## **ANNUAL REPORT 2021** **Registered Charity No: 1101764** ## **Vision** Improved mental health for those experiencing difficulties and good mental health for the wider population. ## **Mission** To promote, sustain and develop good mental health. - **AWARDS WINNER** - *** * * Community Innovation * * * Better Communities * * *** - *** * * Excellence in improving quality of life and well-being * * * * * * Green Health * * *** ## **ACCEPT** **6 Sunnydale Road * Hinckley * Leics * LE10 0PB Tel: (07964) 102444 * www.accept.org.uk** **Registered Charity No: 1101764** 2 ACCEPT is extremely grateful to all who give time and resources towards the work of the charity, including the financial support during 2021 from the following: **----- Start of picture text -----**
Allen Lane Foundation
Leicestershire County Council
The Gordon Trust
Helen Jean Cope Charity
Maud Elkington Charitable Trust
Poors Platt Charity
The Community Fund
Awards for All
Individual donators, including through The Big Give
**----- End of picture text -----**
Thank you ! 3 ## **Contents** |
Our values………………………………………………………………………………|5| |---|---| |Introduction from the Chair………………………………………………………………..|6| |Overview of Developments…………………………………………………………...|
7| |**Developments:**|| |1. Job’s Well Community Wellbeing Garden…………………………………………...|8| |2. Wellbeing Gardening Days…………………………………………………………....|
9| |Evaluation Feedback………………………………………………………………….|10| |Evaluation Infographic………………………………………………………………...|11| |3. Mindfulness for Wellbeing Course ( Pilot )…..………………………………………|12| |4.Bereavement Friendship Group ( Pilot )……………………………........................|13| |5. Friendship Groups……………………………………………………………………...|14| |6. Staff, Volunteers, Trustees……………….……………………………………….......|15| |7. Treasurer’s Report…………….……………………………………………………….|16| |Thank you..……………………………………………………………………………...|
17| 4 ## **Founded in 2003** ## **Our values** are based on the belief that: **“ in acceptance lies peace. “** Amy Carmichael **This includes to: ACCEPT that we are all of significant worth and have unique gifts and abilities. ACCEPT that we were created for friendship, belonging and community. ACCEPT that we can grow and develop, even through difficult seasons in life. ACCEPT that brokenness is our shared humanity, out of which beauty can emerge.** **ACCEPT that we are physical, productive, relational, emotional and spiritual beings. ACCEPT that each of these domains of life affects and is affected by our mental health.** **ACCEPT that this life is only a part of our journey.** 5 ## **Introduction from the Chair** 2021 has been a year of growth after a period of pruning back in 2019 and maintenance in 2020. Like everyone we were again affected by the Covid Pandemic. Although we were still subject to restrictions, we were able to undertake two new pilot projects alongside the weekly Wellbeing Garden Days which ran throughout. Undertaking projects as pilots enables ACCEPT to ensure the work is effective, sustainable and responding to unmet need. To this end, the Mindfulness Course Pilot, initially planned for 2020 was finally able to continue. The various reflective spaces in the Wellbeing Garden proved ideal for the course to be taught and space for beneficiaries to take mindful moments. A second pilot scheme, the Bereavement Friendship Group began this year and came in response to an unmet need in the community which was reported by partners including the local NHS Community Mental Health Team. It is a real privilege to journey with people experiencing bereavement on a variety of levels including multiple and complex bereavements. This project is being evaluated from the start with initial encouraging outcomes in relation to overcoming isolation through valuable new friendships which are forming Beneficiaries commented they felt they were really understood by others in the group. An external evaluation of the Wellbeing Garden showed that there were several good outcomes identified which was encouraging. This included improved self-esteem and confidence; increased levels of activity and exercise; harmony with nature and the natural environment; increased sense of purpose and achievement. We are grateful to Starby Consulting for how they made this evaluation process so natural and user friendly to beneficiaries. Also for the infographic, which is a great evaluation tool. In their report they made the following comment which seems to sum up what ACCEPT is about: “…..creating a ‘community’ as opposed to an ‘intervention’. On a more practical level a new website has been developed with support from a Consultant funded by Lloyds Foundation, to whom we are most grateful. We also took part in the BIG GIVE for the first time which enabled us to widen our supporter base with the value of the gift being doubled by donors within the BIG GIVE. We are grateful to Aidan and Frankie Lucas who hold the project together along with the volunteers, private donors and funders all of which make the activities run by ACCEPT possible. We look forward to seeing further growth in 2022. Rev Sue Steer **Chair of Trustees** 6 ## **Overview of Developments** Recorded below is an overview of the developments during 2021. Each of the areas are reported in more detail from page 7 onwards. Developments have included: **1. Job’s Well Community Wellbeing Garden** ACCEPT’s activities take place at this site, which offers the feel of being far into the countryside and has a wooden cabin, with a log burner, alongside sheltered area to ensure activities are not affected by poor weather. ## **2. Wellbeing Gardening Days** - 13 individuals have grown in a variety of ways, from participating in gardening and other outdoor activities. Throughout the year, the weekly group has integrated exercise and connecting with nature. Alongside developing friendships and a sense of belonging, this has contributed to improved confidence, self-esteem and mental health, highlighted in this year’s evaluation. **3. ACCEPT Mindfulness for Wellbeing Course ( Pilot )** 7 individuals developed personally, from a 6 week course, by learning ways to live more in the moment, rather than focusing on past regrets and future anxieties, alongside dealing with emotions and difficulties in ways in which they are kinder to themselves. **4. ACCEPT Bereavement Friendship Group ( Pilot )** 10 individuals benefitted from this this new initiative, by meeting with others, who have lost a loved one, building new friendships and moving forward with life. ## **5. 25 Friendship Groups** - 251 individuals, experiencing difficulties with their mental health, have been involved with 25 Friendship Groups in Leicestershire, Rutland, Worcestershire. Leicester City and Coventry City. Due to COVID 19, these groups were put on hold, from the first lockdown, March 2020, but volunteers maintained communication with group members. ## **6. Staff, Volunteers, Trustees** - 2 part time staff are have been responsible for the general running of the charity, with the support of trustees and volunteers, including the finance administrator. **7. Treasurer’s Report** Income rose by 24% compared with 2020 to £31k, enabling more activities and developments, with £13k of funds carried forward at the year end. 7 ## **1. Job’s Well Community Wellbeing Garden** Our activities take place at Job’s Well Community Wellbeing Garden. The plot of land, 1,646 square metres, in Barwell, was very wild and overgrown, having not been used for over 40 years. Being private and isolated, the site offers the feel of being far into the countryside. A wooden cabin with log burner, provides warmth and comfort, especially on cold, wet days and ensures activities at the site are not disrupted by poor weather. Alongside the cabin (24x13ft), is a large outdoor, sheltered area, with decking. The site has been described as a ‘safe haven’, by individuals who have been referred to ACCEPT, by NHS Community Mental Health Teams and Social Services. Clearing and developing the site together has provided the opportunity for beneficiaries to grow in confidence, form friendships and learn a number of transferrable skills. ## **Reflection Area** In 2020, we began to develop a reflection area, that lends itself more to reflection, contemplation, mindfulness practices and remembering loved ones, who have died. ## **Pilot Projects** Building on the success of our weekly wellbeing gardening days, at the site, we have begun the process of exploring and ‘piloting’ other activities, that will most effectively respond to unmet need, fit within our vision and which we feel best placed to deliver. ## **Evaluation** In 2021, a research consultancy firm, STARBY, evaluated two of our projects and produced a report of findings. The evaluation process including individual and group interviews with beneficiaries. - _“ ACCEPT’s unique, holistic approach to mental healthcare, along with the quiet, safe space that they have created….provides a much needed service in the county._ - _This helps individuals to learn invaluable skills, work towards achieving their personal goals and improve their wellbeing. “_ ## **Louise Monk, Mental Health Reablement Worker, Social Services** 8 ## **2. Weekly Wellbeing Gardening Days** Wellbeing Gardening Days take place every Tuesday, throughout the year. Individuals experience growth, in a variety of ways, enjoying gardening and other outdoor activities together, whilst connecting with nature. Referrals are received from NHS Community Mental Health Teams, and Social Services and 13 adults have been involved in 2021. ## **EVALUATION, August 2021** OUTCOMES found from interviews with beneficiaries, carried out by STARBY Consulting, included the following significant improvements, which are also shown in the infographic on page 11: - Mental health, confidence, self-esteem and wellbeing. - Consistency, structure, security and quality of life. - Levels of activity, exercise and routine. - Confidence in being around other people, working as a team, forming new friendships and feeling more a part of the community. - Harmony with nature and connection with the natural environment. - Confidence in skills and being involved in purposeful activity. - Sense of individual and collaborative achievement and shared ownership of how the garden has developed. Additional OUTCOMES, found by STARBY, included: - Moving into voluntary or paid employment - Going onto further education or learning. - - Looking after the garden at a local Community House. - - Establishing a community allotment to serve a local foodbank. - Setting up a gardening group at a GP surgery, after moving location. - - Volunteering at local churches. - Having the confidence to attend other local groups. - • Connecting more with nature. 