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RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

RAPE AND SEXUAL ABUSE (RASA) CENTRE LIMITED

ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

CARING FOR SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE SINCE 1986

RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

It is always recommended that one should start at the very beginning – but we are starting at the very end with this report as we are closing the year buzzing with excitement about our intended expansion of services and premises in the coming months. More news to follow but we think we may have finally found solutions to our lack of space and consequent inability to increase counselling and support hours for our clients. This is good news for everyone, and I am putting it right here – at the beginning of our report because so many staff have mentioned it in their personal updates on the year.

We have long been aware of the challenges of our room space and think we have finally found a solution.

It’s really challenging, each year to try and write something gripping for an annual report when you are writing about the horrors of sexual violence and its impacts on its victims.

But, like the end of any year it’s a time for reflection on how far we have come and where we want to get to.

It’s close to 20 years since I first started work with RASA and only by looking back through our early Annual Reports can I see clearly how far we have come. Yes I can remember those early days when we would sit in semi darkness in our little house in Birkenhead, wondering whose idea it had been to paint the walls dark orange - waiting for the phone to ring.

In those days 2004-06 the computer was simply to write letters and play the radio. There were no such things as bank transfers and quick payments. Client records were held in huge fat files, that just grew fatter each year – and all file movements were recorded using a pencil and rubber – when you remembered you had moved a file. Elastic bands pinged at regular intervals as they stretched to breaking point – and then – beyond.

RASA was approaching 20 years old and the good women who had worked tirelessly to get her thus far had dreams of the future – we could all see the future – but we had no idea how we were going to get there.

We were massively excited to welcome 20 new volunteer counsellors that year – we relied heavily on volunteers – mainly because we had no funds to pay anyone. But in that year, we managed to carry out 1224 counselling appointments, 261 support appointments, respond to 2809

RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

helpline calls and welcome 364 new women into the service. This indicates the determination and dedication of the RASA Team.

Jump forward to this year and we now have 36 paid staff, including a team of ISVAs, a Children’s Section and an Adult Counselling Section. We cover Sefton, Wirral and Liverpool and welcomed 2152 new clients into service. And – we no longer have bulging paper files as all our records are held safely and electronically on a cloud-based server. How times have changed

CLIENT'S BOROUGH OF RESIDENCE 2022-23

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WIRRAL LIVERPOOL SEFTON
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Our work this year beyond our regular counselling, ISVA and support has been as varied as training tram drivers in Manchester about how to be an effective bystander, running trauma courses for external counsellors, delivering sexual harassment awareness training in the local universities – all while managing to deliver face to face counselling and support to over 3600 people in need of our help.

RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

sessions for clients awaiting counselling and these are helping to fill that gap.

Our Birkenhead Centre was running “Taking Back Control” sessions with amazing results for long term sufferers of the impacts of sexual violence.

Following the sessions

One client was able to return to work.
Another client was able to get the bus to university.
One client saw her perpetrator before a meeting but felt strong enough to attend her meeting despite seeing the perpetrator.
Two clients have decided that they would like to come off the counselling waiting list.

These are huge advances, and it is great to see the hard work of the client and the session leader, producing such positive outcomes. This carefully developed and innovative programme is showing enormous early success. Jo Wood Finance Manager

RASA SUNFLOWERS – OUR CHILDREN’S SERVICE

Name: Janet Bunn

It has been another busy year for RASA Sunflowers. I feel lucky to be part of this team. It will be three years this August since I took on the role of team manager. I am grateful for the

support of my team and the other managers, including Helen, who set the Sunflowers service up and previously managed it. Helen continues to be an invaluable source of help, support, and wisdom.

Sunflowers continues to grow, having appointed a full-time Children and Young People’s Sexual Violence Advisor (CHISVA), to join our two existing part-time CHISVAs across Sefton, Liverpool, and Wirral. We are fortunate that this worker was previously our assessment officer, where she developed a good understanding of the Sunflowers service. She has started her initial ISVA training with Lime Culture and the Level 3 Counselling Skills with RASA Education.

Due to this staff development, we appointed a new part-time assessment officer in December 2022. This worker has previous experience of working

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RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

with children and young people within a women’s refuge. The insight that this experience has provided has proved extremely beneficial in assessment officer role. This worker has also started some training with RASA Education -the Level 2 Counselling Concepts. As staff, we are so lucky to have such fantastic training opportunities within our organisation with RASA Education.

Another example of this is a longstanding member of our team has recently qualified as a counsellor and hypnotherapist with RASA and has started counselling some of our clients on the waiting list in Liverpool and Sefton.

Another exciting area of staff development since December 2022 is that three of our Sunflowers team have completed EMDR Child and Adolescent training. We are also receiving monthly EMDR child and adolescent supervision from this child specialist trainer and consultant which is proving extremely helpful.

We have been fortunate to receive some funding for counselling which we were able to use to reduce the Sunflowers waiting list, however this funding ended at the end of March. We do expect therefore to see the impact of this funding ending on our waiting lists. However, I am grateful that we have some experienced and talented therapists with RASA who are keen to work with the Sunflowers team, both in Wirral and in Liverpool/Sefton, which helps to reach our clients on the waiting list sooner.

To try to improve access to our service, two of our Sunflowers workers (a counsellor and a CHISVA) have started offering our service from a base in Southport once a week, to accommodate Southport clients who would struggle to make it to Bootle, which is proving to be a popular addition to our services.

A memorable event in February was RASA Sunflowers’ involvement in NOW Fest – the Young People’s Mental Health Festival run by Merseyside Youth Association. The theme this year was Mental Health and Violence Prevention. Two of our Sunflowers clients individually performed speeches at the festival, based on their own lived experience and survival of sexual violence. One piece was entitled ‘Wild Animal,’ and the other was entitled ‘Love, Heartbreak and Post Traumatic Growth.’ Their bravery in addressing a huge audience with their personal accounts was very

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RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

moving, they won an award and were described as a standout performance at the festival.

A continuing challenge is the lack of room availability at our base in Sefton, which can restrict the availability that we could otherwise offer for clients and limits our ability to offer group sessions to children and young people and has, in some cases, prevented us from seeing clients for individual face to face sessions. This situation will improve when we are able to expand premises this year, and we look forward to being able to offer face to face groups, for both young people and parents/caregivers.

Another challenge we are facing is the recruitment of suitable staff. There is one vacancy that we are struggling to fill which is our outreach Power Project worker. Some of the roles at RASA are extremely complex and challenging roles and need very skilled women to fill them.

We have reduced our children’s counselling waiting list in Wirral to 1 month, from 3-4 months in last year. We achieved this through our use of additional counsellors (both volunteer and funded).

In December, I attended a meeting with the Child Sexual Abuse Centre focused on strengthening services for victims and survivors and the challenges in meeting the demand for services. It was encouraging to reflect on the variety of ways in which RASA Sunflowers is providing services to young people whilst they wait for therapy.

In addition to our managing symptoms booklets, we are continuing to offer caregivers a single session of psychoeducation on helping their child

RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

to recover from trauma, in addition to two new monthly online live events for young people:

1 To support young people in understanding and managing their trauma symptoms, which includes psychoeducation and grounding techniques.

2 Top tips for young people to improve wellbeing. These sessions are available as soon as their initial assessment has been completed following referral. These are delivered monthly by three members of our team.

In Wirral, during the April/May exam season, we are also offering single sessions for coping with exam stress. The plan is to offer this in Sefton/Liverpool when we can accommodate this space-wise, when we expand our premises this year.

I attend bi-monthly Rainbow management meetings with the Alder Hey SARC. In addition to this, I attend regular meetings with the lead clinical psychologist at the SARC and the child therapy lead at RASASC, to promote collaborative working and share good practice. ‘

In April 2023, I attended an event run by UNICEF, focusing on furthering understanding of Children’s rights. Following on from this, I arranged a meeting with Liverpool child friendly city coordinator to consider how RASA Sunflowers can get involved and promote the voice of children and young people within Liverpool.

Our team regularly attends meetings in Wirral, Sefton and Liverpool of voluntary organisations which support children and young people, as well as Every Child Matters forum.

Janet Bunn

Children’s Services Manager

– Operations Manager an overview by Sophie Gunter

The Operations Manager at RASA is Lorraine Wood. Her role includes strategic development, monthly line management meetings and holding a counselling caseload. She also teaches in the RASA education centre.

RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

As part of her role, she has undergone development in strategic projects across Liverpool and Sefton – involving Domestic Violence and Sexual violence reduction strategies. She provides initial assessment for new clients as well as managing the volunteer recruitment and training process. At RASA, currently there are around 30 volunteers and 34 staff members, across Liverpool, Sefton, and Wirral.

Over the last 12 months, there have been numerous developments at RASA. A new building has been secured in Bootle, so the current site will be expanded upon, offering more space for clients, staff, volunteers and also for the RASA education service.

There are plans in place for expansion at Wirral at present too. One big improvement over the last year has been the waiting list at RASA. A year ago, adult clients were waiting around 12-18 months for counselling support. Since February 2023, this waiting list has been dramatically reduced to 8-12 weeks.

The counselling service at RASA consists of very highly skilled and trained counsellors who are trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) and CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) amongst other modes of counselling.

The counselling service is also able to offer a limited number of additional sessions for clients with more complex needs who require a longer therapeutic input from the service. The counselling service is very specialised and is streamlined on issues of SV only, to make sure it is reaching and supporting the people it sets out to help.

Over the last 12 months, there have been huge developments in regard to issues with Merseyside Police. 120 out of 280 cases have now been reopened, which is a massive achievement, thanks to the hard work and determination of Lorraine and staff at RASA. She had meetings with Keir Starmer and Police and Crime Commissioner in order to be able to achieve this. Alongside Merseyside Police, there by Unknown Author is licensed under are now ISVA clinics being held as monthly meetings with senior police officers.

A further development Lorraine has overseen this year means that RASA also provides lived experience workshops for clients.

RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

*******

Job Title: Liverpool and North Sefton ISVA

Centre(s): Stella Nova Bootle & Southport outreach.

Summary of day-to-day role: Independent Sexual Violence Advisor. Supporting clients through the criminal justice system who have reported or are considering whether to report to the police. Offering impartial practical and emotional support, being client-led, and ensuring clients are aware of their rights and choices within the criminal justice system.

This has been a hugely busy year with an increase in police partnership working and collaboration, as well as additional training responsibilities, including delivering training to the latest cohort of Specially Trained Officers at Merseyside Police Training Academy and the Witness Care Unit.

Being able to advocate effectively for my clients within the criminal justice system and communicate well with the police has always been challenging since starting this role but felt particularly difficult during the past year. As a professional who juggles a busy caseload of clients, often in high-risk or high-need circumstances, I can appreciate how stretched the police are. However, earlier on this year there were some difficult, yet preventable, incidents that arose due to poor communication which have adversely affected my clients.

To address this, the ISVA Service Manager set up a formal feedback form for the ISVA team to complete weekly, highlighting issues to be passed on and fed back to officers. This was facilitated after several meetings set up to discuss how we can effectively work alongside the police and exploring potential barriers to this. The feedback form also offers the opportunity for us to highlight good practice from the police which is a great way to deliver positive feedback to officers who go above and beyond for our clients.

We have set up regular ISVA Clinics across Merseyside in which ISVAs will meet with the officers in charge of their cases to discuss any issues, highlight good practice, and explore difficulties. Since attending these clinics, I have noticed a definite improvement in partnership working between ISVAs and the police which not only creates more open

RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

working relationships, but also helps improve the client experience of the criminal justice process.

I continue to find that most clients engage well and want to continue receiving support as their case progresses. The majority of my caseload opt for regular sessions, most commonly on a three-weekly basis. The two supplementary support services, our Reducing Anxiety, Depression and Stress support group and Listening Ear Service are hugely beneficial for clients who feel they benefit from more frequent support.

Clients I referred spoke about appreciating additional support as these services are supplementary to my ISVA support, and this has also reduced the pressure my busy caseload. The combination of monthly supervision, line management, and ISVA self-care meetings have been hugely beneficial to me continuing to manage my workload and develop good habits, whilst also providing an opportunity to spend time with my new colleagues and feel anchored in the team.

My hope for the next year is that there will be further improvement in communication with the police to have better outcomes for our clients who have taken on the huge undertaking of supporting a police investigation in the midst of their trauma. I am feeling positive and hopeful about strengthening partnership working between ISVAs and Merseyside Police.

