Mothers ; ¥}y][WM)] Christian care for families **SHEFFIELD DIOCESE MOTHERS’ UNION** **Registered Charity No 1063619 Trustees Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2024** **Sheffield Diocese Mothers’ Union Annual Report** ## **SHEFFIELD DIOCESE MOTHERS’ UNION Trustees Annual Report Year ended 31 Dec 2024** ## **The Trustees present their report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ending 31 December 2024** The affairs of the charity are governed by the terms of the central Mothers’ Union Royal Charter, granted in 1926 and which is registered with the Charity Commission in England and Wales (240531). **The Board of Trustees** manages the charity and during 2023 Trustees met five times. All the meetings were hybrid, in person and on Zoom. We also held a Spring Council and an Autumn Council when all members were invited to attend, as well as a Mary Sumner Day Service in Sheffield Cathedral. The members of the charities Council tri-annually elect the Trustees, consisting of the Diocesan President, members of the Trustees Board, Deanery Leaders, and Branch Coordinators. They debate, consider, and determine all matters of policy and strategy to be affected on behalf of Sheffield Diocese Mothers’ Union. The Diocesan Bishop appoint the Chaplain. Trustees manage and supervise the finances of the Society and review and evaluate the work of the charity. They receive, consider, and respond to all resolutions received from the Diocesan Council. Procedures are in place for the regular training of Trustees to ensure good practice and awareness of their responsibilities. Training is also given to Deanery and Branch officials at regular intervals. The Charity has a Treasurer who prepares the financial statements. Expenditure must be authorised, and cheques require two signatories. All expenditure must be supported with an invoice or receipt. The Trustees were elected in January 2022 ## **Trustees** ## **Diocesan President** Gillian Fellows ## **Vice –Presidents:** Archdeaconry of Doncaster Archdeaconry of Sheffield & Rotherham **Honorary Vice-President** Elizabeth Paver Deceased Feb 2024 Tanis Cockerham Appointed Mar 2024 Jo-Anne Van Levesley Norma Priest ## **Unit Co-ordinators:** Finance and Central Services Tanis Cockerham Action and Outreach Data and Media Faith and Policy _,_ Social Policy Fundraising and Communication Pauline Reynolds Elizabeth Dean Margaret Vivian Susan Sayles Safeguarding Contact Moira Leach Training & Membership Development Jo-Anne Van Levesley 2 ## **Deanery Leaders:** Doncaster, Adwick, Snaith & Hatfield Margaret Culloden Ecclesall & Attercliffe Sally Wood Ecclesfield Margaret Vivian Rotherham & Laughton Annette Walker Tankersley Susan Rivett Wath Mary Carr ## **Diocesan Officers (Not Trustees)** Treasurer Phill Jackson Secretary Steve Bisby Chaplain Canon Richard Parker Webmaster Elizabeth Dean Mothers’ Union Enterprises Margaret Culloden Indoor Members Representative Lesley Harpham AFIA representative Angela Parker ## **Bankers** The charities bankers are the Cooperative Bank PO Box250 Skelmersdale, WN8 6WT. The CBF Church of England Deposit Fund ## **Independent Examiner** This role was undertaken by. Michael David Fenton BA(Hons) FCA BFP PG DIP 25 Church Lane, Darley Abbey, Derby DE22 1EX The Charity does not hold any property and for administrative purposes the contact address is the home address of the Secretary, Steve Bisby, 71 Earlesmere Avenue, Balby, Doncaster DN4 0QD. ## **Membership** Membership is open to all who: a) Have been baptised in the name of the Holy Trinity b) Declare their support for the aims and objects of the Society. In 2023 Sheffield MU consisted of 3 ~~2 B~~ ranches with Darfield and Firvale closing at the end of 2022 and 712 members of the Mothers’ Union in the Diocese. Some members, not belonging to a specific branch, are Diocesan Individual members or Diocesan Indoor members and the deanery and IMPC Rep looks after these. The organisation, whether at Diocesan, Deanery or Branch levels, aims to reach out to those in need of all ages. Four units: Action and Outreach, Faith, and Policy, Fundraising and Communications and Finance and Central services all help to facilitate the work. All the work is underpinned by prayer. To enable all members to be well informed a magazine, Newsline is produced, printed, and distributed three times a year. 3 ## **Restrictions imposed by the Governing Document concerning the way in which the charity may operate.** Branches of the charity have the power to support the needs of their parishes, subject to the aim, purpose, and objects of Mothers' Union. However, branches are not permitted to be used as a channel for charitable money permitted to be allocated to such organisations from branch funds. ## **Risk management** The Trustees have throughout their term of service recognised their responsibility to identify the key risks to which the charity was exposed and to ensure that measures were in place and monitored to mitigate against these risks. Adequate insurance cover has been in place to protect the charity against monetary loss. ## **Objectives and Activities** The purpose of the Mothers’ Union is to be especially concerned with all that strengthens marriage and Christian family life. The Aim of the Charity is the advancement of the Christian religion in the sphere of marriage and family life. To carry out this Aim the Objects of the Mothers’ Union are: 1. To uphold Christ’s teaching on the nature of marriage and to promote its wider understanding. 