## **ANNUAL REPORT 2023** **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 2023 from the following, in alphabetical order: Carlton Hayes Charity Comic Relief Community Fund – Awards for All **----- Start of picture text -----**
Edith Murphy Foundation
Edward Cadbury Trust
Florence Turner Trust
George Ward Charitable Trust
Henry Smith Charity
Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council
Maud Elkington Trust
Poors Platt Charity
Westhill Endownment
**----- End of picture text -----**
Individual donators, including through The Big Give ## 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 Garden Group….……..…………………………………………………....|
9| |Evaluation Feedback………………………………………………………………….|10| |Evaluation Infographic………………………………………………………………...|11| |3. Bereavement Friendship Group ….…………………………………………………..|12| |Evaluation Feedback ………………………….....................................................|13| |4. Friendship Groups ……………………………………………………………………..|14| |5. Team Building Days……………………………………………………………….......|15| |6. Staff, Volunteers, Trustees……………….……………………………………….......|16| |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** 2023 marks ACCEPT’s 20[th] Anniversary and has been an exciting time of continued growth and development for the charity, as it continues to strive towards improved mental health for those experiencing difficulties and good mental health for the wider population. **The Wellbeing Garden Group** continues to see individuals grow in a variety of ways. An external evaluation 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. One stand out comment from the evaluation process, which captured and encompasses the heart of ACCEPT was “creating a ‘community’ as opposed to an ‘intervention’. Further details can be found on pages 10 – 11 and the full evaluation report, from STARBY Consulting, is available on request. The Wellbeing Garden Group, over the last year, has also provided a welcoming learning environment to a plethora of students and new members of staff from the NHS Community Mental Health Teams across Leicestershire, and also other local neighbourhood resources. It clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of this model in improving mental health outcomes for individuals. **The Bereavement Friendship Group** began in 2021 in response to an unmet need in the community. It has been evaluated by an outside consultancy from the start. A report, produced last year, shows encouraging outcomes. We are grateful to ‘Starby Consulting’ for how they made this evaluation process so natural and user friendly to beneficiaries. We look forward to STARBY carrying out an evaluation again, of this group and the Wellbeing Garden Group in 2024. **Team Building Days.** This year saw two large NHS Teams visit the wellbeing garden to participate in the ‘ACCEPT your Element’ course, with very encouraging feedback. Having such an ‘income generation’ project enables sustainability, with reduced reliance on grants, whilst promoting mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. We are so thankful to all those whose time, support and commitment enables ACCEPT to fulfil its vision and continue to make a difference… Joanne Hall **Chair of Trustees** 6 ## **Overview of Developments** Recorded below is an overview of the developments during 2023. 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 areas to ensure activities are not affected by poor weather. ## **2. Wellbeing Garden Group** - 19 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. **3. ACCEPT Bereavement Friendship Group** 20 individuals benefitted from meeting with others, who have lost a loved one, building new friendships and moving forward with life. The group was evaluated by a research consultancy firm, STARBY, who produced a report of findings last year. **4. 25 Friendship Groups** Over 250 individuals, experiencing difficulties with their mental health, have been involved with 25 Friendship Groups in Leicestershire, Rutland, Worcestershire, Leicester City and Coventry City. ## **5. Team Building Days** - 43 individuals from 2 NHS Mental Health Teams participated in the ‘ACCEPT your Element’ course at the Wellbeing Garden. Both written and verbal feedback was very positive and the income generated has supported our other activities. **6. Staff, Volunteers, Trustees** 2 part time staff are responsible for the general running of the charity, with the support of trustees and volunteers, including the finance administrator. ## **7. Treasurer’s Report** Income increased significantly, compared with 2022, to £47,778 enabling more activities and developments, with £19,555 carried forward at the year end. 7 ## **1. Job’s Well Community Wellbeing Garden** Our activities continue take place at Job’s Well Community Wellbeing Garden, in Barwell, which was previously 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. Alongside the cabin 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 a variety of organisations, including NHS Community Mental Health Teams. 