## IMPACT & FINANCE REPORT 2024-2025 Bethel Health and Healing Network @BETHELHHN |**#**|**Section**|**Page(s)**| |---|---|---| |1|Cover|**1**| |2|Contents|**2**| |3|Reflections from the Chair|**3**| |4|CEO’s Statement|**4**| ||CEO’s Statement (continued)|**5–6**| |5|Doula Service|**7–9**| |6|Doula Service: Who Did We Support?|**10**| |7|Doula Service: Service User Feedback|**11**| |8|Doula Case Study ‘M’|**12**| |9|Doula Case Study ‘S’|**13**| |10|Doula Service: Potential Cost Savings|**14**| |11|Rapha Listening Service|**15**| |12|Rapha Case Study ‘C’|**16**| |13|Rapha Case Study ‘J’|**17**| |14|Rapha Service: Potential Cost Savings|**18**| |15|Rapha Service: Service User Feedback|**19–20**| |16|Volunteering at Bethel|**21**| |17|What Our Volunteers Said|**22**| |18|Volunteer Case Study ‘J’ (Doula)|**23**| |19|Volunteer Case Study ‘T’ (Rapha)|**24**| |20|Financial Review & Statements|**25**| |21|Independent Examiner’s Report|**26**| |22|Statement of Financial Activities|**27**| |23|Notes to the Financial Statements|**28-30**| ## REFLECTIONS FROM THE CHAIR I would like to take this opportunity as Chair of Bethel Health and Healing Network, to thank our wonderful Team, headed up by our CEO, Jennifer JonesRigby. Through turbulent waters she has navigated Bethel with hard graft, courage, skill and a sensitivity which always translate in providing the very best for our service users. As for the Senior Management (SMT) and staff, I’m always in awe how they demonstrate every single day that they are always prepared to go above and beyond in ensuring that every service users need are fully met. To our team of volunteers, where would we be without you? You’re unwavering support across all the services that Bethel provide makes me immensely proud of the high level of excellence that you give, nor just of your time, but quality in every effort that you do in a daily basis. Last, but not least, my team of trustees that make my role of Chair so much more easier. You are a pleasure to work alongside. Your collective wisdom, in ensuring that the organisation stays on track from a governance and legal standpoint and the support for the whole team at the charity, says everything about you that is the embodiment and soul of Bethel. You will hear all the details about how we have done and our future plans in the CEO’s report, but this year, as Chair I really felt compelled to elevate all those who have assisted and supported the collective success of Bethel. Finally, to our patron Beverley Lindsey OBE. OD, you have been a rock with your support for Bethel during 2025 and in previous years and we look forward to our continued walk into 2026 with you. ## **Duncan Moore** Bethel Health and Healing Network @BETHELHHN **3** ## CEO’S STATEMENT If I had to sum up Bethel’s last year in four phrases, they would be: - Phenomenal services provided by our teams - New and evolving partnerships - Income generation - Expanding our horizons In what continues to be a challenging time globally, many of our local communities are also facing difficult circumstances — including unfair treatment and increasing threats to the spaces meant to keep them safe. I would like to thank our incredible teams and volunteers for their tireless dedication. Every single one of them goes above and beyond to support the people they serve. Many public services are having to make significant efficiencies in their budgets. As a charity CEO, this is something we must also consider each year as we strive to do more with less. I want to commend our commissioners for continuing to recognise the value in what we do to support the most vulnerable within our communities. I am delighted to report that through various funding submissions, grants, and passive giving, Bethel has achieved improved financial performance over the previous year. This progress has brought us closer to meeting our reserves target and has enabled us to generate a healthy surplus. Our new Fairer Futures initiative has created a platform for increased partnership working and provided pathways into employment for some of the most disadvantaged communities in the city. It has also enabled us to develop “maternal voice notes” in collaboration with our Doula Team, SOS Education, and the Midwifery Teams at the new Midland Metropolitan University Hospital — a first for our city. > Bethel Health and ~~—~~ 7 @BETHELHHN Healing Network **4** ## CEO’S STATEMENT (CONTINUED...) Additionally, we have launched the first of our listening groups in West Birmingham for the first time. These groups tackle real issues faced by individuals, providing safe spaces for community members to speak openly, be heard, and gain tools to improve their mental wellbeing. Our Bumps, Birth and Beyond group meets weekly and is supported through Warm Welcome funding from Birmingham City Council. This group provides a safe, welcoming space for some of the most vulnerable women to connect and learn more about their pregnancy journey. Our YUMs teenage pregnancy support group in North Solihull was initially funded for one year through the Fairer Futures pilot. We have since been able to continue this important work thanks to funding from the Jamaica Nurses Association. We are also delighted to confirm new Awards for All funding from September 2025 to September 2026, which will allow us to extend this unique support to Erdington and other areas in need. We will continue working closely with the teenage pregnancy midwives based at Good Hope Hospital. My work with the Living Well UK Board continues at pace, representing the sector on matters of mental health and wellbeing. This includes contributing to the strategic development of services across the city and serving as a member of the Mental Health Panel. I have also contributed to the Quality Surveillance Group and Clinical Oversight Group (QSG/COG) of the Mental Health Foundation Trust and taken part as a panellist speaking to local schools about careers in mental health and wellbeing. Over the past year, my focus has been on building resilience — a theme that will continue to guide both our financial planning and the wellbeing of our teams and volunteers. This has also been a year of creating new opportunities to diversify Bethel’s offerings, including the foundation for