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← Escape Family Support Group

2025-03-31-accounts

ESCAPE Familysupport Annual Report 2024/25 Investors in People Health & Wellbeing Award &-N INVESTORS IN PEOPLE WINNER ESCAPE Forni￿ Support Lid 41n5uw

ESCAPE in brief

ESCAPE Family Support was set up in Blyth in 1995 by founder and current Chief Executive Janet - Murphy and is a county wide, community led response to drug and alcohol misuse in Northumberland .

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. The charity was 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. We provide evidence based trauma informed programmes and interventions tailored to individual need.

At ESCAPE our mission is:

à To provide a range of services for families and carers of drug and alcohol users in Northumberland. à To use a holistic, enabling approach and tailor our open access services to the needs of the individual. à To raise awareness of drug and alcohol issues within the communities of Northumberland and other areas.

à E ducation, S upport, C ounselling, A dvice, P hone-line, E mpathy - ESCAPE

Why we do it

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

At ESCAPE we place the family at the heart of everything we do. We understand the value of family in our work and believe that addiction affects the whole family. As a result, our objective is to provide structured support across the whole of Northumberland to families, carers and partners of substance users.

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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Contents

2. Escape in brief
4. Message from our Chair
5. Strategy and performance
6 . Beneficiaries lastyear
7. Interventions & impact
8. Rural Delivery
9. NIECP- Family Champion Project
10/11. Adult Evaluation and impact
12 Young People (YP) ACE’s Programme
13. YP Evaluation and impact
14. Professional Feedback
15.
16/17.		 Highlights of the year
BeneficiaryFeedback
18.
Andrea’s story		 Andrea’s story
19. Accounts
20. Thanks to our funders

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Message from the Chair

I had the pleasure of taking over from Jackie Axelby and becoming the Chair of ESCAPE Family Support in November 2024, following a period of being a Trustee, then Vice Chair and Treasurer.

What a year ESCAPE has had!

In November 2024, we celebrated our 30[th] anniversary which is a monumental achievement for the charity. It speaks volumes about the hard work and dedication our staff and volunteers have given to ESCAPE and

In February 2025, ESCAPE was awarded, for the second time, the Investors in People platinum accreditation. This is the highest level of accreditation possible and only 2% of the country’s organisations receive this accolade. It is truly an honour to receive this accreditation, especially being such a small charity. It demonstrated the hard work and tireless dedication of staff and volunteers to make a difference to our

within our culture to recognise the value of the service we provide.

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. It is truly remarkable the impact ESCAPE has made to the residents of Northumberland in 2024/2025.

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

do this without you, so thank you on behalf of ESCAPE.

services to meet their needs. We know how important and priceless everyone’s experiences are therefore we

and families, admin support, tending our garden, providing cooking lessons and general maintenance of the building. Volunteers are pivotal to the success of ESCAPE and we could not function without them so an enormous thank you for your time, dedication and support.

Our staff are truly one of a kind and are the heartbeat of ESCAPE. They work tirelessly to deliver and continually improve and expand the services that ESCAPE is famous for. A massive thank you to each and every staff member for their dedication and service.

We have faced many challenges during the year. I am proud of the whole team as they have been resilient, able to adapt and remain responsive to all of the challenges and changes faced. There will be further challenges on the road ahead, however we are dedicated to meet our values and vision by refreshing our strategic plans to ensure we stay relevant, responsive and present in the sector. We must note the volume of milestones and achievements we have hit throughout the year as well as amazing feedback received about services. This makes us strive to continue to work together as one and strive to make ESCAPE as sustainable

Holly E Scarfe - Chair

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Strategy and performance

We do not operate a trading subsidiary though we generate small amounts of income through community events/trading activities addressing poverty (Jumble Sales etc) which provided 3% of 2024/25 income. Rather our focus remains on increasing statutory income and securing charitable funding where we have built strong relationships and have a strong track record and reputation for impactful, person-centred services and excellence in delivery of community healthcare.

During the past year we successfully increased our income from £274,240 in 2023/24 to £396,518 in 2024/25, an increase of 44.58% (£122,278). We have successfully expanded statutory funding through new and extended contracts and grants with local authorities and Integrated Care Board up from £121,900 to £196,439 in 2024/25. These statutory contracts and grants indicate growing recognition of our specialist expertise in supporting families affected by addiction.

This increase in funding enabled us to expand and extend our reach in rural Northumberland and we

young people we reach; and invested in improving outcomes and data monitoring.

We successfully tendered for a contract securing statutory funding to continue expanded work in Rural Northumberland and Blyth for the forthcoming year with a potential roll on of a further year.

Alongside statutory growth, we have progressed, growing and diversifying our income through charitable - trusts and foundations having secured multi year grants that support project delivery and core costs.

Community Fundraising has also been uplifted from £8,876 to £13,192 up 48.63%. Through delivering - community events and activities we strengthened unrestricted income and gifts in kind and have grown a stronger base of regular supporters and volunteers, addressed poverty, deepened local involvement and engagement.

can continue to meet increasing demand and stay rooted in the needs of families and communities we serve.

We run events across the year, these have included Bingo nights, Halloween and pumpkin carving events, cooking classes, Christmas and Easter events, trips away and arts, craft and gardening sessions.

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informed therapeutic interventions for 414 adults, children and young people . An increase in demand for intensive therapeutic services of 10.4% compared to the previous year.

257 of these 414 cases were closed as follows: -

person needing Northumberland Domestic Abuse Service

- 414

406 cases 92 people trained (accredited and non accredited programmes

498 people directly worked with

498 cases 363 additional children, young people & adults attended events across the year.

861 people engaged last year, up on the previous year 592. 46.79% increase.

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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 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 25.83 calls per month to the helpline, receiving a total of 310 calls across the year. This exceeded our target of 24 calls per month, we do not include

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.

43 carers accessed the befriending service (38.70 % increase on previous year, 31 accessed)

35 of them accessing on short term to mid-term basis (84.21 % increase on previous year, 19 accessed)

19 accessing 3 month or longer. (26.66 % increase on previous year, 15 accessed)

We provide training that enables families affected by drug and alcohol use to better understand addiction and its impact, in order to develop coping strategies and more appropriate responses

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 9 group CRAFT programmes (28.5%) increase on previous year).

We delivered accredited training, ten beneficiaries achieved Level 3 in Family Dynamics, five completed Level 2 Support Skills and one completed CRAFT Facilitation training. Additionally one person completed Level one in Food Hygiene, five completed Level 2 Support Skills. We over performed on delivery of soft skills achieving 933% of the annual target to date. These sessions include sleep hygiene, assertiveness etc.

We delivered four sessions of Drug and Alcohol Awareness overachieving against our target of three for the year. We delivered one Teen Triple P parenting programme (face to face) and three SPACE Parenting Courses online, overachieving 200% of our target to meet demand.

and coping strategies

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- Project Work New Rural Delivery

This ICB funding enabled us to provide equity of service for residents in need to the West, North & Central areas of the county where geographical inequality is an additional challenge for many people. The project made links with health services and support to access wider services by engaging in conversations with part-

communities. As a result of making connections, offering training and being more visible we saw increased demand for our services in rural areas.

We saw increased demand for

The project carried forward 22 cases into Q1, referrals leapt up to 47 in Q2 which is a 113.63% increase in demand from Q1. The Q3 referrals at 27 represent an increase of 22% from Q1. The Q4 referrals of 39 represented a 77.27 % increase on Q1. We worked with 157 people in total from Rural Northumberland to date in 2024/25, which is a 17.16 % increase on the previous year.

Including: Ponteland, Hexham, Haltwhistle, Broomhil, Berwick, Bellingham and Belford

Including: Ashington, Blyth, Bedlington and Cramlington

Of the 157 cases we have worked with we successfully closed 85 cases during the period, with those individuals leaving service in a planned way with improvements to health and wellbeing and the skills to cope ongoing. We have an open caseload of 72 to carry forward into Quarter 1 of 2025/26. This demonstrates that the rural

Case study – P’s

- nothing. He had to leave another area of Northumberland because his ex partner was harassing him after they had split up. She had set their house on fire, with their baby in it and he was fighting for custody of his son who was 18months old at the time. ESCAPE provided practical support and assisted P with donated furniture and carpets, we gave P encouragement to make his house a home with the help and support of people from the community. ESCAPE

home to be able to gain full custody of his child. P now has full custody of his child and is coping well as a single father.

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- Family Champions Project Work ( June Dec 24)

ESCAPE successfully applied for project funding which was secured by Northumberland County Council (NCC) from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The Northumberland Inclusive Economy Community Partnership, (NIECP) oversaw the programme. The funding was to support local organisations in the VCS to enable them to build capacity and offer impactful volunteering opportunities and social action projects to residents. Projects needed to be designed to include those who were economically inactive, to help address inequalities and deliver Inclusive Economy ambitions.

Project aims

This project aimed to inspire change through the development of Mutual Aid through introducing volunteer Family Champions (FC), our ‘experts by experience’ people who want to give something back and help others achieve positive change. We aspired to achieve 30 volunteer FC and we did, additionally we set a target of training 40 local residents, within the most deprived wards, in Ashington & Blyth. We achieved/over achieved on all required project outcomes by providing accessible soft skill and accredited training and family fun days/community events. 13% of participants moved into employment, 2 work at ESCAPE.

The funding enabled us to:

Run eight events, in Ashington & Blyth these included a Well Being event where people were able to get their blood pressure and quick health checks done, faces painted, there was advice on community banking, fire safety and crafts. We were joined by numerous local partners including Bedlington Ukulele Group, NCC Health Trainers, Northumberland Community Bank, Blossoming Communities, The Fire Service & Helen Lott from Tropiks. We ran an International Day, Curry & Quiz night, Volunteers Celebration, ESCAPE 30 year Anniversary Event, Pumpkin Carving , Easter & Christmas Events.

and others we ran across the year.

We delivered accredited training, Supporting Families affected by addiction and Peer Mentoring at Level Two and Family Dynamics at Level Three. Additionally we - delivered a suite of well being workshops: Self Esteem, All about me, Sleep hygiene, Anxiety, Stress and Anger awareness, Communication, Listening & Assertiveness.

In total 52 individuals accessed training , and as a result we developed 30 Family Champions (FC) , many are operating within ESCAPE and we trained a group of 11 FC from Forget Me Not’s who support and advocate for us in Blyth. Two FC moved into paid sessional work with ESCAPE and we have

through their training programmes which gave me belief in myself again. The ESCAPE team are caring and understanding. ESCAPE has changed my life, helped me realise I have a lot to offer, I am working now and have become a constructive member of society and our community. ESCAPE is a massive part of my recovery, is a massive positive in a sometimes hard world. When I came to ESCAPE, I felt like I came home, which is a feeling I never had before. Thank you ESCAPE”.

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Sample data analysis adult carer & family Evaluation & Impact

validated tools: 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.

year, we randomly extracted 109 cases to be used in our data analysis to determine the effectiveness of our interventions. The workshops, training and interventions we use at ESCAPE all aim to help to

Knowledge of substance misuse,

Relationship with the User, Relationship with family, Safety of household, Relationship with Wider Community, Physical and Psychological Health, Aspects of daily life, Ability to tackle the problem.

the exception

being “Safety of household” which had already displayed high scores pre-intervention. Of these sections, the largest effects were seen in:

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the trauma informed interventions we offer work. Furthermore carers appropriate support, they feel more able to discuss and address their feelings. That ESCAPE’s interventions have carers

mental and physical wellbeing. And

“You have shown me how

deal with it all THANK YOU is so small a word for what you have given me.” Female carer

they are better equipped to understand their own health needs and make healthier lifestyle choices. They have improved their ability to tackle the problem and cope with aspects of daily life. Moreover 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.

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Evaluation & Impact Sample data analysis adult carer & family support

Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS)

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 7-item version of the scale was - used for our clients, where each item is a 5 point scale ranging from “None of the time” to “All of the time”, referring to the frequency of feelings felt by the clients such as “I’ve been dealing with problems well” and “I’ve been feeling close to other people”. Each response was summed, giving a possible range of scores from 7 to 35, with higher scores being more positive.

215 closed cases with WEMWBS data were extracted from the ESCAPE database for analysis, however, 2 pre-intervention responses had to be removed due to incomplete data. A statistical analysis method - - (Analysis of Variance or ANOVA) was used to investigate the differences between pre and post intervention scores and therefore establish any effect of the intervention (see Figure 2.)

