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← Worthing Women's Aid

2025-03-31-accounts

Docusign Envelope ID: 4AE84A8F-5FFF-4358-BDA1-40F858A93A42

Registered number: 04691516 Charity number: 1098726

Worthing Women's Aid Trading as Safe In Sussex (A company limited by guarantee)

Unaudited

Trustees’ report and financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Docusign Envelope ID: 4AE84A8F-5FFF-4358-BDA1-40F858A93A42

Worthing Women's Aid Trading as Safe In Sussex (A company limited by guarantee)

Contents

Page
Trustees’ report 1-19
Independent examiner's report 20
Statement offinancial activities 21
Balance sheet 22-23
Statement of cash flows 24
Notestothefinancialstatements 25-41

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Worthing Women’s Aid (trading as Safe in Sussex) (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Directors’ and Trustees Report

For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

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The Trustees of Safe in Sussex are pleased to present their annual report together with the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP2015) Accounting and Reporting by Charities FRS102, the Charities Act 2011 and the Companies Act 2006.

Reference and Administration Details of the Charity

Charity number: 1098726
Registered Number: 04691516
Principal Office: The Rear of 1to7 Elm Park
Ferring
Worthing
West Sussex
BN125RN

Welcome from the Chair and CEO

Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse in West Sussex

We are pleased to welcome you to our 2024-2025 Annual Report, which provides an honest and unflinching look at the challenges—and the courage—at the heart of our work this year. Domestic abuse remains one of the most urgent social issues of our time. An estimated 2.3 million adults in England and Wales experienced domestic abuse in the last year alone. Of those, 1.6 million were women and 712,000 were men (Crime Survey for England and Wales). Here in Sussex, police received nearly 30,000 reports of domestic abuse. But these numbers tell only part of the story. We know the true scale is far greater, it is estimated that only 1 in 5 of domestic abuse incidents are reported to the police. Most abuse happens behind closed doors.

A Year of Difficult Decisions and Determined Action

This has been one of the most challenging years we have faced since we opened our doors in 1977. Back then, we began as a group of committed volunteers who recognised the desperate need to provide a place of safety for women and children fleeing domestic abuse and stepped in to fill that gap, opening our first refuge. Since then, we’ve grown intoa vital lifeline for survivors of domestic abuse across West Sussex.

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But this year, that lifeline was tested.

We faced unprecedented financial pressures. A sharp decline in both government and nongovernment funding opportunities, coupled with the ongoing cost of living crisis, meant rising costs across the board, from basic essentials like bedding for our refuges to complex needs like cyber security and building maintenance. The situation was made even more difficult by a sudden 53% rent increase on one of our refuge buildings.

Despite increasing demand for our services, we had to make the heart-breaking decision to reduce what we could offer. After careful analysis and reflection, we closed one of our four communal refuges, ended our outreach service, and scaled back specialist support for children in our refuges. These decisions also meant saying goodbye to valued colleagues, committed, skilled professionals who madea real difference in the lives of survivors.

Resilience in Action

Yet even in the face of adversity, our team rose to the challenge.

This year, we responded to 1,031 referrals and provided ongoing support to 618 adults and children, figures that remain consistent with 2023/24, despite our reduced resources. We sharpened our focus on core refuge services and community groups, streamlined our operations, and prioritised the wellbeing of those we serve. Our earlier investment in solar energy began to pay off, reducing our running costs and environmental impact.

We also continued our vital work in partnership with organisations including West Sussex County Council's high risk domestic abuse service Worth, the Life Centre, My Sisters’ House and the wider Women’s Aid Federation. Together, we’ve worked to raise awareness of domestic abuse, press for improved services, and advocate for survivors’ rights at both local and national levels.

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Looking Forward: A New Chapter of Hope

While this year brought many difficulties, it also strengthened our resolve. Client feedback across all services remains consistently high—with more than 90% of survivors telling us they feel safer, more able to cope, and more hopeful about their future as a result of our support.

Looking ahead, we are excited to launch our Open the Door Appeal, a bold step to rebuild and renew our capacity to offer safe, supported accommodation to those in crisis. We invite you to stand with us as we take this next step.

Throughout this report, you’ll hear directly from those whose lives have been changed by our work. Their voices remind us why we do what we do—and why, with your help, we must keep going.

Thank you to our extraordinary staff, trustees, volunteers, our Patron and fundraiser extraordinaire Helen Hitchcock, our funders, anonymous and generous donors and all our supporters and partners for all you do, especially your resilience, compassion and commitment. Together, we continue to confront the national emergency of domestic abuse with hope, strength and action.

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Sharon Howard, CEO

Leslie Groves-Williams, Trustee Chair

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Trustee Grid - movements from last year’s Trustee Report

TrusteeLeslie——rusteeRole Appointment Date Resigned | Karen BG r ovesown Williams———sffreasurerhair 193 / 41 /202 0,1. | fanasndion[—esetay)] ompany ——«sPeputy lizHall syriom | Deborah Binks-Moore [rusteeChair0/11/202 p7/o/202 2 , || KatrinaHaines sR Trustee 2/2/2023, | Patel Investment (20/3/2024 ansaratsManisha fvesmane_oysjaoae_——| CharlotteCarp_—sffrustee —___luatonEvaluation 05/02/2025 buaneayneSarah[Payne] 0/3/2024soars |

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Structure, Governance and Management

The charity is constituted as a company limited by guarantee. It has no share capital and is therefore governed by a memorandum and articles of association which are dated 10% March 2003. The Articles and Memorandum of Safe in Sussex were reviewed and updated in 2022 and amendments were approved by the Charity Commission. The liability of each member in the event of the winding up is limited to £1. The Charity is administered by the Trustee Board, which allows for up to 12 elected Trustees (Directors) who meet five times per year for full Board meetings. Others attend the meeting by invitation of the Trustees and are non-voting observers. The Trustees are elected by the members, hold office for three years and are eligible for re-election up to a maximum of three terms. The Trustees have the power to co-opt further members to serve on the Trustee Board. In addition to full Board meetings, trustees participate in committees according to their expertise. The three committees are Finance and Income Generation, Risk and Compliance and Organisational Development.

One new Trustee joined the Board this financial year with excellent relevant skills and experience, replacing a trustee who stood down for other reasons. The focus of recruitment has been on ensuring that each Board member brings a specific area of expertise required for delivery of our Strategic Plan. A skills and diversity audit was conducted in 2022 and this has continued to be used to guide recruitment as Board members retire from their roles. There is one position for a former service user on the Board (currently vacant): most trustees bring lived experience of domestic abuse either from within their immediate family or through supporting extended family members or close friends.

Induction for new Trustees is a formal process, targeted at the specific needs of the organisation, using REACH volunteering and local volunteer sites to attract the right candidates with the right skills and backgrounds.

