2025-03-31-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 PIINANCIAL STATEMENTS STATEMENTS 2024/25 2VZ4/25

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 [e-mail] @ A B F W X M 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

Trustees’ report
Reference and administration
information	5
Structure, Governance and Management	5-6
Objectives and activities	6-7
Achievements and
performance	8-10
Financial Review	10
Future plans	11
Recognition / thanks	11-12

Financial statements and reports
Statement of Activity	13-14
Statement of Financial Position 15
Statement of Cash Flows	16
Notes to the Financial
Statements	17-20
Independent Examiner’s
Report to the Trustees of ABF21

2

Page 3

Chair’s statement for the ear ended 31[st] March 2025 y

This year has been another year of changes and challenges. Following the introduction of a second Operations Officer and restructuring, we were in a better position to support our increasing project work. This restructuring, together with other factors, saw members of staff assume new, unfamiliar duties. Challenges appeared in the form of reduced funding sources, a drop in referrals, ever increasing costs, coupled with a substantial increase in taxes. Uncertain times which warranted a great deal of the Trustees’ time and consideration.

The Trustees and I are extremely grateful to those members of staff who accepted change and took on new roles and responsibilities. Zoe in particular who undertook a massive increase in workload as Chief Officer while at the same time covering other posts. We would also like to thank all those who quietly, volunteered their help by taking decisions, accepting a bit more responsibility and supporting colleagues in their new roles.

Each year, I normally highlight a team or a project which has excelled during the year. This year, it’s hard to select a team or project that has stood out; every individual member of staff, every volunteer, every project area, as well as the Trustees have all excelled. That said, I must mention Kate and her funding team who have done a magnificent job working hard to secure funds in a constantly shrinking and very competitive environment. Everybody has dealt with the challenges encountered in their own professional manner, while the adoption of a positive “can do” approach appeared widespread. Thank you, teamwork at its very best.

Operationally, the hard work, determination and professional standards of both staff and volunteers has extended and enhanced ABF's reputation within the community. We launched the “Friends of ABF” initiative which supplements our members’ services, launched a new volunteer service, designed to support and increase the number of volunteers and developed another aspect of the PRAMS programme, focused on supporting the whole family. All are excellent examples of where ABF’s innovation can make a difference to people’s lives and create opportunities.

Being selected to be the lead charity for the Wrexham stage of the “Batton of Hope” UK tour was a tremendous accolade for the charity. The project is now benefiting from Zoe’s managerial skill, drive and enthusiasm, which I have no doubt, will ensure the project is a massive success. Another example of ABF’s involvement is making a positive difference.

The Board will continue to take strategic decisions aimed at growing and strengthening the charity so it can continue the vital work of addressing mental health concerns within our community. The Trustees are aware that the charities greatest asset is you, the staff and without you, this service could not be provided. The Board is committed to ensuring you are rewarded for the outstanding work you undertake. The Board continues to monitor the situation determined to identify an opportunity in the coming months when that can be achieved.

The coming year may well prove to be a difficult time, not only for ABF but for many charities. Together, we need to look at ways of increasing our income while reducing our costs; that said we are fortunate to have an outstanding team supported by committed volunteers so I am confident that together, we make the most of the opportunities that appear and make 2026 another successful year.

On a happier note, in December Lorrisa, Craig and Samuel welcomed Toby into the world and in April, Hannah and Ash welcomed baby Lily Grace. On behalf of the Trustees, staff and volunteers I would like to convey our congratulations to all and our best wishes for the future.

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I am grateful to you all for the support I have received over the past year and look forward to working with Trustees, staff and volunteers to ensure the coming year, is an outstanding year.

Best wishes,

Rick Bedson

Cadeirydd y Mddiriedolwyr / Chair of Trustees

Page 5

Re ort of the Trustees for the ear ended 31[st] March 2025 p y

The trustees are pleased to present their report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ending 31[st] March 2025.

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 Molly Wheelan	Director/Trustee	2022
Mrs Cath Taylor	Director/Trustee	2023	2025

*The dates used are the original year a trustee was appointed with no break in service, trustees would have been re-elected at the AGM they were due to retire.

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.

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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.

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 8 trustees. The Board currently meets monthly and there are various sub-committees. Mrs Lorrisa Roberts has been the Chief Officer for 14 years and oversees the day-to-day operations of the charity with the support of 6 full-time, 11 part-time staff. At the close of the year, there were 17 active volunteers supporting the activities of the Charity.

