OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2024-03-31-accounts

REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 04610367 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1098357

Report of the Trustees and

Unaudited Financial Statements

for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

for

Warwickshire Young Carers

Warwickshire Young Carers

Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Page
Welcome to our Annual Report 1
Report of the Trustees 2 to 19
Independent Examiner's Report 20
Statement of Financial Activities 21
Balance Sheet 22
Notes to the Financial Statements 23 to 31

Warwickshire Young Carers

Welcome to our Annual Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Welcome to our Annual Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2024.

The year was one of consolidation - setting the boundaries of our new service provision with reduced staffing and the new CEO setting the agenda for future service development and potential growth.

The year has seen an ongoing delivery of a high-quality service supporting Young Carers and their families in our community.

Despite operating in a challenging economic environment, where contributions from donors are hard won, we have retained a strong financial position through fundraising and cost reduction measures.

Once again, I would like to record the thanks of all the Trustees for the tremendous work which the organisation continues to conduct.

The report includes details of activities that have been undertaken during the year under review. The provision of these services to the Young Carers and their families across Warwickshire relies entirely on financial support from funders, our charitable partners, financial donors and those who have donated "in kind".

I would like to take this opportunity to once again offer our thanks to everyone who has supported the organisation in the last year, without your generous support we would not be able to offer the service which supports Young Carers and their families.

I would also like to thank our volunteers who are proactively involved with direct work with the young people and the Trustees who give their time freely to support our work. Their continuing interest and commitment are greatly appreciated.

Peter Blay Chair

Warwickshire Young Carers Board of Trustee Directors

Page 1

Warwickshire Young Carers (Registered number: 04610367)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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).

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

To advance, promote, encourage, and assist in the relief or alleviation of all kinds of mental and physical infirmity, sickness and disablement among Carers and those persons for whom they are caring.

To advance education concerning caring among Carers and the public.

VISION

For all carers across Warwickshire to be recognised and valued, ensuring they have access to the necessary services to support their caring roles.

MISSION

To deliver services that enable carers to provide high-quality care while maintaining their own quality of life.

AIMS

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

How our Activities Deliver Public Benefit

Our main activities and those we aim to help are described below. All of our charitable activities focus upon improving the lives of young carers, young adult carers and their families and are undertaken to further our charitable purposes for public benefit.

In carrying out these objectives and aims, the Trustees have complied with their duty to have due regard to the guidance published by the Charity Commission on Public Benefit.

Page 2

Warwickshire Young Carers (Registered number: 04610367)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES - continued

WHO WE SUPPORT AND HOW WE HELP

Warwickshire Young Carers is dedicated to supporting young carers and young adult carers, aged 6 to 25 years, along with their families across Warwickshire. Over the past two decades, we have continuously evolved to meet the unique needs of the children and young people we support. A young carer is a child or young person who takes on the responsibility of caring for a sibling, parent, or grandparent with a long-term condition, physical or learning disability, mental health condition, or substance dependency.

These caring responsibilities can have a profound impact on their mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. Our goal is to alleviate the burden of age-inappropriate caring roles by offering comprehensive support to young carers, young adult carers and their families. We achieve this by collaborating with a wide network of professionals and organisations.

Warwickshire Young Carers adopts a holistic approach to support, ensuring that young carers and young adult carers receive much-needed respite from their responsibilities while being empowered to pursue their aspirations. Our support is delivered through:

Sustainability is at the core of our organisation. Given that a young carer might join our service at age six and remain with us until they are 25, we are committed to being a consistent presence throughout their journey. To do this effectively, we must ensure financial sustainability and continuously improve our services to meet the evolving needs of our beneficiaries.

Below is a brief outline of our activities over the past year. For a more in-depth look at our work, please refer to the full report.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Statistics

The data from the past year underscores the vital role Warwickshire Young Carers plays in supporting young carers across the county. Between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024, we received 254 new referrals, with the majority coming from primary school-aged children, highlighting the importance of early intervention. Our services reached across the county, with Nuneaton & Bedworth, Rugby, and Warwick being key areas of engagement. We also focused on addressing the unique challenges faced by young carers in more rural areas such as North Warwickshire and Stratford upon Avon. In total, we conducted 682 targeted support contacts, reflecting our commitment to providing comprehensive support through individual assessments, one-to-one meetings, and advocacy efforts. The age distribution of referrals points to critical periods in a young carer's life, particularly as they approach adolescence and adulthood, with those aged 14 to 17 making up a significant portion of our caseload. Furthermore, the data reveals that many young carers face their own health challenges, with conditions like Autism/Asperger's Syndrome, asthma, and dyslexia being common. This dual burden of managing their own health needs while caring for others highlights the importance of our responsive, holistic approach. The complexities of their home environments, where nearly 40% care for adults with physical disabilities or illnesses, further underscore the need for our Family Support services in addressing the demanding roles these young carers fulfil.

