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← Axis Counselling

2025-03-31-accounts

REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 3224552 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1074830

STRATEGIC REPORT, REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

FOR

AXIS COUNSELLING

(A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

D.R.E. & Co. (Audit) Limited 7 Lower Brook Street Oswestry Shropshire SY11 2HG

AXIS COUNSELLING

CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Page
Reference and Administrative Details 1
Strategic Report 2 to 3
Report of the Trustees 4 to 9
Report of the Independent Auditors 10 to 13
Statement of Financial Activities 14
Balance Sheet 15 to 16
Cash Flow Statement 17
Notes to the Cash Flow Statement 18
Notes to the Financial Statements 19 to 27
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 28

AXIS COUNSELLING

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

TRUSTEES J Bryans
Dr T B Goode
Mrs D L Ploszay
Mrs T Hayek
N G O Burn
R J Eatough
COMPANY SECRETARY Ms I Ferguson
REGISTERED OFFICE 2nd Floor Fletcher House
15 College Hill
Shrewsbury
Shropshire
SY1 1LY
REGISTERED COMPANY 3224552 (England and Wales)
NUMBER
REGISTERED CHARITY 1074830
NUMBER
AUDITORS D.R.E. & Co. (Audit) Limited
7 Lower Brook Street
Oswestry
Shropshire
SY11 2HG
SOLICITORS Hatchers Solicitors
Welsh Bridge
1 Frankwell
Shrewsbury
Shropshire
SY3 8JY
BANKERS CAF Bank 25
Kings Hill
West Malling
Kent
ME19 4JQ

Page 1

AXIS COUNSELLING

STRATEGIC REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The trustees present their strategic report for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Axis continues to support survivors of sexual abuse aged 5 and above through a number of services:

Axis received 1379 referrals during the year 24-25 and supported 2147 clients.

In addition to supporting survivors directly, Axis also provides training for professionals and education for students, through a variety of training/ education packages. During the year- 24-25, 2734 delegates received training/ education.

In 2023-24 Axis rebranded, utilising input from survivors and staff, and have rolled out the new branding which is focused on hope for the future.

During 2024-25 we refreshed our Mission, Vision and Values, carrying on the theme of hope for the future.

Axis has over 50 employees who are all specially trained in supporting survivors of sexual abuse at varying levels depending on their role.

During the year 24-25, Axis not only retained all its existing accreditations:

but began work towards an additional accreditation which we intend on achieving during the coming year: Bluestar Pre-Trial Therapy Accreditation

These accreditations evidence the commitment to work to the highest sector standards, and to continuously assess, and improve.

Principle risks are:

Axis grows year on year in terms of turn-over and staffing, with both being higher in this financial year, than at any other point within the 32-year history of Axis.

Development has been greatest within Axis' training/ education department during the year, with a substantial increase in numbers of delegates trained/ educated compared to the previous year. Much of this is funded work, but one product does create income.

Axis is always looking for ways to improve the service(s) provided to survivors. Following client consultation, a men's group was implemented to support Male survivors of sexual abuse to have a safe place to be able to access peer support.

Axis has either met, or had a mitigation plan, for all financial KPI's:

Page 2

AXIS COUNSELLING

STRATEGIC REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Axis has Environmental KPI's for measurement from this financial year and has a carbon reduction plan currently under review.

Measurements will be in relation to Direct Impacts such as Greenhouse Gases (vehicle fuel, Business Travel - Rail, Hotel stay and working from home); Waste (Landfill, recycling): and indirect impacts such as Greenhouse gases (Energy use) and Water (supplied water), where figures are available for Axis only.

Employee KPI's are also either in place, or under construction, including measurements for Employee satisfaction; Employee retention rate; Volunteer growth rate; and Absenteeism.

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 15[th] October 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

........................................................................ J Bryans - Trustee

Page 3

AXIS COUNSELLING

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES 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 1 January 2019).

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Principle activities AXIS SERVICES 2024/2025

Axis delivers services to people aged 5+ who have experienced any form of sexual abuse at any time in their life, including (but not limited to):

o Childhood sexual abuse o Childhood sexual exploitation o Sexual assault, sexual violence, rape. o Technology assisted sexual abuse (This list is not exhaustive) o In addition, Axis supports family members of victims/survivors of sexual trauma.

