Charity registration number 1106747 Company registratlon number 04670523 {England and Wales) CARERS CARELINE ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
CARERS CARELINE LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Trustees Mrs A Vaughan Mrs H K Leedham Mr R Crawford Mrs F J Mitchell (Chair) Mrs S Leeson (Appointed 17 July 2024) Secretary Mrs E Gibson Di Meo Charity number 1106747 Company number 04670523 Registered office Room 1 Ecumenical Centre 6 Evesham Walk Redditch Worcestershire B97 4EX Independent examiner Garry Rutter The Oakley Kidderminster Road Droitwich Worcestershire WR9 9AY
CARERS CARELINE CONTENTS Page Report ofthe chair Trustees, report 3-12 Independent examiner's report 13 statement of financial activities 14 Balance sheet 15 Notes to the financial statements 16-23
CARERS CARELINE REPORT OF THE CHAIR FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024 Overview Another year passes, we have seen so many changes but for a lot of our carers not much has changed and the need for a charity like Carers Careline remains as strong as ever. So. l am pleased to report that the charity has managed yet another successful year supporting carers in the local community Ihrough the charity's programme of services. In addition to this, the staff team and volunteers have worked hard to ensure our service users are connected to the Gommunity and have access to the informalion and the advice they need to support them in their caring role. Our Chief Officer, Erica, has been careful to manage and secure the funding required to continue operations into this financial year and beyond allowing the organisation to deliver its full programme of seNices and continue to develop new ones to meet our carers needs as we continue to register more new carers year on year. l am delighted to say we are in a good place to provide our services to unpaid carers across the local community of Redditch for a 371h year. After exploring opportunities, over the year, we have developed a new seNice which will be launched in November 2024, connecting carers in real-time to information, advice, signposting and events in the local community. This has been made possible through our network and partnerships across the community and will allow us to extend our limited resources providing valuable and additional support. I would lika to thank our dedicated team of staff, volunteers and trustees and the support from our valued carers and funders. By working together we believe we are really making a difference to unpaid carers in our local community and hope to be in a position to do so for many more years to come. The Board of Trustees The board of trustees continue to fully support the Chief Officer and her staff. They have confidence in their ability to manage the organisation in a way that will achieve the organisations expected outcomes and are willing to work hard to make sure they have the appropriate knowledge and skills. In March 2024 the board said goodbye to Peter Williams however we expect a new member will join in July 2024. Our trustees bring a wealth of experien in the care and voluntsry sector and first-hand experience of caring, which we hope will contribute to the ongoing success of Carers Careline. We are always looking for anyone in the local community who believes they could bring value to our organisation to be a trustee. We would welcome both carers and non-carers, anyone who has a willingness to understand the issues around caring and support the long- term future of Carers Careline. The Staff The organisation employs three members of staff on a part-time basis. All the staff are experienced in the sector and bring a huge range of skills, knowledge and understanding to their individual roles and to the team as a whole. We are fortunate to have Erica, Becky and Natalie all working for us. The Volunteers The organisation could not survive nor continue to provide the services it does without our volunteers. They support our telephone support service. newsletter and lead in many of our support groups. We continue to see many on a regular basis in the office some connecting with our carers through telephone support others by hosting our support groups or helping with special projects. We are so grateful for their ongoing work and commilment.
CARERS CARELINE REPORT OF THE CHAIR (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024 Technol The use of technology lo help manage Ihe organisabons. ability b deliver the outcomes Ihal funders expect. and carers benefit from has now become par8mounl. Using social medla,. X, Facebook. and Instagram lo promote the organisalion and the tools available lo us through mobile phones such as texts and emails lo both promote and communicate with carers and their wder neiwork has become part of the norm. Our priority remains to replace our current database lo provlde an improved method of service user management whilst maintaining thè highest level of security. update the phone system as the copper telephonè neiwork comes lo an end in 2025 and rebuild the website lo make it easier lo navigate and lo find inlomialion. These all come al a very high cost for a small organisalion like Carers Careline. We will nèed lo investigate in order lo understand the costs involved in Ihese projects and apply for specific funding and grants in order lo make these changes. The Flnances The National Lottery Community Fund Gianl has created a degree of stability over the last four years covering a percenlage of our core costs until 2025. As this funding covers approximately 40% of our organisalional expenditurè we ne lo find Ihe balance Ihrolrgh other granl applications, donalions and fundraising. Typically land historically) we make numerous applications each year lo many grant funding organisalions, and although Ihese have tended lo be small sums in the past we have been very fortunate lo have been suceessful in securing a grant from the Heart Of England Inclusive Communities, one from Reddilch Borough Council and another from WorceslershSre County Council Publ1¢ Health which have enabled us lo meet the balance required. Thls funding along wilh olhef small grants, donations and our fundraising efforts allow us lo make up the shortfall. Finding thesè opportunities and securing Ihem for Ihe purposes of our Ofganisalion is becomlng more and morè difficult as competilion for funding continues lo grow. However. we are able lo report that we are continuing lo provide support lo carers in a focused and prescribed way allowing us lo meet our promised objectives putting Lts in the best P05ilion possible. The Outlook As an organisalion we are well placed lo succeed. We have an experienced board of ITuslees that are focused on good govemance. We have staff Ihal are committed lo and have adopted the values of Ihe organisation and understand the need for flexibility and a group of committed volunteers that work with the staff and seem always willing lo do more. The costf-1jV1rtg crisis will undoubtedly continue lo stretch us as an organisatlon bul as we have done before, we wll meet thls by adapting lo the environment we work in and flex lo new ways of working. Fiona Mitchell Chalr of Trustees Date: .