launching a private Doula platform. > Bethel Health and ~~—~~ Healing Network @BETHELHHN **5** ## CEO’S STATEMENT (CONTINUED...) This initiative will generate additional income to fund baby packs for vulnerable mothers, while also supporting mothers who wish to pay for Doula services. By choosing a Doula from our platform, these clients will know they are supporting a professional who has been verified by Bethel, and some trained by us, — and, in doing so, they’ll also be helping other mothers who are less fortunate. We are currently in a strong financial position and intend to keep building on that success. In the coming year, we aim to strengthen and expand our partnerships, remain innovative and responsive to community needs, and continue listening to our service users, volunteers, and staff. We are also laying the groundwork for a major collaborative project with the Big Lottery Fund, alongside our valued partners — Jericho Foundation, and Gilgal. I look forward to the year ahead with excitement and anticipation for the positive impact we will continue to have in our communities. ## **JENNIFER JONES-RIGBY** > Bethel Health and ~~—~~ Healing Network @BETHELHHN **6** ## **DOULA SERVICE** _Bethel Doula Service provides emotional and practical support to vulnerable_ 1 _pregnant women and new mothers during the antenatal, birth and postnatal period._ ~~—9~~ ## **ACHIEVEMENTS AT A GLANCE** **----- Start of picture text -----**
442
PAY
a. 412 8
REFERRALS RECEIVED WOMEN SUPPORTED
1450
204
SUPPORT SESSIONS WOMEN SUPPORTED AT HOME
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**Activity (2024/25): 412 new referrals 442 women supported (incl. groups)** : **422 Doula 1-2-1 support 1,450 support sessions 33 group sessions.** ° **Delivery: 4 senior doulas + small volunteer team emotional support, advocacy birth support health-appointment attendance essential supplies group learning/activities** ## **OVERVIEW:** Our 4 senior doulas, with a small team of volunteers, supported 422 vulnerable women during their pregnancies, birth and postpartum period. We provided emotional support, practical supplies, advocacy, birth support, attendance at health appointments, and safeguarded mother and baby, as needed. Our referrals remained high, averaging 36 per month. We supplemented our 1-2-1 Doula Service provision through our group activities: YUMS, Connect, Stay and Play and Bumps, Birth & Beyond. In January 2025, we also launched our Bethel West Birmingham Health Champions project funded by Fairer Futures initiative in partnership with Your City and Metropolitan Hospitals Charity, SOS Education (supporting Somali women) and BMET College. This project will enable us to bring additional resources into an area of high need to support more vulnerable women, as well as upskilling local people to become Health Champions, increasing their employability and learning opportunities. This programme, and the skills they gain whilst volunteering in the Doula and Rapha Service, will increase pathways to work in future roles within the NHS and the wider voluntary and community sector. Bethel Health and Healing Network @BETHELHHN **7** ## **GROUP LEARNING/ACTIVITIES** **YUMS (Young and Teenage Mums Project):** Our pilot based in Solihull & Chelmsley Wood Family Hubs helped reduce isolation, boosted confidence and developed peer support among young and teenage mothers. The support included: midwife advice (labour, pain relief, postnatal), Umbrella Clinic (contraception/sexual health), sessions on breastfeeding, safe sleeping, healthy relationships, aspirations/careers, smoking cessation, benefits, baby massage and craft activities. **Bumps, Birth & Beyond (BBB)** : This weekly onsite learning and support group provided a non-judgmental, and safe space that increased confidence and helped prepare mothers for the forthcoming labour and early parenting. **Connect, Stay & Play:** Our monthly mother-and-baby group for very vulnerable asylumseeking women based in 2 local hotels provided practical support, advocacy, and link between women, hotel management, and health professionals. Bethel Health and Healing Network @BETHELHHN **8** ## **WHO DID WE SUPPORT?** **----- Start of picture text -----**
UK
PAKISTAN
ERITREA
INDIA
é NIGERIA
19%
WOMEN FROM
OUR TOP
ASYLUM-SEEKING OR REFUGEE
WOMEN
46
5
COUNTRIES OF BIRTH
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Our service users represented **46** countries of birth; around a fifth of whom were refugee or asylum-seeking women, compared to nearly a third in 2023/24. The largest ethnic group was Black African (31%), followed by Pakistani (16%). Nearly all our service users were facing one or more challenging life circumstances such as extreme poverty, unstable housing, mental health difficulties, domestic abuse, the impact of FGM and asylum and immigration issues. Language barriers and navigating the health system were frequent barriers when accessing maternity support. Bethel Health and Healing Network @BETHELHHN **9** ## **SATISFACTION AND BENEFITS OF SUPPORT** **90% 89% SATISFIED WITH THE WOULD SUPPORT RECOMMEND TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS 71% BENEFITED FROM HAVING SOMEONE TO TALK TO 69% RECEIVED ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES** The value of our service is demonstrated by the high level of satisfaction ( **89** %) expressed by service users. **71%** benefited by having someone to talk to, and **69** % received essentials for themselves and their babies. **23%** were signposted to other services that they might otherwise not have accessed. The financial value of the Doula Service is evident. Typically, it costs the Doula Service **£634** to support a vulnerable woman during pregnancy, labour, and post-birth. This increases to an average of **£1,732** in more complex cases for example where there are more severe perinatal mental health and/or safeguarding needs. Our case studies demonstrate the additional costs avoided through the delivery of our professional and compassionate community-based provision. Bethel Health and Healing Network @BETHELHHN **10** ## **WHAT OUR DOULA SERVICE USERS SAID...