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← Tilehouse Counselling

2025-03-31-accounts

Company registration number: 04266496 Charity registration number: 1089632

TILEHOUSE COUNSELLING TRUSTEES' REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Tilehouse Counselling Contents

Page
Trustees' Report 1—5
Independent Examiner's Report 6
Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) 7
Comparative Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) 8
Balance Sheet 9
Notes to the Financial Statements 10—15

Tilehouse Counselling Company No. 04266496 Trustees' Report for the year ended 31 March 2025

The trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Objectives and Activities

Aims and Objectives

Public Benefit

Tilehouse Counselling is a charity that provides professional, affordable counselling for adults and young people (aged 13 to 18) in Hitchin, North Hertfordshire and surrounding areas. All counselling is delivered by experienced, professionally trained counsellors. The trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.

Where we are

We are based in the centre of Hitchin within walking distance of the train station and bus stops. Our counselling rooms are trauma-informed and pleasant, comfortable, and insulated from outside noise.

Over the past year adults and young people came to counselling for many different reasons including:

Most people contact us initially by telephone, but we also get email enquiries and enquiries through a link from our website.

The issues our clients brought to the Centre

Adults came to the Centre with a variety of issues, recurring themes being anxiety and depression, violence in relationships, and abuse/neglect in childhood and beyond.

Young people had issues around drug and alcohol abuse, self-harm, poor school attendance, academic and exam pressure, bullying and isolation, gender identity, sexual risk taking and getting into trouble at school and/or with the Police.

Typically, our clients reported low self- esteem and a lack of confidence, making it difficult to lead fulfilling lives or to function satisfactorily, on a daily basis.

Again, this year our clients are still experiencing additional difficulties as a direct result of the pandemic. Adults were presenting with extreme anxiety, stress, redundancies, financial difficulties and parenting issues.

Young clients were reporting anxieties around home schooling, fears of school attendance, exam pressure, social media pressure, eating disorders and substance abuse.

Page 1

Tilehouse Counselling Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025

Additional Note

This year has been a transitional year for Tilehouse Counselling, with a new Chair midway through and the executive team led by Pam Firth as Clinical Director. During the year, we attempted unsuccessfully to appoint a combined Charity Director/Clinical Lead, so we were very grateful to the team for managing so well, under challenging circumstances.

The challenges of running a small charity during a cost-of-living crisis cannot be overstated; client needs have been more pressing, whilst funding opportunities have been increasingly competitive. We recognise that during this year, our income has not kept pace with costs, resulting in a substantial deficit.

As we write this report, we have appointed Lisa Gagliani MBE as Interim Chief Executive, who has joined us to develop our strategy and boost fundraising capacity. We are grateful to loyal, long-term funders for their continued support such as Henry Smith Foundation, National Lottery, Hertfordshire County Council, Hitchin Youth Trust and Children in Need. We are proud that almost 25% of our income comes from client contributions and donations from the public including dozens of local businesses.

We have prioritised servicing clinical needs within our local community, strengthening governance and embedding youth voice. These will continue to be our core priorities in 2025/26 alongside developing a more sustainable funding strategy.

Achievements and Performance

Main Achievements

Service Delivery

During the financial year (1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025) we worked with 166 adults and 106 young people totaling 272 clients.

Impact statistics

272 unique individuals supported: 183 females (67%), 86 males (31%), 2 non-binary (<1%), 1 transgender (<0.5%) 106 were young people aged 13-18 years old (39%).166 were adults (61%)

How our clients find us

45% word of mouth 19% internet 15% other 14% NHS/GP/CAMHS/Social services

1% local clubs & charities

Client survey data

100% found the initial contact response friendly and helpful and were happy with the service from the office overall. 97% felt their counsellor understood their problems 94% felt fully or mostly supported with their issues

When rating their ability to cope with life's difficulties on a scale of 1 (poor) to 10 (good) before counselling, 92% rated themselves as 5 or below. After counselling this dropped to 13% (87% rating themselves therefore at 6 or above)

81% said they felt an increase in self-awareness and self-esteem because of counselling 82% were less emotionally distressed after counselling 74% feel less isolated /alone

32% saw improved physical health because of counselling, including improved sleep, dietary habits and reduced pain 76% saw improvements in family life/relationships because of counselling

Page 2

Tilehouse Counselling Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025

Main Achievements – continued

Client comments in response to ‘What do you think might have happened if you hadn’t come to counselling?’

“I dread to think. I've been in an awful low mood. Despite this being anonymous, I have to say that my therapist is amazing. She is adaptable when I need it, and she understands me and helps me put things into a much clearer perspective. I've had so much CBT in the past, but this form of therapy has been amazing.”

