OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

← Blackburn And Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

2024-03-31-accounts

Company registration number: 05834929 Charity registration number: 1116444

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

Annual Report and Financial Statements

for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Contents (continued)

Reference and Administrative Details 1 to 2
Trustees' Report 3 to 18
Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities 19
Independent Auditors' Report 20 to 22
Statement of Financial Activities 23 to 24
Balance Sheet 25
Statement of Cash Flows 26
Notes to the Financial Statements 27 to 40

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Reference and Administrative Details

Trustees

Pauline Geraghty, MBE, Chair Rabiya Gangreker, Treasurer Margaret Cairns Angela McDonagh-Kelly Sophia Isa Joan Whittaker Jonathan Atkinson Sarah Lynas Gillian Clarke Secretary Margaret Cairns Patrons Pauline Quinn, OBE Graham Liver Senior Management / Leadership Shigufta Khan, Chief Executive Officer Team Debbie Springham, Operational Manager Charity Registration Number 1116444 Company Registration Number 05834929 Registered Office Unit 21 Business Development Centre Eanam Wharf Eanam Old Road Blackburn Lancashire BB1 5BL External Auditor Beever and Struthers Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors Suite 9b The Beehive Lions Drive Shadsworth Business Park Blackburn BB1 2QS

Page 1

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Reference and Administrative Details (continued)

Solicitors:

Bankers

Watson Ramsbottom Solicitors 25 - 29 Victoria Street Blackburn Lancashire BB1 6DN National Westminister King William Street Blackburn Lancashire BB1 7DJ

Page 2

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Trustees' Report

The trustees, who are directors for the purposes of company law, present the annual report together with the financial statements of the charitable company for the year ended 31 March 2024.

We are pleased to be sharing the highlights for the year and our plans for the future. The report will give you a flavour of the services we offer and the people we support. It will demonstrate the outcomes we and our service users (this phrase will be used to denote the people who access our services and are our beneficiaries) have achieved and our public benefit. The report will also show how our charitable company is governed and how its charitable purpose and objectives are being met. For the purpose of this report we will refer to our working name, the Wish Centre.

This year has been a productive one and whilst there have been challenges to face the Wish Centre has again been successful in maintaining its community presence, supporting over 3,000 people and developing new work to meet identified needs, such as our well-being support work. Our staff team has grown and as ever we are mindful of the needs of our employees and have, for the first time, employed a HR manager who has the care and support of staff at the centre of her role.

Whilst we began the 2023 financial year in a healthy monetary position the trustees and senior managers have been mindful throughout the year of the increased difficulty of securing external funding from grants and commissions. To ameliorate this position we made the decision to bring in both a part-time funding consultant and fundraising consultant. These two posts have been incredibly valuable in securing longer term sustainability. Our funding consultant’s role has been to apply for funding that meets our core business needs and he has been successful in securing some significant grants. Having these grants is positive for the Wish Centre but as securing funding becomes more competitive and this money is restricted to specific work and outcomes we identified the need to raise unrestricted funds. We have always found ways to build our unrestricted funds but this has been ad hoc and low key. We decided to employ an experienced fundraising manager on a consultancy basis. This shifted our fundraising activity strategy from something that existing staff would manage as part of other roles to having a dedicated post holder whose sole function was to focus on fundraising activities. This has proved very positive and we are now at a stage where we are considering if we should recruit to this post on a permanent basis. Not only have we been successful in building unrestricted funds but we have raised our local profile considerably, increasing local donations, attracting corporate sponsorship and building our allies base.

For many years we considered if we should have a charity shop that would supplement our income and in September 2023, after lots of work, we took the plunge and opened our first shop. Our CEO championed this and she finally got her wish. This has not been without its challenges but they are being managed by way of a dedicated working group that oversees the shop activities. We envisage that should we employ a fundraising manager the responsibility for the shop will sit within that role. We are building the business and have always accepted that it will take time to realise the potential of the shop. It is situated in a local community which has been very supportive of the new venture. There has been secondary benefits from having the shop in that it has raised our profile and given us a way to interact with local people, giving them another avenue for making contact with our domestic abuse services. We have considered if this is a model that can be replicated in other areas of the Borough. The shop acts as an informal hub where we can publicise the support we can offer, give a space for people to begin to be more confident about sharing their experiences of abuse, learn more about the nature of abuse and volunteer for us. We see this as a positive strand to our services and a way to educate more people about referral pathways etc.

We have remained focused on our core business which is to support people who have suffered, are at risk of suffering or affected by domestic abuse. In the report we will talk about both victims and survivors of domestic abuse and share service user experiences that illustrate what horrendous situations people have had to live through. We are privileged to meet many survivors whose strength, courage and resilience, coupled with the work our staff team undertake result in them enjoying life free from abuse.

Page 3

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Trustees' Report (continued)

We have continued to deliver services across Lancashire and our staff team and volunteers have been able to work in a flexible, hybrid way that has benefited service users. Covid years taught us this was possible and it has proved positive to keep this style of working. Learning from people with lived experience has always been crucial for us and our services have benefited and developed because of this. As an organisation with a management and governance team that is creative and forward thinking we are able to quickly respond to change when necessary.

We have a highly experienced and well trained staff team and group of volunteers who focus sharply on the needs of service users. Our staff are supported by an able management and administration team. We offer a whole family approach to tackling abuse which is underpinned by in depth risk assessment, safety planning, and ongoing reviews. Personalised care is a key to the success of our work and all staff and volunteers understand the importance of trauma-informed practice. This is a strengths based model, which seeks to understand the effects of trauma on people’s lives. Physical, psychological and emotional safety is crucial in enabling people to feel empowered to take control of their lives and build resilience for the future.

We are acutely aware that support for victims of abuse is strengthened when partners work together and over the years we have built up valuable relationships with an array of statutory and voluntary organisations. Our staff link with colleagues from other agencies on a daily basis, for example, attending meetings and forums, co-working with families, developing community strategies, training and educating.

We need to make people aware of our services and we have been able to do this by developing a focused communication and marketing strategy. We have staff whose role is to ensure our social media reach continues to expand and this year has seen outstanding work in this area. It has helped to publicise our services and improve referral rates, engage more supporters and donors, educate, highlight campaigns and give another avenue for lived experienced voices.

The Wish Centre has had a continuous presence in Blackburn and Darwen and now across Lancashire for the past 36 years. We have grown by responding to the needs that have become evident in our local communities. We are proud that we have supported thousands of people over the years. Our commitment has never wavered and our aim is to continue to provide specialist services into the future for adults, children and young people and perpetrators of abuse. We will continue to educate others and campaign with likeminded organisations to end violence against women and girls. We have had a recent national policing statement that identifies the violence against women and girls (VAWG) statistics for 2022/23. It is recognised as an epidemic scale of offending, 20% of all recorded crime. Acknowledging that domestic abuse is a gendered issue, the majority of victims being women we recognise the support that is needed to all victims of domestic abuse regardless of gender. One in every six murders is related to domestic abuse with suspected victim suicides following domestic abuse rising year on year. Domestic abuse remains one of the biggest demands on policing with arrest related offences rising by 22% in the year ending 2023. These are significant statistics. We can’t rest, we continue to be motivated to end domestic abuse. We need a world free from abuse.