Figure 2.

Mental wellbeing’ describes positive states of being, thinking, behaving and feeling, whilst ‘mental health’ is a term often used to incorporate a range of states from excellent mental health to severe mental health problems.

p <.01) difference between

- - pre intervention, where the mean score was 15.2, and post intervention, where the mean score was 26.3. Effect size was then calculated, and was found to be “extremely large” meaning the effect the ESCAPE had an extremely large part in the increase in scores from these surveys.

A large effect means that the intervention or change being measured has had a substantial impact on mental wellbeing, as measured by WEMWBS.

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Supporting children in Northumberland

Getting the right support early ensures better outcomes for children and young people. 55 K

pioneering Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) Programme with children & Young People (YP) helps “break the cycle” of harms within the families we work with and increases protective factors through therapeutic intervention. Outcomes include empowerment, resilience, coping strategies, reduced isolation, improved mental health/ wellbeing and family relationships.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are stressful events occurring in childhood including domestic violence, parental abandonment through separation, abuse (physical, sexual, neglect or emotional), a parent with a mental health condition, being exposed to substance misuse, or being emotionally neglected.

The Young Person ACE’s project began the year with 23 cases carried forward (C/F) from 31/03/2024 and received 87 new referrals to 31/03/2025. We supported 110 Young People in 2024/25 up 57.14% (70) on 2023/24.

C/F Cases 23 Appropriate referrals 87

Total 110 young people

From 1st April 2024 to 31 March 2025 there were 42 closed cases of which 9 were either unplanned exits or moved out of area. Of the 42 cases, 33 YP cases were closed with positive outcomes which equates to 78.57% of closed case load.

Referral Source Referrer Volume
Children’s Services SocialWorkers/SocialWork Assistants 38
Children’s Services EarlyHelpTeam 11
Children’s Services FamilyHub 7
Sorted YP Drug &Alcohol Worker 1
School Referrals Pastoral& SafeguardingLeads 10
Health 0-19 Service 1
Mental Health Team PrimaryMental Health Worker 2
CrisisTeam Mental HealthWorker 1
Health General Practitioner 1
NCVA NCVA voluntary worker 1
ESCAPE Family Members 14
TOTAL 87

Of all referrals, the highest volume referrer was Children’s Services at 65.52 % , Education 11.5%, Health 5.75%, VCS Referrals 1.14% and 16.09% referred directly to ESCAPE by a family member.

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Evaluation & Impact Sample data analysis young people (YP) support

We utilised a number of measurement tools to assess the impact of our therapeutic interventions with children and young people (YP). The measurement tool is matched to the age of the child, for example we have utilised CSOP (detailed earlier in this report) this is because the YP are 17 plus years (in caring role). We randomly sampled 32 closed cases from the 42 total case closures across the year.

CSOP - Using 4 closed YP cases, average scores across all CSOP categories were calculated and compared. Across all indicators we saw improvement. Significantoo improvements in ability to tackle the problem , daily life & relationship with user.

The Rosenburg Self-esteem scale is a widely used tool for measuring self-esteem in Young people. It - uses 10 items where respondents use a 4 point Likert scale ranging from “Strongly Disagree” to “Strongly Agree” when referring to statements such as “I feel I have a number of good qualities”.

A sample of 22 closed cases were used to analyse the impact of ESCAPE’s interventions on the self-

Stirling Scale. At ESCAPE, we are transitioning from using the Rosenburg Scale towards the use of the Stirling Children’s Wellbeing Scale. This decision was made to allow a more holistic evaluation of our YP’s mental wellbeing pre- and post-intervention. - Rather than focussing only on self esteem, the Stirling encompasses many aspects such as optimism, cheerfulness, and interpersonal relationships to assess mental wellbeing. Due to the recent change, only 6 closed cases were sampled.

“….atÊtheÊendÊIÊfoundÊoutÊwhoÊIÊ was…”Ê(maleÊYP) “ÊLookÊatÊmeÊnowÊ..I’mÊworkingÊ fullÊÊtime”Ê(femaleÊYP)

“Ê..ÊAtÊtheÊbeginningÊitÊwasÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ horrendousÊIÊwasÊgettingÊbulliedÊ andÊinÊtroubleÊallÊtheÊtime….nowÊ I’mÊmoreÊrelaxedÊandÊchilledÊ out”Ê(femaleÊYP)

“offÊdaysÊareÊnormalÊbutÊI'veÊ hadÊaÊlotÊlessÊofÊthemÊsinceÊ comingÊhere”ÊÊ“(femaleÊYP)

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“EscapeÊFamilyÊSupportÊprovideÊassistanceÊinÊaÊsectorÊthatÊisÊnotÊonlyÊ - highlyÊchallengingÊandÊemotionallyÊintense,ÊbutÊunder fundedÊbyÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ CentralÊGovernment,ÊwhichÊmakesÊtheirÊoverallÊpresenceÊinÊthatÊareaÊ evenÊmoreÊinvaluable.Ê

TheÊNorthumberlandÊRecoveryÊCollegeÊareÊhonouredÊbyÊEscape'sÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ decisionÊtoÊpartnerÊwithÊusÊtoÊdeliverÊupcomingÊWellbeingÊsessionsÊinÊ twoÊrural,ÊchallengingÊareasÊofÊtheÊCountyÊ(WoolerÊandÊHaltwhistle)Ê - person,ÊinÊaÊsafeÊandÊ - inclusiveÊenvironmentÊandÊreceiveÊlife changingÊsupport.ÊWeÊhopeÊ thatÊEscapeÊdecidesÊtoÊcontinueÊworkingÊside-by-sideÊwithÊusÊinÊtheÊ future,ÊasÊIÊbelieveÊthatÊtheyÊareÊsavingÊpeople'sÊlivesÊandÊhopeÊthatÊweÊ canÊcontributeÊinÊsomeÊsmallÊway”.

“ÊIÊjustÊwantedÊtoÊacknowledgeÊ yourÊfabulousÊandÊvitalÊworkÊthatÊ youÊdo. .. VeryÊproudÊofÊyouÊguysÊ andÊyourÊservice”

Lisa-Jane Bell-Nevin, canÊcontributeÊinÊsomeÊsmallÊway”. - Substance and Alcohol (saAT) Social Worker , Intensive Social Pete Wolf, Northumberland Recovery College Coordinator Work Mental Health Team y

“ForÊthreeÊdecades,ÊEscapeÊhasÊbeenÊaÊlifelineÊinÊourÊ Northumberland Êcommunities,ÊdeliveringÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ essentialÊservicesÊthatÊgoÊbeyondÊwhatÊpublicÊservicesÊaloneÊcanÊprovide.ÊFromÊsupportingÊindividualsÊ

vitalÊgap,ÊofferingÊtheÊkindÊofÊpersonal,ÊaccessibleÊsupportÊthatÊcanÊonlyÊbeÊprovidedÊbyÊpeopleÊrootedÊ inÊtheirÊownÊcommunities…ÊÊorganisationsÊlikeÊEscapeÊdon’tÊjustÊtackleÊimmediateÊneeds;ÊtheyÊbuildÊ - resilience,Êconnection,ÊandÊlong termÊwellbeingÊacrossÊourÊregion”.

Martin Conway, Community Builder

“ I'm really pleased with the support Escape has offered one of the families I am currently supporting. They have gone above and beyond offering support to children and mum which has been valuable in terms of progressing the plan. It

very positively about it which is great! .”

Danielle Hall, Social Worker, Northumberland Children's Social Care

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madeÊtoÊourÊfamily.ÊThisÊtimeÊtwoÊyearsÊagoÊIÊfeltÊtheÊbottomÊhadÊfallenÊoutÊmyÊworldÊandÊIÊ couldn’tÊseeÊaÊwayÊtoÊmakeÊitÊbetter.ÊItÊwasÊtheÊdarkestÊofÊtimes.ÊThenÊalongÊcameÊyourselfÊ andÊtheÊESCAPEÊteam andÊwithÊitÊhopeÊandÊbrighterÊdays.ÊIÊwillÊneverÊÊforgetÊtheÊsupportÊweÊ receivedÊandÊwillÊbeÊÊforeverÊgrateful”Ê (Female adult carer)

Ê“IÊjustÊwantedÊtoÊsayÊaÊproperÊthankÊyouÊforÊtheÊ sessionsÊIÊcan'tÊsayÊitÊwasÊeasyÊtoÊstopÊandÊlookÊ closelyÊatÊtheÊissuesÊoverÊtheÊweeks,Êit'sÊhardÊtoÊ judgeÊprogressÊandÊIÊknowÊthereÊisÊmuchÊworkÊtoÊ doÊbutÊdespiteÊstillÊfeelingÊemotionalÊIÊwasÊquiteÊ amazedÊwhenÊIÊcomparedÊmyÊinitialÊhappinessÊ scoresÊtoÊtheÊonesÊinÊtheÊlastÊsession.ÊItÊwasÊaÊ lovelyÊgroupÊtoÊbeÊwithÊandÊalthoughÊIÊknowÊI'mÊ quietÊandÊnotÊaÊgreatÊcontributorÊitÊwasÊprobablyÊ

“I d idÊnotÊrealiseÊthatÊ thereÊwasÊothersÊlikeÊmeÊ,ÊIÊamÊnotÊ goingÊmadÊ.ÊInÊfactÊtheÊoppositeÊ nowÊasÊyouÊhaveÊshownÊmeÊhowÊtoÊ

(Male adult carer)

wouldÊbeÊacceptedÊandÊnotÊjudged.”Ê (Female adult carer)

“WhenÊIÊwasÊallÊaloneÊyouÊwereÊonÊtheÊ phoneÊhelpingÊandÊlistening….ÊIÊcanÊ reallyÊtalkÊtoÊmyÊcounsellorÊRod.ÊHeÊisÊ brilliant,ÊIÊenjoyÊcomingÊtoÊseeÊhim”

“ESCAPEÊmadeÊaÊmassiveÊdifferenceÊtoÊ us,ÊtheirÊadviceÊwasÊinvaluable.ÊKindnessÊ -ÊtoysÊforÊXmasÊ–Êcan’tÊthankÊESCAPEÊ enoughÊforÊtheirÊsupport”Ê

(Female adult carer)

(Male adult carer)

“ÊÊItsÊlikeÊhavingÊaÊdifferentÊdaughter,ÊÊitsÊ notÊaÊconstantÊbattle,ÊthankÊyouÊforÊ workingÊwithÊourÊfamily.ÊI’veÊlearnedÊ suchÊaÊlotÊtooÊandÊweÊareÊheadingÊinÊtheÊ rightÊdirection...thankyou”Ê (YP ACES parent/carer)

“HowÊvitalÊtheseÊservicesÊare,ÊitsÊbadÊ thatÊtheÊallÊtheÊgovernmentÊcutsÊtoÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ supportÊisÊhappening”Ê

(Male adult carer)

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Highlights of the year

ESCAPE celebrated its 30th anniversary in style, with an event at the Susan Kennedy Centre on 08/11/24. The day started with our AGM, presentations from staff, volunteers, carers and service users. We were joined by professionals, partner organisations, beneficiaries, councillors and dignitaries. prepared by our wonderful volunteers. The day was filled with fun, lively debate, heartfeltstories and fabulous food (

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Highlights of the year

Organisations are reviewed against 9 performance indicators:

Leading & inspiring people , Living the organisation's values & behaviours , Empowering and involving people , Managing Performance , Rewarding and recognising high performance , Structuring work, Building capability, Delivering continuous improvement , Creating sustainable success.

Survey highlights

You (ESCAPE) were above the IIP average for every Indicator within the survey. You also exceed this benchmark for every Theme and statement within the survey. The maximum score for any Indicator is 7.0

These were exceptionally high results. Your results by indicator You achieved a high performing level in 8 of the 9 indicators and 26 of the 27 Themes.

- Living the organisation's values & behaviours Scores in this area are uniformly high, demonstrating a strong alignment between staff and the charity’s core mission and values. This is a key strength, as charities rely on deeply engaged employees who believe in their work. Given that securing funding is a challenge, maintaining strong values and mission-driven engagement is crucial for staff resilience and long-term sustainability.

On-Site Assessment

— primary reason for working at Escape "it’sÊnotÊforÊtheÊmoney!"