The Trustees continue to work hard and make good progress regarding the review of their governance effectiveness against the seven principles as set out in the Charity Governance Code. The charity has formally signed up to the code and will continue with an annual selfassessment at an annual away day. All trustees receive an induction and continuing development programme. One or two away days are now held each year to monitor and set the broad direction for the organisation, as well as to monitor the working of the Board and to provide ongoing capability building to ensure trustee knowledge and skills are kept up to date. Furthermore, we have introduced mandatory in-depth safeguarding training for trustees, alongside our existing induction training package. Trustees have also committed to making the most of free or low cost training to take one additional trustee training per year after their first year.

Trustees are responsible for the strategic direction of the organisation and the production of the overall strategic policy, in consultation with the management team. The Trustees ensure that any major decisions and developments are made in line with the Charity Commission’s public benefit guidance, Safe in Sussex’s Strategic Plan or are in sympathy with the overall aims and objectives.

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Administrative procedures continue to have been improved to ensure that all decisions made and actions required are systematically followed up on, both between and at each Board meeting. All Trustee decisions are minuted and tracked as an integral part of the governance process. Operational decisions are delegated to the CEO and senior management team who are required to regularly report to the Trustee Board.

The Board continues to regularly input into and review an overarching Risk Register for all areas of the organisation. A section is planned to be reviewed at each Board meeting, meaning all sections will be reviewed on an annual basis. The Board has also updated our committee/working group areas of focus to reflect changing organisational needs.

The Board has continued to conduct an annual staff engagement survey and follow up pulse survey. Feedback by staff has allowed governors and management to take appropriate actions to improve staff engagement and to improve our learning and impact. Trustees continue to review organisational policies on rotation to ensure that policies remain up to date, appropriate and relevant.

The organisation remains vigilant of any potential conflicts of interest. No conflicts of interest have arisen during this financial year.

Objectives and Activities

Established in 1977, Worthing Women’s Aid, now trading as Safe in Sussex, has the following objectives:

  1. Increase community knowledge of domestic abuse and healthy relationships (service providers, businesses, schools, general public); and increase community ability and capacity to take action to prevent and respond to domestic abuse (including schools, frontline public service professionals)

  2. Increase awareness of our services to ensure that those who need to access our services are able to get support in a timely and holistic way.

  3. Deliver holistic, services with a whole family approach. This encompasses prevention (schools, outreach), crisis response (helpline, refuge), support, including peer support, (refuge, community groups) and recovery (groups)

  4. Improve inclusivity of Safe in Sussex services (through reducing barriers for male and female victims/survivors, including minority ethnic communities, LGBTQ+ communities, and those with complex needs as well as through engaging clients systematically in quality assurance, and, for example, in translation of core literature).

2024/25 is the final year of Safe in Sussex’s three-year planning cycle, although the core focus of current objectives will be retained for the next cycle commencing 2025/26.

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Clients supported

Despite these challenges, Safe in Sussex managed 1,031 referrals in 2024/25, providing ongoing support to 618 adults and children: these numbers are comparable to 2023/24.

Demographic data

We ask our clients to provide demographic information so we can assess the extent to which our services reflect the local community and to identify any potential barriers to our service.

As part of our commitment to meeting the Women’s Aid Quality Standards we have undertaken a full review of our demographic data since 2021: this shows that our client profile is broadly representative of the communities we serve. We have developed a Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan in response to this review. The key focus of the action plan is on building relationships with community and faith groups and specialist services serving minoritised communities so we can ensure we work in effective partnership and that our services are accessible, without any unintended barriers.

Gender identity and sexuality

As our refuge and group services are available only to women, it is not surprising that women made up 98% of those who used our services in 2023/24. We have supported transgender clients in our service. 91.5% of those who were happy to give information on their sexuality reported that they were heterosexual. Of the remaining 8.5%, two thirds reported they were bi-sexual.

Our 1-2-1 community outreach service, which has been available to men, closed to new referrals at the end of 2024 and closed completely in April 2025 as a result of the challenging financial environment. This means that from 2025/26 Safe in Sussex will return to being a women’s only service. We work closely in partnership with other services where we cannot meet need e.g. with Mankind and Victim Support on services for men and with Paragon who provide dispersed safe accommodation in West Sussex for when our communal refuges are either full or would not effectively meet a potential resident’s needs.

Ethnic Origin

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94% of those seeking help from Safe in Sussex were happy to provide data on their ethnic origin, this is a 10% improvement from last year. The profile of those we supported broadly reflects the make-up of West Sussex, a county in which the 2021 census recorded that: 91% of the population was white, 4.3% of Asian heritage, 1.3% identified as Black/African/ Caribbean, 2.4% of mixed heritage and 1% other.

Only 6 clients requested support through an interpreter.

Health

There is an established link between domestic abuse as a causative factor of poor mental health, with women who have experienced domestic abuse three times more likely to be depressed. More than 1 in 3 of our clients reported a mental health condition in 2023/24 with 1 in 4 having an identified mental health need requiring additional support. 86 clients were living with poor physical health or a physical health impairment including a hearing or visual impairment; 20 were living with a long-term disability and 34 reported a learning disability.

Additional training on supporting those with complex mental health needs and managing trauma is an identified priority in our 2025/26 training plan.

Age & Parenthood

37% of our clients are 35-44, with a further 27% 25-34. Two thirds of our clients are caring for children: a total of 817 children between them. While we only provide services directly to children within our refuges, parents benefitting from any of our community services have access to information, advice and support on the impact of domestic abuse on children and on parenting issues. We are exploring running additional sessions on parenting children for those participating in our community groups in 2025/26, led by our Domestic Abuse Practitioners.

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Our Services

Community Services

The vast majority of those who use our services do so through our community groups — 429. In addition to our trained facilitators, a dedicated domestic abuse practitioner started attending groups on a regular basis half-way through the year so that participants who needed additional one-to-one support could receive it quickly. This was highly successful with 39 group participants receiving additional support in this way. This is a model we are expanding in 2025/26. Our outreach service supported 143 people. This number reflects the fact that the service was closed to new referrals for the last quarter of the year. We made the difficult decision to close the outreach service at the end of 2024/25 as available funding was simply insufficient to offer the service at a level that ensured timely access to advice and support: we also found that many of those initially seeking this service could be effectively supported within our community groups, particularly if we could retain a domestic abuse practitioner support to help those with additional needs. Losing the outreach service and committed members of the Safe in Sussex team was devastating for us, especially at a time that the need for our services remains high. Ensuring our community groups are available and sustainable across the county is a financial priority for us in 2025/26.