Page 3

Warwickshire Young Carers (Registered number: 04610367)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES - continued

Service Delivery and Impact

Over the past year, Warwickshire Young Carers has delivered a diverse range of activities and support services to young carers across the county, providing much-needed respite, personal development opportunities, and emotional support. Highlights include university residentials at Bangor, numerous day trips and workshops, and the impactful involvement of young carers in key events such as Young Carers Action Day at Shire Hall. Our year-round support, including befriending, family support, and coaching, has continued to empower young carers and their families.

Organisational Development and Challenges

The past year has been marked by significant challenges, including the transition away from statutory funding and the competitive landscape for grants. Despite this, we have successfully secured key funding from sources such as the Norton Foundation and William A Cadbury Charitable Trust. The introduction of our Engagement Strategy in February has strengthened partnerships with schools and communities, and our ongoing focus on volunteer-supported services has ensured the continuation of high-quality support for young carers.

Financial Review

This year, our income totalled £134,567, reflecting the challenges of operating without significant statutory funding. Expenditure exceeded income slightly, resulting in a small net deficit of £2,882. However, through careful resource management, including staff reductions and cost-saving measures, we have maintained a stable financial position with an overall balance of £84,992. Our reserves policy has been adjusted to target three months of running costs, ensuring financial stability moving forward.

Looking Forward

As we continue to navigate the challenges ahead, our focus remains on expanding our Befriending Service, strengthening educational partnerships, enhancing family support, and securing sustainable funding. Our Engagement Strategy will be central to these efforts, ensuring that young carers across Warwickshire receive the comprehensive and coordinated support they need.

Page 4

Warwickshire Young Carers (Registered number: 04610367)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE Who Used and Benefitted from our Services?

Statistics

Warwickshire Young Carers had 1078 young carers actively registered, consented and receiving a service from us during the year. Between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024, Warwickshire Young Carers received a total of 254 new referrals , demonstrating the continued need for our services across the county. The majority of these referrals were children aged 8 to 11 , accounting for 124 referrals, followed by 14 to 17 -year-olds with 63 referrals. Geographically, the highest number of new referrals came from Nuneaton & Bedworth (73) , followed closely by Rugby (64) and Warwick (58) with the remainder of referrals coming in strong from North Warwickshire and Stratford upon Avon. This data highlights the broad reach of our services and underscores the importance of our ongoing efforts to support young carers at different stages of their lives, particularly as they transition into adolescence and adulthood.

Over the past year, we engaged in a total of 682 targeted support contacts . These contacts reflect the breadth of our engagement, encompassing a wide array of support activities, from individual assessments to one-to-one meetings and advocacy efforts. This level of engagement demonstrates the extensive outreach and ongoing commitment to supporting young carers and their families across the county.

A total of 309 requests for support were made during the year, highlighting the demand for our services across different age groups. The largest group was young carers aged 14 to 17 , who accounted for approximately 31% of the total referrals, underscoring the growing need for support as young carers approach adulthood. The 8 to 11 age group was the second largest, making up 35.9% of the total, suggesting that primary school-aged children are a significant focus for early intervention. The 12 to 13 age group represented 22% of the total referrals, while the combined 18 to 25 age group accounted for 7.1% . The distribution of referrals highlights the critical periods in a young carer's life when they are most in need of support, particularly during early adolescence and the transition to adulthood.

The data highlights that a significant proportion of young carers have their own health needs or disabilities that require support. Among the identified conditions, Autism/Asperger's Syndrome stands out, accounting for 17.5% of the young carers that received targeted support from us this year, indicating a substantial need for targeted support for neurodevelopmental disorders. Additionally, conditions such as Asthma and Dyslexia are relatively common among the young carers we support, with around 1 in 15 dealing with asthma, often affecting activities we can offer and similar numbers for other learning difficulties like dyslexia, affecting educational outcomes for some.

This data underscores the reality that many young carers are navigating their caring responsibilities while also managing their own significant health challenges. We must continue to be responsive to these dual needs, providing the appropriate support to ensure that these young carers are not only able to fulfil their caring roles but also to thrive in their personal lives.

The data sheds light on the significant challenges young carers face within their families. Nearly 40% of contacts involved young carers supporting adults with physical disabilities or illnesses , indicating the heavy responsibilities many young carers shoulder at home. Around 30% were related to caring for siblings or parents with neurodevelopmental disorders , highlighting the complexity of their caregiving roles. Additionally, 13% of contacts involved mental health issues within the family, further emphasising the emotional burden these young carers carry.

Smaller proportions of contacts involved caring for children with physical disabilities (12%) and adults with learning disabilities (4%) . There were also a few cases involving alcohol/substance misuse , reflecting some of the acute challenges these families face.

This data underscores the diverse and demanding roles young carers play and highlights the importance of our Family Support services in addressing the unique pressures they encounter at home.

Activities Throughout the Year

Over the past year, Warwickshire Young Carers has continued to provide a diverse range of trips and activities designed to give young carers a break from their responsibilities and the opportunity to engage in new experiences, develop friendships and simply have fun. These activities are a critical component of our service, offering young carers both the respite they need and the chance to grow personally and socially.

