to embed a stronger mutual aid approach to supporting carers and families and our trauma informed support programme and interventions for young people whose lives are affected by the drug or alcohol dependency of others.

VOLUNTEERING AND PEER MENTORING:

We have an amazing pool of who are invaluable in supporting us in running the charity and the Susan Kennedy Centre and who also help us provide direct support to individuals and groups.

Volunteers continue to support us with cleaning, gardening, administration, caretaking, counselling, befriending, peer mentoring, group facilitation, catering, community fundraising, bid writing, CEO post and helpline cover.

6

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

We successfully recruited and trained a further 9 Family Champions in 2023/24. They completed 19 accredited qualifications between them as most completed multiple courses. Despite having their own personal struggles our Family Champions again contributed to the support we have offered to families this year and our mutual aid provision continues. 1 Family Champions has now gained direct economic benefits from participating in the project as they have gained employment at Full Circle Recovery and are utilising the qualifications, skills and experience they gained through becoming Family Champions. 8 are now volunteering within ESCAPE, Northumberland Recovery Partnership and other organisations. These are excellent outcomes for the people that have trained as family champions.

Family Champions have provided support in running our mutual aid groups for Carers including Kinship Carers, the Bereaved and CRAFT Maintenance groups. There has been a mix of face to face and online support delivered for carers in line with their needs and wishes.

It is worth noting that 33% of the volunteers recruited this year were from ethnic minority groups. Our trainer provided support with English to develop understanding of course materials/ We opened our peer mentoring training to people from other organisations to ensure that all courses were filled. This led to people who have been addicted to drugs and alcohol who are at a good place in their recovery journey gaining Level 1, 2 and 3 qualifications. The carers and service users who participated learnt a lot from each other on these courses, gaining an understanding of how addiction, associated behaviours and their coping strategies affect their own family members.

We currently have 22 volunteers, family champions and peer mentors who have again made a significant contribution to provision this year providing 5,568 hours of work. This is in effect the equivalent of 2.9 full time workers. The combined mix of skills and experience that these people contribute to the organisation brings an added value that is much broader than a single person in a paid post.

Aside from the personal learning journey of family champions, volunteers/mentors (e.g., improving basic life skills and skills for employability) and the assistance and personal experience they bring to ESCAPE as an organisation, there are wider community benefits from volunteer/mentor involvement. By empowering volunteers and peers to facilitate support groups. The stigmas’ associated with drug and alcohol misuse continue to be challenged and broken down and people can make a positive contribution to their community.

In addition to empowering and equipping volunteers and family champions with new skills, improved confidence, improved mental health etc. this approach has enabled ESCAPE to:

The difference our work has made this year:

7

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

We believe our support to families is holistic and accessible due to our hybrid methods of working, service delivery, CRAFT and the ACE’s programmes of support.

Partnership Work

We regularly attend meetings and participate in partnership work within the Northumberland Inequalities Task Force, Northumberland Carers Strategic Partnership, Northumberland Drug and Alcohol Steering Group, Wansbeck and Cramlington Hospitals Alcohol Development Group, Regional Carers of Substance Users Forum, and Adfam’s steering group and newly formed Family Support Alliance. We are a valued partner in these settings.

We have continued to work in partnership with other organisations to deliver group sessions, 1-1 support and mutual aid groups in community settings.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The charity, through sound financial management and the support of staff and volunteers generated a very positive financial outcome for this period and ended this financial year with deferred income which comprises of advance payments of grants relating to future periods. We carry forward £105,070.

Principal Funding Sources

Principal funding sources for the charity during 2023/24 Public Health at Northumberland County Council, Adult Services at Northumberland County Council, National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund, Greggs Foundation, Sir James Knott Trust, Bernicia Foundation, Ashington Town Council, NCC Children’s Services Family Hubs, Shears Foundation, Blyth Town Council, Barbour Trust, ERDF Energy Blyth Wind Farm, Community Foundation, Coalfields Regeneration Trust, Ridley Family Trust, Squires Foundation, 1989 Willan Trust, Albert Hunt Trust, Karbon Homes, Coop Local Community Fund, RW Mann Trust, Hadrian Trust, Joicey Trust, Prudhoe Town Council, Freemasons of Northumberland, Northumberland High Sheriff, Haltwhistle Town Council, Choppington Parish Council, Ponteland Town Council, Percy Hedley 1990 Trust, Tesco Community Grants, The Bentley Advancing Life Chances Trust, J H Burn Charity Trust and Amble Town Council.

The charity was able to improve and maintain the Susan Kennedy Centre facilities thanks to grants from The Clothworkers Foundation, Albert Hunt Trust Screwfix Foundation, Bernard Sunley Foundation and the B&Q Foundation, duke of Northumberland charity, community Chest and Banks Community Fund.

8

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

The Trustees are grateful to all funders who supported and sustained the work of the charity during 2023/24.

Trustees would also like to thank individuals who have made personal donations this year.

Investment Policy

Aside from retaining a prudent amount in reserves each year most of the charity’s funds are to be spent in the short term so there are few funds for long term investment.

Reserves Policy

The Trustees have considered the charity's requirements for reserves in relation to the principal risks to the organisation. Whilst most of the charity's funds are spent in-year, it has always held a contingency reserve on deposit. The charity aims to hold 4 months of operating costs in unrestricted reserves.