Court

11 of my clients cases have been due for court trial this last year – only 3 opted to do a Section 28 (pre-recorded questioning):

2 trials were postponed for covid reasons. (Now due to go ahead April 2023).
2 clients trials sadly received a not guilty verdict.
5 Guilty Verdicts - 1 - Female client – historic CSA – offender given 15 years prison, Sexual Harm Prevention Order and restraining order, (for offences against my client and her young niece).
1 - Female client – historic CSA - offender given 8-year prison sentence with requirement to sign on the Sex Offenders Register.
1 – Female Client – historic CSA and physical abuse - offender given 21 years in prison.

RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

1 – Male client - historic CSA - perpetrator found guilty 6 out of 8 charges. Offender given 4 years 9 months in prison and an indefinite restraining order.
1 – Male client - historic CSA - perpetrator found guilty 7 out of 9 counts. Offender given 4 years in prison with requirement to sign on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
2 Guilty Pleas:
1 - Female client – recent assault - received a guilty plea a few days before trial, to SA and ABH but the offender pleaded not guilty to attempted rape. This was accepted by my client and the offender was given 32 months prison, 5-year restraining order and requirement to sign on the Sex Offenders Register.
1 – Female client - historic CSA - offender gave guilty plea at trial on 5 out of 6 charges. Offender given 5 years prison and requirement to sign on the Sex Offenders Register.

Rebecca Beresford

******

FROM OUR CLIENTS – THE PEOPLE WHO REALLY MATTER

I feel I was never judged with anything I discussed in our sessions which I valued, I felt I was understood and gained a greater understanding of myself, I have been able to put in place measures for myself to look after my own physical and mental well-being. Male 21

I really appreciate all the support provided throughout counselling and making a decision about criminal proceedings. Female 38

I have found loads of ways to help to deal with and calm my anxiety every day. I have also learnt better sleeping habits and have switched my views on my court case. Female 19

You've just been amazing to me and been so patient even when I've been a pain and have struggled to open up. I couldn't have done it without you, i actually feel like I can get better. Male 31

Sarah Wood – Wirral Centre Manager – Annual Report 2022/23

It’s been another eventful year, and I would like to share a few highlights:

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RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

In April 2022 I completed the Level 2 course for EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) Therapy. I feel very grateful to have had the opportunity to do this training because it has had such a dramatic impact on clients.

I have attended some really useful training sessions this year including non-fatal strangulation, stalking masterclass, and challenging the far right. All of these have been beneficial to client work.

Challenging the far right was actually a train the trainer course so I will be delivering this to all of our staff and volunteers next year.

I delivered 2 workshops as part of the Liverpool Parenting Network around Understanding Child Sexual Abuse. It was part of a pilot offering evening workshops for parents and carers in Liverpool. Somehow the details were circulated far and wide and we had participants from the USA and Australia which enriched the sessions.

I delivered 4 workshops as part of the training offer for the Wirral Safeguarding Children Partnership in relation to understanding child sexual abuse and there was a total of 56 participants. The feedback was positive, and many people commented that they felt more confident about the subject.

The helpline ended in May 2022, which was sad but also the right decision. I had started volunteering on the helpline 17 yrs ago and it was quite remarkable to reflect on how much we have grown as an organisation. The fact that we have been able to signpost clients to the National helpline has helped and it’s open 24hrs a day, 7 days a week.

It’s been nice to attend some face-to-face meetings this year even though the online meetings are more time efficient. One interesting example is

RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

the training in relation to suicide prevention. It appears that there are more of our clients disclosing risk of suicide but there is lots of support available now and this is something that we continue to monitor.

We have developed sound working relationships with many of our partner agencies, particularly with Campaneros crisis café and Spider project. They have been such an invaluable resource for our clients. We have developed a wide range of therapeutic support for clients and have confidence that if people are ready to work through their trauma, we are ready to support them.

I continue to feel very blessed to be a part of RASA and gain so much working with such an eclectic mix of woman with a wealth of experience, passion for the work and who are good fun too!

Sarah Wood - Wirral Services Manager

SOME MORE CLIENT COMMENTS

I feel like I have been able to explore my feelings in a very safe environment and I feel like I have really been heard, not just listened to. Female 37

I feel that I am no longer surviving but not living for the first time in many years, I know that I have the ability to overcome any obstacles that I may come across and have strategies in place to help me to continue to move forward with my life. Female 33

I have valued the input from the other members of the group which has been very supportive, any queries I had I felt comfortable asking helped to open up a conversation with the others in the group which gave different perspectives. Female 27

Having the opportunity to talk about what happened has felt like a release of pressure. The counselling has alleviated my anxiety symptoms. Male 34

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RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

There are loads of positive differences since I started. It has felt like I haven't had to deal with it all alone. It has been powerful to validate my feelings. I have gained insight into what was blocking me, the sessions have cleared the path for me to have a greater understanding of myself moving forward. Female 28

– End of Year Report Ally Cavanagh

Liverpool ISVA Case load: 53

This year at RASA has been another one of big changes and adjustments. As a part of the ISVA team, which is still expanding and adapting to new challenges, we haven’t been short of work. We have welcomed again new staff members, including new volunteers for the listening ear service and two new part time assessment officers and staged support workers to help with our ever-growing workloads. I am excited to see how these new team members continue to develop in their roles and as a part of this wonderful team!

Going into my third year as Liverpool ISVA, I can say with confidence that my experience and ability is ever growing and changing. I am proud of what I have been able to achieve on behalf of my clients this year. This has included keeping clients engaged through some extremely difficult and lengthy investigations as well as exceedingly tough court proceedings. Requests for appointments are more frequent than ever, meaning that most clients will opt in for the fortnightly appointments where available; compared to initially when a good number of clients would be using monthly plus check ins etc.

Intensity of workload has reflected this as appointments are crammed in amongst additional duties such as multi agency meetings, numerous emails, supporting letters, police meetings and safeguarding, to name a few.

On a positive note, an important change has been taking place in both police forces and CPS where open communication between myself and other professionals is becoming easier and easier, making this role more effective.

RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

In relation to the above, Id first like to talk about the court process. Coming away from the COVID 19 pandemic, many of my clients have been long-term and suffering through long waits to have investigations completed and receive a court date. At one stage it was becoming clear that the client experience at court was suffering, and court dates were being postponed and adjourned without prior assessment of the seriousness of the crime and vulnerability of the victim. We now have a solid pathway for addressing issues, utilising a new relationship with Senior Prosecutor for RASSO cases Josephine Lazzari. I myself have linked in with Jo on a number of occasions, and she has been instrumental in addressing a number of issues experienced at court.

In one particularly complex case, where a defendant was attempting to evade court consistently, I was able to arrange a meeting between the client and Jo to raise concerns and give the client a voice.

This led a chain of events where the defendant was taken into custody prior to the third court date to ensure his attendance.

Ultimately, this defendant was sentenced to 21 years which may not have happened without both my and Jo’s intervention.

This was a high point in my career, and I have been extremely proud of myself and my client. This has also needed strenuous linking in with Witness Care, who have also been instrumental. At this stage, going to court is mostly seamless. As an ISVA I feel my role is fully understood by most court staff, and my engagement with the process alongside the client is often encouraged and supported; this includes within Section 28 hearings which used to be difficult to have access to as an ISVA.

Second to this, our relationships with Merseyside Police have also improved. An important element of this has been with new police clinics which ISVAs attend on a 6-weekly basis. These clinics allow us to send our caseloads over in advance and get face to face updates from the officers in charge of our cases. Aside from allowing more thorough updates, I feel this has helped to bridge gaps in relationships by allowing us to connect on a better level with police rather than over email. The clinics are still in their early stages, and we have had to make some tweaks, however response has been generally positive and helpful.

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RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

Aside from the listening ear service, we have also been able to restart our ISVA RADS (Reducing Anxiety) groups. I had my colleague, Nadia, shadow me in the last round of groups. This will hopefully allow more groups to take place as it will not be relying solely on my availability (which dwindles quickly!). The last round of groups took place in March, and response was very positive. Clients gave feedback that the groups had generated positive changes that they hadn’t previously experience, and all members enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and ability to switch off for six hours over three weeks. Im hopeful that these groups continue well into the coming years.

Another additional role I continue to enjoy is the Nighttime Economy training. We have trained a number of new venues in the city centre and have also begun some police training seminars around the same issue. This training focuses on officers identifying victims and potential perpetrators in the city centre and dealing appropriately with disclosures. The response has been very positive. As an exciting development, we have also been asked to provide this training to staff working the upcoming Eurovision event, which is fantastic!

Going into the next year, I know the team will continue to grow in experience and ability and meet all of the upcoming challenges. With the support of the team, management, and colleagues, I am extremely excited for what is to come for RASA in coming months.

Alex Cavanagh – Liverpool ISVA

ISVA Service at RASA – a summary by Sophie Gunter

by Unknown Author is licensed under

The ISVA (Independent Sexual Violence Advisor) service at RASA, supports anyone age 18+ who are survivors of sexual violence, who are/are considering going through the criminal justice system (CJS). The service is managed and run by Sarah Tipton.

Clients are supported from their initial assessment through to the end of the CJS process. ISVAs have regular contact and sessions with the people accessing this service, to offer ongoing support through a very difficult and stressful time.

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RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

Alongside the ISVA service is a Listening Ear service, which supplements the support given by ISVAs for those clients who may require a bit of extra support. Currently, the Listening Ear service is provided to clients by 3 volunteers (soon to be 4) and offers 8 consecutive week sessions focusing on the client’s individual needs for emotional support and/or coping strategies.

This can be delivered 1-2-1 but there is also a Listening Ear group run by one of the volunteers, which offers psychoeducation and an opportunity for survivors to connect with other people going through similar challenges. This is run in a 6-week block and is offered in person or online depending on client availability and preference.

The ISVA service also offers a RADS (Reducing Anxiety Depression & Stress) group, which provides similar coping strategies but uses relaxation techniques at the same time. This group is not counselling, but it is delivered by staff members who are qualified counsellors, so they have the right skills to deliver the relaxation techniques used.

Currently, the ISVA service has 2 ISVA Assessment Officers in place. These staff members deal with the incoming referrals, assessing the clients in terms of their needs and safety, then they provide the initial stages of support for clients before passing them on to an ISVA. If there are any high needs or high risks for the client, they are prioritised for assessment as soon as possible, then passed straight to an ISVA so as the service can address those needs.

The ISVA team work alongside other agencies and individuals, such as Police, CPS (Crown Prosecution Service), Witness Care, Witness Service and any other service involved with the CJS.

Over the past 12-18 months, there has been a particular focus from government on issues regarding the CJS and sexual violence cases.

Ongoing research projects have assisted with developing new guidance and consequent procedures being put in place. In Merseyside Police, we now have more established SPOCs (Single Points of Contact) who we can communicate with and develop our partnership work.

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RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

Amongst other things, one of the issues raised with Merseyside Police was about RASA receiving reports from clients about police officers being judgmental and that they have been discouraged from reporting or continuing to report the abuse they’ve suffered. This is still a problem we occasionally hear about and there are ongoing challenges for Merseyside Police in developing their practice. Hopefully with time and the new procedures and guidance in place, this will not continue to be a presenting issue.

After conducting a recent survey with clients, currently around 50% of those reporting sexual violence offences to Merseyside Police, feel their overall experience has been positive. The ISVAs are optimistic this percentage will continue to increase.

RASA provides support to people living across Liverpool, Sefton, and Wirral. In relation to the ISVA support, if a client’s case is approved for court, a large percentage of these will be heard at Liverpool Crown Court.

by Unknown Author is licensed under

Before the pandemic, Liverpool Crown Court was one of the pilot courts to have already been using the special measure of a Section 28, which is a prerecorded cross examination. This has now been rolled out nationally and has helped many survivors going through the CJS, as they do not have to be questioned at the court trial.

This can help to lessen anxiety and usually survivors can do this a number of months before a trial, so their part in giving the rest of their evidence is completed sooner.

The ISVA team are very supportive towards one another and work well collaboratively. Their passion and commitment to their role in supporting survivors, is key to the service running at optimal levels with the number of staff and volunteers they have. They have high service standards and regularly review how they can continue to deliver this level of service with any challenges they face and any presenting client needs.

RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

***

Year End Report April 2022- April 2023

Vicky Mountcastle Children’s Services

New skills/qualifications I have acquired this year: -

Have completed my Level4 Diploma – including my 100 hours placement. Awaiting qualification
Have accessed Clinical Hypnotherapy Course – due to complete on 02/04/23.
Online course – The last taboo in safeguarding and child protection
Completed internal training – GDPR.
Online course – Identifying and Responding to intra-familial child sexual abuse.
Knowledge development e.g. attending Rainbow centre for tour/meeting.

Multi-agency networking events I have attended.

Sefton Local Offer Live Event
Liverpool John Moors University – advice and support fair.

Things that I feel have gone well this year: -

There have been a number of CHISVA clients that I have worked with that I have referred to RASA counselling, where there has been a great

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RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

transition into the next support. The work completed during CHISVA support sessions has provided the safe space for clients to feel comfortable to be able to share their thoughts and feelings. They have felt listened to and that their feelings have been validated. This has laid the foundations for clients to move on to counselling – after establishing trust and feeling ready to engage in this therapeutic process.

I feel that a calm, supportive approach, and respect given to clients and allowing for them to go at their own pace has allowed some clients who have really struggled to engage due to lack of trust in other services, to start to feel that they are supported and are able to break down some of those barriers to communication.

A number of conversations I had with the safeguarding lead at a primary school of a client I am supporting – gave me feedback to say that the conversations we had and the information I provided were invaluable to him and he was extremely grateful of my knowledge that I was able to share to better equipped him to carry out his role.

He was due to have a meeting with some parents from school and informed me that he would not have been able to do so, so effectively without my input. This highlights the huge benefits of working with other professionals- and how, not only is our work vital with our clients- but also to the other professionals that are working with them.

A multi-professional approach – helping to support and safeguard the children that we are working with.

Challenges I have found within my role this year: -

Room availability has been difficult at times – as I have found it frustrating if I have had availability to book a client in – but there are no rooms available. This has led me to changing my booking appts process- as I now book a number of sessions in advance for CHISVA clients – rather than booking one at a time – so this has worked much better. I have found ways to adapt to the challenges to reduce impact to clients.

Vicky Mountcastle – Children’s Services

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RASA Project Development Manager – by Sophie Gunter

Helen Leach is RASA’s Project Development Manager. As part of her role, she writes training for RASA staff and volunteers and for RASA education. She also creates bespoke training for other organisations. This content is created via an online platform called Teachable.

Another part of her role is to work alongside other managers at RASA to tackle issues and write new policies and procedures. These can be across a wide range of areas, such as HR and education. She also interviews and trains new staff, volunteers, and trustees. New volunteers are recruited and trained each year at RASA. Helen is also a point of contact for other staff at RASA.

For her work for teachable and RASA education, Helen has developed various training programs which are delivered by Victoria Green, who is the Clinical Lead and Training and Development Manager at RASA. Helen writes the content and Victoria, who is clinical work based, delivers the content to clients.

Recent projects, that have been worked on include a Train the Trainer package, which is a package for school teachers to deliver to students after they have been trained themselves on this. There is also a bystander intervention training programme, a sexual harassment in the workplace programme and a bespoke women’s nighttime safety charter for Manchester, which includes bystander training within it.

On teachable, there are various detailed and very informative and engaging resources on areas such as coping skills after trauma, self-help techniques, information on anxiety, depression, and relationships after sexual violence to name a few. The resources walk you through the content in an interactive and informative way, explaining and giving great examples so individuals can fully understand the content being taught and discussed. There are also printable resources and worksheets covering many aspects of supporting yourself or others after sexual violence.

FROM OUR CLIENTS

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RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

Using the service and therapy has contributed to my thoughts feelings and ability to cope with everyday life. Male 33

The EMDR has helped me to process more than I thought was possible. Female 31

I felt heard and comforted. it was good to talk and not feel shame or feel judged. Male 32

I've really been able to acknowledge my feelings now. Rather than just getting on with things or thinking it's just me being sensitive or daft, I've finally learned to validate my own feelings and know that I do deserve to take up space in this world. I'll never forget that. Female 60

im learning to create my own boundaries and limitations on any given day. so were as before, I would have pushed myself or just 'got on with it’, now I pace myself. I am able to listen to my own needs and put myself first. Female 55

I think I can see more now how talking to myself negatively has become a habit and I want to break that and become a better me. I also feel I need to be kinder to me and that I am worthy of love. Female 49

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’ – – Sunfowers Service Children and young people s service at RASA Sophie Gunter

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RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

The sunflower children’s and young people’s service provides a wide range of support for young survivors of sexual abuse/violence and their families/ carers. The sunflowers service is run and managed by Janet Bunn and is supported by other staff members. There are currently 3 CHISVAs – 1 full time and 2 part time, covering Liverpool, Sefton, and Wirral.

CHISVAs are Children’s Independent Sexual Violence Advisors and help and support young people and their families/carers to navigate the CJS (Criminal Justice System).

They support from the initial assessment right through to the end of the CJS process. They are also able to offer counselling and further sessions afterwards as well. The CHISVA service does not have a waiting list, meaning children and young people can get support from the service straight away, without delay.

In the last 12 months, the number of support sessions for children and young people has been increased. There are now 3 live sessions a month which last an hour each and bookings are made in advance for these. In addition, there are once monthly sessions run by the sunflowers manager for caregivers to help them to support their child / young person.

There is also a psychoeducation session run once a month by one of the team members to support young people and also there is a “life hacks for wellbeing” session run once monthly to support and provide self-care tips for teenagers who have gone through sexual violence/abuse.

There is also an online self -study course for caregivers to enable them to have better skills and strategies to support the young person and this is a multi-agency approach, with input from RASA staff, RASASC staff and clinical psychology from the Rainbow Centre at Alder Hey Children’s

Hospital.

The sunflower service offers counselling for children from age 6 up to age 18 years. It also offers support for children under 6 years old but in this case the work is done with the caregiver for them to then support the child, due to the very young age of the child. The therapy is tailored to the child’s needs and follows a trauma-informed care approach.

Recruitment is in place for a power project worker. This is an outreach role where children and young people are supported who are finding it difficult to engage in services. Psychoeducation, as well as emotional support and

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RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

therapy is offered, and this service is delivered across Liverpool, Sefton, and Wirral. The sunflower service also links in with the Parents Protect service run by RASA.

Year End Report April 2022- April 2023 Rachael Crowder Children’s ISVA

New skills/qualifications I have acquired in this year.

I have completed my level 2 in counselling within RASA Education and have recently started my ISVA development course -training with Lime culture which is online every month and runs up until the end of July 2023.

I also have started to fully immerse myself into the children’s ISVA role supporting my colleague with having face to face clients and also telephone sessions. I have built up a case load of 30 clients and have maintained clients for a number of sessions in Sefton and Liverpool area.

I have attended my first TAF (Team around the Family) meetings in schools with other agencies which has improved my communication skills and general team working abilities.

In addition to this having regular contact with other agencies day to day as part of the new ISVA role I am currently in has triggered lots of progression personally and professionally.

My knowledge and development this year

When I first started at RASA I attended the Rainbow centre at Alder Hey. I was not aware of its existence so having that opportunity has been very

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insightful and helps me transfer that knowledge when supporting ISVA clients/ assessment.

I have completed a lot of zoom training for specific areas such as suicide prevention, mental health, domestic violence, graded care profile 2 to name a few. In person we had cyber awareness demonstrated by Merseyside police which was very helpful to have the information given in person.

Multi-agency networking events I have attended in this year.

I attended a TAF meeting on behalf of an ISVA client within her high school- this was very insightful and helped me gather information around the client from other agencies- it was helpful to have the first experience so that I now have that to prepare me for future meetings and how best to prepare.

I have attended team meetings online with social worker, parent and other agencies that are working with the family as part of child protection.

Again, this is brilliant to enable me to build up my professional confidence and also have the valuable experience to put into practice in future multi agency meetings.

Things that have gone well this year

I have had the pleasure of supporting a young person make his report to the police over the phone which was very much a new experience for myself and opened my eyes up to my own areas needed for development but also instilled more self confidence that I have had a positive impact on the client and gave them a safe supported environment to enable them to make that decision and make that first step.

I have attended a number of events outside of RASA building on my own whereby other agencies are there – this has helped me feel more empowered within my role and I have gained a number of transferrable skills.

I have seen a shift in clients who have consistently come back to sessions which is rewarding to see them engaging and also noticing a change in themselves.

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RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

Being able to have a room in Southport on a Wednesday has been brilliant so that I can see Sefton based clients with a guaranteed free day to book them in there consistently.

Overall creating that first sense of safety and support for the survivor or the relative whom I am on the telephone assessment with as it is sometimes their first time they have spoken to someone and are feeling very vulnerable. I like to think I am building up a good rapport to start the process of the support and help the parent or guardian or client all feel listened to and valued.

Challenges this year.

Self- confidence- as this can hinder a number of things; especially given I transferred over to the ISVA role without the initial training which was a great way to learn.

Maintaining the organisation from being assessment officer to ISVA and ensuring everyone is contacted in time and booked in – especially given that everyone will respond at different times and there is a constant limit on room bookings in Bootle.

Rachael Crowder Children’s Assessment and ISVA

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Year End Report April 2022- April 2023 Katie Hawke Children’s Services

New skills/qualifications acquired.

During the course of the last year, I undertook my CBT Level 5 training and have secured this qualification. Being able to integrate these skills into my counselling practice with Sunflowers clients has been beneficial to my practice. I also completed Helen Millar’s Counselling Children and

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RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

Young People course, which was very useful in consolidating the experience I have already gained and provide me with some new knowledge and skills.

Knowledge development

Both training courses mentioned above have been invaluable in the development of my knowledge and I have also continued to attend training for professionals provided by the local council safeguarding teams, such as LSCP (Liverpool), SSCP (Sefton) and WSCP (Wirral).

Multi-agency networking events attended.

One of the highlights of the last year for me was attending “The Big Learn”, hosted by the Wirral Safeguarding Children Partnership, at the Flora Pavilion in New Brighton. This was a two-day event wherein any and all services that work with children and young people on the Wirral had stalls and were able to network with each other, as well as attending talks provided by different professionals.

Things that have gone well

I have continued to see positive outcomes with clients who have provided lovely feedback at times, which has boosted my confidence further in my practice. Particularly rewarding has been some outcomes with clients with whom I felt unsure as to whether they were feeling any benefit from the sessions, to then find at their conclusion that they had been.

“RASA has helped me with my anxiety about going places and has made me less fearful to open up about the incident. The support has also helped me to understand my feelings are valid too.”

“Katie was amazing and always listened to me and helped me through my struggles and she does an amazing job.”

One of the best pieces of feedback I received this year has been from a parent, after their daughters’ sessions concluded:

“I just want to thank you so much for your genuine care and the invaluable support that you have given to [client]. We both know that this has helped her in so many ways to be more aware with increased selfconfidence and self-esteem. Thank you so much.”

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RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

I have really appreciated again the opportunities provided for gaining knowledge and qualifications, and the increased number of self-care occasions.

Challenges within your role

In recent months there has been an increase in the number of clients and professionals asking or hoping for EMDR therapy to be part of their treatment at RASA. Whilst I am confident in the sufficiency of personcentred counselling to be of service to clients at RASA, my being unable to deliver EMDR has felt like a deficiency at times. I intend to seek accreditation with the BACP so that I may then be able to acquire qualification in this technique.

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RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

AGES OF CLIENTS AT REFERRAL 2022-23

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UNDER 10 AGED 10-17 AGED 18-24 AGED 25-34 AGED 35-44
AGED 45-54 AGED 55-64 AGED 65-74 75 AND OLDER
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RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

A review of our year at RASA from 1[st] April 2022 – 31[st] March 2023.