“Would still be choked by certain situations, and unable to speak my mind, but now after taking about issues I buried for 30 years, I now have the confidence to start being the real me.”

“I was very low with suicide ideation. I hate to think where that may have led.”

“I recommend counselling to everyone as it has saved me.”

“I don’t believe I would be alive and, if I was, I would not be living life.”

“I would’ve felt alone and trapped with bigger thoughts/issues.”

“I would have had to have dropped out of college.”

“I would still be very ill and probably had a breakdown.”

“I think I would be crumbling now.”

Charitable Activities

Our approach

We understand that every prospective client or relative of a prospective client contacts us when they are in a period of distress, frequently because of frustration at the lack of appropriate and timely interventions available to them via the NHS which is overwhelmed by the rising number of people affected by mental health difficulties.

Our Clinical team are required to balance clinical risk alongside operational and safeguarding risk; We do this by managing new intakes very carefully indeed and when necessary, we sometimes refer clients to more suitable, multidisciplinary teams or alternative third sector providers instead.

We were providing an average of 110 appointments per week by March 2025.

Counselling contracts offered

We saw clients for an initial two to four session assessment period after which we offered up to a year of further counselling. However, in some circumstances counselling was extended beyond the maximum contract period when there was a need. Shorter term work (four or twelve session contracts) enabled clients to do a more focused piece of work, knowing they could return to the centre if they wished to in the future.

Confidentiality

Counselling is confidential. The only circumstances in which a counsellor would speak with somebody else is if they have good reason to believe a client or person is at serious risk. This is to engage extra support for the person in counselling and is done with their full knowledge.

Who pays for the counselling?

For our charitable core counselling adult service, we ask our clients to make an affordable contribution towards their weekly counselling sessions between £23.00 and £65.00.

We piloted a ‘full-fee’ service option a few years ago, as part of our strategy to be more sustainable. Tilehouse Counselling is a small charity, and most of our funding must be raised by voluntary donations. We do this by applying for grants and seeking the support of individuals and organisations.

Page 3

Tilehouse Counselling Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025

Financial Review

Financial Position

The charity's overall financial position was satisfactory over the year. On 31st March 2025, it held a total fund balance of £185,664 detailed in note 13 of the accounts.

The trustees confirm that there have been no material events affecting the charity's finances between the balance sheet date and the signing of these accounts, and that the charity's funds are adequate to meet ongoing obligations.

Reserves Policy

Reserves

The trustees aim to hold unrestricted income funds in reserve to enable the organisation to continue operating when there are delays in grant aid decisions or payments. This is particularly important in relation to our commitment to counselling clients where it would be damaging and unethical to bring ongoing work to a premature conclusion. In the current funding climate, the Trustees attempt to hold in reserve 6 months operating funds and will review these levels in the light of operating conditions.

Principal Funding Sources

Grants Received

All the grants listed are restricted income:

Herts Community Council Community Wellbeing £9,644 IHCCT £31,310 National Lottery Reaching Communities £66,667 Wixamtree £3,000 Henry Smith £14,850 Hitchin Youth Trust £9,513 Children in Need £30,000 Robert McAlpine £9,167

Total Grants £174,151

Page 4

Tilehouse Counselling Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025

Reference and Administrative Details

Trustees

Ms Roisin Mooney - Board Member (resigned 01/07/2025) Dr Clare Grimsell - Board Member (resigned 30/06/2024) Dr Judith Green - Clinical Trustee Mr Richard Hull - Chair (resigned 01/12/2024) Mrs Christina Skeen - Treasurer Mrs Kim Sawyer - Chair (appointed 01/07/2024) Mrs Jacqueline Fairey - Board Member (appointed 29/08/2025) Miss Eleanor Graham - Board Member (appointed 29/08/2025)

Charity Number

1089632

Company Number 04266496

Principal Address

The Coach House Rear of 84 Tilehouse Street Hitchin Herts SG5 2DY

Independent Examiner

Sarah Coombs FCCA 14 Coningsbury Lane Shortstown Beds MK42 0PW

Page 5

Tilehouse Counselling Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Tilehouse Counselling For The Year Ended 31 March 2025

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Responsibilities and Basis of Report

As the charity trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (“the 2006 Act”).

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent Examiner's Statement

Since the Company’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view' which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

  4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

I have no concerns and 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.