Objectives and activities

To relieve persons resident in the county borough of Wrexham suffering from the effects of mental illness and/or having mental health problems and to enable such persons to obtain their full rights and privileges as citizens, by supporting and promoting emotional and physical wellbeing.

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

2020

• Two members of staff officially became Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) facilitators.

• • An Operations Officer and Business Development Officer were recruited, marking a significant increase in resource for the charity.

• The quick response to the pandemic meant only one member of staff was furloughed and all others set up to work from home, with more project staff being recruited.

• All services resumed in an adapted way, or new services developed to respond to need. Key examples include our telephone check-ins and ‘Help And Listening Online’ (HALO) service being launched.

• New family support services introduced such as Pre-birth Specialist Therapy, Relationship Counselling, Young Person’s Wellbeing Coaching, Family Group (Support) Meetings, and our Parental Resilience And Mutual Support (PRAMS) project started delivering in Flintshire County.

• We offered more support and training to unemployed people in Wrexham through the Legacy Fund.

2021

• The charity was awarded the Community Facilities grant from Welsh Government which will enable the planned building expansion and improvements to begin and be completed during the year.

• We successfully ran a Lifestyle Coaching pilot specifically for young people aged 16-25, called Wellbeing Coaching. This pilot, which offered 6 x 1-hour one-to-one sessions, focused on empowering the young person, helping them to look to the future, and set personal goals around what matters most to them. Feedback from this pilot was positive, with one person we supported taking steps to starting university, after suffering with anxiety.

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• With the support of our local authority, we have been able to run a series of pilots to support our PRAMS provision in Wrexham. This has included Couples Counselling and Family Group Support Meetings, which offered additional mediation support to families in need.

2022

• The charity’s 30[th] anniversary was commemorated with an event held at the newly renovated ABF building, where past and present employees, partners, people we support, and members of the community joined us in celebrating this huge milestone. Speeches from our Chair of Trustees and Founding Member were held, along with a special performance from a young parent we have supported on our PRAMS Project.

• We were commissioned to design and deliver bespoke trauma-informed mental health training to the team of frontline staff at DASU North Wales, which included complex trauma training and the rights and responsibilities within the mental health service.

• Our PRAMS project, which supports parents and families through the challenges of early parenthood, is being widely recognised by Public Health Wales, Betsi Cadwalader University Health Board and neighbouring counties. PRAMS continues to be our flagship project within Wrexham and, following our successful pilot of PRAMS in Flintshire, funding was confirmed for another year for the county.

• We developed new working partnerships, strengthening and expanding on our services, including working in partnerships with Wrexham Citizens Advice Bureau and South Denbighshire Community Partnership on our Lifestyle Coaching project.

2023

• We have been key partners for the development phase in the ‘Mind Our Future’ consortia, where funding has been awarded to develop and provide mental health support for young people aged 11 – 25 across Wrexham.

• Over the summer, we developed and delivered confidence building workshops for participants of DASU’s services.

• The charity won Best Mental Health Support Service at the Mental Health & Wellbeing Wales Awards, hosted by The Ajuda Foundation. Alongside this, we also won two bronze awards in the categories of Inspirational Charitable Organisation and Best Wellbeing Service.

• During Welsh Charities Week 2023, we were visited by Dr Helen Stephenson CBE, the Chief Executive of the Charity Commission.

2024

• We took over the Self-advocacy Skills groups contract for Flintshire alongside the new development for Wrexham provision. Exciting co-production workshops were held to shape the future of the project and, importantly, inform the name of the project.

• We made a bold transition to a new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system that we have ambitions to grow alongside the charity, providing quality data for recognising our progress and driving improvements to our services.

• Another member of the team officially became an Adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) facilitator.

2025

• The charities well established lifestyle coaching work was resecured by the funding team, and we look forward to developing the service further.

• We launched a new volunteering system making it easier for volunteers to find out what opportunities we have and to apply.

• A series of reviews and consultations were launched to enable an update to our business plan later this year.

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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.