9 ## **EVALUATION, August 2021** STARBY Consulting carried out individual and group interviews with beneficiaries, at the Wellbeing Gardening Day, which included the following feedback: - _“it’s just a place for people to grow … you see how they change”_ _“It feels like a really safe, non-judgmental space”_ - _“I started coming … and it was my saving grace … just being grounded again”_ - _“[The facilitator’s] always got time for you … [they’re] very approachable … [they] will ask me_ - _… actually ‘how are you?’ … I can actually talk and tell [them] … about how it’s been”_ ## **Feedback from Starby Consulting:** - “ In our opinion, one of the strongest attributes of the project is its ability to tailor activities to the individuals and facilitate recovery at their own pace, while achieving all the social benefits of a group activity…. ## **…..by creating a ‘community’ as opposed to an ‘intervention’. “** The individual outcomes measure, overleaf, was also the result of the evaluation. **Full Evaluation Report, from STARBY Consulting, is available on request.** ## **www.starbyconsulting.co.uk** 10 EVALUATION STUDY Significant improvement5 in.. Confidence & Stepping Stone Mental Health 5xial Networks Peersupport leadsto fvierKlship and briry a sense ofcomnwnlty and belonglni IndSvidual and cdlal>yatl4t achievements bring •c¢ompllshment and self*steem IrKlividually tailored activities provlde Identtty •nd wrpose Regular exerclse and routlne leads to health and wellbelng The envlronment prO￿deS harmonywlth nature and peace Consistew In a'safe space, brings routlne and securlty opwrt4nities to￿age hDrticultur31 othEr outdc ivities Mentsl Health ially Isolated ## **3. Mindfulness for Wellbeing Courses ( Pilot )** At the end of 2019, ACCEPT ran its first Mindfulness for Wellbeing Course, as part of a pilot project. The second course was due to commence in April 2020, but was postponed until June 2021 due to COVID 19. Referrals were received from the NHS Community Mental Health Team and Social Services and a group was run for 7 participants, which all took place outside, in different areas of the wellbeing garden. The course involves learning a variety of ways to: **ACCEPT** ourselves, rather than condemning and judging ourselves. **ACCEPT** our emotions more, and how we respond to them, rather than fighting them. **ACCEPT** that we can choose to live more in the moment and look at life differently. Evaluation took place at the end of the course and benefits for participants included: - Developing a range of skills, which improved mental health. - Practicing a variety of techniques in a safe, peaceful space which can be transferred to daily living. - Recognising that it is a choice to focus attention to the present moment, rather than living with past regrets and anxieties about the future. - Learning ways of becoming kinder to themselves, with less judgements about themselves and others. - Beginning to look at the same everyday situations, including difficulties, through a different ‘lens’. - Increased self-awareness, improved levels of self-esteem and confidence, with a reduction in symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress and effects of abuse. - Forming new friendships, with others, who have similar experiences. 12 ## **4. BEREAVEMENT Friendship Group ( Pilot )** This pilot commenced in April 2021 and takes place on the last Wednesday of each month. It provides the opportunity to meet with others, who have lost a loved one, build new friendships and move forward with life. The types of bereavement experienced by the 10 beneficiaries involved has ranged from losing partners, parents and children. Whilst some group members had existing underlying long term mental health issues have begun to experience poor mental health, as a result of their bereavements, others. These have been exacerbated, led to other types of loss in their life and some have experienced multiple and complex bereavements, including suicide. The impact of COVID 19 has also had a significant impact on people’s mental health and the bereavement process. COVID restrictions have disrupted the grieving process, on a number of levels, including the inability to visit loved ones, towards the end of their lives, funerals with limited numbers and no opportunity to have a wake. Everyone’s experience of bereavement is unique and some group members have lost loved ones very recently, whilst others several years ago. There is clearly an understanding by others going through similar experiences and loneliness is a common theme. It has been encouraging to see friendships form that have met outside of the group, reducing the impact of isolation. Referrals for the group have come from the Community Mental Health Team (CMHT), Social Services, Funeral Directors and the local area co-ordinator. From the start of this pilot, STARBY consulting, who specialise in project evaluation, have been visiting to carry out analysis and will produce an evaluation report in due course. 