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2024-03-31-accounts

h e l p l l a w g y d a l l e s m e d d y l i o l a helping hand for people’s mental wellbeing advance brighter futures @) ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2023/2024

O 3 B e l m o nt Ro a d | Wr ex h a m L L 1 3 7 P W © 0 1 9 7 8 3 6 4 7 7 7 info@abfwxm.co.uk rf) /adVancebrighterfutures x] @ A B F W X M © www.adVancebrighterfutures.co.uk ABF is a company limited by guarantee (no. 04052135) and a registered charity (no. 1089638)

CONTENTS

Chair’s statement

3-4 Financial statements and reports

reports
Trustees’ report
Reference and
administration information
Structure, Governance and
Management
Objectives and activities
Achievements and
performance
Financial Review
5
5
6-7
8-10
11
Financial Activities

Balance Sheet

Statement of Cash Flows
Notes to the fnancial
statements

Trustees’ approval

Independent examiner’s
report to the trustees
of ABF
13-14
15
16
17-20
20
21
Future plans 11
Recognition / thanks 12

2

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Chair’s statement for the year ended 31[st] March 2024

This past year has seen Advance Brighter Futures (ABF) expand into new areas of operation, support more people in need, consolidate and improve our financial position, enhance ABFs reputation, and make a number of important strategic decisions which will support ABF’s ambition to continue growing. In light of the cost-of-living crisis and the limited mental health support available from the area health board, our ambition to expand will be a positive contribution to the wellbeing of our community.

ABF was selected to provide self-advocacy training for those living in the counties of Wrexham and Flintshire, an exciting new area of operation which will, in time, provide a range of opportunities. In keeping with our ethos. The advocacy training allows ABF to help more people develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence to help themselves. Those assisted via this programme will be in addition to the 20% increase in referrals already achieved this year. The Trustees acknowledge the increased demand for support will be challenging but, with your commitment, professional skill and teamwork, the Board is confident that ABF will be able to manage the situation successfully.

In order to secure that success and allow ABF to expand further, a number of measures have been implemented that should make a difference. These include the introduction of “QuickBooks”, a new, streamline financial management system and the bidding farewell to “Makerble” and the welcoming in a of new, efficient Customer Relations Management (CRM) system. The difficult decision to withdraw from the “Mind Our Futures” project was also taken. That allows all our efforts to be focused upon meeting ABF’s needs and aspirations. In recognising the need to increase ABF’s capacity in a sustainable manner, a staff restructuring plan was developed which involved the appointment of a second Operations Officer. We welcome and look forward to working with Siân in the future.

During the year, there was much to celebrate; ABF was recognised as the Best Mental Health Support Service in Wales, as well as securing two bronze awards; Inspirational Charitable Organisation and Best Wellbeing Service. We were also successful in the Wrexham Business & Community Awards and the Wrexham Recognition Awards. Fundraising activities, all of which are vitally important, were another huge success. All this success was a fantastic achievement; on behalf of the Trustees, I would like to thank and congratulate staff and volunteers alike. Such success raises the profile of the charity and enhances our reputation.

The Trustees welcome the opportunity to support staff who undertake personal development and are therefore delighted to congratulate Gareth on graduating with a MSc in Psychology. We would also like to congratulate other staff who obtained a variety of professional qualifications throughout the year. A tremendous achievement, well done to you all.

The Board will continue to monitor the charity’s operations and financial position and take the decisions required to ensure ABF can continue to promote and support good mental health and wellbeing. The Board is extremely grateful for all the hard work that staff and volunteers contribute towards ensuring ABF’s continuing success.

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I very much appreciate all for the support received from everybody over the past year, and I look forward to working with Trustees, staff and volunteers to ensure 2025 is another outstanding year.

Best wishes,

Rick Bedson Cadeirydd y Mddiriedolwyr / Chair of Trustees

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Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31[st] March 2024

The trustees are pleased to present their report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ending 31[st] March 2024.

Reference and administration information

Registered charity no.: 1089638 (England & Wales) Registered company no.: 04052135 Principal office: 3 Belmont Road, Wrexham LL13 7PW Company Secretary : Lorrisa Roberts Independent Examiner: Iona Edwards Chartered Accountant, 19, Denbigh Street, Llanrwst, Conwy LL26 0LL

Bankers: Nat West, Wrexham Branch, 33 Lord Street Wrexham LL13 1LS Lloyds, Wrexham Branch, 28 Regent St, Wrexham LL11 1SE Virgin Money Plc, Jubilee House, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 4PL Aldermore Bank PLC, Apex Plaza, Forbury Road, Reading RG1 1AX

Directors and Trustees

The directors of the charitable company (the charity) are its trustees for the purpose of charity law and throughout this report, are collectively referred to as the Trustees.