CARERS CARELINE TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024 The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2024. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association the Companies Act 2006 and °A¢¢ounting 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 January 2019). ObJe¢tives and activities Mission statement To promote the health, m8ntal and emotional wellbeing of adult carers in the local community through the identification of hidden carers, early intervention. preventative action and pastoral care. Objectives To locate and engage carers in Redditch. To promote our support seNices to carers in Redditch. To provide volunteer and Iraining opportunities. - To enhance personal value, confidence, positive interaclion and hope. - To help remove barriers for unemployed carers to access employment. - To offer a safe environment to provide training to adult carers. Vision To achieve continued growth in the number of adult informal carers in the local community for whom we provide support. Public benefit The charity acknowledges its requirement to demonstrate clearfy that it must have charitable purposes or 'aims" that are for the public benefit. The trustees confirm that they have paid due regard to the Charily Commission guidance on public benefit before deciding what activities the charity should undertake. Achievements and performance Charitable activities Carers Careline is a registered charity, established in March 1988, supporting informal and unpaid adult carers in Redditch for over 36 years. Many carers do not identify themselves as such, they are simply caring for a family member or friend and feel that it is their duty to look after them. With an ever-aging population. more and more people find themselves taking on the role of carer and are having to deal with the impact of that on their own lives. Many carers acknowledge that they often feel stressed, isolated and lonely, exhausted, frustrated, don't know where to go for help and find themselves struggling financially. However, most of these Garers would not willingly give up this role but would jusl like more support. Carers Careline works hard to identify these 'hidden' carers and offers help and support. We also offer support to people who are 'recovering' from the demands of their caring role and seeking to rebuild their lives. The organisation will continue to adapt its services to meet adult unpaid carer needs.
CARERS CARELINE TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024 We offer a range of services to Engage. EnriGh, Empower and Enable carers. We engage with carers through our proactive Telephone Support Service run by staff and volunteers, our monthly Newsletter and daily Drop-ln sessions- Monday to Wednesday. We enrich carers, lives by funding Support Group adivities. These include regular Creative Writing sessions, Craft Groups. and a monthly coffee morning get togethers. Each quarter we hold events where both the carer and 'cared for. can attend. We also run subsidised weekly Gentle Keep Fit sessions and organise breakfasts and lunches to encourage networking and peer support. Our ambition to offer Respite has become a reality through our Community Partnership, another charitable organisation. Through Carefree we are able to provide 2-night hotel breaks for carers to take advantage of and take a break from their caring role. We empower and enable carers by offering a Form Filling service to navigate the maze of adult services and benefit applications and we fund counselling for those with immediate need for further support. Working in the community for many years with unpaid carers, understanding the carer's life Gycle, we also support those that are recovering from the demands of their caring role. usually "Life after Carers" Those who have lost loved ones they have cared for and who continue to need our support through our funded Bereavement Group led by a qualified counsellor. We are local, accessible, and available. The organisation will continue to adapt its services to respond to and meet carer needs. In November 2024 we will launch Carers Connect, a new WhatsApp group to engage with those seNice users who register to provide real- time advice. support, signposting and reminders about diarised Carers Careline and local community events. Over the years the organisation has adapted and evolved to continue to meet the ever-changing circumstances of its environment, weathering the Pandemic and now the Cost of Living Crisis. As we seek to find new opportunities there will be challenges. some of those known such as funding and IT. the bigger challenge and unknown will be the conlinued increase in the cost of living, political instability and extemal forces that continue to affect and influence the UK economy and the rest of the world. Even after 3 years since lockdown rules were fully lifted the ripple effect from the Pandemic continues. Confidence to go out for many of our more elderly cohort is still a challenge, many 'cared for, remain vulnerable and due to the demographic of our carers many continue to shield or at the very least consider their actions taking into consideration ¢ovid and the news of new strains. The staff and volunteers have worked hard to maintain Connections. build carer confidence and support services users whilst continuing to offer a full programme of service and develop opportunities. The organisation currently employs 3 part time members of staff. The team of 17 volunteers including trustees continue to support us in many ways including delivering our programme of services and sitting on the board. We have a team of telephone support volunteers. other dedicated volunteers who lead and support our support groups and others who offer their support with special projects in the office. The trustees would like to record their thanks to the staff and volunteers for their hard work and commitm8nt.