Refuge Services

94 women and children were supported in refuge over the year. We were forced to reduce bed spaces this year, with the closure of one of our two fully self-funded sites, following an unaffordable rent rise of 53%. The closure inevitably had an impact on the number of women and children we could support, as the site needed to be closed to new referrals well in advance of the end of the tenancy to enable the building to be cleared and cleaned. The other two sites are partially supported by West Sussex County Council. Our Children in Need funding also came to an end this year, requiring us to revise the way we support children within the refuge.

Proportion of clients accessing each service

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Client Satisfaction

Despite these challenges, thanks to the expertise and dedication of our teams, satisfaction with our services remains high. Across our services more than 9 out of 10 clients feel: safer; better able to cope with the trauma they have experienced, with improved well-being and hope for the future.

Strategic Plan Outcomes

Our strategic plan highlights the outcomes that Safe in Sussex seeks to achieve. The strategic plan is supported by a monitoring and evaluation framework that provides results indicators for each outcome — both are due for review in 2025/26. The tables below highlight the principal indicators under each of our service outcomes. The subsequent text provides qualitative and quantitative data to demonstrate progress towards meeting out strategic outcomes.

Outcome 1: People living in West Sussex have increased knowledge about domestic abuse and healthy relationships

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|||||||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |People|accessing|SIScommunity|[Percentage|of|Freedom|programme|100%| |group|programmes|report|participants|who|reported|increased| |increased|knowledge|of domestic||knowledge|of domestic|abuse|and|its|impact| |abuse|and|said|they|could|now|identify|abusive| |behaviour| |People|in|the|community|have|Number|of times|SIS|invited|to|present|at|15| |increased|knowledge|on|types|and|community|groups|such|as|WI,|etc.| |impact|of abusive|behaviour|

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During this year, we have continued to deliver our Community Group programmes across the county of West Sussex with a combination of online and face-to-face available. We resumed a group in Mid Sussex for one term and will be reopening the group for the whole of the academic year in 25/26 along with a group in the Horsham District.

The 10 week Freedom Programme is open to any woman who wants to find out more about domestic abuse. 404 women attended sessions in 2024/25 — a similar number to 2023/24. 1 in 4 group participants accessed additional one-to-one support from the domestic abuse practitioner who now regularly attends group sessions.

100% of programme participants said the programme had helped them understand domestic abuse and its impact and enabled them to identify abusive behaviours. More than nine out of 10 said the programme: had a positive impact on their lives; would enable them to identify the early warning signs of an abusive relationship; and had helped them improve their self-esteem and confidence.

Women who have completed programme evaluations told us of the positive impact they have experienced through attending our Freedom programme:

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“1 feel supported by people who understand the issues, who don’t judge me, who accept me and who are empowering me to understand and change my situation.”

“It has helped me realise it was not my[fault.][|][ feel][ stronger][ now.”]

“It has been so importantfor me to feel | am not alone......1 know it’s not me who's the problem.”

After completion of the Freedom Programme, women who have left an abusive relationship may go on to attend our 10 week Recovery Toolkit sessions. 50 women attended this year. This is a significant reduction from last year as we have found the online option is less effective. We are exploring an alternative approach in 25/26. Again the response to the programme was overwhelmingly positive, with 93% of participants reporting improved confidence and self-esteem:

“This group has empowered me, given me confidence, knowledge and ultimately a bit of “me” back” “1am socializing again, | hadn’t done anything until | started the Recovery Toolkit. | couldn’t have done without it, it’s been so valuable.”

“| have been given tools and skills to boost my confidence, knowing | am enough.”

We have continued to be proactive in sharing understanding of domestic abuse in the local community, directly engaging with over 1,000 people through running training, awareness events and talks at community groups.

(Outcome 2: People living inWestSussex have increased awareness (Outcome 2: People living inWestSussex have increased awareness (Outcome 2: People living inWestSussex have increased awareness aboutwhere people
cangofor helpand thattheyare entitled toget help as victims/survivors
Outputs
(Outputindicators
 Numerator
People living in West
 Number of referrals made to
1031
Sussex recognise that SIS
hey are in an abusive Number of referrals made by 52
relationship and make [SIS to other DA services
informed choices
moving forward
CYP/Adults who have [Number of attendees
accessed support fromjattending the Lived
SIS share their Experience Group offormer
experiences across clientswho advise us on our
arious mediums to __ [services
encourage others to [Survivors give permission to 73
ake up support& share anonymised stories
reduce stigma of
asking for help
West Sussex residents Increased interaction on Facebook
knowthatSIScan ebsitereferralpage,social [Reach26,315

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provide help media, public events e.g. Followers 2,575 — 2.4% increase on
undraising, knowledge of 23/24
hat help provided and how|Instagram
o access it Reach 3.4k an increase of 78%
Followers 852 - an increase of 28%
Posts 678 — a 213% increase
est Sussex residents reportiSelf — Referral 403
knowledge of SIS services — [WSCC Worth DA Service 244
ith up-to-date information [Mental Health Services 66
on what services are Sussex domestic abuse services 68
provided and how to access Children’s Services 51
support Health 41
Adult Social Services 8
Friends/ Family 27
Housing/ Homelessness 29
Police 22
Probation 8
Other 52
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Our referral sources demonstrate that the value of our services is widely known among our partners. In particular, self-referrals have increased 23% this year. The number of referrals between domestic abuse services, especially West Sussex County Council’s domestic abuse service, demonstrates the wider pressure on local services and the value of Safe in Sussex’s community groups as a means of providing ongoing emotional and recovery support.

The high volume of referrals from both statutory and voluntary mental health services reflects the ongoing complexity of mental health need we are seeing amongst those who seek our support.

We have madea significant improvement in using Instagram as a route to reach out to new audiences this year, but the lack of certainty about the future operation of our services has inevitably had an impact on our social media over the latter part of the year. A more proactive marketing strategy is being developed, helped by content generated by our volunteer ambassadors.

Our Lived Experience Group of former clients who advise us on our services continued to meet this year. There was an inevitable gap during the service reorganisation in the second half of the year, but the group will be reconvened in 2025/26 to discuss the service’s future strategy and particularly our plans on education and awareness.

action
Outputs
SS«(Outputindicators
Numerator
People inWest Sussex have _ Participants of Freedom
95% ofthosewho completed
increased confidence & Programme reporttheyare _ {the evaluation form stated
empowerment to not revert able to identifythe early heywould be able to identify
o an abusive relationship warning signs ofan abusive he signs of an abusive
relationship relationship
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Peoplewhocomethrough Number ofapplications for Support for 36 applications for
refuge and outreach services court orders/orders made.
gothrough thejudicial orderswere made
system
abusecontactSIS services 23/24

We have not been able to actively promote our service in the way we might have wished this year given staff capacity, reduced bed spaces in our refuges along with uncertainty over future funding.