2. To encourage parents to bring up their children in the faith and life of the Church. 3. To maintain a world-wide fellowship of Christians united in prayer, worship, and service. 4. To promote conditions in society favourable to stable family life and the protection of children. 5. To help those whose family life has met with adversity. ## **Activities during 2024** Sadly, two members of our Trustees died during the early part of the year. This meant that there was a changeover of roles. We also appointed a new Chaplain, who led a Quiet Afternoon. At our Spring Council we had a talk from The Family Works, a charity who work closely with disadvantaged families who are not receiving support from other agencies. We launched a ‘President’s Challenge’ where branches were given £24 and asked to use and increase it to raise funds for AFIA. Branches arranged a variety of activities- chocolate evening, coffee morning, craft make and sell, social evenings etc and raised a wonderful £6936. One of our larger Deaneries, DASH deanery, held a sponsored silence where over £1000 was raised. We continued supporting 5 women’s refuges as well as Baby Basics and Families First who provide essentials for families. Some branches took part in the Rise Up Awards, and we held vigils in 3 areas of our diocese where members drew people’s attention to the campaign No More One in Three. We donated £1500 to the appeal, run by Mary Sumner House, when it was able to be doubled. We supported Bishop Pete of Sheffield’s Garden Party by organising and helping children to plant sunflower seeds and decorate the pot before taking it home. During the Mary Sumner Day service, held in Sheffield Cathedral, we enrolled 2 new members as well as commissioning 5 members in to posts of responsibility. A group of members travelled by coach to attend the end of York Provincial Triennium thanksgiving service which was held in Blackburn Cathedral. We held the Sheffield Diocese end of Triennium service at Doncaster Minster. In November we were thrilled hosting Pamela, a trustee from Solomon Islands. She was able to attend a local branch meeting and also a trustees meeting where we shared and exchanged our thoughts and experiences. For the first time, we took part in a Christmas Tree Festival held in Sheffield Cathedral. 4 ## **Unit Reports** ## **Action & Outreach** AFIA.(Away from It All Holidays) During 2024 we have organised and paid for ten caravan holidays, which included 8 food hampers, for those who have not had a holiday for 4 years or more. There were nineteen adults and twenty-three children who benefitted from these holidays. BABY BASICS. 4 carloads of baby clothes, numerous jumpers and cot blankets have been delivered; hand knitted by our members. Many branches deliver without informing us. We also suppled 4 cot beds. CART (Christian African Relief Trust) The shop continues to fund containers to Malawi and a container is still used as a school. 3 Sewing machines have been donated and delivered by members. CLEWER. Our contact with South Yorkshire Police Trafficking Dept continues and they contact us with urgent needs. We try to keep up to date with the Clewer Initiative informing members and we continue to encourage to use the online resources regarding Trafficking and the County Lines online sessions, which were in February. We received an award from South Yorkshire Police for the help we have given them over the years. OVERSEAS. We continue to write to our Overseas links in Diocese of Central Zimbabwe, Lango in Uganda, Kebbi in Nigeria, Tamale in Ghana, and Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands sending Easter & Christmas cards with a letter. PRISON. We once again have written and delivered Christmas cards to each inmate at HMP Moorlands. READ ALOUD PROJECT. We continue to monitor where we have placed books in refuges. It is an ongoing project, and we are endeavouring to pass new or used books on to places where we know families and children will use them. REFUGES. We have continued to support the Women’s Refuges in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and two in Sheffield. We have supplied items for their food cupboard and dry foods as requested. We have delivered numerous bags of toiletries, 8 moving on baskets, bedding, clothing, books, toys, Easter eggs and Advent calendars for the children. WARM SPACES. One branch has continued to organise an area providing tea, coffee and biscuits. Members and non-members were given warmth and