Escape’s leaders emphasised that values are embedded in every decision made. Several compelling examples were provided:

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Andrea’s story

Andrea came to ESCAPE to join a course in August 2024 at St Marys church in Blyth. She has completed her accredited training in Peer Mentoring, Supporting Families with addiction (level 2) and her Family dynamics

Northumberland Recovery Partnership and has supported new learners on to these programmes.

Andrea has now moved into employment supporting other people with addiction on a part time basis.

“She is a credit to herself, and others and I feel blessed to have supported through this journey to develop

– Jenny Earle Trainer and Volunteer Coordinator, ESCAPE

The Bride

He asks for her hand in marriage. She wishes for a big white carriage. A big house and a double garage. The girl hopes for everything so lavish. All too soon she notices he has become quite savage. His bride all he wants to do is ravage. This man is not good for her all he does is do her damage. He convinces her she needs him that she cannot manage. He demeans her and acts to her with cruelty and disparage. He gaslights her and tells her, ‘No one will want you with all your baggage.’ He beats her black blue. She suffers a painful miscarriage. But with help out there, her life she can salvage.

© AndreaÊDawson,Ê2024

18

Accounts

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED Charity Number 1063500 (A company limited by guarantee) Company Number 03256554

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (SoFA)

(Including Summary Income and Expenditure Account)

Income from Notes
~~ee~~		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
~~ee~~		 Restricted
Funds
£
~~ee~~		 Total 2025
£
~~es~~		 Total 2024
£
Donations and Legacies
~~ee~~		 6
~~ee~~
~~ee~~		 9,556
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~		 -
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee Gs~~		 9,556
~~ee~~
~~es~~
~~Gs~~		 8,799
~~ee~~
Charitable Activities
~~ee ~~
~~ee~~
~~ee ~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee Gs~~
~~es~~
~~ee~~
~~Gs~~
~~ee~~
Grants & statutory income 7 60,004
~~ee~~		 318,259
~~ee Gs~~		 378,263
~~Gs~~		 249,130
Other Trading activities
~~ee~~		 8
~~ee~~
~~ee~~		 390
~~ee~~
~~ee~~		 -
~~ee~~
~~ee~~		 390
~~ee~~
~~es~~		 15,335
~~ee~~
Investments
~~ee~~		 9
~~ee~~
~~ee~~		 2,120
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~		 -
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~es Gs~~		 2,120
~~ee~~
~~es~~
~~Gs~~		 976
~~ee~~
Total Income
~~ee~~
~~es~~
~~ee~~		 72,070
~~ee~~
~~es~~
~~ee~~
~~e~~		 318,259
~~ee~~
~~es~~
~~es Gs~~
~~ee~~		 390,329
~~es~~
~~es~~
~~Gs~~
~~es~~		 274,240
~~es~~

~~e~~
~~e~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~e~~~~e~~
~~e~~
~~ee~~
~~es Gs~~
~~e~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~Gs~~
~~e~~
~~es~~
~~ee~~
~~e~~
Expenditure on
~~ee~~
~~ee ~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~e~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~es~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~es~~
~~ee~~
Raising Funds
~~ee~~		 10
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~		 (5,000)
~~ee ~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~		 -
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee Gs~~		 (5,000)
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~es~~
~~Gs~~		 3,013
~~ee~~
Charitable Activities
~~ee ~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee ~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee Gs~~
~~ee~~
~~es~~
~~ee~~
~~Gs~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
Operations of the charity
~~ee~~		 11
~~ee~~
~~ee~~		 42,640
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~		 317,277
~~ee Gs~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee Gs~~		 359,917
~~Gs~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~Gs~~		 280,803
~~ee~~
Total expenditure
~~ee~~
~~es~~
~~ee~~		 37,640
~~ee~~
~~es~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~		 317,277
~~ee~~
~~es~~
~~ee Gs~~
~~ee~~		 354,917
~~ee~~
~~es~~
~~Gs~~
~~es~~		 283,816
~~es~~

~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee Gs~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee Gs~~
~~Gs~~
~~ee~~
~~es~~
~~Gs~~
~~ee~~
Net income/( expenditure)
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~		 34,430
~~ee ~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~		 982
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee Gs~~
~~ee~~		 35,412
~~es~~
~~ee~~
~~Gs~~
~~ee~~		 (9,575)
~~ee~~

~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee Gs~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee Ge~~
~~Gs~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~Ge~~
~~ee~~
Reconciliation of funds
~~ee~~
~~es~~
~~a~~
~~ee~~
~~es~~
~~ee~~
~~es~~
~~ee~~
~~es~~
~~ee Ge~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~es~~
~~Ge~~
~~Gs~~
~~es~~
Total Funds Brought forward
~~ee~~
~~a~~		 244,037
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~es~~		 220,067
~~ee Ge~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~		 464104
~~Ge~~
~~ee~~
~~Gs~~		 473,679
~~ee~~
Total Funds Carried Forward
~~a~~		 278,467
~~es~~		 221,049
~~ee~~		 499,516
~~Gs~~		 464,104

For the year ended 31 March 2025

(Notes are contained within the full set of audited accounts)

19

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 building through capital funding.

20

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 2025

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

(A company limited by guarantee)

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

Annual Report and Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Contents Page

Contents Page
Trustee Annual Report 1 to 16
Independent Examiners Report 17
Statement of Financial Activities (including
Income and Expenditure account) 18
Balance Sheet 19
Notes to the financial statements 20 to 36

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

(A company limited by guarantee)

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

Report of the Management Committee for the year ended 31 March 2025

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 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective October 2019).

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Registered Company number

03256554 (England and Wales)

Registered Charity number

1063500

Registered office

Susan Kennedy Centre 63 South View Ashington Northumberland NE63 0SF

Trustees

J L M Axelby Chair to 07/11/2024. Vice Chair from 08/11/2024 H Scarfe Treasurer and Vice Chair to 07/11/2024. Treasurer and Chair from 08/11/2024 J Murphy Secretary (08/11/2024) S J Murphy A Park Vice Chair (08/11/2024) N Furno Resigned (08/11/2024) L Keen Appointed (30/01/2024) T O’Fee Appointed (01/08/2024)

Company Secretary

J Murphy Appointed (08/11/2024)

Independent examiner

Connected Voice Business Services One Strawberry Lane Newcastle Upon Tyne Tyne And Wear NE1 4BX

Bank:

Lloyds Bank

1

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

Solicitors:- Employment Law Solicitors:- Property Helen Kay Cuthbertsons CLR Law 3 Stanley Street Baltimore House, Blyth Baltic Business Quarter Northumberland Gateshead NE24 2BS NE8 3DF

Solicitors:- Employment Law

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.

2

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

(A company limited by guarantee)

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

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.

 Working in partnership with other agencies to provide the widest range of services possible to ensure that the needs of the client population are met.

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?

Poverty and Inequality

Northumberland faces deep-rooted inequalities, particularly in income and child poverty. According to the North East Child Poverty Trust (2024), the North East has the second highest child poverty rate in the UK, with 35% of children living in relative poverty after housing costs, up from 26% in 2024/15 (2)

Over 100,000 children in the region are living in deep poverty and 60,000 in very deep poverty. Every local authority in the North East, including Northumberland, has a higher child poverty rate than the national average, with stark inequalities at the ward level (2).

Drug Misuse and Deaths

Drug misuse remains a critical public health issue in Northumberland and the wider North East. The Crime Survey for England and Wales (2024) found that 8.8% of people aged 16-59 and 16.5% of those aged 16-24 reported using drugs in the past year (3).

3

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

(A company limited by guarantee)

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

Class A drug use was reported by 3.0% of adults and 5.5% of young people, with cannabis remaining the most commonly used substance (3).

The North East continues to have the highest rates of drug-related deaths in England and Wales. In 2023, the region recorded:

These figures are almost double the national average and represent the highest rates for the 11[th] consecutive year. Deaths involving opiates rose by 12.8% in 2023, and cocaine-related deaths increased by 30.5% compared to the previous year (4).

Alcohol-Specific Deaths

The North East also leads the country in alcohol-specific deaths, In 2023, the region recorded 25.7 deaths per 100,000 people, significantly higher than the national average of 15.9 per 100,000 (5). This marks a continued upward trend and reflects the region’s vulnerability to alcohol-related harm.

References:

1 Northumberland Demographics | Age, Ethnicity, Religion, Wellbeing – Varbes varbes.com

2 NORTH EAST CHILD POVERTY TRUST 2024 REPORT- nechildpovertytrust.org.uk 3 Drug misuse in England and Wales - Office for National Statistics ons.gov.uk

4 Deaths related to drug poisoning in England and Wales: 2023 - nhsapa.org 5 Alcohol-specific deaths in the UK - ons.gov.uk

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.

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.

We capture improvement and transitional success for beneficiaries using a range of tools: Carer Support Outcome Profile/CSOP, ACE’s Tools, WEMWBS, Rosenberg and Stirling Questionnaires, Outcome Action Plans, focus groups and service questionnaires.

4

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

ESCAPE has provided intensive support to 414 beneficiaries (adults & YP) during the reporting period whose lives have been negatively impacted by a family member’s substance use. 257 cases were closed during this year with 74.3% (191) of these people leaving service in a planned way reporting improved health and wellbeing and the skills to cope ongoing. A further 12.8% (33) were closed positively following brief intervention, advice and information. Only 4.66% (12) of closed cases left in an unplanned way after dropping out of service. Therefore, 87.1% of closed cases ended positively.

In addition, we worked with a further 11 people who completed parenting programmes, 29 recovering drug and alcohol users who completed accredited training and/or Wellbeing Workshops, and 52 community learners who completed accredited training.

This means we worked directly with 506 people in 2024/25.

An additional 135 Children and Young People within families we supported attended Easter, Halloween and Christmas events, receiving gifts for these occasions with a further 228 children attending the Elf School Christmas project we ran in partnership with Blossoming Communities. Therefore, the total number of people we worked with and supported in 2024/25 is 869.

Our current caseload carried forward into 2025/26 is 157.

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.

5

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

SPACE - Supporting Parents and Children Emotionally Parenting Programme

A trauma-informed, educational, relationship-based parenting programme empowering families to build resilience and emotional wellbeing. SPACE provides evidence-based trauma-informed group interventions which support parent/carers and, children and young people to meet the challenges of growing up in an ever-changing stressful world. The programme uses a trauma-informed approach to educate and inform participants on why children behave the way they do and how, as adults, we can support them.

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.

6

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

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 which we recently retained in March 2025 with even higher scores, a remarkable achievement for any small organisation.

Our Investor in People Insights Report dated March 2025 highlighted that we should be proud of:

We are delighted and proud to retain this award and to have been benchmarked so highly against other organisations delivering social work activities with a score of 876 out of 900 in comparison with an average industry benchmark score of 753 out of 900; with average IIP benchmark scores being 729.

Investor in People Insights Assessment and Health and Wellbeing Review Report March 2025.

The service is supported through grants from Public Health at Northumberland County Council, Adult Services at Northumberland County Council, NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, Northumberland Inclusive Economy Community Partnership Grant Fund, Blyth Town Council, Ashington Town Council, Prudhoe Town Council, Newbiggin Town Council, Ponteland Town Council, Seaton Valley Council, Amble Town Council. Greggs Foundation, Sir James Knott Trust; Forvis Mazars Foundation, Barbour Foundation, National Lottery Awards for All, Shears Foundation, Community Foundation North East, Blyth EDF Wind Farm Trust, Pea Green Boat Fund, Village Halls Fund, Ventient Sisters North Stead Wind Farm Community Benefit, Ted Weekes Fund, Joanies Fund, Joicey Trust, Hadrian Trust, Hospital of God at Greatham, High Sheriff Special Award, Percy Hedley 1990 Trust.

The Trustees are grateful to all of the funders who supported the work of the charity during 2024/25. Trustees would also like to thank individuals who have made personal donations this year.

7

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

(A company limited by guarantee)

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

Thanks to our funders, ESCAPE has been able to sustain, adapt, and enhance its services during 2024/25. The charity continues to embed a stronger mutual aid approach to supporting carers and families and our trauma informed support programmes. We have worked hard in 2024/25 to extend its provision in rural Northumberland to address health inequalities, increasing our footprint and referrals from rural areas.

VOLUNTEERING AND PEER MENTORING

We have an amazing pool of volunteers 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.

We successfully recruited and trained a further 30 Family Champions and a further 22 volunteers totalling 52 community learners in 2024/25. They completed 23 Level 1, 29 Levels 2 and 15 Level 3 qualifications - totalling 67 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.