** ## **Young Mums Project (YUMS)** - 66— ~~_~~ | _The YUMS club gets us moms out ofthe house that are both pregnant and have had babies as well as getting the babies out to develop on their growth by copying other babies and interacting with toys and new people as well as getting support with things we may be unsure of and asking questions to help develop our babies growth even further and also getting the help when needed physically. It overall helps us mums to not bed rot all day. I also enjoy the little talks with new mums and meeting new people and also allowing our babies to meet and then we can plan stuff outside of the YUMS club too with other mums, for example me and H first met at the YUMS club and are now planning to take our babies out one of the days together, but we was both too scared to meet at first._ _The service I received was really helpful. It was helping me when needed, when I did not understand the system, they helped me, and I learnt a lot about pregnancy, birth and the system (maternity services). I would recommend, as people are struggling. Lovely place. Lovely staff._ _I did not need anything for the baby. I received emotional support. It was important as it meant a lot to me, as I had a traumatic birth. The service is an all-round service and provides the best emotional support. The doula made me feel comfortable. I could speak to her about anything._ ## **Bump, Birth and Beyond (BBB)** ## 66— _The BBB sessions were brilliant. The staff were non-judgmental. I felt safe in a safe space to share, ask questions and listen to others sharing their experiences. I felt more confident preparing for and also at the time of giving birth. The service really helped and prepared me._ Bethel Health and Healing Network @BETHELHHN **11** ## **DOULA CASE STUDY ‘M’ - Service user with a history of domestic abuse and mental health issues** ## **Background** **‘** M' was referred to the Doula Service at 26 weeks gestation with her second pregnancy by a mental health specialist midwife due to isolation, domestic abuse, and a history of anxiety and depression. Coming from a strict family background marked by physical and emotional abuse particularly from her father, 'M' entered an arranged marriage and relocated to Birmingham hoping for freedom but instead faced severe control and exploitation from her in-laws. Her mother-in-law dominated household decisions, restricted her independence, and when she became pregnant, she insisted on attending all maternity appointments and acting as her birth partner, leaving 'M' feeling disconnected from her first child. ## **Interventions** ‘M’ was matched with a Senior Doula who provided ongoing emotional and mental health support through home visits, phone calls and WhatsApp conversations. The support focused on building resilience, selfesteem, and coping strategies, as well as fostering bonding with her child and current pregnancy. 'M' requested that the Senior Doula act as her birth partner for her upcoming delivery, highlighting the trust and reliance she placed on this service. ## **Impact and Next Steps** The multi-agency collaboration ensured continuity of care and reduced the risk of crisis escalation. 'M’ now has improved emotional stability, a stronger support network, and a clear plan for birth support, reducing safeguarding risks and likelihood of severe mental health deterioration. ## **Challenges Identified** 'M’s' situation worsened as her husband became emotionally distant and controlling, denying her visits from family and friends and undermining her confidence by repeatedly claiming she was unfit to care for her children. Attempts to regain independence, such as finding work and securing her own apartment, were met with continued coercion and psychological abuse. Even after moving out, ‘M’s’ husband maintained control through financial dependency and restrictions on her social life, creating an environment of ongoing stress and insecurity. These experiences left 'M' fearful and struggling with persistent anxiety. Bethel Health and ° ~~©}.~~ @BETHELHHN Healing Network **12** ## **DOULA CASE STUDY ‘S’ - Service user with undocumented status due to trafficking and exploitation** ## **Background** ‘S’ a Birmingham resident was referred to the Bethel Doula Service at 16 weeks gestation for support during her first pregnancy. She spoke limited English and had no family support, relying only on a friend and her boyfriend. ‘S’ was invited to attend Bethel’s Birth Bump and Beyond (BBB) group to meet other women, improve her English, and access essential information. At her first session, she appeared tearful and expressed concerns about her baby measuring small and her impending need to leave her friend’s accommodation due to the limited space there. ## **Challenges Identified** Further conversations revealed that ‘S’ was undocumented due to a complex migration history involving trafficking and exploitation. She shared that she was lured from Vietnam under false pretences, forced into exploitative work in Cambodia, and later coerced into prostitution in Europe before escaping and arriving in the UK in a container in December 2022. Her disclosure highlighted severe trauma, lack of immigration status, and vulnerability to homelessness, all while navigating pregnancy without family support. A Vietnamese translator facilitated detailed discussions about her immigration status, leading to advice for her to claim asylum. A volunteer assisted in booking her asylum appointment for December 1st and committed to accompanying her. The Doula also liaised with the referrer to ensure coordinated care. ## **Impact and Next Steps** The intervention reduced the service user’s immediate stress and provided a clear pathway for immigration and housing support. In addition to the 1-2-1 support, ‘S’ has agreed to attend BBB sessions regularly for continued emotional and practical assistance throughout her pregnancy. The collaborative approach aims to stabilise her situation, address accommodation needs, and ensure a smooth transition to community care post-birth, minimising hospital stays. This case underscores the critical role of holistic support in safeguarding a vulnerable pregnant women like ‘S’ and mitigating risks associated with trafficking and undocumented status. ## **Interventions** The Senior Doula and the team provided immediate emotional support and reassurance, accompanied her to a