The counselling Service offers a wide range of therapeutic support services including a Trauma Informed Online Self-Help hub (Axis Wellbeing Hub), and an Initial Assessment (to establish the most appropriate therapeutic intervention for the survivor). These may include Long-term and short-term sexual Trauma Focused Counselling, LINK counselling for family members and loved ones and Parenting support for parents/guardians/carers of 5-10yr olds. Within these therapeutic interventions, we offer additional services tailored specifically for survivors with Learning Disabilities, Children and young people from 11 to 17 and 5-10yr olds, older survivors and LGBTQIA+ survivors. Whilst waiting for therapy, survivors can access a range of waiting list support services including Listening therapy (Hear4You), OOA's (One off appointments) Psychoeducational Workshops and Groupwork.

The counselling service also provides a Trainee Counsellor Placement programme for which a new Recovery Focused Therapy was developed (Centre10).

The ISVA Team offers a wide range of support including advocacy, practical support, support through the Criminal Justice System, providing impartial and independent advice, guidance, and information to survivors to help them to make informed decisions that are right for them. This covers a wide variety of areas of their life which has been impacted by the abuse such as mental and physical health and wellbeing; financial; accommodation; support networks; coping mechanisms; education and employment; harm from others; Safeguarding; and immigration and residence.

The Pathfinder offers a range of interventions for adult survivors with complex mental health needs, in the form of advocacy, psychoeducation, peer groups, one-to-one counselling and biopsychosocial assessments, as well as training for professionals.

The training Centre delivers training courses and awareness raising to professionals, members of the community and in schools.

Public benefit

The Trustees confirm that they have considered and have had due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission and a full description of the charities activities is given in the CEO Report.

Page 4

AXIS COUNSELLING

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Charitable activities AXIS COUNSELLING 2024/2025

The counselling service received 668 referrals, which was an increase of 16% on the previous year. We were able to affect a 13% decrease in the waiting list on the previous year and have sustained less than an 18 week wait for access to therapy, a on par with the previous year (it is recognised: allocations are based on clients' individual requests for specific days/times/deliver and location and assessed priority.)

Counselling delivery was adapted to provide remote coverage due to COVID; however, the service now continues to offer a blended approach of both face-to-face and online/telephone counselling which now has an equal split as delivery preference. This flexibility has seen a higher percentage of attended appointments.

Continued targeted funding from the PCC/MOJ allowed us to recruit a learning disability/Neuro Diverse counsellor, additional men and boys counselling support and critical support resources to target the waiting list together with a part time children's counsellor which has enabled us to continue our service to 5-10yr olds.

With a commitment to supporting clients whilst on our waiting list, and canvassing clients directly to involve them in the design of our support services, we have launched our coffee and connect groups offering and continue to provide our HEAR4You listening service. Our online resource,' Axis Wellbeing Hub' has 85% take up from waiting list clients. The programme helps clients to identify the effects of sexual trauma and to develop coping strategies and to improve emotional wellbeing.

Referrals are mainly via self-referrals (32%) although the majority of these are signposted in from GP's and community mental health services and because of Axis promotional materials (predominantly web search and website), followed by Axis ISVA Service (28%) up and educational institutions (4.2%).

Axis Counselling supports people of all genders from the ages of 5 upwards. Most of our clients, 1008 of whom received a service, 87% were female, and the main age range of our clients was 25-44yrs (40%).

The current geographical areas of operation are Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and surrounding areas.

AXIS ISVA SERVICE 2024/2025

The ISVA team have supported 988 clients over the period of April 2024 to March 2025 with 542 new referrals received, being able to contact 520 of these clients and offer a service.

Of the 988 clients supported, 520 of these were new referrals received during the year, the rest were existing clients. The ISVA team handled 3039 face-to-face appointments with clients over this period and provided a total of 10, 236 interventions of all other methods.

The majority of our clients are female - 93% of those supported, and our adult clients (those over the age of 18) represent our largest group of ISVA clients at 69%.

Of our new referrals the largest referral source was the police at 54.4% with the rest of our referrals coming from other services and self-referrals.

The ISVA service continues to offer a range of options for support including face-to-face office appointments, outreach to schools and colleges, video and phone support if this is what best suits the individual.