5 Family Champions (16.66%) have now gained direct economic benefits from participating in the project as they have gained employment and are utilising the qualifications, skills and experience they gained through becoming Family Champions. 25 are now volunteering within ESCAPE, Northumberland Recovery Partnership, Full Circle Recovery, Forget Me Not 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 10% of our volunteers this year were from ethnic minority groups. We opened our peer mentoring training to people from other organisations to ensure that all courses were filled and taught 52 Community Learners. 29 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 40 volunteers, Family Champions and peer mentors who have again made a significant contribution to provision this year providing 8,552 hours of work. This is in effect the equivalent of 4.45 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:

8

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

The difference our work has made this year:

We believe our support to families is much more holistic, trauma informed and accessible due to the new hybrid methods of working, improved rural service delivery and the ACE’s programmes of support.

Partnership Work

We regularly attend meetings and participate in partnership work within the Northumberland Carer Partnership, Northumberland Drug and Alcohol Steering Group, Wansbeck and Cramlington Hospitals Alcohol Development Group, and Regional Carers of Substance Users Forum. We are a valued partner in these settings. We in-reach into Northumberland Recovery Partnership encouraging carers and substance users to access relevant ESCAPE services and training. We have developed and undertaken projects in partnership with Blossoming Communities.

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

9

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

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 a surplus of £36,396 after allowing for deprecation.

Principal Funding Sources

Principal funding sources for the charity during 2024/25 were: Public Health at Northumberland County Council, Adult Services at Northumberland County Council, NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, Northumberland Inclusive Economy Community Partnership Grant Fund, Blyth Town Council, Ashington Town Council, Prudhoe Town Council, Newbiggin Town Council, Ponteland Town Council, Seaton Valley Council, Amble Town Council. Greggs Foundation, Sir James Knott Trust; Forvis Mazars Foundation, Barbour Foundation, National Lottery Awards for All, Shears Foundation, Community Foundation North East, Blyth EDF Wind Farm Trust, Pea Green Boat Fund, Village Halls Fund, Ventient Sisters North Stead Wind Farm Community Benefit, Ted Weekes Fund, Joanies Fund, Joicey Trust, Hadrian Trust, Hospital of God at Greatham, High Sheriff Special Award, Percy Hedley 1990 Trust,

The Charity worked to become more environmentally sustainable and improved fuel efficiency by the installation of Solar Panels and a new heating system, and maintained the Susan Kennedy Centre facilities with funding from The Community Foundation VITAL Northumberland (Community First) Fund, BEST, The Duke of Northumberland Charity and the B&Q Foundation.

The Trustees are grateful to all funders who supported and sustained the work of the charity during 2024/25.

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 a minimum of 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.

10

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

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 or contract payment 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 between four and six 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.

The Charity Commission recommends small charities hold between three to six months unrestricted reserves. We are presently holding 4.7 months operating costs.

Our annual budget is currently £411,936 for 2025/26. We have secured £395,329 towards this leaving us with a deficit of £16,607 as of 31/08/2025. Therefore, our current reserves more than cover the projected deficit should we fail to raise any further funds in 2025/26 which is unlikely. 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 2025/26 is £411,936 and therefore the minimum unrestricted cash reserves target is £102,984 to be retained in reserves. The charity held unrestricted cash reserves funds of £160,907, designated unrestricted funds of £17,281, and £23,067 of restricted cash funds at 31st March 2025. The charity also has £298,261 fixed assets at that date.

The charity continues to work in an area of limited resources and insecurities over funding and is working hard to secure its core funding for 2026/27. 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. Funding also needs to be secured for a paid Chief Executive to facilitate succession planning and provide sustainability.

11

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

(A company limited by guarantee)

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

Going Concern

The Trustees have performed a robust analysis of budget, forecasts, reserve levels and cash flows taking into consideration potential scenarios that could impact 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 consolidate, 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. All of our activity will contribute towards the work outlined within the afore mentioned National Drug and Alcohol Strategies.

Strategies we utilise to fulfil these objectives include:

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

  1. Continuing to extend and embed a stronger mutual aid approach that provides training, opportunities and support to develop a bank of Family Champions who are ‘experts by experience’ and who have expressed their desire to give something back and help others to achieve positive change.

  2. Continuing to extend and provide ACEs therapeutic support programme which is specifically designed and targeted at children and young people whose lives are blighted by the drug or alcohol dependency of others.

  3. Working to address inequalities by increasing our reach into rural areas of Northumberland and delivering initiatives to help address poverty.

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

12

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

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 £10.

Recruitment and Appointment of Management Committee – Trustee Board.

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.

A range of business, social work and caring skills are well represented on the Management Committee. In the event of particular skills being lost due to retirements, or new skills being required, 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 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:

 The duties and obligations of the Management Committee (the board)

 The main documents which set out the operational framework for the charity including the Memorandum and Articles

13

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

RISK MANAGEMENT STATEMENT

Governance

Following a trustee skills audit and analysis, further recruitment of three more trustees will take place.

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 and built upon if possible during 2025/26 and beyond.

Financial

Sustainability of the charity is a high priority.

Statutory funding from Public Health Northumberland has been secured for the 2023/24, 2024/25 and 2025/26 financial years following ESCAPE winning a contract to carryout work on their behalf. There is also a provision for the funding to continue for a further two years following this, but is not guaranteed at this time, which will also contribute significantly to sustainability. The charity will work to secure this two year roll on during 2025/26. The charity will work to secure funding for a paid Chief Executive to facilitate succession planning and secure sustainability.

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

External Risks

Trustees recognise that the last fifteen 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. The charity has responded by reassessing its priorities and activities to ensure funds are targeted at the highest areas of need and by seeking funds to March 2026 and beyond.

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 and Operations, Policy and Safeguarding Group includes self-assessment to ensure compliance with the Charities Act 2011, Charities (Protection and Social Investment Act 2016 and the Charities Act 2022 which governs charity operations, trustee responsibilities and fundraising regulations, Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) for accounting, and UK GDPR and Data Protection ACT 2018 for data processing and storing, and the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSWA).

14

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

Organisational Structure

The Management Committee (the board) has seven 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 Voluntary Chief Executive. The Voluntary 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 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, 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 has retained in March 2025 with even higher scores.

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 and the Inequalities Plan. The local Drug and Alcohol Steering Group, Carer Partnership Board, Young Carer Steering Group and VCSE Tackling Inequalities Taskforce 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).

15

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

(A company limited by guarantee)

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

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

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 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 28th October 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

.............................................

H Scarfe - Treasurer

16

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES

For the year ended 31 March 2025

I report on the financial statements of ESCAPE Family Support Limited for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 18 to 36.

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.

The charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a Fellow Member of the Association of Accounting Technicians.

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.

Doug Maltman FMAAT Fellow Member of the Association of Accountancy Technicians Connected Voice Business Services One Strawberry Lane Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4BX Date: 12.11.2025

17

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

(INCLUDING SUMMARY INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)

For the year ended 31 March 2025

==> picture [523 x 368] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
Funds Funds 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Income from:
Donations and legacies 6 9,556 - 9,556 8,799
Charitable activities
Grants and statutory funding 7 60,004 318,259 378,263 249,130
Other trading activities 8 390 - 390 15,335
Investments 9 2,120 - 2,120 976
Total income 72,070 318,259 390,329 274,240
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 10 ( 5,000 ) - ( 5,000 ) 3,013
Charitable activities
Operation of the charity 11 42,640 317,277 359,917 280,802
Total expenditure 37,640 317,277 354,917 283,815
Net movement of funds 34,430 982 35,412 ( 9,575 )
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 244,037 220,067 464,104 473,679
Total funds carried forward 278,467 221,049 499,516 464,104
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 20 to 36 form an integral part of these financial statements.

18

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

BALANCE SHEET

As at 31 March 2025

==> picture [523 x 407] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
2025 2025 2024 2024
Total Total
£ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 18 286,261 285,609
Intangible assets 19 12,000 12,000
Total fixed assets 298,261 297,609
Current assets
Debtors 20 9,417 7,098
Cash at bank and in hand 21 336,582 265,686
Total current assets 345,999 272,784
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year 22 ( 144,744 ) ( 106,289 )
Net current assets 201,255 166,495
Total assets less current liabilities 499,516 464,104
Total net assets or liabilities 499,516 464,104
Funds of the charity
Unrestricted income funds 278,467 244,037
Restricted income funds 221,049 220,067
Total funds 499,516 464,104
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 20 to 36 form an integral part of these financial statements.

These financial statements were approved by the Board on: 11.11.2025

and are signed on its behalf by:

H Scarfe Treasurer

19

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

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.

20

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

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.

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.

21

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

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 Solar Panels 5 % Straight Line Other equipment 25 % Straight Line

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.

22

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

5.3 Debtors

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

23

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

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
Carried forward balance
National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund
Garfield Weston
Big Lottery Awards for All
The B&Q Foundation
The Joicey Trust
Forvis Mazars
Donations and grants		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2025
2024
£
£
£
£
9,556
-
9,556
8,799
9,556
-
9,556
8,799
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2025
2024
£
£
£
£
-
-
-
24,851
-
20,800
20,800
20,000
-
12,500
12,500
15,000
-
-
-
10,000
-
5,750
5,750
5,500
-
10,000
10,000
5,000
-
-
-
5,000
-
-
-
5,000
-
-
-
4,176
-
-
-
4,000
-
-
-
2,250
-
-
-
1,500
-
-
-
1,000
-
500
500
1,000
-
-
-
750
-
500
500
500
-
-
-
500
-
-
-
500
-
-
-
300
-
10,000
10,000
5,000
-
-
-
5,000
-
25,000
25,000
-
-
13,300
13,300
-
-
9,885
9,885
-
-
10,000
10,000
-
-
2,000
2,000
-
-
120,235
120,235
116,827

24

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Analysis of grant income
continued
Brought forward balance
BEST
Cash 4 Kids
Northumbria Intern Funding
Hospital of God at Grantham
Joanies Fund
Northumberland Village Hall
Ventient Sisters Wind Farm
1989 Willian Charitable Trust
Squires
Ted Weekes
High Sheriff of Northumberland
NEIC Partnership
Northumberland County
Council - FSW Blyth Project
Northumberland County
Council - FSP & Trainer Grant
Northumberland County
Council - H&A Programme
The Pea Green Boat
Communbity First
VITAL Northumberland
(Community First)
Northumberland County
Council - Carers' Grant
Ashington Town Council
Prudhoe Town Council
Haltwhistle Town Council
Amble Town Council
Blyth Town Council
Newbiggin Town Council
Ponteland Town Council
Public Health at Northumberland County Council
Seaton Valley Parish Council
Choppington Parish Council		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2025
2024
£
£
£
£
-
120,235
120,235116,827
55,000
-
55,000
81,291
-
5,516
5,516
-
-
3,500
3,500
-
-
2,860
2,860
-
-
2,000
2,000
-
-
2,000
2,000
-
-
5,000
5,000
-
-
5,000
5,000
-
-
5,000
5,000
-
-
5,000
5,000
-
-
2,150
2,150
-
-
1,000
1,000
-
-
19,874
19,874
-
-
34,282
34,282
-
-
45,000
45,000
-
-
5,000
5,000
-
-
5,000
5,000
-
-
10,000
10,000
-
-
26,487
26,487
25,000
-
5,000
5,000
5,000
-
3,000
3,000
8,000
-
1,000
1,000
1,000
-
600
600
-
-
500
500
500
-
500
500
-
-
-
-
500
-
-
-
500
-
250
250
160
55,000
315,754
370,754
238,778

25

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

8
9		 Other income
Other income
NI Employment allowance
Other trading activities
Other sales
Income from investments
Bank interest
Room hire		 4
2,505
2,509
5,352
5,000
-
5,000
5,000
60,004
318,259
378,263
249,130
-
-
-
1,275
390
-
390
14,060
390
-
390
15,335
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2025
2024
£
£
£
£
2,120
-
2,120
976
2,120
-
2,120
976

Income was £390,329 (2024: £274,240) of which £72,070 was unrestricted or designated (2024: £78,192) and £318,259 was restricted (2024: £196,048)

26

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities

10 Raising funds
Fundraising costs		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2025
2024
£
£
£
£
( 5,000 )
-
( 5,000 )
3,013
( 5,000 )
-
( 5,000 )
3,013

The negative expenditure relates to an expenditure in 2022/23 which guaranteed the return of this amount if it did not result in additional income of at least this total in the year following the payment. This guarantee was sent during 2024/25 from the supplier and has since been returned.