CARERS CARELINE TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) {CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024 We continue to face IT challenges as technology moves at pace. The issue of restricted server access remains a risk to the organisation. All our other systems are now cloud based however the client database, which is critical to the organisation to continue to provide support to our service users, remains on the server. We have explored new database options and looked at migrating the database in order to provide a more robust solution for access in the oftice and remotely but this still remains a challenge as it requires time and money lo look at options and implement a cut over to a new database. Other challenges are the need for a new website and a new phone system when the analogue switch off takes place and the copper network is retired in 2025. Each year Carers Careline relies on grants, donations and fundraising in order to Gontinue the invaluable programme of services offered to carers in the local community. Without this funding the organisation would not exist. It is hoped that our dogged approach to finding funding over the last 36 years is robust enough to support the continuation of the charity for many years to come. We are at the end of year 4 of the 5-year National Lottery's Community Fund Grant scheme. This funding has covered approximately 44 % of our organisational expenditure this year. As our costs continue to rise this will reduce to around 40 % in the next financial year. Over the year we have managed lo find the balance required through grant awards, donations and fundraising. Having funds that are unrestricted allow the organisation to adapt and strengthen according to identified needs. The Trustees would like to record their gralitude for the continuing support from grants awarded by the National Lottery Community Fund and Redditch Borough Council. Plus their gratitude for support from the Heart of England Inclusive Communities and Harry Payne Trust grants, Worcestershire County Council Public Heallh, The Grimmitt Trust, Magic Little Grants and the balance of funding from The Eveson Trust that continues to support our counselling sessions year on year. These grants underpin the organisations ¢ore costs in order to ensure we Can continue to offer our programme of services. The impact of all these grants on a small organisation should not be underestimated. The Trustees would also like to record their gratitude to those individuals who have donated this year,. a legacy donation from the late Tricia Pursey, donations from the Redditch Round Table and The Inner Wheel, Redwing Solutions, a number of very generous carers and individuals who support us each year and our volunteers who not only donate their time but their expenses back to the organisation. Special thanks also to Haywood Lodge and Millcroft care homes and to Alestones Micro pub for hosting events and support groups over the year. And to the local supermarkets Asda. Tesco. Morrisons and Farmfoods for their support with donations for raffles and food for events. As we noted last year, we enter into the new financial year which remains an unknown once more. No one is clear on how the continued energy price rises or the cost of living crisis will affect us as an organisation. We know we will continue to face higher costs when it comes to the delivery of our charilable activities and operations. what impact this will have is uncertain. We will need to monitor this carefully and find further to ways io reduce our costs. We have secured funding for our new financial year and on paper remain in a healthy position to continue to offer our services beyond. This is due to th& differing financial years and timelines grants are awarded in against our own financial year.