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

• 550 new referrals

• 76 people helped through our PRAMS groups (chat and play/walk and talk)

• 51 people helped through our PRAMS talking therapy

• 57 helped through BYW 1-2-1 support

• 138 Self-Advocacy Skills Workshops Delivered

• 96 people trained to be Mental Health First Aiders

• 61 people trained to be Suicide Alert Helpers through safeTALK

• 6 people trained in Mental Health Awareness

• 91% (30/33) of people completing at least 2 Recovery Star (on BYW 1-2-1) saw positive progress

• 86% (36/42) of people completing at least 2 PHQ9 (on PRAMS TT) saw positive progress

• 87% (52/60) of people completing at least 2 GAD7 (on PRAMS TT) saw positive progress

• 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.

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.

Poge 9 I honestty donl know where r would of been if I hadn't hod someone to tolk to ot this point in my life. IVS the first , time I've been able to be honest and shore my feelin9S- which is the best feeling ever. Best baby group ever. I feel o better person, a better mum, ond I've mode lots of new mum friends. l LOVE this I'¥". group. I've looked forword to coming back aLI week. I've obsolutely. lovecl it. Its just so welcoming and I feel. great after them. Hoving the opportunity to reflect and talk honestly obout how I om feeling hos been so needed. This hos made me feel so much better. This hos been the best group I've ever attended. It's so good to be oble to focus on my wellbeing ond not just!," oll be about my baby..

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Our other achievements included:

• ABF became the lead charity partner in delivering the Baton of Hope Wrexham tour for 2025.

• We expanded our team recruiting a second Operations Officer enabling us to give more time to reviewing and developing our projects.

• Launch of Friends of ABF, an opportunity for supporter to become more involved in all things Advance Brighter Futures.

• The charities well established lifestyle coaching work was resecured by the funding team, and we look forward to developing the service further.

• We launched a new volunteering system making is easier for volunteers to find out what opportunities we have and to apply.

• A series of reviews and consultations were launched to enable an update to our business plan later this year.

Financial Review

The charity’s total gross income was £388,130 (previous year £366,498).

The principal funding sources for ABF in the year were:

Grant Providers

• Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board

• The Garfield Weston Foundation

• The Postcode Trust

• The Steve Morgan Foundation

• The Tudor Trust

• Gwendoline and Margaret Davies Charity

Contract Providers

• Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board

• Flintshire County Borough Council Community Services

• Flintshire County Borough Council Families First Programme

• Wrexham County Borough Council Adult Social Services

• Wrexham County Borough Council Families First Programme

The charity raised a substantial amount through fundraising endeavours in total £7,592 (previous year £8,038). Room and Office hire income increased to £25,923(previous year £18,329). The charity raised £13,158 through delivering training and courses (previous year £9,959).

Total charitable gross expenditure was £403,153 (previous year £339,849), with net expenditure being £401,390 (previous year £338,086).

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 5.3 months of operational reserves were held.

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

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Funds held as Custodian Trustees - None.

Future plans

The priorities for improvement and expansion of current activities and services in the year ended 31/03/2026 are:

• Review our BYW activities groups to explore if we can create more opportunities to link to and join with existing community provision.

• Develop a strategy for how ABF can contribute more to a suicide safer community including a business case for increasing awareness and support locally.

• Revise guidance around suitability for the BYW Coaching service and explore how we can work with referrers closely to target those who will benefit most from the sessions.

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 ongoing 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, Tesco Bags of Help (through Groudwork), Wrexham and Flintshire Local Voluntary Council (AVOW & FLVC), Abenbury Community Council, Caia Community Council, Lawray Ltd, The Authors and contributors to Seen Too, Wrexham Pantomime Company, Wrexham AFC, Wingetts Ltd, Coop Local Causes, MSC Technology, North Wales Police And Community Trust, The Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes, Glyn Wylfa (Caffi Wylfa), Aqueduct Support Group, Pontsycyllte Chapel Tea Rooms, Baton of Hope UK, Let’s Sing Bee Happy Community Singing Group, Bangor on Dee Racecourse, Wockhardt UK, DASU, Amser i Siarad, Maximus, Kaleidoscope Dechrau Nweydd, Amser i Siarad

We would also like to say a huge thank you to our partners Citizens Advice Bureau Wrexham Branch and all within the Parabl Talking Therapies Partnership and 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 and Mrs Cath Taylor who served as a Trustee during the year but has now retired. 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.