The reserves policy is reviewed annually. Risk management is ongoing within the charity and a risk register is held; unrestricted reserves are included within this and are monitored quarterly at board meetings.

We hold these reserves for the following reasons

  1. The need to fund a deficit in the operational budget should insufficient grant funding be raised within the current financial year.

  2. To give the trustees time to raise funds for the forthcoming financial year.

  3. Emergency funding is available should we need it i.e., unexpected large repair bills etc.

  4. To cover any unforeseen day-to-day operational costs, e.g., employing temporary staff to cover a long-term sickness absence.

  5. We have no planned commitments that will not be met by future income. Any matched income ESCAPE needs to provide would be minimal and has never previously exceeded £2,000.

  6. The need to fund short-term deficits in a cash budget, e.g., money may need to be spent before a funding grant is received.

  7. To prevent cashflow problems.

The amount of reserves we hold is reported to the board each quarter within the Current Accounts summary and is also regularly reviewed within the risk register.

The staffing for the organisation and the operational budget is set and agreed by the board each year in Quarter 4 for the forthcoming financial year.

Annually, we review the budget against income already secured and keep enough unrestricted reserves to cover the projected deficit for the forthcoming financial year.

Uncertainty over future income is and always has been our greatest risk so we try to hold four months of reserves. Funding bids submitted can take six months for results to be known and we may need time to downsize should insufficient funding be raised.

9

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

The Charity Commission recommends small charities hold between four to six months unrestricted reserves. We are currently holding 4 months operating costs.

Our annual budget for 2024/25 is £414,981 and this has been secured.

Our annual budget for 2025/26 is currently £380,455, we have secured £175,255.00 of this, leaving us with a starting deficit of £205,170 to find before 31/03/26. We are holding £124,374 in unrestricted reserves. Should the Drug Strategy and ICB funding totalling almost 95k not be renewed for 2025/26 we have a contingency plan in place to reduce the budget and staffing team to resolve this problem. Therefore, our current reserves more than cover the projected deficit should we fail to raise the further funds we require in 2025/26. Trustees are confident that this is a realistic, achievable target for the charity.

Keeping appropriate reserve levels in line with funder expectations can be a fine balancing act. Some funders will not make grants if you have less than three months reserves.

The budget for 2024/25 is £380,455 and therefore the minimum unrestricted cash reserves target is £126,818 to be retained in reserves plus tangible fixed assets. Unrestricted cash reserves funds of £124,374; designated unrestricted funds of £19,030; and £23,090 of restricted cash funds apply on 31st March 2024. The charity also has £285,409 fixed assets.

The charity continues to work in an area of limited resources and insecurities over funding and is working hard to secure its core funding until 31st March 2025 and beyond. To sustain essential services for beneficiaries and retain the optimum skilled paid staff team to undertake the work of the charity, it is imperative to secure significant funds.

The budget for 2024/25 is £380,455 and therefore the minimum unrestricted cash reserves target is £126,818 to be retained in reserves plus tangible fixed assets.

Going Concern

The Trustees have performed a robust analysis of budget, forecasts, reserve levels and cash flows taking into consideration potential scenarios could have on the charity. After making appropriate enquiries, the Board of Trustees has a reasonable expectation that ESCAPE has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, it continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

FUTURE PLANS

The charity will continue to work to sustain, maintain and expand its existing service provision in Northumberland. The focus of our work will continue to be to relieve the poverty, sickness and distress of carers and families affected by substance use including children and young people and to advance education and training within communities. Our Family Champions Programme delivers more mutual aid for carers and our trauma informed work to address the needs of Young People will continue. All of our activity will contribute towards the work outlined within the aforementioned National Drug and Alcohol Strategies.

Strategies we utilise to fulfil these objectives include:

10

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

All plans have been shaped and formulated by carers, young people, peer mentors, volunteers, staff and trustees. Our plans are based around five key priorities that have been identified:

  1. Identify and assess the service needs of our target populations and the best ways of delivering high quality services to meet those needs.

  2. Explore new and existing funding streams and sources to maximise income to ensure a sustainable future for the organisation.

  3. Finalise the review of our information management systems, implement agreed changes and embed new systems.

  4. Support staff and volunteers to maximise their contribution, and personal and professional fulfilment in their roles within the organisation.

  5. Ensure continuing good governance and control of the organisation.

A focus on our five priority areas, as identified above, will enable us to:

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE and MANAGEMENT

Governing document

ESCAPE Family Support Ltd is a charitable company controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, and complies with the Companies Act 2006 and SORP. Incorporated on September 30[th] , 1996, and registered as a Charity on July 18th, 1997, the Company was established under a Memorandum of Association, which established the objectives and powers of the Charitable Company and is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up, members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1.

Recruitment and Appointment of Management Committee

The directors of the company are also charity trustees for the purposes of Charity law and under the company's Articles are known as Members of the Management Committee, usually referred to as the Board of Trustees. Members of the Management Committee are elected to serve for a period of three years after which they must be re-elected at the next Annual General Meeting.

All members of the Management Committee gave their time voluntarily and received no benefits from the charity. Any expenses reclaimed from the charity are set out in note 16 to the accounts. There have been no trustee resignations this year and we have appointed one new trustee who strengthens the board with their External Marketing and Communications Skills. The more traditional business, social work and nursing skills are well represented on the Management Committee. In the event of particular skills being

11

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

lost due to retirements, Trustee positions are advertised; and individuals may also be approached to offer themselves for election to the Management Committee.