The ISVA team continues to look for new and innovative ways to support our clients. We have piloted workshops for our young people and walk and talks for our adult clients. Plans are in place for the future for further drop ins, walks and talks and groups for peer support.

Under the ISVA contract we have delivered training to 2019 individuals which includes raising awareness sessions in schools and colleges and training to various other people, mainly other professionals in the past year on the impact of sexual abuse/violence as well as the legal implications of sexual violence, consent and language to students.

Page 5

AXIS COUNSELLING

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

COMPLEX CARE PATHFINDER

We have received 169 referrals. The Majority of our clients are female however we have noticed a slightly higher proportion of Male clients opposed to other services within Axis.

We are working hard to continue to raise awareness of our service to maximize the appropriate referrals into the service.

We have been able to work with departments within mental health services to create direct referral routes in addition to raising awareness of the other services that Axis provide.

The Pathfinder offers a range of services:

o Weekly MDTs (client focused meetings) take place, total number of clients discussed 65

o 1 to 1 stabilization work with our practitioner, advocacy support and practical advice and Psychoeducation on a one-to-one basis. We have found that there are number of clients that for several reasons are either not able to attend groups or don't feel that they want to attend a group setting so the practitioner has been able to provide the group content on a one-to-one basis either in person or online. In addition, we have found that a proportion of our clients are presenting with specific advocacy needs. These can either be the only need that the client has or may present alongside other needs being met by another part of the service. 51 clients have been seen by the practitioner.

o Building connections: An 8-week peer support group offering client led conversations on topics related to trauma, aimed at building connections with others in a safe and supported environment.

o Building resilience: Initially a 6-week Psychoeducation group program focusing on building resilience and identifying strengths and positive coping strategies. We have extended the building resilience group to an 8-week program to better address the specific needs of our clients. In addition to this we have added stand-alone workshops which address nightmares/ flashbacks and dissociation, and Healthy relationships and mindfulness. Clients are able to choose, if they wish, to attend these sessions outside of the main group offer. We have received positive feedback from group attendees.

We have run:

3 Building connections groups in Telford

2 Building connections groups in Shrewsbury

8 Building resilience groups / Psychoeducation workshops in Telford

4 Building resilience groups / psychoeducation workshops in Shrewsbury.

Totalling 17 groups with 96 attendees. We are noticing higher need in Telford for groups.

o 1:1 stabilization counselling (originally 6-8 sessions) We have been able to reassess the counselling offer and are able to extend the counselling sessions to better meet the need of this client group and ensure that it is different to the counselling that Axis already offers. The sessions are more person centred to address specific needs of the client we aim for sessions to be between 6-12 weeks. 9 clients have received counselling.

o Psychological assessments, formulations and therapy. Our NHS psychologist is offering psychological assessments to clients in addition to direct one to one therapy to a small number of clients whose therapy needs cannot be met within any of the Axis therapy services. The psychologist also offers consultations with Axis Pathfinder staff, where deemed appropriate. Total number of clients seen by Psychologist are 10.

o Specialist training for individuals working with survivors of sexual trauma. We are offering training to tier 2 and 3 professionals in the form of a half day introduction to sexual violence and abuse and a two-day advanced course. In addition to these we are providing lunch and learn sessions which provide basic learning to professionals in addition to an introduction into our other training packages.

Originally the Pathfinder was a 2-year pilot project running from November 2023- November 2025. We managed to get an extension to this contract until April 2026, and we have just received news that this extension has been awarded until April 2027 which brings the West Mercia Pathfinder in line with the other Funded Pathfinder services nationwide.

SAFER STREETS

Safer Streets 5 is a Home Office-funded initiative aimed at reducing crime and improving safety in communities across England and Wales. For West Mercia, the program included a focus on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). Using a Bystander Approach our project empowers individuals to safely intervene in situations of potential harm or inappropriate behaviour related to VAWG, through:

  1. Awareness and Education: - Training helps individuals recognise signs of harassment and promotes community norms that encourage intervention in VAWG incidents.

Page 6

AXIS COUNSELLING

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

  1. Safe Intervention Techniques: - Participants learn non-confrontational methods such as distracting the perpetrator, alerting someone in authority, and checking in with the victim, all while prioritising safety.

  2. Community Engagement: - Workshops in schools, colleges, and workplaces help build a culture of accountability and support for preventing violence. This evidence-based method aims to reduce the escalation of harmful situations and promote safer public spaces.