11 Charitable activities
Direct costs
Staff costs
Training costs
Respite costs (caravan)
Travel costs
Client costs
Helpline and outreach
Stationery and copying costs
Cost of living grants
Support costs
Staff costs
Travel 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
Carried forward balance
Depreciation
Volunteer costs including travel
Small equipment		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2025
2024
£
£
£
£
11,537
180,935
192,472
131,061
594
2,984
3,578
4,165
-
7,785
7,785
1,116
23
2,506
2,529
776
1,449
569
2,018
2,138
-
300
300
-
557
1,468
2,025
2,383
2,008
2,247
4,255
-
22
3,500
3,522
-
5,178
40,475
45,653
48,125
25
-
25
-
6,628
13,630
20,258
17,594
2,275
5,543
7,818
2,658
1,873
5,000
6,873
5,999
1,108
2,490
3,598
6,453
518
301
819
341
-
-
-
317
5,655
12,048
17,703
11,409
477
554
1,031
10,935
-
-
-
3,950
363
2,583
2,946
588
100
2,518
2,618
4,635
1,364
8,060
9,424
4,014
174
-
174
124
358
1,938
2,296
368
354
18,805
19,159
20,699
42,640
316,239
358,879
279,848

27

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Charitable activities
continued
Governance costs
Brought forward balance
Independent examiner's fees for reporting on the
accounts
Trustee costs		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2025
2024
£
£
£
£
42,640
316,239
358,879
279,848
-
1,008
1,008
954
-
30
30
-
42,640
317,277
359,917
280,802

Expenditure on charitable activities was £354,917 (2024: £283,815) of which £37,640 was unrestricted or designated (2024: £73,219) and £317,277 was restricted (2024: £210,596)

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 (: £nil)		 2025
2024
£
£
1,008
954

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

Salaries and wages
Social security costs
Pension costs (defined contribution pension plan)
Other employee benefits		 2025
2024
£
£
212,170
158,287
15,099
12,243
10,856
7,645
3,582
1,011
241,707
179,186

No employee received remuneration above £60,000 (: 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. (2024: £0)

14 Staff numbers

The average monthly head count was 9 staff (2024: 9 staff) and the average monthly number of full-time equivalent employees during the year were as follows:

The parts of the charity in which the employees work
Charitable activities		 2025
2024
Number
Number
7.0
5.2

28

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

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 £10,856 (0: £7,645). There was £0 outstanding as at 31 March 2025 (2024: £0).

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.
Alice Park
Janet Murphy		 2025
2024
£
£
1,333
1,126
30
-
1,363
1,126

Transactions with related parties

As at 31 March 2024

There were no related party tranactions for the year ended 31 March 2024.

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.

29

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Freehold
Office and
Caravan
property
computer
18 Tangible fixed assets
equipment
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 April 2024
341,147
23,661
32,035
Additions
-
-
Disposals
-
-
At 31 March 2025
341,147
23,661
32,035
Depreciation
Basis
SL
SL
SL
Rate
5%
25%
10%
At 1 April 2024
76,286
19,735
16,020
Depreciation charge for year
12,714
2,186
3,204
Disposals
-
-
At 31 March 2025
89,000
21,921
19,224
Net book value
At 31 March 2024
264,861
3,926
16,015
At 31 March 2025
252,147
1,740
12,811
19 Intangible fixed assets
Cost
At 1 April 2024
Additions
At 31 March 2024
Amortisation
At 1 April 2024
Amortisation charge for year
At 31 March 2025
Net book value
At 31 March 2024
At 31 March 2025
20 Debtors and prepayments (receivable within 1 year)
Debtors
Prepayments		 Solar
Other
Total
Panels
equipment
£
£
£
-
4,561
401,404
19,811
-
19,811
-
-
-
19,811
4,561
421,215
SL
SL
5%
25%
-
3,754
115,795
248
807
19,159
-
-
-
248
4,561
134,954
-
807
285,609
19,563
-
286,261
Software
Total
Development
£
£
12,000
12,000
-
-
12,000
12,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
12,000
12,000
12,000
12,000
2025
2024
£
£
3,675
1,500
5,742
5,598
9,417
7,098

30

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

21 Cash at bank and in hand

Short term deposits
Cash at bank
Cash in hand		 2025
2024
£
£
134,374
146,906
202,152
118,534
56
246
336,582
265,686

22 Creditors and accruals (payable within 1 year)

Other creditors
Accruals
Independent examination of accounts
Deferred income		 2025
2024
£
£
6,671
265
1,008
954
137,065
105,070
144,744
106,289

23 Deferred income

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

Balance brought forward
Amount released to income earned from
charitable activities
Amount deferred in year
Balance carried forward		 2025
2024
£
£
105,070
15,455
( 105,070 )
( 15,455 )
137,065
105,070
137,065
105,070

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 2025

Unrestricted funds
General unrestricted fund
Designated funds
Unrestricted fixed assets
Contingency
System upgrade
Totals		 Fund
balances
brought
forward
£
124,374
100,633
10,405
8,625
244,037		 Fund
balances
Incoming
Resources
carried
resources
expended
Transfers
forward
£
£
£
£
77,070
( 40,537 )
-
160,907
-
( 354 )
-
100,279
-
( 1,749 )
-
8,656
-
-
-
8,625
77,070
( 42,640 )
-
278,467

31

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

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		 Fund
balances
Incoming
Resources
carried
resources
expended
Transfers
forward
£
£
£
£
78,192
( 72,561 )
213
124,374
-
( 658 )
6,000
100,633
-
-
( 213 )
10,405
-
-
( 6,000 )
8,625
78,192
( 73,219 )
-
244,037

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.

Analysis of movement in restricted funds As at 31 March 2025

Restricted fixed assets
Susan Kennedy Centre
refurbishment
Restricted office, computer and
other equipment
Caravan upgrade
Solar panels
Restricted funds
Susan Kennedy Centre
Respite project
Centre running costs
Santander Foundation
Northumberland County Council -
Public Health FSW Blyth
Northumberland County Council -
Carers Grant
Northumberland County Council -
ICB Funding
Northumberland County Council -
Activities programme
Northumberland County Council -
NEIC Partnership
Balance C/fwd		 Fund
balances
brought
forward
£
177,992
4,733
14,250
-
1,315
2,680
733
-
86
2
-
-
-
201,791		 Fund
balances
Incoming
Resources
carried
resources
expended
Transfers
forward
£
£
£
£
-
( 12,714 )
-
165,278
-
( 2,993 )
-
1,740
-
( 2,850 )
-
11,400
-
( 248 )
19,812
19,564
-
-
-
( 656 )
659
2,505
( 7,822 )
2,637
-
-
-
-
733
2,860
( 2,860 )
-
-
34,282
( 34,368 )
-
-
26,487
( 26,487 )
-
2
45,000
( 44,660 )
-
340
5,000
( 253 )
-
4,747
19,874
( 19,874 )
-
-
136,008
( 155,129 )
21,793
204,463

32

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Balance B/fwd
Blyth Town Council
Small equipment
Awards for all
The Joicey Trust
The Shears Foundation
The Percy Hedley Trust
Garfield Weston
Ashington Town Council
Asda Foundation
Greggs Foundation
Sir James Knott
Forvis Mazars
Squires
The Barbour Foundation
Joanies Fund
Hospital of God at Grantham
Cash 4 Kids
BEST
Hadrian Trust
Newbiggin Town Council
Seaton Valley Parish Council
Prudhoe Town Council
Ponteland Town Council
Amble Town Council
Tesco community fund
B&Q Foundation
The Duke of Northumberland
Charity
Community Foundation
serving Tyne and Wear and
Northumberland
EDF Blyth Wind Farm
Vital Northumberland
(Community First)
Ted Weekes Fund
1989 Willian Charitable Trust
Ventilient SistersWind Farm
Northumberland Village Hall
The Pea Green Boat Community
First
High Sheriff of Northumberland		 201,791
136,008
( 155,129 )
21,793
204,463
-
5,000
( 5,000 )
-
-
206
-
-
-
206
52
9,885
( 8,353 )
-
1,584
-
2,000
( 2,000 )
-
-
-
5,750
( 5,750 )
-
-
-
500
( 500 )
-
-
-
25,000
( 23,019 )
( 1,981 )
-
-
3,000
( 3,000 )
-
-
25
-
( 25 )
-
-
9,016
20,800
( 22,088 )
-
7,728
7,000
12,500
( 18,406 )
-
1,094
-
13,300
( 13,300 )
-
-
-
5,000
( 5,000 )
-
-
-
10,000
( 10,000 )
-
-
-
2,000
( 2,000 )
-
-
-
2,000
( 2,000 )
-
-
-
3,500
( 3,500 )
-
-
-
5,516
-
( 5,516 )
-
-
500
( 500 )
-
-
-
600
( 600 )
-
-
-
500
( 439 )
-
61
-
1,000
( 1,000 )
-
-
-
500
( 500 )
-
-
-
250
( 250 )
-
-
392
-
( 233 )
-
159
-
10,000
-
( 4,296 )
5,704
1,585
-
( 1,535 )
-
50
-
-
-
10,000
( 10,000 )
-
-
-
10,000
-
( 10,000 )
-
-
2,150
( 2,150 )
-
-
-
5,000
( 5,000 )
-
-
-
5,000
( 5,000 )
-
-
-
5,000
( 5,000 )
-
-
-
5,000
( 5,000 )
-
-
-
1,000
( 1,000 )
-
-
220,067
318,259
( 317,277 )
-
221,049

33

(A company limited by guarantee)

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Analysis of movement in restricted funds

As at 31 March 2024

Restricted fixed assets
Susan Kennedy Centre
refurbishment
Restricted office, computer and
other equipment
Caravan upgrade
Restricted funds
Susan Kennedy Centre
Respite project
Centre running costs
National lottery Reaching
Communities
Northumberland County Council -
Public Health FSW Blyth
Northumberland County Council -
Carers Grant
Mental Health concern
Blyth Town Council
Small equipment
Donations in Kind
Awards for all
RW Mann
The Joicey Trust
The Shears Foundation
The Percy Hedley Trust
Garfield Weston
Northumberland County Council
Jubilee Fund
Ashington Town Council
Asda Foundation
Ballinger Trust
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
Balance C/fwd		 Fund
balances
brought
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
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
230,588		 Fund
balances
Incoming
Resources
carried
resources
expended
Transfers
forward
£
£
£
£
-
( 12,714 )
-
177,992
-
( 4,477 )
-
4,733
-
( 2,850 )
-
14,250
-
-
-
1,315
5,320
( 1,116 )
-
2,680
-
-
18
733
24,851
( 24,961 )
-
-
26,291
( 26,205 )
-
86
25,000
( 24,998 )
-
2
-
( 191 )
-
-
5,000
( 4,996 )
( 4 )
-
-
-
-
206
3,950
( 3,950 )
-
-
-
( 1,112 )
-
52
1,500
( 2,535 )
-
-
-
( 3,387 )
-
-
5,500
( 6,138 )
-
-
500
( 960 )
-
-
-
( 1,918 )
-
-
-
-
( 4 )
-
8,000
( 7,990 )
( 10 )
-
-
( 308 )
-
25
-
( 3,620 )
-
-
20,000
( 10,984 )
-
9,016
15,000
( 8,000 )
-
7,000
10,000
( 10,000 )
-
-
5,000
( 5,000 )
-
-
5,000
( 5,000 )
-
-
5,000
( 5,000 )
-
-
4,000
( 4,000 )
-
-
3,000
( 3,000 )
-
-
1,000
( 1,000 )
-
-
1,000
( 1,000 )
-
-
1,000
( 1,000 )
-
-
175,912
( 188,410 )
-
218,090

34

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Balance B/fwd
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
Banks Community Fund
The Duke of Northumberland
Charity
Community Chest		 230,588
175,912
( 188,410 )
-
218,090
-
500
( 500 )
-
-
-
500
( 500 )
-
-
-
500
( 500 )
-
-
-
160
( 160 )
-
-
-
500
( 500 )
-
-
-
500
( 108 )
-
392
-
300
( 300 )
-
-
-
5,000
( 5,000 )
-
-
-
5,000
( 5,000 )
-
-
4,027
-
( 4,027 )
-
-
-
4,176
( 4,176 )
-
-
-
2,250
( 665 )
-
1,585
-
750
( 750 )
-
-
234,615
196,048
( 210,596 )
-
220,067

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 Northumberland County Council - Public Health FSW Blyth

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 to costs associated with the Family Support Worker in Blyth.