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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 4[th] June 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

Rick Bedson Director / Chair of the Board

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Financial statements and re orts p

Statement of Activity

April 1, 2024-March 31, 2025

DISTRIBUTION ACCOUNT	TOTAL
Income
Discounts given	-1,546.34
Donations and Legacies	0
Collection Boxes	876.31
Community Councils	550.00
Corporate Donations	1,255.86
Friends of ABF	175.95
Friends of ABF Donations	19.90
Fundraising (by ABF)	494.59
Fundraising (in aid of ABF)	1,493.86
Membership	21.85
Private Donations	2,472.55
Total for Donations and Legacies	£7,360.87
Gift Aid	252.96
Grant	336,239.59
Office Hire	16,973.00
Own Courses Income	0
AMHFA Wales	5,190.00
eAMHFA Wales	3,510.00
eAMHFA Wales Refresher	855.00
Mental Health Awareness	650.00
safeTALK	2,952.51
Total for Own Courses Income	£13,157.51
Payroll Services	240.00
Room Hire	10,496.07
Sales of Product Income
Total for Income	£383,173.66
Cost of Sales
Gross Profit	£383,173.66
Expenses
Bad Debt	83.36
Bank charges	205.00
Cleaning Expense	219.86
Computer Costs	1,883.00
CRM	12,168.59
DBS Checks	626.00
HR	2,367.49
Insurances	2,763.00
Office Costs	46.80
Payroll Expenditures	349,670.48
Phone & Broadband Costs	2,244.64
Printing, Postage and Stationery	815.69

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Financial statements and re orts p

Statement of Activity

April 1, 2024-March 31, 2025

DISTRIBUTION ACCOUNT	TOTAL
Project Expense	0
Advocacy	2,807.35
BYW	923.80
Own Courses	4,068.05
Parabl	1,746.21
PRAMS	7,305.74
Total for Project Expense	£16,851.15
Recruitment	215.99
Repairs	4,020.45
Subscriptions	20.00
Sundries	101.68
Training	1,464.76
Travel Expenses	204.00
Utilities	3,181.72
Venue Hire
Web/IT Support Costs	2,236.62
Total for Expenses	£401,390.28
Net Operating Income	-£18,216.62
Other Income
Interest Recieved	4,956.67
Total for Other Income	£4,956.67
Other Expenses
Annual Depreciation	1,762.90
Reconciliation Discrepancies
Total for Other Expenses	£1,762.90
Net Other Income	£3,193.77
Net Income	-£15,022.85

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Financial statements and re orts p

Statement of Financial Position

April 1, 2024-March 31, 2025

DISTRIBUTION ACCOUNT	TOTAL
Called up share capital not paid
Fixed Asset
Tangible assets
Fixtures and Fittings Cost	8,814.38
Fixtures and Fittings Depreciation	-7,192.38
Office Equipment Cost	655.00
Office Equipment Depreciation	-655.00
Total for Tangible assets	£1,622.00
Non-current Assets
Total for Fixed Asset	£1,622.00
Cash at bank and in hand
Aldermore	85,000.00
Equals Money	424.86
Lloyds 32 Day Savings	43,581.73
Lloyds Current Account	7,248.92
Lloyds Instant Access	53,580.92
Savings NatWest Current	9,396.48
Virgin Savings	86,574.45
Total for Cash at bank and in hand	£285,807.36
Debtors
Debtors	234.90
Total for Debtors	£234.90
Current Assets
NET CURRENT ASSETS	£286,042.26
Prepayments and accrued income
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Trade
Credit Cards
Current Liabilities
Accruals	31,881.30
Deferred Income	61,873.00
Total for Current Liabilities	£93,754.30
Total for Creditors: amounts falling due within one year	£93,754.30
NET CURRENT ASSETS (LIABILITIES)	£192,287.96
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES	£193,909.96
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
Provision for liabilities and charges
Accruals and deferred income
TOTAL NET ASSETS (LIABILITIES)	£193,909.96
Capital and Reserves
Called up share capital
Retained Earnings	-0.00
Net Income	-15,022.85
OpeningBalance Equity	208,932.81
Total for Capital and Reserves	£193,909.96

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Financial statements and re orts p