During the reporting period, we worked with 9 schools across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin training 26 teachers and 76 students. In addition, we provided 20 Community train the trainer programmes, delivered to 172 delegates, who now have the skills and knowledge to go on to further train their peers.

GROUPS FOR MALE SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL ABUSE

This new project was funded from January 2025 for 12 months, and during the last quarter of the reporting period was in the development stage. The deliverables will take place during the coming year. The project will provide 2 group sessions per month for male survivors of sexual abuse, one in Shropshire and one in Telford, with the aim of providing males with a space to make peer connections, in recognition that some men find it more difficult to talk about matters effecting their mental health, and therefore are at a higher risk of suicide.

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

Axis continues to provide excellent support for clients through our services. It is a learning organisation using relevant research and practice models to enhance the success and relevance of its services. Axis is ably assisted by its Trustees, Staff and volunteers who are all very committed, passionate and optimistic in providing the very best services to enhance the wellbeing and health of its clients.

OBJECTIVES AND YEAR AHEAD

This year has seen us expand our range of offers, not only to survivors, but also in terms of training opportunities for professionals, members of the community and ambassadors in schools. We have recruited a second cohort of Counsellors in Training, offering them the opportunity to complete their mandatory counselling hours with us, enabling them to become qualified counsellors. Once qualified, we have been able to offer the opportunity for them to stay on with us as volunteer counsellors to gain their post-qualification hours.

For clients' we have delivered a service to support young people in Shropshire who have experienced or are at risk of Child Sexual Exploitation.

This year we have achieved re-accreditation of Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus, ensuring that the data security we have in place is robust, in addition to our existing accreditations:

o the UKAS accredited National Service Standards for Delivering Services Supporting Victims/ Survivors of Sexual Violence and/or Childhood Sexual Abuse through The Survivors' Trust

o Quality Standards for Supporting Male Victims and Survivors of Sexual Violence, through Lime Culture and the Male Survivors' Partnership

o Quality Standards for Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) Services, through Lime Culture

This year has seen Axis build upon the previous year's success in becoming a training centre. The numbers of courses and variety of topics, as well as intended audience has continued to grow throughout the year. We have delivered training to 2734 delegates (a combination of professionals and pupils/ students) this year, which is a 46% increase on the previous year.

In the coming year, we aim to expand the number of placements we can offer to Counsellors in Training; continue to increase our training opportunities; add to our service accreditations by completing the Bluestar Pre-trial Therapy accreditation, which was commenced in the reporting year, and expand capacity within our services by securing new funding to support these.

With almost all our current funding contracts falling for renewal at the end of the coming year, the year ahead will be looking to secure further long-term funding. We are also working towards a certain degree of self-sustainability by means of our training arm, albeit this will take some time to generate sufficient funds to be able to divert to other services within the organisation.

Page 7

AXIS COUNSELLING

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Becky Jones CEO

CHAIR OF THE TRUSTEE REPORT

Axis Counselling remains committed to supporting individuals throughout Shropshire, Telford, and Wrekin who have experienced any form of sexual abuse at any time in their life. Over the past year, we have been able to assist more than two thousand clients - the highest figure in the charity's history. Our clients are always at the core of everything we do.

The organisation also strives to educate communities about the profound impact these experiences have on survivors, and on their families.

The Axis team has again pursued innovation, growth and ambition for the organisation, enabling us to reach and support more individuals this year than ever before.

The professionalism and commitment of our staff and volunteers are continually supported by a dedicated and highly effective leadership team.

Although this year saw the highest level of funding to date for Axis, it also brought significant challenges, notably the difficult decision to close some roles ahead of reduced funding levels for the 25/26 financial year. I acknowledge the impact this has had on the staff and management team at Axis. However, the organisation's commitment to clients remained steadfast and professional throughout.

The quality of service that Axis provides gives us continued optimism for the future, even against an increasingly tight fiscal environment for public sector funding.

Our ongoing commitment to quality has been again reflected this year with several new, and renewed, accreditations including; Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus, UKAS-accredited National Service Standards for Delivering Services Supporting Victims/Survivors of Sexual Violence and/or Childhood Sexual Abuse via The Survivors' Trust, and Lime Culture accreditation for Quality Standards for Supporting Male Victims and Survivors of Sexual Violence and for ISVA Services.