Increasing victim confidence in the criminal justice system is the area where we find it most difficult to make a positive impact. We have only been able to achieve this in 29% of the small number of cases where clients completed an evaluation form. Issues such as a lack of prosecutions, enforcement action and court delays continue to be factors. We supported clients with 36 court orders, including 21 applications for protective orders and family justice orders; 25 orders were granted.

|statutory and voluntary service provision
outputs
SSSSSSSC«Qustputtiinddicators
| Numerator_|
Services in Sussex (e.g. GP, social care,
IS represented at and
53|statutory and voluntary service provision
outputs
SSSSSSSC«Qustputtiinddicators
| Numerator_|
Services in Sussex (e.g. GP, social care,
IS represented at and
53|statutory and voluntary service provision
outputs
SSSSSSSC«*Qustputtiinddicators
| Numerator_|
Services in Sussex (e.g. GP, social care,
IS represented at and
53| |---|---|---| |housing etc.) have increased|contributesto other agency|| |understanding on how to support people|jmeetings|| |affectedbydomesticabuse|||

We have taken a proactive approach to building partnerships with statutory and voluntary sector partners over this period in support of effective service provision and availability. We are members of cross-county and cross-Sussex fora on issues including: policing, housing & homelessness, stalking, mental health, early help and supporting those with complex needs.

Outputs/outcomes[Outputindicators
Clear mission		 [Outputindicators
Publicity material, social		 (Numerator
Ournewwebsitewas launched in the
statement about imedia, website with summer. The website: is
ho SISworks with accessibility tool
information; and clear links to partner
services

This objective is likely to be changed in 2025/26 give our revised service offer. Between them, our clients in 2023/24 were parenting over 800 children. Our community group programmes include sessions on parenting and the impact of domestic abuse on children. Our team made 365 referrals to partner services & agencies over the course of the year, ensuring our clients were able to access the holistic support they needed on issues relating to the impact of abuse e.g. housing, mental health, safeguarding.

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In our refuges our children’s workers ensure that children are treated as victims of domestic abuse in their own right, providing supported play and arts and crafts activities to help children express their feelings, come to terms with their experiences and explore coping mechanisms. We are having to revise this model for 2025/26 given reductions in funding.

objectives

applications
stability improved sessionsdelivered

It has been a difficult year for funding. Our existing contracts for grant funding from the Office of the Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner (which in turn rely on a grant from the Ministry of Justice) came to an end of this financial year. While some funding will continue for 2025/26, for which we are very grateful, we are no longer in a position to continue to subsidise our outreach service going forward. A number of major trusts and foundations have been closed to new applications, while the criteria for others have tightened in the face of escalating demand, which in some cases has meant we are no longer eligible to apply.

The rising cost of living has also impacted on the amount we have been able to raise through community fundraising. Our revised marketing and fundraising strategy for 2025/26 will look to move to more digital approaches and relying on the valuable contribution of our volunteer fundraising ambassadors.

While we have not been able to fund a training post this year, a programme of domestic abuse awareness and trauma informed practice training has been delivered. We also launched quarterly online webinars along with quarterly advice surgeries for employers, offering free half hour advice sessions on their obligations regarding domestic abuse. Staffing levels have reduced over this period, reflecting financial pressures so we will end the year with approximately 15.61 FTE staff, compared with 19.36 FTE at the start of the financial year. A training plan and new performance management system has been developed over the course of the year to support staff, particularly as case complexity continues to increase.

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Looking Forward to 2025/26

Following the challenges of 2045/25 our priorities for 2025/2026 are to:

Financial Situation

After an incredibly difficult year we were pleasantly surprised to finish the year with a deficit in our unrestricted funds that was less than budgeted.

Our refuge in the west of the county closed at the end of the August 2024 and the ambition we had to buy another communal refuge in that area and have it up and running by the end of 2024 had to be paused. The occupancy levels at the existing refuges were considerably below budget levels during this period and this, combined with the uncertainty over statutory funding streams after March 2025, meant that it was prudent to postpone any large capital expenditure projects in 2024/25.

At the end of 2024, we heard that we would not be successful for another three year round of funding from Children in Need. After 20+ years of funding, we were disappointed to hear we were no longer eligible but want to thank Children in Need for all their support over that time. As a one-off, Children in Need have awarded us a legacy grant for six months in June 2025. This will enable us to composea toolkit for anyone in the refuge team to be able to support any child coming in to refuge.

Having gone through that uncertain period the future now looks more settled. We have our statutory funding secured until March 2026 and the scope of that funding is broader than before. The occupancy levels at the refuges have improved and new managers have bought new ideas to their services which have refocused the purpose and efficiency of their departments. Although we start the 2025/26 financial year as a smaller organisation than before, we believe we are in a stronger position to face the challenges ahead.

Since the year end we have received a very generous and substantial donation that will kick start our ‘Open the Door’ campaign. We look to promoting this further as we approach the Autumn of 2025.

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Once again, the generosity of individuals and local organisations who have contributed through donations and fundraising continue to surprise us even in these challenging economic times. Very special thanks goes to The Wickens Family Foundation who continue to support us, to our anonymous donor supporting the purchase of new refuge accommodation, and to Helen Hitchcock, our Patron, who promotes our charity and has raised thousands of pounds in doing so, especially through her Chennai to Goa Rally. Our Fundraising team continue to build relationships in the community and have increased our social media presence. The Trustee Board is constantly mindful of managing our resources prudently and for best value. The unrestricted funding budget for 2025-2026 has produced a manageable deficit for this year and we hope that further funding will bring this down to a break even position. The Charity has sufficient free reserves to fund the difference between income and expenditure as detailed in the reserves policy below. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

The remuneration of the organisation's senior leadership team was externally benchmarked in 2022. The senior leadership team’s pay is reviewedin line with the rest of the organisation. Every 3 - 5 years the salaries will be benchmarked again to ensure they remain in line with market trends.

The Board are committed to paying for key strategic services from our unrestricted reserves for up to six months until alternative funding can be secured. If those outcomes do occur, it will absorb some of the surplus achieved in previous years. The Board are very aware of this and the continually changing situation and are looking at our long-term plan to develop other unrestricted funding streams to provide resilience in our finances.

Conclusion

The board of Trustees would like to express their sincere gratitude to all the staff and volunteers who work so hard to ensure the delivery of a safe and high-quality professional service. The enthusiasm and commitment of both staff and volunteers is appreciated by the Board of Trustees and reflected in the overwhelmingly positive feedback received from service users through our evaluations.