The trustees serving during the year and since the financial year end were as follows:

Trustee Position Appointed
*(originally) **
Resigned
Mrs Rosemarie Williams Director/Trustee 2010
Mr Robert Cox Director /Trustee 2016
Ms Justine Mason Director/Trustee 2018
Mrs Jane Francis Director/Trustee 2018
Mr Richard Bedson Director /Trustee Chair 2020
Mr Marc Jones Director/Trustee 2020
Mr James Hayward Director /Trustee 2021
Ms MollyWheelan Director/Trustee 2022
Mrs Cath Taylor Director/Trustee 2023

*The dates used are the original year a trustee was appointed with no break in service

Structure, Governance and Management

Governing Document:

The registered charity started in 1992 and was incorporated in the year 2000. The ‘Memorandum and Articles of Association’ was updated in 2014, 2022, and 2023. The name of the company was changed in 2014 omitting the word ‘Wrexham’ to reflect provision for people from the wider area.

Appointment of Trustees:

Members nominate trustees prior to the AGM to fill vacancies. One third must retire at each AGM. The trustees appoint a Chair and Treasurer.

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Trustee Induction and Training:

New trustees are briefed on their legal obligations, good governance, the committee and decision-making processes, and the financial performance of the charity. All Trustees are provided with the essential Trustee document provided by the Charity Commission. Trustees are encouraged to attend appropriate internal and external training events and update other Trustees. Any Trustee who fails to attend three meetings without apologies or good cause, will automatically be deselected and will cease to be a Trustee.

Organisation:

At the date of signing this report, the Board had 9 Trustees. The Board currently meets monthly and there are various sub-committees. Mrs Lorrisa Roberts has been the Chief Officer for 13 years and oversees the day-to-day operations of the charity with the support of 5 full-time, 10 part-time staff and 2 casual staff members at the year end. At the close of the year, there were 6 active volunteers supporting the activities of the charity.

Objectives and activities

The objectives of ABF are the promotion of good mental and physical health, primarily (but not exclusively) within the County Borough of Wrexham and the surrounding areas, by the provision of support to people experiencing poor physical, mental or emotional wellbeing.

The charity has refined its services over the years to methods proven to work:

2020

2021

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Family Group Support Meetings, which offered additional mediation support to families in need.

2022

2023

2024

Achievements and performance

As we learn to live and work in a post-pandemic world, the cost of living has been yet another crisis our community has faced. In addition to this, our local NHS community mental health team are experiencing a crisis, with oversubscribed and ever-increasing waiting lists, and a health board who are in special measures. All of which has resulted in a further increase in referrals, and specifically referrals for those who are experiencing more severe mental health difficulties.

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At ABF, we work hard to ensure that our services meet the current and future needs of our community. We do this by using our local knowledge, regular consultation and communication with people we support, and working closely with our partners and local organisations.

Our Year in Numbers

576 new referrals (20% increase on previous year)

382 offered an initial conversation (26% increase on previous year)

53 people helped through our PRAMS courses

58 helped through BYW 1-2-1 support

30 people trained to be Mental Health First Aiders

22 people trained to be Suicide Alert Helpers through safeTALK

ABF gives people hope. We empower people to take control of their lives by providing them with support to make lasting and meaningful change. All our projects have a common outcome: to improve the mental health and wellbeing of those accessing our services.

The impact of our work is evidenced through both case studies and widely recognised outcome measures, which highlight the difference our services make to the lives of those we support.

However, it is the personal stories of the people accessing our services that really highlight and measure the true impact of our work.

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Other achievements throughout the year included:

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Financial Review

The charity’s total gross income was £366,498 (previous year £308,712).

The principal funding sources for ABF in the year were:

The charity raised a substantial amount through fundraising endeavours totalling £8,038 (previous year £8,276). Room and Office hire income increased to £18,329 (previous year £4,306). The charity raised £9,959 through delivering training and courses.

Total charitable gross expenditure was £339,849 (previous year £324,481), with net expenditure being £338,086 (previous year £322,495).

The funds in the reserve will be invested in an interest-bearing account and will be expended on future large repair bills in excess of the annual budget for the operational needs of the charity.