1 year

52 weeks

2,514 (2,057) new clients

594 (643) sexually abused children

1,449 (1,213) clients from previous year

2979 (3,342) females – 513 (590) males – 76 (65) others

62,946 (61,221) activities – 1,395,247 (1,139,486) minutes logged with clients

897 (981) Wirral clients – 1,839 (1,819) Liverpool clients – 865 (862) Sefton clients

2,753 (2,949) counselling clients – 803 (993) ISVA clients – 12 (55) other activities clients

890 (940) multiple sexual violence incidents – 240 (267) affected relatives and friends

1,066 (905) rapes as a primary cause for presenting – 47 (36) sexually exploited adults

1,051 (1,094) adult survivors of child sexual abuse

3,002 (2,578) sexually violated adults

19 (16) domestic violence victims

52 weeks

1 year

RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

RASA is a Registered Charity Number 1094462 and a Company Limited by Guarantee 04538556

REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 04538556 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1094462

Report of the Trustees and

Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

for Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Robinson Rice Associates 93 Banks Road West Kirby CH48 0RB

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

	Page
Report of the Trustees	1 to 10
Report of the Independent Auditors	11 to 14
Statement of Financial Activities	15
Balance Sheet	16
Cash Flow Statement	17
Notes to the Cash Flow Statement	18
Notes to the Financial Statements	19 to 34
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities	35 to 36

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

The full Trustee's Report is at the end of these accounts.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objectives and aims

Central to RASA's purpose is the principle of providing a safe, confidential place for survivors of sexual violence to be listened to, believed, and supported, with no pressure put on them. This work encompasses a helpline and email contact service, face-to-face counselling and emotional support, facilitated support groups, advocacy for those dealing with the criminal justice system (ISVA), training for survivors and for the public, family support, mindfulness and meditation, complimentary therapies, and signposting to other services.

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Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Significant activities

The aims of The Rape & Sexual Abuse (RASA) Centre are

To provide a free, confidential and non-judgemental support service for women and girls who have ben victims of sexual violence in Merseyside (under the trading name RASA).
To raise public awareness of the damaging and life-changing effects of rape and sexual abuse.

In order to fulfil these aims, the objectives of The Rape & Sexual Abuse (RASA) Centre are:

To provide a service for women and girls, which includes telephone, one-to-one and group support, in women only space at designated times and at the request of the woman or girl.
To provide a telephone support service for supporters of survivors, both male and female.
To provide information and advice to other individuals and agencies to provide training and talks to external agencies in the local community to recruit volunteers.
To provide adequate training, support and supervision for staff and volunteers.
To monitor and evaluate service provision and policies on a continual basis involving staff, volunteers and women who use the service.
To work with other individuals and agencies to further the aims of The Rape & Sexual Abuse (RASA) Centre to raise funds to meet the needs of the service to identify areas of unmet need and take appropriate action.
To provide parity of service for male survivors of sexual violence, noting that such support and counselling will not encroach on the women only space of the RASA Safe House or any of the centres where RASA works in a face to face capacity with victims of sexual violence.

RASA does not employ male staff or volunteers as we are keenly aware that the vast proportion of sexual violence is perpetrated by men against women and it would therefore be inappropriate for male workers to be evident in a professional sexual violence counselling and support service Working from a feminist perspective: What it means for RASA

Since it was established in Birkenhead in 1986, RASA Merseyside has always had a feminist ethos, and has aimed to support survivors of sexual violence from a feminist perspective.

People have different understandings of the term 'feminism', and the social and political movements that have been called 'feminist' are diverse, sometimes taking opposing positions on particular issues.

At RASA, we embrace diverse understandings and views, while ensuring that all RASA staff and volunteers share a common set of values on sexual violence through our recruitment and training practices.

Our ethos has been shaped by our experience of working with survivors of sexual violence, and by the lived experience of the women who have volunteered and worked for RASA, over the last 33 years.

This has led to an outward-looking approach, allowing us to respond to the needs of the community we are part of. Over the years, we have moved from being a collective of women offering peer support to other women in their community via a phone line, to the professional organisation we are today, offering counselling and ISVA services to women, children and men across Merseyside.

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Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

While much has changed in the way we work, and the number of survivors we are able to help has grown, our core ethos has changed little.

We continue to describe our ethos as feminist for the following reasons:

Gender inequality, specifically discrimination against and oppression of women and girls, persists in our society and around the world.
While gender inequality has many consequences and effects, sexual violence is among the most severe and pervasive worldwide. This is evidenced by the fact that the vast majority of incidents of sexual violence are perpetrated by a man against a woman or girl.
Sexual violence is a means of exerting power and control over victims, and a means of diminishing the victim's own power and control over their own life. On a societal level, it is a means of enforcing patriarchal power and control through violence against individuals, and through the fear of violence.
Without recognising the gendered nature of sexual violence with individual survivors and as an organisation, we cannot help survivors to recover from trauma, or find long-term strategies to address sexual violence in our community.
Patriarchal violence, perpetrated by overwhelmingly be men, affects men and boys, and transgendered/non-binary people, as well as women and girls. Understanding the common pattern of sexual violence as a means of power and control and recognising the specific ways people of different genders are affected, is entirely compatible with a feminist approach to supporting survivors of sexual violence.
Maintaining a women-only workforce and providing women-only spaces remains crucial to our ability to support all survivors effectively. The survivors who come to us tell us this consistently.

Our Ethos

RASA Merseyside is a women-led, women-run service founded on feminist principles. We believe that by working in an all-women environment, we challenge structures that discriminate against women, providing the opportunity to empower ourselves and claim control of our own lives.
Rape and sexual abuse are crimes of violence and abuse of power, not 'unwanted sex'.
Rape and sexual abuse are never the fault of the survivor, and we work with all survivors towards this understanding of what happened to them.
Rape and sexual abuse are gendered crimes - the majority of victims are women and children, and the majority of perpetrators are men. Sexual violence is both an expression of, and a means of enforcing and increasing, discrimination against women and gender inequality.
Because women and girls live with sexism, the degradation of the female body and the threat of sexual violence in society at large, we create and maintain women-only spaces to offer relief and safety for survivors, and for the women who work at RASA. We know that this benefits survivors and helps them to heal.

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Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

When children have experienced sexual abuse or sexual exploitation, they require specialist support. We strive to develop ways of working that help children recover from this trauma, and live happy and healthy lives. We reach out to families, schools and the wider community to raise awareness and help prevent the sexual abuse and exploitation of children and young people.
We know that transgender people are at increased risk of sexual violence and abuse, as well as transphobic violence. We aim to welcome all trans and non-binary gender survivors in a safe space for them, and work with other organisations locally to ensure they get the specialist support they need.
We work with men and boys to the same feminist principles, recognizing the different ways that sexual violence affects them, and offering men-only support groups for survivors facilitated by a RASA worker. At RASA we see all sexual violence as a cause and a consequence of the patriarchal societal structure we live in, acknowledging that almost all men and boys who experience sexual violence are abused by a man. As such, we believe a service working to feminist principles is well placed to help male survivors of sexual violence.
Recognising the oppression that many groups experience in today's society, we aim to work in a non-oppressive, anti-discriminatory way with people of any race, class, culture, immigration status, nationality, faith, sexuality, gender identity, age, disability, or health status. We work towards making our service accessible and available to all, and actively seek to make links with the diverse communities in Merseyside.

Public benefit

Our work this year beyond our regular counselling, ISVA and support has been as varied as training tram drivers in Manchester about how to be an effective bystander, running trauma courses for external counsellors, delivering sexual harassment awareness training in the local universities - all while managing to deliver face to face counselling and support to over 3600 people in need of our help.

In April 2022 our waiting list for counselling in Birkenhead was 10 months long. We simply needed more room to be able to hold more sessions and bring down that waiting time. We employ multiple activities and support sessions for clients awaiting counselling and these are helping to fill that gap. Our Birkenhead Centre was running "Taking Back Control" sessions with amazing results for long term sufferers of the impacts of sexual violence.

Following the sessions

" One client was able to return to work.
" Another client was able to get the bus to university.
" One client saw her perpetrator before a meeting but felt strong enough to attend her meeting despite seeing the perpetrator.
" Two clients have decided that they would like to come off the counselling waiting list.

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Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Volunteers

RASA retains volunteers very effectively, because RASA is a great place to work but it is also due largely, we believe, to the support and development opportunities afforded within the organisation.

STRATEGIC REPORT Achievement and performance Charitable activities

Financial review

Financial position

At the end of this year RASA holds in the bank in the region of £148,000, which is sufficient to pay necessary redundancy and to enable key members of staff to wind down the Charity and to dissolve and disperse assets and clients as appropriate.

RASA has in place a comprehensive Financial Procedure (updated and reviewed in January 2020. It is available upon request.

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Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

STRATEGIC REPORT Financial review

Principal funding sources

PCC FOR MERSEYSIDE

In partnership with RASASC, RASA successfully won the tender to provide counselling and support for sexual violence survivors across Merseyside. This tender, valid for five years (April 2022 to March 2027) is to provide an ageless and genderless service to all five boroughs. The service includes the provision of Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVA Service) for all five boroughs.

RASA clients reside in Liverpool, Wirral and Sefton Boroughs.

2152 new clients were welcomed into RASA service in this year - 1449 client cases were carried forward from the previous year - 3601 unique individuals in total were therefore seen in service in the year.

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE FUND FOR RAPE AND SEXUAL ABUSE SURVIVORS

RASA achieved funding through the Rape Support Fund administered by the Ministry of Justice for 3 years from April 2018 - March 2021. This allows us to work as counsellors and supporters for all survivors of sexual violence. This valued fund compliments and ensures a full equitable service is available to survivors of sexual violence crimes in Wirral, Sefton and Liverpool. This fund was rolled forward by MoJ pending new tender process in April 2023 The funding was enhanced by a demand lead funding uplift in this year.

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE ADDITIONAL ISVA FUNDING VIA OPCC - all extended to 2024/25 Ringfenced funding for sexual violence (SV) victim support services, achieved by OPCC and commissioned out to RASA/RASASC partnership.

" MoJ ISVA Uplift (2019/20 bid) To provide additional ISVA services.

" MoJ Uplift (2021/22 bid) - To provide 1 full time ISVA for children.

" MoJ ISVA Uplift (2021 bid / previously notified) To provide additional ISVA cover and supporting staffing.

" SV Uplift Fund (From 22/23) To meet increased demand on services.

" Male Rape ISVA (2021/22 bid) to develop an ISVA service for male survivors seeking to report sexual violence.

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE CSE FUNDING UPLIFT

As recipients of the Rape Support Fund, RASA was pleased to accept an uplift in funding to enable us to meet the challenges of increasing numbers of adult survivors of non-recent Childhood Sexual Abuse and Exploitation as a result of high-profile national media and the promotion of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.

This allows us to provide additional support to adult survivors of non-recent Childhood Sexual Abuse and Rape.

A decision was made to extend this grant fund, for an additional 12 months to 31-03-2023.

RASA EDUCATION LIMITED

The RASA Centre Training division formed as a separate Limited Company in June 2019 with the sole aim of supporting the work of RASA Merseyside and developing and strengthening the Training School Curriculum. In this year the training contributed 7% of RASA Income.

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Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

STRATEGIC REPORT Financial review

Reserves policy

RASA aims to build a reserve fund to cover 3 months running costs of the Charity. Currently such a reserve would be in the region of £250,000. As RASA works to contract budget deadlines, it is unlikely that RASA will achieve full reserve cover without substantial unrestricted donations being received as all available funding is being used to maintain and develop services for clients.

At 31st March 2023 the total funds held are £193,372 made up of Restricted Funds of £32,565 and Unrestricted Funds of £160,807.

Included in unrestricted funds is the balance of the property owned by the charity held at a value of £16,600

The total reserves not including the property is £176,772.

Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern.

Future plans

It is always recommended that one should start at the very beginning - but we are starting at the very end with this report as we are closing the year buzzing with excitement about our intended expansion of services and premises in the coming months. More news to follow but we think we may have finally found solutions to our lack of space and consequent inability to increase counselling and support hours for our clients. This is good news for everyone, and I am putting it right here - at the beginning of our report because so many staff have mentioned it in their personal updates on the year.

We have long been aware of the challenges of our room space and think we have finally found a solution.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document

RASA is a company limited by guarantee incorporated in England / Wales. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity. The address of the registered office is given in the charity information on page 9 of these financial statements.

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Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

RASA welcomes individuals who wish to be considered as a potential trustee.

Prospective trustees are recommended, self-refer or respond to advertisements on volunteer websites.

Prospective trustees progress through to appointment via the safer recruitment process under which they are interviewed by two senior staff members and/or an existing trustee.

As an accredited member of Rape Crisis England and Wales, RASA must ensure that the trustee board remains women lead. Men are welcome to apply to be trustees but will be unable to take key board positions.

Following safer recruitment process completion, prospective candidates are forwarded for election at the next AGM. At this point they must present a short biography to allow members to decide who they wish to elect. Existing elected trustees may also decide to recommend individuals to be co-opted onto the Board of Trustees. This must be carried out in line with the RASA Constitution.

Decision making

Day to day decisions are made by the operational management team consisting of Josephine Wood, Vicky Green and Lorraine Wood.