Page 5

Warwickshire Young Carers (Registered number: 04610367)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

April - June 2023:

July - August 2023:

September - December 2023:

Page 6

Warwickshire Young Carers (Registered number: 04610367)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

January - March 2024:

Page 7

Warwickshire Young Carers (Registered number: 04610367)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Year-Round Support and Activities:

Young Carers at the AGM

In October 2023, five young carers played a leading role in our Annual General Meeting. These young carers worked alongside our staff to plan, prepare, and deliver the event, which included several after-school visits to the office for rehearsals and preparation. Their participation and engagement were a testament to empowerment and leadership development we strive to encourage in our service users, and each young carer received a gift voucher as a token of appreciation for their hard work and dedication. We received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with comments highlighting the impressive performance of our young carers.

Family Support

Throughout the year, our holistic whole family pathway has been a cornerstone of the support we provide to young carers and their families. We have offered a wide range of support, from parenting coffee mornings that provide a safe space for parents to discuss challenges and share advice, to targeted one-on-one sessions tailored to the specific needs of each family. These sessions have addressed critical issues such as mental health, financial strain and managing the complex dynamics of caring responsibilities within the family unit.

By offering practical guidance and emotional support, our Family Support has not only empowered parents but has also directly benefited young carers. By alleviating some of the pressures at home and aiming to help reduce inappropriate caring responsibilities where they might be happening, young carers are better able to focus on their education, personal development and well-being. This service has proven to be instrumental in providing comprehensive, all-around support that ensures young carers and their families are resilient, connected and well-supported in their daily lives.

Engagement

Warwickshire Young Carers is dedicated to enhancing the lives of young carers across the county through our recently launched Engagement Strategy, which was introduced in February. Led by our countywide Engagement Coordinator, this strategy is central to our mission of raising awareness, providing direct support, and fostering collaboration within the community.

Since its launch, the strategy has focused on delivering school-based support, organising community events, and offering essential advice and advocacy to empower young carers as they navigate the complex challenges they face. By working closely with local schools, agencies, and government bodies, we are building a cohesive support network that maximises the impact of our efforts.

Our Engagement Coordinator is also responsible for implementing robust monitoring and evaluation systems to ensure the effectiveness of our interventions and to identify areas for improvement. This data-driven approach ensures that our support is responsive to the needs of young carers and their families, continually evolving to meet the challenges they encounter.

Page 8

Warwickshire Young Carers (Registered number: 04610367)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Underpinning this strategy is our commitment to improving educational outcomes, mental well-being, and overall life skills for young carers. By engaging with young carers, their families, and the wider community, we are creating a more inclusive environment where young carers are valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their aspirations.

Transitions and Young Adult Carers

This year, our Transitions work and Young Adult Carer support have been standout highlights, thanks to generous funding from the Norton Foundation and other key supporters. This vital programme is designed to help young carers navigate the often challenging transition into adulthood, providing them with the tools, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive. A key feature of our work has been our partnership with Bangor University, where we organised two memorable two-night residential visits. These trips offered a unique experience for our young carers, allowing them to explore university life firsthand.

During the March visit, four young carers, accompanied by two staff members, had the chance to connect with peers from Welsh Young Carers Services, participate in academic taster sessions, and engage in activities designed to build their confidence in considering higher education. The inclusion of one of our Young Adult Carers, now a student at Bangor University and a volunteer for us, added a personal touch, offering invaluable insights into university life from someone who has walked a similar path. The young carers explored everything from student finance to academic workshops, and even took part in a fascinating Zoo Plankton workshop at the School of Ocean Sciences in Anglesey. Feedback from the young carers highlighted the profound impact of the experience, with one participant expressing deep gratitude for the confidence gained from the visit.

In addition to these trips, we have focused on equipping young carers with essential life skills through targeted workshops. These have included sessions on financial literacy, where young carers learned about managing budgets, understanding student loans, and navigating the cost of living. These workshops, along with others focused on mental health and career planning, have been instrumental in preparing young carers for the challenges of adulthood. Our ongoing commitment to this area of work reflects its crucial role in the holistic support we offer, helping young carers to overcome barriers and achieve their full potential.

Picture Gallery

Bangor University April 2023

Stand Up Paddleboarding April 2023

Ice Skating April 2023

Bowling May 2023

Page 9

Warwickshire Young Carers (Registered number: 04610367)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

The Mad Museum May 2023

Jump Xtreme May 2023

Drayton Manor June 2023

Stop Motion August 2023

Disc Golf July 2023

Twycross Zoo August 2023

Page 10

Warwickshire Young Carers (Registered number: 04610367)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Hoar Park Farm August 2023

E Sports August 2023

Circus Skills August 2023

Smiling Wings Day September 2023

Cinema October 2023

Christmas Panto November 2023

Page 11

Warwickshire Young Carers (Registered number: 04610367)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Youth Conference November 2023

Christmas December 2023

La Casa Loco January 2023

Bowling March 2024

Bangor University March 2024

Carers Conference March 2024

Page 12

Warwickshire Young Carers (Registered number: 04610367)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE - continued

OVERVIEW OF ORGANISATIONAL CHALLENGES, DEVELOPMENT AND SERVICE IMPROVEMENT Building on the significant transition that Warwickshire Young Carers faced last year with the conclusion of our statutory contract, this past year has been one of both challenge and growth. We continue to evolve as an organisation, learning from the past while forging a new path forward.