hospital scan, and initiated contact with multiple agencies, including Hope, Salvation Army, and Migrant Help. Bethel Health and 7(©) @BETHELHHN Healing Network **13** ## **POTENTIAL COST SAVINGS** ## **Case Studies ‘M’ & ‘S’** The Doula Service support demonstrates significant financial and social value while improving maternal and child outcomes. The case studies involving ‘M’ and ‘S’ highlighted early Doula intervention and multi-agency collaboration. The prevention of crisis escalation reduced demand on safeguarding, perinatal mental health and social services, which can cost thousands per case as well as reduced the likelihood of extended hospital stays post-birth by working towards a smooth community transfer. **A cost example:** A complex case can involve a short postnatal hospital stay at a cost to the NHS of £1,927. Add 3 additional 3 antenatal (£300) and 3 postnatal (£426) midwife visits the cost would increase to £2,653. Should a week’s stay in perinatal mental health unit be required a further £10,899 would be added resulting in a total cost to the NHS of **£13,552** . It typically costs the Doula Service **£1,515** to support a woman in a complex case (£1,732 with birth partner support). This can involve between 20-30 interactions by Doula staff with the service user during the antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal period. Our support limits the demand on other agencies involved in her care and support. |**Potential Cost Component**
**The table below outlines potential cost savings:**|**National average unit**
**costs**
**The table below outlines potential cost savings:**| |---|---| |**In-patient stay in perinatal mental health mother & baby**
**unit**|£1,557*| |**Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Community Service**|£329*| |**Health visiting service - community midwife ante-natal**
**visit**|£100 per visit*| |**Health visiting service - community midwife post-natal**
**visit**|£142 per visit*| |**Ante-natal complex disorders – inpatient short stay**|£733 *| |**Postnatal therapeutic procedures – inpatient short stay**|£1,927*| |**Additional GP appointments during antenatal and**
**postnatal period**|£45 per 10 min appointment **| |**Emergency accommodation costs to avoid homelessness**
**for mother and baby **|Estimated £50–£90 per night
(annualised £18,000–£32,000)| |**Emergency safeguarding interventions and potential**
**foster care placement**|Estimated £615+ per week ***| Bethel Health and ~~_—__~~ Healing Network @BETHELHHN **14** ## RAPHA LISTENING SERVICE 66 ~~—~~ _The Rapha Listening Service supports people from_ | _diverse community backgrounds in their journey toward better mental health and well-being. We provide early intervention, interim or follow-on support through matching with a trained listener for up to 9 listening sessions._ ## **ACHIEVEMENTS AT A GLANCE** **----- Start of picture text -----**
376
SUPPORT SESSIONS
DELIVERED
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301
LISTENING SESSIONS
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**236 HOURS OF LISTENING SUPPORT** Our service users were typically referred for low mood (39%), anxiety (19%) and depression (16%). However, at initial assessment and during subsequent listening sessions, service users often disclosed other support needs, including long-term health conditions, historical trauma and more severe diagnosed and undiagnosed mental health issues. Some were on waiting lists to access NHS mental health and other related services. Our team of 2 staff and 29 volunteers supported 94 people and delivered 376 support sessions, including signposting and facilitating referrals to other community and mental health services as needed. On average, service users received 5.5 hours of direct listening support. **THIS YEAR WE SUPPORTED 94 PEOPLE** **71%:** _**Female**_ Bethel Health and @BETHELHHN ~~oe~~ Healing Network f ~~o).~~ **15** ## RAPHA CASE STUDY ‘C’ - service user experiencing anxiety due to a difficult living environment ## _**Background**_ _‘C’ is a 71-year-old White British woman who lives alone. When she first accessed the listening service, she was distressed due to ongoing issues involving excessive noise, vibrations, and unpleasant smells from neighbouring flats, which she believed were affecting her physical health, causing coughing, breathing difficulties, and skin irritation. The situation had left her feeling harassed, anxious, and felt her home no longer felt like a secure or comfortable place to live. This distress also impacted her sense of independence and emotional well-being. Although she sometimes stayed with her children for relief, she found this disrupted her routine and sense of stability. Despite these challenges, ‘C’ showed emotional resilience and expressed a desire for a peaceful and independent life._ _‘C’ responded very positively to the support she received. She valued the consistency and empathy shown by the listener and appreciated having a safe space where she felt heard and validated. She described the listener as reliable and supportive and took pride in the mutual learning that took place during their conversations._ ## _**Impact**_ _By the end of the 9 sessions, ‘C’ was more hopeful and emotionally strong. She said the sessions gave her a chance to "let it all out" and feel seen as someone strong, not just as someone who is struggling. Although her living situation had not yet changed, she remained optimistic about eventually moving to a more peaceful place. ‘C’ expressed gratitude for the support she received and felt more able to cope with her ongoing challenges._ ## _**Intervention**_ _‘C’ was referred to Bethel by a social prescriber and matched with a trained volunteer listener. Throughout her listening sessions, ‘C’ engaged well with the listener and gradually began reintroducing small but meaningful activities into her daily life. She resumed watching television, knitting, and playing games on her iPad—activities she had previously abandoned. She also used headphones to listen to music to manage the noise from her neighbours. These small steps helped her regain some control over her environment and mood._ Bethel Health and ~~———e~~ Healing Network **16** @BETHELHHN ## RAPHA CASE STUDY ‘J’ - service user