Our strategic themes embody what the Wish Centre is about and our work flows from these.

We Listen - We Support - We Empower

The annual report gives us the opportunity to thank our dedicated, hard-working staff team and volunteers. We also give thanks to our CEO, Shigufta Khan and the managers who support her to ensure we provide outstanding services. Without the commitment of our staff and volunteers we would not be able to undertake our life changing work, enabling people to live life free from abuse.

Without a doubt this annual report is dedicated to the courageous and resilient adults, children and young people who are victims and survivors of domestic abuse and continue to seek our support.

Page 4

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Trustees' Report (continued)

We received the sad news of the death of our patron, Pauline Quinn OBE. Pauline was a supporter of the Wish Centre from its early years and then became a trustee. She helped the organisation blossom, sharing her expertise and skills and offering valuable advice. After Pauline stepped down as a trustee she was made patron because of her dedication and commitment. She went on to support us in any way possible and for that we will always be grateful. Out thoughts are with her family.

Objectives and activities

The Wish Centre purpose and objectives

Our charity’s purpose is set out in the objects contained in the company’s memorandum and articles of association. The trustees believe we continue to act within our defined objects.

Our 2022-2025 strategic plan continues to guide our service delivery and intrinsically links with our charitable objects. The operational plan developed from our strategy is regularly reviewed by the senior leadership team and trustees.

Strategic themes:

• we support - providing high quality support for service users

Strategic priorities:

Delivering our priorities via key enablers:

In assessing our strategic progress we believe we have demonstrated how we have met our objectives, achieved our priorities and stayed true to our core values and principles.

Page 5

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Trustees' Report (continued)

The Wish Centre services

This is what we currently offer in our communities:

Safe accommodation - safe accommodation provided in Blackburn with Darwen consists of five individual houses with a staffed support block as well as 9 flats with a staffed flat. Emotional and practical support is provided to enable women to live a life free from abuse. Victim programmes and programmes for children are provided on site as well as counselling services. Resettlement support is provided to support residents to move on into their own accommodation and settle into their new communities.

IDVA / Advice service - support is offered to anyone who is impacted by domestic abuse and we welcome self-referrals, agency referrals and referrals from the police. Risk assessments and safety planning are undertaken with victims who may have been impacted by physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, economic abuse including forced marriages, so called honour-based abuse or female genital mutilation. To best serve the communities we work in and ensure that we can meet the needs of our service users we employ specialist ethnic minorities IDVAs, a specialist stalking ISAC case worker and an IDVA focusing on older people’s needs. We have added to the team an Emotional Health & Well-being Practitioner recognising the emotional and psychological needs of service users from an early stage of engagement. We also work closely with the police delivering Operation Provide, a direct service to victims where police colleagues are responding to domestic abuse call outs. IDVAs and police officers will work hand in hand to support victims.

Sanctuary Scheme - as well as supporting victims to access alternative accommodation we also provide support to ensure that victims living in their own homes are safe. A range of safety measures are available, for example, personal alarms, window & door alarms, lock changes and CCTV that can be provided to individuals to make their homes safer.

Programmes for adults - we offer a range of interventions for victims including AIM - a therapeutic programme that educates victims on domestic abuse and the impact that it can have on them and the way they parent. In addition, we offer The Recovery Toolkit which is a programme that supports women to move on from an abusive relationship. The programme helps women to develop their own strengths, resources and healthy coping strategies.

Programmes for perpetrators - The Wish Centre has been delivering interventions for perpetrators since 2011 in Blackburn with Darwen and this has been extended to cover Lancashire. Group programmes and 1:1 interventions are being delivered across the geographical area. The Make the Change© programme has been developed over many years and the evidence shows the effectiveness in changing men’s abusive behaviour. Gateway to Change© has been developed to precede our main programme and this raises awareness of domestic abuse. This helps some people who believe they do not require an intervention see how Make the Change© could be beneficial.

Project CARA (cautioning and relationship abuse) - This strand of work is delivered by specialist staff. It is an early intervention programme aimed at perpetrators of domestic abuse and sits within the criminal justice system. People referred to the programme will have met specific criteria to be issued with a Conditional Caution. Under the new two-tier policing framework CARA will be used for offenders receiving a Diversionary Caution. The programme consists of two workshops held 4 weeks apart focusing on supporting perpetrators to make better behaviour choices in their relationships. It is hoped through this work people will be directed to access our Make the Change© programme. Like our perpetrator programmes there will be a focus on ensuring the safety of victims and specialist CARA staff will link with victim services to ensure safeguarding and support for victims is at the forefront of the project. We are currently working with partners to embed this work.

Page 6

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Trustees' Report (continued)

Programmes for children & young people - a range of therapeutic programmes for children and young people are being delivered in our refuges and in the community. These include:

Young People’s Recovery Toolkit which is a therapeutic programme for young people and is informed by Trauma Focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.

Expect Respect which is a programme aimed at empowering young women to expect respect in their relationships. Through a range of engaging activities and discussions, this programme aims to enable participants to learn about domestic abuse and identify healthy and unhealthy relationships.

Helping Hands addresses the challenging issues of personal space, awareness of acceptable and unacceptable behaviours, and safety planning. Three themes, called the Protective Behaviours, are reinforced throughout the programme

Parachute Programme is aimed at young people who have been identified as needing help in managing conflict in their relationships. Parachute is aimed at young people who may already have a history of resorting to violence to try and solve conflict. They may have a history of frequent conflict at home, in their relationships, or at school.

RYPP (Respect Young People’s Programme) is a programme for families where children or young people aged between 10 and 16 are abusive or violent towards the people close to them, particularly their parents or carers. This abuse may be physical, verbal, financial, coercive or emotional and may include behaviour like hitting, making threats or causing damage in the home. The parent or carer and the young person both complete the programme.

IRISi - this programme which is new to Lancashire is in collaboration with Lancashire Victim Services, Fylde Coast Women’s Aid and clinical leads from the NHS Lancashire and Cumbria Integrated Care Board. The programme embeds identification of domestic abuse and referral pathways in primary care ensuring victims are identified at an earlier stage and offered the right interventions and support.

Counselling - we have developed a counselling service that proactively responds to individual needs, especially where people have long waits for other counselling provision. Counselling is provided by both paid staff and trainee counsellors and is available for all adult service users. We now have therapists who can offer Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). We also offer counselling for children and young people where appropriate. Within our refuges we have an Animal Therapist who undertakes sessions with families. We have recently appointed a Counselling Co-ordinator who is overseeing all our counselling provision.