The Trustees’ policy is to maintain a minimum reserve of 3 months expenditure and, ideally, 6 months to cover any funding gap. At 31/03/2024, approximately 5 months of operational reserves were held.

Comprehensive notes in the financial statements provide additional information and clarification of the figures.

Funds held as Custodian Trustees - None.

Future plans

The priorities for improvement and expansion of current activities and services in the year ended 31/03/2025 are:

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Recognition/thanks to staff, volunteers, funders and donors

The Trustees would like to thank the staff and volunteers of the charity who put in much more than expected every single week. Our success would truly not be possible without their on-going commitment to helping every person individually on their recovery journey. We would also like to thank the funders and donors that have made the work of the charity possible and for being so supportive throughout the year. In particular, we thank the main funders aforementioned for their valued support. We also thank the many supporters that help with various tasks and funds for the charity:

Asda Foundation, Hydro Wrexham, The Marsh Christian Trust, Flintshire Local Voluntary Council (FLVC), Wrexham’s Community Councils, Warburtons Community Grant, Wrexham AFC, Coop Local Causes, MSC Technology, Erddig Muddy Runners, Wrexham Business and Community Awards (Net World Sports), The Authors and contributors to Seen Too, Youel Murray Ltd, and The Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes.

We would also like to say a huge thank you to all those that have donated to ABF, supported a fundraiser on our behalf, hosted a collection box, or held an event to raise much needed funds.

The Trustees wish to thank Mrs Iona Edwards, the Independent Examiner, and Mr. Annesley Wright, who has served as an advisor and treasurer to the Board. We would also like to thank all the people we support for your welcome and ongoing feedback on services and future developments.

Public Benefit

The Trustees have considered and complied with the Charity Commissioners’ guidance on the requirements for public benefit. The aims, actions and achievements of the charity have been entirely for public benefit.

The Trustees’ plans for the foreseeable future continue to be entirely for public benefit, increasing both the amount and quality of wellbeing support offered. No remuneration has been paid to the Trustees, and no personal financial benefit has been derived by the Trustees.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the statement of recommended practice for accounting and reporting by charities (FRS 102). Approved by the Board of Trustees on 8[th] May 2024 and signed on its behalf by:

Rick Bedson – Director/ Chair of Trustees

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Financial Activities

April 2023 - March 2024

Total
INCOME
Discounts given -1,873.70
Donations and Legacies 7,599.25
Membership 19.16
Total Donations and Legacies 7,618.41
Gift Aid 438.63
Grant 326,360.28
Office Hire 8,023.27
Own Courses Income 9,958.82
Payroll Services 240.00
Room Hire 12,179.72
Total Income 362,945.43
TOTAL 362,945.43
EXPENDITURES
Cleaning Expense 229.31
Computer Costs 3,553.56
CRM 4071.05
DBS Checks 13.00
HR 2,467.16
Insurances 2,705.00
Office Costs 1,668.36
Payroll Expenditures 291,537.96
Phone & Broadband Costs 1,716.15
Printing, Postage and Stationery 666.22
Project Expense
Advocacy 1,181.49
BYW 284.03
Own Courses 1,643.86
Parabl 1,765.49
PRAMS 7,619.95
Total Project Expense 12,494.82
PWS Travel Fund 8.90
Recruitment 374.06
Repairs 6,648.35
Subscriptions 40.00
Sundries 269.47
Training 2,848.00
Travel Expenses 541.19
Utilities 3,432.37
Warburton Travel Fund 4.80
Web/IT Support Costs 2796.40
Total Expenditures 338,086.13
NET OPERATING INCOME 24,859.30
OTHER INCOME
Interest Received 3,553.00
Total Other Income 3,553.00
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Total
OTHER EXPENDITURES
Annual Depreciation 1,762.88
Total Other Expenditures 1,762.88
NET OTHER INCOME 1,790.12
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) £26,649.42