Financial Review

The results of the year are set out in the Statement of Financial Activities on page 21. A deficit of £26,933 (2024 surplus £76,961) was earned in the general unrestricted fund. A deficit of £85,479 (2024 deficit £7,326) occurred in the restricted funds

Reserves Policy

The agreed basis of the reserves policy of Safe in Sussex is that it should protect the continuity of our core work if funding streams, especially short-term grants, are not renewed. This is to give our staff and service users confidence that the charity can continue to provide services. It is also intended to ensure that the organisation can continue to operate during periods of general financial instability such as high wage and cost inflation.

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Finally, the policy also considers the long-term objectives of the charity to hold designated funds for expanding services and investing in assets.

To achieve these aims, the reserves requirement is split into several categories (see table below). This includes a designated reserves category the “Capital Purchase Fund” (CPF) which in 2024 was a ring-fenced amount set aside for a deposit on a new communal refuge to replace the rental property which we could no longer afford due to the rent increase. Due to challenges with this approach and the financial impact, the Board have reviewed the plan and agreed that the priority for the organisation should now be on buying outright a small self-contained unit to house a resident unsuitable for communal refuge accommodation. It is intended that further properties will be added to the portfolio in future, as the organisation’s financial position allows, to give more options for housing a wider group of residents. The total reserves requirement calculated for 2025/26 based on the annual budget and the longer term planned spending commitments is £388,901. This is split into general requirements of £188,901 and designated requirements of £200,000.

The unrestricted fund as at 31st March 2025 totalled £1,255,445 (2024 £1,282,378) of which £734,077 (2024 £747,901) was invested in tangible fixed assets. The charity therefore had free reserves of £521,368 (2024 £534,477) of which £200,000 has been designated to future projects. The charity therefore has operational reserves of £521,368 (2024 £534,477), £321,368 allowing for the designated fund. This is greater than the calculated requirement for the year commencing 1* April 2025, so the Trustees are satisfied that the level of reserves is sufficient. Whilst the reserves exceed the calculated requirement, the Trustees do not consider this excessive due to the potential uncertainty over future income streams.

Reason _—[Whatmighthappen? __ Levelofreservesrequired
oo
‘oo		 Reason _—[Whatmighthappen? __ Levelofreservesrequired
oo
‘oo		 Value for
adeesee		 Value for
adeesee
Unforeseen
;
emergencies		 Properties need significant
:
maintenance; needtoemployGeneralfundsuggested
;
extra staffduetosickness etc
___
Budgetdeficit/
budget
contingency		 rs
T
ecurrentbudgetdoesnot The fullvalueofcurrent deficitto
coverthe expected
o,
:
be maintained
lexpenditure;
Costsincreaseduring theyear Keep5%ofexpenditurebudget
Future income
.		 ;
Contract now extended to
WSCC contract income ends		 £0,

17

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==> picture [432 x 368] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
||||||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |Refuge|housing|benefit &|Current occupancy|in|budget|is||| |service|charge income|is|84%.el||£26,200| |lower than|expected|10% contingency|of £262k||| |For grants|of less than|12|months| |Grants|are|not|renewed|duration,;|keep a further 6 months| |leading:|to|need|to|fund|of|costs.|in|reserve.|£70,800|| |_|||Provision|for|non-renewal|of|PCC.| |activity|from|reserves|;| |Community|Group|and|Outreach| |grants|which|end|31/3/2026||| |Further|;|Significant work has been|done|in| |Refuge|aa|maintenance of|prior;|years.|Maintainoe|reserves|of| |:|buildings|needed|over and|||:|£20,000| |maintenance|£20k|due|to|potential|damp| |above|budget|ee|gs||| |rectification| |SUB-TOTAL|GENERAL|EXPENDITURE|RESERVES|£188,901| |Capiapi|ta|l|Purchase|self-contained flat|Designated fund to enable||| |P|to|house|residents|unsuitable|organisation|to|purchase|a|self-|||£200,000| |purchase fund|.||| |for|refuge|contained|flat| |SUB-TOTAL|DESIGNATED|RESERVES|—|£200,000| |TOTAL|RESERVES|REQUIRED AS AT|1st APRIL 2025|£388,901| |RESERVES BALANCE AS AT 31st MARCH 2025|||£521,368| |SURPLUS / (SHORTFALL)|IN REQUIRED|RESERVES|£132,467|

----- End of picture text -----

Risk Management

The trustees have a standing agenda item on risk management at Board meetings, as well as a dedicated committee focusing on risk and compliance. Trustees continue to identify the major risks to which the charity is exposed and constantly review the systems which are in place to mitigate those risks. The over-riding risk management policy document and risk register has been updated to include a more comprehensive operational, governance and financial risk policy document, which is regularly reviewed.

Public Benefit

The current activities of the charity are detailed in the Annual Report. The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit when reviewing the company’s aims and objectives and in planning future activities.

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Trustees' Financial Responsibilities

The Trustees (who are also Directors of Worthing Women's aid for the purpose of company law) are responsible for preparing the Directors' and Trustees report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (generally accepted accounting practice).

Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which gives a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for the year. In preparing these financial statements the Trustees are required to:

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

Approval

The report of the Directors and Trustees has been prepared taking advantage of the small company exemption in Section 415A of the Companies Act 2006

The report was approved by the Trustees on 17th September 2025 and signed on their behalf by

(eslic Groves Williams

Leslie Groves-Williams (Chair of Trustees)

19

8 October 2025

Docusign Envelope ID: 4AE84A8F-5FFF-4358-BDA1-40F858A93A42

Worthing Women's Aid Trading as Safe In Sussex (A company limited by guarantee)

Statement of financial activities (incorporating income and expenditure account) For the year ended 31 March 2025

Unrestricted
funds		 Restricted
funds		 Total
funds		 Total
funds
2025 2025 2025 2024
Note £ £ £ £
Income from:
Grants, Donations and Legacies 3 32,951 252,173 285,124 420,448
Charitable activities 4 384,204 - 384,204 488,115
Othertrading activities 6 33,129 - 33,129 35,672
Investments 7 11,156 - 11,156 11,587
Total income 461,440 252,173 713,613 955,822
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 46,334 - 46,334 45,625
Charitable activities 8 442,039 337,652 779,691 840,602
Total expenditure 488,373 337,652 826,025 886,227
Netmovement in funds (26,933) (85,479) (112,412) 69,595
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward 1,282,378 187,517 1,469,895 1,400,300
Net movement in funds (26,933) (85,479) (112,412) 69,595
Totalfundscarriedforward 1,255,445 102,038 1,357,483 1,469,895

Included within unrestricted funds are £200,000 of designated funds, please see note 16 for more detail.

The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

The notes on pages 25 to 41 form part of these financial statements.