Sarah Coombs

Sarah Coombs FCCA 30/09/2025 14 Coningsbury Lane Shortstown Beds MK42 0PW

Tilehouse Counselling Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025

Notes
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM:
Charitable activities:
Counselling
Investments
4
Other
5
EXPENDITURE ON:
Raising funds
6
Charitable activities:
6
Counselling
Charity Management
NET (EXPENDITURE)/INCOME
Transfers between funds
14
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS:
Total funds brought forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
14		 Unrestricted
funds
£
113,507
2,731
9,357
Restricted
funds
£

174,151

-

-		 2025
Total funds
£

287,658
2,731
9,357		 2024
Total funds
£

449,082

886

14
125,595
174,151
299,746
449,982
(8,042)
(3,846)
(32,083)		 1
(368,882)
-
(8,041)
(372,728)
(32,083)		 (21,117)
(318,295)
(56,660)
(43,971) (368,881) (412,852) (396,072)
81,624
(194,730)
(194,730)
194,730		 (113,106)

-		 53,910
-
(113,106)
298,772		 -

-		 (113,106)
298,772		 53,910

244,861
185,666
-		 185,666
298,771

The notes on pages 11 to 16 form part of these financial statements.

Page 7

Tilehouse Counselling Comparative Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025

Notes
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM:
Charitable activities:
Counselling
Investments
4
Other
5
EXPENDITURE ON:
Raising funds
6
Charitable activities:
6
Counselling
Charity Management
NET INCOME
Transfers between funds
14
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS:
Total funds brought forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
14		 Unrestricted
funds
£
239,950
886
14
Restricted
funds
£

209,132

-

-		 2024
Total funds
£

449,082
886
14
240,850
209,132
449,982
(21,116)
-
(56,660)		 (1)
(318,295)
-		 (21,117)
(318,295)
(56,660)
(77,776) (318,296) (396,072)
163,074
(109,164)
(109,164)
109,164		 53,910

-
53,910
244,861
-

-		 53,910
244,861
298,771
-		 298,771

The notes on pages 11 to 16 form part of these financial statements.

Page 8

Tilehouse Counselling Balance Sheet As At 31 March 2025

2025 2024
Unrestricted
funds		 Restricted
funds		 Restricted **Total funds ** Total funds
Notes £ £ £ £
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors 11 7,753 - 7,753 110
Cash at bank and in hand 454,638 - 259,908 451,077
462,391 - 267,661 451,187
Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One
Year		 12 (6,312) (270,413) (81995 ) (152,416 )
NET CURRENT ASSETS (LIABILITIES) 456,079 (270,413) 185,666 298,771
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 456,079 (270,413) 185,666 298,771
NET ASSETS 456,079 (270,413) 185,666 298,771
FUNDS OF THE CHARITY
Unrestricted Funds 185,666 298,771
TOTAL FUNDS 14 185,666 298,771

For the year ending 31 March 2025 the charitable company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 479a of the Companies Act 2006 relating to subsidiary companies.

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

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

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

On behalf of the board

Mrs Christina Skeen Treasurer

29/08/2025

The notes on pages 11 to 16 form part of these financial statements.

Page 9

Tilehouse Counselling Notes to the Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31 March 2025

1. General Information

Tilehouse Counselling is a company limited by guarantee, incorporated in, registered number 04266496 and registered charity number 1089632. The registered office is:

The Coach House, Rear Of 84 Tilehouse Street, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG5 2DY

2. Accounting Policies

2.1. Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements

The financial statements 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 charitable company is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

2.2. Fund Accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for a specific purpose.

Restricted funds are to be used for specific purposes as laid down by the donor.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

2.3. Incoming Resources

Incoming resources are recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability.

Unrestricted donations and grants are recognised when received.

Regular giving through standing orders and cash are recognised when banked.

Government grants are recognised when the charity has fulfilled any performance conditions.

Trust and foundation grants are recognised when the award is confirmed in writing and any conditions precedent have been met.

Investment income is recognised when receivable.

2.4. Donated Goods and Services

Tilehouse Counselling has received various donations from supporters this year, for which we thank them.

2.5. Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assets and include cash in hand and deposits held at call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments that mature in no more than three months from the date of acquisition and are readily convertible to a known amount of cash with insignificant risk of change in value, and bank overdrafts.

Tilehouse Counselling Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025

2.6. Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax as all its income is charitable and applied for charitable purposes.

2.7. Pensions

The charitable company operates a defined pension contribution scheme. Contributions are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme.

2.8. Government Grant

Government grants are recognised in the statement of financial activities in an appropriate manner that matches them with the expenditure towards which they are intended to contribute.

Grants for immediate financial support or to cover costs already incurred are recognised immediately in the statement of financial activities. Grants towards general activities of the entity over a specific period are recognised in the statement of financial activities over that period.

Grants towards fixed assets are recognised over the expected useful lives of the related assets and are treated as deferred income and released to the statement of financial activities over the useful life of the asset concerned.

All grants in the statement of financial activities are recognised when all conditions for receipt have been complied with.