with work related stress and depression ## _**Background**_ _‘J’ is a 46-year-old Indian female who lives with her mother, brother and dog. She was referred to the listening service by Living Well Consortium due to work related stress and depression that was affecting her everyday life. ‘J’ had been working at a company for over 16 years but was increasingly disliking her place of work due to the toxic environment and bullying and felt that management offered no support. This had started to affect her sleep, appetite and physical health. ‘J’ even started having thoughts to end her life but not because she wanted to die but just wanted her situation to stop. She even got a dog for emotional support which gave her some comfort._ ## _**Impact**_ _Following her final session, although sad that the support was ending, ‘J’ felt more positive about her situation with clear action plans in place, including accessing further support from her GP should she need it. She expressed that her wellbeing had improved significantly and stated, “It was just being able to speak to someone with an independent mind with no judgement and being reminded of things I have done in the past. I was going through a difficult situation, and it helped with strength and encouragement. The lady as was lovely she was so kind. It was the right time in my life to talk.”_ ## _**Intervention**_ _‘J’ was matched with a listener where she was able to talk about her work situation and discuss how she felt with the same person enabling her to build trust. Gradually over the course of 9 sessions, ‘J’ became better able to handle her own stress and explore the options available to her to address the work-related issues. She felt empowered to make decisions when a problem occurred, relying less on others to do tasks for her._ Bethel Health and Healing Network **17** @BETHELHHN ## POTENTIAL COST SAVINGS ## _**Case Studies ‘C’ & ‘J’**_ _Both ‘C’ and ‘J’ felt their mental health problems were increasing that would potentially have required more acute mental health interventions from the community mental health team, and additional GP appointments. It typically costs the Rapha Listening Service between_ _**£282 - £394** to provide 9 listening sessions depending on the complexity, compared to_ _**£1,700** for an average 8 IAPT sessions including assessment and follow-up appointment. However, the opportunity to talk through their concerns with their Rapha Service listeners resulted in an overall improvement in their mental health without more costly NHS funded mental health interventions._ ## _**The table below outlines potential costs avoided:**_ |**Potential Cost Component**|**National average unit costs**| |---|---| |Community Mental Health Team (functional)|£279*| |Acute adult mental health care|£719*| |IAPT Assessment|£168*| |IAPT Treatment|£174*| |Follow-up appointment after IAPT treatment
end|£140*| |GP appointment|£45 per 10 min appointment| *** 2024/25 NHS National Cost Collection Data 2024/25 – the average unit cost of providing defined services to NHS patients in England.** ****The University of Kent's Academic Repository KAR - Unit Costs of Health and Social Care 2024 – version 2.** Bethel Health and ~~—~~ Healing Network **18** @BETHELHHN ## WHAT OUR RAPHA SERVICE USERS SAID... _When I first started talking, I found it difficult, but_ y _at the end, I felt more comfortable approaching my audience. Sometimes it's hard to talk about my problems with my family and friends. I thought the phone conversation was beneficial and helped me have the confidence to speak. I feel more comfortable talking to people about my personal problems and topics that I was previously afraid to discuss._ ## **BRITISH ASIAN FEMALE, 58, REFERRED DUE TO BEREAVEMENT** _I let out things that I have had on my_ - _mind for years and years. Things that happened to me from age 8/9, I am now in my 70s. Sometimes, I was not feeling well, and they were patient with me and gave me time to talk. The lady who listened to me was brilliant…she really helped me. I would like to access listening services again as I feel lonely._ ~~——~~ ## **BRITISH ASIAN FEMALE, 76, STRUGGLING LIVING ALONE AND GOING OUT INTO THE COMMUNITY** **----- Start of picture text -----**
BENEFITS OF SUPPORT
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## **BY THE END OF THE SUPPORT PERIOD** **SUPPORT RECEIVED MET OR % EXCEEDED THEIR EXPECTATIONS** **WOULD RECOMMEND THE % RAPHA SERVICE** **----- Start of picture text -----**
66% 50%
I FEEL MORE ABLE
OVERALL MENTAL HEALTH & TO COPE WITH MY
WELLBEING IMPROVED PERSONAL
SITUATION
48%
I FEEL MORE ABLE 50%
TO COPE WITH MY I FEEL MORE
RELATIONSHIPS POSTITIVE ABOUT
THE THEMSELVES
31%
I HAVE BEEN
SUPPORTED TO
ACCESS OTHER
SERVICES
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Bethel Health and Healing Network **19** @BETHELHHN ## WHAT OUR RAPHA SERVICE USERS SAID... 66— 6¢—— ~~|~~ _My expectations were very low, somy expectations were exceeded._ ~~|~~ _The listener was good. Everyone wasvery friendly, 'Good Vibe', which was They were patient and listened and good…I did not feel like I was walking gave me time and space to speak and into the Lion's den. It was not actually listened._ ~~—~~ _confrontational. For me, it was excellent._ ~~—9~~ **Black British Female aged 58, referred for low mood and anxiety Male, 66, referred due to relationship around health issues breakdown** - 66— | _The positive. She made me realise that Iperson was supportive and have other things to think about. Useful to speak with someone in own language._ ~~—9~~ ## **Pakistani Female, 43, referred due to depression and loss** - 66— _When I first started talking, I found it_ ~~—~~ | _difficult, but at the end, I felt more comfortable approaching my audience. Sometimes it's hard to talk about my problems with my family and friends. I thought the phone conversation was beneficial and helped me have the confidence to speak. I feel more comfortable talking to people about my personal problems and topics that I was previously afraid to discuss._ ~~—9~~ ## **British Asian Female, 58, referred due to bereavement** Bethel Health and @BETHELHHN eo Healing Network ~~_____ se~~ f ~~o).