Induction and training of new trustees

Individuals must then successfully complete the RASA training for non-client focused staff. This process is carefully monitored by Education Centre staff for suitability to work with RASA.

Key management remuneration

Trustees have set the remuneration for key management.

Risk management

The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Company number

04538556 (England and Wales)

Registered Charity number

1094462

Registered office

15 Morpeth Close Moreton Wirral CH46 6HQ

Page 8

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

Trustees

L Pilling (resigned 18.12.22) P Smith D Blaylock (resigned 18.12.22) J Smith (resigned 12.9.22) M Wilson (appointed 2.12.22) J Harris (appointed 18.12.22) J Murphy (appointed 18.12.22) A Raz (appointed 18.12.22) S Gunter (appointed 18.12.22) S Blower (appointed 18.12.22)

Company Secretary

J Wood

Senior Statutory Auditor Beverley Rice

Auditors

ICAEW Robinson Rice Associates 93 Banks Road West Kirby CH48 0RB

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

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

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

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP;
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business.

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Page 9

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES - continued

In so far as the trustees are aware:

there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company's auditors are unaware; and
the trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information.

AUDITORS

The auditors, Robinson Rice Associates, will be proposed for re-appointment at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

Report of the trustees, incorporating a strategic report, approved by order of the board of trustees, as the company directors, on 31 January 2024 and signed on the board's behalf by:

S Blower - Trustee

Page 10

Report of the Independent Auditors to the Members of Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited (the 'charitable company') for the year ended 31 March 2023 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland'.

In our opinion the financial statements:

give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 March 2023 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended;
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland'; and
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Basis for opinion

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

Conclusions relating to going concern

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

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

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

Page 11

Report of the Independent Auditors to the Members of Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Other information

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

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

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

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

the information given in the Report of the Trustees for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
the Report of the Trustees has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Report of the Trustees.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

adequate accounting records have not been kept or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
certain disclosures of trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

Responsibilities of trustees

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

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

Page 12

Report of the Independent Auditors to the Members of Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

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

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

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation

Our audit response is based on:

Enquiry of management, those charged with governance around actual and potential litigation and claims.
Enquiry of entity staff in compliance functions to identify any instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations.
Reviewing minutes of meetings of those charged with governance.
Reviewing correspondence with relevant regulators and legal advisors.
Reviewing financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Auditing the risk of management override of controls, including through testing journal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness.
Assessing whether judgements and assumptions made in determining accounting estimates were indicative of potential bias

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

Page 13

Report of the Independent Auditors to the Members of Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Beverley Rice (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Robinson Rice Associates 93 Banks Road West Kirby CH48 0RB

31 January 2024

Page 14

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Statement of Financial Activities

for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

31.3.23
Unrestricted Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
Notes
£
£
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
2
18,270
3
18,273
Charitable activities
5
Provision of services
727
1,238,811
1,239,538
Other trading activities
3
118,395
-
118,395
Investment income
4
272
-
272
Total
137,664
1,238,814
1,376,478
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
6
-
8,443
8,443
Charitable activities
7
Provision of services
132,486
1,227,310
1,359,796
Total
132,486
1,235,753
1,368,239
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
5,178
3,061
8,239
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
155,629
29,504
185,133
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
160,807
32,565
193,372

31.3.22
Total
funds
£
23,085
1,117,818
-
-
1,140,903
4,803
1,145,794
1,150,597
(9,694)
194,827
185,133

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 15

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Balance Sheet

31 March 2023

Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 14 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 15 Cash at bank and in hand CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 16 NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES NET ASSETS FUNDS 17 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS	Unrestricted funds £ 287 25,010 172,549 197,559 (37,035) 160,524 160,811 160,811	Restricted funds £ 26,632 58,256 (24,107) 34,149 (28,220) 5,929 32,561 32,561	31.3.23 Total funds £ 26,919 83,266 148,442 231,708 (65,255) 166,453 193,372 193,372 160,811 32,561 193,372	31.3.22 Total funds £ 29,128 104,987 126,797 231,784 (75,779) 156,005 185,133 185,133 155,629 29,504 185,133

The company was entitled to exemption from audit under s477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

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

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to small companies subject to the small companies regime and in accordance with FRS102 SORP.

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 31 January 2024 and were signed on its behalf by:

S Blower - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 16

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Cash Flow Statement

for the Year Ended 31 March 2023 Notes Cash flows from operating activities Cash generated from operations 1 Net cash provided by operating activities Cash flows from investing activities Purchase of tangible fixed assets Interest received Net cash used in investing activities Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period	31.3.23 £ 28,179 28,179 (6,806) 272 (6,534) 21,645 126,797 148,442	31.3.22 £ 46,877 46,877 (2,444) - (2,444) 44,433 82,364 126,797

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 17

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Cash Flow Statement for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

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

Net income/(expenditure) for the reporting period (as per the Statement of Financial Activities) Adjustments for: Depreciation charges Interest received Decrease in debtors (Decrease)/increase in creditors Net cash provided by operations	31.3.23 £ 8,239 9,015 (272) 21,721 (10,524) 28,179	31.3.22 £ (9,694) 7,101 - 8,863 40,607 46,877

2. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS

Net cash Cash at bank and in hand Total	At 1.4.22 £ 126,797 126,797 126,797	Cash flow At 31.3.23 £ £ 21,645 148,442 21,645 148,442 21,645 148,442

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 18

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

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

Income

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

Expenditure

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

Allocation and apportionment of costs

All splits are based on the numbers of clients served by the particular costs - or in the case of supervision - actual costs itemised in invoices. In the case of funds to be split across boroughs, funds are split in accordance with population of the borough in question (%).

Tangible fixed assets

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

Freehold property - in accordance with the property Improvements to property - 33% on cost Fixtures and fittings - 25% on reducing balance Computer equipment - 25% on cost

Taxation

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

Fund accounting

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

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Page 19

continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued

for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Fund accounting

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

Hire purchase and leasing commitments

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.

Debtors and creditors receivable / payable within one year

Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure.

2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES Donations 3. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES Training courses 4. INVESTMENT INCOME Deposit account interest		31.3.23 £ 18,273 31.3.23 £ 118,395 31.3.23 £ 272		31.3.22 £ 23,085 31.3.22 £ - 31.3.22 £ -

Page 20

continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

5. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Activity Commissioned work Provision of services Grants Provision of services Grants received, included in the above, are as follows: Grant Income 6. RAISING FUNDS Other trading activities Hire of plant and machinery 7. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS Direct Costs £ Provision of services 1,343,380 8. SUPPORT COSTS Finance £ Provision of services 72	31.3.23 31.3.22 £ £ 1,058,736 783,473 180,802 334,345 1,239,538 1,117,818 31.3.23 31.3.22 £ £ 180,802 334,345 31.3.23 31.3.22 £ £ 8,443 4,803 Support costs (see note 8) Totals £ £ 16,416 1,359,796 Governance costs Totals £ £ 16,344 16,416

Page 21

continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued

for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

9. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):

		31.3.23	31.3.22
		£	£
	Depreciation - owned assets	9,015	7,101
	Hire of plant and machinery	8,443	4,803
10.	AUDITORS' REMUNERATION
		31.3.23	31.3.22
		£	£
	Fees payable to the charity's auditors and their associates for
	the audit of the charity's financial statements	7,500	6,000

11. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2023 nor for the year ended 31 March 2022.

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2023 nor for the year ended 31 March 2022.

12. STAFF COSTS Wages and salaries	31.3.23 £ 1,004,198 1,004,198	31.3.22 £ 811,979 811,979

Salary costs include amounts paid to subcontracted workers.

They also include:

Employers National Insurance £69,468 Employer Pension Contributions £14,148

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:

Management Counsellors and support workers	31.3.23 8 28 36	31.3.22 8 25 33

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

Page 22

continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES	COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES	COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
	Unrestricted	Restricted	Total
	funds	funds	funds
	£	£	£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies	23,085	-	23,085
Charitable activities
Provision of services	20,000	1,097,818	1,117,818
Total	43,085	1,097,818	1,140,903
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds	-	4,803	4,803
Charitable activities
Provision of services	33,820	1,111,974	1,145,794
Total	33,820	1,116,777	1,150,597
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)	9,265	(18,959)	(9,694)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward	146,363	48,464	194,827
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED
FORWARD	155,628	29,505	185,133

Page 23

continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

14. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Improvements Fixtures Freehold to and property property fittings £ £ £ COST At 1 April 2022 41,500 16,920 21,565 Additions - - - At 31 March 2023 41,500 16,920 21,565 DEPRECIATION At 1 April 2022 24,070 16,920 19,546 Charge for year 830 - 509 At 31 March 2023 24,900 16,920 20,055 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2023 16,600 - 1,510 At 31 March 2022 17,430 - 2,019 15. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Prepayments and accrued income 16. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Other creditors Accruals and deferred income Accrued expenses	Computer equipment £ 52,522 6,806 59,328 42,843 7,676 50,519 8,809 9,679 31.3.23 £ 83,266 31.3.23 £ 15,394 42,361 7,500 65,255	Totals £ 132,507 6,806 139,313 103,379 9,015 112,394 26,919 29,128 31.3.22 £ 104,987 31.3.22 £ 6,382 69,397 - 75,779

Page 24

continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Unrestricted funds General fund Lime Culture for Truth Project Education Service Restricted funds Justice for Jane Wirral Borough Council Safe House Rape Crisis Regional Funding Victims Fund Sefton (PCC from 1/10/14) Home Office Funding for ISVA Liverpool City Safe Rape Services Funding SARC Counselling Funding PCC Victims and Witnesses Fund Children In Need for CHISVA Service Wirral Borough Council Public Health Wirral CSP Jill's Fund MOJ Male MOJ Additional Funding OPCC Additional Funding for Counselling OPCC Contract RCEEW Digital Transformation Fund Steve Morgan Foundation MOJ Covid 19 fund to October 20 Thrive Sefton Council Funding for children Cheshire NHS Funding for Children Lilly Charity OPCC Remote Counselling TOTAL FUNDS*	At 1.4.22 £ 155,036 5,226 (4,633) 155,629 99 17,437 61 33 276 55 2,304 25 63 540 310 27 3,105 1,109 403 - (11,760) 728 2,543 4,119 1,994 3,000 1,200 1,833 29,504 185,133	Net movement in funds £ 10,828 (1,808) (3,838) 5,182 (25) (837) (15) (8) (14) (14) (87) (6) (16) (10) (78) (7) - - - 679 2,126 (728) 4,768 (2,060) - - - (611) 3,057 8,239	At 31.3.23 £ 165,864 3,418 (8,471) 160,811 74 16,600 46 25 262 41 2,217 19 47 530 232 20 3,105 1,109 403 679 (9,634) - 7,311 2,059 1,994 3,000 1,200 1,222 32,561 193,372

Page 25

continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Lime Culture for Truth Project
Education Service
Restricted funds
Justice for Jane
Wirral Borough Council Safe House

Rape Crisis Regional Funding
Victims Fund Sefton (PCC from
1/10/14)
Home Office Funding for ISVA
Liverpool City Safe
Rape Services Funding
SARC Counselling Funding
PCC Victims and Witnesses Fund
Children In Need for CHISVA
Service
Wirral Borough Council Public
Health
Wirral CSP
MOJ Male
OPCC Additional Funding for
Counselling
OPCC Contract
RCEEW Digital Transformation
Fund
Steve Morgan Foundation
MOJ Covid 19 fund to October 20
MOJ ISVA Funding 1
OPCC Remote Counselling
MOJ ISVA Funding 2
RSF Demand Lead Funding
MOJ ISVA to March 2023
TOTAL FUNDS*

Incoming
Resources Movement
resources
expended
in funds
£
£
£
43,175
(32,347)
10,828
-
(1,808)
(1,808)
94,490
(98,328)
(3,838)
137,665
(132,483)
5,182
-
(25)
(25)
-
(837)
(837)
-
(15)
(15)
-
(8)
(8)
-
(14)
(14)
-
(14)
(14)
274,445
(274,532)
(87)
-
(6)
(6)
-
(16)
(16)
1
(11)
(10)
(1)
(77)
(78)
-
(7)
(7)
53,974
(53,974)
-
73,000
(72,321)
679
649,501
(647,375)
2,126
(728)
-
(728)
27,800
(23,032)
4,768
(1)
(2,059)
(2,060)
27,407
(27,407)
-
-
(611)
(611)
27,500
(27,500)
-
61,794
(61,794)
-
44,121
(44,121)
-
1,238,813
(1,235,756)
3,057
1,376,478
(1,368,239)
8,239