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Balance Sheet

As of March 31, 2024

Balance Sheet
As of March 31,2024
age
Total
FIXED ASSET
Tangible assets
Fixtures and Fittings Cost 8,814.38
Fixtures and Fittings Depreciation -5,429.48
Office Equipment Cost 655.00
Office Equipment Depreciation -655.00
Total Tangible assets 3,384.90
Total Fixed Asset 3,384.90
CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND
Aldermore 85,000.00
Equals Money 140.64
Lloyds 32 Day Savings 42,543.52
Lloyds Current Account 6,783.70
Lloyds Instant Access Savings 40,080.31
NatWest Current 37,571.62
Virgin Savings 85,780.42
Total Cash at bank and in hand 297,900.21
DEBTORS
Debtors 12,650.14
Total Debtors 12,650.14
NET CURRENT ASSETS 310,550.35
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Current Liabilities
Accruals 38,577.37
Deferred Income 66,425.07
Total Current Liabilities 105,002.44
Total Creditors: amounts falling due within oneyear 105,002.44
NET CURRENT ASSETS(LIABILITIES) 205,547.91
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 208,932.81
TOTAL NET ASSETS(LIABILITIES) £208,932.81
CHARITY FUNDS
Opening Balance Equity 182,283.39
Retained Earnings 0.00
Surplus/(Deficit) 26,649.42
Total Charity funds £208,932.81

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Statement of Cash Flows

April 2023 - March 2024

Statement of Cash Flows
April 2023 - March 2024
g
Total
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net Income 26,649.42
Adjustments to reconcile Net Income to Net Cash provided by operations:
Debtors -12,650.14
Fixtures and Fittings Depreciation 1,762.88
Accruals 12,832.37
Deferred Income 16,393.07
Total Adjustments to reconcile Net Income to Net Cashprovided by operations: 18,338.18
Net cashprovided by operating activities 44,987.60
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Opening Balance Equity -15,768.19
Retained Earnings 15,768.19
Net cashprovided by financing activities 0.00
NET CASH INCREASE FOR PERIOD 44,987.60
Cash at beginningofperiod 252,912.61
CASH AT END OF PERIOD £297,900.21

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Notes to the Financial Statements

1. Accounting Policies

Charity Information

Advance Brighter Futures is a registered Charity and a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 3 Belmont Road, Wrexham, LL13 7PW.

1.1 Accounting Convention

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Regulations 2008 as well as the Charities Act 2011. The charity is a small charity under Companies Act 2006, therefore exempt from external audit in accordance with section 477 of Companies Act 2006.

1.2 Going Concern

At the time of approving the accounts the Trustees have reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus Trustees continue to adopt the going concerns basis of accounting in preparing the accounts.

1.3 Charitable Funds

Funds and Reserves held by the charity are:

Operational Reserves - These are funds which can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the Trustees. The charities policy is to maintain a minimum of 3 months expenditure reserve, with the preferred amount being 6 months. The unrestricted operational reserve of £185,000 is the monetary figure that could cover unexpected expenditure during a 6-month funding gap. This is an increase on last year in order to reflect increased actual and predicted expenditure.

Designated Funds -These are funds set aside by the Trustees out of unrestricted general funds for specific future purposes or projects. The current monetary value of the Designated Funds is £23,933. The Trustees have agreed for the designated funds to be assigned to Staffing costs and CRM costs for the financial year 01/04/2024 - 31/03/2025. The Trustees have also agreed to the creation of a Buildings Reserve for future maintenance works. The Buildings Reserve shall be added to annually at a rate of 1% of total turnover.

Specific Restricted Funds - These are funds that can be used for specific restricted purposes within the objectives of the Charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor.

1.4 Incoming Resources

All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity has received the funds.

1.5 Resources Expended

Expenditure reflects all amounts paid and accrued during the year. Expenditure included VAT which is not recoverable.

1.6 Fixed Assets

Fixed Assets are initially measured as cost less any depreciation and any specific capital grants.

– Depreciation Rates

Furniture and Equipment 20% on a straight-line basis Computer Equipment 33% on a straight-line basis

1.7 Retirement Benefits

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme, and the pension charge represents the employer’s contribution to that defined pension scheme (NEST).

1.8 Taxation

The charity benefits from Employment Allowance in relation to PAYE. The charity is not registered

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for the recovery of Value Added Tax.

2. Trustees

None of the Trustees (or any person connected with them) received any remuneration during the year.

3. Independent Examiners Report

There are no fees payable or paid to the Independent Examiner for their examination

4. Employees

The average number of employees during the year was 16 Full time – 5

Part time - 11

Employment Costs 31/03/2024 31/03/2023
Wages and Salaries 251,355 235,464
Employers National Insurance 17,800 16,990
Employers Pension Contribution 22,383 21,917
TOTAL 291,538 274,371

The number of employees whose annual remuneration was £60,000 or more was none.

