2021-03-31-accounts - WE:ARE Women's Empowerment And Recovery Educators

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WE:ARE Annual Report 2020/21

The past no longer defines us and we shall Rise. Reclaim. Recover.

Chairs Introduction

The last year has been dominated by Covid, lockdown, and 137,000 deaths. It has been one of the most challenging years since the second world war. And we know domestic violence has spiralled out of control with the number of contacts up by 60% to the Domestic Abuse helpline- "an epidemic beneath a pandemic".

Nonetheless WE:ARE has continued its heroic work and expanded its online offering helping more women recover from their trauma. I pay tribute to the whole team for how they have, almost overnight, transformed our long-established small group work into hosted zoom sessions.

This has enabled us to reach more women and the feedback has been broadly positive with women taking advantage of not needing to travel to the project or arrange childcare. "Own My Life" has been a particular highlight in terms of how it works in the virtual world.

It's not just the courses though- it is the ability of our key workers Jacky, Donna and Jo, and newest team members, Teresa, Sharmina and Sadia to create a real sense of community even in a remote world. That is the single greatest thing that strikes me as Chair. The women are expertly nourished in their minds and cherished in their hearts and this sense of being part of something wonderful is truly part of the recovery and healing process.

We are grateful for all our sponsors and particularly the The National Lottery Community Fund and the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner for continuing to back us with a clear understanding of what we are and what we offer.

We have faced this "epidemic beneath a pandemic” together as my fellow trustees partner with all our key workers and beyond to the women and children in the project.

I feel a great sense of pride in the work of WE:ARE for all these reasons and I and my fellow trustees cannot thank Jacky, Donna, Jo, Teresa, Sharmina and Sadia for their skills, determination, knowledge , love and sheer grit.

As Shakespeare said love " looks at tempests and is not shaken" and that can be our motto for the last year.

Dr Andrew Coward Chair

Foreword

Leaving is a process and healing is a process and we hope this report shows how with the right support at the right time by the right people amazing things can be achieved. Our programme delivery, workshops, activities and events through COVID are explained throughout this report, so please take the time to read, learn and understand more about the pathway from leaving to healing and how this was all still possible whilst under lockdown.

We’ll never forget the day we went into lockdown. We were in the middle of delivering our programmes and women were also enjoying taking part in art, dance, and yoga. One of the biggest impacts of domestic abuse is isolation and here we were a ‘community of support’ reconnecting and rebuilding links and suddenly it was coming to a halt and isolation was about to start again.

The next day our team set up what I can only explain as a factory line conveyor belt. The photocopier was on overtime printing out worksheets and programme packs so that our groups could at least have access to programme materials until we could get back to normal! We also packed Freedom Programme books and workbooks and made several trips to the post office. We worked non-stop not knowing when we’d be able to open again. Cars were packed with our computers and equipment and we all left to set up temporary offices in our homes.

We quickly become innovative and proactive in finding ways to help the women still feel connected, cared for and supported. Adapting our work remotely has been more successful than we could ever have imagined. Women who had previously worried about travelling from all over the City to get to us and worried about travel costs and childcare could now attend from the comfort of their own homes. Many have preferred it and have been able to access even more sessions with the choice of attending something different every day. Women need time to heal after leaving an abuser, the healing process takes time, energy, supportive positive connections and having a ‘space for action’. Without it the abuser can use this lockdown time to edge his way back into the family home and destroy any improvements women and children have made in their lives. Being part of a group brings new connections, a sense of belonging and a feeling of ‘I’m not alone anymore’.

Being on screen and taking part in programmes on zoom was quite daunting for some at the beginning but initial one-to-one zoom sessions before joining the groups made that transition less daunting, we wanted women to feel as safe and comfortable as possible about participating. On zoom women have the choice of how long they stay, how much or little they want to participate, how much they want to hear from others. The mute and volume buttons provide safety from hearing or sharing too much and put them back in control.

Thanks to Heart of England Community Foundation we welcomed two new members of staff In January 2020, Sadia and Sharmina who even though they only had three months working with us before lockdown, settled in as if they had been part of WE:ARE for so much longer. With further funding from The National Lottery and West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner we welcomed Teresa and our team of 7 worked non-stop to ensure we could manage the increased demand due to the fact we’re the only organisation in the City offering programmes online. We found ourselves in constant demand from Birmingham Children’s Trust and saw an increase in demand from Healthy Minds, Birmingham City Council, and a range of housing organisations, health, police and domestic abuse agencies. We wanted to ensure that every women who contacted us was able to attend sessions so we offered morning, afternoon and evening sessions and that a wide range of programmes and activities were on offer to see them through this time of further isolation.

