2021-02-28-accounts

Annual Report

2021

“Wonderful charity!”

“I can’t believe how much speaking to someone once a week changed my life at such a hard time. Wonderful charity!”

These are the words of an Acorn client who has received counselling support in the last year.

Acorn stayed open in lockdown!

In spite of the restrictions imposed as a result of Covid-19, Acorn has remained open to clients with our Centre Manager and counselling volunteers working from home.

Counselling remotely

Clients have been offered telephone and online counselling instead of face to face and the steady stream of referrals has meant as many sessions have been held with clients as in 2019.

Clients’ comments:

‘Here are some more comments from our clients over the past year:

‘Thank you once again for the help and support. Acorn is an incredible charity that we are very lucky to have’

‘I thought the counsellor was excellent. Very professional, pragmatic and non-judgemental’

I just want to say a huge thank you to my counsellor and Acorn Pregnancy for the support, kindness, comfort and reassurance over the last few months. I am eternally grateful’

‘I was really impressed with how quickly I was able to receive help. This was very important to me. My counsellor was fantastic’

Sadly schools were closed

Whilst our schools work inevitably stopped following the closure of schools, the schools team are ready to return when this is possible.

Richard Marshall, Chairman.

See you at the

AGM on Zoom Mon 21 June at 7pm! RSVP

April 2021

P A G E 2

Acorn Counselling

Britain locksdown and our counselling goes digital

Phone and online service

We adapted our service during the year to offer telephone and online counselling.

Face to face counselling finally resumed

Having found new premises and after completing appropriate risk assessment and Covid-19 protocol procedures we restarted face to face counselling towards the end of the year.

Clients get more choice

We now offer both face to face and telephone/ online counselling services depending on client preference. We see this as an important development of the service Acorn is able to offer for the future.

Helping our clients

59 clients made contact with us during the year of which 32 came to appointments.

4 of these were for unexpected pregnancy counselling, 7 for initial assessments only, with some 21 clients seen for up to 10 weeks of pregnancy loss counselling sessions each (predominantly miscarriage and abortion).

189 hours of counselling in 2020

In total 189 x 1 hour sessions with clients were held.

How did they find Acorn?

Over the past year the main sources of referral have been:

41% Time to Talk 16% Website 12% GP

Acorn has a great reputation in the NHS

At a time of considerable pressure on the NHS it is pleasing to note how Acorn has been acting as a referral point of choice for the NHS Counselling service Time to Talk due to Acorn’s reputation and specialised service offering.

I just want to say a huge thank you to my counsellor and Acorn Pregnancy for the support, kindness, comfort and reassurance over the last few months. I am eternally grateful.

Client

Pregnancy counselling team

Thanks to the team

Our counselling service has been provided by a team of 4 counselling volunteers supervised by Angela Watt. During the year we have said ‘goodbye’ with our thanks to Alison Crosthwaite. At the time of writing we currently have 3 counselling volunteers covering the work.

Can you help?

We are seeking additional volunteers to cover this core part of the service provided by Acorn and if you are aware of anyone suitable please let us know.

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P A G E 3

Acorn in Schools

Schools work disrupted by pandemic

Sadly some students have missed out

Sadly this year due to the pandemic we have not been able to provide our interactive sessions covering relationships and the story of pregnancy.

Acorn’s enthusiastic team can’t wait to return to school!

Our team is however ready to return to the

schools and we anticipate that a full programme of visits will occur in the next academic year.

I would love to have your team in for the new term in September 2021! Teacher

Acorn’s premises

Covid made Acorn homeless!

As mentioned last year as a result of social distancing measures we were required to vacate our rooms at Action for Deafness.

Searching for somewhere

The premises sub-committee was reformed and after viewing various options agreed a 5 year

lease on 2 offices at Pilgrim House near West Worthing station.

We’re delighted with our new place

The premises are entirely suitable for our use and we are very pleased with their provision. If you would like to see them please contact the Centre Manager who will be delighted to show you around

Acorn’s new counselling room

A N N U A L R E P O R T

2 0 2 1

P A G E 4

Acorn Centre

Centre Management

Angela Geach has continued to work as our part time (12 hours per week) employed member of staff. She remains the first port of call for any enquiry about Acorn in particular from clients. Amongst other things she has been responsible for ensuring our new premises are fit for use including development of our Covid-19 protocol. We greatly appreciate what she brings to the role.

Trustees

Five trustees in 2020

During the year there have been 5 trustees – my co trustees being Mary Parish, Patrick Woodward, Gillian Woodward and Pam Denman, the latter 2 appointed at the AGM. The trustees have met several times during the year by Zoom tackling a variety of issues not least the change in premises and adapting the service following the impact of Covid-19.

Official bodies

Acorn continues to be registered with the Fundraising Regulator and remains a member of the National Council of Voluntary Organisations and of the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy.

Communication

Acorn news online

In addition to the Centre Manager’s monthly mailing to members, this year we have developed a quarterly Acorn update. Available on our website, it is also mailed to all those interested including clients who are given the invitation to sign up for it at the end of their course of counselling sessions. We have noted that a number of clients are so appreciative of the help they have been given that they want to stay in contact with Acorn and/or contribute financially. The updates are a way of keeping in touch with those who may become important ambassadors of our work to others. We are grateful to Gillian for producing this regular communication.