Trustee Induction and Training

New Trustees receive a comprehensive Induction Manual and are supported and familiarised with the work of the charity by the Chair and Chief Executive. The obligations of Management Committee members; the main documents which set out the operational framework for the charity including the Memorandum and Articles, resourcing and the current financial position as set out in the latest published accounts and future plans and objectives are all contained within the Induction Manual. Trustees are given a tour of the charity’s headquarters – Susan Kennedy Centre from which most services are delivered. New trustees are also signposted to the Charity Commission’s guide “The Essential Trustee”.

The Management Committee (the Board) seeks to ensure that it has the requisite skills available to it and that the groups which the Charity serves are reflected in the make-up of the trustee body. An annual skills audit is undertaken, and training is provided as necessary to existing and all new trustees covering:

RISK MANAGEMENT STATEMENT

Governance

Following a trustee skills audit and analysis, further recruitment of at least two more trustees will take place as we have one trustee who will retire in November 2024 after completing nine years of service.

Operational

Trustees have considered local need, sustainability of existing service provision and staffing levels; it was agreed that the current highly skilled team needed to be retained during 2024/25 and beyond. The staff will increase in size during 2024/25 due to two short term 12-month projects to be undertaken in that year.

Financial

Sustainability of the charity is a high priority. Securing a tender from Northumberland County Council for delivery of support services to Families of Substance User and three-year grants from Greggs Foundation and Sir James Knott Trust commencing 1[st] April 2023 and lasting until 31st March 2026 covers 33% of our organisational budget and contributes to financial viability of the charity for the next two years. The charity will continue work to build on this in 2024/25 onwards.

The board has two working groups to strengthen its governance and aid sustainability – a Finance Group and an Operations, Policies and Safeguarding Group. Their work is ongoing.

External Risks

12

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

Trustees recognise that more than ten years of austerity and central government cuts to local authority and public health budgets have negatively impacted on opportunities for the charity to obtain statutory funding. This situation is expected to continue as the new government work to undertake a spending review and balance national budgets. The charity has responded by reassessing its priorities and activities to ensure funds are targeted at the highest areas of need. All funds required to March 2025 has been secured and funding applications to cover the budget for 2025/26 are now being submitted.

Potential external risks to information and cyber security have been mitigated by the engagement of an ISO 27001:2013 accredited ICT Maintenance and Information Security provider that provides quality antivirus and malware protection with systems maintained by highly skilled Information Security engineers through both onsite and remote support.

Compliance with Law and Regulation

The charity utilises the services of an employment law solicitor to ensure compliance with employment law. The work of the Finance Group includes self-assessment against Charity Commission guidelines and models of best practice.

Organisational Structure

The Management Committee (the board) has eight members who meet six times a year for formal board meetings and who are responsible for the strategic direction, policy and governance of the charity. The Management Committee has members from a variety of backgrounds relevant to the work of the charity.

A scheme of delegation is in place and day-to-day responsibility for the provision of the services rests with the Chief Executive. The Chief Executive is responsible for ensuring that the charity delivers the services specified and that key performance indicators are met. In so far as it is complementary to the charity's objects, the charity is guided by both local and national policy.

Monthly full team meetings inform the future planning and strategic thinking of the management committee (the board) and are open to staff, volunteers and peer mentors.

In addition, user and carer involvement groups and surveys of stakeholders inform the work of the charity.

The charity is committed to working in partnership with other organisations and works closely with, and is represented on, Northumberland's Inequalities Task Force, Drug and Alcohol Steering Group, Carers Partnership Board and Young Carer Steering Group. More widely it works closely with bodies that impact on recovery from substance misuse and provide mutual aid to support recovery. Representatives regularly attend steering and special interest groups which impact on health and crime-related programmes and strategies are discussed, analysed, and learning disseminated. We share knowledge, experience and best practice, assisting communities and organisations with identified need, which have heard of our work and wish to replicate it in some form. We circulate external evaluations of our work to partners and funders to share findings and knowledge.

Close working partnerships have been developed with Northumberland Communities Thriving Together, Community Mental Health Teams, Adult and Children's Social Services, Carers Northumberland, Northumberland Recovery Partnership, Relate, Cygnus, Northumberland CVA, Northumberland CAB, Northumberland Domestic Abuse Service, Mental Health Concern, Northumberland Recovery College,

13

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

(A company limited by guarantee)

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

Briardale House and other Community Groups. The charity initially achieved the Investors in People Gold Standard and retained this until March 2022 when a rare Investor in People Platinum standard was achieved which the charity continues to hold until March 2025.

Related Parties

In so far as it is complementary to the charity’s objects, the charity is guided by both local and national policies including Drug and Alcohol and Carer Strategies. The local Drug and Alcohol Steering Group, Carer Partnership Board and Young Carer Steering Group are the local partnerships charged with responsibility for delivering these strategies at our local level and includes representatives from amongst others, the local authority, health, and voluntary sector agencies. ESCAPE Family Support is a member of these partnership groups, and its representatives regularly attend the meetings.

Trustees Janet Murphy and Stephen Murphy are related (mother and son).

TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT

The charity trustees are responsible for preparing a trustees’ annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law requires the charity trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and the group and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable group for that period. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and the group and hence taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Members of the Management Committee

14

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

Members of the Management Committee, who are directors for the purpose of company law and trustees for the purpose of charity law, who served during the year and up to the date of this report are set out on page 2. In accordance with company law, as the company’s directors, we certify that: so far as we are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company’s Independent Examiners are unaware; and as the directors of the company we have taken all the steps that we ought to have taken in order to make ourselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charity’s Independent Examiners are aware of that information.

Independent Examiners

Connected Voice Business Services Ltd were re-appointed as the charities Independent Examiners during the year and have expressed their willingness to continue in that capacity.

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 8 November 2024 and signed on its behalf by:

Holly Scarfe (Nov 14, 2024 09:55 GMT)

H Scarfe - Trustee

15

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES

For the year ended 31 March 2024

I report on the financial statements of ESCAPE Family Support Limited for the year ended 31 March 2024, which are set out on pages 17 to 33.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees (who are also directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2022 ("the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner's statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

I 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.

Lilian Hetherington (Nov 14, 2024 10:20 GMT)

Lilian Hetherington FCA Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales Connected Voice Business Services Ltd One Strawberry Lane Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4BX

Date: 14/11/2024

16

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

(INCLUDING SUMMARY INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)

For the year ended 31 March 2024

----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
Funds Funds 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Income from:
Donations and legacies 6 4,849 3,950 8,799 6,226
Charitable activities
Grants and statutory funding 7 60,032 189,098 249,130 305,293
Other trading activities 8 12,335 3,000 15,335 3,638
Investments 9 976 - 976 125
Total income 78,192 196,048 274,240 315,282
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 10 851 2,162 3,013 7,540
Charitable activities
Operation of the charity 11 72,368 208,434 280,802 312,862
Total expenditure 73,219 210,596 283,815 320,402
Net movement of funds 4,973 ( 14,548 ) ( 9,575 ) ( 5,120 )
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 239,064 234,615 473,679 478,799
Total funds carried forward 244,037 220,067 464,104 473,679
Notes
----- End of picture text -----

The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities

The notes on pages 19 to 33 form an integral part of these financial statements.

17

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

BALANCE SHEET

As at 31 March 2024

----- Start of picture text -----
2024 2024 2023 2023
Total Total
£ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 18 285,609 306,308
Intangible assets 19 12,000 6,000
Total fixed assets 297,609 312,308
Current assets
Debtors 20 7,098 1,665
Cash at bank and in hand 21 265,686 177,382
Total current assets 272,784 179,047
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year 22 ( 106,289 ) ( 17,676 )
Net current assets 166,495 161,371
Total assets less current liabilities 464,104 473,679
Total net assets or liabilities 464,104 473,679
Funds of the charity
Unrestricted income funds 244,037 239,064
Restricted income funds 220,067 234,615
Total funds 464,104 473,679
Notes
----- End of picture text -----

The company was entitled to an exemption from audit under s477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act with the respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to small companies subject to the small companies regime and in accordance with FRS102 SORP.

The notes on pages 19 to 33 form an integral part of these financial statements.

These financial statements were approved by the Board on: 8 November 2024

and are signed on its behalf by:

H Scarfe Treasurer

Holly Scarfe (Nov 14, 2024 09:55 GMT)

18

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

1 Accounting Policies

The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:

2 Basis of accounting

2.1 Basis of preparation

These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts.

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (issued in October 2019) – Charities SORP (FRS 102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2022, the Companes Act 206 and the Uk Generally Accepted Accounting Practice .

ESCAPE Family Support Limited meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.

2.2 Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. In making their assessment the trustees have reviewed and considered relevant information, including their annual budget and future cash flows. The trustees are of the view that the immediate future of the charity for the next 12 months is secure and that on this basis the charity is a going concern.

3 Income

3.1 Recognition of income

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the resources, any performance conditions attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is more likely than not that the resources will be received and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.

3.2 Offsetting

There has been no offsetting of assets and liabilities, or income and expenses, unless required or permitted by FRS102 SORP or FRS102.

3.3 Grants and donations

Income from government and other grants, whether ‘capital’ grants or ‘revenue’ grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.

Income received in advance of the provision of a specified service is deferred until the criteria of income recognition are met.

19

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

3.4 Donated goods and services

Donated goods are measured at fair value (the amount for which the asset could be exchanged) unless impractical to do so.

Donated services and facilities are included in the SoFA when received at the value of the gift to the charity provided that the value of the gift can be measured reliably. Donated services and facilities that are consumed immediately are recognised as income with the equivalent amount recognised as an expense under the appropriate heading in the SoFA.

3.5 Volunteer help

The value of volunteer help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees' annual report.

3.6 Interest receivable

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

3.7 Income from membership subscriptions

Membership subscriptions received in the nature of a gift are recognised in donations and legacies.

Membership subscriptions which gives a member the right to buy services or other benefits are recognised as income earned from the provision of goods and services as income from charitable activities.

3.8 Investment gains and losses

This includes any realised or unrealised gains or losses on the sale of investments and any gain or loss resulting from revaluing investments to market value at the end of the year.

3.9 Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the charity's work or for specific projects being undertaken by the charity.

4 Expenditure and liabilities

4.1 Liability recognition

Liabilities are recognised when it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.

20

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

4.2 Charitable activities

All expenditure is accounted for on an accrual baisis. Expenditure on charitable activities includes the costs of work and other activities undertaken to further the purposes of the charity and their associated support costs.

