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LISTENING EAR
someone to talk to
LISTENING EAR (MERSEYSIDE)
COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
ANNUAL REPORT &
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
ST
31 MARCH 2024
Company No. 05999650
Charity Registration No. 1117324

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CONTENTS
Page
Chair & Chief Executive's Report
Trustees, Annual Report
Statement of Trustees, Responsibilities
14
Auditor's Report
15
Statement of Financial Activities
19
Balance Sheet
21
Statement of Cash Flows
22
Notes forming part of the Financial Ststements
23

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CHAIR'S AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
ST
Embarking on a new strategic journey, guided by our new five-year Business Plan, whilst maintaining
the highest possible quality of service for our beneficiaries. has made for a busy and demanding year
at Listening Ear.
We have had a record year in service delivery, providing specialist emotional andlor practical support
for over 4000 people this year. This included 865 people who were bereaved by suicide, 718 victim
survivors of domestic abuse and over 1000 children and young people. Alongside growth in our reach
we have also seen more complexity in many of our dients, presenting issues. Our amazing team has
risen to this challenge and we have seen overall improvements in outcomes for, and satisfaction of,
our beneficiaries- cause for double celebration.
Our staff has grown to meet increased need. with 99 individuals in post at the end of the year and
more in recruitment. We welcomed our first Amparo team in London, a significant milestone for us.
We extend our genuine thanks to all Listening Ear's staff and volunteers for their dedication and
commitment across all areas of our activities. They so brilliantly project our values- nurturing, listening
with compassion and responding with integrity. We are proud that every day they make a difference
to the lives of children, young people and adults who are experiencing their most challenging moments.
Our strategic focus this year was on urgent foundational work. The organisation has experienced three
years of exceptional growth to meet increasing mental health needs of people of all ages in the wake
of the Covid-19 pandemic. We needed a period of consolidation" to turn more of our attention to
organisational development and ensure the most appropriate infrastructure for the Listening Ear of
today and tomorrow. We have embedded significant changes to our organisational structure, made
great progress on our People Plan and laid the foundations for imminent digital transformation. This
work has taken more time and resource than planned, but we believe the investment will pay
dividends.
In this context we are delighted with the progress that has been made against our wider organisational
objectives. We have commenced delivery of process improvement across all operational aspects. We
have started piloting adult aftercare programmes to provide vital ongoing support to our most
vulnerable counselling beneficiaries. We have also made great strides in leading an innovative
partnership approach to mental health Ser￿1￿ provision for children and young people in Knowsley,
where we are headquartered, towards a truly No Wrong Door service. And much more besides,
outlined in our Strategic Report.
Introducing the new stsffing structure was a vital step but it has had a financial impact, leading to our
first year in deficit for some time. Whilst we had pre-empted this with the creation of a designated fund
for Business Development, we expect this risk to continue into the next financial year, with an ongoing
need to reduce this gap and our relian￿ on reserves. In the context of mounting costs (increase in
Employers, Nl being one factor across the sector), we have introduced a new pricing structure for
commissioned services and will continue to negotiate increases with existing Commissioners. We will
seek support from charitable trusts and foundations for vital core fvnctions, as well as to enable
increased reach. This focus on rebalancing our model by the end of Quarter 1 of 2025126 will enable
us to maintain longer term sustainability and better support our scale, scope and ambition.
As always, we express our heartfelt thanks to all our donors. grant funders and partners. Without your
support we would be unable to continue to walk alongside people in their most challenging times,
lending our practical and emotional support and a listening ear.
Sarah Stead
Chair
S￿r￿ltsy..
Michelle Lyons
Interim CEO
SbJn•d ty..
A7CDfj9828CA44

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TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024
The trustees are pleased to present their annual report for the year ended 31 st March 2024.
The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. Companies Act 2006, Accounting and
Reporting by Charities" Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP 2019) applicable to charities
preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK
and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1st January
2019).
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
LE'S charitable objects, which are set out in the Articles of Association are:
l. The relief of persons in England and Wales who are in conditions of poverty, sickness and distress,
with the pupose of relieving such persons.
2. To pron70te, organise and facilitate co-operation and partnership working between third sector,
statutory and otherrelevant bodies in the achievement of the above puq)oses within the area of benefit.
The Trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission guidan￿ on Public Benefit requirements in
setting the objectives.
About Listenin
Ear
Listening Ear's Mission and Scope
We believe in the transformative power of counselling and emotional support. Our mission is to help
people of all ages who are affected by bereavement and loss to thrive - not just survive. We walk
alongside people during these difficult life experien￿S. enabling them to discover and use their own
resources towards improved mental health.
We focus our Counselling and l or Postvention support towards people whose mental health is being
affected by bereavement and l or loss.
Within our definition of loss we currently work with victim survivors of domestic abuse and children and
young people who are looked after by their local authority. During the five-years of this business plan
we expect to work with a wider range of people within this scope, where we feel our skills and abilities
are transferable and our models of working are appropriate. We introduce work with new beneficiary
groups through a process of exploratory and pilot work.
Our Inspiration. Commitment and Values
We take a nurturing approach to everyone we work with and everyone who works for us, listening with
compassion and responding with integrity to the needs of the individual.
What our beneficiaries said about us this year:
"She s such a good listener and always seems to say the right thing that puts perspective on the situation
in a positive way. ' (Amparo)
"Yeh it was the best advice I have ever had with dealing wtsh my issues." (Amparo)
'The response to my email was very quick and communication has been excellent. [Staff member] has
provided such fantastic support that not sure he would have coped so well without it. I'd like to thank
[Staff member] very much." (Amparo)
"Amazing. Empathetic, understanding and gave me the tools to manage my emotions and work out
myself170W to make life better. None judgemental and a good listener." (VIDA)
'It helped me think in a more positive way and let me get all my feelings out" (DiAmond)
"was able to feel more calm due to self care time meaning less a￿uments, (DiAmond)
.1 can just talk about anyt17ing & I'm allowed to be myself (Buttertlies)
'[Counsellor] was amazing helped me so much am totally different to when I first started thank you