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. “ _I've gained a group of fantastic friends, structure and focus to my week. I have opportunity to learn new skills.”_ ## **Beneficiary** 8 ## **2. Weekly Wellbeing Garden Days** Wellbeing Garden Days take place every Tuesday. Individuals experience growth, in a variety of ways, enjoying gardening and other outdoor activities together, whilst connecting with nature. 19 beneficiaries have been involved in 2023. Referrals include from NHS Community Mental Health Teams, NHS Social Prescribers, Social Services and Local Area Co-ordinators. ## **EVALUATION** 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. ## “ _The Wellbeing Garden Group, overall, has been_ _**holistically life changing for my residents**_ .” **Christy Waring** , **Local Area Coordinator for Barwell & Earl Shilton Public Health, Leics County Council** 9 ## **EVALUATION of Wellbeing Garden Group** STARBY Consulting carried out individual and group interviews with beneficiaries, at the Wellbeing Garden Group, 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. BEREAVEMENT Friendship Group** This group commenced as a pilot in April 2021, following the COVID 19 lockdown and takes place every 3 weeks on a Wednesday. 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 20 beneficiaries involved this year, has ranged from losing partners, parents and children. Whilst some group members had existing underlying long term mental health issues, others have begun to experience poor mental health, as a result of their bereavements. These have been exacerbated, led to other types of loss in their life and some have experienced multiple and complex bereavements, including suicide. 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. Following discussion with group members this year, the format of the meeting was changed to having both a friendship’ and a ‘therapeutic’ focus, taking into account that members are in different places in their bereavement. Group members can choose to stay for just the first half, if they wish and leave for the second half, which involves sharing on a deeper level, around bereavement. Personalised stones of loved ones of some group members have been placed in the reflection area of the wellbeing garden. The site has been used by individuals on important occasions such as anniversaries. Referrals for the group have included the Community Mental Health Team (CMHT), Social Services, Local Area Co-ordinators, Social Prescribers and Funeral Directors. When needed, group members have been accompanied by such staff for their first session. From the start of this project, which began as a pilot last year, STARBY Consulting, who specialise in project evaluation, have been visiting to carry out analysis and produced an evaluation report in June, last year, which can be found overleaf. “ _Bereaved clients experiencing mental health issues have reported it to be invaluable to meet with others, with similar experiences, who understand what they have been through and can support one another to move forward in life, following the death of a loved one or multiple complex losses.”_ ## **Michelle White, Occupational Therapist NHS West Leicestershire Community Mental Health Team** 12 ## **EVALUATION of Bereavement Friendship Group** STARBY Consulting carried three visits, over the group’s first year (sessions 2, 4, and 12), and, from individual and group interviews, produced a report last year. Outcomes included the following significant improvements: - Overcoming isolation, as many beneficiaries reported that the group was the only time that they saw anyone. - Reducing feelings of loneliness and experiencing relief from being around people who understand and are facing similar circumstances. - Receiving support that would previously have been provided by their late spouse. - Finding strength and comfort to face challenges from time spent together. - Meeting with new friends independently outside of the group meeting times, both in pairs and as a large group. - Improving in mental health, self-esteem and wellbeing. - Building confidence to attend other social groups and increase social connections. - Discovering a sense of value, meaning, consistency and an opportunity to contribute. - Being able to be open and honest, without needing to ‘put up a front’, due to the safe, relaxed, peaceful and non-judgmental atmosphere. ## **Beneficiaries** included those who have experienced: - The loss of partners, parents and younger siblings. - The loss of a child, due to suicide. - Multiple and complex bereavements. - Poor mental health, as a result of their bereavements. - Long term mental health issues, which have been exacerbated by bereavement and led to other types of loss in their life. ## **Feedback from Starby Consulting:** - “ _It is evident from the observations and feedback received that the bereavement group delivered by ACCEPT is_ ## _**highly effective at meeting the needs of people who have experienced bereavement.