3. Income from Donations and Legacies

The following grants are included within the total income from donations and legacies above:

4. Investment Income

2025
2024
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds
funds
£
£
Bank interest receivable
2,731
886
5. Other Income
2025
2024
Unrestricted funds Unrestricted funds
£
£
Fundraising -Other Sources
9,357
14		 2025
Unrestricted
funds
£
2,731		 2024
Unrestricted
funds
£

886

Page 11

Tilehouse Counselling Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025

6. Analysis of Expenditure

Raising funds
Counselling
Charity Management
Raising funds
Counselling
Charity Management
. Support Costs
Employee costs
Premises expenses
General administration
Governance costs
Employee costs
Premises expenses
General administration		 Raising
funds
£
8,041
-
-
-		 Activities
undertaken
directly
£
-
954
-
954
Counselling
£
267,866
46,517
57,391
-
Support
costs
(see note7)
£
8,041

371,774
32,083		 2025

Total
£

8,041

372,728

32,083

411,898
412,852
Charity
Management
£
30,481
-
1,482
120		 2024
Support
costs
(see note7)
£
21,117
318,295
56,660
396,072
2025
Total
£

306,388
46,517

58,873

120
8,041 371,774 32,083
411,898
Raising
funds
£
21,116
-
1		 Counselling
£
238,091
41,687
38,517		 Charity
Management
£
46,368
-
10,292		 2024
Total
£

305,575
41,687

48,810
21,117 318,295 56,660
396,072

7. Support Costs

Page 12

Tilehouse Counselling Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025

8. Independent Examiner's Remuneration

. Independent Examiner's Remuneration
Independent examination of the financial statements
Other assurance services
Tax advisory services
Other financial services		 2025
£
120
-
-
-
120		 2024
£
120
-
-
-
120

9. Staff Costs

Staff costs were as follows:

Wages and salaries

2025 2024
£ £
303,442 289,766

No employees received employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) for the reporting period of more than £60,000.

10. Average Number of Employees

Average number of employees during the year was as follows:

Fundraising
Charitable Activities
Administration
1. Debtors
Due within one year
Prepayments and accrued income
Other debtors		 2025
-
11
2
13
2025
£
7,753
-
7,753		 2024
1
13
1
15
2024
£
-
110
110

11. Debtors

Page 13

Tilehouse Counselling Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025

12. Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year

Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
3. Deferred Income
eferred income movements in the year were as follows:
Balance at the start of the period
Income deferred in the current period
Amounts released in income from previous periods
Balance at the end of the period
4. Movement in Funds
As at 1 April
2024
£
Unrestricted funds
General:
General unrestricted fund
298,772
Restricted funds
Restricted Funds
-
Total funds
298,772
As at 1 April
2023
£
Unrestricted funds
General:
General unrestricted fund
244,861
Restricted funds
Restricted Funds
-
Total funds
244,861		 Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
3. Deferred Income
eferred income movements in the year were as follows:
Balance at the start of the period
Income deferred in the current period
Amounts released in income from previous periods
Balance at the end of the period
4. Movement in Funds
As at 1 April
2024
£
Unrestricted funds
General:
General unrestricted fund
298,772
Restricted funds
Restricted Funds
-
Total funds
298,772
As at 1 April
2023
£
Unrestricted funds
General:
General unrestricted fund
244,861
Restricted funds
Restricted Funds
-
Total funds
244,861
Income
£

125,595
174,151		 Expenditure
£

(43,971)

(368,881)		 2025
£
2,075
460
79,460
81,995
2025
£
12,167
75,683
(12,167)		 2024
£
-
11,533
140,883
152,416
2024
£

-

12,167
-
75,683
12,167
Transfers
£
(194,730)
194,730		 As at 31
March 2025
£
185,666

-
298,772
299,746
(412,852)		 - 185,666
As at 1 April
2023
£
244,861
-
Income
£

240,850
209,132		 Expenditure
£

(77,776)

(318,296)		 Transfers
£
(109,164)
109,164		 As at 31
March 2024
£
298,771

-
244,861
449,982
(396,072)		 - 298,771

13. Deferred Income

Deferred income movements in the year were as follows:

14. Movement in Funds

Page 14

Tilehouse Counselling Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025

15. Transactions with Trustees

None of the trustees received any remuneration or any other benefits from an employment with the charity or a related entity during the current or previous year.

No trustee expenses have been incurred.

16. Related Party Disclosures

There have been no related party transactions in the reporting period that require disclosure.

17. Company limited by guarantee

The company is limited by guarantee and has no share capital.

Every member of the company undertakes to contribute to the assets of the company, in the event of a winding up, such an amount as may be required not exceeding £1.

Page 15