CARERS CARELINE TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024 Speclal projects The aim of the charity is to provide emotional and practical support to unpaid carers. Over the many years of the charity's existence the population of life after carers has organically grown, resulting in a 60140 split of carers to life afler carers with no agreed process on how to manage this cohort longer term as their needs change or they themselves require care. The last 6 months one of our projects has been to concentrate our efforts on understanding how we should manage this ¢ohort and agree a process for how the organisation will operate in future to ensure we remain focussed on our aims to support unpaid carers. Out of the 122 life after carers we have historically supported and who remained on our database at the beginning of the financial year, we found that many that we spoke to did not require our newsletter anymore nor did they require regular calls through our telephone support service which they had requested previously when they were carers. Many said that our setvice had been extremely valuable to them whilst being a carer, but they had moved on and were happy to take support from other organisations in the community who were more suited to their needs. such as Age UK. This enabled the organisation to reallocate the time spent providing support to life after carers to further support the unpaid carers who are registered with us. We have also been able lo reduce our postage costs significantly by reducing the distribution of those newsletters we sent by post to life after carers who no longer requir8d our newsletter. Furthermore, the organisation has agreed a process to manage future life after carers. We will provide life after carers with support between 6 to 12 months after a bereavement with regular monthly calls, transitioning those who want to have further support to our bereavement group, which is held monthly and which we have secured funding for, for the next two years, through Worcestershire County Council's Stay Connected grant which addresses social isolation and loneliness and is a priority of the grant. Carers Carellne Pro ramme of Services "You do such a great job. It s so good to have local support" Our priority is to give our service users support that enables them to keep caring. We do this through our programme of services. What makes Carers Careline special is that some of the services offered are not ones that would routinely be available via olher local agencies including proactive telephone support, face to face drop-ins. practical help with benefit applications. offering fully funded counselling and most importantly, a willingness to listen in a non-judgemental way. We are local. accessible and available. The organisation also supports the full life Cycle of being a carer and beyond, offering bereavement support for the loss of a loved one or those cared for. A proportion of those we support are life-after carers recovering from the demands of their cartng role who continue to need our care to remain healthy both mentally and physically and, most importantly. independent. Leveraging our database. we ke8P UP to date records of all our service users, their activity and history, our conversations, the advice we provide, the signposting we use direct clients and the successes we have with benefit applications. This allows us to more personally connect with each individual we speak to and provide a sense of continuity in our communications. Something we really pride ourselves on - making sure the little things are taken care of like sending a "big" birthday Card or a simple "thinking of you.. "Thank you for everythlng and for always thlnking about mel"
CARERS CARELINE TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024 Telephone and Emall Support Service "Thank you foryour call- you are a breath of fresh airl" Telephone Support remains a key seNice of the organisation and continues to be the charity's main lifeline in keeping connections alive with our service users, many who just find it impossible to realise or allow themselves the time to get away from their caring role outside of the home. Over the year we made a total of 2094 calls, sent 584 emails and 366 texts to our service users averaging 174 calls. 48 emails and 30 texts per month for those 170+ registered for the service. Typically calls to our service users last anywhere from 1040 minutes with an average of 25 minutes per call. This equates to 52,400 minutes or 873 hours personally connecting with them through our Telephone Support service. We also sent out 138 letters and cards. This service continues to be invaluable and key, first and foremost in supporting carers who are stuck at home and secondly to provide relevant and up to date information on the organisations own service programm& plus local service5. signposting and advice. Newsletter "Congratulations great jobl" Our newsletter is another lifeline. It's aim is s to work in parallel with our telephone support and drop-in services to maintain strong connections with our service users and contribute to their health and well-being, reassuring them that we are always here when and if they need us. providing a little emotional security and where possible loads of practical support.. We continue to find and allocate funding to the newsletter to produce and send it out on a monthly basis by post and electronically. Included is a calendar of all our support group dates and events in the local community which aim to put service users in touch with others and, as importantly, to ensure carers are updated with the latest news and hot topics related to their caring role. Our objective as always is to keep our service users informed. to give them hope and to keep them positive. We added a third page to the newsletter 6 months into the financial year to ensure not only our diary of events is included but also other events in the local community - where further peer and mutual support and emotional and practical support could be derived As part of our LAC project we also have tried to encourage as many service users as possible to take our newsletter electronically to save on costs such and printing. paper and postage. We successfully reduced our postage of newsletters from 170 to 105 a month, in turn reducing our costs across the year by £780. We will continue to encourage as many of our service users as possible to take our newsletter by email however many of our services users, by the nature of their role. a elderly and Cannot use the internet or leave the person they are caring for to get out of the house themselves. The newsletter is a way of Gonnecting them with our organisation. We also send our newsletter out by email to our wider neOrk including our funders, organisations we are aligned with and consortiums and groups we are part of. Drop-in Service "Thank you $0 much. l am $0 glad I came Upi I feel better talking to you" The Drop-ln service offers "walk-in" face to face support The main aim of this service is to offer help and information, signpost to aligned organisations or just be available for a chat and a cuppa with a friendly face. Amongst many things the service can provide carers with the reassuran that they are on the right track. a chance to vent their feelings and fruslrations in a non-judgmental environment or in some cases simply provide a sympathetic shoulder to cry on. In the previous year we had 281 drop-ins, 216 this year. Our Drop-in service has not retumed to pre-pandemic figures, and it is our belief as a consequence of the pandemic that the confidence of some service users to get out has been affected as they continue to choose to remain at home. However. providing this service allows, on o¢casion, to capture those carers who are at crisis point and have nowhere else to turn to seek help.