**_ _The relaxed, unstructured, and non-judgmental environment is heralded as the reason that participants enjoy the group so much and are able to engage with it in a way that is meaningful to them._ _This has been attributed to the facilitators._ _Although participants could not think of any improvements that could be made to the group, many asked to meet more frequently_ .” ## **Full Evaluation Report, from STARBY Consulting, is available on request.** ## **www.starbyconsulting.co.uk** 13 ## **4. 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, when required, and anyone seeking us out to use the model. However, we are no longer involved with establishing new Friendship Groups, based on this model, as 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 ## **5. Team Building Days** In this fun income generating workshop, team members, from local organisations, are enabled to recognise one another’s unique personalities, using the metaphor of nature; earth, air, water and fire. This helps teams to understand one another more, improve the way they communicate and work as a team, enhancing wellbeing in the workplace. The workshop lends itself to our community wellbeing garden, in Barwell, with having all the elements to hand, alongside 4 different sheltered area for break out groups. 24 NHS staff working with adults experiencing mental health issues across Leicestershire attended a day’s workshop in June. 19 NHS staff working with older people experiencing mental health issues across Leicestershire attended in November, when they made good use of the open fire. The feedback was very positive in both and also identified by ACCEPT staff were improvements to how the workshop could be even better. - “ _Fantastic session, which was amazing ! This is one of the best team days I have been to_ .” - “ _Having managed a team for a number of years, I found it the best training experienced to date in helping me understand myself and my team; their individual characters and how to effectively encourage, correct and request actions from them._ - _My staff still refer to the training as being the best for helping them work better together."_ **Feedback from two participants** 15 ## **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, deals with payroll and provides reports and ensures appropriate payments are made. ## **D. Volunteers** The work of the Wellbeing Garden Days as well as Friendship Groups could not take place without the weekly commitment of volunteers. ## **E. Trustees** Trustees, meeting every quarter, continue to maintain the responsibility of ensuring the charity is running efficiently and keeping on track with plans. ## **7. Treasurer’s Report** This year there were much higher levels of income at £47,778, higher than budgeted: £30,500, and what we received in 2022, £18,500. Total expenditure of £34,428, was also higher than budgeted, £30,350 than that spent last year, £28,837, much of this can be expected as the higher income and funding reflected more project activity and especially spending on the development of the Wellbeing Garden. We made a surplus of £13,350, greater than budgeted. This resulted in a bank/funds balance of £19,555 at year end, again much better than 31 December 2022 when it was £6,206, The balance carried forward into 2024 included £5,412 of unrestricted funding. Two grant givers have also funded us over 2023 and 2024, with second tranches of money due in 2024, which gives us extra financial security for 2024. Mr Christopher Firth **Trustee Treasurer** 16 ## Thank you **We are extremely grateful to all those whose time, support and commitment enables ACCEPT to fulfil its vision.** ## **ACCEPT** **6 Sunnydale Road * Hinckley * Leics * LE10 0PB Tel: (07964) 102444 * www.accept.org.uk** **Registered Charity No: 1101764** 17 CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND ANO WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Section A ndependenl Examiner s Report Report to the trustees of | Accept Accourts for the year ended 31# D￿rnber 2023 Charity no 1101764 I report to the tnjstees on my examlnation of the accounts of the above st Resp¢)nslblllties and basls of report charity ("the Trusv) for the year Ènded 31 December 2023. As the charity's trustees. you are responsible for the p￿parat10Th of the accounts in accordan￿ with the requlrements of the Charlties Acr 2011 1.the Acf). I report in respect of my examination of AccepY5 accounts carrled out under section 145 of the 2011 Art and in carrylng out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directlon5 given by the Charlty Commission under section 14515){bl of the Att. Ind•pendent •xamln•r's stst•ment I have completed my examinatlon. I confinn that no materlal matters have come to my attention in connection wlth the examinatlon which 8ives me cause to ￿lIeVe that in, any material respect: the accounting records were not kept In accordance with sertlon 130 of the Charitles Act; or the accounts did not accord wlth the accounting records; or I have no concern5 and have come across no other matters in connection wlth the examination to which attention should be drawn In this report in order to enable a proper understandlng of the accounts to be reached. 