Challenges and Adjustments

The transition to relying solely on grants and donations has remained a challenge, particularly in the current competitive funding environment. We observed a significant downturn in funding during certain quarters, which required us to refine our fundraising strategies. Despite these challenges, we have successfully raised critical funds through targeted appeals and strategic applications, ensuring that our services remain operational. This years' experience has underscored the importance of diversifying our income streams to safeguard against future uncertainties.

We have streamlined our financial processes, simplifying the management of funds by consolidating legacy financial pots. This has made our financial reporting more straightforward and transparent, contributing to a more stable financial position.

The departure of key staff members, including our Family Support Worker, presented another challenge and recruitment has been a significant challenge this year. Despite a strong recruitment drive, we struggled to attract suitable candidates for key positions. In response, we have relied on sessional workers and volunteers to maintain service levels. This experience has highlighted the need to revisit our recruitment strategies to make roles more attractive. However, this also provided an opportunity to bring new talent into our team. The recruitment of our new Engagement Coordinator and a Family Support sessional worker has infused new energy and ideas into our organisation, allowing us to maintain and even expand our service offerings.

Service Delivery and Development

Reflecting on last year's experiences, we have made several key improvements in our service delivery model. The transition to a more volunteer-supported service has allowed us to maintain high levels of engagement with young carers while managing costs effectively. Our befriending service, launched as a pilot, has continued to receive positive feedback and has become key in our support strategy.

We have expanded our reach through a series of successful activities and events, engaging a significant number of new young carers. Our ability to deliver these services consistently, despite financial and staffing challenges, is a reflection of our improved operational efficiency and strategic focus.

Partnership Working and the Innovation Fund

Partnership working, particularly with Caring Together Warwickshire (CTW) and Warwickshire County Council (WCC), has seen some development this year, with ongoing efforts to strengthen communication and collaboration. Initial concerns about communication and the referral process have been addressed through structured collaboration, leading to a smoother transition of services and improved outcomes for young carers.

A significant milestone in our partnership with CTW and WCC was the successful application for the Innovation Fund. This fund, which was awarded in three parts-North Place (£32,917.28), South Place (£8,000), and Rugby Place (£7,750)-was administered by CTW. These funds were earmarked for specific initiatives such as Engagement, Befriending and Transitions, reflecting our shared commitment to enhancing support for young carers across Warwickshire.

Although these funds will not be reflected in our financial statements until the 2024-2025 financial year, the successful applications submitted in February 2023 demonstrate the strength of our partnerships and our proactive approach to securing resources that directly benefit the young carers we support.

We have strengthened our partnerships with local universities, Rotary clubs, and other community organisations, enabling us to offer a wider range of activities and support services as demonstrated in the activity breakdown.

Page 13

Warwickshire Young Carers (Registered number: 04610367)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Staff Morale and Organisational Culture

Staff morale has been a focal point throughout this year. While the transition away from the statutory contract initially brought uncertainty, we have worked hard to rebuild a positive organisational culture. Regular team meetings, transparent communication and strategic planning sessions have helped to maintain staff engagement and morale.

The success of our largest-ever activity-the Cinderella pantomime trip-highlighted the resilience and dedication of our staff. This event, which involved complex logistics and coordination, was delivered seamlessly, reflecting the strength of our team and the effectiveness of our planning.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Review of the Financial Position

As we reflect on the financial year ending 31 March 2024, it is evident that Warwickshire Young Carers has navigated a challenging landscape with resilience and strategic foresight. Despite the ongoing financial pressures, we have maintained a steady course, ensuring the continuity of our essential services for young carers across the county.

Income and Expenditure

This year, our total income was £134,567, which, while lower than the previous year's £300,088, reflects the new reality of operating without significant statutory funding. This decrease is primarily due to the cessation of Warwickshire County Council funding and the final payment from the National Lottery for our FMFP project in the previous year. The proportion of income from donations stood at £34,560, while grants contributed £98,647. This year, donations made up 25.94% of the total income from donations and grants, while grants constituted 74.06%. Compared to 2023, the total income from donations and grants decreased by 55.57%. Donations specifically saw a 64.73% decrease, while grants decreased by 51.14%.

Nonetheless, we secured important grants from various sources, including £10,000 from WPH Charitable Trust, £10,000 from the King Henry VIII Endowed Trust, £18,000 from the William A Cadbury Charitable Trust, £7,500 from The Norton Foundation, and £9,534 from Soroptimist International, among others. These funds have been crucial in supporting our work, though the competitive environment for core funding continues to be a challenge.