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TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024
[Counsellor] for helping me through a drfficult period in my life since my accident last year thank you"
(Knowsley Adult Counselling)
'No improvements requiredl It was delivered at the light level and both Tracy and the kind gent
supporting her did a bn'lliant job. When Tracy put the infom7ation across in examples, it really brought
home what these children and YP are going through and their thought prDcesses and how to support
them." (Mindset Training attendee)
ACHIEVEMENTS, SERVICE DELIVERY AND PERFORMANCE FOR THE YEAR
Listenin
Ear's Headline Im
acts in 202312024
We received and processed 3771 new referrals, signposting people to other services if Listening
Ear could not meet their needs.
We provided practical andlor emotional support for 4,132 people affected by bereavement or loss,
including 865 people bereaved by suicide and 718 victim survivors of domestic abuse.
Over 1000 of our beneficiaries were children and young people under the age of 18.
400/0 of the people we supported live in the most deprived 200/0 of neighbourhoods in England.
Our beneficiaries attended 12,196 Assessments and Counselling appointments delivered by
Listening Ear's therapists.
Our Suicide Bereavement Liaison Workers provided 7,376 appointments for people bereaved by
suicide, offering them non-judgemental practical and emotional support. We also communicated
with these beneficiaries through a further 2,542 phone calls, 8,422 SMSS and 381 letters.
We accompanied beneficiaries bereaved by suicide at 65 inquests.
After Listening Earfs support, 77 % of people experienced improved mental health and wellbeing
(evidenced by recognised outcome systems: CORS. SVVEMWEBS. GAD 7, PHQ-9 and CORE
10134).
We provided 183 Initial Briefing and Advice sessions reaching 3,861 professionals and volunteers
with information about the vital role of practical and emotional support for people bereaved by a
suicide.
We delivered 67 Community Response Plans, supporting people of all ages in workplaces and
educational settings to cope with the traumatic loss of a colleague, student or friend to suicide.
We delivered training to more than 120 professionals, deepening their understanding of the impacts
of traumatic bereavement and domestic abuse, thereby enabling them to better support their own
beneficiaries.
We supported 21 people on their joumey into the counselling workforce through training and
supported work placements.
Service Delive
Amparo: Support After Suicide
Our Amparo seniice footprint continued to grow again this year. enabling us to help many more people
bereaved by suicide with practical and emotional support. We were also able to provide advice and
training to many more professionals in a range of relevant sectors.
We won a new contract to deliver Amparo in Stoke and Staffordshire and our first in the London area
covering the North Central boroughs. We also further developed our relationship with the Ministry of
Defence to include work with the RAF as well as the British Army. We continued to deliver Amparo in
Cheshire and Merseyside, Lancashire, South Yorkshire. Kent & Medway, Coventry & Warwickshire,
SHIP (Southampton, Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Portsmouth), Thames Valley (Oxfordshire, Berkshire
and Buckinghamshire), Lincolnshire and Mid & South Essex.
In total this year, we provided practical and emotional support. through 19,587 direct contacts (13,859
in 22123), for..
833 adults bereaved by suicide (2022123: 621)

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32 children and young people bereaved by suicide (2022123: 29)
Rates of people failing to attend (DNA) or Can￿llIng face to fa￿ or telephone appointments with less
than 24 hours, notice (CW024) averaged at 11.41 OA for Amparo (22123.. 100kn).
Outcomes:
86 % of beneficiaries with paired scores showed an improvement in wellbeing (using the SWEMWEBS
framework). (22123.. 880A)
In feedback surveys, 980A of Amparo beneficiaries stated that they felt better (88 % ) or partly better
(10 % ) after contact with Listening Ear. (22123.. 98.50/0)
96.60A of beneficiaries were satisfied or very satisfied with the Amparo service. (22123: 91 OA)
We delivered 67 Community Response Plans {CRPs) {22123'. 36) supporting groups of people within
workplaces and educational establishments affected by a suicide. Our team provided specialist support,
advice, guidance and coping strategies directly to 1,557 individuals through CRPS (22123= 452)- pupils
and school staff, colleagues and managers, assisting survivors in the grief process. They liaised with
Governing Bodies and Local Authorities, risk assessing for potential contagion and vulnerabilities and
escalating the risk to enable people to aC￿sS additional support if their needs were not appropriate to
manage within Amparo.
The Amparo team also provided 183 Initial Briefing Advice sessions. reaching 3,861 people. (22123..
274 sessions reaching 3,227 people)-
Counselling for Adults
We continued to deliver our longstanding Counselling provision for adults affected by bereavement and
loss in Knowsley, a similar programme in Halton and follow up Counselling for Amparo beneficiaries in
Cheshire and Merseyside, Lincolnshire and Coventry & Wan¥vickshire. Listening Ear continued to deliver
a major contract providing all-age Counselling for victim survivors of domestic abuse in Warwickshire,
and a grant-funded programme in Knowsley which also provided Counselling for perpetrators.
In total this year, we successfully delivered 3690 Adult Counselling appointments (22123.. 2,979) for:
359 adult victim suniivors of domestic abuse (22123: 205)
2 perpetrators of domestic abuse (22123: 3)
453 adults affected by bereavement and l or loss, of which 109 were bereaved by suicide (22123.. 439)
Rates of Adults failing to attend Counselling appointments (DNA) or cancelling with less than 24 hours.
notice (CW024) averaged at 180h (22123: 19%)-
Outcomes"
91 % of adults with paired scores showed an improvement in wellbeing (Core-34 outcomes framework).
(22123.. 89 % )
In feedback surveys, 960h of adult beneficiaries rated their overall experience with Listening Ear as
excellent (79 % ) or good (170/0) (22123: excellent 770h and good 21 Ok)
Helplines
We continued to deliver Helpline Services in Halton and South Yorkshire, providing support to adults
affected by bereavement.
In total this year we:
supported 1,072 individuals (22123: 225) through 2,461 appointments (22123: 1,017)
provided over 1 ,034 hours of contact time (22123: 807)
Rates of people failing to attend Helpline follow up appointments (DNA) or cancelling with less than 24
hours, notice (CW024) averaged at 170/0 (22123: 260h).

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Outcomes"
80 % of beneficiaries with paired scores showed an improvement in wellbeing (SWEMWBS). (22123..
In feedback sunieys, 97.3 % of beneficiaries agr￿d that the Sendi￿ provided by the Listening Ear
Helpline provided them with the support they needed at a difficult time.
1000k were happy with the practical and emotional support they were offered through our Helpline.
VIDA: Occupational Health Counselling
We continued with our portfolio of Occupational Health Counselling for Knowsley Council, Liverpool City
Council schools, Sefton Council. St Helens Council and Liverpool Mutual Homes.
In total this year, we successfully delivered 2,003 Occupational Health Counselling appointments for
433 employees (22123: 396). Referrals were re￿iVed for people presenting with Anxiety, Stress,
Depression, Bereavement, Divorcelseparation, Domestic Abuse. Gender Identitylsexuality and Suicide
Bereavement.
Rates of Occupational health clients failing to attend Counselling appointments (DNA) or cancelling with
less than 24 hours, notice (CW024) averaged at 9.10/0 (22123: 100A)
Outcomes:
87 % of beneficiaries with paired scores showed an improvement in wellbeing (Core-34 outcomes
framework). (22123.. 890A)
In feedback surveys, 99.40A of beneficiaries rated their overall experience with Listening Ear as
excellent (83.4 % ) or good (160kn). (22123: 990k)
Counselling for Children and Young People (CYP)
We continued our innovation project in Knowsley, leading on the collaborative "No Wrong Door"
approach for all CYP in Knowsley schools, working with CAMHS and Mental Health Support Teams. As
well as coordinating and driving change on this contract, Listening Ear also delivers Counselling across
a range of presenting issues, where this best meets the needs of a child or young person.
Our portFolio of work supporting CYP who are victim survivors of domestic abuse (DA) has continued to
embed. In addition to our work in Knowsley, we deliver a major contract in Warwickshire as well as
working with prioritised CYP in Warrington and St Helens. We were also invited at short notice to deliver
a short-term DA contract for Halton.
We continued to develop our specialist practi￿ with Children who are Looked After and their parents
and carers which supports small numbers of families in St Helens in an intensive and flexible way.
With support from LCR Cares Digital Fund we were able to access training for three counsellors in
delivering therapeutic intenientions using Minecraft. A small team of CYP Counsellors are developing a
new methodology for pilot delivery in 2024125. We hope to improve access to counselling for more
children and young people, in particular those who are neuro-divergent, through this highly engaging
digital approach.
In total this year, we successfully delivered 4,263 CYP Counselling appointments (22123 4,859) for:
528 CYP affected by bereavement andl or loss {22123.' 522), of which 61 were bereaved by suicide
(22123. 11)
21 children who are looked after by their local authority(22123'. 28)
359 CYP who are victim survivors of domestic abuse (22123: 422)
Rates of CYP failing to attend Counselling appointments (DNA) or cancelling with less than 24 hours,
notice (CW024) fell slightly this year, averaging at 120h {22123.' 12.50k).
Outcomes"
71 % of CYP with paired scores showed an improvement in wellbeing (CORS and ORS outcomes
frameworks) (22123: 700/0).