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Worthing Women's Aid Trading as Safe In Sussex (A company limited by guarantee) Registered number: 04691516

Balance sheet As at 31 March 2025

2025 2024
Note £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 13 734,077 747,901
734,077 747,901
Current assets
Debtors 14 19,934 22,362
Cash at bank and in hand 627,043 720,309
646,977 742,671
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year 15 (23,571) (20,677)
Net current assets 623,406 721,994
Total assets less current liabilities 1,357,483 1,469,895
Total net assets 1,357,483 1,469,895
Charity funds
Restricted funds 16 102,038 187,517
Unrestricted funds 16 1,255,445 4,282,378
Totalfunds 1,357,483 1,469,895

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Worthing Women's Aid Trading as Safe In Sussex (A company limited by guarantee) Registered number: 04691516

Balance sheet (continued) As at 31 March 2025

The company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of Companies Act 2006.

The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.

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

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

K ba

Karen Brown Treasurer Date: 47th September 2025

The notes on pages 25 to 41 form part of these financial statements.

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Worthing Women's Aid Trading as Safe In Sussex

(A company limited by guarantee)

Statement of cash flows For the year ended 31 March 2025

==> picture [474 x 252] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
||||||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |2025|2024| |Note|£|£| |Cash|flows|from|operating|activities| |Net|cash|used|in|operating|activities|18|(97,480)|(15,746)| |Cash|flows|from|investing|activities| |interest|received|11,156|11,587| |Purchase|of tangible|fixed|assets|(6,942)|(56,004)| |Net cash|provided|by/(used|in)|investing|activities|4,214|(44,417)| |Change|in|cash|and|cash|equivalents|in|the|year|(93,266)|(60,163)| |Cash|and|cash|equivalents|at|the|beginning|of the|year|720,309|780,472| |Cash|and|cash|equivalents|at|the|end|of the|year|19|627,043|720,309| |The|notes|on|pages|25|to|41|form|part|of these|financial|statements|

----- End of picture text -----

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Worthing Women's Aid Trading as Safe In Sussex (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

  1. General information

The charity is a private company, limited by guarantee, incorporated in England and Wales within the United Kingdom. The Trustees of the company are the members of the company named on page 1. 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 Rear of 1-7 Elm Park, Ferring, Worthing, West Sussex, BN12 5RN.

  1. Accounting policies

  2. 2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements 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), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

Worthing Women's Aid trading as Safe In Sussex meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.

2.2 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 for 12 months from authorising these financial statements

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

Grants are included in the Statement of financial activities on a receivable basis. The balance of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the Balance sheet. Where income is received in advance of entitlement of receipt, its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued.

Donated services or facilities are recognised when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use of the company of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), the general volunteer time of the charity is not recognised and refer to the Trustees’ report for more information about their contribution.

On receipt, donated professional services and facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount it would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.

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Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

Worthing Women's Aid Trading as Safe In Sussex (A company limited by guarantee)

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.4 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, 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 classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset's use.

Fundraising costs are those incurred in seeking voluntary contributions and do not include the costs of disseminating information in support of the charitable activities. Support costs are those costs incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the company and include project management carried out at Headquarters.

Costs of generating funds are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income, and those incurred in trading activities that raise funds.

Charitable activities and Governance costs are costs incurred on the charity's operations, including support costs and costs relating to the governance of the company apportioned to charitable activities.

2.5 Government grants

Government grants relating to tangible fixed assets are treated as deferred income and released to the Statement of financial activities over the expected useful lives of the assets concerned. Other grants are credited to the Statement of financial activities as the related expenditure is incurred.

2.6 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets costing £1,500 or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.

Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.

Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives.

Depreciation is provided on the following bases:

Freehold property - 2% straight line
Office equipment - 25% straight line
Propertyimprovements -20%straightline

Freehold land is carried at cost and is not depreciated.

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Worthing Women's Aid Trading as Safe In Sussex (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.7. Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the company; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.

2.8 Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

2.9 Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and 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.

2.10 Liabilities and provisions

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.

Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.

Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of financial activities as a finance cost.

2.11 Financial instruments

The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

2.12 Pensions

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the company to the fund in respect of the year.

2.13 Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the company and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the company for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

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Worthing Women's Aid Trading as Safe In Sussex (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

3. Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds
2025 2025 2025
£ £ £
Donations 31,951 480 32,431
Legacies 1,000 - 1,000
Grants - 251,693 251,693
32,951 252,173 285,124
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds
2024 2024 2024
£ £ £
Donations 26,002 480 26,482
Grants 88,858 305,108 393,966
114,860 305,588 420,448
4. Income from charitable activities
Unrestricted Total
funds funds
2025 2025
£ £
Refuge and Community Groups 384,204 384,204
Unrestricted Total
funds funds
2024 2024
£ £
RefugeandCommunityGroups 488,115 488,115

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Worthing Women's Aid Trading as Safe In Sussex (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

5. Analysis of income from charitable activities by type of income

Unrestricted Total
funds funds
2025 2025
£ £
Refuge - Housing Benefit 216,647 216,647
Refuge - other income 62,225 62,225
Training income 7,200 7,200
Service charge 8,893 8,893
West Sussex County Council Contract 89,239 89,239
384,204 384,204
Unrestricted Total
funds funds
2024 2024
£ £
Refuge - Housing Benefit 340,944 340,944
Refuge - otherincome 5,181 5,181
Training income 1,440 1,440
Service charge 17,241 17,241
West Sussex CountyCouncil Contract 123,309 123,309
488,115 488,115
  1. Income from other trading activities Income from fundraising events
Fundraising income
Fundraising income
Unrestricted Total
funds funds
2025 2025
£ £
33,129 33,129
Unrestricted Total
funds funds
2024 2024
£ £
35,672 35,672

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Worthing Women's Aid Trading as Safe In Sussex (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

  1. Investment income
Unrestricted Total
funds funds
2025 2025
£ £
Interest receivable 11,156 11,156
Unrestricted Total
funds funds
2024 2024
£ £
Interest receivable 11,587 11,587
  1. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities

Summary by fund type

Unrestricted Restricted
funds funds Total
2025 2025 2025
£ £ £
Refuge and Community Groups 442,039 308,041 750,080
Children support services - 29,614 29,611
442,039 337,652 779,691
Unrestricted Restricted
funds funds Total
2024 2024 2024
£ £ £
Refuge and Community Groups 527,688 276,463 804,151
Children support services - 36,451 36,451
527,688 312,914 840,602

Page 30

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Worthing Women's Aid Trading as Safe In Sussex (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

9. Analysis of expenditure by activities

Activities
undertaken
directly		 Support
costs		 Total
funds
2025 2025 2025
£ £ £
Refuge and Community Groups 429,221 320,859 750,080
Children support services 1,978 27,633 29,611
431,199 348,492 779,691
Activities
undertaken
directly		 Support
costs		 Total
funds
2024 2024 2024
£ £ £
Refuge and CommunityGroups 418,228 385,923 804,151
Children support services 1,952 34,499 36,451
420,180 420,422 840,602
Analysis ofdirect costs
Refuge and Children
Community
Groups		 support
services		 Total
funds
2025 2025 2025
£ £ £
Staffcosts 417,817 - 417,817
Computer costs 100 - 100
Office expenses 1,435 675 2,110
Travel 4,599 - 4,599
Training 3,270 - 3,270
Outings/Activities - 1,053 1,053
Supervision 2,000 200 2,250
429,221 1,978 431,199