Over the last year we have delivered the following…

12 x 11 week Freedom Programmes: exploring the abusive tactics, controlling behaviours and belief systems of the personas of the dominator and the effects on women and children’s health and well-being. The end of each session studies the non-abusive counterpart looking at what a relationship built on equality and respect looks and feels like. 220 women attended sessions during the last year. We have just celebrated our 66th Freedom Programme that’s 720 sessions since we first attended Pat Craven’s

facilitator training in 2009. Since lockdown Freedom Programme has been adapted to Zoom and is proving even more popular online with two groups running every week; a morning group and an evening group.

15 x 12 week Own My Life Programmes: an innovative, creative and educational 12-week course for women. It supports women in regaining ownership of their lives when they have been subjected to domestic abuse. This is done through short videos, structured discussions, group and individual activities, and a comprehensive learning journal. The Own My Story Journal provides women with space for reflective practice and

includes all the information provided throughout the course. This becomes an ongoing resource for women after the course has finished. 112 women attended during lockdown.

3 x 8-week Mindfulness Programmes | A Mindful Retreat Day | Friday Evening Mindfulness Drop-in The Mindfulness Programme was in fact requested by women on our programmes. 52 women have participated with a further group awaiting the next programme. Our team member Tea, alongside Dr Liz Sparkes and the women who have attended the above sessions, are currently developing our very own trauma-informed mindfulness course tailored to the needs of women who have experienced trauma from domestic abuse.

The plan is to pilot this course with the women involved in the research sessions and with further funding add it to our pathway of programmes ‘From Leaving to Healing’.

An important part of mindfulness is reconnecting with our bodies and the sensations they experience. This means waking up to the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the present moment. It is an awareness of our thoughts and feelings as they happen moment to moment, and it is about allowing ourselves to see the present moment clearly. When we do that, it can positively change the way we see ourselves and our lives.

"This mindfulness has been life-changing. It helps me calm down and calm my mind and It's allowed me to realise that I am deserving of this time for myself, and I deserve to do this".

"Mindfulness is a safe space that gives me permission to stop and deal with my trauma and my recovery".

Other Health and Wellbeing Activities

Art Group

Our weekly Artist in Residence Holly Nolan supports women on our programmes to deliver outstanding pieces of work. As we headed into lockdown, Holly quickly adapted her way of working and within days had reconnected the group through a closed Facebook group where they draw and paint and share each other’s work online after watching Holly’s demonstrations. The sessions have helped in building connections with others, and women tell us how creating together has reduced their loneliness and improved their emotional well-being. Art packs were sent out to participants so that they could experiment with acrylics, gauge, watercolours and ink. With requests from participants a weekly live zoom sessions were added, High Tea with Holly was created so that they could paint together in real time whilst chatting, connecting and creating. Women tell us how creating together has reduced their loneliness and improved their emotional well-being.

"I have been watching Holly’s posts throughout lockdown and they always make me smile. It never ceases to amaze me how many ideas that are posted our way to inspire. Creativity has kept me going through really difficult times. It brings me hope, so thank you."

“The art group has made me feel not so alone during times when I am feeling anxious and depressed. Being able to do some work and share it with the group helps me feel connected. Doing art keeps me calm when I am triggered and helps stop the negativity creeping in... it’s very meditative. Holly our teacher has been amazing. She shares her skills and knowledge about arting and helps us do things that raise our confidence and make us feel good about ourselves. I would be very lost without the art group. It really helps me regain balance”.

"The Art kit was the beginning of my journey to make ‘me time’ and do something for me that I could / can feel proud of. The zoom art sessions have been fab and learning how to use acrylics, stencils, pattern printing has opened up the possibilities for me to be more adventurous with my art and enjoy the company of others with great tuition from Holly. And I must add the complimentary comments when showing off artwork is a real boost Love love love the art group! And can’t thank Holly enough and it wouldn’t be possible without the funding xxx"

“I loved art as a child and at school but quickly lost confidence as an adult. While in an abusive relationship, my time and activities were controlled and any attempt at creativity was ridiculed. Even after getting free, I found I was too anxious to try, and worried about failing and it seemed selfish to spend time or money on myself. The art club and activities were a safe, non-judgmental place to reconnect with drawing, playing, colour and expression. I became more confident, in being creative, in communicating in the group and prioritising self-care and self compassion. At home now, my teenage boys see me taking time for myself, and will join in with mark making and painting. In lockdown we hand-made cards for friends and family. Thank you so much for the inspiration and opportunity”.