Susan Kennedy Centre Respite Project Centre Running Costs Santander Foundation Sir James Knott Northumberland County Council

Restricted for the Susan Kennedy Centre running costs. Restricted for the respite project.

Restricted to centre running costs.

Restricted to intern’s salary costs.

Restricted to Family Support Worker (FSW) salary and associated costs. Restricted to Family Support Worker (FSW) salary costs.

– Carers Grant

Restricted to costs associated to the Blyth Project Restricted to Rural FSW salary costs

Restricted to costs associated with the NEIC Partnership Costs related to the Activities Program

Restricted to core costs Restricted to core costs Restricted to core costs Restricted to core costs Restricted to running costs within the Blyth area

35

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Purpose of restricted funds (continued)

Awards for all Small equipment

Tesco Community Fund Cash 4 Kids The Pea Green Boat Community First Northumberland Village hall Forvis Mazars Squires The Barbour Foundation Asda Foundation Joanies Fund Ballinger Trust Greggs Foundation B&Q Foundation

Duke of Northumberland Charity BEST Vital Northumberland All other funds

Restricted to Training Officer costs

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 payment of hardship grants Restricted to costs relating to the work done with young people

Restricted to costs relating to the work done with young people Restricted to costs relating to the work done with young people Restricted to core costs Restricted to core costs 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 building maintenance/refurbishment and cost of Solar Panel installation Restricted to cost of replacing central heating boiler Restricted to the cost of SOLAR Panels installation Restricted to the cost of SOLAR Panels installation Restricted to core costs

26 Capital commitments

As at 31 March 2025, the charity had capital commitments of £0 relating to the refurbishment of the Susan Kennedy Centre (2024 - £0)

27 Analysis of net assets between funds

Tangible fixed assets
Cash at bank and in hand
Other net current assets/(liabilities)		 Funds
£
-
296,234
( 135,327 )
160,907
Unrestricted		 Designated
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2025
2024
£
£
£
£
100,279
197,982
298,261
297,609
17,281
23,067
336,582
265,686
-
-
( 135,327 )
( 99,191 )
117,560
221,049
499,516
464,104

36

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 2025

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

(A company limited by guarantee)

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

Annual Report and Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Contents Page

Contents Page
Trustee Annual Report 1 to 16
Independent Examiners Report 17
Statement of Financial Activities (including
Income and Expenditure account) 18
Balance Sheet 19
Notes to the financial statements 20 to 36

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

(A company limited by guarantee)

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

Report of the Management Committee for the year ended 31 March 2025

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 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective October 2019).

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Registered Company number

03256554 (England and Wales)

Registered Charity number

1063500

Registered office

Susan Kennedy Centre 63 South View Ashington Northumberland NE63 0SF

Trustees

J L M Axelby Chair to 07/11/2024. Vice Chair from 08/11/2024 H Scarfe Treasurer and Vice Chair to 07/11/2024. Treasurer and Chair from 08/11/2024 J Murphy Secretary (08/11/2024) S J Murphy A Park Vice Chair (08/11/2024) N Furno Resigned (08/11/2024) L Keen Appointed (30/01/2024) T O’Fee Appointed (01/08/2024)

Company Secretary

J Murphy Appointed (08/11/2024)

Independent examiner

Connected Voice Business Services One Strawberry Lane Newcastle Upon Tyne Tyne And Wear NE1 4BX

Bank:

Lloyds Bank

1

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

Solicitors:- Employment Law Solicitors:- Property Helen Kay Cuthbertsons CLR Law 3 Stanley Street Baltimore House, Blyth Baltic Business Quarter Northumberland Gateshead NE24 2BS NE8 3DF

Solicitors:- Employment Law

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.

2

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

(A company limited by guarantee)

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

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.

 Working in partnership with other agencies to provide the widest range of services possible to ensure that the needs of the client population are met.

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?

Poverty and Inequality

Northumberland faces deep-rooted inequalities, particularly in income and child poverty. According to the North East Child Poverty Trust (2024), the North East has the second highest child poverty rate in the UK, with 35% of children living in relative poverty after housing costs, up from 26% in 2024/15 (2)

Over 100,000 children in the region are living in deep poverty and 60,000 in very deep poverty. Every local authority in the North East, including Northumberland, has a higher child poverty rate than the national average, with stark inequalities at the ward level (2).

Drug Misuse and Deaths

Drug misuse remains a critical public health issue in Northumberland and the wider North East. The Crime Survey for England and Wales (2024) found that 8.8% of people aged 16-59 and 16.5% of those aged 16-24 reported using drugs in the past year (3).

3

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

(A company limited by guarantee)

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

Class A drug use was reported by 3.0% of adults and 5.5% of young people, with cannabis remaining the most commonly used substance (3).

The North East continues to have the highest rates of drug-related deaths in England and Wales. In 2023, the region recorded:

These figures are almost double the national average and represent the highest rates for the 11[th] consecutive year. Deaths involving opiates rose by 12.8% in 2023, and cocaine-related deaths increased by 30.5% compared to the previous year (4).

Alcohol-Specific Deaths

The North East also leads the country in alcohol-specific deaths, In 2023, the region recorded 25.7 deaths per 100,000 people, significantly higher than the national average of 15.9 per 100,000 (5). This marks a continued upward trend and reflects the region’s vulnerability to alcohol-related harm.

References:

1 Northumberland Demographics | Age, Ethnicity, Religion, Wellbeing – Varbes varbes.com

2 NORTH EAST CHILD POVERTY TRUST 2024 REPORT- nechildpovertytrust.org.uk 3 Drug misuse in England and Wales - Office for National Statistics ons.gov.uk

4 Deaths related to drug poisoning in England and Wales: 2023 - nhsapa.org 5 Alcohol-specific deaths in the UK - ons.gov.uk

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.

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.

We capture improvement and transitional success for beneficiaries using a range of tools: Carer Support Outcome Profile/CSOP, ACE’s Tools, WEMWBS, Rosenberg and Stirling Questionnaires, Outcome Action Plans, focus groups and service questionnaires.

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Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

ESCAPE has provided intensive support to 414 beneficiaries (adults & YP) during the reporting period whose lives have been negatively impacted by a family member’s substance use. 257 cases were closed during this year with 74.3% (191) of these people leaving service in a planned way reporting improved health and wellbeing and the skills to cope ongoing. A further 12.8% (33) were closed positively following brief intervention, advice and information. Only 4.66% (12) of closed cases left in an unplanned way after dropping out of service. Therefore, 87.1% of closed cases ended positively.

In addition, we worked with a further 11 people who completed parenting programmes, 29 recovering drug and alcohol users who completed accredited training and/or Wellbeing Workshops, and 52 community learners who completed accredited training.

This means we worked directly with 506 people in 2024/25.

An additional 135 Children and Young People within families we supported attended Easter, Halloween and Christmas events, receiving gifts for these occasions with a further 228 children attending the Elf School Christmas project we ran in partnership with Blossoming Communities. Therefore, the total number of people we worked with and supported in 2024/25 is 869.

Our current caseload carried forward into 2025/26 is 157.

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.

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Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

SPACE - Supporting Parents and Children Emotionally Parenting Programme

A trauma-informed, educational, relationship-based parenting programme empowering families to build resilience and emotional wellbeing. SPACE provides evidence-based trauma-informed group interventions which support parent/carers and, children and young people to meet the challenges of growing up in an ever-changing stressful world. The programme uses a trauma-informed approach to educate and inform participants on why children behave the way they do and how, as adults, we can support them.

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.

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Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

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 which we recently retained in March 2025 with even higher scores, a remarkable achievement for any small organisation.

Our Investor in People Insights Report dated March 2025 highlighted that we should be proud of:

We are delighted and proud to retain this award and to have been benchmarked so highly against other organisations delivering social work activities with a score of 876 out of 900 in comparison with an average industry benchmark score of 753 out of 900; with average IIP benchmark scores being 729.

Investor in People Insights Assessment and Health and Wellbeing Review Report March 2025.

The service is supported through grants from Public Health at Northumberland County Council, Adult Services at Northumberland County Council, NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, Northumberland Inclusive Economy Community Partnership Grant Fund, Blyth Town Council, Ashington Town Council, Prudhoe Town Council, Newbiggin Town Council, Ponteland Town Council, Seaton Valley Council, Amble Town Council. Greggs Foundation, Sir James Knott Trust; Forvis Mazars Foundation, Barbour Foundation, National Lottery Awards for All, Shears Foundation, Community Foundation North East, Blyth EDF Wind Farm Trust, Pea Green Boat Fund, Village Halls Fund, Ventient Sisters North Stead Wind Farm Community Benefit, Ted Weekes Fund, Joanies Fund, Joicey Trust, Hadrian Trust, Hospital of God at Greatham, High Sheriff Special Award, Percy Hedley 1990 Trust.

The Trustees are grateful to all of the funders who supported the work of the charity during 2024/25. Trustees would also like to thank individuals who have made personal donations this year.

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Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

(A company limited by guarantee)

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

Thanks to our funders, ESCAPE has been able to sustain, adapt, and enhance its services during 2024/25. The charity continues to embed a stronger mutual aid approach to supporting carers and families and our trauma informed support programmes. We have worked hard in 2024/25 to extend its provision in rural Northumberland to address health inequalities, increasing our footprint and referrals from rural areas.

VOLUNTEERING AND PEER MENTORING

We have an amazing pool of volunteers 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.

We successfully recruited and trained a further 30 Family Champions and a further 22 volunteers totalling 52 community learners in 2024/25. They completed 23 Level 1, 29 Levels 2 and 15 Level 3 qualifications - totalling 67 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.

5 Family Champions (16.66%) have now gained direct economic benefits from participating in the project as they have gained employment and are utilising the qualifications, skills and experience they gained through becoming Family Champions. 25 are now volunteering within ESCAPE, Northumberland Recovery Partnership, Full Circle Recovery, Forget Me Not 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 10% of our volunteers this year were from ethnic minority groups. We opened our peer mentoring training to people from other organisations to ensure that all courses were filled and taught 52 Community Learners. 29 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 40 volunteers, Family Champions and peer mentors who have again made a significant contribution to provision this year providing 8,552 hours of work. This is in effect the equivalent of 4.45 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:

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Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

The difference our work has made this year:

We believe our support to families is much more holistic, trauma informed and accessible due to the new hybrid methods of working, improved rural service delivery and the ACE’s programmes of support.

Partnership Work

We regularly attend meetings and participate in partnership work within the Northumberland Carer Partnership, Northumberland Drug and Alcohol Steering Group, Wansbeck and Cramlington Hospitals Alcohol Development Group, and Regional Carers of Substance Users Forum. We are a valued partner in these settings. We in-reach into Northumberland Recovery Partnership encouraging carers and substance users to access relevant ESCAPE services and training. We have developed and undertaken projects in partnership with Blossoming Communities.

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

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Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

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 a surplus of £36,396 after allowing for deprecation.

Principal Funding Sources

Principal funding sources for the charity during 2024/25 were: Public Health at Northumberland County Council, Adult Services at Northumberland County Council, NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, Northumberland Inclusive Economy Community Partnership Grant Fund, Blyth Town Council, Ashington Town Council, Prudhoe Town Council, Newbiggin Town Council, Ponteland Town Council, Seaton Valley Council, Amble Town Council. Greggs Foundation, Sir James Knott Trust; Forvis Mazars Foundation, Barbour Foundation, National Lottery Awards for All, Shears Foundation, Community Foundation North East, Blyth EDF Wind Farm Trust, Pea Green Boat Fund, Village Halls Fund, Ventient Sisters North Stead Wind Farm Community Benefit, Ted Weekes Fund, Joanies Fund, Joicey Trust, Hadrian Trust, Hospital of God at Greatham, High Sheriff Special Award, Percy Hedley 1990 Trust,

The Charity worked to become more environmentally sustainable and improved fuel efficiency by the installation of Solar Panels and a new heating system, and maintained the Susan Kennedy Centre facilities with funding from The Community Foundation VITAL Northumberland (Community First) Fund, BEST, The Duke of Northumberland Charity and the B&Q Foundation.