CARERS CARELINE TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024 Form filling "Many, many thanks for all your support and advice...I wouldn't have been able to get attendance allowance without it." The main aim of this service is to help service users navigate the maze of adult services. The staff team are able to offers help. advice and assistance to ensure service users get the benefits to which they are entitled and handhold them through the application process. This service grows from strength to strength and has supported 74 appointments, a 25 % increase on last year with over 161 hours of slaff time. Over the year Ihe team successfully applied for 6 Blue Badge permits, 6 Attendance Allowance benefits and 2 Personal Independen Payments (PIPI. Support Groups "Please pass on my thanks to everyone who planned. prepared and cooked our meal. ft's always good to meet up with everyone and natter our heads offjlll" The main aim of our Support Group service is to enable service users to meet each other, build friendships and develop their own supportive networks of people who know and understand the ups and downs and the joys and frustrations of being a carer. The organisation ran 86 face to face support groups including a monthly craft group, creative wriling workshop and our coffee shop meeting sponsored by the owner of a local café, Aroma, plus weekly keep fit sessions. We held quarterly events for both the carer and the cared for including this year, our Christma5 Coffee afternoon. Winter Warmer hosted by Millcroft Care Home. Easter Chocolate Tombola and Summer Cream Tea hosted by Haywood Lodge. Community collaborations have played a key role in our events where we have invited speakers from local organisations to inform our service users about the support they provide in the local community. The Your Health Your Wellbeing {YHYW) NHS Health Van turned out to be a very successful collaboration. We hosted the van at 4 events and support groups over the year. The Health Van allowed our carers, who find it difficult to find the time to access health care for themselves, to take advantage of the their face-to-face service whilst attending one of our events. The Health Van team carried out checks on blood pressure, prelabeteS and cholesterol. They also listened to any concerns individuals had about their general health and were able to feed back to the carers GP'S if they felt certain individuals had issues that required further invesligation for early intervention which was the case with some of our carers. Counselling 'A big thanks to Carers Careline for all the support with the private counselllng I had, it was very mu¢h appreciated" The aim of this service is to further promote the mental health and emotional wellbeing of our carers and life-after carers with the provision of immediate referral for Gounselling. The organisation work5 closely with 2 fully qualified counsellors. This service is key to the mental health of some of our service users and has supported 13 carers and life-after carers over 34 sessions helping them to overcome the Ghallenges they face. Bereavement Group "Just to say thank you for all your support glven to me during the loss of my mum - You all do a wonderful Jobj" The airn of this group is to support anyone who is struggling to cope with loss. This is another group where developing new friendships and connections can make a big impact on people's lives and some of our members of this group now meet up to go for lunch or coffee and are beginning to see that life goes on. The organisation ran 12 groups, one each month. with 128 attendees over the year. We understand that this service is vital in supporting the "life cycle" of many of our service users. the Bereavement Group provides this continuation.
CARERS CARELINE TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024 Respite 'The break gave me the chance to totally relax with a friend and enjoy time for myself without anyone relying on me. I came home feeling more positive and ready to resume my caring role" We have continued to promote our Respite service offering carers 2-night hotel breaks through our Community Partnership and paid membership with Carefree. Carefree are a charitable organisation who have themselves partnered with a number of hotels nationwide to identify some of the 1 million hotel rooms that lie vacant each week across the UK and offer them lo unpaid carers for free 2-night hotel breaks away from their caring responsibilities. In this financial year we have made 3 referrals, and 8 carers have taken breaks. Although the break is free, there is a small administration fee of £33 to book the break which Carers Careline covers to provide this wonderful opportunity. Cares Careline also pay at membership fee of £360 to be a community partner. To date we have had breaks gifted to the value of£3850. We continue to explore how we can find ways of offering Respite to carers and in December we hope lo partner with a care provider who will be gifting a number of care at home sessions for carers to trial as part of a larger offering to provide support to carers who need further care provision. Impact and outcomes At the end of last year, we reported a client list of 325 service users. We mentioned in our pOrt last year that our life after carer population has significantly increased through the evolution of the caring role and that we would need to find aligned organisations to signpost these service users to in order to concentrate our efforts back on our charity's aims. Since then we have completed our life after carer project and now support 251 service users made up of 213 carers and 38 life after carers. We registered 22 new carers over the year. We rely heavily on our telephone support service, drop-ins and other faoe to face communication to gain feedback from our seNice users. We are very lucky to be in regular contact with many of our carers as we suppori them throughout the year and are able to capture their responses to our support. Consullation at ourAGM with our team is key to understanding how we meet carers needs. Electronic questionnaires and digital surveys are not a suitable option for most of our seNice users Gonsidering 620/0 of our service users are over 65. Access to these types of technologies remains a challenge.