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In feedback surveys, 98 % of CYP beneficiaries rated our Servi￿ as fantastic (70 % ), great (20 % ) or
good (80k) (22123: 97 % ) and 990/0 said they would tell a friend to come to Listening Ear if they needed
help.
In parent I carerfeedback surveys. 990A rated our service as excellent (800A), very good (17 % ) or good
(2 % ) (22123: 980k).
Aftercare
With generous support from the Masonic Charitable Trust, John Moores Foundation and Knowsley
Stronger Communities Youth Fund, Emotional Youth Club (EYC) suc￿SsfUllY provided a varied
programme of positive group activities, in-person and online, for CYP in Knowsley and St Helens who
had completed therapy with Listening Ear. CYP could also access 1.1 Mental Health Drop in sessions
if they were in crisis and needed a "top up..
85 CYP attended one or more EYC activities in 2023124. In total we ran 16 group sessions, four of which
were open to family members, and 73 Mental Health Drop-ins. Individual journeys are complex but
outcomes demonstrate that EYC helps CYP sustain their mental health and wellbeing after therapy
ends.
We are delighted to have been able to launch the growth of our adult aftercare programme in the last
quarter of this period, through the start of a number of small pilots, inspired by the success of our
Emotional Youth Club (EYC). In total we reached 35 adult members this year and we are confident that
this will continue to increase as we attract funding to develop them further.
We rebooted our Friendship After Bereavement (FAB) groups for adults. running 27 group sessions in
total including nine faCe-tO-fa￿ sessions in Halewood and 18 online sessions. We introduced one to
one mental health drop in sessions for FAB group members from January and had one during the
period.
A new pilot online adult DA Aftercare group started in January 2024 and we ran four sessions in the
period, plus two mental health drop-in sessions for individuals needing some additional support.
Arrangements were in place for pilot Aftercare groups for adults completing therapy with us through
VIDA and Amparo, due to start in early summer 2024.
MINDSET, Training and Workforce Development
MINDSET continued to provide an invaluable resource, enabling Listening Ear to grow our own
workforce and promote better awareness in our partner sectors. Our training programmes are becoming
increasingly symbiotic with our direct delivery and we are building MINDSET into new projects wherever
we can.
We delivered two Bridging Course this year. The first was adapted for a group of Amparo staff, enabling
them to better support children and young people bereaved by suicide. The second course trained two
experienced adult Counsellors and three student Counsellors to work with CYP in the "Listening Ear
We provided supported work pla￿MentS for 19 trainee Counsellors, enabling them to build up their
clinical work with adult clients in a highly supported context. 7 of these students went on to be employed
by Listening Ear after their courses were complete.
We delivered 2-day training courses for schools and professionals and an adapted bridging course
for volunteers and professionals in the SHIP area, enabling 21 people to better understand the needs
of children and young people bereaved by suicide.
We delivered four days of training for 23 health professionals from Wirral, helping them build an
enhanced understanding of DA and bereavement, thereby increasing their capacity to support CYP
appropriately.
We delivered mental health and wellbeing sessions for 60 staff at Barclays, Tech Campus in Cheshire
and online for a team of 20 staff in India.

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In feedback surveys completed after attending LE training, 880A of professionals felt
confidentlextremely confident to support CYP affected by issues covered (22123.. 870/0) . 960/0 rated the
course delivery as ex￿lIent (880k) or good (80k). (22123: 990kn)
Strate
icRe
ort
2023124 represents the first year of delivery against Listening Earfs new Business Plan. The plan was
developed through a series of workshops with the whole staff team and Board members and involved
revisiting our mission and values as well as our scope leading to a new vision for the next five years.
Our Vision for the next 5 years
V. After an intense period of significant expansion we will undertake a focused period of consolidation,
strengthening our foundations to support further growth.
- We will explore the spaces around and between our existing services to activate a full spectrum of
support for individuals of all ages experiencing bereavement and loss.
4. We will seek opportunities to reach out to new beneficiaries. UK wide. where we feel our high quality
models are compatible with commissioners, ambitions.
. We will build capacity, fulfilling our ambition to support the whole learning journey of all-age
Counsellors, developing our existing offer to provide accredited pathways from introduction through to
specialism, linked to meaningful work experience with best practice baked in.
These four priorities contain individual objectives, 12 in total, each of which has a detailed action plan
against which progress is regularly reviewed.
Objectives in bold type were prioritised for Year 1 of the period and an update on progress for each
is outlined below. Objectives in italics will be pursued in Years 2 to 5.
Stren
thenin
our Foundations:
We have directed significant energy towards four foundational pieces of work that will enable us to go
from strength to strength..
- We will develop and implement a new People Plan, appropriate for an organisation of our scale,
which better reflects our values and maximises our most valuable asset- our amazing team of
staff and volunteers.
Progress in Year 1..
We have embedded a new staff structure which enables improved line management, CPD and internal
communication. Policies and processes have been updated with particular focus on the fundamentals,
facilitated by a new online HR system (Safe HR formerly Citrus HR). We have improved our
recruitment, on-boarding and induction pro￿sseS and put in place Teams channels for increased
informal engagement.
4. We will develop and implement a Digital Plan to continue our excellent progress in using
technology to improve all aspects of our work. in particular the accessibility and efficiency of
our services and the way we measure and report our impact.
Progress in Year 1..
We have made significant progress in preparation for moving our operations into the Cloud in the next
period. Barclays chose us for their "CodeFest". giving us access to tech experts who are helping us
develop a new online therapy app and solve some knotty issues with our CRM system. We piloted
online CBC group therapy for CYP and, with support from LCR Cares, we embarked on the development
of a therapeutic environment in Minecraft.
4. We will put processes in place towards ensuring that Listening Ear delivers a No Wrong Door
approach for anyone who is referred to us, collaborating with partners to make this possible.