Our expenditure for the year totalled £137,449, slightly higher than our income, resulting in a small net deficit of £2,882. This reflects our commitment to maintaining service delivery despite financial constraints. However, our careful management of resources, including cost-saving measures such as reducing staff numbers and relocating to smaller premises, has enabled us to minimise this shortfall.

Financial Reserves

As of 31 March 2024, our unrestricted funds stand at £57,975, with restricted funds totalling £27,017. The overall balance of £84,992, although slightly lower than the previous year's closing balance of £87,874, puts us in a stable position moving forward. This cautious yet optimistic financial standing is a testament to our ability to adapt and manage resources effectively during a period of significant change.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, we recognise the ongoing need to focus on fundraising efforts to ensure the sustainability of our services. With no statutory or Lottery funding to rely on, our strategy will continue to emphasise the diversification of income streams, the pursuit of new funding opportunities, and the strengthening of relationships with both existing and potential donors.

While the financial environment remains challenging, our dedication to supporting young carers remains unwavering. We will continue to explore innovative ways to fund our work, ensuring that Warwickshire Young Carers remains a vital resource for the young people and families we serve. Our efforts in cost management, coupled with a focus on strategic growth, will be key to navigating the financial challenges that lie ahead.

Page 14

Warwickshire Young Carers (Registered number: 04610367)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Investment Policy

The charity receives income on an annual basis through grants, donations, and interest receivable. It budgets to expend all anticipated income except for retaining a prudent amount in reserves. Consequently, the Trustee Directors do not consider that it is prudent to invest income for the longer term. Their policy for investment is therefore to retain funds as cash and place them on short term deposit (Terms up to three months) with many financial institutions balancing the security of deposits with obtaining the best rates available and consistent with easy access to the funds. As a result, it considers that it is not appropriate for the charity to adopt an ethical investment policy.

Reserves Policy

The Board of Trustees has adopted a prudent Reserves Policy to ensure the financial stability and sustainability of Warwickshire Young Carers. The policy aims to maintain a level of unrestricted funds-our free reserves-sufficient to cover three months of operating costs. This reserve would enable the charity to manage any unforeseen financial challenges, including redundancy payments and contractual liabilities, in the event of closure.

As of the end of the financial year, unrestricted reserves stand at £57,975, which equates to approximately four months of total running costs. This figure reflects our commitment to maintaining a secure financial foundation while also allowing us to continue delivering vital services. In addition to these unrestricted reserves, the charity holds restricted reserves totalling £27,017, earmarked for specific projects such as Family Support, Befriending and Transitions.

Following a recent review, the Trustees have adjusted our target for unrestricted reserves to three months' running costs, recognising this as an appropriate and realistic goal given our current financial circumstances. This adjustment ensures that we remain both financially responsible and capable of responding flexibly to the needs of young carers and their families.

The reserves policy and these figures are reviewed regularly by the Board of Trustees to ensure they continue to meet the charity's needs. Any changes to the policy or the level of reserves will be carefully considered and approved by the Board, ensuring that Warwickshire Young Carers remains financially robust and able to fulfil its mission.

Page 15

Warwickshire Young Carers (Registered number: 04610367)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

LOOKING FORWARD

As we move forward, Warwickshire Young Carers continues to build on the foundations laid over the past year. It has been eighteen months since the transition of the statutory contract, marking the beginning of a new and exciting period for our organisation. We are committed to developing new relationships across the county with other organisations to support young carers and their families through our Engagement strategy, and to growing and enhancing our Befriending and Family Support services. Transitions and Young Adult Carer support remain key priorities as we look to the future.

Reflecting on Our Progress and What We Set Out to Do Last Year

Looking Forward

Page 16

Warwickshire Young Carers (Registered number: 04610367)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

In summary, while we have achieved much over the past year, there is still work to be done. We remain dedicated to our mission of supporting young carers and their families, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Together, with the guidance of our new Engagement Strategy and the efforts of our Engagement Coordinator, we will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of young carers throughout Warwickshire.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated staff, volunteers, trustees, funders and partners. Your unwavering support has been instrumental in helping us achieve our goals and continue our vital work. Our journey over the past year has not been without its challenges, but it has also been marked by significant achievements and growth. We are proud of the progress we have made and remain dedicated to our mission of supporting young carers and their families.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing Document and Constitution

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.

Carers Support Service was incorporated by guarantee on 6th December 2002 at the Registrar of Companies for England & Wales. Subsequently the name has been changed with Companies House to Warwickshire Young Carers on 21st March 2018. It has no share capital and is a registered charity ultimately controlled by its members. The guarantee of each member is limited to £10. The governing document is the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company, and members of the Board of Trustees are the Directors of the Company.

Recruitment and Appointment of Trustee Directors

At every Annual General Meeting, one third of the Trustee Directors who are subject to retirement by rotation shall retire from office. During the year, the Trustee Directors may appoint a person to be a Trustee Director. A Trustee Director so appointed may hold office only until the next following Annual General Meeting. A Trustee Director who retires at an Annual General Meeting may be reappointed.