Analysis of direct costs

Page 31

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Worthing Women's Aid Trading as Safe In Sussex (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

9. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of direct costs (continued)

Refuge and Children
Community
Groups		 support
services		 Total
funds
2024 2024 2024
£ £ £
Staff costs 399,210 - 399,210
Sundry 2,711 - 2,711
Office expenses 2,279 - 2,279
Travel 3,971 - 3,971
Training 7,757 - 7,757
Outings/Activities - 1,302 1,302
Supervision 2,300 650 2,950
418,228 1,952 420,180
Analysis ofsupport costs
Refuge and Children
Community
Groups		 support
services		 Total
funds
2025 2025 2025
£ £ £
Staff costs 107,096 27,057 134,153
Depreciation 20,766 - 20,766
Telephone 10,689 563 11,252
Legal fees 6,931 - 6,931
Establishment costs 59,317 13 59,330
Lightand heat 17,879 - 17,879
Insurance 6,284 - 6,284
Repairs and maintenance 47,034 - 47,034
Cleaning 2,303 - 2,303
Computer costs 25,927 - 25,927
Printing, postage and stationery 3,128 - 3,128
Equipment 4,708 - 4,708
Office expenses (22) - (22)
Travel 2,443 - 2,443
Governance costs 6,376 - 6,376
320,859 27,633 348,492

During the year, of total costs £337,652 were restricted (2024: £312,914).

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Worthing Women's Aid Trading as Safe In Sussex (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

9. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of support costs (continued)

Refuge and Children
Community
Groups		 support
services		 Total
funds
2024 2024 2024
£ £ £
Staffcosts 118,011 33,657 151,668
Depreciation 12,423 - 12,423
Telephone 12,048 152 12,200
Legal fees 4,854 - 4,854
Establishment costs 87,710 469 88,179
Lightand heat 28,106 - 28,106
Insurance 7,202 - 7,202
Repairs and maintenance 58,440 - 58,440
Cleaning 2,922 - 2,922
Computer costs 23,663 - 23,663
Printing, postage and stationery 3,957 - 3,957
Equipment 9,154 - 9,154
Office expenses 7,758 - 7,758
Travel 4,408 221 4,629
Governance costs 5,267 - 5,267
385,923 34,499 420,422

10. Independent examiner's remuneration

The independent examiner's remuneration amounts to an independent examiner fee of £3,025 (2024 - £2,880).

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Worthing Women's Aid Trading as Safe In Sussex (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

11. Staff costs

2025 2024
£ £
Wages and salaries 542,155 541,058
Social securitycosts 34,906 34,665
Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes 18,179 18,331
595,240 594,054

The average number of persons employed by the company during the year was as follows:

2025 2024
No. No.
Total 28 28

No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.

The total remuneration of key management personnel was £49,292 (2024 - £48,442).

During the year ended 31 March 2025, redundancy payments were made of £5,738.

12. Trustees' remuneration and expenses

During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2024 - ENIL).

During the year ended 31 March 2025, expenses totalling £25 were reimbursed or paid directly to 1 Trustee (2024 - £155).

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Docusign Envelope ID: 4AE84A8F-5FFF-4358-BDA1-40F858A93A42

Worthing Women's Aid Trading as Safe In Sussex (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

13. Tangible fixed assets

Freehold
property
£		 Office
equipment
£		 Property
Improvements
£		 Total
£
Cost or valuation
At 1 April 2024 749,276 22,864 88,498 860,638
Additions - 4,242 2,700 6,942
At 31 March 2025 749,276 27,106 91,198 867,580
Depreciation
At 1 April 2024 60,556 15,535 36,646 112,737
Charge forthe year 6,294 2,450 12,022 20,766
At 31 March 2025 66,850 17,985 48,668 133,503
Net book value
At 31 March 2025 682,426 9,121 42,530 734,077
At 31 March 2024 688,720 7,329 51,852 747,901
14. Debtors
2025 2024
£ £
Due within one year
Other debtors 8,229 15,564
Prepayments and accrued income 11,705 6,798
19,934 22,362
15. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
2025 2024
£ £
Other taxation and social security 8,362 8,829
Other creditors 8,235 5,541
Accruals and deferred income 6,974 6,307
23,571 20,677

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Docusign Envelope ID: 4AE84A8F-5FFF-4358-BDA1-40F858A93A42

Worthing Women's Aid Trading as Safe In Sussex (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

16. Statement of funds

Statement of funds - current year

==> picture [445 x 483] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
|||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |Balance|at| |Balance|at|1|31|March| |April|2024|Income|Expenditure|2025| |£|£|£|£| |Unrestricted|funds| |Designated|funds| |Capital|Purchase|Fund|200,000|-|-|200,000| |General|funds| |General|Funds|1,082,378|461,440|(488,373)|1,055,445| |Total|Unrestricted|funds|1,282,378|461,440|(488,373)|1,255,445| |Restricted|funds| |Children's|Support|Service|7,220|26,468|(29,611)|4,077| |The|7|Stars|Foundation|2,364|-|(159)|2,205| |Another Way Women|1,690|-|(600)|1,090| |Garfield|Weston|6,000|-|(6,000)|-| |PCC|Intervention|&|Recovery|Programme|81,982|110,944|(192,926)|-| |Sussex|Community|Foundation|9,952|-|-|9,952| |Eaton|Fund|2,499|5,000|(4,070)|3,429| |PCC|Womens|IDVA|20,909|-|(20,909)|-| |Mid|Sussex|District|Council|-|3,255|(3,255)|-| |The|Big|Give|6,160|-|(6,160)|-| |PCC|IDVA|Provision|48,741|67,954|(63,962)|52,733| |West|Sussex|County|Council|-|28,552|-|28,552| |PCC|Triage|Worker|-|10,000|(10,000)|-| |187,517|252,173|(337,652)|102,038| |Total|of funds|1,469,895|713,613|(826,025)|1,357,483|

----- End of picture text -----

Page 36

Docusign Envelope ID: 4AE84A8F-5FFF-4358-BDA1-40F858A93A42

Worthing Women's Aid Trading as Safe In Sussex (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