4.3 Governance and support costs

Support costs have been allocated between governance cost and other support. Governance costs comprise all costs involving public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice.

Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

4.4 Irrecoverable VAT

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

4.5 Creditors

The charity has creditors which are measured at settlement amounts less any trade discounts.

A liability is measured on recognition at its historical cost and then subsequently measured at the best estimate of the amount required to settle the obligation at the reporting date.

4.7 Pensions

The pension costs charged in the financial statements represent the contribution payable by the charity during the year.

5 Assets

5.1 Tangible fixed assets for use by the charity

Individual fixed assets costing £1,000 or more are capitalised at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful economic lives on a reducing balance basis:

Property and property improvements 5% Straight line - property improvements only Office and computer equipment 25 % Straight Line Caravan 10 % Straight Line Other equipment 25 % Straight Line

21

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

5.2 Intangible fixed assets

Development costs that are directly attributable to the design and testing of identifiable and unique software products controlled by the charity are recognised as intangible assets when the following criteria are met:

Development costs are not amortised until the software is brought into use.

5.3 Debtors

Debtors are measured at their recoverable amounts, being the amount the charity anticipates it will receive in settlement of the debt.

22

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Analysis of income

6
7		 Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Grant income
Greggs Foundation
Sir James Knott Foundation
Bernicia Foundation
The Shears Foundation
The Barbour Foundation
Coalfields
Ridley Family Trust
Banks Community Fund
Albert Hunt
The Duke of Northumberland
Charity
R W Mann Trust
Freemasons of
Northumberland
Hadrian Trust
Community Chest
The Percy Hedley Trust
Bentley's
Tesco community fund
J H Burn Charity Trust
EDF Blyth Wind Farm
Cost of Living
RW Mann
The Asda Foundation
The Percy Hedley Trust
Northumberland County
Council Jubilee Fund
Carried forward balance
Donations and grants
National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund
Big Lottery Awards for All
The Shears Foundation
Santander Foundation
The Screwfix Foundation
Bernard Sunley Foundation
The Clothworkers' Foundation
The B&Q Foundation
The Joicey Trust
Albert Hunt
Garfield Weston
The Ballinger Trust		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
4,849
4,849
Unrestricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Restricted
Funds
£
3,950
3,950
Restricted
Funds
£
24,851
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,500
5,000
5,000
5,000
4,176
4,000
2,250
1,500
1,000
1,000
750
500
500
500
300
5,000
5,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
116,827		 Total
2024
£
8,799
8,799
Total
2024
£
24,851
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,500
5,000
5,000
5,000
4,176
4,000
2,250
1,500
1,000
1,000
750
500
500
500
300
5,000
5,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
116,827		 Total
2023
£
6,226
6,226
Total
2023
£
85,170
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
27,500
25,000
9,996
9,984
5,000
5,000
5,000
5,000
5,000
3,400
1,500
998
700
500
500
190,248

23

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

8
9		 Analysis of grant income
continued
Brought forward balance
Statutory income
Northumberland County
Council - Carers' Grant
Mental Health Concern
Ashington Town Council
Prudhoe Town Council
Haltwhistle Town Council
Amble Town Council
Other income
Other income
NI Employment allowance
Sponsorship Blyth Harbour
Commission
Other trading activities
Other sales
Carers' Feedback Survey
Income from investments
Choppington Parish Council
Room hire
Bank interest
Public Health at Northumberland County Council
Ponteland Town Council
Blyth Town Council		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
-
55,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
55,000
32
5,000
-
60,032
1,275
11,060
-
12,335
Unrestricted
Funds
£
976
976		 Restricted
Funds
£
116,827
26,291
25,000
-
5,000
8,000
1,000
500
500
500
160
183,778
5,320
-
-
189,098
-
3,000
-
3,000
Restricted
Funds
£
-
-		 Total
2024
£
116,827
81,291
25,000
-
5,000
8,000
1,000
500
500
500
160
238,778
5,352
5,000
-
249,130
1,275
14,060
-
15,335
Total
2024
£
976
976		 Total
2023
£
190,248
55,000
25,000
12,935
6,650
6,000
-
-
-
-
-
295,833
3,960
5,000
500
305,293
2,745
773
120
3,638
Total
2023
£
125
125

Income was £274,240 (2023: £315,282) of which £78,192 was unrestricted or designated (2023: £14,989) and £196,048 was restricted (2023: £300,293)

24

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities

10
11		 Raising funds
Charitable activities
Direct costs
Staff costs
Training costs
Respite costs (caravan)
Travel costs
Helpline and outreach
Support costs
Staff costs
Utilities
General running costs
Insurance
Repairs and renewals
Cleaning
Telephone
Internet and ICT costs
Stationery and printing
Sundry expenses
Refreshments
Room Hire
Professional fees
Bank charges
Furniture replacement costs
Building maintenance costs
Small equipment hire
Evaluation fees
Carried forward balance
Depreciation
Volunteer costs including travel
Fundraising costs
Small equipment		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
851
851
Unrestricted
Funds
£
15,779
-
-
117
692
2,342
26,689
9,102
1,167
99
349
78
279
6,494
4,504
-
204
-
2,492
124
245
658
-
-
-
-
71,414		 Restricted
Funds
£
2,162
2,162
Restricted
Funds
£
115,282
4,165
1,116
659
1,446
41
21,436
8,492
1,491
5,900
6,104
263
38
4,915
6,431
3,950
384
4,635
1,522
-
123
20,041
-
-
-
-
208,434		 Total
2024
£
3,013
3,013
Total
2024
£
131,061
4,165
1,116
776
2,138
2,383
48,125
17,594
2,658
5,999
6,453
341
317
11,409
10,935
3,950
588
4,635
4,014
124
368
20,699
-
-
-
-
279,848		 Total
2023
£
7,540
7,540
Total
2023
£
143,964
2,498
6,617
2
2,759
3,453
51,673
5,498
1,773
-
930
216
-
6,953
4,388
-
385
6,105
8,217
222
10,838
19,972
8,325
22,332
288
4,500
311,908