Page 26

continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparatives for movement in funds

Unrestricted funds General fund Lime Culture for Truth Project Education Service Restricted funds Justice for Jane Wirral Borough Council Safe House Rape Crisis Regional Funding Victims Fund Sefton (PCC from 1/10/14) Home Office Funding for ISVA Liverpool City Safe Rape Services Funding SARC Counselling Funding PCC Victims and Witnesses Fund * Children In Need for CHISVA Service Wirral Borough Council Public Health Wirral CSP Jill's Fund MOJ Male MOJ Additional Funding OPCC Contract Proceeds of Crime Fund RCEEW Digital Transformation Fund NHS Funding for Counselling Community Foundations for RADS Big Lottery for Yoga Sessions Steve Morgan Foundation Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership MOJ Covid 19 fund to October 20 Thrive Sefton Council Funding for children Cheshire NHS Funding for Children Lilly Charity OPCC Remote Counselling	At 1.4.21 £ 143,942 7,054 (4,633) 146,363 132 18,289 82 45 295 73 3,574 34 83 744 431 35 3,105 - 403 321 1,838 152 - 7,533 4,811 - 306 6,178 - - - - 48,464	Net movement in funds £ 11,094 (1,828) - 9,266 (33) (852) (21) (12) (19) (18) (1,270) (9) (20) (204) (121) (8) - 1,109 - 17,919 (1,838) 576 (30,000) (7,533) (4,811) 2,543 (306) (2,059) 1,994 3,000 1,200 1,833 (18,960)	Transfers between funds £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - (30,000) - - 30,000 - - - - - - - - - -	At 31.3.22 £ 155,036 5,226 (4,633) 155,629 99 17,437 61 33 276 55 2,304 25 63 540 310 27 3,105 1,109 403 (11,760) - 728 - - - 2,543 - 4,119 1,994 3,000 1,200 1,833 29,504

Page 27

continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued TOTAL FUNDS 194,827

(9,694) - 185,133

Page 28

continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Lime Culture for Truth Project
Merseycare
Restricted funds
Justice for Jane
Wirral Borough Council Safe House

Rape Crisis Regional Funding
Victims Fund Sefton (PCC from
1/10/14)
Home Office Funding for ISVA
Liverpool City Safe
Rape Services Funding
SARC Counselling Funding
PCC Victims and Witnesses Fund *
Children In Need for CHISVA
Service
Wirral Borough Council Public
Health
Wirral CSP
MOJ Male
MOJ Additional Funding
OPCC Additional Funding for
Counselling
OPCC Contract
Proceeds of Crime Fund
RCEEW Digital Transformation
Fund
NHS Funding for Counselling
Community Foundations for RADS
Big Lottery for Yoga Sessions
Steve Morgan Foundation
Merseyside Violence Reduction
Partnership
MOJ Covid 19 fund to October 20
MOJ ISVA Funding 1
MOJ CSA Uplift
Safer Streets
Liverpool City for Promotion
Thrive Sefton Council
Funding for children Cheshire NHS
Funding for Children Lilly Charity

Incoming
Resources Movement
resources
expended
in funds
£
£
£
23,085
(11,991)
11,094
-
(1,828)
(1,828)
20,000
(20,000)
-
43,085
(33,819)
9,266
-
(33)
(33)
(1)
(851)
(852)
(1)
(20)
(21)
(1)
(11)
(12)
-
(19)
(19)
-
(18)
(18)
136,539
(137,809)
(1,270)
(1)
(8)
(9)
1
(21)
(20)
26,007
(26,211)
(204)
49,920
(50,041)
(121)
1
(9)
(8)
27,438
(26,329)
1,109
91,481
(91,481)
-
44,566
(44,566)
-
502,500
(484,581)
17,919
-
(1,838)
(1,838)
728
(152)
576
29,220
(59,220)
(30,000)
-
(7,533)
(7,533)
-
(4,811)
(4,811)
10,426
(7,883)
2,543
-
(306)
(306)
-
(2,059)
(2,059)
44,121
(44,121)
-
46,423
(46,423)
-
10,001
(10,001)
-
5,000
(5,000)
-
2,000
(6)
1,994
3,000
-
3,000
1,200
-
1,200

Page 29

continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements-continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023 17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued OPCC Remote Counselling MOJ ISVA Funding 2 TOTAL FUNDS	40,000 27,250 1,097,818 1,140,903	(38,167) (27,250) (1,116,778) (1,150,597)	1,833 - (18,960) (9,694)

Page 30

continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

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

Unrestricted funds General fund Lime Culture for Truth Project Education Service Restricted funds Justice for Jane Wirral Borough Council Safe House Rape Crisis Regional Funding Victims Fund Sefton (PCC from 1/10/14) Home Office Funding for ISVA Liverpool City Safe Rape Services Funding SARC Counselling Funding PCC Victims and Witnesses Fund * Children In Need for CHISVA Service Wirral Borough Council Public Health Wirral CSP Jill's Fund MOJ Male MOJ Additional Funding OPCC Additional Funding for Counselling OPCC Contract Proceeds of Crime Fund RCEEW Digital Transformation Fund NHS Funding for Counselling Community Foundations for RADS Big Lottery for Yoga Sessions Steve Morgan Foundation Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership MOJ Covid 19 fund to October 20 Thrive Sefton Council Funding for children Cheshire NHS Funding for Children Lilly Charity OPCC Remote Counselling	At 1.4.21 £ 143,942 7,054 (4,633) 146,363 132 18,289 82 45 295 73 3,574 34 83 744 431 35 3,105 - 403 - 321 1,838 152 - 7,533 4,811 - 306 6,178 - - - -	Net movement in funds £ 21,922 (3,636) (3,838) 14,448 (58) (1,689) (36) (20) (33) (32) (1,357) (15) (36) (214) (199) (15) - 1,109 - 679 20,045 (1,838) (152) (30,000) (7,533) (4,811) 7,311 (306) (4,119) 1,994 3,000 1,200 1,222	Transfers between funds £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - (30,000) - - 30,000 - - - - - - - - -	At 31.3.23 £ 165,864 3,418 (8,471) 160,811 74 16,600 46 25 262 41 2,217 19 47 530 232 20 3,105 1,109 403 679 (9,634) - - - - - 7,311 - 2,059 1,994 3,000 1,200 1,222

Page 31

continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued TOTAL FUNDS	48,464 194,827	(15,903) (1,455)	- -	32,561 193,372

Page 32

continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

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

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Lime Culture for Truth Project
Merseycare
Education Service
Restricted funds
Justice for Jane
Wirral Borough Council Safe House

Rape Crisis Regional Funding
Victims Fund Sefton (PCC from
1/10/14)
Home Office Funding for ISVA
Liverpool City Safe
Rape Services Funding
SARC Counselling Funding
PCC Victims and Witnesses Fund *
Children In Need for CHISVA
Service
Wirral Borough Council Public
Health
Wirral CSP
MOJ Male
MOJ Additional Funding
OPCC Additional Funding for
Counselling
OPCC Contract
Proceeds of Crime Fund
RCEEW Digital Transformation
Fund
NHS Funding for Counselling
Community Foundations for RADS
Big Lottery for Yoga Sessions
Steve Morgan Foundation
Merseyside Violence Reduction
Partnership
MOJ Covid 19 fund to October 20
MOJ ISVA Funding 1
MOJ CSA Uplift
Safer Streets
Liverpool City for Promotion
Thrive Sefton Council

Incoming
Resources Movement
resources
expended
in funds
£
£
£
66,260
(44,338)
21,922
-
(3,636)
(3,636)
20,000
(20,000)
-
94,490
(98,328)
(3,838)
180,750
(166,302)
14,448
-
(58)
(58)
(1)
(1,688)
(1,689)
(1)
(35)
(36)
(1)
(19)
(20)
-
(33)
(33)
-
(32)
(32)
410,984
(412,341)
(1,357)
(1)
(14)
(15)
1
(37)
(36)
26,008
(26,222)
(214)
49,919
(50,118)
(199)
1
(16)
(15)
81,412
(80,303)
1,109
91,481
(91,481)
-
117,566
(116,887)
679
1,152,001
(1,131,956)
20,045
-
(1,838)
(1,838)
-
(152)
(152)
29,220
(59,220)
(30,000)
-
(7,533)
(7,533)
-
(4,811)
(4,811)
38,226
(30,915)
7,311
-
(306)
(306)
(1)
(4,118)
(4,119)
71,528
(71,528)
-
46,423
(46,423)
-
10,001
(10,001)
-
5,000
(5,000)
-
2,000
(6)
1,994

Page 33

continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued Funding for children Cheshire NHS Funding for Children Lilly Charity OPCC Remote Counselling MOJ ISVA Funding 2 RSF Demand Lead Funding MOJ ISVA to March 2023 TOTAL FUNDS	3,000 1,200 40,000 54,750 61,794 44,121 2,336,631 2,517,381	- - (38,778) (54,750) (61,794) (44,121) (2,352,534) (2,518,836)	3,000 1,200 1,222 - - - (15,903) (1,455)

18. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2023.

19. OTHER FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS

Operating Lease Commitments

A new lease for rent for the Unit in Bootle was signed in July 2023 which runs to August 2033.

A new lease for premises was signed in August 2023 which runs to August 2033 with a break clause in August 2027..

The total rent due to be paid within one year are £76,870 (2022 £42,751)

There is a photocopier lease and the payments due in the next year are £6,287 (2022 £6,287).

The total of commitments due within one year is £83,157 (2022 £49,038).

The total of commitments due more than one year is £381,218 (2022 £127,310).

Other rents are paid on rolling contracts.

Page 34

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2023 INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Donations and legacies Donations Other trading activities Training courses Investment income Deposit account interest Charitable activities Commissioned work Grants Total incoming resources EXPENDITURE Other trading activities Hire of plant and machinery Charitable activities Wages Insurance Light and heat Telephone Postage and stationery Advertising Sundries Rent Survivor travel Travel and expenses Training Canteen & household costs Repairs and maintenance Software and IT costs Subscriptions Partner's payments Carried forward	31.3.23 £ 18,273 118,395 272 1,058,736 180,802 1,239,538 1,376,478 8,443 1,004,198 9,889 12,023 23,395 5,174 6,624 - 63,527 123 4,014 23,044 24,717 10,787 7,175 491 139,184 1,334,365	31.3.22 £ 23,085 - - 783,473 334,345 1,117,818 1,140,903 4,803 811,979 10,397 9,222 28,347 5,926 12,081 (181) 70,856 236 1,453 22,226 22,787 7,466 7,694 1,552 118,326 1,130,367

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 35

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2023 Charitable activities Brought forward Freehold property Fixtures and fittings Computer equipment Support costs Finance Bank charges Governance costs Auditors' remuneration Accountancy and legal fees Total resources expended Net income/(expenditure)	31.3.23 £ 1,334,365 830 510 7,675 1,343,380 72 7,500 8,844 16,344 1,368,239 8,239	31.3.22 £ 1,130,367 830 666 5,602 1,137,465 88 6,000 2,241 8,241 1,150,597 (9,694)

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 36

REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 04538556 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1094462

Report of the Trustees and

Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

for Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Robinson Rice Associates 93 Banks Road West Kirby CH48 0RB

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

	Page
Report of the Trustees	1 to 10
Report of the Independent Auditors	11 to 14
Statement of Financial Activities	15
Balance Sheet	16
Cash Flow Statement	17
Notes to the Cash Flow Statement	18
Notes to the Financial Statements	19 to 34
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities	35 to 36

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

The full Trustee's Report is at the end of these accounts.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objectives and aims

Page 1

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Significant activities

The aims of The Rape & Sexual Abuse (RASA) Centre are

To provide a free, confidential and non-judgemental support service for women and girls who have ben victims of sexual violence in Merseyside (under the trading name RASA).
To raise public awareness of the damaging and life-changing effects of rape and sexual abuse.