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Progress in Year 1..
We focussed on our work as Lead for the Knowsley CYP Mental HeaFth Collaborative, as the natural
vehicle for innovation on this objective. Working with partners at Knowsley Council, MHST, CYPMHS,
Kooth, Zuntold, MYA, Home Start and YPAS, and in consultation with children and young people, we
have made progress towards creating a universal online "front doorf to the servi￿.
. We will ensure that our services are inclusive and accessible through a thorough process of
scrutiny and response.
Progress in Year 1..
After an unsuc￿Ssful application for strategic funds from the governments, Suicide Prevention Fund
we are working with commissioners in Hampshire to pilot an outreach programme for Amparo in the
next period. This will enable us to test new approaches to improving the inclusivity of this service to
people facing barriers to access as a result of their neuro-divergence, sexuality, gender, ethnicity or
cultural background. This will include training from the Margaret Clitheroe Trust in best practice working
with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. Leaming from this programme will inform further work.
Full S
ectrum:
The most impactful gaps between and around sep4ices will be addressed, in collaboration with our
beneficiaries. Links, crossovers and symbioses between existing services and specialisms will be
strengthened to activate newlhybridladapted services addressing bereavement, and loss.
. We will remodel our over-subscribed counselling services, offering a "supported waiting list"
programme, incorporating our existing Helpline service and piloting new options such as
"micro-therapy"
Progress in Year l."
With a focus on efficiency, consistency and safety, we have created a detailed SeNice Improvement
Plan and started planning and implementing new streamlined process maps for specific parts of our
service. This will continue into the next period.
- We will implement Counsellor facilitated aftercare. embedded across all services, offering
group interventions of different lengths and depths, with clear step down plans.
Progress in Year 1..
After conducting a thorough audit of the impact of Emotional Youth Club as a successful aftercare
model, we have started to develop and pilot adult aftercare groups for individuals who have completed
counselling with Listening Ear. We have plans to expand this in the next period and are in discussion
with the National Lottery Community Fund about an application for funding.
4. We will relaunch Lunar, a programme of advocacy and training to promote and enable cross-agency
pre-bereavement support for CYP with family members who are temiinally ill.
No progress in Year 1- planned for Year 3 onwards
4. We will seek opportunities to pilot new services within our identified scope where we feel our skills,
experience and resources can make a difference to our target beneficiaries. T17is might include
miscarriage, infant loss and attempted suicide.
No progress in Year 1- planned for Year 3 onwards
Reaching Out:
We believe that people across the UK deserve the best possible support in their time of need. Where
we are confident that our seNice is the best frt for communities and commissioners, we will strive to
reach more people with our well-developed models:

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4. We will continue to grow the footprint of Amparo, our suicide-postvention programme, aiming
to increase our coverage to provide practical and emotional support to 40./0 of the UK
population by the end of the period.
Progress in Year 1..
We successfully tendered for bNO new Amparo contracts, in North Central London (covering Barnet,
Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington) and in Stoke and Staffordshire. We won the retender to
continue our contract in South Yorkshire and secured extensions to Amparo contracts in Lancashire,
Kent, Thames Valley and Hampshire. We also formalised our contract with the Ministry of Defence to
provide Amparo support to the British Army, extending our support to include RAF personnel. Amparo
coverage is currently at approximately 260k of the UK population (based on ONS statistics for mid-
2023).
4. We will seek opportunities to deliver BACP accredited counselling for more people of all ages
experiencing traumatic bereavement and loss or who are victim survivors of domestic abuse.
Progress in Year 1..
We increased our counselling beneficiaries by 50k on 22123. We have tightened our referral criteria and
worked more closely with partners in delivery areas to ensure that we are reaching the right beneficiaries
with our support. We successfully secured Counselling as an addition to our Amparo contract in South
Yorkshire (starting April 2024) through our involvement in the market engagement process followed by
a successful retender and we are advocating for the inclusion of counselling budgets in more Amparo
contracts. We have started to apply a full cost recovery model to the costing of our counselling seniices
in order to ensure that any growth is sustainable.
Building Capacity:
At the heart of Listening Ear is a highly experienced team with skills to share. We will use this resource
to build capacity within our organisation, our sector and adjacent sectors, to the ultimate benefit of our
target beneficiaries. We will-
4. We will build on our success in establishing Level 4 and 5 learning pathways for Counsellors,
developing and launching Level 2 and 3 courses so we can recruit a more diverse future workforce,
train them in the unique Listening Ear way fn?m the start of their careers and support their continuing
professional development.
No progress in Year 1- planned for Year 3 onwards
41. We will develop and promote a suite of training suitable for professionals from statutory
organisations, other charities and the corporate sector which enable them better to support the
mental health needs of the beneficiaries they work with andlor staff in their teams.
We delivered a pilot programme of training Hampshire supporting volunteers and professionals from a
wide range of organisations to better support children and young people affected by suicide
bereavement. This included an adapted version of our Bridging Course. This was evaluated, was very
well received and will be further developed in the next period.
Underpinning our delivery of the 12 objectives is important work relating to the profile of Listening Ear
and our approach to Income Generation.
Profile
In Year 1 of Business Plan delivery we focussed largely on strategic planning in relation to
communications and advocacy whilst continuing to improve the quality and consistency of our marketing
collateral.
4. We created a detailed strategic engagement plan, outlining key stakeholders for each Business Plan
objective, key messages and appropriate communication mechanisms for each. This will inform our
future work around marketing, communications and wider advocacy.
10

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LISTENING EAR {MERSEYSIDE)
TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024
4. We planned the work needed to create a single entrance point for the Knowsley CYP Mental Health
Collaborative gateway and commissioned this from Bread Media, with input from stakeholders and
CYP. We raised funding from Merseycare towards the cost of implementation.
. We updated and improved marketing collateral for Amparo to provide consistency of awareness raising
provision across all areas.
. Staff attended a range of conferences, market engagements and awareness raising events to ensure
that Listening Ear's services maintain profile within our sector, with commissioners and within the
communities where we work. These included "Baton of Hope. events in Sheffield and Birmingham,
Suicide & Co Sector Summit, Trauma Informed Charter Mark Consultation Event, St Helens Pride and
Barclays RADFest. We directly reached an estimated 2850 people through involvement with these
events.
4. We created Comms plans to increase engagement in certain areas {eg. Kent and Cheshire &
Merseyside Amparo)
We reached more than 30.000 people through Facebook, nearly 900 through Linked In and had over
41,000 active website users of whom 970A were new.
Income Generation
With an appropriate management and support structure in place for an organisation of our size, and
significant rises in staffing and other costs due to inflation, a budget gap is emerging be￿een the income
received for some contracts and the costs of delivering them. We are now applying a full-cost-recovery
approach to the calculation of overhead costs for new tenders which will, in due course, help fill some
of this gap which has been undep4vritten this year by a designated Business Development Fund of up
to £200,000, of which we used just over £91 k.
In line with Strengthening our Foundations, our fundraising focus for Year 1 of the Business Plan was
to lay the foundations for raising funds from charitable trusts and foundations that contribute to the core
costs of delivering existing services, adding value wherever possible through service improvement and
efficiency innovations. We have a number of proposals fully researched and others in development and
will be making applications in Year 2. In Years 3 to 5 we will move our focus to fundraising for innovation
work.
Donations and Grants received
Our thanks are due to all those individuals and organisations that made donations and provided grants
to Listening Ear within this reporting period. A comprehensive list of supporters is detailed at the back
of the annual report on pages 33 and 34. All contributions were gratefully received and as you can see
from this report, were wisely invested in the ServI￿S provided at Listening Ear, Thank you.
Risk Assessment
The main risks, to which the charitable company is exposed, as identified by the Trustees, have been
considered and systems are in place to mitigate those risks. A full business continuity plan has been in
place since 2013 and is regularly updated. This enables all stakeholders to be fully informed as to when
it needs to be activated and the individual actions required.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Total income in the year was £2,660,952 (2023: £2,220,793) of which £221,755 (2023: £342,559),
related to funding for projects upon which restrictions are placed.
Total expenditure in the year was £2.767.662 (2023: £1,968,924). leaving a deficit for the year of
£106,710 (2023.. Surplus £251,869).
At 31st March 2024 the charitable company's reserves stood at £1.168,052 (2023.. £1,274,762) of which
£406,362 (2023.. £401,221) represented restricted funds.