25

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Charitable activities
continued
Governance costs
Independent examiner's fees for reporting on the
accounts
Brought forward balance		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
71,414
954
72,368		 Restricted
Funds
£
208,434
-
208,434		 Total
2024
£
279,848
954
280,802		 Total
2023
£
311,908
954
312,862

Expenditure on charitable activities was £283,815 (2023: £320,402) of which £73,219 was unrestricted or designated (2023: £13,297) and £210,596 was restricted (2023: £307,105)

12 Fees for examination of the accounts

Independent examiner's fees for reporting on the accounts
There were no other fees paid to the examiner (2023: £nil)		 2024
£
954		 2023
£
954

13 Analysis of staff costs and the cost of key management personnel

Other employee benefits
Pension costs (defined contribution pension plan)
Salaries and wages
Social security costs		 2024
£
158,287
12,243
7,645
1,011
179,186		 2023
£
172,905
13,727
7,863
1,141
195,636

No employee received remuneration above £60,000 (2023: nil)

The key management personnel of the charity, comprise the trustees and the Chief Executive. The total benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £0. (2023: £0)

14 Staff numbers

The average monthly head count was 9 staff (2023: 9 staff) and the average monthly number of full-time equivalent employees during the year were as follows:

e parts of the charity in which the employees work
Charitable activities		 2024
Number
5.2		 2023
Number
5.6

The parts of the charity in which the employees work

15 Defined contribution pension scheme

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.

The employer's pension costs represent contributions payable by the charity to the fund and amount to £7,645 (2023: £7,863). There was £0 outstanding as at 31 March 2024 (2023: £0).

26

(A company limited by guarantee)

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

16 Transactions with trustees

None of the trustees have been paid any remuneration or received any other benefits from an employment with their charity or a related entity.

Trustees' expenses

The following details the expenses incurred by the trustees.

Two trustees acting as volunteers were reimbursed travel expenses.
Tom Devine
Janet Murphy		 2024
£
1,126
-
1,126		 2023
£
1,627
84
1,711

Transactions with related parties

As at 31 March 2024

There were no related party tranactions for the year ended 31 March 2024 (2023: £nil).

17 Corporation Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objectives.

18 Tangible fixed assets
Cost
At 1 April 2023
Additions
Disposals
At 31 March 2024
Depreciation
Basis
Rate
At 1 April 2023
Depreciation charge for year
Disposals
At 31 March 2024
Net book value
At 31 March 2023
At 31 March 2024		 Freehold
property
£
341,147
-
-
341,147
SL
5%
63,571
12,715
-
76,286
277,576
264,861		 Office and
computer
equipment
£
23,661
23,661
SL
25%
16,096
3,639
19,735
7,565
3,926		 Caravan
£
32,035
-
-
32,035
SL
10%
12,816
3,204
-
16,020
19,219
16,015		 Other
equipment
£
4,561
-
-
4,561
SL
25%
2,613
1,141
-
3,754
1,948
807		 Total
£
401,404
-
-
401,404
95,096
20,699
-
115,795
306,308
285,609

27

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

19 Intangible fixed assets
Cost
At 1 April 2023
Additions
At 31 March 2023
Amortisation
At 1 April 2023
Amortisation charge for year
At 31 March 2024
Net book value
At 31 March 2023
At 31 March 2024		 Software
Development
£
6,000
6,000
12,000
-
-
-
6,000
12,000		 Total
£
6,000
6,000
12,000
-
-
-
6,000
12,000
20 Debtors and prepayments (receivable within 1 year)
21
Short term deposits
Cash at bank
Cash in hand
22
Debtors
Creditors and accruals (payable within 1 year)
Accruals
Deferred income
Other creditors
Independent examination of accounts
Cash at bank and in hand
Prepayments		 2024
£
1,500
5,598
7,098
2024
£
146,906
118,534
246
265,686
2024
£
265
954
105,070
106,289		 2023
£
1,665
-
1,665
2023
£
65,930
111,426
26
177,382
2023
£
1,267
954
15,455
17,676

28

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

23 Deferred income

Deferred income comprises of advance payments from grants that relate to future periods

Balance carried forward
Balance brought forward
Amount deferred in year
Amount released to income earned from charitable
activities		 2024
£
15,455
( 15,455 )
105,070
105,070		 2023
£
20,384
( 20,384 )
15,455
15,455

24 Events after the end of the reporting period

No events (not requiring adjustment to the accounts) have occurred after the end of the reporting period but before the accounts are authorised which relate to conditions that arose after the end of the reporting period.

