Cornerstone Pregnancy Advice Centre Trustees, Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31st March 2024 Reglstered wlth FR FUNDRAISING REGULATOR (AJVE
Cornerstone Care in Confidence TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT Reference and Administrative Informatlon Charlty Narne and Reglstratlon Number Cornerstone Care in Confidence - Registration number 1104599 Address l Trinity Place Hartford Road HUNTINGDON Carnbridgeshire PE29 3QA Trustees who served durlng the year Mrs Aramide Caunt (resigned 17th October 2023) Mrs Clair Cooper Mrs Alice Gilbert (resigned 12th October 2023) Mr Adam Johannes (joined 18th March 2024) th Revd Mike Kendal (resigned 20 June 2023) th Mr Greg Kerr (reslgned 17 October 2023) Mrs Wilma Kotsenberg Mr Peter Lusmore th th Mrs Hilary Thompson (joined 15 January 2024, resigned 18 March 2024) Structure, Governance and Management Cornerstone Care In Confldence (referred to as Cornerstone 8oing forward) was establlshed on 7th May 2004 and is governed by a Trust Deed of the same date, thls can be provided on request. The Charity Trustees are responsible for the governance of Cornerstone. The Charity Trustees are elected to the board by the existing trustees taking into account their professional qualifications or personal experience so as to be able to make a contribution to the pursuit of the objects of the charity. Trustees are appolnted for an Initlal three-year term with the opportunlty to be nominated for reappointment at the end of each three-year term. There is always a minimum of three trustees.
Cornerstone Care in Confidence Objectives and Activities Cornerstone's mission is is to reach every woman in Cambridgeshire facing an unplanned pregnancy so that we can offer her time, space and non-directive information in order that she can make a fully informed choice and to offer her on-goin8 SUPPOrt, whatever decision she makes. The principal purpose of the charity is the protection and presep4ation of women's wellbeing through the provision of advice, counsellin8 and assistance to women and their families who are suffering any emotional stress or poverty during or as a result of pregnancy or following an abortion or miscarriage. In fulfilling its principal purpose, the charlty will engage in a range of activities either on its own or with others that will vary from time to time. The activities include: Offering care and support to women and thelrfamilies facing an unplanned pregnancy or sufferin8 from any negative emotional effects following a previous termination choice. Offering time, space and non-directive information in a non-judgemental caring environment to ensure individuals are making a decision without coercion, that they have the information needed and are able to talk through their decision with someone who is trained to listen, help and remain neutral. Cornerstone gives each individual time to confidentially discuss their declslon, whilst reviewin8 circumstances, feelings and thoughts, Our befriending service support goes beyond the decision-makin8 process and provides emotional and/or practical help, if required. Anything from a listening ear and a cup of coffee, accompanyin8 clients to appointments, sourcing baby equlpment or building a support network including referrals to other agencies and servlces. Offerin8 peer counselling for anyone, including partners, who have experienced a mlscarriage. Si8npostin8 cliénts to other charities and or8anisatlons where appropriate such as food banks, Home Start, debt advice etc. One in three pregnancies currently ends in termination In the UK amounting to stress and concern for many women and men who are not offered help or support anywhere else. One in 3 women will have a termination bythe time she is 40 and many will 80 on to have further terminations. 45% of babies born last year in Britaln were unplanned. There is, therefore, lot of angst surrounding early pregnancy. We are increasingly seeing clients where their pregnancy has been a trigger for domestic abuse and know that existing abuse may get worse during pregnancy or after giving birth. It is imperative that we continue to reach these women and there is no other group in Cambridgeshire offering the unique set of services that we do. In addition to our trustees and staff we have a group of volunteers some of whom are trained counsellors who work directly with our clients and 8eneral volunteers who undertake clerical
Cornerstone Care in Confidence support duties in our offices. Without these volunteers Cornerstone would not be able to help the number of women it does each year. Cornerstone operates systems to ensure that all people working with children and vulnerable adults are appropriately vetted with regard to the Disclosure and Barring Service. The Trustees have read the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit, and are satisfied that the activities outlined above clearly demonstrate that the Cornerstone Is providing a benefit to the public. Achievements and Performance To support our clients we have taken the followin8 Steps Our volunteers have held counselling sessions in person or via telephone. We have continued to provide materlal support (e.g. baby clothes, emergency nappv supplies and other Items) free of charge to clients from our Baby Boutique at our offices. We liaise with other charities to help clients with their immediate needs following rehousln8 such as the provlslon of carpets, white goods etc as well as debt advice and puttlng them in contact with local food banks where needed. As part of thls we maintain contact with our clients to provide ongoing support as needed. We have recruited additional volunteers to enable the expansion of our work in Cambrid8e. We have provided pregnancy choices training for new volunteers and post abortion support trainlng for new and existing volunteers. The tralnlng is run by the Pregnancv Centres Network and is largely undertaken online wlth others from dlfferent Pregnancy Centres around the Country. This has deepened the learnin8 experience to include the ability to share experiences. We undertook extenslve research into the provision of a hostel for single mothers who have become homeless as a result of their decision to keep their baby. We explored various potential premises in conjunction with the Exaireo Trust (an established trust providing a similar sen4ice in other parts of the UK). Ultimately we decided not to pursue this project and have instead worked with St Neots Evangelical Church who have set up such a hostel and one of our clients has already taken residence there. During the year we have registered as members of the Livlng Wage Foundation as well as registerin8 With the Fundraising Regulator to demonstrate our desire to act responsibly in everything we do.