CARERS CARELINE TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024 Data and Statistics 021-2022 32 12 022-2023 325 023-2024 251 22 ervice Users New carers ervice elephone support elephone calls Number of minslhours Letterslcards Emails exts By post (carers & LAC) leclronically (carers, nders and network} Number of drop-ins Number of appointments Blue Badge ttendance Ailowance pip Number of groups Number of attendees Number of groups Number of attendees Number of sessions Number of carers Number of referrals Number of breaks 172 4,3001905 165 316 376 59,4001990 167 330 094 52,4001873 138 584 366 1650 400 Newsletter 024 1860 LAC rop-in Form Filling 14 81 59 218 74 upport Events Groups 86 758 12 128 68 12 785 11 87 Bereavement Group Counselling 30 10 10 13 Respite In addition to our usual services, the organisation seized on an opportunity to work with Age UK and Citizens Advice. As part of the Worcestershire Advice Network {WAN), Age UK were delegated the responsibility to manage part of the household support fund WAN voucher scheme for carers. state pensioners and those living with long term illness andlor disability. Age UK agreed to work with Carers Careline to allow our organisation to send carer referrals directly inlo them (once permission to share details had been given the by the carerl. Age UK then contacted our carers and by the end of the financial year we had successfully referred 20 carers who were awarded a total of £3600 in cash vouchers wtth many more referrals in the pipeline into the new financial year. Financial revi8W Total incoming resources for the year were £84,256 and total resources expended were £79,360 Th8 net movement in funds amounted to a surplus of £5028. The retained reserves at 30 June 2024 were £79.001 made up 01 £2023 in restricted funds. £22,000 designated reserve and £55.110 in unrestricted funds. The £55,110 c2rried over is made up of £26,677 from the Heart of England Inclusive Communities grant and £5000 from Redditch Borough Council VCS paid in May leaving £23,433 carried over from donations. fundraising and small grants we have received throughout the previous financial years. The trustees have reviewed the internal financial controls during the past year. Reserves policy The trustees have considered the level of reserves they wish to retain, appropriate to the charity's needs. This is based on the charity's Size and the level of financial commitments held. The Irustees aim to ensure the charity will be able to continue to fulfil its charitsble objectives even if there is a temporary shortfall in income or unexpected expenditure. The trustees will endeavour not to set aside funds unnecessarily. 10-
CARERS CARELINE TRUSTEES, REPORT {INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024 The Trustees have assessed the major risks to whiGh the charity is exposed. and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks. Structure? governance and management Governing document The charity is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association as amended on 2nd March 2015, 29th July 2008, 15th January 2008 and 17th January 2007, which establishes the objects and powers of the charily. Charity constitution The charity was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee on 19th February 2003. The Trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of Company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: Mrs A Vaughan Mrs H K Leedham Mr P R Williams Mr R Crawford Mrs F J Mitchell (Chair) Mrs S Leeson (Resigned 19 April 2024) (Appointed 17 July 2024) Recruitment and appointment of new trustees New trustees are appointed by the existing board based on personal recommendation or expressions of interest. Statement of Trustees. responsibilities The Trustees, who are a150 the directors of Carers Careline for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting practi>. Company Law requires the Trustees to prepa financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the stale of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources. including the income and expenditure. of the charitable company for that year. In preparing these financial statements. the Trustees are required to- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently., observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP; make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent., state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed. subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements- and prepare the financial statements on the going concem basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will Continue in operation. The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and delection of fraud and other irregularities. 11
CARERS CARELINE TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024 The Truslees. report was approved by ihe Board of Trustees. Mrs F J Mitchell (Chair) Trustee Date: ... 12-
CARERS CARELINE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF CARERS CARELINE I report on the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 30 June 2024. which are set out on pages 14 to 23. Respective responsibilities of Trustees and examiner The Gharity's Trustees, who are also the directors of Carers Careline for the purposes of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. The Trustees consider Ihat an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the CharFties Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to: examine the financial statements under section 145 of the 2011 Act., {ii) to follow the procedures laid down in Ihe general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145{5)(bl of the 2011 Act., and (iii) to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basls of independent examlner's report My examinalion was carried out in acGordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a ¢omparrson of the financial statements presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements. and seeking explanations from you as 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 financial statements present a 'true and fair view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the next statement. Independent examinerfs statement In connection wilh my examination. no matter has come to my attention.. (a) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements: to keep accounting records in accordan with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006. and {ii) to prepare financial statements which accord with the accounting records. comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and prin¢iples of the statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities", (ill} which are consislent with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities., have not been met or (b) to whi¢h. in my opinion, a financial statements to be tion should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of th8 ched. er FCA The Oakley Kidderminster Road Droitwich Worcestershire WR9 9AY Dated. ..Y.. l!a.1.202* 13-
CARERS CARELINE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024 Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2024 2024 Total Total 2024 2023 Notes Income from". Donations and legacies 49,256 35,000 84,256 60.824 enditure on: Charitable activites and support costs 42.834 36,526 79,360 69,088 Net incomel{expenditure) for the year Net movement in funds 6,422 (1,5261 4,896 (8,264) Fund balances at 1 July 2023 70,556 3,549 74,105 82,369 Fund balances at 30 June 2024 76.978 2.023 79,001 74.105 The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities. The statement of financial activities also complies Wlth the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006. 14-
CARERS CARELINE BALANCE SHEET ASAT30 JUNE 2024 2024 2023 Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 12 173 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 13 897 79,117 1,096 73,772 80,014 74,868 Credltors: amounts falllng due within one year 14 (1,0171 1936) Net current assets 78,997 73.932 Total assets less current Ilabllltles 79,001 74.105 The funds of the charity Reslricled income fvnds un$triCted fund5 17 16 2,023 76,978 3.549 70,556 79,001 74,105 The company is entiued lo the exemption from Ihe audit requSrement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006. for the year ended 30 June 2024. The Trustees acknowledgè their responsibililles for ensuring that Ihe charity keeps accounting records which comply with section 386 of the Act and for preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the slate of affairs of Ihe company as at the end of the financial year and of ils incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for Ihe financlal year in accordance with the requirements of secllons 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relaling to financial statements, so far as applicable lo the company. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its finanal statements for the year in question In accordance with seclion 476. These financlal statements have been prepared In accordance with the provislons applicable lo companies sublecl to Ihe small companles reglme. Mrs J Mitchell {Chair) Trustee Company registration numbèr 04670523 (England and Wales) 15-
CARERS CARELINE BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED) AS AT 30 JUNE 2024 Critical accounting estimates and judgements In the application of the charity's accounting policies, the Truslees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are conSided to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods. Accounting policies Charity information Carers Careline is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Room 1 Ecumenical Centre. 6 Evesham Walk, Redditch, Worcestershire, B97 4EX. 2.1 Accounting convention The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the charity's memorandum and Articles ofAssociation. the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Siatement 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 from 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102. The charity has tsken advantsge of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows. The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £. The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below. 2.2 Charitable funds Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives. Restricted fvnds are subject to specific Conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements. 2.3 Incoming resources All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. 16-
CARERS CARELINE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024 Accounting policies {Continued) 2.4 Resources expended Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third paty, 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 beeen those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocaled on the basis of time spent. and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset's use. Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. 2.5 Tangible flxed assets Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost, net of depreciation and any impairment losses. Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the Cost of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases: Office equipment straight line basis over 3 years The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activilies. 2.6 Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. 2.7 Financial instruments The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 'Basic Financial Instruments, and Section 12 'Other Financial Instruments Issues, of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments. Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets and liabilities are offset, wilh the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. 2.8 Employee benefits The Cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee's seNi¢es are received. 2.9 Retirement benefits Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due. 17-