company. WALKING IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS. There have been 4 bookings for our speaker who talks about Domestic Abuse. We also organised a silent vigil in Rotherham, Doncaster and Sheffield handing out leaflets re Domestic violence. WORRY WORMS. We had a request from Dr N Ennis from Sheffield Children’s Foundation Trust if we could crochet/knit these worms to support children with their everyday worries. We supplied 50 of these worms. CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL. This was held in Sheffield Cathedral. Our members handmade items telling the story of a little of what we do. Baubles with caravans on, knitting on, praying hands, worry worms and a bar code when scanned led to our website. Pauline Reynolds: Action & Outreach Coordinator. 5 ## **Fundraising and Communications** The Unit met twice during 2024 together with the Action and Outreach Unit. The main topics of discussion were the planning of events to raise the profile of the Mother’s Union and to raise funds for both national and local projects and communications via Facebook, the website, Newsline Magazine and the Directory of Members. Deaneries, branches and individual members held 25 fundraising events to support Away from it All (AFIA) holidays, Make a Mothers’ Day Appeal, Summer of Hope Appeal and local and overseas projects. As well as cream and afternoon teas, garden parties, fayres and coffee mornings, there was a Sponsored Silence, a rally, pea and pie suppers, bingo, raffles and collections at special services to name just some of the events. We took part in the biennial Bishop’s Garden Party and had stalls selling books, plants and upcycled items as well sunflower planting for children. After expenses, £178 was raised for MU projects and it was good for outreach to the general public. The President’s Challenge where each branch received £24 from General Funds to use their talents to increase the amount. Many original ideas raised £6,396 for AFIA. A donation which was match-funded was sent directly from Diocesan funds to MSH for the Christmas Appeal. Sales of items from the Mothers’ Union Shop of cards, gifts and stationery were also good fundraisers as well as cakes preserves, and other items sold at the monthly Coffee Mornings at Sheffield Cathedral. Posts on Facebook were seen across the world and were shared and liked by many. Members also contributed news and photographs to the website and to the two editions of Newsline which was distributed to members to keep people informed. The Directory of members was kept up to date for accuracy and Susan Sayles F&C Coordinator. ## **Faith and Policy** We were sorry to lose our coordinator, Mary Williams. Her funeral service in Sheffield Cathedral was well attended by Mothers' Union members from the diocese. In May, the Day Apart was held at Wadworth parish church and led by Rev. Ian Smith. This was based on the Lord's prayer. Unfortunately, it was not well attended and the committee decided that we should meet in the cathedral chapter house in May 2025. Members of the committee led the prayers at the Mary Sumner day service in Sheffield cathedral on 9th August. A quiet afternoon was led by our chaplain on Tuesday 17th September. This was a helpful time considering change in our lives. It was held at the Harley mission church and refreshments were provided. In November we held vigils for those affected by gender-based violence outside Sheffield cathedral, Doncaster Minster and the Harley mission church. Margaret Vivian Faith and Policy Coordinator 6 ## **Finance & Central Services** The Finance and Central Services Committee (F&C Committee) met three times in 2024. The financial outcome for 2024 was reported to the Trustees at their May Meeting. The following issues were addressed: - - The 2024 accounts have now been audited by the new Auditor Michael Fenton and they were well received. - The Overseas Fund is now down to a more realistic figure of £5,000 following match funding of £10,000 to Mary Sumner House appeals which was in excess of the income raised during the year. - AFIA expenditure was also in excess of money raised so payments were topped up from the General Fund. This brought the amount in the AFIA Fund at the year end to Zero. This means that fundraising is essential as the 2024 budget levels have already been reached. - Concern was raised about the amount of money in branch accounts. The 4 branches with the most amounts were:- St Francis, Bessacarr - £1,900, St Mary’s, Tickhill - £800, St John’s – Penistone - £800 and Oughtibridge - £1,200. It was requested that where possible branches collected the subscription monies in the first couple of weeks of January and then paid over to the Sheffield MU Treasurer by the end of January each year. This would alleviate the reporting of inflated figures at the year-end which is not representative of the actual funds generally held for operation. - At the end of the Financial Year 2024 the Finances of the MU in the Sheffield