Statement of Cash Flows

April 1, 2024-March 31, 2025

	TOTAL
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net Income	-15,022.85
Adjustments to reconcile Net Income to Net Cash provided by operations:
Debtors	12,415.24
Fixtures and Fittings	1,762.90
Depreciation Accruals	-6,696.07
Deferred Income	-4,552.07
Total Adjustments to reconcile Net Income to Net Cash provided by operations:	2,930.00
Net cash provided by operating activities	£ -12,092.85
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Opening Balance Equity	26,649.42
Retained Earnings	-26,649.42
Net cash provided by financing activities	£0.00
NET CASH INCREASE FOR PERIOD	£ -12,092.85
Cash at beginning of period	297,900.21
CASH AT END OF PERIOD	£285,807.36

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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 the Companies Act 2006, therefore exempt from external audit in accordance with section 477 of the 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 charity's policy is to maintain a minimum of 3 months' expenditure reserve, with the preferred amount being 6 months. The unrestricted operational reserve of £176,413 is the monetary figure that could cover unexpected expenditure during a 5.3 month funding gap.

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 £17,497. The Trustees have agreed to designate £7,497 to Building Costs and £10,000 to Governance Review for the financial year 01/04/2025 - 31/03/2026.

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

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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 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 17 Part time - 11

Full time - 6

Employment Costs	31/03/2025	31/03/2024
Wages and Salaries	299,836	251,355
Employers National Insurance	21,978	17,800
Employers Pension Contribution	27,856	22,383
	349,670	291,538

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

5. Fixed Assets shown at historical cost

	Land &	Furniture &	Computer	TOTAL
	Buildings	Equipment	Equipment
Cost	304,635.23	8814.38	655.00	162308.49
Additions	0.00	0.00	0.00	151796.12
Disposals	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00
At 31/03/2025	304,635.23	8814.38	655.00	314104.61
Depreciation %		20%	33%
At 31/03/2024		5429.48	655.00	6084.48
Disposals		0.00	0.00
Charge for the		1762.90	0.00	1762.90
year
Accumulated at		7192.38	655.00	7847.38
31/03/2025
Net Book Value
At 31/03/2025	0.00	1622.00	0.00	1622.00

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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 -

	2025	2024
Trade Debtors	235	12,650
7. Bank Accounts
	31/03/2025	31/03/2024
Natwest	9,396	37,572
Lloyds	104,412	89,408
Virgin Money	86,574	85,780
Aldermore	85,000	85,000
Equals Money	425	141
Cash	0	0
8. Current Liabilities
	2025	2024
Accruals	-31,881	-38,577
Deferred Income	-61,873	-66,425
Current Liabilities	-93,754	-105,002

Accruals

Liabilities paid in April 2025 relating to 2024-2025 expenditure

Creditors

Relating to deferred income

9. Charitable Funds

	Unrestricted Funds- 2025 2024 Designated Funds - Staffing 0 12,003 Designated Funds - CRM 0 8,265 Designated Funds - Building 7,497 3,665 Designated Funds – Governance Review 10,000 0 Operational reserves 176,413 185,000 Specific Restricted Funds 0 0
TOTAL Funds 193,910 208,933 10. Income 2025 2024 Income 388,130 366,498

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11. Expenditure

11. Expenditure
	2025	2024
Payroll Costs	349,670	291,538
Governance / Operational Costs	43,963	34,570
Premises Costs	7,469	11,978
Depreciation	1,763	1,763
Other	288	0
Total Charity Expenditure	403,153	339,849
12. Difference between income and expenditure
	2025	2024
Net Income	388,130	366,498
CharityExpenditure	403,153	339,849
Surplus/Deficit	-15,023	26,649

12. Difference between income and expenditure

13. Charitable Activities

The following are contracted services provided by the charity

	2025	2024
Wrexham County Borough Council – Adult Social Services	30,975	29,500
Wrexham County Borough Council – Families First	49,464	49,464
Flintshire County Council – Adult Social Care	60,000	15,000
Flintshire County Council – Families First	21,826	21,826
Betsi Cadwalader UniversityHealth Board - Parabl	14,949	14,714
TOTAL	177,224	159,016

14. Treasurers report for year ended 31/03/2025

These 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 regulations and recommendations. The notes 1-12 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 04/06/2025 and signed on their behalf by

Rick Bedson Director / Chair of the Board

Page 21

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Advance Bri hter Futures g

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 01/04/24 to 31/03/25.

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 31/03/2025.

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 31/03/2025.

Signature…………………………………………………………………. Date…………………………………. Iona Edwards, Chartered Accountant, 19 Denbigh Street, Llanrwst, LL26 0LL ; lu 33| l |2¢