These achievements reinforce confidence among our funders and stakeholders-not only in the quality of our services but also in the governance and management of the charity.

Axis is deeply grateful to our funders and supporters, including the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, The Ministry of Justice, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin ICB, and the NHS. Their generous support this year has enabled us to deliver our Counselling, ISVA, and Pathfinder services, and to provide training and education to nearly three thousand professionals and students across the region.

On behalf of the Trustees, I extend sincere thanks to all our staff and volunteers, as well as to our leadership team. The ongoing commitment, collaboration, and ambition of everyone at Axis are what drive our mission in delivering essential services and supporting every client.

The Trustees remain one of Axis's most valuable assets. I am grateful for their time, energy, and ideas, which ensure strong and supportive governance. Their unwavering support for the leadership team and myself continues to be a cornerstone for this charity.

J. Bryans Chair of Axis Trustees

Page 8

AXIS COUNSELLING

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Reserves policy

It is a policy of the Management Committee to maintain a designated contingency reserve that would mitigate against the risk of loss of funding or of a funding delay from a major service contract or funding source. Axis has no major assets or ability to seek loans to maintain the service if in financial crisis. Access to reserves would be essential if the organisation failed in part or completely, in attracting sufficient funds to continue its work and had to close down its operations in part or full. If there was a significant future funding shortfall there would still be the need to operate services for a period of time, which could be some months, and manage through to a conclusion the service users that were progressing through their therapy. The Trustees aim to maintain a minimum of £100k of free reserves as a contingency reserve and £70k held in reserve against possible redundancy payments should there ever be a need to close down part or all of the organisation's operation. Maintaining a contingency reserve provides a degree of confidence that the organisation is secure in the medium term and is therefore able to plan and manage for its future needs.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

A comprehensive Risk Assessment has been completed and presented to the Board identifying and assessing the major risks to which the charity is exposed, in particular, these risks relate to its operations, finance and data collection and retention. The Board are satisfied that identified risks have been assessed for the impact they may have, and, where considered high, systems are in place to mitigate exposure.

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

The trustees (who are also the directors of Axis Counselling for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) including Financial Reporting Standard 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland".

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company 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 charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

In so far as the trustees are aware:

AUDITORS

The auditors, D.R.E. & Co. (Audit) Limited, will be proposed for re-appointment at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 15[th] October 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

........................................................................ J Bryans - Trustee

Page 9

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE TRUSTEES OF AXIS COUNSELLING

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Axis Counselling (the 'charitable company') for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland'.

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report, other than the financial statements and our Report of the Independent Auditors thereon.

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Page 10

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE TRUSTEES OF AXIS COUNSELLING

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Page 11

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE TRUSTEES OF AXIS COUNSELLING

Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditors under Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue a Report of the Independent Auditors that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

We assessed the susceptibility of the company's financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:

To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:

In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:

There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of the directors and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.

Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion.

Page 12

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE TRUSTEES OF AXIS COUNSELLING

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Report of the Independent Auditors.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company's trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company's trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

D.R.E. & Co. (Audit) Limited Eligible to act as an auditor in terms of Section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006 7 Lower Brook Street Oswestry Shropshire SY11 2HG

Date: 15[th] October 2025

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AXIS COUNSELLING

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Notes
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
3
Investment income
4
Total
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
5
Charitable Activities
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
Transfers between funds
16
Net movement in funds
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD		 Unrestricted
funds
£
19,791
17,789
37,580
15,539
22,041
(41,853)
(19,812)
735,624
715,812		 Restricted
funds
£
1,647,798
-
1,647,798
1,689,651
(41,853)
41,853
-
-
-		 31.3.25
Total
funds
£
1,667,589
17,789
1,685,378
1,705,190
(19,812)
-
(19,812)
735,624
715,812		 31.3.24
Total
funds
£
1,486,346
10,311
1,496,657
1,395,323
101,334
-
101,334
634,290
735,624

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 14

AXIS COUNSELLING

BALANCE SHEET 31 MARCH 2025

Unrestricted
funds
Notes
£
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
12
38,585
CURRENT ASSETS
Stocks
13
1,000
Debtors
14
145,193
Cash at bank and in hand
579,470
725,663
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
15
(48,436)
NET CURRENT ASSETS
677,227
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES
715,812
NET ASSETS
715,812
FUNDS
16
Unrestricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS		 Restricted
funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 31.3.25
Total
funds
£
38,585
1,000
145,193
579,470
725,663
(48,436)
677,227
715,812
715,812
715,812
715,812		 31.3.24
Total
funds
£
48,397
1,000
126,628
587,285
714,913
(27,686)
687,227
735,624
735,624
735,624
735,624

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2025.