~~ **20** ## VOLUNTEERING AT BETHEL - _Overall, I have found my experience as a_ - ~~|~~ _volunteer rewarding. Being able to listen & support others who need support & them trusting you is such an amazing privilege. Being supported as a listener is a huge requirement, especially when it’s an intensive case. I’ve been very supported throughout, but especially with a recent intense case. Everyone I work with at Bethel is welcoming & friendly, just like a big family who understands each other_ Our volunteers are essential to the delivery of our 1-2-1 service users' support and assistance at events and group activities. This year, 38 volunteers were active in our Doula and Rapha Services, including both those who have been volunteering with Bethel over several years and more recently. > _with at Bethel is welcoming & friendly, just like_ | **VOLUNTEERS BENEFITED** _a big family who understands each other_ ~~4~~ **RAPHA LISTENER 75% 66% VOLUNTEERING ACHIEVEMENTS AT A GLANCE FELT APPRECIATED EXPERIENCE WAS A AND VERY WELL POSITIVE ONE SUPPORTED** VOLUNTEERS SUPPORT e&@ ACTIVE SESSIONS OVER THE YEAR[330] DELIVERED **100% WOULD VOLUNTEER AGAIN** 6 ~~6—~~ _Whenever I ask questions about my concerns_ > | _and they get answered in the most respectful_ | > _and honest way._ ~~Vp~~ ) **DOULA VOLUNTEER** Valued the opportunity to give back 83% _I recently received flowers and cakes as a thank you for my work from my manager, and I_ Opportunity to participate in training opportunities 67% _have also regularly received messages and emails expressing thanks!_ Making friendships 67% ~~—~~ 9) **DOULA VOLUNTEER** Developing job-related skills 58% Building work experience 58% Increased confidence 50% ir = 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Bethel Health and Healing Network @BETHELHHN **21** ## WHAT OUR VOLUNTEERS SAID... - 66— _Overall, I have found my experience as a volunteer rewarding. Being able to listen & support others who need support & them trusting you is such an amazing privilege. Being supported as a listener is a huge requirement, especially when it’s an intensive case. I’ve been very supported throughout, but especially with a recent intense case. Everyone I work with at Bethel is welcoming & friendly, just like a big family who understands each other._ nn _It has been good to meet and help others less fortunate and to feel that I have something to offer them_ ~~—9~~ ## **Rapha Listener** ## **Rapha Listener** _Whenever I ask questions about my concerns and they get answered in_ is _the most respectful and honest way_ ## **Volunteer Doula** {ou | _I recently received flowers & cakesas a thank you for my work from my manager, and I have also regularly received messages/emails expressing thanks._ ## **Volunteer Doula** Bethel Health and Healing Network @BETHELHHN **22** ## ‘J’ DOULA VOLUNTEER CASE STUDY ‘J’ joined Bethel’s Doula Service to support families facing vulnerability. Alongside volunteering, she also worked as a teacher while pursuing a master’s degree in psychology, demonstrating her dedication to personal growth and community service. Since joining, ‘J’ has strengthened her skills through undertaking Bethel’s Doula Course and Safeguarding Training. These have equipped her with deeper knowledge in providing emotional support, safe practice and trauma‑aware care - all of which she applies daily in her work with families. A standout example of ‘J’ impact came when she supported an immigrant couple during the birth of their second child. With the father at home caring for their toddler, ‘J’ stepped in as the mother’s birth partner at the hospital. She offered continuous reassurance, helped the mother understand what to expect, and gently advocated for her needs during moments of uncertainty. ‘J’ also played a crucial role in keeping the family connected. She provided frequent updates to the father, ensuring he felt involved and informed despite being unable to attend the birth. Her communication reduced stress for both parents and strengthened the family’s sense of security at a critical moment. By offering calm, compassionate presence and acting as a bridge between home and hospital, ‘J’ embodied the values of Bethel’s Doula Service. Her commitment, strengthened by her training and professional background, continues to make ‑ a tangible difference to the well being of families across the community. Bethel Health and Healing Network @BETHELHHN **23** ## ‘T’ RAPHA VOLUNTEER CASE STUDY ‘T’ joined Bethel’s Listening Service motivated by a genuine commitment to supporting individuals experiencing mental health challenges. She provided consistent one-to-one support to two clients, meeting weekly to offer a safe, confidential space where they could talk openly about their struggles. Her reliability and gentle approach helped service users feel grounded, understood and less isolated during vulnerable moments. Despite balancing personal responsibilities, ‘T’ continues to volunteer with dedication. She views the experience as both enriching and purposeful, valuing the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives while developing her own skills and confidence. Today ‘T’ is a valued and trusted presence within the Rapha Listening Service, recognised for the emotional support she provides marked by empathy, patience and attentive listening. T’s contribution extended beyond individual support. She is an active part of the Fairer Futures Project where she assists the facilitator in running monthly mental health wellbeing sessions enabling participants to engage more fully and feel supported within the group environment. She has also had the opportunity to facilitate and deliver a suicide awareness course for Bethel’s staff and volunteers, strengthening the organisation’s capacity to respond safely and confidently to individuals in distress. Bethel Health and Healing Network @BETHELHHN **24** ## MARKETING HIGHLIGHTS 2024-25 ## **Helping more people find support, and more volunteers and partners find us.** This year, we strengthened Bethel’s visibility through consistent email updates and regular social content, sharing service information, community activity, volunteer opportunities, and key moments across the network. ## **LinkedIn (organic)** 8 posts published 1,092 impressions 145 clicks 50 reactions, 2 reposts Content celebrating volunteers, partnerships, and community moments generated the strongest response. ## **Email marketing (Mailchimp)** - Total email sends: 5,812 - Average open rate: 36.2% (approx. 