In order to fulfil these aims, the objectives of The Rape & Sexual Abuse (RASA) Centre are:

To provide a service for women and girls, which includes telephone, one-to-one and group support, in women only space at designated times and at the request of the woman or girl.
To provide a telephone support service for supporters of survivors, both male and female.
To provide information and advice to other individuals and agencies to provide training and talks to external agencies in the local community to recruit volunteers.
To provide adequate training, support and supervision for staff and volunteers.
To monitor and evaluate service provision and policies on a continual basis involving staff, volunteers and women who use the service.
To work with other individuals and agencies to further the aims of The Rape & Sexual Abuse (RASA) Centre to raise funds to meet the needs of the service to identify areas of unmet need and take appropriate action.
To provide parity of service for male survivors of sexual violence, noting that such support and counselling will not encroach on the women only space of the RASA Safe House or any of the centres where RASA works in a face to face capacity with victims of sexual violence.

Since it was established in Birkenhead in 1986, RASA Merseyside has always had a feminist ethos, and has aimed to support survivors of sexual violence from a feminist perspective.

At RASA, we embrace diverse understandings and views, while ensuring that all RASA staff and volunteers share a common set of values on sexual violence through our recruitment and training practices.

Our ethos has been shaped by our experience of working with survivors of sexual violence, and by the lived experience of the women who have volunteered and worked for RASA, over the last 33 years.

Page 2

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

While much has changed in the way we work, and the number of survivors we are able to help has grown, our core ethos has changed little.

We continue to describe our ethos as feminist for the following reasons:

Gender inequality, specifically discrimination against and oppression of women and girls, persists in our society and around the world.
While gender inequality has many consequences and effects, sexual violence is among the most severe and pervasive worldwide. This is evidenced by the fact that the vast majority of incidents of sexual violence are perpetrated by a man against a woman or girl.
Sexual violence is a means of exerting power and control over victims, and a means of diminishing the victim's own power and control over their own life. On a societal level, it is a means of enforcing patriarchal power and control through violence against individuals, and through the fear of violence.
Without recognising the gendered nature of sexual violence with individual survivors and as an organisation, we cannot help survivors to recover from trauma, or find long-term strategies to address sexual violence in our community.
Patriarchal violence, perpetrated by overwhelmingly be men, affects men and boys, and transgendered/non-binary people, as well as women and girls. Understanding the common pattern of sexual violence as a means of power and control and recognising the specific ways people of different genders are affected, is entirely compatible with a feminist approach to supporting survivors of sexual violence.
Maintaining a women-only workforce and providing women-only spaces remains crucial to our ability to support all survivors effectively. The survivors who come to us tell us this consistently.

Our Ethos

RASA Merseyside is a women-led, women-run service founded on feminist principles. We believe that by working in an all-women environment, we challenge structures that discriminate against women, providing the opportunity to empower ourselves and claim control of our own lives.
Rape and sexual abuse are crimes of violence and abuse of power, not 'unwanted sex'.
Rape and sexual abuse are never the fault of the survivor, and we work with all survivors towards this understanding of what happened to them.
Rape and sexual abuse are gendered crimes - the majority of victims are women and children, and the majority of perpetrators are men. Sexual violence is both an expression of, and a means of enforcing and increasing, discrimination against women and gender inequality.
Because women and girls live with sexism, the degradation of the female body and the threat of sexual violence in society at large, we create and maintain women-only spaces to offer relief and safety for survivors, and for the women who work at RASA. We know that this benefits survivors and helps them to heal.

Page 3

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

When children have experienced sexual abuse or sexual exploitation, they require specialist support. We strive to develop ways of working that help children recover from this trauma, and live happy and healthy lives. We reach out to families, schools and the wider community to raise awareness and help prevent the sexual abuse and exploitation of children and young people.
We know that transgender people are at increased risk of sexual violence and abuse, as well as transphobic violence. We aim to welcome all trans and non-binary gender survivors in a safe space for them, and work with other organisations locally to ensure they get the specialist support they need.
We work with men and boys to the same feminist principles, recognizing the different ways that sexual violence affects them, and offering men-only support groups for survivors facilitated by a RASA worker. At RASA we see all sexual violence as a cause and a consequence of the patriarchal societal structure we live in, acknowledging that almost all men and boys who experience sexual violence are abused by a man. As such, we believe a service working to feminist principles is well placed to help male survivors of sexual violence.
Recognising the oppression that many groups experience in today's society, we aim to work in a non-oppressive, anti-discriminatory way with people of any race, class, culture, immigration status, nationality, faith, sexuality, gender identity, age, disability, or health status. We work towards making our service accessible and available to all, and actively seek to make links with the diverse communities in Merseyside.

Public benefit

Our work this year beyond our regular counselling, ISVA and support has been as varied as training tram drivers in Manchester about how to be an effective bystander, running trauma courses for external counsellors, delivering sexual harassment awareness training in the local universities - all while managing to deliver face to face counselling and support to over 3600 people in need of our help.

Following the sessions

" One client was able to return to work.
" Another client was able to get the bus to university.
" One client saw her perpetrator before a meeting but felt strong enough to attend her meeting despite seeing the perpetrator.
" Two clients have decided that they would like to come off the counselling waiting list.

Page 4

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Volunteers

RASA retains volunteers very effectively, because RASA is a great place to work but it is also due largely, we believe, to the support and development opportunities afforded within the organisation.

STRATEGIC REPORT Achievement and performance Charitable activities

Financial review

Financial position

RASA has in place a comprehensive Financial Procedure (updated and reviewed in January 2020. It is available upon request.

Page 5

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

STRATEGIC REPORT Financial review

Principal funding sources

PCC FOR MERSEYSIDE

RASA clients reside in Liverpool, Wirral and Sefton Boroughs.

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE FUND FOR RAPE AND SEXUAL ABUSE SURVIVORS

" MoJ ISVA Uplift (2019/20 bid) To provide additional ISVA services.

" MoJ Uplift (2021/22 bid) - To provide 1 full time ISVA for children.

" MoJ ISVA Uplift (2021 bid / previously notified) To provide additional ISVA cover and supporting staffing.

" SV Uplift Fund (From 22/23) To meet increased demand on services.

" Male Rape ISVA (2021/22 bid) to develop an ISVA service for male survivors seeking to report sexual violence.

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE CSE FUNDING UPLIFT

This allows us to provide additional support to adult survivors of non-recent Childhood Sexual Abuse and Rape.

A decision was made to extend this grant fund, for an additional 12 months to 31-03-2023.

RASA EDUCATION LIMITED

Page 6

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

STRATEGIC REPORT Financial review

Reserves policy

At 31st March 2023 the total funds held are £193,372 made up of Restricted Funds of £32,565 and Unrestricted Funds of £160,807.

Included in unrestricted funds is the balance of the property owned by the charity held at a value of £16,600

The total reserves not including the property is £176,772.

Going concern

Future plans

We have long been aware of the challenges of our room space and think we have finally found a solution.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document

Page 7

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

RASA welcomes individuals who wish to be considered as a potential trustee.

Prospective trustees are recommended, self-refer or respond to advertisements on volunteer websites.

Prospective trustees progress through to appointment via the safer recruitment process under which they are interviewed by two senior staff members and/or an existing trustee.

Decision making

Day to day decisions are made by the operational management team consisting of Josephine Wood, Vicky Green and Lorraine Wood.

Induction and training of new trustees

Individuals must then successfully complete the RASA training for non-client focused staff. This process is carefully monitored by Education Centre staff for suitability to work with RASA.

Key management remuneration

Trustees have set the remuneration for key management.

Risk management

The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Company number

04538556 (England and Wales)

Registered Charity number

1094462

Registered office

15 Morpeth Close Moreton Wirral CH46 6HQ

Page 8

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

Trustees

Company Secretary

J Wood

Senior Statutory Auditor Beverley Rice

Auditors

ICAEW Robinson Rice Associates 93 Banks Road West Kirby CH48 0RB

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP;
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business.

Page 9

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES - continued

In so far as the trustees are aware:

there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company's auditors are unaware; and
the trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information.

AUDITORS

The auditors, Robinson Rice Associates, will be proposed for re-appointment at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

Report of the trustees, incorporating a strategic report, approved by order of the board of trustees, as the company directors, on 31 January 2024 and signed on the board's behalf by:

S Blower - Trustee

Page 10

Report of the Independent Auditors to the Members of Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Opinion

In our opinion the financial statements:

give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 March 2023 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended;
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland'; and
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Basis for opinion

Conclusions relating to going concern

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

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

Page 11

Report of the Independent Auditors to the Members of Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Other information

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

the information given in the Report of the Trustees for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
the Report of the Trustees has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

adequate accounting records have not been kept or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
certain disclosures of trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

Responsibilities of trustees

Page 12

Report of the Independent Auditors to the Members of Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

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

Our audit response is based on:

Enquiry of management, those charged with governance around actual and potential litigation and claims.
Enquiry of entity staff in compliance functions to identify any instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations.
Reviewing minutes of meetings of those charged with governance.
Reviewing correspondence with relevant regulators and legal advisors.
Reviewing financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Auditing the risk of management override of controls, including through testing journal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness.
Assessing whether judgements and assumptions made in determining accounting estimates were indicative of potential bias

Page 13

Report of the Independent Auditors to the Members of Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Use of our report

Beverley Rice (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Robinson Rice Associates 93 Banks Road West Kirby CH48 0RB

31 January 2024

Page 14

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Statement of Financial Activities

for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

31.3.22
Total
funds
£
23,085
1,117,818
-
-
1,140,903
4,803
1,145,794
1,150,597
(9,694)
194,827
185,133

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 15

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Balance Sheet

31 March 2023

Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 14 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 15 Cash at bank and in hand CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 16 NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES NET ASSETS FUNDS 17 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS	Unrestricted funds £ 287 25,010 172,549 197,559 (37,035) 160,524 160,811 160,811	Restricted funds £ 26,632 58,256 (24,107) 34,149 (28,220) 5,929 32,561 32,561	31.3.23 Total funds £ 26,919 83,266 148,442 231,708 (65,255) 166,453 193,372 193,372 160,811 32,561 193,372	31.3.22 Total funds £ 29,128 104,987 126,797 231,784 (75,779) 156,005 185,133 185,133 155,629 29,504 185,133

The company was entitled to exemption from audit under s477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

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

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to small companies subject to the small companies regime and in accordance with FRS102 SORP.

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 31 January 2024 and were signed on its behalf by:

S Blower - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 16

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Cash Flow Statement

for the Year Ended 31 March 2023 Notes Cash flows from operating activities Cash generated from operations 1 Net cash provided by operating activities Cash flows from investing activities Purchase of tangible fixed assets Interest received Net cash used in investing activities Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period	31.3.23 £ 28,179 28,179 (6,806) 272 (6,534) 21,645 126,797 148,442	31.3.22 £ 46,877 46,877 (2,444) - (2,444) 44,433 82,364 126,797

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 17

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Cash Flow Statement for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

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

Net income/(expenditure) for the reporting period (as per the Statement of Financial Activities) Adjustments for: Depreciation charges Interest received Decrease in debtors (Decrease)/increase in creditors Net cash provided by operations	31.3.23 £ 8,239 9,015 (272) 21,721 (10,524) 28,179	31.3.22 £ (9,694) 7,101 - 8,863 40,607 46,877

2. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS

Net cash Cash at bank and in hand Total	At 1.4.22 £ 126,797 126,797 126,797	Cash flow At 31.3.23 £ £ 21,645 148,442 21,645 148,442 21,645 148,442

The notes form part of these financial statements

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Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

Income

Expenditure

Allocation and apportionment of costs

Tangible fixed assets

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

Freehold property - in accordance with the property Improvements to property - 33% on cost Fixtures and fittings - 25% on reducing balance Computer equipment - 25% on cost

Taxation

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

Fund accounting

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

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Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued

for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Fund accounting

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

Hire purchase and leasing commitments

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.

Debtors and creditors receivable / payable within one year

Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure.

2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES Donations 3. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES Training courses 4. INVESTMENT INCOME Deposit account interest		31.3.23 £ 18,273 31.3.23 £ 118,395 31.3.23 £ 272		31.3.22 £ 23,085 31.3.22 £ - 31.3.22 £ -

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Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

5. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Activity Commissioned work Provision of services Grants Provision of services Grants received, included in the above, are as follows: Grant Income 6. RAISING FUNDS Other trading activities Hire of plant and machinery 7. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS Direct Costs £ Provision of services 1,343,380 8. SUPPORT COSTS Finance £ Provision of services 72	31.3.23 31.3.22 £ £ 1,058,736 783,473 180,802 334,345 1,239,538 1,117,818 31.3.23 31.3.22 £ £ 180,802 334,345 31.3.23 31.3.22 £ £ 8,443 4,803 Support costs (see note 8) Totals £ £ 16,416 1,359,796 Governance costs Totals £ £ 16,344 16,416

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Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued

for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

9. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):

		31.3.23	31.3.22
		£	£
	Depreciation - owned assets	9,015	7,101
	Hire of plant and machinery	8,443	4,803
10.	AUDITORS' REMUNERATION
		31.3.23	31.3.22
		£	£
	Fees payable to the charity's auditors and their associates for
	the audit of the charity's financial statements	7,500	6,000

11. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2023 nor for the year ended 31 March 2022.