Communication with our communities - Using social media channels and our website we are committed to raising awareness within our local areas about domestic abuse. Enhancing people’s knowledge about domestic abuse so people can recognise it and find support is crucial to individual and community safety. We have developed a communication strategy that ensures we use social media productively to distribute meaningful information, messages and ways of finding support. This has been valuable in helping people support friends and family, giving people the knowledge to recognise they are being abused and signpost people to support services. Our communication also helps those who want to change their abusive behaviour access support too. Year on year by communicating with our communities we increase the likelihood of people reaching out for support.

Where appropriate we will join with campaigns to influence social policy, raise awareness and call out wrongful practices.

Trauma informed practice - As previously stated all our staff team and volunteers are trained in trauma informed practice.

Page 7

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Trustees' Report (continued)

Support to colleagues from local agencies - alongside our direct support to people in the community we also act as a point of contact for professionals who require support whilst working with those affected by domestic abuse. Our well-respected staff team offer timely, well-researched advice and guidance to colleagues from the voluntary and statutory sectors. Many of our staff team also contribute to professional training locally, regionally and nationally. Many of our volunteers offer advice and guidance from the perspective of having lived experience.

Supporting strategic development - managers and staff members contribute to the strategic development of services, policy, guidance and legislation relating to violence against women and girls. Our Chief Executive sits on local and national forums ensuring positive responses to victims of domestic abuse, identifying ways to prevent abuse and developing partnerships across local agencies. She sits on the advisory panel for Children in Need. She also contributes to regional and national developments, for example, representing the VCF sector on the Safeguarding Adults Board and in the Primary Care Network meetings (PCNs) as well as representing the organisation at the Home Office.

Volunteers - as an organisation we are committed to enhancing the services we provide to the community by recruiting volunteers. We provide training and support for our volunteers and endeavour to offer them opportunities that will be fulfilling and enjoyable. Our volunteers get involved in many different aspects of our work.

Charity Shop support - we have opened a charity shop to help raise funds to continue our direct work. Having the shop in a local community means we can offer volunteer opportunities, we can raise our profile and signpost people to our services.

Page 8

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Trustees' Report (continued)

Achievements and performance

In reviewing the year it gives us an opportunity to look back and recognise our achievements and consider our performance. We have been able to continue to support significant numbers of individuals and families and enable many of them to leave abusive situations or change their abusive behaviour.

We have reviewed our organisational structure and governance and invested in making improvements to further strengthen our foundations. We have be mindful of the external drivers and how these affect the incidence of domestic abuse and been active in partnerships that influence social policy and effect change. We have continued to promote a culture where equality, diversity and inclusion are key aspects of our delivery and performance. Our commitment to the green agenda has been ever present as we strive to minimise our impact of the environment.

What follows is a flavour of some of the year’s highlights.

Provision of high quality services

• Continued to provide our core services whilst listening to the suggestions of service users and creating new service strands. We were successful in securing Reaching Communities funding for three years to develop emotional health and well-being provision, employing new staff and building our counsellor base. Within refuge we have been able to employ the services of an Animal Therapist which has been really beneficial for all residents.

• Our IDVA service has worked with 2139 people ensuring they all had safety plans. Of these people 488 were assessed as at the greatest risk of death or serious harm. Regardless of the risk every person who needed support was offered a service. We have also continued to work together with Lancashire Constabulary in Operation Provide so that first response calls to victims have both a police officer and IDVA in attendance. We added a triage worker to the team and now have an IDVA who is working with older people so they get the support they require.

• There were 395 referrals for our victim programmes, AIM and Recovery Toolkit. These programmes are a life line for people, enabling them to understand the abuse they have been subjected to, building confidence, leading to lives free from abuse.

• 659 children/young people accessed our programmes and thrived from the interventions.

• 178 men attended our behavioural change programmes with the aim of stopping their abusive behaviour. These programmes have been developed as part of a holistic approach to eradicating domestic abuse and are successful in changing patterns of behaviour.

• We have had 140 referrals for access to our safe accommodation and were able to house 36 women with their 53 children. Unfortunately as the housing crisis deepens and move on accommodation becomes harder to secure families have to stay in refuge for longer periods of time. This means we have less capacity to offer safe space.

• Our counselling service has supported 51 people through the year. With the development of this service we know we will be able to increase these numbers going forward.

• We have worked with people with more complex needs and from what people tell us 36% of those referred to us have mental health vulnerabilities and 17% issues with drugs and alcohol. Linking with other local services is an important part of our intervention ensuring people get the best support.

• It is vital that we work in partnership with other services and organisations to offer the best support to people when they require it. We have continued to build on our existing partnerships and welcome the advantages this gives people.

• Trained a cohort of CARA staff ready for implementation of the project.

• We are proud of the work we have been undertaking with primary care services through the IRISi initiative. We have been able to training significant numbers of primary care workers across GP practices with the aim of enabling them to identify domestic abuse at an early stage.

Page 9

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Trustees' Report (continued)

• Our training offer has expanded in the year and our training manager has developed new opportunities for colleagues both internally and externally. Some examples of the partners we have supported through training. Lancashire MIND; Children’s Social Care; Chorley & South Ribble Borough Council and Foster Care Associates North West. Here are a few comments from participants “Thank you for this opportunity. The training was very informative”, “The trainer was a great speaker and really helped to get discussion going and improve our understanding”, “Very good course, presenter knowledge was outstanding. Thank you”.

• Continuation of our monthly The Wish Centre Behaviour Change Programme newsletter has been well received by colleagues across an array of services. It promotes our programmes but also gives a wealth of information on all matters relating to domestic abuse.

• It is crucial that we can raise public awareness of domestic abuse and the services available to support victims and all those affected by the abuse. Our communications team has surpassed all expectations this year and we have been able to reach so many more people through our various social media channels. We have reached 79,300 through Facebook and Instagram. For Facebook that is a 91% increase from last year. We have been invited to take part in media interviews, podcasts and conferences and all these give us a platform to share knowledge and resources. More reach means more information about our services is disseminated, support from donors is increased and there is more awareness about the issues.

• To ensure we keep services running we need sustained funding. Investing in fundraising by employing a dedicated, experienced staff member, supported by other staff has not only raised more unrestricted income it has also improved our profile amongst local businesses and within the local community. It has significantly widened our networks. This has paid dividends as more people have supported us financially but also with gifts in kind. It has also given us the opportunity to diversify our funding streams which is crucial to a sustainable future. We embarked on many new fundraising ventures: a fashion show; Walk the Big One (at Blackpool); Morecambe Bay walk; our first Ball and lots of supermarket collections (thanks to Forbes solicitors for support). We have gained excellent sponsorships from local firms, including Haydock Finance, Watson Ramsbottom solicitors, Herbert Parkinson and Pierce Business Advisory and Accountancy Group to name just a few. We also brought in a consultant to work with the senior leadership team to identify and apply for new funding so we can maintain our core services and build on the successes with new strands of work.

• We were able to open our first charity shop in September 2023. We are building up our customer base and developing a position within the community we trade in. We have had incredible support from people who have donated items for the shop. We must thank too the volunteers who have worked in the shop. We are on a learning curve but we hope that in time the revenue we make from the shop will be able to fund some of our ongoing work.