Cornerstone Care in Confidence Over the past year we have Had 58 new clients (crisis pregnancyp Post abortion and miscarriage) not including those simply spoken to on the phone who subsequently didn't have appointments with our counsellors Had 677 appointments with clients and professionals Run classes/mother and baby and post-abortion sessions attended by 38 clients Had 129 visits to our Baby Boutique where we have provided 3,985 items to clients free of charge We have had the following feedback from our clients A lovely calming environment with freedom to talk. Not Judge and Just a reassurinq experience. From the get-go Helen made mefeel listened to, caredfvr and helped me get back to being me. I honestly don't know where I would be without the support I've received. Helen and Christine were very supportive throughout my vlslt, checked on me frequently and Helen offered her time to understand my situation and guided me further. I had an amazing experience despite my difficult personal situation, l am glad that I visited Cornerstone. Thank you, I was signposted to Cornerstone by my GP when Ifound out I was pregnant & felt unsure of what my next steps would be. I had regular meetings with Hilary in the city centre which made it easy to occess and she was very accommodating to fit around my work schedule. Hilary was very easy to talk to & helped mefind my way through the difficultjourney into moking the best decisionfor me. I connot thank you enough for the encouragement, support and safe space you provided. Staff was so welcomlng and made mefeel comfortable. Very klnd ladles. Felt no judqement was very helpful Financial Review Cornerstone has three main sources of Income, direct donations from individuals, churches and companies who support the aims of the charity, 8rants made followln8 applications to various public organisatlons and fundraising. The current climate has proved challenging with regard to fundraising as the case for almost all third sector organisations. However, due to our Fundraisin8 Banquet held last year we had sufficient funds to remain solvent and did not have to dip into our agreed reserves despite the additional costs associated with our enlarged premises and the additional staff member recruited last year. Our decision to discontinue the hostel project meant that we contacted each donor or grant provider and arranged to either return the donations/grants to them or to gain permission to repurpose the donations for the general use of the charity.
Cornerstone Care in Confidence Reserves policy Cornerstone aims to maintain reserves in unrestricted funds equal to approximately three rnonths, total annual expenditure as a matter of general financial prudence. Additional reserves are currently being held to meet known, and anticipated, future commitments in meeting Cornerstone's planned activities. Approval by the Trustees th This report was approved by the Trustees on 18 June 2024.
Cornerstone Care in Confidence Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Cornerstone Care in Confidence on the accounts for the year ended 31st March 2024 Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner Cornerstone's Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It Is my responsibility to: examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charlties Act, to follow the procedures laid down in the 8eneral Directions given by the Charitv Commission (under section 145(5)Ibl of the Charities Act, and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent examiner's statement My exarnination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charitv Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also Includes consideratlon of any unusual iterns or d isclosures in the account5 and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fairf view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent examiner's statement In connection with my examination. no material matters have come to my attention whlch 8ives me cause to believe that in, any material re5peGt: accountin8 records were not kept in accordance with sectlon 130 of the Charities Act, or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records. I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Name: FkroL J FU Date: 28hl2
Cornerstone Care in Confidence Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Cornerstone Care in Confidence on the accounts for the year ended 31" March 2024 Respective responslbilities of Trustees and Examiner Cornerstone's Trustees are responsible for the preparatlon of the accounts. The Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to: examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act, to follow the procedures laid down In the general Directions given by the Charlty Commission (under section 145{5>(b) of the Charitles Act, and to state whether particular matters have come to my attentlon. Basss of independent examinerfs statement My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions glven by the Charlty Commission. An examination includes a review of the accountin8 records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual iterns or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fairf view and the report is limited to those rnatters set out in the statement below. Independent examiner's Statement In connection with my examinatlon, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any materlal respect: accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act, or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records. I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attentlon should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Name: Signed: Date:
Cornerstone Care in Confidence Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st March 2024 General Fund Receipts and Payments Account Note 2024 2023 Receipts Donations Grants Fund Raislng Bank Interest Gift Aid Recovered Other Income Total recelpts 38,226 30,243 184 44,452 22 8,872 77 83,850 14,126 484 6,195 240 Payments Salaries and other staff costs Fund Raisin8 Costs Rent, Rates, Power and Utilities Repairs Supervlslon Office expenses (including telephone, software, stationary, postage) Publicity (including website, videos, social media and printing costs) Insurances (Professional indemnity, contents etc) Subscrlptions and Memberships Client support, Outreach Donations made Staff & volunteer tralning Miscellaneous Total payments 49,947 6,337 20,448 114 112 2,094 36,283 14,806 15,720 1,464 1,929 2,314 1,331 I,soo 1,238 220 344 1,200 1,734 145 86,509 98 70 1,975 563 90 75,567 Net recelpts/lpayrnents) for the year Transfer from/{to) other Funds General Fund at 1st April 2023 General Fund at 31st March 2024 (27,238) 16,341 47,957 37,060 8,283 (3,000) 42,674 47.957
Cornerstone Care in Confidence Hostel Fund Receipts and Payments Account (Restricted Fund) Note 2024 2023 Recelpts Donations Grants Bank Interest Gift Aid Recovered Total recelpts 5,500 50,000 15 125 55.69) 1,400 Payments Hostel project expenses Returned grants and donations Total payments 11 10 55,000 55,CrfX) 11 Net recelpts/(payments) for the year Transfer from/(to) General Fund Hostel Fund at I. April 2023 Hostel Fund at 31" March 2024 690 115,956) 16,327 1,061 1,389 3,000 11,937 16,327 Baby Boutique Fund Receipts and Payments Account (Restrlcted Fund) Note 2024 2023 Recelpts Donations Grants Bank Interest Gift Aid Recovered Total recelpts 1,940 380 1,940 Payments Cllent support Expenses Total payments 172 62 234 75 75 Net recelpts/(payments) for the year Transfer from/(to) General Fund Baby Boutique Fund at 1st April 2023 Baby Boutlque Fund at 31" March 2024 1,865 (385) 356 1,836 146 210 356
Cornerstone Care in Confidence Statement of Assets and Llabilities as at 31" March 2024 Note 2024 2023 Cash and Bank Balances Santander Treasurers Account Santander Deposit Account Localgiving Account Hubb.Church Account Total 7,278 32,622 56 45,605 18,587 447 39,957 Representlng balances In these funds: General Fund (including reserves) Hostel Fund (Restricted) Baby Boutique Fund (Restricted) Total 37,060 1,061 1,836 39,957 47,957 16,327 356 The Receipts and Payments Accounts and Statements of Assets and Liabilitles set out on pages 7 to 9, together with the Notes to the Accounts on pages 10 and 11 were approved by th the Trustees on 18 June 2024. Signed Treasurer
Cornerstone Care in Confidence Notes to the Accounts 1. Basls of preparatlon of the accounts These accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis In accordance with Section 133 Charities Act 2011. 2. Donatlons Thls represents donations from indivlduals, churches and companles who have donated money to Cornerstone with no specific purpose 3. Grants Cornerstone benefited from various 8rants for general usage over the year, in partlcular Places for People gave £1,190 to allow us to pay for additional hours for the Baby Boutique manager Huntingdon Town Council gave £500 towards the Baby Boutlque St Neots branch of The Royal Naval Association gave £250 towards the Baby Boutlque for the purchase of baby formula milk 4. Fund Ralslng The major fundraising event for 2023-24 was the Annual Golf Day which raised £9,652 in addition we had a successful Curry Evening with the entertainment provided by "Indian Elvis" which raised £3,939. 5. Publlclty Thls year Cornerstone invested in the production of professional videos to hlghlight our work which can be used at events as well as on our website, these highlight inteNiews with both staff and clients describing the difference our service has made to their lives. We also experimented with engaging a social media company to raise wider public awareness of our services on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). Following this trial we will be allocating resources from our own team to continue this during 2024. 6. Donatlons made As members of the Pregnancy Centres Network, the trustees agreed that following our successful Fundraising Banquet we would make a £100 per month donatlon to PCN this year. 10
Cornerstone Care in Confidence 7. Transfers from Hostel Fund Following the decision of the trustees not to continue with the setup of our own hostel a5 described on page 3 all donors were contacted and where permission was obtained to reuse their donations for the wider purposes of Cornerstone thls Is shown here. In addition the additional seed fundin8 for the hostel from the General fund was returned. 8. Transfers from Baby Boutlque Fund This represents funds that were provided toward the salary of the Baby Boutique manager that has been paid out of the General Fund. 9. Grants to Hostel Fund We successfully won a grant of £IO.000 towards the Hostel Fund however once the decision was taken not to continue this project it was returned to the National Lottery as shown under note 10. We also received a grant of £40,000 towards the cost of one particular property however when this was no longer avallable it was returned to the donor as had been previously agreed. 10. Returned grants and donatlons Following the closure of the Hostel Fund the £10,000 grant from the National Lottery as well as a £5,000 individual donation were returned as requested. This figure also includes the £40,000 mentioned in note 9. 11