Janet Bonser, Moira Keddie and Marcia Watson all retire by rotation at the forthcoming AGM and being eligible for re-election, offer themselves for re-election.

The Board currently comprises of nine Trustee Directors from a wide range of backgrounds, skills and experience. It is an aim that fifty per cent of Trustee Directors are current or former carers. Currently there are seven Trustee Directors who are either current or former Carers.

Page 17

Warwickshire Young Carers (Registered number: 04610367)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Organisational structure

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Annual Accounts in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

The trustees are also Directors of the organisation for the purpose of company law.

Warwickshire Young Carers has a Trustee Director Board which meets five times per year, including the AGM and is responsible for the strategic direction and policies of the organisation. The CEO, the Bookkeeper and Team Administrator attend and participate in Board meetings and have no voting rights. The CEO works closely with the Board of Trustees and has responsibility for planning and developing services and strategies for Warwickshire Young Carers within the policies and protocols set down by the Trustee Directors. The CEO ensures that the Staff Team is recruited and supported to provide the skills and expertise necessary to run a successful service for young carers and that the values of the service are observed.

Trustee Directors Induction, Training and Development

Prospective new Trustee Directors are provided with copies of the Memorandum and Articles of Association and the current published Annual Report and Accounts. They are then invited to meet initially with the Chair. This meeting covers:

Finally, a prospective Trustee Director is invited to attend a Board Meeting as an observer. Trustee Directors are encouraged to take responsibility for activities, or sit on working groups, commensurate with their skills or interests and undertake appropriate development opportunities.

Risk management

The Trustee Directors have reviewed, during the year, an assessment of the risks to which the organisation is exposed and identified actions to manage and reduce any risks identified in a written Risk Assessment document.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Company number

04610367 (England and Wales)

Registered Charity number

1098357

Registered office

Holly Grange Holly Lane Balsall Common CV7 7EB

Email: info@warwickshireyoungcarers.org.uk

Website: www.warwickshireyoungcarers.org.uk @WarksYC Warwickshire Young Carers Project

Page 18

Warwickshire Young Carers (Registered number: 04610367)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Trustees P C Blay Chair Mrs M H Keddie Vice-Chair Mrs J E Bonser J G D Cain H S Dhillon Mrs S Kundi Mrs K Wagstaff Mrs H J Whiter Mrs M E Watson Miss E L Carter (resigned 4.6.24)

Independent Examiner Locke Williams Associates LLP Chartered Accountants c/o Blackthorn House St Pauls Square Birmingham West Midlands B3 1RL

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 10 September 2024 and signed on its behalf by:

Mr Peter Blay – Chair of Trustees

Page 19

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Warwickshire Young Carers (Registered number: 04610367)

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Warwickshire Young Carers ('the Company')

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

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

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

Independent examiner's statement

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

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

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

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

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

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

David Williams FCA FCCA

Locke Williams Associates LLP Chartered Accountants c/o Blackthorn House St Pauls Square Birmingham West Midlands B3 1RL

Date: 30/09/2024

Page 20

Warwickshire Young Carers

Statement of Financial Activities (Incorporating an Income and Expenditure Account) for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Unrestricted
funds
Notes
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
2
100,442
Investment income
3
1,360
Total
101,802
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
Charitable Activities
105,731
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
(3,929)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
61,904
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
57,975
Restricted
funds
£
32,765
-
32,765
31,718
1,047
25,970
27,017
31.3.24
Total
funds
£
133,207
1,360
134,567
137,449
(2,882)
87,874
**84,992 **
31.3.23
Total
funds
£
299,851
237
300,088
282,960
17,128
70,746
87,874

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 21

Warwickshire Young Carers (Registered number: 04610367)

Balance Sheet 31 March 2024

31.3.24

Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
Notes
£
£
£
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
10
13,934
-
13,934
Cash at bank and in hand
48,896
27,017
75,913
62,830
27,017
89,847
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
11
(4,855)
-
(4,855)
NET CURRENT ASSETS
57,975
27,017
84,992
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES
57,975
27,017
84,992
NET ASSETS
57,975
27,017
84,992
FUNDS
13
Unrestricted funds
57,975
Restricted funds
27,017
TOTAL FUNDS
**84,992 **
31.3.23
Total
funds
£
5,527
84,778
90,305
(2,431)
87,874
87,874
87,874
61,904
25,970
87,874

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2024.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for

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

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 10 September 2024 and were signed on its behalf by:

Mr Peter Blay – Chair of Trustees

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 22

Warwickshire Young Carers

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

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.

Financial reporting standard 102 - reduced disclosure exemptions

The charitable company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemption in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland':

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.The following specific policies are applied to specific categories of income:

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.

Resources expended include attributable VAT which cannot be recovered.

Charitable expenditure comprises these costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature required to support them.

Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity and include the independent examiner's fees and costs relating to the AGM and other meetings of the Trustee Directors.

All costs are allocated between the expenditure categories of the SoFA on a basis designed to reflect the use of the resource. Certain providers of funds restrict the nature of the expenditure which can be allocated to that restricted fund. Costs relating to a particular activity are allocated directly or are apportioned on the appropriate basis of usage or time spent.