Organisation, governance and managing risk

• Investing in our staff team is a key to ensuring we provide the best possible support to people who access our services. With a new HR Manager in post we believe we can enhance the way we promote staff well-being. Refining employment processes, improving onboarding, developing training opportunities etc will create a better organisation to work for. Our staff team has grown and the way each team works together strengthens our offer. We are proud to hold the Investors In People accreditation.

• We have been supported in the year by a consultant who has helped us to review our governance structure and processes, including risk management. Alongside trustee away days and the review of our strategic plan we believe the organisation is in a strong and secure position. We have also worked with a solicitor to refresh our Memorandum and Articles of Association. We have been able to update these and make them more appropriate to our needs at the current time.

• We have been developing new ways to capture outcomes so we can continue to be confident that we are developing the best services for people, that we are meeting need and most importantly making a real difference to people’s lives. Improving our systems so we are able to fully capture data that informs our future developments is key to knowing how best we can meet local need.

• Through the work we have been undertaking it became clear that to maintain a firm governance foundation, develop our risk management, audit our provision and be confident that outcomes for services users are being met that we should consider a new staff post to oversee all these areas of work and ensure we are continually improving. We are now at a stage to take this forward.

Page 10

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Trustees' Report (continued)

• We believe the work we have undertaken to review, develop and future proof the organisation will provide us with a firmer foundation so we can continue to provide services for many years to come.

Responding to external drivers

• We want to remain a leader in our field and to do this we know we need to collaborate with partners, remain on top of policy and legislation and continue to be aware of the evolving impacts of poverty, mental health, environmental changes and other influences. In the year we have succeeded in doing all these things. Our CEO and other staff members are linked in to networks and forums, sit on relevant bodies where they can influence change and have kept abreast of changes in legislation that affect our work. Where appropriate we will campaign with others, for example, Women’s Aid and the Domestic Abuse Commissioner to highlight concerns, call for change and champion the needs of the most vulnerable in society.

• Our partnership work at a local level directly impacts on the quality of services that people experience. We are committed to continuing to work with others and build new allegiances where we know it will benefit our service users.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

• Ensuring our services are inclusive, equitable and free from bias and judgement is vital to ensuring we provide the correct support to people. We have reviewed our policies and procedures relating to this so we are confident they are fit for purpose. We will continue to scrutinise this to uphold the values we hold dear.

• Within our governance, organisational review we have considered how we make it a priority to engage with people from minoritised groups. Our services are now more community based and this has increased the opportunities for people from underrepresented groups to engage with us.

• We have improved our recruitment processes to make it easier for underrepresented groups to consider working for the Wish Centre. We have a diverse staff group and this has paved the way for us to work more proactively within the communities we serve.

• Co-production is important to us and we have found many ways to include service users throughout the year. We are very proud of the work being undertaken with young people and this has been acknowledged by again achieving the Investing In Children Award.

Green agenda

• We continue to be alert to the needs of our planet and whilst committing to maximise our impact in the community we are mindful of minimising our environmental impact.

• We have endeavoured wherever possible to purchase locally and use local contractors when needed.

• We have continued to work in a hybrid way so that staff members can work from home where possible and reduce their carbon footprint.

• Within our office space and at refuge we consider the actions we can take to reduce the impact on the environment, for example, regulating heating within our houses and flats, reducing reliance on printing, using Teams for meetings, being alert to switching off computers/screens when not in use. We know we have more work to do on this and we will continue to champion the issues within the organisation.

• We take our social corporate responsibility seriously and strive to adhere to the highest ethical standards, considering at all times how our actions impact on the well-being of society and the environment.

Page 11

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Trustees' Report (continued)

Delivering public benefit

Our charitable objects are aimed at supporting our local communities and ensuring services exist for people who are affected by domestic abuse. We also have an educative role in raising awareness of the issues and working with others to eradicate domestic abuse.

We believe we have achieved positive outcomes for those women, men, children and young people who have reached out to us in the year and improved community safety. We have delivered public benefit through our direct services, our social media presence, training portfolio, education work in schools and colleges, collaboration with partners and campaigning.

Ensuring we listen to our stakeholders, our beneficiaries is vital to ensuring we are providing services that are needed and are fit for purpose, for example, 1:1 feedback as people exit services; group consultations; focus groups and fun activities. We also have formal processes in place to gather outcomes data so we can measure the differences we make to people’s lives. We learn too from any complaints, comments and compliments we receive. The senior leadership team report to the trustees on a regular basis so all the information we gather can be used to inform our strategic planning. As previously stated we have used feedback from services users and other stakeholders to develop new strands of work and change practice.

Direct feedback from those who use our services is one of the best ways to hear if we are achieving our objectives and supporting people in the most positive way possible. We welcome constructive criticism so we can use this to review our services and where appropriate change them. Here are some of the comments we have received through the year which highlight the ways we have made a difference.

Feedback from young people:

“learned more ways of coping and dealing with problems”

“I’ve started to cope with things in a healthy way and better way that doesn’t do harm to others or me” “Better with conflict”

“It has worked which proves it’s better than the rest….it has helped me be a better person to my mum”

IDVA services

“There are a million ways that Wish has been useful but having the support from the Wish Centre has made me feel safer and secure”

“Never felt alone, the support from M was amazing. I will never forget it”

“I built my confidence, had equipment provided that kept me safe and also they helped me financially with food banks. They were there when I needed someone to talk to”

Victim Programmes

“The Aim Programme and Recovery Toolkit have been amazing. They have helped open my eyes and see things from another perspective I hadn’t thought of”

“I have learned so much and I intend to keep learning and striving for my goals”

“I am a different person now, I am not the same person from 12 months ago”

Behaviour Change Programmes

“By attending the programme I have gained insight into how my behaviour affected my relationship and how my actions have been seen by other people”

“Before the programme I would probably have said that my belief was right/completely correct. But as time has gone on, you’re not always right and other people’s values and beliefs are respected”

“I can recognise when and how my thoughts, beliefs and actions have been abusive and I accept responsibility for my actions”

Page 12

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Trustees' Report (continued)

“Actions are greater than words and so she needed to see that I was willing to change”

Refuge

In a therapeutic craft group and child drew a heart with a plaster on it and said “My heart was broken before I came here and now it’s fixed. That’s why I’ve drawn a plaster on”

From an evaluation form a child gave us this feedback this (not all the feedback details) - Did you feel safe at the refuge - “Yes”, How did you feel about the support whilst at refuge - “Brilliant”, Do you feel your quality of life has improved - “Yes”

This is from an Independent Reviewing Officer “I feel the family would be in a much more vulnerable state if it was not for you and the support you have provided”

And finally

“I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them. They have given me my life back and gave me the tools and knowledge to ensure I never end up in an abusive relationship again”

The words speak for themselves and we are proud to have been able to change the future for so many people.