13 ## **5. Friendship Groups** Establishing Friendship Groups, for adults experiencing mental health issues, was one of ACCEPT’s main charitable activities for some years. 25 Friendship Groups were formed in Leicestershire, Rutland, Worcestershire, Leicester City and Coventry City, working with amazing partners to whom we are so grateful, including the NHS, Social Services and local churches. Friendship Groups continue to meet on a weekly basis in community settings, such as pubs and cafes. Whilst the NHS and Social Services were initially involved in making referrals and establishing the groups, they have developed organically and run independently of statutory services. Although we are very aware, including through evaluation carried out, that the groups respond effectively to isolation and poor mental health, we made the difficult decision to no longer actively set up Friendship Groups. Factors informing this decision included recognising that other charities were now providing similar and expanding services. responding to this need, including Renew Wellbeing Centres. Although a slightly different model, these centres are based on the same values, needs and are successfully being franchised across the UK. We will continue to offer support and guidance to existing groups and anyone seeking us out to use the model. However, we will now no longer be involved with establishing new Friendship Groups, based on this model, in the way that we were previously. - _“ The ACCEPT group to me has been a lifeline and the best thing I’ve ever attended. I know that I’m going to be surrounded by friends who understand how I’m feeling and that is priceless.”_ ## **Feedback from Group Member** 14 ## **6. ACCEPT Staff, Volunteers & Trustees** ## **A. Founder & Mental Health Lead** Continues to be responsible for the general running of the charity, including overseeing all the activities mentioned in the report. ## **B. Groups Co-Facilitator** Supports the Founder in building relationships and enabling beneficiaries to grow in a variety of ways. ## **C. Finance Administrator** The Finance Administrator works on a voluntary basis and keeps a record of all finances, provides reports and ensures appropriate payments are made. ## **D. Volunteers** The work of the Wellbeing Gardening Days as well as Friendship Groups could not take place without the weekly commitment of volunteers. ## **E. Trustees** Trustees continue to maintain the responsibility of ensuring the charity is running efficiently and keeping on track with plans. ## **We are extremely grateful to all those whose time, support and commitment enables ACCEPT to fulfil its vision.** 15 ## **7. Treasurer’s Report** Income: It was encouraging that our income rose by 24% compared with 2020 to £31k. We benefited from an extra £19k in restricted income, mainly grants, as well as £12k in unrestricted funds. Expenditure: The increased inflows of income has enabled us to fund more activities and developments at the Wellbeing garden. However, with expenditure increasing more than income, this left us with an annual deficit of -£6k. Funds carried forward: the annual deficit resulted in a reduced level of £13k of funds carried forward at the year end, of this over £12k was in restricted funds leaving us with a low level of unrestricted funds, however, there was over £1k of Gift Aid still to reclaim which will boost this. Mr Christopher Firth **Trustee Treasurer** 16 ## Thank you for your interest and support On behalf of all involved with ## **ACCEPT** **6 Sunnydale Road * Hinckley * Leics * LE10 0PB Tel: (07964) 102444 * www.accept.org.uk** **Registered Charity No: 1101764** 17 ## **Financial Statements** ## **for the** ## **Year Ending 31st December 2021** ## **ACCEPT** ## **Registered Charity Number 1101764** **6 Sunnydale Road Hinkley Leicestershire LE10 0PB** _**Accounts Independently Examined by: Ian Finlay, Chartered Accountant, ITF accountants, Lutterworth, Leicestershire LE17 4DJ Oct 28th 2022**_ ## **Statement of Financial Activities** ||**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Total**
**2020**| |---|---| ||**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Total**| |**Income and endowments from:**
Donations and legacies
Income from charitable activities
Investments
Other income
**Total income**
**Expenditure on:**
Raising funds
Expenditure on charitable activities
Other expenditure
**Total expenditure**
**Net income / (expenditure) resources before**
**transfer**
**Transfers**
**Net movement in funds**
**Total funds brought forward**
**Total funds carried forward**
**Represented by**
**Unrestricted**
General fund
**Restricted**
Awards for all 2020