The Trustees are grateful to all funders who supported and sustained the work of the charity during 2024/25.

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 a minimum of 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.

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Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

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 or contract payment 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 between four and six 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.

The Charity Commission recommends small charities hold between three to six months unrestricted reserves. We are presently holding 4.7 months operating costs.

Our annual budget is currently £411,936 for 2025/26. We have secured £395,329 towards this leaving us with a deficit of £16,607 as of 31/08/2025. Therefore, our current reserves more than cover the projected deficit should we fail to raise any further funds in 2025/26 which is unlikely. 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 2025/26 is £411,936 and therefore the minimum unrestricted cash reserves target is £102,984 to be retained in reserves. The charity held unrestricted cash reserves funds of £160,907, designated unrestricted funds of £17,281, and £23,067 of restricted cash funds at 31st March 2025. The charity also has £298,261 fixed assets at that date.

The charity continues to work in an area of limited resources and insecurities over funding and is working hard to secure its core funding for 2026/27. 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. Funding also needs to be secured for a paid Chief Executive to facilitate succession planning and provide sustainability.

11

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

(A company limited by guarantee)

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

Going Concern

The Trustees have performed a robust analysis of budget, forecasts, reserve levels and cash flows taking into consideration potential scenarios that could impact 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 consolidate, 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. All of our activity will contribute towards the work outlined within the afore mentioned National Drug and Alcohol Strategies.

Strategies we utilise to fulfil these objectives include:

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

  1. Continuing to extend and embed a stronger mutual aid approach that provides training, opportunities and support to develop a bank of Family Champions who are ‘experts by experience’ and who have expressed their desire to give something back and help others to achieve positive change.

  2. Continuing to extend and provide ACEs therapeutic support programme which is specifically designed and targeted at children and young people whose lives are blighted by the drug or alcohol dependency of others.

  3. Working to address inequalities by increasing our reach into rural areas of Northumberland and delivering initiatives to help address poverty.

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

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Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

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 £10.

Recruitment and Appointment of Management Committee – Trustee Board.

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.

A range of business, social work and caring skills are well represented on the Management Committee. In the event of particular skills being lost due to retirements, or new skills being required, 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 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:

 The duties and obligations of the Management Committee (the board)

 The main documents which set out the operational framework for the charity including the Memorandum and Articles

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Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

RISK MANAGEMENT STATEMENT

Governance

Following a trustee skills audit and analysis, further recruitment of three more trustees will take place.

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 and built upon if possible during 2025/26 and beyond.

Financial

Sustainability of the charity is a high priority.

Statutory funding from Public Health Northumberland has been secured for the 2023/24, 2024/25 and 2025/26 financial years following ESCAPE winning a contract to carryout work on their behalf. There is also a provision for the funding to continue for a further two years following this, but is not guaranteed at this time, which will also contribute significantly to sustainability. The charity will work to secure this two year roll on during 2025/26. The charity will work to secure funding for a paid Chief Executive to facilitate succession planning and secure sustainability.

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

External Risks

Trustees recognise that the last fifteen 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. The charity has responded by reassessing its priorities and activities to ensure funds are targeted at the highest areas of need and by seeking funds to March 2026 and beyond.

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 and Operations, Policy and Safeguarding Group includes self-assessment to ensure compliance with the Charities Act 2011, Charities (Protection and Social Investment Act 2016 and the Charities Act 2022 which governs charity operations, trustee responsibilities and fundraising regulations, Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) for accounting, and UK GDPR and Data Protection ACT 2018 for data processing and storing, and the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSWA).

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Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

Organisational Structure

The Management Committee (the board) has seven 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 Voluntary Chief Executive. The Voluntary 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 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, 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 has retained in March 2025 with even higher scores.

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 and the Inequalities Plan. The local Drug and Alcohol Steering Group, Carer Partnership Board, Young Carer Steering Group and VCSE Tackling Inequalities Taskforce 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).

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Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

(A company limited by guarantee)

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

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

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 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 28th October 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

.............................................

H Scarfe - Treasurer

16

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES

For the year ended 31 March 2025

I report on the financial statements of ESCAPE Family Support Limited for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 18 to 36.

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.

The charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a Fellow Member of the Association of Accounting Technicians.

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.

Doug Maltman FMAAT Fellow Member of the Association of Accountancy Technicians Connected Voice Business Services One Strawberry Lane Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4BX Date: 12.11.2025

17

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

(INCLUDING SUMMARY INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)

For the year ended 31 March 2025

==> picture [523 x 368] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
Funds Funds 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Income from:
Donations and legacies 6 9,556 - 9,556 8,799
Charitable activities
Grants and statutory funding 7 60,004 318,259 378,263 249,130
Other trading activities 8 390 - 390 15,335
Investments 9 2,120 - 2,120 976
Total income 72,070 318,259 390,329 274,240
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 10 ( 5,000 ) - ( 5,000 ) 3,013
Charitable activities
Operation of the charity 11 42,640 317,277 359,917 280,802
Total expenditure 37,640 317,277 354,917 283,815
Net movement of funds 34,430 982 35,412 ( 9,575 )
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 244,037 220,067 464,104 473,679
Total funds carried forward 278,467 221,049 499,516 464,104
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 20 to 36 form an integral part of these financial statements.

18

Charity Number 1063500 Company Number 03256554

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

BALANCE SHEET

As at 31 March 2025

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----- Start of picture text -----
2025 2025 2024 2024
Total Total
£ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 18 286,261 285,609
Intangible assets 19 12,000 12,000
Total fixed assets 298,261 297,609
Current assets
Debtors 20 9,417 7,098
Cash at bank and in hand 21 336,582 265,686
Total current assets 345,999 272,784
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year 22 ( 144,744 ) ( 106,289 )
Net current assets 201,255 166,495
Total assets less current liabilities 499,516 464,104
Total net assets or liabilities 499,516 464,104
Funds of the charity
Unrestricted income funds 278,467 244,037
Restricted income funds 221,049 220,067
Total funds 499,516 464,104
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 20 to 36 form an integral part of these financial statements.

These financial statements were approved by the Board on: 11.11.2025

and are signed on its behalf by:

H Scarfe Treasurer

19

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

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.

20

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

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.

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.

21

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

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 Solar Panels 5 % Straight Line Other equipment 25 % Straight Line

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.

22

ESCAPE FAMILY SUPPORT LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

5.3 Debtors

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

23

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

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
Carried forward balance
National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund
Garfield Weston
Big Lottery Awards for All
The B&Q Foundation
The Joicey Trust
Forvis Mazars
Donations and grants		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2025
2024
£
£
£
£
9,556
-
9,556
8,799
9,556
-
9,556
8,799
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2025
2024
£
£
£
£
-
-
-
24,851
-
20,800
20,800
20,000
-
12,500
12,500
15,000
-
-
-
10,000
-
5,750
5,750
5,500
-
10,000
10,000
5,000
-
-
-
5,000
-
-
-
5,000
-
-
-
4,176
-
-
-
4,000
-
-
-
2,250
-
-
-
1,500
-
-
-
1,000
-
500
500
1,000
-
-
-
750
-
500
500
500
-
-
-
500
-
-
-
500
-
-
-
300
-
10,000
10,000
5,000
-
-
-
5,000
-
25,000
25,000
-
-
13,300
13,300
-
-
9,885
9,885
-
-
10,000
10,000
-
-
2,000
2,000
-
-
120,235
120,235
116,827

24

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Analysis of grant income
continued
Brought forward balance
BEST
Cash 4 Kids
Northumbria Intern Funding
Hospital of God at Grantham
Joanies Fund
Northumberland Village Hall
Ventient Sisters Wind Farm
1989 Willian Charitable Trust
Squires
Ted Weekes
High Sheriff of Northumberland
NEIC Partnership
Northumberland County
Council - FSW Blyth Project
Northumberland County
Council - FSP & Trainer Grant
Northumberland County
Council - H&A Programme
The Pea Green Boat
Communbity First
VITAL Northumberland
(Community First)
Northumberland County
Council - Carers' Grant
Ashington Town Council
Prudhoe Town Council
Haltwhistle Town Council
Amble Town Council
Blyth Town Council
Newbiggin Town Council
Ponteland Town Council
Public Health at Northumberland County Council
Seaton Valley Parish Council
Choppington Parish Council		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2025
2024
£
£
£
£
-
120,235
120,235116,827
55,000
-
55,000
81,291
-
5,516
5,516
-
-
3,500
3,500
-
-
2,860
2,860
-
-
2,000
2,000
-
-
2,000
2,000
-
-
5,000
5,000
-
-
5,000
5,000
-
-
5,000
5,000
-
-
5,000
5,000
-
-
2,150
2,150
-
-
1,000
1,000
-
-
19,874
19,874
-
-
34,282
34,282
-
-
45,000
45,000
-
-
5,000
5,000
-
-
5,000
5,000
-
-
10,000
10,000
-
-
26,487
26,487
25,000
-
5,000
5,000
5,000
-
3,000
3,000
8,000
-
1,000
1,000
1,000
-
600
600
-
-
500
500
500
-
500
500
-
-
-
-
500
-
-
-
500
-
250
250
160
55,000
315,754
370,754
238,778

25

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

8
9		 Other income
Other income
NI Employment allowance
Other trading activities
Other sales
Income from investments
Bank interest
Room hire		 4
2,505
2,509
5,352
5,000
-
5,000
5,000
60,004
318,259
378,263
249,130
-
-
-
1,275
390
-
390
14,060
390
-
390
15,335
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2025
2024
£
£
£
£
2,120
-
2,120
976
2,120
-
2,120
976

Income was £390,329 (2024: £274,240) of which £72,070 was unrestricted or designated (2024: £78,192) and £318,259 was restricted (2024: £196,048)

26

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities

10 Raising funds
Fundraising costs		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2025
2024
£
£
£
£
( 5,000 )
-
( 5,000 )
3,013
( 5,000 )
-
( 5,000 )
3,013

The negative expenditure relates to an expenditure in 2022/23 which guaranteed the return of this amount if it did not result in additional income of at least this total in the year following the payment. This guarantee was sent during 2024/25 from the supplier and has since been returned.

11 Charitable activities
Direct costs
Staff costs
Training costs
Respite costs (caravan)
Travel costs
Client costs
Helpline and outreach
Stationery and copying costs
Cost of living grants
Support costs
Staff costs
Travel 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
Carried forward balance
Depreciation
Volunteer costs including travel
Small equipment		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2025
2024
£
£
£
£
11,537
180,935
192,472
131,061
594
2,984
3,578
4,165
-
7,785
7,785
1,116
23
2,506
2,529
776
1,449
569
2,018
2,138
-
300
300
-
557
1,468
2,025
2,383
2,008
2,247
4,255
-
22
3,500
3,522
-
5,178
40,475
45,653
48,125
25
-
25
-
6,628
13,630
20,258
17,594
2,275
5,543
7,818
2,658
1,873
5,000
6,873
5,999
1,108
2,490
3,598
6,453
518
301
819
341
-
-
-
317
5,655
12,048
17,703
11,409
477
554
1,031
10,935
-
-
-
3,950
363
2,583
2,946
588
100
2,518
2,618
4,635
1,364
8,060
9,424
4,014
174
-
174
124
358
1,938
2,296
368
354
18,805
19,159
20,699
42,640
316,239
358,879
279,848

27

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Charitable activities
continued
Governance costs
Brought forward balance
Independent examiner's fees for reporting on the
accounts
Trustee costs		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2025
2024
£
£
£
£
42,640
316,239
358,879
279,848
-
1,008
1,008
954
-
30
30
-
42,640
317,277
359,917
280,802

Expenditure on charitable activities was £354,917 (2024: £283,815) of which £37,640 was unrestricted or designated (2024: £73,219) and £317,277 was restricted (2024: £210,596)

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 (: £nil)		 2025
2024
£
£
1,008
954

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

Salaries and wages
Social security costs
Pension costs (defined contribution pension plan)
Other employee benefits		 2025
2024
£
£
212,170
158,287
15,099
12,243
10,856
7,645
3,582
1,011
241,707
179,186

No employee received remuneration above £60,000 (: 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. (2024: £0)

14 Staff numbers

The average monthly head count was 9 staff (2024: 9 staff) and the average monthly number of full-time equivalent employees during the year were as follows:

The parts of the charity in which the employees work
Charitable activities		 2025
2024
Number
Number
7.0
5.2

28

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

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 £10,856 (0: £7,645). There was £0 outstanding as at 31 March 2025 (2024: £0).