Achievements and performance

Financial review

This has been a financially secure year enabling valuable services to be maintained. With the support of funders, we have continued to deliver services across Lancashire. We want to stay true to our core mission of supporting people suffering or at risk of suffering domestic abuse, however where we see opportunities to deliver better services, we look at ways to do this. This innovation often relies on securing the finances to carry it through. We are grateful therefore for all the individuals, organisations, grant bodies and commissions that help us maintain services and build on them.

Our financial strategy is regularly reviewed, and the Finance and Audit Committee oversees our budget, financial development, contracting and risk. We have successfully secured diverse funding streams that spread the risk to the organisation. Local fundraising and corporate support have helped us to create this diversity. It is very pleasing to report that we end the year in a positive financial position.

As we implement our three-year strategy we want to ensure we maintain our services and continue to be a sustainable organisation.

The financial statement for the year ended 31 March 2024 shows a net surplus in funds of £304,132 (31 March 2023 £508,114). As outlined above the organisation is in a stable position and able to sustain the valuable work we deliver.

Page 13

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Trustees' Report (continued)

Policy on reserves

The Wish Centre is required to hold reserves to achieve its charitable objectives. Reserves enable current activities and liabilities to be met in the event of a significant drop in funding.

The Trustees have reviewed the reserves of the Charity. This review encompassed the nature of the income and expenditure streams, the need to match variable income with fixed commitments and the nature of the reserves.

Reserves at 31st March 2024 amount to:

Designated reserves £1,751,394 Unrestricted reserves £100,798 Restricted reserves £690,020

Total Funds £ 2,542,212

The trustees can report that the Board has approved an increase in the contingency fund given the current financial climate and the likelihood that new funding will be more difficult to secure. The Board has also approved the use of designated reserves to maintain 9 months running/winding down costs, particularly in light of three significant contracts ending in March 2025. The organisation must remain committed to innovation and further advancement and therefore the Board has agreed to designated funds being set aside to enable staff to continue to develop much needed services.

Going concern

The trustees are aware that contracts with Blackburn with Darwen Unitary Authority, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Lancashire County Council are all due to end on 31st March 2025 and there is uncertainty whether the organisation will retain this funding. We are still awaiting the new tenders to be published, but fully expect the contracts will be retained. Trustees have a reasonable expectation that there are adequate resources to continuing to operate services albeit, if certain funding ceases, it may mean a change in the direction and the delivery of services.

Cashflow forecasts have been prepared, excluding the funding which may not be renewed and trustees note the impact on going concern. With this in mind, the Board agreed to increase the reserves to enable the continued funding of existing services for 9 months in the unlikely event that the organisation is unsuccessful in retaining the funding. This will ensure the organisation can continue to deliver outstanding services whilst seeking additional funding.

Principal funding sources

We are very grateful to the following funders and donors who enable us to deliver our vital services. Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Lancashire County Council, Blackpool Council, The Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner for Lancashire, Ministry of Justice, Children in Need, Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Garfield Weston, Charles Hayward Foundation, Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board.

We are also grateful to local groups, companies and individuals who have donated money, goods and services throughout the year.

Page 14

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Trustees' Report (continued)

Investment policy and objectives

The Trustees agree to keep a specific designated amount in reserves each year. The rest of the funds are utilised to provide services for our service users. The Articles of Association contains powers to invest funds and the trustees and senior managers worked with an investment advisor to develop an investment strategy. Funds have been duly invested having identified the most appropriate means of securing a good return and securing our money.

Looking ahead

As we contemplate the future we are beginning the final year of our 2022-2025 strategic plan. We are pleased at the progress to date and feel that we will achieve our goals in the coming year. Never being complacent we know there is still much to do to realise our vision of a world without domestic abuse. We will begin to plan ahead and start the work to develop our new strategy for the coming years. These are challenging, yet exciting times and we are looking forward to the new developments we are planning.

We will continue to innovate and respond to the needs of our local communities. We will not stand still as we know there is much more we cab achieve. Co-production will remain a goal of ours and we will build on the work that is already taking place. We want people to feel valued and that their ideas are important to us.

Structure, governance and management

Nature of governing document

The Wish Centre is registered as a charitable company limited by guarantee and is constituted under a Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 26.09.2006. It is also a registered charity, number 1116444.

The principal object of the company is to assist in the relief of women, men and children who have suffered or are at risk of suffering domestic abuse, through the provision of support, advice and accommodation. The organisation’s principal beneficiaries are women and children.

Our Memorandum and Articles of Association provide a framework for the Wish Centre to conduct organisational business. It structures the way the Trustee Board functions and sets out the rules we abide by.

Through the year we have been working with a legal advisor to update our Articles and these will be ready for approval at our next AGM.

The trustees delegate day to day running of the Wish Centre to the CEO, Shigufta Khan who with the leadership team determine the operational processes we need to have in place so that service users get the best provision possible. A goal of the Board is to ensure we offer a non-judgemental, non-discriminatory and inclusive service to individuals. Our senior leadership team also ensure that staff and volunteers are supported to undertake their roles and this is done with their welfare in mind.

Page 15

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Trustees' Report (continued)

There are nine trustees at present. We have had a stable Board over the past 12 months. All trustees are also Directors of the Wish Centre given we are a charitable company. Trustees have all committed to achieving the vision and mission of the Wish Centre and are well versed in the responsibilities of being a trustee. We have held trustee review days, working on plans for the future. We have been looking at ways to improve our structure and accountability and have been working with a consultant to achieve this. Looking at different ways to measure our outcomes, improve our reporting mechanisms, developing more sub groups and honing our risk management processes. It is probable we will appoint to our senior leadership team recognising the need to have someone managing the day to day requirements flowing from the governance review.

Our board is diverse but we will continue to review our skills by undertaking a yearly audit. Alongside the Board we have had two patrons Pauline Quinn OBE, ex-Head of Midwifery for East Lancs Hospital Trust, who sadly passed away through the year and Graham Liver, a radio and television presenter who is well known locally and regionally. We also have a number of co-opted members we can call upon for their specific skills.

The Board continue to meet bi-monthly, alternate meetings taking place face to face at our community offices with other meetings utilising Teams. This has proved successful in enabling trustees who live a distance from our offices to take part. It also helps trustees who are working. It is another way too that we can fulfil our commitment to reducing our carbon footprints by limiting travel. We have a Finance and Audit Committee which amongst other things undertakes a yearly pay and pension review. Recommendations are passed to the Board for approval. We have had a HR working group which we propose to change to a formal sub-group.

Trustees work closely with the CEO and where appropriate the wider management team. The newly appointed HR Manager has been a positive addition to the team and will be conducting staff surveys for the trustees so we are aware of any staffing issues as they occur. We have begun to review staff benefits. The CEO has weekly 1:1 catch up sessions with the Chair and formally supervision on a regular basis. Staff members are welcome to attend Board meetings and contact trustees if required. There is a very open culture regarding communication. Service users can also attend meetings if they wish. Trustees will attend whole team meetings and events that take place across the organisation. The CEO undertakes a yearly consultation with refuge residents with feedback reported to Board. The CEO sends out a weekly communication to staff and trustees with relevant news and information. This continues to be valued by all and is very useful as we have more staff who are home based.