2,088 opens) - Average click rate: 5.2% (approx. 300 clicks) Campaign output: 32 email campaigns across the year, including 9 newsletters and key service and event updates. ## **Social media (Facebook + Instagram)** Total content views: 44,684 e Facebook views: 32,463 - Instagram views: 12,221 Total interactions: 730 - Facebook interactions: 436 - Instagram interactions: 294 Profile / page visits: 2,423 e Facebook visits: 1,924 e Instagram profile visits: 499 Peak months (views): e December: 9,083 total views e November: 8,040 total views Bethel Health and Healing Network @BETHELHHN **24** ## FINANCIAL REVIEW AND STATEMENTS Income for the year amounted to £358,035 (2024: £393,839) whilst expenditure was £340,673 (2024: £386,053). This resulted in a surplus of £17,362 (2024: £7,787) and an increase in funds for the year to £27,247 (2024: £9,885). The plan for 2025 was to continue to build up reserves, this was achieved and will continue to be the focus in the next financial year. ## **RESERVES POLICY** Reserves are required to: - smooth out surpluses and deficits year on year; replace capital expenditure or restructure the organisation; - deal with the effects of any risks that materialise e.g. significant losses of income and delays in payments; allow the organisation to take on opportunities that may arise in a timely manner; deal with the unexpected. Trustees are required to set an appropriate minimum level of reserves, and in doing so take into account these reasons for holding reserves, as well as current and future financial needs. The trustees have decided to set minimum reserves at 3 months of unrestricted expenditure, as indicative of the operating reserves required by the nature and size of the charity. As at 31 March 2025, that will require minimum free reserves of approximately £105,426 to be held (2024: £98,535). Both the policy and its implementation are under regular scrutiny. ## **TRUSTEE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** Charity and Company Law require the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charitable Company at the balance sheet date and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including income and expenditure for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the Trustees are required to: Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently to: - Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent - State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements - Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis, unless it is inappropriate to assume that the Charity will continue in business The Trustees are responsible for keeping financial records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and that 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 must take reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Bethel Health and Healing Network @BETHELHHN **25** Bethel Health and Heallng Network Indopendent Examlners Report to lh• Trusteas of th• Bothel Health and H•allng Network I r8port on th8 finan(ag18latements of the Charity for tha year ended 31st March 2025 Respertlv• r•sponslbllltles of trust￿$ and •xamlner The charitys trustees are responsible for the preparation of accounts. The tNstee$ consider that an aud6t Is not requlred for thls year under sectbn 4312) of the Charities Act 1993 ('Ih8 1993 Act,) and that an SrKlependent examlnatlon Is needed. Tr* Charity has prepared a¢Cr￿d accounts and l am qualifled lo undèrtake the examlnatlon. It 18 my reponslblity lo: - examine the accounls under Se(alon 43 {3) (a) of the 1993 AL* - follow the prOC￿UTeS lald down In the General Directions given by the Charlty Commissloners mad8 under sedSon 4317) (b) of 1993 Act. - State ¥￿ther particular matters have cx)me to my attentlon 8a818 of Inde￿ndont Examln•rfs Stalement My examlnailon was carrled out In aw)rdance with the General Directions gfven by the Charfty Commissioners and with Regulation 11 of the 2006 Regulatlons. An examination Indudas 8 revlew of the accountlng records kept by organlsation, and 8 comparison of the accounts presented ￿th those records. It also indudes includes ¢onsideration of any unusual items or dlsclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you 88 trust8es cM(¥rning any such mallers. The procedures undertaken do nol provlde all the evldence that *Dukl be requlred In an audll. and consequently I do nol express an audll oplnlon on th8 vlew glven by Ihe aC￿)unIS. Ind•p•nd•nt Examln•rfs Staloment In connection with my examlnatlon. no matter has come to my ailention :_ 1. ¥thlch gives me reasonable cause to believe thal in any material respect, the requlr8menl8'. lo keep accounllng records In accordance K*lth sectton 4101 the 1993 Act and Regulatlon 4 of the 2008 RegulalSons: arKI to prepare accounts which accord with the a¢oJuntlng records and comply vAth the 8¢tXJunling requlrements of lh8 1993 Act and Regulallon 8 of the 2006 Regulatlons: and whlch are consistent with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounltng and Reporiing by Charltle8 have not been met. or 2. to wthlch, In my opinlon, attention shoukl b8 drawn to enable a proper undwslandlng of the a¢counls to be reached. Date: IL 2Q Davld Chittenden 18 Cunningham Road Peterborough PE2 9RG 26 Stat•m•nt of Flnancill ActivlU Year End•d 31$1 Mar¢h 2025 Totsi Fund8 2025 Total Fund$ 2024 Not• Rostrkw lJnr•strlciod Incom• •nd Endowrn•n¢• from: Dorlalions and *Jcie$ Chantabk adivil Inleresi Olhef incoft 73.493 13.298 270.644 6.791 270.644 85.811 7.628 4C4J 73.493 284.542 358.035 393.839 Exp•ndttur• on,. Ralslng hJnd5 Ch8ri1ab* 8Clivit 12.188 255.015 12.166 326.508 20.174 365.878 73.493 Total •xp•nd*u 73.493 267.180 340.873 386.OS3 N•t Income 17,362 17.382 7.787 R•con¢lll•￿on ol Fund• Tolal Funds ￿¢tyh1 lo￿ard 9.865 9.885 2.098 Tol•l Fund• c•ffl•d IornT•rd 27.247 27.247 9.885 B•l•n¢• Sh••t •• •t 3l•t M•r¢h 2025 Curr•nt A•••t• Debtorn Cash al bank •nO in h*wJ 11 12 5.316 79.650 84,967 36.102 5,894 41.997 Curf•nt Llabllltlg• Liabililies lalling due V+ltNn y••r 13 57.720 32.112 N•t A•••t• 27.247 9,88S R•pr•••nt•d by:. Unreslrkled Reslricled 15 15 27,247 9.886 Toi•l Fund• 27.247 9.885 The Iwileu (tho af• also Ihe ol IINry cfjnwny lty tr* &wows of c4ryny W crmnnn Ih•l Iw th• pornd ended 31 M•rch 2025.'