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.
Alice Park
Janet Murphy		 2025
2024
£
£
1,333
1,126
30
-
1,363
1,126

Transactions with related parties

As at 31 March 2024

There were no related party tranactions for the year ended 31 March 2024.

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.

29

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Freehold
Office and
Caravan
property
computer
18 Tangible fixed assets
equipment
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 April 2024
341,147
23,661
32,035
Additions
-
-
Disposals
-
-
At 31 March 2025
341,147
23,661
32,035
Depreciation
Basis
SL
SL
SL
Rate
5%
25%
10%
At 1 April 2024
76,286
19,735
16,020
Depreciation charge for year
12,714
2,186
3,204
Disposals
-
-
At 31 March 2025
89,000
21,921
19,224
Net book value
At 31 March 2024
264,861
3,926
16,015
At 31 March 2025
252,147
1,740
12,811
19 Intangible fixed assets
Cost
At 1 April 2024
Additions
At 31 March 2024
Amortisation
At 1 April 2024
Amortisation charge for year
At 31 March 2025
Net book value
At 31 March 2024
At 31 March 2025
20 Debtors and prepayments (receivable within 1 year)
Debtors
Prepayments		 Solar
Other
Total
Panels
equipment
£
£
£
-
4,561
401,404
19,811
-
19,811
-
-
-
19,811
4,561
421,215
SL
SL
5%
25%
-
3,754
115,795
248
807
19,159
-
-
-
248
4,561
134,954
-
807
285,609
19,563
-
286,261
Software
Total
Development
£
£
12,000
12,000
-
-
12,000
12,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
12,000
12,000
12,000
12,000
2025
2024
£
£
3,675
1,500
5,742
5,598
9,417
7,098

30

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

21 Cash at bank and in hand

Short term deposits
Cash at bank
Cash in hand		 2025
2024
£
£
134,374
146,906
202,152
118,534
56
246
336,582
265,686

22 Creditors and accruals (payable within 1 year)

Other creditors
Accruals
Independent examination of accounts
Deferred income		 2025
2024
£
£
6,671
265
1,008
954
137,065
105,070
144,744
106,289

23 Deferred income

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

Balance brought forward
Amount released to income earned from
charitable activities
Amount deferred in year
Balance carried forward		 2025
2024
£
£
105,070
15,455
( 105,070 )
( 15,455 )
137,065
105,070
137,065
105,070

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 2025

Unrestricted funds
General unrestricted fund
Designated funds
Unrestricted fixed assets
Contingency
System upgrade
Totals		 Fund
balances
brought
forward
£
124,374
100,633
10,405
8,625
244,037		 Fund
balances
Incoming
Resources
carried
resources
expended
Transfers
forward
£
£
£
£
77,070
( 40,537 )
-
160,907
-
( 354 )
-
100,279
-
( 1,749 )
-
8,656
-
-
-
8,625
77,070
( 42,640 )
-
278,467

31

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

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		 Fund
balances
Incoming
Resources
carried
resources
expended
Transfers
forward
£
£
£
£
78,192
( 72,561 )
213
124,374
-
( 658 )
6,000
100,633
-
-
( 213 )
10,405
-
-
( 6,000 )
8,625
78,192
( 73,219 )
-
244,037

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.

Analysis of movement in restricted funds As at 31 March 2025

Restricted fixed assets
Susan Kennedy Centre
refurbishment
Restricted office, computer and
other equipment
Caravan upgrade
Solar panels
Restricted funds
Susan Kennedy Centre
Respite project
Centre running costs
Santander Foundation
Northumberland County Council -
Public Health FSW Blyth
Northumberland County Council -
Carers Grant
Northumberland County Council -
ICB Funding
Northumberland County Council -
Activities programme
Northumberland County Council -
NEIC Partnership
Balance C/fwd		 Fund
balances
brought
forward
£
177,992
4,733
14,250
-
1,315
2,680
733
-
86
2
-
-
-
201,791		 Fund
balances
Incoming
Resources
carried
resources
expended
Transfers
forward
£
£
£
£
-
( 12,714 )
-
165,278
-
( 2,993 )
-
1,740
-
( 2,850 )
-
11,400
-
( 248 )
19,812
19,564
-
-
-
( 656 )
659
2,505
( 7,822 )
2,637
-
-
-
-
733
2,860
( 2,860 )
-
-
34,282
( 34,368 )
-
-
26,487
( 26,487 )
-
2
45,000
( 44,660 )
-
340
5,000
( 253 )
-
4,747
19,874
( 19,874 )
-
-
136,008
( 155,129 )
21,793
204,463

32

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Balance B/fwd
Blyth Town Council
Small equipment
Awards for all
The Joicey Trust
The Shears Foundation
The Percy Hedley Trust
Garfield Weston
Ashington Town Council
Asda Foundation
Greggs Foundation
Sir James Knott
Forvis Mazars
Squires
The Barbour Foundation
Joanies Fund
Hospital of God at Grantham
Cash 4 Kids
BEST
Hadrian Trust
Newbiggin Town Council
Seaton Valley Parish Council
Prudhoe Town Council
Ponteland Town Council
Amble Town Council
Tesco community fund
B&Q Foundation
The Duke of Northumberland
Charity
Community Foundation
serving Tyne and Wear and
Northumberland
EDF Blyth Wind Farm
Vital Northumberland
(Community First)
Ted Weekes Fund
1989 Willian Charitable Trust
Ventilient SistersWind Farm
Northumberland Village Hall
The Pea Green Boat Community
First
High Sheriff of Northumberland		 201,791
136,008
( 155,129 )
21,793
204,463
-
5,000
( 5,000 )
-
-
206
-
-
-
206
52
9,885
( 8,353 )
-
1,584
-
2,000
( 2,000 )
-
-
-
5,750
( 5,750 )
-
-
-
500
( 500 )
-
-
-
25,000
( 23,019 )
( 1,981 )
-
-
3,000
( 3,000 )
-
-
25
-
( 25 )
-
-
9,016
20,800
( 22,088 )
-
7,728
7,000
12,500
( 18,406 )
-
1,094
-
13,300
( 13,300 )
-
-
-
5,000
( 5,000 )
-
-
-
10,000
( 10,000 )
-
-
-
2,000
( 2,000 )
-
-
-
2,000
( 2,000 )
-
-
-
3,500
( 3,500 )
-
-
-
5,516
-
( 5,516 )
-
-
500
( 500 )
-
-
-
600
( 600 )
-
-
-
500
( 439 )
-
61
-
1,000
( 1,000 )
-
-
-
500
( 500 )
-
-
-
250
( 250 )
-
-
392
-
( 233 )
-
159
-
10,000
-
( 4,296 )
5,704
1,585
-
( 1,535 )
-
50
-
-
-
10,000
( 10,000 )
-
-
-
10,000
-
( 10,000 )
-
-
2,150
( 2,150 )
-
-
-
5,000
( 5,000 )
-
-
-
5,000
( 5,000 )
-
-
-
5,000
( 5,000 )
-
-
-
5,000
( 5,000 )
-
-
-
1,000
( 1,000 )
-
-
220,067
318,259
( 317,277 )
-
221,049

33

(A company limited by guarantee)

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Analysis of movement in restricted funds

As at 31 March 2024

Restricted fixed assets
Susan Kennedy Centre
refurbishment
Restricted office, computer and
other equipment
Caravan upgrade
Restricted funds
Susan Kennedy Centre
Respite project
Centre running costs
National lottery Reaching
Communities
Northumberland County Council -
Public Health FSW Blyth
Northumberland County Council -
Carers Grant
Mental Health concern
Blyth Town Council
Small equipment
Donations in Kind
Awards for all
RW Mann
The Joicey Trust
The Shears Foundation
The Percy Hedley Trust
Garfield Weston
Northumberland County Council
Jubilee Fund
Ashington Town Council
Asda Foundation
Ballinger Trust
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
Balance C/fwd		 Fund
balances
brought
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
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
230,588		 Fund
balances
Incoming
Resources
carried
resources
expended
Transfers
forward
£
£
£
£
-
( 12,714 )
-
177,992
-
( 4,477 )
-
4,733
-
( 2,850 )
-
14,250
-
-
-
1,315
5,320
( 1,116 )
-
2,680
-
-
18
733
24,851
( 24,961 )
-
-
26,291
( 26,205 )
-
86
25,000
( 24,998 )
-
2
-
( 191 )
-
-
5,000
( 4,996 )
( 4 )
-
-
-
-
206
3,950
( 3,950 )
-
-
-
( 1,112 )
-
52
1,500
( 2,535 )
-
-
-
( 3,387 )
-
-
5,500
( 6,138 )
-
-
500
( 960 )
-
-
-
( 1,918 )
-
-
-
-
( 4 )
-
8,000
( 7,990 )
( 10 )
-
-
( 308 )
-
25
-
( 3,620 )
-
-
20,000
( 10,984 )
-
9,016
15,000
( 8,000 )
-
7,000
10,000
( 10,000 )
-
-
5,000
( 5,000 )
-
-
5,000
( 5,000 )
-
-
5,000
( 5,000 )
-
-
4,000
( 4,000 )
-
-
3,000
( 3,000 )
-
-
1,000
( 1,000 )
-
-
1,000
( 1,000 )
-
-
1,000
( 1,000 )
-
-
175,912
( 188,410 )
-
218,090

34

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Balance B/fwd
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
Banks Community Fund
The Duke of Northumberland
Charity
Community Chest		 230,588
175,912
( 188,410 )
-
218,090
-
500
( 500 )
-
-
-
500
( 500 )
-
-
-
500
( 500 )
-
-
-
160
( 160 )
-
-
-
500
( 500 )
-
-
-
500
( 108 )
-
392
-
300
( 300 )
-
-
-
5,000
( 5,000 )
-
-
-
5,000
( 5,000 )
-
-
4,027
-
( 4,027 )
-
-
-
4,176
( 4,176 )
-
-
-
2,250
( 665 )
-
1,585
-
750
( 750 )
-
-
234,615
196,048
( 210,596 )
-
220,067

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 Northumberland County Council - Public Health FSW Blyth

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 to costs associated with the Family Support Worker in Blyth.

Susan Kennedy Centre Respite Project Centre Running Costs Santander Foundation Sir James Knott Northumberland County Council

Restricted for the Susan Kennedy Centre running costs. Restricted for the respite project.

Restricted to centre running costs.

Restricted to intern’s salary costs.

Restricted to Family Support Worker (FSW) salary and associated costs. Restricted to Family Support Worker (FSW) salary costs.

– Carers Grant

Restricted to costs associated to the Blyth Project Restricted to Rural FSW salary costs

Restricted to costs associated with the NEIC Partnership Costs related to the Activities Program

Restricted to core costs Restricted to core costs Restricted to core costs Restricted to core costs Restricted to running costs within the Blyth area

35

ESCAPE Family Support Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Purpose of restricted funds (continued)

Awards for all Small equipment

Tesco Community Fund Cash 4 Kids The Pea Green Boat Community First Northumberland Village hall Forvis Mazars Squires The Barbour Foundation Asda Foundation Joanies Fund Ballinger Trust Greggs Foundation B&Q Foundation

Duke of Northumberland Charity BEST Vital Northumberland All other funds

Restricted to Training Officer costs

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 payment of hardship grants Restricted to costs relating to the work done with young people

Restricted to costs relating to the work done with young people Restricted to costs relating to the work done with young people Restricted to core costs Restricted to core costs 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 building maintenance/refurbishment and cost of Solar Panel installation Restricted to cost of replacing central heating boiler Restricted to the cost of SOLAR Panels installation Restricted to the cost of SOLAR Panels installation Restricted to core costs

26 Capital commitments

As at 31 March 2025, the charity had capital commitments of £0 relating to the refurbishment of the Susan Kennedy Centre (2024 - £0)

27 Analysis of net assets between funds

Tangible fixed assets
Cash at bank and in hand
Other net current assets/(liabilities)		 Funds
£
-
296,234
( 135,327 )
160,907
Unrestricted		 Designated
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2025
2024
£
£
£
£
100,279
197,982
298,261
297,609
17,281
23,067
336,582
265,686
-
-
( 135,327 )
( 99,191 )
117,560
221,049
499,516
464,104

36