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2023 nor for the year ended 31 March 2022.

12. STAFF COSTS Wages and salaries	31.3.23 £ 1,004,198 1,004,198	31.3.22 £ 811,979 811,979

Salary costs include amounts paid to subcontracted workers.

They also include:

Employers National Insurance £69,468 Employer Pension Contributions £14,148

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:

Management Counsellors and support workers	31.3.23 8 28 36	31.3.22 8 25 33

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

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Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES	COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES	COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
	Unrestricted	Restricted	Total
	funds	funds	funds
	£	£	£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies	23,085	-	23,085
Charitable activities
Provision of services	20,000	1,097,818	1,117,818
Total	43,085	1,097,818	1,140,903
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds	-	4,803	4,803
Charitable activities
Provision of services	33,820	1,111,974	1,145,794
Total	33,820	1,116,777	1,150,597
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)	9,265	(18,959)	(9,694)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward	146,363	48,464	194,827
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED
FORWARD	155,628	29,505	185,133

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Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

14. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Improvements Fixtures Freehold to and property property fittings £ £ £ COST At 1 April 2022 41,500 16,920 21,565 Additions - - - At 31 March 2023 41,500 16,920 21,565 DEPRECIATION At 1 April 2022 24,070 16,920 19,546 Charge for year 830 - 509 At 31 March 2023 24,900 16,920 20,055 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2023 16,600 - 1,510 At 31 March 2022 17,430 - 2,019 15. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Prepayments and accrued income 16. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Other creditors Accruals and deferred income Accrued expenses	Computer equipment £ 52,522 6,806 59,328 42,843 7,676 50,519 8,809 9,679 31.3.23 £ 83,266 31.3.23 £ 15,394 42,361 7,500 65,255	Totals £ 132,507 6,806 139,313 103,379 9,015 112,394 26,919 29,128 31.3.22 £ 104,987 31.3.22 £ 6,382 69,397 - 75,779

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Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Unrestricted funds General fund Lime Culture for Truth Project Education Service Restricted funds Justice for Jane Wirral Borough Council Safe House Rape Crisis Regional Funding Victims Fund Sefton (PCC from 1/10/14) Home Office Funding for ISVA Liverpool City Safe Rape Services Funding SARC Counselling Funding PCC Victims and Witnesses Fund Children In Need for CHISVA Service Wirral Borough Council Public Health Wirral CSP Jill's Fund MOJ Male MOJ Additional Funding OPCC Additional Funding for Counselling OPCC Contract RCEEW Digital Transformation Fund Steve Morgan Foundation MOJ Covid 19 fund to October 20 Thrive Sefton Council Funding for children Cheshire NHS Funding for Children Lilly Charity OPCC Remote Counselling TOTAL FUNDS*	At 1.4.22 £ 155,036 5,226 (4,633) 155,629 99 17,437 61 33 276 55 2,304 25 63 540 310 27 3,105 1,109 403 - (11,760) 728 2,543 4,119 1,994 3,000 1,200 1,833 29,504 185,133	Net movement in funds £ 10,828 (1,808) (3,838) 5,182 (25) (837) (15) (8) (14) (14) (87) (6) (16) (10) (78) (7) - - - 679 2,126 (728) 4,768 (2,060) - - - (611) 3,057 8,239	At 31.3.23 £ 165,864 3,418 (8,471) 160,811 74 16,600 46 25 262 41 2,217 19 47 530 232 20 3,105 1,109 403 679 (9,634) - 7,311 2,059 1,994 3,000 1,200 1,222 32,561 193,372

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Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

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Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparatives for movement in funds

Unrestricted funds General fund Lime Culture for Truth Project Education Service Restricted funds Justice for Jane Wirral Borough Council Safe House Rape Crisis Regional Funding Victims Fund Sefton (PCC from 1/10/14) Home Office Funding for ISVA Liverpool City Safe Rape Services Funding SARC Counselling Funding PCC Victims and Witnesses Fund * Children In Need for CHISVA Service Wirral Borough Council Public Health Wirral CSP Jill's Fund MOJ Male MOJ Additional Funding OPCC Contract Proceeds of Crime Fund RCEEW Digital Transformation Fund NHS Funding for Counselling Community Foundations for RADS Big Lottery for Yoga Sessions Steve Morgan Foundation Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership MOJ Covid 19 fund to October 20 Thrive Sefton Council Funding for children Cheshire NHS Funding for Children Lilly Charity OPCC Remote Counselling	At 1.4.21 £ 143,942 7,054 (4,633) 146,363 132 18,289 82 45 295 73 3,574 34 83 744 431 35 3,105 - 403 321 1,838 152 - 7,533 4,811 - 306 6,178 - - - - 48,464	Net movement in funds £ 11,094 (1,828) - 9,266 (33) (852) (21) (12) (19) (18) (1,270) (9) (20) (204) (121) (8) - 1,109 - 17,919 (1,838) 576 (30,000) (7,533) (4,811) 2,543 (306) (2,059) 1,994 3,000 1,200 1,833 (18,960)	Transfers between funds £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - (30,000) - - 30,000 - - - - - - - - - -	At 31.3.22 £ 155,036 5,226 (4,633) 155,629 99 17,437 61 33 276 55 2,304 25 63 540 310 27 3,105 1,109 403 (11,760) - 728 - - - 2,543 - 4,119 1,994 3,000 1,200 1,833 29,504

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Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued TOTAL FUNDS 194,827

(9,694) - 185,133

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continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

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Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements-continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023 17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued OPCC Remote Counselling MOJ ISVA Funding 2 TOTAL FUNDS	40,000 27,250 1,097,818 1,140,903	(38,167) (27,250) (1,116,778) (1,150,597)	1,833 - (18,960) (9,694)

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Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

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

Unrestricted funds General fund Lime Culture for Truth Project Education Service Restricted funds Justice for Jane Wirral Borough Council Safe House Rape Crisis Regional Funding Victims Fund Sefton (PCC from 1/10/14) Home Office Funding for ISVA Liverpool City Safe Rape Services Funding SARC Counselling Funding PCC Victims and Witnesses Fund * Children In Need for CHISVA Service Wirral Borough Council Public Health Wirral CSP Jill's Fund MOJ Male MOJ Additional Funding OPCC Additional Funding for Counselling OPCC Contract Proceeds of Crime Fund RCEEW Digital Transformation Fund NHS Funding for Counselling Community Foundations for RADS Big Lottery for Yoga Sessions Steve Morgan Foundation Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership MOJ Covid 19 fund to October 20 Thrive Sefton Council Funding for children Cheshire NHS Funding for Children Lilly Charity OPCC Remote Counselling	At 1.4.21 £ 143,942 7,054 (4,633) 146,363 132 18,289 82 45 295 73 3,574 34 83 744 431 35 3,105 - 403 - 321 1,838 152 - 7,533 4,811 - 306 6,178 - - - -	Net movement in funds £ 21,922 (3,636) (3,838) 14,448 (58) (1,689) (36) (20) (33) (32) (1,357) (15) (36) (214) (199) (15) - 1,109 - 679 20,045 (1,838) (152) (30,000) (7,533) (4,811) 7,311 (306) (4,119) 1,994 3,000 1,200 1,222	Transfers between funds £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - (30,000) - - 30,000 - - - - - - - - -	At 31.3.23 £ 165,864 3,418 (8,471) 160,811 74 16,600 46 25 262 41 2,217 19 47 530 232 20 3,105 1,109 403 679 (9,634) - - - - - 7,311 - 2,059 1,994 3,000 1,200 1,222

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continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued TOTAL FUNDS	48,464 194,827	(15,903) (1,455)	- -	32,561 193,372

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continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

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

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continued...

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued Funding for children Cheshire NHS Funding for Children Lilly Charity OPCC Remote Counselling MOJ ISVA Funding 2 RSF Demand Lead Funding MOJ ISVA to March 2023 TOTAL FUNDS	3,000 1,200 40,000 54,750 61,794 44,121 2,336,631 2,517,381	- - (38,778) (54,750) (61,794) (44,121) (2,352,534) (2,518,836)	3,000 1,200 1,222 - - - (15,903) (1,455)

18. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2023.

19. OTHER FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS

Operating Lease Commitments

A new lease for rent for the Unit in Bootle was signed in July 2023 which runs to August 2033.

A new lease for premises was signed in August 2023 which runs to August 2033 with a break clause in August 2027..

The total rent due to be paid within one year are £76,870 (2022 £42,751)

There is a photocopier lease and the payments due in the next year are £6,287 (2022 £6,287).

The total of commitments due within one year is £83,157 (2022 £49,038).

The total of commitments due more than one year is £381,218 (2022 £127,310).

Other rents are paid on rolling contracts.

Page 34

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2023 INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Donations and legacies Donations Other trading activities Training courses Investment income Deposit account interest Charitable activities Commissioned work Grants Total incoming resources EXPENDITURE Other trading activities Hire of plant and machinery Charitable activities Wages Insurance Light and heat Telephone Postage and stationery Advertising Sundries Rent Survivor travel Travel and expenses Training Canteen & household costs Repairs and maintenance Software and IT costs Subscriptions Partner's payments Carried forward	31.3.23 £ 18,273 118,395 272 1,058,736 180,802 1,239,538 1,376,478 8,443 1,004,198 9,889 12,023 23,395 5,174 6,624 - 63,527 123 4,014 23,044 24,717 10,787 7,175 491 139,184 1,334,365	31.3.22 £ 23,085 - - 783,473 334,345 1,117,818 1,140,903 4,803 811,979 10,397 9,222 28,347 5,926 12,081 (181) 70,856 236 1,453 22,226 22,787 7,466 7,694 1,552 118,326 1,130,367

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 35

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) Limited

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2023 Charitable activities Brought forward Freehold property Fixtures and fittings Computer equipment Support costs Finance Bank charges Governance costs Auditors' remuneration Accountancy and legal fees Total resources expended Net income/(expenditure)	31.3.23 £ 1,334,365 830 510 7,675 1,343,380 72 7,500 8,844 16,344 1,368,239 8,239	31.3.22 £ 1,130,367 830 666 5,602 1,137,465 88 6,000 2,241 8,241 1,150,597 (9,694)

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 36

2023-03-31-accounts

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

CLIENT'S BOROUGH OF RESIDENCE 2022-23

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

RASA SUNFLOWERS – OUR CHILDREN’S SERVICE

Name: Janet Bunn

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

– Operations Manager an overview by Sophie Gunter

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

*******

Job Title: Liverpool and North Sefton ISVA

Centre(s): Stella Nova Bootle & Southport outreach.

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

Court

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

******

FROM OUR CLIENTS – THE PEOPLE WHO REALLY MATTER

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

SOME MORE CLIENT COMMENTS

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

– End of Year Report Ally Cavanagh

Liverpool ISVA Case load: 53

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

Alex Cavanagh – Liverpool ISVA

ISVA Service at RASA – a summary by Sophie Gunter

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

***

Year End Report April 2022- April 2023

Vicky Mountcastle Children’s Services

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

Challenges I have found within my role this year: -

Vicky Mountcastle – Children’s Services

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

RASA Project Development Manager – by Sophie Gunter

FROM OUR CLIENTS

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

Hospital.

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

Year End Report April 2022- April 2023 Rachael Crowder Children’s ISVA

My knowledge and development this year

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

Multi-agency networking events I have attended in this year.

Things that have gone well this year

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

Challenges this year.

Rachael Crowder Children’s Assessment and ISVA

New skills/qualifications acquired.

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

Knowledge development

Multi-agency networking events attended.

Things that have gone well

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

Challenges within your role

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

A review of our year at RASA from 1[st] April 2022 – 31[st] March 2023.

1 year

RASA MERSEYSIDE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR TO 31-03-2023

Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objectives and aims

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Significant activities

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Public benefit

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Volunteers

STRATEGIC REPORT Achievement and performance Charitable activities

Financial review

Financial position