518ned: | Date: th 25 July 2024 Name: . Mrs Claire Carlin Professional l>oty. ACCA Address: Key Accountants (Midlands) Ltd Office 5. The Forest Rock Office5. Whitwick, Lelce5tershire. LE67 5GQ CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Accept Receipts and payments accounts 1101764 CC16a Forth• p•rknd Irom 01.012023 To 31.12.2023 Section A Receipts and payments Unrostriclgd fvnd• Reslricttrd lund• Endowmenl fund• Totsl fund• Last y•ar lh• n•w••i£ A1 R•¢•l l• io th• Gdtts donaUons- Gitts and donaThons- kn18r851 gral 40.118 IA93 1.725 r•c•ived- couises olc Total p•¢•lpt• 41,7TP A3P• •nts S•lOr￿s POn#￿n nr 217 .•f2 1.$67 4,121 18.437 •41 2.41S 1.154 5254 Ftsini#hiry$ ano QQUipniont U)Iiiw Indudin mobiè phon• kn6ur•n(* J13 571 72J J77 T￿nI 4tyd voluni¢er recrthtrf*hl 25T 519 Tolal paym•nts 809 2¢.74• )4.421 25137 N•t olrK•lptsl(paym•nt¥J ¢￿h fundj lalt ygar •nd bm Cash fund• th1• y•ir •nd ¢lf 3.979 1,433 J,112 9,J70 4,773 1J.349 6,206 19,554 7,256 6.206 SeGtion B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period unres1￿cl•d lunds R¥sirlctèd fund• t• n••r•AI t Total fundts C•*h fund• LI0￿8 ctsffonl 8ceounl Lkj￿9 1n•tsnl s•wr¥J8 •ctsJurf Tot•1 c•4h fvnds l(+ n••fv•t E 4,QOJ Op•nln9 14.891 Mov•m•nl 1•,454 CloJlng bal•nc• R•strSet•d funds *• n•ar••l É Camie Rel￿f Aw8ffj$ts All 10.000 Westhdl Enth)Ynnonl C8rflon Ho￿$ Chaftty 850 3.$14 3.614 Hinckley Btrwgh CpJrK Horry Smilh 199 10,000 Alwd E￿in Flwencp Turnet Ethatd Cadbwy Edilh Mawl FoJnd• 1.000 Po)rs P￿tr 227> Syn¢d byona oi tsvo tru8wo$ on behallof all th* trus1905 Sgnalure Pn"nt Nam8 Dale of roval trCFirth CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND ANO WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Section A ndependenl Examiner s Report Report to the trustees of | Accept Accourts for the year ended 31# D￿rnber 2023 Charity no 1101764 I report to the tnjstees on my examlnation of the accounts of the above st Resp¢)nslblllties and basls of report charity ("the Trusv) for the year Ènded 31 December 2023. As the charity's trustees. you are responsible for the p￿parat10Th of the accounts in accordan￿ with the requlrements of the Charlties Acr 2011 1.the Acf). I report in respect of my examination of AccepY5 accounts carrled out under section 145 of the 2011 Art and in carrylng out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directlon5 given by the Charlty Commission under section 14515){bl of the Att. Ind•pendent •xamln•r's stst•ment I have completed my examinatlon. I confinn that no materlal matters have come to my attention in connection wlth the examinatlon which 8ives me cause to ￿lIeVe that in, any material respect: the accounting records were not kept In accordance with sertlon 130 of the Charitles Act; or the accounts did not accord wlth the accounting records; or I have no concern5 and have come across no other matters in connection wlth the examination to which attention should be drawn In this report in order to enable a proper understandlng of the accounts to be reached. 518ned: | Date: th 25 July 2024 Name: . Mrs Claire Carlin Professional l>oty. ACCA Address: Key Accountants (Midlands) Ltd Office 5. The Forest Rock Office5. Whitwick, Lelce5tershire. LE67 5GQ CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Accept Receipts and payments accounts 1101764 CC16a Forth• p•rknd Irom 01.012023 To 31.12.2023 Section A Receipts and payments Unrostriclgd fvnd• Reslricttrd lund• Endowmenl fund• Totsl fund• Last y•ar lh• n•w••i£ A1 R•¢•l l• io th• Gdtts donaUons- Gitts and donaThons- kn18r851 gral 40.118 IA93 1.725 r•c•ived- couises olc Total p•¢•lpt• 41,7TP A3P• •nts S•lOr￿s POn#￿n nr 217 .•f2 1.$67 4,121 18.437 •41 2.41S 1.154 5254 Ftsini#hiry$ ano QQUipniont U)Iiiw Indudin mobiè phon• kn6ur•n(* J13 571 72J J77 T￿nI 4tyd voluni¢er recrthtrf*hl 25T 519 Tolal paym•nts 809 2¢.74• )4.421 25137 N•t olrK•lptsl(paym•nt¥J ¢￿h fundj lalt ygar •nd bm Cash fund• th1• y•ir •nd ¢lf 3.979 1,433 J,112 9,J70 4,773 1J.349 6,206 19,554 7,256 6.206 SeGtion B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period unres1￿cl•d lunds R¥sirlctèd fund• t• n••r•AI t Total fundts C•*h fund• LI0￿8 ctsffonl 8ceounl Lkj￿9 1n•tsnl s•wr¥J8 •ctsJurf Tot•1 c•4h fvnds l(+ n••fv•t E 4,QOJ Op•nln9 14.891 Mov•m•nl 1•,454 CloJlng bal•nc• R•strSet•d funds *• n•ar••l É Camie Rel￿f Aw8ffj$ts All 10.000 Westhdl Enth)Ynnonl C8rflon Ho￿$ Chaftty 850 3.$14 3.614 Hinckley Btrwgh CpJrK Horry Smilh 199 10,000 Alwd E￿in Flwencp Turnet Ethatd Cadbwy Edilh Mawl FoJnd• 1.000 Po)rs P￿tr 227> Syn¢d byona oi tsvo tru8wo$ on behallof all th* trus1905 Sgnalure Pn"nt Nam8 Dale of roval trCFirth