Recruitment and appointment of trustees

The recruitment process for new trustees is well embedded in the organisation. An interview is undertaken, references requested, a disclosure and barring check carried out and any further checks required that determines suitability to hold office. An induction pack is given to new trustees that include roles and responsibilities of a trustee, information from the Charity Commission, the Charity Governance Code and information about the organisation. They spend time with the CEO, Chair and staff to familiarise themselves with the Wish Centre activities. They can also undertake a volunteer training programme. Recruits are asked to attend three Board meetings, excluding any confidential sections, before being confirmed by existing members. Currently at each AGM a third of Board members are required to retire. Those longest in office since election retire first and all are eligible for re-election. The three officer positions are re-elected each year. This is not determined in our Articles but we believe it ensures accountability and gives opportunities to others on the Board. With the review of our Articles we are looking to trustees having fixed terms rather than rotating as we do now.

All trustees commit to declaring any personal interests and this is updated each year.

Trustees undertake a set of e-learning safeguarding training and Information Security and GDPR training to equip them for their role. Each member of the Board is encouraged to undertake additional training so they can contribute fully to the Board. There is a training budget to facilitate this.

Page 16

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Trustees' Report (continued)

Organisational structure

Trustees understand their strategic role within the organisation and that of the CEO who manages day to day operations. The CEO reports to the Board at each meeting and this includes a review of our financial position. Individual staff members feed into the CEO report and managers will attend some of the meetings to update directly.

There is a formal process for decision making, papers are presented at Board meetings with opportunities to discuss and debate issue and then where required voting takes place. Where there are any special resolutions to be considered a meeting of the whole membership is called. At present the membership exists solely of the trustees/directors. Overtime other members have resigned and many have chosen to become allies of the Wish Centre.

We hold our AGM each year in September and all those involved with the Wish Centre internally are invited, along with other stakeholders. Our audited accounts are presented at the meeting, having been approved at the Board.

Where decisions have to be made in an emergency, outside of normal Board meetings Trustees have the authority to do so. Where possible there are always at least three Trustees who consult on the matter to be decided and this is then taken to the next Board meeting for ratification. If needed the Chair will make an executive decision and update the other trustees as soon as possible. These processes are regularly reviewed.

Risk management

There is a process in place for managing risk within the organisation and on a day to day basis the CEO is responsible for overseeing this. The ultimate responsibility lies with trustees and it has been recently decided that we needed a wholesale review of our processes and this is currently being undertaken. We are reviewing our internal controls and processes for reporting risk, service outcomes, employee information etc. and believe once new structures are in place it will make organisational management significantly more robust.

Whilst our review is taking place the trustees are satisfied that our ongoing processes are rigorous and timely and there are no significant risks that would put at risk the organisation, our services, our staff and volunteers and most importantly our service users.

Members’ liability

The members of the charitable company guarantee to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 to the assets of the charity in the event of winding up.

Page 17

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Trustees' Report (continued)

A final word

This has been a vibrant year where we have been able to develop new work strands which enhance our core offer. Our work makes a real difference to the individuals who come to us for support but also positively impacts our communities. We are proud of the achievements over the year.

Those achievements are only possible because of the tremendous team we have built up over the years. Long standing experienced and skilful practitioners have been joined by a number of new staff members and we are excited to have them on board.

With the ongoing financial challenges faced by charities there is a constant battle to sustain our services but we have risen to those challenges and will continue to strive to identify the funding we need to maintain our much needed provision.

We have provided valuable accommodation for women and children, kept people safe, given people the tools to live abuse free lives, helped men change their abusive behaviour and supported children and young people to regain their childhoods. We have raised awareness with colleagues and within the community about domestic abuse and believe this will lead to better outcomes for those who live under the shadow of domestic abuse.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us this year in so many ways, allies, grant givers, commissioners, donors big and small. None of our work can be done without this outstanding help.

Finally please remember all those victims and survivors of domestic abuse, some who have sadly and tragically lost their lives. The Wish Centre is here for you.

We will stay true to our values of listening, supporting and empowering.

Our vision remains a world without domestic abuse.

Page 18

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities

The trustees (who are also the directors of Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited for the purposes 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 Practice), including FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland".

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that can disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company 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 charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Approved by the trustees of the charity on 11th September 2024 and signed on its behalf by:

......................................... Pauline Geraghty, MBE Trustee

......................................... Rabiya Gangreker Trustee

Page 19

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited (the 'charity') for the year ended 31 March 2024, which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, Balance Sheet, Statement of Cash Flows, and Notes to the Financial Statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is United Kingdom Accounting Standards, comprising Charities SORP - FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and applicable law (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the auditor responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the original financial statements were authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

Page 20

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited (continued)

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinion on other matter prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of our knowledge and understanding of the charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees' Report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities (set out on page 19), the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

Page 21

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited (continued)

We assessed the risk of material misstatement of the financial statements, including the risk of material misstatement due to fraud and how it might occur, by holding discussions with management and those charged with governance.

• We obtained an understanding of laws and regulations that could reasonably be expected to have a material effect on the financial statements through discussion with management and those charged with governance, including financial reporting and taxation legislation. We considered that extent of compliance with those laws and regulations as part of our procedures on the related financial statement items.

• We inquired of management and those charged with governance as to any known instances of noncompliance or suspected non-compliance with laws and regulations. We remained alert to any indications of non-compliance throughout the audit.

• We addressed the risk of fraud through management override by reviewing the appropriateness of journal entries and other adjustments; assessing whether the judgements made in making key accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias; and evaluating the business rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of business that we come across throughout the audit.

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company's trustees, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and its trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

...................................... Suzanne Lomax (Senior Statutory Auditor) For and on behalf of Beever and Struthers, Statutory Auditor

Suite 9b The Beehive Lions Drive Shadsworth Business Park Blackburn BB1 2QS

16.10.24 Date:.............................

Page 22

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (Including Income and Expenditure Account and Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses)

Note
Income and Endowments from:
Grants and donations
3
Charitable activities
4
Trading Income
5
Investment income
6
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
7
Charitable activities
8
Total expenditure
Net income
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
17		 Unrestricted
funds
£
680,715
253,052
6,346
19,008
959,121
(36,630)
(631,145)
(667,775)
291,346
291,346
1,007,452
1,298,798		 Restricted
funds
£
694,241
-
-
-
694,241
-
(681,455)
(681,455)
12,786
12,786
677,234
690,020		 Total
2024
£
1,374,956
253,052
6,346
19,008
1,653,362
(36,630)
(1,312,600)
(1,349,230)
304,132
304,132
1,684,686
1,988,818		 Total
2023
£
1,420,685
257,613
-
4,618
1,682,916
-
(1,174,802)
(1,174,802)
508,114
508,114
1,729,966
2,238,080

The notes on pages 27 to 40 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 23

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued) (Including Income and Expenditure Account and Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses)