Diocese were reported to still be in a very positive position. Phill Jackson Honorary Treasurer ## **Treasurer’s Report** The results are reported in the financial statement accompanying this report. The Trustees received no remuneration for their services although they were eligible to claim reasonable expenses for incurred during their trusteeship. ## **Reserves Policy** The Charity maintains unrestricted cash reserves of £24,818 which are more than adequate to support the current level of activity. The Trustees are of the opinion that this amount is reasonable. Restricted funds of £14,630 are for AFIA and Overseas and the Family Project Fund. Funds are held at branch level to facilitate the running of individual branches. Funds have been audited by the diocese and currently stand at £11,229. The Charity relies on contributions from members and their support to ensure the charitable work can continue and various worthy causes can be met from resources at the disposal of the charity, during 2024 all the key objectives of the charity have been met. Notes on accounts for the year ending 31 December 2024 Phill Jackson Honorary Treasurer 7 ## **Indoor Members Prayer Circle IMPC** Our membership was in the mid-eighties at the beginning of 2024. At the start of the year, we had a few branch closures but thankfully quite a few joined our Indoor Member Prayer Circle, as Sheffield IMPC members. It is unfortunate that branches are closing but I understand that it is the same nationwide. We are mainly an over 60 years age group and several find it hard to attend meetings, especially when having to travel far. Branch members are only too happy to offer lifts particularly during the winter months but when the branch itself closes it becomes a problem. That is why we are happy to enjoy a large IMPC group who look forward to the literature, letters, phone calls and particularly house visits. Lesley Harpham: IMPC Correspondent. ## **Membership / Training** Membership, Training and Development are all embedded throughout the core of Sheffield Diocese Mothers’ Union. Reporting the developments to Trustees at regular meetings, aided by the relaunch of Communities of Interest (CoI) from Central Mothers’ Union, and updates from Mary Sumner House. This enables the Unit Representatives to attend focussed meetings, which has then informed our service delivery, cascading information to membership. An example of themes relating to the transformation strategy are Reimagining Process, Plan and Infrastructural change. Rise Up – Domestic Abuse, Metamorphosis Bite Size Training and Membership Growth Plans. Membership growth is relaunched for 2025 following pilots, with ‘new’ Membership Packs for Clergy and for Churches that do not have a branch. Our plan using these to develop new members and address the declining membership. We have had members participate in making Mothers’ Union a Dementia Friendly Community, by taking part in Dementia Friends and the Bronze , Silver and Gold Pathway. (This is ongoing). GDPR Training and DBS as required by Good Trustee status. There are supportive, informative certificated Webinar and Bystander sessions to support the Domestic Abuse and Rise Up Projects, within our No More # 1in 3 , Global 16 days of activism (365). Jo-Anne Van Levesley – Vice President and Membership Coordinator ## **Safeguarding** Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and in Churches as well as local communities it would be good if everyone were made aware of the importance of Child abuse, Domestic violence, County lines awareness, Modern day slavery and Dementia training to name a few areas where safeguarding is essential. Some Trustees as well as two branch co-ordinators have also attended a 'County Lines' zoom session from the Clewer Initiative. We are relieved that as the Mothers’ Union in our branches we have not had any incidents to report in 2024, but we must stay vigilant. Jo Anne Van Levesley Senior Safeguarding Leader Pat Simpson – Safeguarding Officer This Annual Report was approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 26[th] April and signed on behalf of the board by: President: Date: 8 Mothers, Sheffield Diocese Registered Charity Number 1063619 Annual Accounts Year Ended 31st December 2024 Flnance and Central Services Report The Finance and Central Services Committee (F&C Committee) met three times in 2024. The financial outcome for 2024 was reported to the Trustees at their May Meeting. The following issues were addressed:_ The 2024 accounts have now been audited by the new Auditor Michael Fenton and they were well received. The Overseas Fund is now down to a more realistic figure of £5,000 following match funding of £lO,CK)O to Mary Sumner House appeals which was in excess of the income raised during the year. AFIA expenditure was also in excess of money raised so payments were topped up from the General Fund. This brought the amount in the AFIA Fund at the year end to Zero. This means that fundraising is essential as