Tangible fixed assets

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

Page 23

Warwickshire Young Carers

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Taxation

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

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustee Directors in furtherance of the charitable objectives of Warwickshire Young Carers.

Restricted funds are funds subject to specific restrictions imposed by donors. The purpose and use of the restricted funds is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Designated funds comprise funds which have been set aside at the discretion of the Trustee Directors for specific purposes.

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

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits

The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

Tangible fixed assets

Asset additions costing less than £1,500 are not capitalised.

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.

Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

Hire purchase and leasing commitments

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the statement of financial activity on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.

2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

Donations
Grants
31.3.24
£
34,560
98,647
**133,207 **
31.3.23
£
97,983
201,868
299,851

Page 24

Warwickshire Young Carers

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued

for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES - continued

Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:

Warwickshire County Council - Young Carers
Big Lottery Fund - Future Me Future Proof
Garfield Weston Foundation
Other grants
Warwickshire County Council - Addendum
WPH Charitable Trust
Edward Cadbury Charitable Trust
Souter Charitable Trust
Warburtons
The Edward Gostling Foundation
Warwick Relief In Need charity
King Henry VIII Endowed Trust
Norton Foundation
The Pat Newman Memorial Trust
The 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust
Christadelphian Samaritan Fund
DMF Ellis Charitable Trust
Edgar E Lawley Foundation
George Perkins Charitable Trust
Harry Payne Fund HoECF
Kenilworth Round Table
Nagle Family Foundation
Roedean Mission Fund
Rotary Club Warwick
Rugby Group Benevolent Fund
Sabina Sutherland Charitable Trust
Soroptimist International
The Albert Hunt Trust
Warwickshire Police Community Fund
William A Cadbury
ZVM Rangoonwala
3.
INVESTMENT INCOME
Deposit account interest
31.3.24
£
-
-
-
-
-
10,000
2,000
-
-
-
7,500
10,000
7,500
-
-
500
5,000
2,000
2,000
2,000
3,213
5,000
1,000
1,000
5,000
1,000
9,534
3,000
2,400
18,000
1,000
98,647
31.3.24
£
1,360
31.3.23
£
75,000
65,386
20,000
500
2,582
-
-
3,000
400
10,000
5,000
7,500
7,500
1,000
4,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
201,868
31.3.23
£
237

Page 25

Warwickshire Young Carers

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

4. SUPPORT COSTS

SUPPORT COSTS
Office Governance
premises Insurance Consultancy costs Totals
£ £ £ £ £
Charitable Activities 16,793 **1,132 ** 127 1,200 **19,252 **

Most of the support costs can be directly allocated to the relevant projects.

Support costs are those costs that, whilst necessary to deliver an activity, do not themselves produce or constitute the output of the charitable activity.

Providers of restricted funds have specified the nature of the costs which can be charged to that fund and this prevents a full allocation of support costs to certain restricted funds.

Management salaries include administration salaries and are allocated on the basis of time spent. Premises and equipment, insurance, recruitment and training and other overheads are directly allocated. Communications are allocated on usage.

5. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

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

31.3.24 31.3.23
£ £
Depreciation - owned assets - 3,611
Independent Examiners' fee 1,200 1,200

6. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2024 nor for the year ended 31 March 2023.

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2024 nor for the year ended 31 March 2023.

7. STAFF COSTS

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
31.3.24
£
101,964
341
5,973
108,278
31.3.23
£
185,038
22,328
11,236
218,602

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

Remuneration paid to key management personnel in the year was £44,428 (2023 £62,576 [for a period of time in the prior year there were 2 KMP in position]).

The average monthly number of employees during the year was 4 (2023 - 9)

Page 26

Warwickshire Young Carers

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

7. STAFF COSTS - continued

The charity administers contributions to personal pension schemes for staff. The Charity makes contributions to these schemes. From April 2016 the Charity has selected, for auto enrolment purposes, the Government's NEST Scheme for employees not in a pension scheme.

8. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

Unrestricted
funds
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
105,413
Investment income
237
Total
105,650
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
Charitable Activities
92,184
NET INCOME
13,466
Transfers between funds
23,567
Net movement in funds
37,033
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
As previously reported
23,518
Prior year adjustment
1,354
As restated
24,872
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
61,905
9.
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
COST
At 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024
DEPRECIATION
At 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2024
At 31 March 2023
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
£
£
194,438
299,851
-
237
194,438
300,088
190,776
282,960
3,662
17,128
(23,567)
-
(19,905)
17,128
47,228
70,746
(1,354)
-
45,874
70,746
25,969
87,874
Computer
equipment
£
10,833
10,833
-
-

Page 27

Warwickshire Young Carers

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

10. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

10. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
31.3.24 31.3.23
£ £
Trade debtors 13,934 5,500
Other debtors - 27
**13,934 ** 5,527
11. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
31.3.24 31.3.23
£ £
Trade creditors 884 764
Social security and other taxes 2,551 -
Other creditors 220 467
Accruals and deferred income 1,200 1,200
4,855 2,431
12. LEASING AGREEMENTS

Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases fall due as follows:

31.3.24 31.3.23
£ £
Within one year 2,670 1,950

The charity has a rolling monthly lease with a three months notice period, for its office premises.

13. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Net
movement At
At 1.4.23 in funds 31.3.24
£ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General fund 61,904 (3,929) 57,975
Restricted funds
Family Support 732 2,653 3,385
Befriending 3,636 829 4,465
Donations - Ring Fenced 5,451 6,089 11,540
Transitions **16,151 ** (8,524) 7,627
25,970 1,047 27,017
TOTAL FUNDS 87,874 (2,882) **84,992 **

Page 28

Warwickshire Young Carers

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

13. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

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

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Family Support
Befriending
Donations - Ring Fenced
Transitions
TOTAL FUNDS
Incoming
resources
£
101,802
3,861
3,587
12,937
12,380
32,765
**134,567 **
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(105,731)
(3,929)
(1,208)
2,653
(2,758)
829
(6,848)
6,089
(20,904)
(8,524)
(31,718)
1,047
(137,449)
(2,882)

Comparatives for movement in funds

Prior Net Transfers Transfers
year movement between At
At 1.4.22 adjustment in funds funds 31.3.23
£ £ £ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General fund 4,875 19,997 13,465 23,567 61,904
Donations 18,643 (18,643) - - -
23,518 1,354 13,465 23,567 61,904
Restricted funds
Family Support (25,645) 7,671 18,706 - 732
Warwickshire County
Council - Young
Carers Service (237) 4,345 4,711 (8,819) -
Big Lottery - Future Me
Future Proof 55,161 (14,641) (25,772) (14,748) -
Education Support 6,030 - (6,030) - -
Awards 4 All 324 - (324) - -
Befriending - - 3,636 - 3,636
Donations - Ring
Fenced 10,922 (563) (4,908) - 5,451
Out of hours (1,834) 1,834 - - -
Aspirations Fund 2,507 - (2,507) - -
Transitions - - 16,151 - 16,151
47,228 (1,354) 3,663 (23,567) 25,970
TOTAL FUNDS 70,746 - 17,128 - 87,874

Page 29

Warwickshire Young Carers

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

13. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

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

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Family Support
Warwickshire County Council - Young
Carers Service
Big Lottery - Future Me Future Proof
Education Support
Awards 4 All
Befriending
Donations - Ring Fenced
Aspirations Fund
Transitions
TOTAL FUNDS
Incoming
resources
£
105,650
24,460
75,000
65,386
-
-
4,606
4,680
295
20,011
194,438
300,088
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(92,185)
13,465
(5,754)
18,706
(70,289)
4,711
(91,158)
(25,772)
(6,030)
(6,030)
(324)
(324)
(970)
3,636
(9,588)
(4,908)
(2,802)
(2,507)
(3,860)
16,151
(190,775)
3,663
(282,960)
17,128

Restricted funds:

To provide Family Support Workers and associated costs.

To support Young Carers aged 14 – 25 providing them with information, education and training opportunities, 1:1 meetings to ensure they are healthy, well informed and supported to have positive transitions into adulthood through the development of skills and appropriate information, advice and guidance.

Donations given for specified purposes

To provide a break from caring responsibilities, increase Young Carers confidence to recognise their own needs as children and young people, and improve their opportunities to play and socialise w with peers outside of school whilst helping to reduce feelings of isolation.

Page 30

Warwickshire Young Carers

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

14. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Page 31

2024-09-30

WAR11-CHA 2024 Final

Final Audit Report

Created: 2024-09-30 By: DAVID WILLIAMS (davidw@lockewilliams.com) Status: Signed Transaction ID: CBJCHBCAABAAb8oTBK3HwCjH3ixjSIxEXukMWpenzYUn

"WAR11-CHA 2024 Final" History

Document created by DAVID WILLIAMS (davidw@lockewilliams.com)

2024-09-30 - 11:55:22 GMT

Document emailed to peter@qehsystems.co.uk for signature

2024-09-30 - 11:56:46 GMT

Email viewed by peter@qehsystems.co.uk

2024-09-30 - 12:29:57 GMT

Signer peter@qehsystems.co.uk entered name at signing as Peter Blay 2024-09-30 - 12:31:06 GMT

Document e-signed by Peter Blay (peter@qehsystems.co.uk) Signature Date: 2024-09-30 - 12:31:08 GMT - Time Source: server

Document emailed to DAVID WILLIAMS (davidw@lockewilliams.com) for signature 2024-09-30 - 12:31:10 GMT

Email viewed by DAVID WILLIAMS (davidw@lockewilliams.com) 2024-09-30 - 12:31:30 GMT

Document e-signed by DAVID WILLIAMS (davidw@lockewilliams.com) Signature Date: 2024-09-30 - 12:37:02 GMT - Time Source: server

Agreement completed.

2024-09-30 - 12:37:02 GMT