5. Fixed Assets shown at historical cost

Land & Buildings Furniture & Computer TOTAL
Equipment Equipment
Cost 304,635.23 8,814.38 655.00 314,105.61
Additions 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Disposals 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
At 31/03/2024 304,635.23 8,814.38 655.00 314,105.61
Depreciation 20% 33%
At 31/03/2023 3,666.60 655.00 4321.60
Disposals 0.00 0.00 0.00
Charge for the year 1762.88 0.00 1,762.88
Accumulated at 31/03/2024 5,429.48 655.00 6,084.48
Net Book Value TOTAL
At 31/03/2024 0.00 3,384.90 0.00 3,384.90
Grants 304,635.23

The property at 3 Belmont Road was completely grant funded and therefore does not have any Net Book Value.

6. Debtors

Amounts receivable within one year -

2024 2023
Trade Debtors 12,650 0
7. Bank Accounts
31/03/2024 31/03/2023
Aldermore 85,000 0
Equals Money 141 0
NatWest 37,572 58,273
Lloyds 89,408 90,543

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Virgin Money 85,780 104,096 Cash 0 0

8. Current Liabilities

. Current Liabilities
2024 2023
Accruals -38,577 -25,745
Deferred Income -66,425 -50,032
Current Liabilities -105,002 -75,777

Accruals

Liabilities paid in April 2024 relating to 2023-2024 expenditure

Creditors

Relating to deferred income

9. Charitable Funds

. Charitable Funds
2024 2023
Designated Funds - Staffing 12,003 6,583
Designated Funds - CRM 8,265 0
Designated Funds - Building 3,665 0
Operational Reserves 185,000 174,500
Specific Restricted Funds 0 1,200
TOTAL 208,933 182,283
0. Income
2024 2023
Charity Income 366,498 308,713
. Expenditure
2024 2023
Payroll Costs 291,538 274,371
Operational Costs 34,570 26,238
Premises Costs 11,978 21,886
Depreciation 1,763 1,986
TOTAL 339,849 324,481
2. Difference between income and expenditure
2024 2023
Charity Income 366,498 308,713
Charity Expenditure 339,849 324,481
Surplus/Deficit 26,649 -15,768

10. Income

11. Expenditure

12. Difference between income and expenditure

13. Charitable Activities

3. Charitable Activities
2024
Wrexham County Borough Council – Adult Social Services 29,500
Wrexham County Borough Council – Families First 49,464
Flintshire County Council – Adult Social Care 15,000
Flintshire County Council – Families First 21,826
Betsi Cadwalader University Health Board - Parabl 14,714
TOTAL 130,504

14. Treasurers report for year ended 31/03/2024

The accounts have been prepared by the Finance Officer at Advance Brighter Futures and reviewed by the Treasurer to ensure that they comply with the Companies Act and Charities Act

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regulations and recommendations. The notes 1-13 above reflect the accounting policies and procedures applied by Advance Brighter Futures.

15. Directors' Report

The Directors acknowledge their responsibility to comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with UK GAAP for smaller entities whilst recognising the need to comply with the Charities Act 2011. The recommendations of SoRP and the 2014 FRSse have been applied and adhered to.

Approved by the Board on 08/05/2024 and signed on their behalf by

Rick Bedson Director / Chair of the Board

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Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Advance Brighter Futures

Basis of Independent Examiner’s Report

Your attention is to drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the accounts (financial statements) in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice, applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities published on 16 July 2014, the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (FRSSE) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has since been withdrawn.

We understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.

My examination was carried out in accordance with the directions given by the Charity Commissioners.

I confirm:

(i) that an examination is required under section 145(1) of the Charities Act 2011, and that section 144(1) (audit) of the Charities Act 2011 does not apply to the charity; and

(ii) the charity is a small company exempt from audit in accordance with section 477 of the Companies Act 2006

The independent examination comprised of a comparison of the accounting records kept by the charity to the financial statements for the period 01/04/23 to 31/03/24.

Independent Examiner’s statement

I confirm that no matter has come to my attention to indicate that in any material respect the requirements to keep accounting records as required by Section 386 of the Companies Act 2006 and to prepare financial statements which accord with the accounting records have not been met for the year ended 31/03/2024.

The accounts have been prepared on an accruals basis and comply with relevant accounting requirements under section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and are consistent with the Statement of Recommended Practice - Accounting and Reporting by Charities, issued in March 2005. In my opinion without a full audit the financial statements give a true and fair view of the income and expenditure and state of the charitable company’s affairs at 31/03/2024. Signature…………………………………………………………………. Date…………………………………. Iona Edwards, Chartered Accountant, 19 Denbigh Street, Llanrwst, LL26 0LL maltel24 ‘[°] +.