CARERS CARELINE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024 Accounting policies (Continued) 2.10 Fund accounting Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements. Income from donations and legacles Unrestrlcted Restricted funds funds 2024 2024 Total Unrestricted Restrlcted funds funds 2023 2023 Total 2024 2023 Donations and gifts Legacies Grants 3,879 1,000 44,377 3,879 1.000 79,377 3,155 2,591 15,078 3.155 2.591 55.078 35,000 40.000 49,256 35,000 84,256 20,824 40,000 60.824 Grants The National Lottery Community Fund Redditch Borough Council -vcs Redditch Borough Council (Social Prescribing) The Harry Payne Trust (HOECF) Inclusive Communities Fund (HOECF) The Grimmitt Trust Local Giving Co-op Local Community Fund Worcestershire County Council - Public Health Grant Other 35,000 35.000 40,000 40,000 10,000 10.000 10,000 10,000 2.117 2.117 2,000 2,000 26,677 1,200 500 26,677 1.200 500 2.461 2.461 4,000 4,000 500 500 44.377 35,000 79377 15078 40000 55078 18-
CARERS CARELINE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024 Charltable activities 2024 2023 Staff costs Telephone support Counselling Support groups Rent and room hire Respite costs Newsletter Volunteer expenses 40,439 2,055 1,526 3,392 6,257 620 1.995 187 31.684 2.338 1.085 4.593 5.972 1.832 56,471 47.504 Share of support costs (see note 6) Share of governance costs (see note 6) 22,367 522 20,930 654 79,360 69,088 Analysis by fund Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 42,834 36.526 28,003 41,085 79,360 69,088 Descrlption of charltable activities To promote the health, mental and emotlonal wellbeing of adult carers. especially the elderly, in the local community through the identification of hidden carers, early intervention. preventative action and pastoral care. 19-
CARERS CARELINE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024 Support costs Support Governance costs costs 2024 Support Governance costs costs 2023 Total Total Staff costs Depreciation Insurance Travel costs Sundries Subscriptions Bank Charges Accounting Computer costs 18,054 169 1,177 131 1.087 265 105 18.054 169 1.177 131 1,087 265 105 522 1,379 17,512 338 905 66 658 181 206 17,512 338 905 66 658 181 206 654 1,064 522 654 1.379 1,064 22,367 522 22,889 20,930 654 21,584 Analysed beeen Charitable activities 22,367 522 22,889 20,930 654 21,584 All support costs have been allocated to the single charitable activity. Net movement in funds 2024 2023 Net movement in funds is stated after chargingl(crediting) Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets 169 338 Trustees None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year. Independent examlner's remuneratlon The analysis of independent examiner's remuneration is as follows: Fees payable to the Independent examlner: 2024 2023 Independent examinalion of the annual accounts 522 654 10 Taxation The charity is exempt from taxation on its aclivities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes. -20-
CARERS CARELINE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024 11 Employees Number of employees The average monthly number of employees during the year was.. 2024 Number 2023 Number Staff Employment costs 2024 2023 Wages and salaries Other pension costs 57.321 1,172 48,398 798 58,493 49,196 There were no employees whose annual remuneration was £60.000 or more. 12 Tangible flxed assets Office equipment Cost At 1 July 2023 6,831 At 30 June 2024 6,831 Depreciatlon and impairment At 1 July 2023 Depreciation charged in the year 6.658 169 At 30 June 2024 6.827 Carrylng amount At 30 June 2024 At 30 June 2023 173 13 Debtors 2024 2023 Amounts falling due withln one year: Prepayments and accrued income 897 1,096 -21
CARERS CARELINE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024 14 Creditors: amounts falling due wlthln one year 2024 2023 Trade creditors Other creditors Accruals and deferred income 246 93 678 281 655 1,017 936 15 Retlrement benefit schemes Defined contribution schèmes The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund. 16 Unrestricted funds The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subjed to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes. At 1 July 2023 Incoming resources Resources expended At 30 June 2024 General funds 70,556 49.256 (42,834) 76,978 Prevlous year: At 1 July 2022 Incoming resources Resources expended At 30 June 2023 General funds 77,735 20,824 {28.003) 70.556 17 Restrlcted funds The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. At 1 July 2023 Incoming resources Resources expended At 30 June 2024 The National Lottery Community Fund The Eveson Trust 35.000 (35.000) (1.526) 3.549 2,023 3.549 35,000 (36.526) 2,023 -22-
CARERS CARELINE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024 17 Restricted funds (Continued) Previous year: At 1 July 2022 Incoming resources Resources expended At 30 June 2023 The National Lottery Community Fund The Eveson Trust 40,000 {40,000) (1,085) 4,634 3.549 4,634 40,000 41,085 3,549 The National Lotte Communi Fund The National Lottery Community Fund funds are used to run the organisation's programme of seTvices including staff salaries delivering charitable activities and associated support costs. The Eveson Trust The Eveson Trust funds are used to provide counselling services for carers. 18 Analysts of net assets between funds Unrestricted funds 2024 Restricted funds 2024 Total 2024 At 30 June 2024: Tangible assets Current assetsl(liabililies) 76,974 2.023 78,997 76,978 2.023 79,001 Unrestricted funds 2023 Restricted funds 2023 Total 2023 At 30 June 2023: Tangible assets Current assetsl{liabilities) 173 70.383 173 73,932 3.549 70.556 3.549 74,105 19 Related party transactions There were no disclosable related party transadions during the year (2023 - none). -23-