16. Statement of funds (continued)

Statement of funds - prior year

==> picture [446 x 512] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
|||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |Balance|at| |Balance|at|31|March| |1|April|2023|Income|Expenditure|2024| |£|£|£|£| |Unrestricted|funds| |Designated|funds| |Capital|Purchase|Fund|200,000|-|-|200,000| |General|funds| |General|Funds|1,005,457|650,234|(573,313)|1,082,378| |Total|Unrestricted|funds|1,205,457|650,234|(573,313)|1,282,378| |Restricted|funds| |Children’s|Support|Service|5,317|34,673|(32,770)|7,220| |The|7|Stars|Foundation|-|2,500|(136)|2,364| |Children|in|Need|Covid|Response|10,875|-|(10,875)|-| |Another Way Women|-|3,890|(2,200)|1,690| |Garfield|Weston|-|25,000|(19,000)|6,000| |PCC|Intervention|&|Recovery|Programme|76,779|410,943|(105,740)|81,982| |PCC|Safe|Spacing|Funding|-|10,468|(10,468)|-| |Sussex|Community|Foundation|9,952|-|-|9,952| |Eaton|Fund|3,191|5,000|(5,692)|2,499| |PCC|-|Community|groups|15,855|-|(15,855)|-| |PCC|Womens|IDVA|21,665|39,000|(39,756)|20,909| |The|Big|Give|10,287|6,160|(10,287)|6,160| |PCC|IDVA|Provision|40,922|67,954|(60,135)|48,741| |194,843|305,588|(312,914)|187,517| |Total|of funds|1,400,300|955,822|(886,227)|1,469,895|

----- End of picture text -----

Page 37

Docusign Envelope ID: 4AE84A8F-5FFF-4358-BDA1-40F858A93A42

Worthing Women's Aid Trading as Safe In Sussex

(A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

  1. Statement of funds (continued)

Designated Fund

The designated fund represents £200,000 for a Capital Purchase Fund. This is to fund the purchase of a property to be used as refuge accommodation.

Restricted Funds

Children's Support Service

BBC Children in Need This grant came to an end in January 2025. We were disappointed that due to changes to the BBC Children in Need grant criteria, we were no longer eligible to received this grant. However since the year end we have been awarded a legacy grant for 6 months to provide a lasting project resource that can be used in the refuge. This fund also represents donations etc given towards the running of the children’s service, but in particular to fund larger activities and toys and equipment for the playroom. Children in Need Covid Response

This is a fund of money given to support children and young people in the community who are affected by domestic abuse and as a result of the pandemic. This project was finished last year. Police and Crime Commissioner - Safe Space Funding

This was a grant awarded and spent in the year that enabled us to have specific training on management development, enhance our database and provide some laptops for our staff. Sussex Community Foundation

This grant is to support our children's work. Eaton Fund We are delighted to continue with the pupose of this grant which enables us to buy essential items for the women that we work with. A third amount of £5,000 was received in May 2024. Police and Crime Commissioner - Community Groups

This was given to us as a one-off grant to support our community group work. This completed in the previous year. Police and Crime Commissioner - Women's IDVA The funding to employ a Women’s IDVA came to an end in the autumn of 2024. The Big Give

This campaign has helped fund some of our Community group work. This funding was all used up in April 2024. Police and Crime Commissioner - IDVA provision The grant provides for 2 specialist IDVA positions and to support our work in the Community. Police and Crime Commissioner - Intervention & Recovery Programme This grant funds our IDVA led Outreach service and to support our work in the Community. The funding has been agreed until March 25.

Garfield Weston Foundation We were delighted to be awarded this grant which goes towards the operating core costs of the charity. This grant is now complete. The 7 Stars Foundation We were greatful to receive this grant which means we can support our families to undertake exciting activites outside of the refuge.

Another Way Womens' Foundation

This grant was to enable us to train some of our staff to deliver a specific Domestic Abuse programme to support the women in the refuge.

Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC) This funding enabled us to run one of our educational community groups within the mid sussex area for one term. Police and Crime Commissioner - Triage Worker This funding enabled us to provide extra support towards the IDVA led Outreach service and ended on 31st March 2025.

Page 38

Docusign Envelope ID: 4AE84A8F-5FFF-4358-BDA1-40F858A93A42

Worthing Women's Aid Trading as Safe in Sussex (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

16. Statement of funds (continued)

West Sussex County Council This grant is to enable us to receive financial support for a room being available in the refuge to support a women who has no recourse to public funds. The project is to last until 31 March 2026.

17. Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds - current year

Analysis of net assetsnet assetsassets between funds - current yearyear
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds
2025 2025 2025
£ £ £
Tangible fixed assets 734,077 - 734,077
Current assets 544,939 102,038 646,977
Creditors due within one year (23,571) - (23,571)
Total 1,255,445 402,038 1,357,483
Analysis of net assets between funds - prioryear
Unrestricted
funds		 Restricted
funds		 Total
funds
2024 2024 2024
£ £ £
Tangible fixed assets 747,901 - 747,901
Current assets 555,154 187,517 742,671
Creditors due within one year (20,677) - (20,677)
Total 1,282,378 187,517 1,469,895

Page 39

Docusign Envelope ID: 4AE84A8F-5FFF-4358-BDA1-40F858A93A42

Worthing Women's Aid Trading as Safe In Sussex (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

18. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities

2025 2024
£ £
Net income/expenditure for the year (as per Statement of Financial
Activities) (112,412) 69,595
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges 20,766 12,423
interest received (11,156) (11,587)
Decrease in debtors 2,428 1,851
(Decrease)/Increase in creditors 2,894 (88,028)
Net cash used in operating activities (97,480) (15,746)
19. Analysis ofcash and cash equivalents
2025 2024
£ £
Cash in hand 627,043 720,309
Total cash and cash equivalents 627,043 720,309
20. Analysis ofchanges in net debt
At 1 April At 31 March
2024 Cash flows 2025
¢ £ £
Cash at bank and in hand 720,309 (93,266) 627,043
720,309 (93,266) 627,043
21. Capital commitments
2025 2024
£ £
Contracted for but not provided in these financial statements
Propertyimprovements “ 2,700

Page 40

Docusign Envelope ID: 4AE84A8F-5FFF-4358-BDA1-40F858A93A42

Worthing Women's Aid Trading as Safe in Sussex (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

22. Pension commitments

The company operates a defined contributions pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the company in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the company to the fund and amounted to £18,179 (2024 - £18,331). Contributions totalling £2,390 (2024 - £nil) were payable to the fund at the balance sheet.

23. Operating lease commitments

At 31 March 2025 the company had commitments to make future minimum lease payments under noncancellable operating leases as follows:

2025 2024
£ £
Not laterthan 1 year 32,816 45,016
Laterthan 1 yearand not laterthan 5 years 64,085 98,471
96,901 143,487

24. Related party transactions

There were no related party transactions in the year that require disclosure under SORP 2019 (FRS 102).

Page 41