25 Analysis of charitable funds

Analysis of movements in unrestricted funds As at 31 March 2024

Unrestricted funds
General unrestricted fund
Designated funds
Unrestricted fixed assets
Contingency
System upgrade
Totals		 Fund
balances
brought
forward
£
118,530
95,291
10,618
14,625
239,064		 Incoming
resources
£
78,192
-
-
-
78,192		 Resources
expended
£
( 72,561 )
( 658 )
-
-
( 73,219 )		 Transfers
£
213
6,000
( 213 )
( 6,000 )
-		 Fund
balances
carried
forward
£
124,374
100,633
10,405
8,625
244,037

As at 31 March 2023

Unrestricted funds
General unrestricted fund
Designated funds
Unrestricted fixed assets
Contingency
System upgrade
Totals		 Fund
balances
brought
forward
£
116,165
89,964
10,618
20,625
237,372		 Incoming
resources
£
14,989
-
-
-
14,989		 Resources
expended
£
( 12,624 )
( 673 )
-
-
( 13,297 )		 Transfers
£
-
6,000
-
( 6,000 )
-		 Fund
balances
carried
forward
£
118,530
95,291
10,618
14,625
239,064

Purpose of unrestricted funds

General unrestricted fund Unrestricted fixed assets Contingency System upgrade

The 'free reserves' after allowing for designated funds. The current value of unrestricted fixed assets.

Contingency to cover one off costs and potential redundancies. For new IT infrastructure including new software and processes.

29

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Analysis of movement in restricted funds As at 31 March 2024

Fund
balances
brought
forward
Restricted fixed assets
£
Susan Kennedy Centre
refurbishment
190,706
Restricted office, computer and
other equipment
9,210
Caravan upgrade
17,100
Restricted funds
Susan Kennedy Centre
1,315
Respite project
( 1,524 )
Centre running costs
715
National lottery Reaching
Communities
110
Northumberland County Council -
Public Health FSW Blyth
-
Northumberland County Council -
Carers Grant
-
Mental Health concern
191
Blyth Town Council
-
Small equipment
206
Donations in Kind
-
Awards for all
1,164
RW Mann
1,035
The Joicey Trust
3,387
The Shears Foundation
638
The Percy Hedley Trust
460
Garfield Weston
1,918
Northumberland County Council
Jubilee Fund
4
Ashington Town Council
-
Asda Foundation
333
Ballinger Trust
3,620
Greggs Foundation
-
Sir James Knott
-
Bernicia Foundation
-
The Barbour Foundation
-
Coalfields
-
Ridley Family Trust
-
Albert Hunt
-
Karbon Homes
-
Freemasons of Northumberland
-
Hadrian Trust
-
Prudhoe Town Council
-
Ponteland Town Council
-
Choppington Parish Council
-
Haltwhistle Town Council
-
Amble Town Council
-
Bentley's
-
Tesco community fund
-
J H Burn Charity Trust
-
EDF Blyth Wind Farm
-
Cost of Living
-
Centre maintenance and new equipment
The Cloth Workers Foundation
4,027
Banks Community Fund
-
The Duke of Northumberland Charity
-
Community Chest
-
Totals
234,615		 Incoming
resources
£
-
-
-
-
5,320
-
24,851
26,291
25,000
-
5,000
-
3,950
-
1,500
-
5,500
500
-
-
8,000
-
-
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
5,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
500
500
500
160
500
500
300
5,000
5,000
-
4,176
2,250
750
196,048		 Resources
expended
£
( 12,714 )
( 4,477 )
( 2,850 )
-
( 1,116 )
-
( 24,961 )
( 26,205 )
( 24,998 )
( 191 )
( 4,996 )
-
( 3,950 )
( 1,112 )
( 2,535 )
( 3,387 )
( 6,138 )
( 960 )
( 1,918 )
-
( 7,990 )
( 308 )
( 3,620 )
( 10,984 )
( 8,000 )
( 10,000 )
( 5,000 )
( 5,000 )
( 5,000 )
( 4,000 )
( 3,000 )
( 1,000 )
( 1,000 )
( 1,000 )
( 500 )
( 500 )
( 500 )
( 160 )
( 500 )
( 108 )
( 300 )
( 5,000 )
( 5,000 )
( 4,027 )
( 4,176 )
( 665 )
( 750 )
( 210,596 )		 Transfers
£
-
-
-
-
-
18
-
-
-
-
( 4 )
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
( 4 )
( 10 )
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Fund
balances
carried
forward
£
177,992
4,733
14,250
1,315
2,680
733
-
86
2
-
-
206
-
52
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
25
-
9,016
7,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
392
-
-
-
-
-
1,585
-
220,067

30

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Analysis of movement in restricted funds As at 31 March 2023