The members have not deposited notice, pursuant to Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006 requiring an audit of these financial statements.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for

These financial statements have been audited under the requirements of Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011.

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 15

continued...

AXIS COUNSELLING

BALANCE SHEET - continued

31 MARCH 2025

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 15[th] October 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:

............................................. J Bryans - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 16

AXIS COUNSELLING

CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
1
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Interest received
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents in
the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the
beginning of the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of
the reporting period		 31.3.25
£
(16,479)
(16,479)
(9,125)
17,789
8,664
(7,815)
587,285
579,470		 31.3.24
£
207,059
207,059
(24,417)
10,311
(14,106)
192,953
394,332
587,285

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 17

AXIS COUNSELLING

NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1. RECONCILIATION OF NET (EXPENDITURE)/INCOME TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net (expenditure)/income for the reporting period (as per the
Statement of Financial Activities)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
Interest received
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
Increase in creditors
Net cash (used in)/provided by operations		 31.3.25
£
(19,812)
18,937
(17,789)
(18,564)
20,749
**(16,479) **		 31.3.24
£
101,334
31,402
(10,311)
83,473
1,161
207,059

2. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS

At 1.4.24 Cash flow At 31.3.25
£ £ £
Net cash
Cash at bank and in hand 587,285 **(7,815) ** 579,470
587,285 **(7,815) ** 579,470
Total 587,285 **(7,815) ** 579,470

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 18

AXIS COUNSELLING

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1. STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006.

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

The financial statements are for the individual entity only.

The financial statements are presented in Sterling (£), rounded to the nearest £1.

Company Status

The charity is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales. The members of the company are the Trustees named on page 1. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £10 per member of the charity

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Where incoming resources have related expenditure (as with fundraising or contract income) the incoming resources and related expenditure are reported gross in th SoFA.

Income from grants and donations is only included in the SoFA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources.

Incoming resources from tax reclaims are included in the SoFA at the same time as the gift to which they relate.

Contractual income and performance related grants are only included in the SoFA once the related goods and services have been delivered. When donors specify that donations and grants are for a particular restricted purpose, which do not amount to pre-conditions regarding entitlement, this income is included in incoming resources of restricted funds when receivable.

Gift in kind are accounted for at a reasonable estimate of their value to the charity or the amount actually realised.

Gifts in kind for sale or distribution are included in the accounts as gifts only when sold or distributed by the charity.

Gifts in kind for use by the charity are included in the SoFA as incoming resources when receivable. Donated services are only included in incoming resources (with an equivalent amount in resources expended) where the benefit to the charity is reasonably quantifiable, measurable and material. The value placed on these resources is the estimated value to the charity of the service or facility received.

Volunteer help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustee's annual report.

Investment income is included in the accounts when it is receivable.

continued...

Page 19

AXIS COUNSELLING

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Tangible fixed assets

Tangible assets are stated at cost (or deemed cost) less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Costs include the original purchase price, costs directly attributable to bringing the assets to its working condition for its intended use, dismantling and restoration cost and borrowing costs capitalised.

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life:

Property improvement - 4% on cost Computer equipment - 33% on cost Fixtures and fittings - 25% reducing balance Equipment - 10% reducing balance

Stocks

Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making due allowance for obsolete and slow moving items.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objective of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the accounts.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charges against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out on the notes to the financial statements.

Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate funds.

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits

The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

Financial instruments

Basic financial assets, including trade and other debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially recognised at transaction price, unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest.

Basic financial liabilities, including trade and other creditors, are initially recognised at transaction price, unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest.

continued...