Docusign Envelope ID". BF784D81-OA624F7&870&DE02AC532FCO
LISTENING EAR {MERSEYSIDE)
TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024
Reserves Policy
The trustees have agreed a reserves policy of three months, operating costs and Listening Ear are
working towards this financial target through strict financial control and increased revenues from
unrestricted sources to include the sales of goods and ServI￿S to third party organisations.
Listening Ear continues to work towards realising this ambition, as a measure of good governance.
The board approve an annual budget that is then implemented by staff within Listening Ear, making
every effort to identify appropriate cost savings and income generation opportunities.
At the end of the financial year, unrestricted funds totalled £761,690 of which £69,305 is represented
by tangible assets and £4,603 represented by intangible assets (see note 12), leaving surplus free
reserves of £687,782 (2023.. surplus £798.088). The charitable company has set aside designated
funds of £340,414 (Breakdown see note 13) and requires £637,762 for three months, running costs,
total of £978,176.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 15th November 2006
and registered as a charity on 20th De￿mber 2006. The Governing Instruments under which the
charitable company operates comprise the Memorandum and Articles of Association together with the
policies made from time to time by the trustees.
In the event of the company being wound up members are required to contribute an amount not
exceeding £1. Listening Ear is run by an overall active team of directors and all have voting rights.
This team form the Executive Committee of Listening Ear and we are delighted to have a cross
section of backgrounds, experiences and skills that inform the strategic direction of all our services.
The Executive Committee meets on a quarterly basis. with any additional meetings as
required. The directors are elected members and have a responsibility to act in the best interest of
Listening Ear. They are responsible for the organisation's govemance. sustainability and
accountability.
12

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LISTENING EAR {MERSEYSIDE)
TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024
REFERENCEAND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Name
Listening Ear (Merseyside)
05999650
Company Number
Charity Number
Registered Office
Trustees
1117324
St Nicholas Centre, 70 Church Road, Halewood, Liverpool, L26 6LB
Keith Bennet
(Resigned 20 November 2024)
Karl J Connor
Patricia Ann Farrell
Heidi E Hunt
Sarah Stead
Roderick P MacGregor Thomson
(Appointed 24th Juty 2023)
Accountants
Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services.
151 Dale Street.
Liverpool
L2 2AH
Auditors
Mitchell Charlesworth (Audrt) Limrted
14th Floor The Plaza.
100 Old Hall Street,
Liverpool,
L3 9QJ
Bankers
HSBC,
99-101 Lord Street.
Liverpool
L2 6PG
Disclosure of information to auditor
In so far as the trustees are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the charity s
auditors are unaware. Additionally, the trustees have taken all necessary steps that they ought to
have taken as trustees in order to make themselves aware of all the relevant information and to
establish that the charity's auditors are aware of that information.
Auditor
Mitchell Charlesworth (Audit) Limited (fomierly known as BWM) were appointed as auditor to the
company and a resolution proposing that they be re- appointed will be put at a general meeting.
Small company provisions
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to small
companies within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.
Signed J*431f of the Board of Trustees
"WAOCé8¢5¥?488"
Sarah Stead, Chair of the Executive Committee
1/28/2025
Dated:
13

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LISTENING EAR (MERSEYSIDE)
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES
The Trustees, who are also the directors of Listening Ear (Merseyside) for the purpose of company
law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees Report and the financial statements in accordance
with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted
Accounting Practice)
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial ststements for each financial year which give
a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the balance sheet date and
of its incoming resources and application of resources, including income and expenditure, for the
financial year. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees should follow best practice and-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently-
observe the methods and principle in the Charities SORP.,
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent"
prepare the financial statements on the going con￿rn basis unless it is inappropriate to
presume that the company will continue as a going concern.,
state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material
departure disclosed and explained in the financial statements.
The Trustees are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with
reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to 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.
14-

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INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF
LISTENING EAR (MERSEYSIDE)
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Listening Ear (Merseyside) (the 'charity') for the year ended
31 March 2024 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance Sh￿t, the statement of
cash flows and the notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting
policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law
and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial
Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted
Accounting Practice).
In our opinion, the financial statements:
give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company s affairs affairs as at 31 March
2024 and of its incoming reSoUr￿S and application of resources, for the year then ended;
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted
Accounting Practice., and
have been prepared in accordan￿ with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
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's
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 financial statements
are 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 other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial
statements and our auditor's report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information
contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other
information and we do not express any form of assuran￿ conclusion thereon. 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 course of 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 this gives rise to a material misstatement
in the financial statements themselves. 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. We have
nothing to report in this regard.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit"
15-

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INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF
LISTENING EAR (MERSEYSIDE)
The information given in the trustees, report, which includes the directors report prepared for the
purposes of company law, for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is
consistent with financial statements; and
The directors. report included within the trustees. report has been prepared in accordance with
applicable legal requirements.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charity and its environment obtained in the course
of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the directors. report included within the
trustees, report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to Companies Act 2006 require
us to report to you if, in our opinion-
Adequate accounting records have not been kept. or returns adequate for our audit have not
been received from branches not visited by us., or
The financial statements are not in agr￿ment with accounting records and returns., or
Certain disclosures of trustees. remuneration specified by law are not made., or
We have not received all the infonnation and explanations we require for our audit., or
The trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small
companies regime and take advantage of the small companies. exemptions in preparing the
trustees report and from the requirement to prepare a strategic report.
Responsibilities of trustees
As explained more fully in the statement of trustees, responsibilities, 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 ￿ase operations. or have no realistic alternative
but to do so.
Auditor's 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 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 Influen￿ the economic decisions of users taken on
the basis of these financial statements.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design
procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect
of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting
irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.
The extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud
Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities,
including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations. was as follows"
16-

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INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF
LISTENING EAR (MERSEYSIDE)
the engagement partner ensured that the engagement team collectively had the appropriate
competence, capabilities and skills to identify or recognise non-compliance with applicable laws
and regulations.,
we identified the laws and regulations applicable to the charity through discussions with trustees
and other management.,
we focused on specific laws and regulations which we considered may have a direct material
effect on the financial statements or the operations of the charity, including the Companies Act
2006, taxation legislation and data protection. anti- bribery, employment and health and safety
legislation.,
we assessed the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations identified above through
making enquiries of management and inspecting legal correspondence" and
identified laws and regulations were communicated within the audit team regularly and the team
remained alert to instances of non-complian￿ throughout the audit.
We assessed the susceptibility of the charity's financial statements to material misstatement, including
obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur. by"
making enquiries of management as to where they considered there was susceptibility to fraud,
their knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged fraud,. and
considering the intemal controls in place to mitigate risks of fraud and non-compliance with laws
and regulations.
To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:
performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships"
tested journal entries to identify unusual transactions"
assessed whether judgements and assumptions made in determining the accounting estimates
were indicative of potential bias., and
investigated the rationale behind significant or unusual transactions
In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed
procedures which included, but were not limited to:
agreeing financial statement disclosures to underlying supporting documentation.,
reading the minutes of meetings of those charged with governan￿. and
enquiring of management as to actual and potential litigation and claims.
There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws
and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non-
compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with
laws and regulations to enquiry of the trustees and other management and the inspection of regulatory
and legal correspondence, rf any.
Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error
as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion.
A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council's website at..
https.ll vMw.frc.org.uklauditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the company s members, as a body, in accordance with chapter 3 of part
16 of the Companies Act 2006.
17-