Acorn video

Although we have not been able to conduct the visit programmes to churches and other community groups we had intended, we instead prepared short video clips of our counselling volunteers explaining the work they do. These were sent to a number of groups and in particular were shown within various online church services.

Live streaming for mental health awareness week

The work of our counselling volunteers also featured within Worthing Mental Health Awareness week in October. Interviews with 2 of our counselling volunteers were streamed over a 30 minute session increasing awareness of the work of Acorn.

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 2 1

P A G E 5

Acorn’s Patron

Tim Fooks, Acorn’s patron in 2020

As mentioned last year Tim Fooks, who has been High Sheriff of West Sussex for 2020/21, was appointed Acorn’s first patron.

His appreciated commitment continues

We have appreciated his commitment to Acorn and ideas for promotion of the work. We are glad that he will be continuing in this role with us.

Tim Fooks

Thank you once again for the help and support. Acorn is an incredible charity that we are very lucky to have.

Client

Finance

Boosted finances

Our financial position has been boosted over the past year by both an increase in income and a reduction in expenditure.

The increase in income has been a result primarily of receipt of a number of one off grants including those from Sussex Community Foundation, Worthing Community Chest, Souter Charitable Trust and the Coronavirus Community Support Fund. We were also a designated local charity for the Co-op local community fund being one of three charities supported by Co-op members buying goods at 3 local stores.

We are grateful to our financial supporters

Our expenditure reduction is mainly a result of lower rental costs. We are grateful to all those who support Acorn financially.

Thanks due to Patrick, who is standing down

I also want to pay tribute to our Treasurer Patrick Woodward who has signalled his desire to step down from the role after many years’ service. He has carried out his duties with great care and diligence and

we really do appreciate the time and effort he has devoted.

We’re seeking a new Treasurer—any ideas?

We are pleased that Patrick will continue as a trustee but we are currently seeking someone to replace him as Treasurer. Do let us know if you are aware of a suitable person.

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 2 1

P A G E 6

The Future

Acorn has emerged strongly from a challenging year

This has been a challenging year for Acorn as it has been for many other charities. However we have come through it strongly due to

the commitment of all those who work for and support Acorn whether volunteering, donating or praying and we are grateful to all of them.

We have ended the year having adapted the way we deliver our service and establishing a new physical base.

Reaching out to people

For the future we need to continue to develop the ways we reach out to people. As part of this, given the importance of our online presence, we have decided to refresh our branding and website (our new logo is at the start of this report). The logo reflects the cycle of life with the heart of love at the centre of all we do. You will see more of the fresh colours and look as we seek to appeal to a digital generation.

People are at the heart of Acorn

People are at the heart of all we do and it is our aim in the coming year to continue to serve the people of the Worthing area with, in the words of one of our clients, ‘support, kindness, comfort and reassurance’ . We desire that more people become aware of the existence of Acorn and involved in its work.

Richard Marshall, Chairman. April 2021

Volunteering for Acorn

“Fantastic” Acorn volunteers

Our volunteers are special people, in fact a client said: “my counsellor was fantastic!” We would welcome your help

We are looking to increase numbers in every role (see below) but we particularly need a treasurer and more counselling volunteers. If you would like to join our fantastic volunteer team, please let us know. [e-mail]

Counselling volunteer School’s team Admin Treasurer Trustee Church friend Fundraiser Donor Prayer partner Member

Like a visit from Acorn?

If you’d like an Acorn speaker at your group or to apply for Acorn’s schools team to visit your school’s year 10 students, do get in touch.

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P A G E 7

Charitable Objects

Summary of the objects of the charity as set out in its governing document:

To educate people on the subject of pregnancy and the termination of pregnancy and its effects.

To preserve and protect women’s health and to provide advice, counselling and assistance to women and their families who are suffering from any effects or distress as a result of pregnancy or following an abortion, miscarriage, cot death, still birth, or loss of a child.

A summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objects is contained in this report.

Administrative information

Name of charity: Acorn Pregnancy Counselling Centre Limited Registered Charity Number: 1094389 Company registration number: 04407431 Registered office : Pilgrim House, St Dunstan’s Road, Worthing, BN13 1AA Trustees: Richard Marshall (Chair), Mary Parish, Patrick Woodward, Gillian Woodward, Pam Denman Company secretary: Patrick Woodward Treasurer: Patrick Woodward Centre Manager: Angela Geach Independent Examiner: Anthony Jackson, CPFA Bankers: Lloyds Bank, South Street, Worthing

Contact Acorn

Email: [e-mail] Phone: [phone] Website: acornworthing.org.uk

Find us on Facebook and twitter

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 2 1

Sheet1

Acorn Pregnancy Counselling Centre Statement of Financial Activities For the 12 months to 28th February 2021