Awards for all 2021
Community Fund
Shire Grant LCC
Big Give
**Totals**|10,779
19,613
30,931
17,740
210
210
0
0
3
799
799
6,481| ||**11,788**
**19,613**
**31,401**
**24,225**
18,298
19,207
37,505
23,834
924| ||**18,298**
**19,207**
**37,505**
**24,759**| ||**(6,510)**
**406**
**(6,104)**
**(534)**| ||**(6,510)**
**406**
**(6,104)**
**(534)**| ||**7,359**
**12,207**
**19,566**
**20,100**| ||**848**
**12,613**
**13,461**
**19,566**
848
—
848
7,359
—
—
—
—
—
10,000
—
2,613
—
10,000
—
2,457
707
—
10,000
1,500
—| ||**848**
**12,613**
**13,461**
**19,566**| ## **Balance sheet** |**Current Assets**
Lloyds Current Account
Lloyds Instant Savings Account
Stewardship High Rate Deposit
**Total Current assets**
Excess / (deficit) to date
Starting balances
**Total Reserves**
**Represented by funds**
Unrestricted
Restricted
**Total**|**2021**
**2020**
12,029
13,135
1,425
6,425
6
6| |---|---| ||**13,461**
**19,566**
(6,104)
(14,913)
19,566
34,480| ||**13,461**
**19,566**
848
7,359
12,613
12,207| ||**13,461**
**19,566**| ## **Statement of assets and liabilities** |**Current assets**
Lloyds Current
Lloyds Instant Savings
Stewardship High Rate Deposit
**Totals**|**General**
**Restricted**
**2021**
**2020**
0
12,029
12,029
9,303
842
583
1,425
10,790
6
0
6
6
**848**
**12,613**
**13,461**
**19,566**| |---|---| ## **Restricted Fund movement** ||**Opening**
**Incoming**
**Outgoing**
**Closing**| |---|---| |Awards for All 2020
Awards for All 2021
Community Fund
Big Give
Shire Grant LCC
Allen Lane Foundation
Helen Jean Cope Charity
Maud Elkington Charitable Trust
**Grand total**|707
0
707
0
0
10,000
0
10,000
10,000
0
10,000
0
0
2,613
0
2,613
1500
0
1500
0
0
6,000
6000
0
0
0
500
500
500
500
0
0| ||**12,207**
**19,613**
**19,207**
**12,613**| |**Analysis of income and expenditure**|| |---|---| |**IncomeDonations and legacies**|**General**
**Restricted**
**2021**
**2020**| |
Gifts and Donations received - General|8,578
17,168
25,747
17,380| |Gifts and Donations received-Gift Aided|2,200
2,445
4,645
360| |Gift Aid Refund|| |Total|10,778
19,613
30,931
17,740| |**Income from charitable activities**|| |Fees Received-Courses etc|210
0
210
0| |Total|0| |**Investments**|| |Interest|1
0
1
3| |Total|1
0
3
3| |**Other income**|| |Fundraising|| |Miscellaneous|799
0
799
6,481| |Total|799
0
799
6,481| |**INCOME TOTAL**|11,788
19,613
31,401
24,225,| |**Expenditure**
**Raising funds**|| ||**General**
**Restricted**
**2021**
**2020**| |Fundraising|| |Total|| |**Expenditure on charitable activities**|| ||**General**
**Restricted**
**2021**
**2020**| |Salaries|12,223
17,034
29,257
16,650| |Pensions|1095
141
1,236
981| |Travel Expenses|26
26
78| |Expenses (Misc)|-8
-8
159| |Wellbeing Garden Maint & Upkeep|3,496
762
4,258
2,722| |
Furnishings & Equipment|34
30
64
1,346| |
Utilities|106
45
151
57| |Telephone|118
60
178
174| |Hospitality & Associated Costs|32
83
115
131| |DBS's|129
129
146| |Training & Volunteer Recruitment|73
73
0| |Stationery & Postage|21
6
27
20| |Software|134
60
194
59| |Miscellaneous|984
270
1,253
1,396| |Total|7,601
16,233
36,956
23,834| ||| |**Other expenditure**|| |Insurance|53
496
549
694| |Bookkeeping|0
229| |Total|53
496
549
924| |**EXPENDITURE TOTAL**|18,298
19,207
37,505
24,759| ## **Independent examiner's report on the accounts** **Section A Independent Examiner’s Report** |**Report to the trustees/**
**members of**
**On accounts for the year**
**ended**
**Set out on pages**
**Responsibilities and**
**basis of report**
**Independent**
**examiner's statement**|Charity Name
Accept|Charity Name
Accept|Charity Name
Accept| |---|---|---|---| ||||| ||31 December 2021|**Charity no**
**(if any)**|1101764| ||||| ||1 to 2.
(remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)||| ||I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above
charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended**31/12/2021**.
As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the
accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011
(“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out
under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I
have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission
under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have
come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that
disclosed below *) which gives me cause to believe that in, any material
respect:||| - the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or - the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or - the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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. 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. **Date:** 28/10/2022 **Signed: Name:** Ian Finlay BA FCCA **Relevant professional** Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) **qualification(s) or body (if any): Address:** 4 Brook Lane, Lutterworth, Leicestershire, LE17 4FZ **Oct 2018** 1 **IER** ## **Section B Disclosure** Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners). **Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose** . None to disclose. **Oct 2018** 2 **IER**