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INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF
LISTENING EAR (MERSEYSIDE)
Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company s members those
matters we are required to state to them in an auditorfs 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 company
and the charitable company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions
we have formed.
Louise Casey ACA (Senior Ststutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Mitchell Charlesworth (Audit)
Limited
Accountants
Statutory Auditor
.30 January 2025.......................
14th Floor The Plaza
100 Old Hall Street
Liverpool
L3 9QJ
18-

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Llb I tNIN(? tAK (MtKb￿YOIU￿j
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME & EXPENDITURE)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024
Current financial year
Notes
Unrestricted Restricted
Funds
Funds
2024
2024
Total
Funds
2024
Total
Funds
2023
Income and endowments
from:
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Other trading activities
Investments
Other Income
3a
3b
3c
13,813
2.405,770
215
9,899
9,500
13,813
13,903
221,755 2,627,525 2,194,734
215
9,899
9,500
2,274
9,882
Total income
2,439,197
221,755 2,660,952 2,220,793
Expenditure on:
Charitable Activities
2.551,048
216,614 2,767,662 1,968.924
Total expenditure
2,551,048
216,614 2,767,662 1,968,924
Net {expenditure}Ilncome, net
movement in funds
(111,851)
5,141 (106,710)
251,869
Total funds brought forward
13.14
873,541
401,221 1,274,762 1,022,893
Total funds carried forward
12-14
761,690
406,362 1,168,052 1,274,762
The notes on pages 23 to 35 fomi part of these accounts.
All the above amounts relate to continuing the activities of the charitable company.
The Statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and
expenditure account under the companies Act 2006.
19-

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Llb I tNIN(? tAK (MtKb￿YOIU￿j
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME & EXPENDITURE)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024
Prior financial year
Notes
Unrestricted Restricted
Funds
Funds
2023
2023
Totsl
Funds
2023
Income and endowments
from:
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Investments
Other Income
13,903
1,852,175
2,274
9,882
13,903
2,194,734
2,274
9,882
3b
3c
342,559
Total income
1,878,234
342,559
2,220,793
Expenditure on:
Charitable Activities
1,621,964
346.960
1,968,924
Total expenditure
1,621,964
346,960
1,968,924
Net {expenditure)l income, net
movement in funds
256,270
(4,401)
251,869
Total funds brought forward
13.14
617.271
405,622
1,022,893
Total funds carried forward
12-14
873,541
401,221
1,274,762
-20-

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LISTENING EAR (MERSEYSIDE)
BALANCE SHEET AT 31ST MARCH 2024
Company Number05999650
31st March 2024
31st March 2023
Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets
Intangible fixed assets
454,404
4,603
462,989
6,256
459,007
469,245
Current assets
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
515,684
539,277
477,852
964,881
1,054,961
1,442,733
Current liabilities
Creditors- amounts falling due
within one year
(345,916)
(637,216)
Net current assets
709,045
805,517
Total assets less current
1,168,052
1,274,762
Funds:
Unrestricted funds
Unrestricted funds- Designated
Restricted funds
12
13
12,14
421,276
340,414
406,362
585,320
288,221
401,221
1,168,052
1,274,762
These accounts have been prepared in accordan￿ with the provisions applicable to small companies
subject to the small companies, regime and in accordance with FRS102 SORP.
1/28/2025
Approved by the Board on
and signed on their behalf by:
by.
Sarah Stead
Director and Chair
21

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LISTENING EAR (MERSEYSIDE)
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024
Note
31st March 2024
315t March 2023
Cash flows from operating
activities
Cash {used)Igenerated from
operations
17
(419,862)
67,695
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Purchase of intangible fixed assets
Interest received
(15,641)
(34,342)
9,899
2,274
Net cash generated from in
investing activities
(5.742)
(32.068)
Net cash generated from financing
activities
Net increasel(Decrease) in cash
and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of year
(425,604)
35,627
964,881
929,254
Cash and cash equivalents at end
of year
539,277
964,881
Represented by:
31st March 2024
315t March 2023
Cash at bank and in hand
539,277
964,881
-22-

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LISTENING EAR (MERSEYSIDE)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR END 31ST MARCH 2024
1. Limited Liability
Listening Ear (Merseyside) is a private company limited by guarant￿, Incorporated in England and
Wales {Registration number 05999650) and a registered charity (registration number 1117324). In
the event of the charty being wound up each memberfs liability is limited to £1. The registered offi
is St Nicholas Centre, 70 Church Road. Halewood, Liverpool, L26 6LB
2. Accounting Policies
Basis of accounting
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at
cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. The
financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended
Practice" Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the
Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (SORP 2019)
(as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 St January 2019), Charities Act 2011 and
the Companies Act 2006.
Listening Ear (Merseyside) meets the definition of a public benefit entty under FRS 102.
The accounts are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary
amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting
policies adopted are set out below.
Going concern
At the time of approving the accounts, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity
has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the
trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the accounts.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds are the Charitable Company's free reserves available for the trustees to apply
in accordance with the charitable company's charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific restrictive conditions imposed by the donor. All restricted
funds are accounted for as restricted income and expenditure for the purposes is charged to the
fund.
Designated funds are the Charitable Company's unrestricted funds which have been set aside by
the trustees for specific purposes.
Income recognition
All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, there is sufficient certainty
of receipt and so it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount of income
receivable can be measured reliably.
Donations and legacies comprise of donations and general grants which are recognised in the
accounts when received, with the exception of known legacies which are accounted for when their
receipt is certain.
Income from charitable activities is recognised on an accruals basis. Grants receivable are
recognised on the date on which their unconditional payment is confirmed by the donor. Income
from counselling seniices are recognised on completion of the delivered servi￿.
Income from investment relates to bank interest received and is recognised when the amount is
certain.
-23-

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LISTENING EAR (MERSEYSIDE)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR END 31ST MARCH 2024
Expenditure recognition
Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the
charitable company to that expenditure, it is probable that settlement will be required and the
amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. All expenses, including support costs and
governance costs, are allocated or apportioned to the applicable expenditure headings in the
Statement of Financial Activities. Support and governance costs are applied to unrestricted funds
unless specifically included in the restrictions, as specified by the donor.
Expenditure on charitable activities relate to the operation of the charity comprising of direct
charitable expenditure to meet the objectives of the charitable company. Support and governance
costs relate to the management and operation of the organisation and also compliance with
constitutional and statutory requirements in producing the annual report. These are dealt with in
the Statement of Financial Activities when payment has been approved by the charitable
company.
Tangible fixed Assets
Capital expenditure is stated in the balan￿ sheet at cost less accumulated depreciation. All capital
expenditure of £500 and above are treated as fixed assets. Depreciation is provided to write off
the cost of each asset over its expected useful life as below"
Computer & Equipment
200A per annum straight line basis
Fixtures & Fittings
200A per annum straight line basis
Freehold Land & Property
20kn per annum straight line basis on building and
Improvements elements and Nil on freehold land
Intangible fixed Assets
Capital expenditure is stated in the balan￿ sheet at cost less accumulated amortisation. All capital
expenditure of £500 and above are treated as fixed assets. Amortisation is provided to write off
the cost of each asset over its expected life.
Website Costs
200A per annum straight line basis
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-
term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. and bank overdrafts.
Financial instruments
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 'Basic Financial Instruments. and
Section 12 '0ther 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.
-24-