the 2024 budget levels have already been reached. Concern was raised about the amount of money in branch accounts. The 4 branches with the most amounts were:_ St Francis, Bessacarr- £1,9CX), St Mary's, fickhill - £8(M), St John's- Penistone- £8(¥) and Oughtibridge- £1,200. It was requested that where possible branches collected the subscription monies in the first couple of weeks of January and then paid over to the Sheffield MU Treasurer by the end of January each year. Thi5 would alleviate the reporting of inflated figures at the yearend which is not ￿presentatiVe of the actual funds generally held for operation. At the end of the Financial Year 2024 the Finances of the MV in the Sheffield Diocese were reported to still be in a very positive position. Treasurerfs Report 2024 The results are reported in the financial ststement accompanying this report. The Trustees received no remuneration for their servi￿5 although they were eli8ible to claim reasonable expenses for incurred during their trusteeship. Reserves Policy The Charity maintains unrestricted cash reserves of £24,818 which are more than adequate to support the current level of activity. The Trustees are of the opinion that this amount is reasonable. Restricted funds of £14,630 are for AFIA and Overseas and the Family Project Fund. Funds are held at branch level to facilitate the running of individual branches. Funds have been audited by the diocese and currently stand at £11,229. The Charity relies on contributions from members and their support to ensure the charitable work can continue and various worthy causes can be met from resources at the disposal of the charity, during 2024 all the key objectives of the charity have been met. Notes on accounts for the year ending 31 December 2024 These accounts have been prepared: a) On a receipts and payments basis. b) Under the historical convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless othep¥vise stated in the relevant note{s) to these accounts. cl In accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom {FRS 1021 and with the Charitie5 Act 2011. The Charity is a going concern. All income is recognised when the Charity becomes legally entitled and the amount quantifiable with reasonable accuracy. Phill Jackson - Honorary treasurer Mother ' IIIIZUNItsN Mothers, IllllllUWNI*N Sheffield Diocese Charity Number 1063619 Recelpts & Payments For Year Ended 3tst December 2024 INCOME Member Subscriptions A.F.l.A. Donations l.M.P.C Donatlons Work Overseas Donation5 Coffee & Produce Sales Sale of Cards etc. Bank Interest General Donations Speclfic tk)natlons Enterprise Grant Mary Sumner Day Collection Commis5ionln8 Servlce Branch C105ures Donatlons for Retirin8 OFficials Prison Play Area Gift Ald Sundries Notes 661 Memljers Induding Presidents chollenge £633&41 17,183.(Kl 17.458.72 205.(KI 609.20 1.582.89 1.624.31 334.23 2.153.35 12 Events Interestfrom De￿$It￿C 626.20 415.56 229.29 596.70 Chaplln a Presldent 1.742.55 1,252.50 Gift ald/G45DS dolmedlor2023 Restricted income TOTAL 7(X).(M) 46.713.50 EXPENDITURE Member SubscrlptSons A.F.l.A. Holidays Purchase of Cards etc Newsline Room Hlre Bank Charges Postage, Stationary etc. Travel Conference Mary Sumner Oay Commissioning Service Salaries Gift5 for Retirlng OfFicials Insurance Training Materials Internet Posiage l.M.P.C. Sundries Restricted Appeal MU Work Overseas TOTAL 15,180.IXI 7,483.33 1.591.71 2,422.￿1 842.80 660Meml)e Supported with poymentsfrom Generol 2 Issues 771.69 867.25 720.(KI 512.85 660.IKI 3,097.54 275.00 449.50 265.19 324.48 3(Ki.00 410.05 991.96 1500. 38,665.35 Secretarialservices Mother5 Doy. Summerof Hope + Fomilyprojects Funding to MU Chn5tmosAppeal Income Over Expenses 8,048.15 Totsl Account Balance 2023 Total Account Balance 2024 31.399.77 39.447.92 Change in Funds 8.048.15 Mother ' Sheffield Diocese Charity Number 1063619 Balance Sheet For Year Ended 31st December 2024 Summary OfAccounts Dec-2024 Dec-2023 Current Account 20.334.29 12,620.37 Deposit Account 19,113.63 18,779.40 Petty Cash TOTAL 39.447.92 31,399.77 Change In Year 8,IM8.15 16,196.12 Restricted Funds: A.F.l.A. MSH Overseas Work MU Family Projects 9,975.39 4,086.90 567.61 0.00 4,977.70 567.61 14.629.90 5,545.31 Unrestricted Funds: General Fund Virtual Babies Prison Play Area Branch Closures 22,103.62 214.04 636.(K) 1,864.36 23,077.39 506.00 636.00 1,635.07 24,818.02 25,854.46 TOTAL Funds: 39,447.92 31.399.77 8,048.15 16,196.12 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF SHEFFIELD DIOCESE MOTHERS UNION I report on the accounts of the Charity for Ihe year ended 31 * December 2024. RespeGtive Responsibilities of Trustees and Examlner The Charity's trustees are ￿spOnSible for the preparation of the financial staternents. The Charity's trustees considers that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examinaiion is needed. It is my responsibility to. examine the financial statements {under section 145 of the 2011 Act): follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145{5)