Note
Income and Endowments from:
Grants and donations
3
Charitable activities
4
Investment income
6
Total income
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
8
Total expenditure
Net income
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
17		 Unrestricted
funds
£
612,848
257,613
4,618
875,079
(560,584)
(560,584)
314,495
314,495
1,246,351
1,560,846		 Restricted
funds
£
807,837
-
-
807,837
(614,218)
(614,218)
193,619
193,619
483,615
677,234		 Total
2023
£
1,420,685
257,613
4,618
1,682,916
(1,174,802)
(1,174,802)
508,114
508,114
1,729,966
2,238,080

The notes on pages 27 to 40 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 24

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

(Registration number: 05834929) Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2024

2024 2023
Note £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 12 1,949 5,066
Current assets
Debtors 13 46,507 155,446
Cash at bank and in hand 14 2,556,524 2,157,794
2,603,031 2,313,240
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 15 (62,768) (80,226)
Net current assets 2,540,263 2,233,014
Net assets 2,542,212 2,238,080
Funds of the charity:
Restricted income funds
Restricted funds 690,020 677,234
Unrestricted income funds
Unrestricted funds 1,852,192 1,560,846
Total funds 17 2,542,212 2,238,080

For the financial year ending 31 March 2024 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, although an audit has been carried out under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011.

Directors' responsibilities:

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to companies subject to the small companies regime within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.

The financial statements on pages 23 to 40 were approved by the trustees, and authorised for issue on 11th September 2024 and signed on their behalf by:

......................................... Pauline Geraghty, MBE Trustee

The notes on pages 27 to 40 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 25

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Statement of Cash Flows for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Note
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash income
Adjustments to cash flows from non-cash items
Depreciation
7
Investment income
6
Working capital adjustments
Decrease/(increase) in debtors
13
(Decrease)/increase in creditors
15
Net cash flows from operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Interest receivable and similar income
6
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
12
Net cash flows from investing activities
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 April
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 March
Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net funds
Increase in cash
Net funds at 1 April 2023
Net funds at 31 March 2024		 2024
£
304,132
3,117
(19,008)
288,241
108,939
(17,458)
379,722
19,008
-
19,008
398,730
2,157,794
2,556,524
398,730
2,157,794
2,556,524		 2023
£
508,116
4,945
(4,618)
508,443
(50,953)
23,878
481,368
4,618
(4,056)
562
481,930
1,675,864
2,157,794
481,930
1,675,864
2,157,794

All of the cash flows are derived from continuing operations during the above two periods.

The notes on pages 27 to 40 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 26

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

1 Accounting policies

The charity is limited by guarantee, incorporated in England and Wales, and consequently does not have share capital. Each of the trustees is liable to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 towards the assets of the charity in the event of liquidation.

The address of its registered office is: Unit 21 Business Development Centre Eanam Wharf Eanam Old Road Blackburn Lancashire BB1 5BL

Summary of significant accounting policies and key accounting estimates

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

Statement of compliance

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting 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)) (issued in October 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

Basis of preparation

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.

Page 27

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued)

1 Accounting policies (continued)

Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.

The trustees assess whether the use of going concern is appropriate i.e. whether there are any material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the charity to continue as a going concern. The trustees make this assessment in respect of a period of at least one year from the date of approval of the financial statements.

The trustees are aware that contracts with Blackburn with Darwen Unitary Authority, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Lancashire County Council are all due to end on 31st March 2025 and there is uncertainty whether the organisation will retain this funding. We are still awaiting the new tenders to be published, but fully expect the contracts will be retained. Trustees have a reasonable expectation that there are adequate resources to continuing to operate services albeit, if certain funding ceases, it may mean a change in the direction and the delivery of services.

Cashflow forecasts have been prepared, excluding the funding which may not be renewed and trustees note the impact on going concern. With this in mind, the Board agreed to increase the reserves to enable the continued funding of existing services for 9 months in the unlikely event that the organisation is unsuccessful in retaining the funding. This will ensure the organisation can continue to deliver outstanding services whilst seeking additional funding.

Income and endowments

Income is recognised when the Charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Donations and legacies

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the Charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the Charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

Grants receivable

Grants are recognised when the charity has an entitlement to the funds and any conditions linked to the grants have been met. Where performance conditions are attached to the grant and are yet to be met, the income is recognised as a liability and included on the balance sheet as deferred income to be released.

Gifts in kind

Gifts in kind are recognised as a reasonable estimate of their fair value or where the monetary value of gifts cannot be reliably measured, they will be included in the accounts when they are sold and the amount actually realised. Donated stock is not valued in the balance sheet as the Trustees believe the cost of determining the amount exceeds the benefits.

Page 28

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued)

1 Accounting policies (continued)

Donated services and facilities

Donated services are included at the value to the Charity where this can be quantified. The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included in these accounts.

Expenditure

All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources, with central staff costs allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use. Other support costs are allocated based on the spread of staff costs.

Governance costs

These include the costs attributable to the charity’s compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements, including audit, strategic management and trustees meetings and reimbursed expenses.

Charitable activities

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.

Tangible fixed assets

Individual fixed assets are initially recorded at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.

Depreciation and amortisation

Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows:

Asset class

Depreciation method and rate

Fixtures and Fittings 33% straight line

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.

Page 29

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued)

1 Accounting policies (continued)

Financial instruments

Classification

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, with 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.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled

Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee's services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

Page 30

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued)

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity's accounting policies, the trustees 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 considered 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.

There are no critical accounting estimates and judgements.

3 Income from donations and legacies

Donations and legacies;
Donations
Grants, including capital grants;
Government grants
Grants		 Unrestricted
funds
General
£
27,955
615,200
37,560
680,715		 Restricted
funds
£
-
645,311
48,930
694,241		 Total
2024
£
27,955
1,260,511
86,490
1,374,956		 Total
2023
£
22,356
1,280,849
117,480
1,420,685

Page 31

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued)

4 Income from charitable activities

Housing benefit - Refuge 1
Housing benefit - Refuge 2
Rent received from tenants - Refuge 1
Rent received from tenants - Refuge 2
5
Income from other activities
Trading income;
Shop income from sale of donated goods and
services
6
Investment income
Interest receivable and similar income;
Interest receivable on bank deposits		 Unrestricted
funds
General
£
124,196
106,446
10,650
11,760
253,052
Unrestricted
funds
General
£
6,346
6,346
Unrestricted
funds
General
£
19,008		 Total
2024
£
124,196
106,446
10,650
11,760
253,052
Total
funds
£
6,346
6,346
Total
2024
£
19,008		 Total
2023
£
119,565
112,322
14,813
10,913
257,613
Total
2023
£
-
-
Total
2023
£
4,618

Page 32

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued)

7 Expenditure on raising funds

a) Costs of generating fundraising income

Direct fundraising costs
b) Costs of trading activities
Fundraising trading costs;
Shop expenditure
c) Total expenditure on raising funds
Costs of generating donations and legacies
Costs of trading activities		 Unrestricted
funds
General
£
8,252
Unrestricted
funds
General
£
12,147
12,147
Direct costs
£
8,252
12,147
20,399		 Total
2024
£
8,252
Total
2024
£
12,147
12,147
Allocated
support costs
£
-
16,231
16,231		 Total
2023
£
-
Total
2023
£
-
-
Total
2024
£
8,252
28,378
36,630