Docusign Envelope ID". BF784D81-OA624F7&870&DE02AC532FCO
LISTENING EAR (MERSEYSIDE)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR END 31ST MARCH 2024
Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the
asset expire or are settled, or when the company transfers the financial asset and substantially all
the risks and rewards of ownership to another entity. or if some significant risks and rewards of
ownership are retained, but control of the asset has transferred to another party that is able to sell
the asset in its entirety to an unrelated third party.
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 re￿iptS 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.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity's contractual obligations expire or are
discharged or cancelled.
Taxation
Income and gains are exempt from taxation as they are received and applied for charitable
purposes only. The charitable company benefits from various exemptions from taxation afforded
by tax legislation and is not liable to corporation tax on income or gains falling within those
exemptions.
Pension
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held
separately from those of the charity in independently administered funds.
Contribution payments are charged to the SOFA. Any amounts not paid are shown in accruals
as a liability in the balance sheet
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 there is a clear decision
or commitment to terminate the employment or provide such termination benefits.
Leases
Payments made under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charges to
profit or loss on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease except where another more
systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the
leases asset are consumed.
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.
-25-

Docusign Envelope ID". BF784D81-OA624F7&870&DE02AC532FCO
LISTENING EAR (MERSEYSIDE)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR END 31ST MARCH 2024
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an on-going 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.
Deferred Income
The trustees require senior management to review the contracts and grants being performed over
multiple periods and to ensure that income is released only when appropriate and earned. Where
cash has been received in advan￿ of it being earned then it is retained in the Balance Sheet as
Deferred income.
3. Income and endowments from
Unrestricted
Funds
2024
Restricted
Funds
2024
Total
Funds
2024
Total
Funds
2023
a. Donations and Legacies
Donations
13,813
13,813
13,903
In 2023 donations were unrestricted funds
b. Charitsble activities
Children In Need
Counselling Services
John Moores Foundation
Knowsley Choices
Knowsley For Housing
KMBC Youth Community Fund
LCR Cares Digital Inclusion Fund
Masonic Charitable Trust- EYC
National Lottery Community Fund
Outdoor Therapy community
foundation
Steve Morgan
St Helens Domestic Abuse
Partnership
St Helens PCC
Training
37,727
37,727
40,476
2,398,470 1,850,363
10,000
10,000
61,131
30,753
15,000
2.398.470
10,000
61,131
1.357
5,999
9,695
65,846
1,357
5,999
9,695
65,846
21,032
63,447
16,673
115,178
15,000
15,000
1,812
30,000
30,000
7,300
7,300
2,405,770
221,755 2,627,525 2,194,734
In 2023 £342,559 related to restricted funds and £1.852.175 to unrestricted funds
c. Other trading activities
Fundraising
215
215
d. Investments
Bank interest
9.899
9,899
2,274
-26-

Docusign Envelope ID". BF784D81-OA624F7&870&DE02AC532FCO
LISTENING EAR (MERSEYSIDE)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR END 31ST MARCH 2024
In 2023 bank interest were unrestricted funds
Unrestricted Restricted
Funds
Funds
2024
2024
Totsl
Funds
2024
Totsl
Funds
2023
Other Income
Telephone Mast Income
Sponsorship
9,500
9,500
9,500
382
9,500
9,500
9,882
In 2023 other income were unrestricted funds
4. Expenditure on Charitable Activities
Direct
Charitable
Expenditure
Support &
Governance
Costs
2024
Totsl
2023
Totsl
Provision of counselling facilities and
service
2,386,437
381,225 2.767,662 1,968.924
a. Analysed as follows:
2024
2023
Direct charitable expendrfure."
Staff salary costs
Therapists
Running costs
Resources
Room Hire
Office Costs
Events and Outings
Travel Expenses
Supervision costs
2,188,116
1,561,158
1,080
20,610
10,243
9,964
24,714
5,470
41,640
31,417
25,147
9,383
13,061
28,782
8,023
64,484
49,441
2,386,437
1,706,296
-27-

Docusign Envelope ID". BF784D81-OA624F7&870&DE02AC532FCO
LISTENING EAR (MERSEYSIDE)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR END 31ST MARCH 2024
2024
2023
Support & Govemance costs."
Staff salary costs
Office costs
Refreshments
Insuran
Training
Advertising and marketing
Legal and Professional
Computer costs
Accountancy & Audit Fees
Irrecoverable VAT
Bank charges
Depreciation
Amortisation
243,124
28,782
2,602
8,811
5,578
16,702
10,275
27,665
9,860
1,802
145
24,226
1,653
127,948
24,714
5,873
5,831
13,950
33,187
4,965
17,459
6,600
2,400
348
17,700
1,653
381,225
262,628
Total expenditure on charitable
activities
2,767,662
1,968,924
£216,614 (2023.. £346,960) of the above expenditure relates to restricted funding.
b. Staff Costs
2024
2023
Gross wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs
2,188,976
183,040
59.224
1,530,240
119,285
39.582
2,431,240
1,689,107
Particulars of employees:
The average number of staff employed during the year was as follows:
2024
2023
Charitable activities
Management and administration
90
75
99
78
1 employee re￿iVed emoluments of more than £60,000 during the year (2023'.0).
The trustees are not remunerated for their services and are not included in the above number
of employees.
No out-of-pocket expenses were reimbursed to trust￿$ in the year (2023: £nil).
-28-

Docusign Envelope ID". BF784D81-OA624F7&870&DE02AC532FCO
LISTENING EAR (MERSEYSIDE)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR END 31ST MARCH 2024
5. Auditor's remuneration
2024
2023
Audit SeNices
5,250
4,000
6. Tangible Fixed Assets
Computer &
Equipment
Fixtures Freehold Land
& Fittings
& Property
Totsl
Cost
At 1st April 2023
Additions
Disposals
122,450
15.641
452
465,889
588,791
15,641
At 31st March 2024
138,091
452
465,889
604,432
Depreciation
At 1st April 2023
Charge for the year
Disposals
62,925
15,308
452
62,425
8,918
125,802
24,226
At 31st March 2024
78,233
452
71,343
150,028
Net book value at 31st March
2024
59,858
394,546
454,404
Net book value at 315t March
2023
59.525
403,464
462,989
7. Intangible fixed assets
Website
Total
Cost
At 1st April 2023
8,265
8,265
At 31st March 2024
8,265
8,265
Amortisation
Balance at 1 st April 2023
Charge for the year
2,009
1,653
2,009
1.653
At 31st March 2024
3,662
3,662
Net book value at 31st March 2024
4,603
4,603
Net book value at 31st March 2023
6,256
6,256
-29-

Docusign Envelope ID". BF784D81-OA624F7&870&DE02AC532FCO
LISTENING EAR (MERSEYSIDE)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR END 31ST MARCH 2024
8. Debtors
2024
2023
Debtors and prepayments
515,684
477,852
9. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
Trade Creditors & accruals
VAT
Taxation and social security
Deferred Income (See Below)
Other Creditors
21,358
143,689
50.458
115,555
14.856
29,781
167,469
34,514
393,509
11,943
345,916
637,216
10. Deferred Income
2024
2023
Balance at 1st April 2023
Amount deferred in the year
Amount released to incoming resources
393,509
24,590
(302,544>
353,283
393,509
(353,283)
Balance at 31st March 2024
115,555
393,509
Deferred income represents income for activities in future accounting years.
11. Financial instruments
2024
2023
Carrying amount of financial assets:
Debt instruments measured at cost
1,049,199
1,438,381
Carrying amount of financial liabilities:
Measured at cost
36,214
41,724
-30-