Fund
balances
brought
forward
Restricted fixed assets
£
Susan Kennedy Centre
refurbishment
203,420
Restricted office, computer and
other equipment
9,148
Caravan upgrade
19,950
Restricted funds
Susan Kennedy Centre
1,315
Respite project
1,133
Centre running costs
721
National lottery Reaching
Communities
2,161
Public Health
601
Mental Health concern
2,768
Small equipment
206
Santander Foundation
-
Blyth Town Council
-
Awards for all
-
RW Mann
-
The Joicey Trust
-
The Shears Foundation
-
The Percy Hedley Trust
-
Garfield Weston
-
Northumberland County Council
Carers' Grant
-
Northumberland County Council
Jubilee Fund
4
Ashington Town Council
-
Asda Foundation
-
Port of Blyth Commissioners
-
Ballinger Trust
-
Centre maintenance and new equipment
The Cloth Workers Foundation
-
Albert Hunt
-
Bernard Sunley Foundation
-
B&Q Foundation
-
Screwfix Foundation
-
241,427		 Incoming
resources
£
-
-
-
-
3,960
-
85,170
55,000
12,935
-
998
6,650
9,984
1,500
3,400
5,000
500
25,000
25,000
500
6,000
700
500
9,996
27,500
5,000
5,000
5,000
5,000
300,293		 Resources
expended
£
( 12,714 )
( 3,735 )
( 2,850 )
-
( 6,617 )
( 6 )
( 87,221 )
( 55,601 )
( 15,512 )
-
( 998 )
( 6,650 )
( 8,820 )
( 465 )
( 13 )
( 4,362 )
( 40 )
( 23,082 )
( 25,000 )
( 500 )
( 6,000 )
( 367 )
( 500 )
( 6,376 )
( 19,676 )
( 5,000 )
( 5,000 )
( 5,000 )
( 5,000 )
( 307,105 )		 Transfers
£
-
3,797
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
( 3,797 )
-
-
-
-
-		 Fund
balances
carried
forward
£
190,706
9,210
17,100
1,315
( 1,524 )
715
110
-
191
206
-
-
1,164
1,035
3,387
638
460
1,918
-
4
-
333
-
3,620
4,027
-
-
-
-
234,615

31

(A company limited by guarantee)

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Purpose of restricted funds

Restricted Funds represent income resources used for a specific purpose by the charity in line with requirements set down by the donor. These have been bought together into other restricted balances in total because there should only be a small amount of funds carried forward between financial years and will only be spend on areas specified by the donor in the financial year of the initial grant.

Susan Kennedy Centre assets

Restricted office and computer equipment Caravan upgrade Susan Kennedy Centre Northumberland County Council - Public Health FSW Blyth Susan Kennedy Centre Respite Project Centre Running Costs National Lottery Reaching Communities Santander Foundation Northumbria NHS Health Trust Northumberland County Council – Carers Grant Blyth Town Council Small equipment

Tesco community fund Asda Foundation Ballinger Trust Greggs Foundation The Clothworkers Foundation

Albert Hunt

Screwfix Foundation Bernard Sunley Foundation B&Q Foundation Duke of Northumberland Charity Community Chest Banks Community Fund All other funds

The balance of restricted funds that paid for the refurbishment of the Susan Kennedy Centre.

The balance of the restricted funds that paid for restricted office, computer and other equipment. Restricted for the caravan upgrade. Restricted for the Susan Kennedy Centre running costs.

Restricted to costs associated with the Family Support Worker in Blyth Restricted for the Susan Kennedy Centre running costs. Restricted for the respite project. Restricted to centre running costs.

Restricted to reaching communities Restricted to intern’s salary costs Restricted to Service Manager salary costs

Restricted to Family Support Worker salary costs Restricted to running costs within the Blyth area Restricted to the purchase of small equipment or contributions towards the purchase of larger items

Restricted to items to support the work done with young people Restricted to items to support the work done with young people Restricted to Family Support Worker salary costs Restricted to Service Manager Salary Costs Restricted to the building maintenance project and purchase of equipment for the same Restricted to building maintenance/refurbishment costs Restricted to building maintenance/refurbishment costs Restricted to building maintenance/refurbishment costs Restricted to building maintenance/refurbishment costs Restricted to cost of replacing central heating boiler Restricted to cost of replacing central heating boiler Restricted to work on the roof of the Susan Kennedy Centre Restricted to running costs

32

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Transfers between funds
As at 31 March 2024
As at 31 March 2023
Transfer between The
Clothworkers' Foundation and
fixed assets
Reason for transfer
Reason for transfer
Amount to cover the depreciation of items bought as part
of the refurbishment.		 Amount
£
0
Amount
£
3,797

26 Capital commitments

As at 31 March 2024, the charity had capital commitments of £0 relating to the refurbishment of the Susan Kennedy Centre (2023 - £4,027)

27 Analysis of net assets between funds

Funds
£
Tangible fixed assets
-
Cash at bank and in hand
225,149
( 100,775 )
124,374
Other net current assets/(liabilities)
Unrestricted		 Designated
Funds
£
100,633
19,030
-
119,663		 Restricted
Funds
£
196,976
21,507
1,584
220,067		 Total
2024
£
297,609
265,686
( 99,191 )
464,104		 Total
2023
£
312,308
177,382
( 16,011 )
473,679

33

Escape accounts 23-24 Final

Final Audit Report

2024-11-14

Created: 2024-11-13 By: Lilian Hetherington (lilian.hetherington@connectedvoice.org.uk) Status: Signed Transaction ID: CBJCHBCAABAAe0o2Tr7vGK1OMVsqOgWMwrkzPdEcyQP0

"Escape accounts 23-24 Final" History

Document emailed to hollymadin@hotmail.co.uk for signature

2024-11-13 - 3:38:25 PM GMT

2024-11-14 - 9:55:04 AM GMT

Document emailed to Lilian Hetherington (lilian.hetherington@connectedvoice.org.uk) for signature 2024-11-14 - 9:55:55 AM GMT

Agreement completed.

2024-11-14 - 10:20:54 AM GMT