Page 20

AXIS COUNSELLING

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

3.
DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
Gifts, donations and grants
4.
INVESTMENT INCOME
Deposit account interest
5.
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS
Charitable Activities
6.
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):
Depreciation - owned assets		 31.3.25
£
1,667,589
31.3.25
£
17,789
31.3.25
£
**18,937 **		 31.3.24
£
1,486,346
31.3.24
£
10,311
Direct
Costs
£
1,705,190
31.3.24
£
31,402

7. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024.

8. STAFF COSTS

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
Admin
ISVA's
Counsellors
Pathfinders		 31.3.25
£
1,250,870
110,563
23,440
1,384,873
31.3.25
9
23
11
5
48		 31.3.24
£
982,947
88,618
18,100		 31.3.24
£
982,947
88,618
18,100
1,089,665
31.3.24
8
19
13
-
40

continued...

Page 21

AXIS COUNSELLING

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

8. STAFF COSTS - continued

No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.

Remuneration paid during the year in respect of those classed as key management personnel totalled £143,231 (2024: £176,158).

9. MATERIAL TRANSFERS

The transfer of restricted funds to unrestricted funds in the year represents the release of surplus balances where the donor's conditions for the use of the income have been met.

10.
COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted
funds
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
18,224
Investment income
10,311
Total
28,535
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
Charitable Activities
(6,807)
NET INCOME
35,342
Transfers between funds
65,992
Net movement in funds
101,334
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
634,290
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
735,624
11.
AUDITORS' REMUNERATION
Fees payable to the charity's auditors and their associates for the audit of the
charity's financial statements
Auditors' remuneration for non audit work
Total fees payable
Restricted
funds
£
1,468,122
-
1,468,122
1,402,130
65,992
(65,992)
-
-
-
31.3.25
£
8,640
8,142
**16,782 **		 Total
funds
£
1,486,346
10,311
1,496,657
1,395,323
101,334
-
101,334
634,290
735,624
31.3.24
£
8,190
7,423
15,613

continued...

Page 22

AXIS COUNSELLING

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

12. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Improvements
to
Plant and
property
machinery
£
£
COST
At 1 April 2024
9,333
17,943
Additions
-
-
At 31 March 2025
9,333
17,943
DEPRECIATION
At 1 April 2024
1,120
5,666
Charge for year
373
1,228
At 31 March 2025
1,493
6,894
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2025
7,840
11,049
At 31 March 2024
8,213
12,277
13.
STOCKS
Stocks
14.
DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Trade debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER ONE YEAR
Prepayments and accrued income		 Fixtures
and
fittings
£
30,485
199
30,684
21,960
2,626
24,586
6,098
8,525
 Computer
equipment
£
80,309
8,926
89,235
60,927
14,710
75,637
13,598
19,382
31.3.25
£
1,000
31.3.25
£
-
141,562
141,562
31.3.25
£
3,631
3,631		 Totals
£
138,070
9,125
147,195
89,673
18,937
108,610
38,585
48,397
31.3.24
£
1,000
31.3.24
£
27,220
99,408
126,628
31.3.24
£
-
-

continued...

Page 23

AXIS COUNSELLING

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

15. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
31.3.25 31.3.24
£ £
Trade creditors - 29
Social security and other taxes 30,926 18,947
Accruals and deferred income 17,510 8,710
48,436 27,686

16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Designated Funds
Restricted funds
ISVA
HM Prison Stoke Heath
Counselling
Safer Streets
Pathfinders
EIW
Community Foundation
TOTAL FUNDS
Net movement in funds, included in the above are
Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
ISVA
HM Prison Stoke Heath
Counselling
Safer Streets
Pathfinders
EIW
Community Foundation
TOTAL FUNDS		 At 1.4.24
£
735,624
-
735,624
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
735,624
as follows:

continued...

Page 24

AXIS COUNSELLING

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparatives for movement in funds

At 1.4.23
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
634,290
Restricted funds
ISVA
-
HM Prison Stoke Heath
-
Counselling
-
Safer Streets
-
Pathfinders
-
-
TOTAL FUNDS
634,290
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are a
Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
ISVA
HM Prison Stoke Heath
Counselling
Safer Streets
Pathfinders
TOTAL FUNDS		 Net
movement
in funds
£
35,342
38,490
7,606
(9,464)
12,570
16,790
65,992
101,334
s follows:
Incoming
resources
£
28,535
789,085
11,040
548,277
25,360
94,360
1,468,122
1,496,657

Page 25

continued...