Docusign Envelope ID". BF784D81-OA624F7&870&DE02AC532FCO
LISTENING EAR (MERSEYSIDE)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR END 31ST MARCH 2024
12. Analysis of Net Assets between Funds
Intangible
Fixed
Assets
Tangible
Fixed
Assets
Net Current
Assets
Total
2024
Unrestricted Funds
General Fund
Designated Fund
4,603
69,305
347,368
340,414
421,276
340,414
4,603
69,305
687,782
761,690
Restricted Funds
LCR Cares Digital Inclusion Fund
Department of Communities and
Local Government
John Moores Foundation
Knowsley Choices
3,619
3,619
385,099
122
385,221
8,000
9,522
8,000
9,522
385.099
21.263
406.362
Totals
4,603
454,404
709,045 1,168,052
Intsngible
Fixed
Assets
Tangible
Fixed
Assets
Net Current
Assets
Total
2023
Unrestricted Funds
General Fund
Designated Fund
6,256
69,197
509,867
288,221
585,320
288,221
6.256
69.197
798,088
873.541
Restricted Funds
Department of Communities and
Local Government
Masonic Charitable Trust- EYC
393,792
122
393,914
7,307
7,307
393,792
7,429
401,221
Totsls
6,256
462,989
805,517 1,274,762
31

Docusign Envelope ID". BF784D81-OA624F7&870&DE02AC532FCO
LISTENING EAR (MERSEYSIDE)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR END 31ST MARCH 2024
13. Unrestricted Funds
Movements in the year
Income
Expenditure
2024
Reserves
at Beginning
of year
Transfers
Reserves
at End
of Year
(£)
(2,460,011)
(91,037)
General Fund
Designated Fund
585,320
288,221
2,439,197
(143,230)
143,230
421,276
340,414
873,541
2,439,197
(2,551,048)
761,690
Movements in the year
Income
Expenditure
2023
Reserves
at Beginning
of year
Transfers
Reserves
at End
of Year
(£)
{1,621,964)
General Fund
Designated Fund
555,918
61,353
1.878.234
(226,868)
226,868
585,320
288,221
617,271
1,878,234
(1.621.964)
873.541
General Fund is used to finan￿ the charitable company's general activities and core costs as
outlined in the Trustees, Report.
Designated Fund comprises a provision for redundancy costs of £140,414 & business development
£200,000. Business development fund is to support a new and more effective staffing structure which
will underpin the future growth and sustainability of the organisation.
-32-

Docusign Envelope ID". BF784D81-OA624F7&870&DE02AC532FCO
LISTENING EAR (MERSEYSIDE)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR END 31ST MARCH 2024
14. Restricted Funds
Movements in the Year
Income Expenditure
2024
Resources
Beginning
of year
Resources
At Year End
{£)
(37,727)
(8,693)
(2,000)
(51,609)
(2,380)
(1,357)
(17,002)
(65,846)
(30,000)
BBC Children in Need
Department of Communities and Local
Government
John Moores Foundation
Knowsley Choices
LCR Cares Digital Inclusion Fund
KMBC Youth Community Fund
Masonic Charitable Trust-EYC
National Lottery Community Fund
St Helens Domestic Abuse
Partnership
37,727
393,914
385,221
8,000
9,522
3,619
10,000
61,131
5,999
1,357
9,695
65,846
7.307
30,000
401,221
221,755
(216,614)
406,362
Movements in the Year
Income
Expenditure
2023
Resources
Beginning
of year
Resources
At Year End
(£)
(40,476)
(8,693)
(10,000)
(30,753)
(15,000)
(13,725)
(63,447)
{1,515)
(16,673)
(115,178)
(15,000)
(15,000)
(1,500)
BBC Children in Need
Department of Communities and Local
Government
John Moores Foundation
Knowsley Choices
Knowsley For Housing
Masonic Charitable Trust-EYC
National Lottery communty fund
National Lottery for EYC
Outdoor Therapy Community
Foundation
Steve Morgan
St Helens Domestic Abuse
Partnership
St Helens PCC
Truemark Trust
40,476
402,607
393,914
10,000
30,753
15,000
21,032
63,447
7,307
1.515
16.673
115,178
15,000
15.000
1,500
405,622
342,559
(346,960)
401.221
-33-

Docusign Envelope ID". BF784D81-OA624F7&870&DE02AC532FCO
LISTENING EAR (MERSEYSIDE)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR END 31ST MARCH 2024
Description of Funds
These are monies given to the charitable company to be spent at the discretion of the Charity's
Board of Trustees for specific charitable purposes"
BBC Children in Need - Supporting the 'Butterflies' service for children and young people affected
by bereavement, divorce or separation.
Department of Communities and Local Government - To purchase and refurbish a derelict
building in Whiston.
John Moores Foundation- Grant towards emotional youth club
Knowsley Choices- Contribution towards the provision of therapeutic support serrfices
Knowsley For Housing- Contribution towards children & young people in Stockbridge village who
are affected by domestic abuse.
KMBC Youth Community Fund - Contribution towards the emotional youth club project
LCR Cares Digital Inclusion Fund- To train 3 counsellors to use Minecraft as a platform for therapy
aimed at CYP who were affected by domestic abuse.
Masonic Charitable Trust- EYC - To fund the costs of one (of four) fortnightly, Emotional Youth
Clubs to be established by Listening Ear.
National Lottery Community Fund- Contribution towards coronavirus community support.
National Lottery for EYC The Emotional Youth Club, a monthly peer support group for children
and young people that have been through therapy but need a little extra support.
Outdoor Therapy Community Foundation - To expand the group's workforce to meet the rising
number of residents referred. To offer counselling sessions in local community settings, green
spaces, in homes or gardens. for those in care homes. or for those who find normal counselling
settings off-putting.
Steve Morgan
to provide support for the salaries of our Senior Management Team (SMT)
CEO, Deputy CEO and Head of Clinical servI￿s - until 31st March 2023.
St Helens Domestic Abuse Partnership - Contribution towards counselling support for children
impacted by domestic abuse in St Helens borough.
St Helens PCC - Counselling for children and young people in St Helens who are victim
surviviours of domestic abuse.
Truemark Trust- Towards the Emotional Youth Club
15. Remuneration of key management personnel
The remuneration paid to the senior management team, who are considered to be the key
management personnel was:
2024
2023
Remuneration
359.694
309,005

Docusign Envelope ID". BF784D81-OA624F7&870&DE02AC532FCO
LISTENING EAR (MERSEYSIDE)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR END 31ST MARCH 2024
16. Operating Lease Commitments
Financial commitments under non-cancellable operating leases will result in the following
payments falling due at 31 st March 2024
2024
2023
Within 1 year
Between 2- 5 years
10,697
5,260
12,990
9,759
15,957
22,749
17. Cash generated from operations
2024
2023
Surplus for the year
{106.710)
251,869
Adjustments for:
Investment income
Amortisation
Depreciation
(9,899)
1,653
24,226
(2,274)
1,653
17,700
Movements in working capital:
(Increase)IDecrease in debtors
Increasel(Decrease) in creditors
Increasel{Decrease) in deferred income
(37,832)
(13,346)
(277,954)
(355,469)
113,990
40,226
Cash generated from operations
(419,862)
67,695
18. Related Party Transactions
There were no material related party transactions during the year which require disclosure (2023:
none).
19. Guarantees
As at 31st March 2024, 6 members had given a guarantee of £1 each in the event of the charitable
company winding-up. Total: £6 (2023: 6 members £6).
-35-