Detailed Income and Expenditure Statement

	2021	2021	2021	2020
	**Unrestricted **	Restricted	Total	Total
	Funds	Funds	Funds	Funds
INCOMING RESOURCES	£	£	£	£
Donations	10,169		10,169	10,923
Client Donations	335		335	230
Schools Donations	50		50	200
Fund Raising	30		30	4,838
Grant Income	5,150	11,154	16,304	8,100
Interest Income	5		5	5
Sundry Income	46		46	0
Gift Aid	1,137		1,137	538
Total Income	16,922	11,154	28,076	24,834
CHARITABLE EXPENDITURE
Direct Charitable Expenditure	4,009	5,200	9,209	10,929
Management & Administration	2,825	3,553	6,378	6,846
Total Charitable Expenditure	6,834	8,753	15,587	17,775
Movement in Total Funds for the Year	10,088	2,401	12,489	7,059
Funds Brought Forward	14,831	453	15,284	8,225
Funds Carried Forward	24,919	2,854	27,773	15,284
Expenditure Breakdown
Direct Charitable Expenditure
Schools Work	62	0	62	131
Advertising & Promotion	131	38	169	234
Training	0	57	57	104
Telephone & Broadband	0	147	147	272
Insurance-counselling	134	0	134	135
Rent-Counselling Room	675	601	1,276	3,000
Staff Costs	2,337	3,267	5,604	5,367
Subscriptions	580	0	580	506
Heat, Light & Water	0	0	0	236
Supervision	90	1,090	1,180	944
Total Direct Charitable Expenditure	4,009	5,200	9,209	10,929
Management & Administration Expenditure
Safeguarding	129	0	129	145
Postage	16	0	16	10
Staff Costs	779	1,089	1,868	2,000
Council Tax	36	0	36	53
Sundry	63	0	63	89
Rent-Office & Administration	675	601	1,276	2,653
Repairs & Maintenance& Security	60	585	645	201
Insurance	561	0	561	708
Heat & Light & Water	0	0	0	300
Accountancy Charges	75	0	75	75
Telephone and broadband	22	20	42	400
Travelling	0	0	0	17
Office expenses	409	1,258	1,667	195
Total Management and Admin Exp	2,825	3,553	6,378	6,846
Total Expenditure	6,834	8,753	15,587	17,775

Page 1

Sheet1

Acorn Pregnancy Counselling Centre Limited Balance Sheet As at 28 February 2021

Fixed Assets Tangible Fixed Assets Current Assets Cash At Bank & in Hand Action for Deafness Deposit Total Net Assets Total Net Assets represented by: Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds	2021 2020 £ £ 0 0 27,773 14,661 0 623 27,773 15,284 24,919 14,831 2,854 453 27,773 15,284

The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act), and have instead opted for an Independent Examination in accordance with S145(1).

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

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

The Trustees approved these accounts on........................ 5 May 2021

Signed, on behalf of the Trustees

and Acorn Pregnancy Counselling Centre Ltd

……………………………

R Marshall DIRECTOR

Page 2

Independent Examinerfs Unqualified Report Section A Independent Examiner s Report Report to the trusteesl rnembors of ACORN PREGNANCY COUNSELLING CENTRE LTD On accounts for thè year ondod 28 FEBRUARY 2021 Respectfve responslblllllesThe charitys trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. For of trustW8 and examlnor tho year endirKd 28 February 2021 the chaiity's trustees consider that the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Ad 2006 reLgting io small companies. and does not meet the requirements for audit under section 144(2) of Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act).]. Ac￿rdinglY. an independent examinatTron has been prowded. As IrJependent Examiner, it is my responsibilty to.. examine the awwnts under section 145 of the 2011 Act, to follow the Wr￿?￿ureS laid in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act, and to state whether partI￿lar mattefs hwrfe (x)me to my attention. My examination was carried out in accordance V•ith general Directions given by the Charity Commissi￿. kn examination indudes a review of the accounting records kept by Larity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It aLso indudes consideration of any unusual items or drsclosures in Ihe aLzounts, and seekirva explanatrons from the trustees oncemiro any such matters. The Pr￿edureS undertaken do not provide all the evidence that V40uld be required in an audit, and ￿nsequentlY no opinion is given as to whether the acoxjnts present a Irue and fair. view and the report is Ilmited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent examlnevs In connection wtth my examination, no matter has ￿rne to my attention ￿lch statement gives me reasonable ￿use to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements.. to keep acc(K￿br￿j a(t(xdm ith section 130 of the 2011 Art and to prepare accounts ￿thIch actord with the accounting records and comply wrth the a(xountirvJ requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met . Basls of Independent èxaminer's ststement to whiL. in my opinion, attention should be dra￿Tr in ffller to enable a proper understanding of the aCc￿nts to be reached. Slgned: 12 April 2021 Namo: Anthony Jackson Relevant profosslonal quallficatlonls) or body Chartered Institute of Public Finance & AcQ￿ntancY IER

(11 any): Address: 19 Derek Road North Lancing West Sussex. BN15 ONU IER

Section B Disclosure Only complete rf the examiner needs to highlight material problems. Glve hore brhf detalls of any Itoms that the examlner wlshos to dlsclose. NONE IER