AXIS COUNSELLING

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Designated Funds
Restricted funds
ISVA
HM Prison Stoke Heath
Counselling
Safer Streets
Pathfinders
EIW
Community Foundation
TOTAL FUNDS		 At 1.4.23
£
634,290
-
634,290
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
634,290		 Net
movement
in funds
£
57,384
-
57,384
(103,996)
9,131
20,242
24,347
42,381
30,033
2,000
24,138
81,522		 Transfers
between
funds
£
(75,862)
100,000
24,138
103,996
(9,131)
(20,242)
(24,347)
(42,381)
(30,033)
(2,000)
(24,138)
-		 At
31.3.25
£
615,812
100,000
715,812
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
715,812

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
ISVA
HM Prison Stoke Heath
Counselling
Safer Streets
Pathfinders
EIW
Community Foundation
TOTAL FUNDS		 Incoming
resources
£
66,115
1,480,154
13,800
1,196,120
74,222
319,591
30,033
2,000
3,115,920
3,182,035		 Resources
expended
£
(8,731)
(1,584,150)
(4,669)
(1,175,878)
(49,875)
(277,210)
-
-
(3,091,782)
(3,100,513)		 Movement
in funds
£
57,384
(103,996)
9,131
20,242
24,347
42,381
30,033
2,000
24,138
81,522

Designated Fund

This is a contingency fund to mitigate against the risk of loss or delay of funding.

Counselling Shropshire/Telford & Wrekin

Funds from Integrated Care Services - Shropshire/Telford & Wrekin and Ministry of Justice cover counselling costs in the area of Shropshire/Telford & Wrekin for anyone over the age of 5 years, who have suffered sexual abuse, either historical or present. Axis works with a specific therapy that all counsellors are specially trained in.

Page 26

continued...

AXIS COUNSELLING

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

NB: Counselling is now combined - under ICS (Integrated Care Services) - no longer Shropshire/Telford and Wrekin

Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA)

Funding is provided by the PCC to work with anyone who has been a victim of sexual trauma. ISVAs work with the client from the initial trauma through to the courts. Sometimes a court case is not appropriate, and the client will be "held" by the ISVA, and then signposted to the Counselling side of Axis.

H M Prison Stoke Heath

Axis provides counselling to inmates who have experienced historical sexual trauma, as well as generic counselling.

Pathfinders

Pathfinder is funded annually from 1st November to 31st October; therefore, a portion of the funds received in November, are carried forward to the following financial year.

Safer Streets

Safer Streets project was funded for 15 months from January '24 to March '25. A portion of the funding to be used in the 24/25 financial year was paid in January '24 and carried forward.

EIW

Early intervention Childhood Sexual Exploitation (CSE) project, with 1 post subcontracted to Axis for 9 months July 24 - March 25, to work with children experiencing or at risk of CSE across Shropshire.

Community Foundation

12 months funding from the Community Foundation to run Men's groups to support the mental health of male survivors of sexual abuse. Funded from January 2025 to January 2026.

17. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Page 27

AXIS COUNSELLING

DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
Gifts, donations and grants
Investment income
Deposit account interest
Total incoming resources
EXPENDITURE
Charitable activities
Wages
Social security
Pensions
Rent
Insurance
Utilities
Telephone
Postage and stationery
Advertising
Sundries
Travel, parking etc
Administrative and IT
Training
Clinical supervision
Professional fees
Room hire
Repairs and renewals
Accountancy fees
Bank charges
Audit fees
Depn of improvements to property
Depn of plant & machinery
Depn of fixtures & fittings
Depn of computer equipment
Total resources expended
Net (expenditure)/income		 31.3.25
£
1,667,589
17,789
1,685,378
1,250,870
110,563
23,440
39,745
7,457
3,886
19,073
12,922
707
3,344
15,281
75,922
30,486
36,288
27,437
6,581
5,367
8,142
102
8,640
373
1,228
2,626
14,710
1,705,190
1,705,190
(19,812)		 31.3.24
£
1,486,346
10,311
1,496,657
982,947
88,618
18,100
41,341
6,302
4,189
23,139
13,636
1,195
6,445
9,495
60,089
54,581
18,915
7,114
5,500
6,642
7,423
60
8,190
373
1,364
3,436
26,229
1,395,323
1,395,323
101,334

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 28