Page 33

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued)

8 Expenditure on charitable activities

8
Expenditure on charitable activities
Staff costs
Depreciation
Consultancy
Travel expenses
Legal & professional fees
Bank charges
Establishment costs
Repairs and maintenance
Office expenses
Printing, postage, stationery & advertising
Subscriptions & donations
Sundry expenses
Cleaning		 Activity
support costs
£
994,542
3,117
23,709
16,545
26,504
1,384
150,342
23,520
54,255
7,283
3,197
7,147
1,055
1,312,600		 2024
£
994,542
3,117
23,709
16,545
26,504
1,384
150,342
23,520
54,255
7,283
3,197
7,147
1,055
1,312,600		 2023
£
904,798
4,945
17,655
16,740
19,275
584
138,229
17,856
36,275
9,161
2,334
5,006
1,944
1,174,802

£631,145 (2023 - £560,584) of the above expenditure was attributable to unrestricted funds and £681,455 (2023 - £614,218) to restricted funds.

In addition to the expenditure analysed above, there are also governance costs of £7,850 (2023 - £7,500) which relate directly to charitable activities. See note 9 for further details.

Page 34

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued)

9 Analysis of governance and support costs

Governance costs

Audit fees
Audit of the financial statements		 Unrestricted
funds
General
£
7,850
7,850		 Total
2024
£
7,850
7,850		 Total
2023
£
7,500
7,500

10 Trustees remuneration and expenses

No trustees, nor any persons connected with them, have received any remuneration from the charity during the year.

11 Staff costs

The aggregate payroll costs were as follows:

Staff costs during the year were:
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs		 2024
£
906,451
76,360
27,962
1,010,773		 2023
£
810,068
75,210
19,521
904,799

The monthly average number of persons (including senior management / leadership team) employed by the charity during the year expressed as full time equivalents was as follows:

Employees 2024
No
41		 2023
No
38

The average number of full-time and part-time employees during the year was 29 and 19 respectively (2022/23: 27/17), an estimated number of full-time equivalent employees of 41 (2022/23: 38).

No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 during the year.

Page 35

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued)

11 Staff costs (continued)

The trustees consider the key management personnel of the charity to be the CEO and the Operational manager. Total employee benefits including employers' pension contributions were £109,148 (2023 - £91,249).

12 Tangible fixed assets

12 Tangible fixed assets
Cost
At 1 April 2023
At 31 March 2024
Depreciation
At 1 April 2023
Charge for the year
At 31 March 2024
Net book value
At 31 March 2024
At 31 March 2023
13 Debtors
Trade debtors
Prepayments
Other debtors		 Fixtures & Fittings
Furniture and
equipment
£
Total
£
150,182
150,182
150,182
150,182
145,116
145,116
3,117
3,117
148,233
148,233
1,949
1,949
5,066
5,066
2024
£
2023
£
17,485
133,000
6,600
6,473
22,422
15,973
46,507
155,446
150,182
145,116
3,117
148,233
1,949
5,066
2024
£
17,485
6,600
22,422
46,507
155,446

Page 36

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued)

14 Cash and cash equivalents

14 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash at bank
Other cash and cash equivalents		 2024
£
2,551,077
5,447
2,556,524		 2023
£
2,154,013
3,781
2,157,794

15 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Trade creditors
Other taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals		 2024
£
935
3,280
46,209
12,344
62,768		 2023
£
24,538
5,282
35,897
14,509
80,226

16 Obligations under leases and hire purchase contracts

Operating lease commitments

Total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

Land and buildings
Within one year		 2024
£
850

Page 37

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued)

17 Funds

Unrestricted funds
General
Designated
Total unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Total funds
Unrestricted funds
General
General
Designated
Restricted funds
Henry Smith
Children in Need
Selnet
WEA
Awards For All
Lancashire Perpetrator
Programme
PCC
Charles Haywood
Blackpool Council
LVS
Total restricted funds
Total funds		 Balance at 1
April 2023
£
362,846
1,198,000
1,560,846
677,234
2,238,080
Balance at 1
April 2023
£
362,846
1,198,000
1,560,846
23,828
75,168
2,185
855
9,802
211,796
317,600
16,000
20,000
-
677,234
2,238,080		 Incoming
resources
£
959,121
-
959,121
694,241
1,653,362
Incoming
resources
£
959,121
-
959,121
-
10,000
-
-
-
271,420
351,392
18,000
22,500
20,930
694,242
1,653,363		 Resources
expended
£
(667,775)
-
(667,775)
(681,455)
(1,349,230)
Resources
expended
£
(667,775)
-
(667,775)
-
(16,488)
-
-
-
(71,737)
(518,416)
(21,525)
(32,360)
(20,930)
(681,456)
(1,349,231)		 Transfers
£
(553,394)
553,394
-
-
-
Transfers
£
(553,394)
553,394
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Balance at
31 March
2024
£
100,798
1,751,394
1,852,192
690,020
2,542,212
Balance at
31 March
2024
£
100,798
1,751,394
1,852,192
23,828
68,680
2,185
855
9,802
411,479
150,576
12,475
10,140
-
690,020
2,542,212

Page 38

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued)

17 Funds (continued)

17 Funds (continued)
Unrestricted funds
General
Designated
Total unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Total funds		 Balance at 1
April 2022
£
48,351
1,198,000
1,246,351
483,615
1,729,966		 Incoming
resources
£
875,079
-
875,079
807,837
1,682,916		 Resources
expended
£
(560,584)
-
(560,584)
(614,218)
(1,174,802)		 Balance at 31
March 2023
£
362,846
1,198,000
1,560,846
677,234
2,238,080

The specific purposes for which the funds are to be applied are as follows:

Restricted funds comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes.

The Board has approved an increase in the designated fund as the likelihood of a significant drop in funding is possible in the current financial climate. The Board has agreed to use the designated reserves to maintain 9 months running/winding down costs and believes the organisation must remain committed to innovation and further advancement. Therefore, the Trustees have designated funds to allow staff to continue developing much-needed services.

Page 39

Blackburn and Darwen District Without Abuse Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued)

18 Analysis of net assets between funds

18 Analysis of net assets between funds
Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Total net assets
Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Total net assets		 Unrestricted
funds
General
£
1,949
1,913,011
(62,768)
1,852,192
Unrestricted
funds
General
£
5,066
1,555,780
-
1,560,846		 Restricted
funds
£
-
690,020
-
690,020
Restricted
funds
£
-
757,460
(80,226)
677,234		 Total funds at
31 March
2024
£
1,949
2,603,031
(62,768)
2,542,212
Total funds at
31 March
2023
£
5,066
2,313,240
(80,226)
2,238,080

19 Related party transactions

There were no related party transactions in the year.

Page 40