- . the company wa$ entilled lo exemplbon Imm •udrt uThYer sethon 477 oflhe Cwp•nleJ Act 2(￿ A(al. and ' memb•rs have not requwed Ihe company to 0ty8in an audrf ol ils •eeounis for Ferlod in guesii¢)n In accordance Seaion 476 of the Act. However. in aceord•n¢¢ wlh section 145 olth• Ch•nl*• Act 2011 and 44 of the Chart*$ afia Twile• Inve￿ 2LVJS, •cc***its ha* eXwr￿8￿ by •n ex•miMr. Tho tiuileei a¢kn*dg& tholr r••po￿￿1•S forcemptyry the fWJ¥M)•nts of11* with r•wecl lo accJJJntirvJ r•¢ord• •nd tIKI preparation ol The notes form an InI￿al part ol 4¢cowrt6. Tl*y hav• bo¢n In th• off￿• •ccixffrti wilh lo the dai81f￿￿1on and prejentatson. These acc(yJnl$. have been prepared In a¢¢ordaftc• wSth Iiie wovislons in the Compoth Acl 2(Th r•l•ti¥ to small compan*$, were •pproved by lh8 Irust•e$ on 4JlCI 25 •nd on Ih*r behaw by.. Tw$lee Dale <1/0 25 27 Note•: 1. Accounung Pollcl•s {al Basis ol Preparati These accounis have been prepared on the ba$1$ of ￿"$10￿¢ ￿$1 in accordan￿ ¥%ith ￿ AccwnlirvJ Regulab"ons sel oul under the Charits'os Acl 1993 aNI wth the Charib'es Slalement Df Recomm8ThJ¢d PraaJ¢e ISORPI 21)OS. Second Editlon Ibl Fomi of Finan¢al Swtemen lil un￿$t￿¢zed fijnds are Ihose that may be used 8t the drsuetron ofthe trujlees in lurtherance ol the objeds of Ihe ¢harfly 1111 Reslncted luTh1s may onty ba used by sF40fi¢ wrposes. Reslnth'on8 anse v*hen speuw by th* donor or ftjndg r•lsed for #pedk 1¢) In¢thn9 R•low￿l 11) Incoming Resowces are fewnised •rn1 In Ihe Statement ol F￿￿fi￿al Aclivrf*$ ISOFAI Iho Charlty become¥ •nlrUe4 Io Ihe re￿￿r(¢S.. the truslees are ¥wbJ￿ty wthln they recth* I￿ rel￿re$.. Ihe monotary value ¢an measured ￿1h 3uffldent ￿lia￿lity. Trl) Where incornhg re$ourc•s h8ve {*$ *ilh fwKlr•lWrg1. •nd related exFendrture ¥re ￿POrted gross in ihe SOFA. I￿1} Donat￿n8 a￿ 8¢¢ounted lor grom when received livl Bonk ￿terestI3 recognised when vedite*J io th• •c4>xrd. Idl Exp•ndrture •nd U•￿￿'t {11 Expendilure Is accounted lor on on ocrJu•ls b¥*•_ (lil Llatyillt*$ are re¢))gnised as 88 Ihefo 1$ a *al ottytion io pay oul rNwrc••. lel A81•ts Tangible fixed a8sets are c4pilali8ed 11t￿Y cost m(we than £1.C(lJ and can b8 used fof mor¢ than y•¥.Th•y •r• v•bJed at cost of.119Srted. al valu• on re¢eipl The thjrrty does not ￿rrent￿ ha￿ •ny ¢aw"i•11sed fixed asiets. ID Taxalton The charbty IJ nol for Irts)m• or caphal tax on ts th•Flt•bl• •¢lfrdfj￿.*TrcovIfq￿ VAT L¢ In Ihe ai•41 ¢o$l or or exp¢n$• io Il relat•8. 2. Incom• from don•tlons and 1•g•cI RMtrict•d UnmtYlct•d 2Q25 2024 Don8lion$ re¢etv•d 1.973 1.973 958 Gr•nl8 rff0￿.. bfKJht Gfimley Twsi Boron Oavenport's Charity BSrmlnoham Clly C¢untyl BirmiThaham Volunlary Se￿￿¢¢ Cowtil Church Urt)8n Fund Heallh Exchange He¥rt of En9land CcfflM￿1Y FrAKNJa14on H J Sayer Trust NHS Prop¢rty Ser¥ic*i Llmlled Rlcbard Kilcuppe Charity The 29th May 1961 Charitabkn Trust The Cole Charitable Tru$1 The Eo*4ard arxj Dorothy Cadbury TN¥l The Ethyard Gosliin Foundati The Eve50n Charttabl8 Truit The Gfimmitt Twsi The K4ichael Marsh Charitabl8 Trust The National Lottery Communrty Fund The Rithaf(I Cadbury Charfable Trust William A. Cjdbury Ch•rM8ble Tw Othèr soo 750 750 5.998 12.CQO 2.12S 2.125 9.999 600 s,coo 1,000 2,000 1.500 15.1 15,000 1,200 2,5fy) 9,164 833 833 soo 750 750 73,493 13.298 86.791 85.B11 28 Bethel Health and Healing Network BETHELHHN 3. In￿rn￿ frorn ch•rl¢abl• Bim)ingharn & M?nlal Heath NHS FwthtvJn Tr￿{ Liwng Well CoNortNm NHS &rrnlr4Jham and S(4ihul ICB s￿11 & Wesl 8wmiryham Hosmal NHS To¥t 24.782 35.000 181.755 29.107 24.782 35.000 181.755 29,107 38.653 35.OOD 191.975 42.000 270.614 270.644 307.628 4. Exp•ndltur• on g•n•rn¢lng don•tloro •nd1•9•¢1•• Unrostrl¢l•d fvnd• Ralslng lunds 12.1e6 20.174 8. c￿18 ol ¢h•rftabl• aetlvlll•¥ by fvnd ty 46.128 27.365 167.072 20.371.17 67.571 255.01S 213.2￿) 47.no 87,571 326,508 197.365 115.158 53.356 385.878 Rapha lthnin9 ￿r¥￿• Support costs 73.493 8. Co•t• ol ¢hafSt•bl• 4etlvlil￿ ty •¢tl¥lty typ• und•rt•k•n dbr•etly Support co•t• Tol•l Totsl OOULI Rapha Ilslenlng iethc• Truste(I Ch8irty IPQASSOI 213.200 47.736 65.210 12.362 268.410 231.060 134.818 260.936 67.571 328.508 385.878 7. Anily•l• of •upport co•1• 2026 2024 Communkaiion ¢osts Olfice cos13 p￿rnI$e3 cos1$ Legal ano profes$lon•l Olher opwallng costs 7.812 18.065 17.256 25.072 25,885 14,307 23,311 32,083 18.%9 91.1S3 92.090 g. Ind•p•nd•n¢ •x•mlTr•rf• rnrnun•rnllon Th• IndepeTrd•N •xaminer provbJ¢d • volunl8ry no lee was cli•rgod 12024.. N 9. Tru•t•••' rwnun•r•tk+n and •xp•ns•• OurtNJ lh• y••r, TrtOt••$ r•cdN*d ¥ny or b￿riS aThl no eyperth¢s ww• cJ•inMd12024.. N 10. Stsff ¢o•ts and •molum•nts S•18￿ and wage• Soclal iecunty ￿11* Employern ¢onlributbx 10 d*knd corrtn'bubon permkn 228,148 17.89S 6.011 252.054 271.t$4 21.843 7.049 299.848 The￿ ￿re no ￿plOYeeS vthose emoM¥nenls (sala￿$. wages. berth in • baf•J In •xe•ss of £60.000 (2024.. NIII Th¢ av¢r•g¢ number ofp•wsons •mplobYd by Chjnty. kK**Jiry W tkn• $taff, *Jkryted lkne eq￿alent bats wa¥.. Core staff 6.80 8.81 11. D•btorn Accounts Re￿1¥0)J1? A￿[Ved Re¥en Prepaid Expefjjes 3.218 33.217 2.099 5.316 36.102 12. B¥nk •nd C¥$h B•l•n¢ TS8 cuffeni aceount Tftodos depo$rt accounl Petty C¥sh 79.204 177 269 79.650 S.461 177 256 5.894 Bethel Health and Healing Network B￿HELHHN 29 13. Currnnt Ll•bllFtl￿ Ipwblo wlthln on• y••f) Aceounts Payab AeeTuals and deferred wicomè Payroll Liabilrties 13.657 36,177 20,852 2,237 9.023 32,112 57.720 14. Rolat•d paty trnn••cllons 00n81k￿$ wilhwl oy¥Jitson of £390 wefe ￿1ve0 from truslee12023'. £380 from I InBlee) The¥e amounts do not indude ts grft aKI •$￿'01ed ￿1th tt*se donalicrfm. At 1st Aprll 2024 At 1st Aprll 2025 Is. St•l•m•nt ol Fund¥ Incom• Exp•ndltur• Transl•rn Unreslricled Funds General D￿jIa deS￿￿¥ted 141,500 131,616 9.885 13,898 270.644 284.542 12,186 255.015 267,180 143.233 115.986 27.247 Reslrlcled F￿d% Doula Rapha 48.128 27.365 73.493 46.128 27.365 73.493 Toi•l Fundi 9.885 358.OJ5 340.673 27.247 Prlor y•ar Unrestrtled Funds General Doula d881gnal•d 131.520 129.421 20.155 307.628 337.783 20.174 309.822 329.997 141.500 131.616 9.885 R•$irtl•d F￿￿* Doula Rapha 35.394 20.662 50.056 35.394 20.662 56.056 Tolal Fund• 2.098 393.839 386.053 9.885 30