“What better way to sum up the year then to hear from some of the women who have participated in programmes and activities during COVID-19 lockdown”

“All the data so far shows that DA has increased during lockdown therefore online support is vital. Post-pandemic, this kind of support online will enable more women to get support than are able to do so in person, as disability, caring responsibilities, work, or finances can all put barriers in place for travel to a support group in a specific location”.

“When covid hit I was really scared of the isolation especially having young children. However the Own My Life programme had so many light bulb moments its completely changed my outset on life. I now know what a healthy relationship is supposed to be. I think without WE:ARE my mental health would of deteriorated a lot more. I have felt as connected as I possibly could to the women. It feels really magical words alone couldn't explain the feelings and experience”.

“This is a brilliant project to be involved with... Leaving DV was a massive step, taking a two year old from his home not knowing if we would ever return, going through courts, police stations, trying to compile evidence for court, living with elderly parents trying not to worry them..THEN just as we get our home back we are in lockdown.

I had a brilliant family support worker who recommended WE:ARE. As a single parent in lockdown, it was a massive relief to know that I could attend the courses via Zoom. This meant I had no childcare issues; I was in the comfort of my own home which helped me feel more relaxed and workers although new to providing the course electronically made sure I was comfortable with using and accessing the features of Zoom.

The courses were delivered sensitively, and it was very empowering to navigate experiences whilst not identifying personal experience. Using the white board, chat functions, seeing videos, listening to songs, and having a dance along, therapeutic grounding and breathing with Tee, informal quizzes, lock out rooms, the links provided with the course content, working alongside others, being free to ‘take a

break’ if needed all made for a very successful course. The personal impact it had on me was undeniable, being able to try and make sense of my situation when I could go nowhere and see nobody was life changing.

I have gone on to commence ‘own my life’ and again this is an opportunity to further make sense of life as a survivor. It’s a smaller group and more intimate but the sessions are again well focussed, there’s a great connection between the group and the book to follow up with and work with during the sessions Is good. The links that have been formed in addition to the courses are also very beneficial and if ever needed there can be 1-1 advice too.

“DV will skyrocket again in this new lockdown because perpetrators have the ultimate isolation tool and women can't get support and they become more entrapped. Which is why online services are vital. We don't know how long this lockdown could go on for, and the earliest it will finish will be a year since the first one started, so suspending services thinking everything will return to normal soon would be dangerous to those that need the service not only to get away, but for their recovery. And online is the only way to function at the moment. Looking beyond the pandemic - online services will still benefit us, especially those of us who work and can’t attend daytime groups and activities”.

“The sense of belonging has been crucial during lockdown to maintain my mental health and manage challenges such as custody, contact, court and other difficult situations. It has literally been a life saver!”

“There are benefits to being able to offer online courses and I have certainly benefited from time to reflect upon the behaviours I have been subjected to and being able to recognise these and to not continue to fall for the same old pattern. It makes all the difference to be able to see what is going on and have the tools and confidence to say no, without feeling any pressure to do so, or guilt if you slip. Because slips happen. I think the guilt cuts you off from friends and family and even feeling guilty with a support worker means you might avoid or postpone talking to them that week. Even though they would recognise why things happen, you still feel bad. And ashamed too, that you carry on accepting being treated in a certain way. These extra activities make the world of difference”.

“I love the fact it’s online as it means it still can continue while this pandemic is going on plus it’s a lot less daunting and more relaxed by being able to do it at home as it’s helped me so much by helping me understand what I went through wasn’t my fault and if I’d hadn’t had these groups to go to I would still not able to understand what I went through or have the support to overcome what I’ve gone through these groups has made a massive difference to me and my life I don’t know what I would of done if I didn’t have this to support me and help me I can never thank them enough for everything they have done”.

“This has been brilliant. It has made such a difference. Our experiences can help others. This is the only place I know of who supports remotely in this way. We need it documented so it can be replicated”.

'A fantastic idea. I have found the Own My Life and Freedom courses online very helpful, along with the email and mailing list support. I have a disability which effects my energy levels, so the Zoom sessions have actually enabled me to attend more sessions than I would've been able to if I'd had to travel to a venue. The Bancroft Webinar was also fascinating and I look forward to the book club which will enable further consciousness raising and getting to know new friends. In all, I cannot praise the Freedom Programme and the WE:ARE facilitators enough. The enthusiasm and warmth of the facilitators is a key element. There is a reason why this is the foremost programme on the issue and that could not be more evident. It is sterling and they have more than adapted to the COVID situation. In fact, I hope that Freedom/OML etc will somehow continue to offer the option of accessing support and education in this way, if not locally then nationally, as it surely makes it more accessible for some women- it certainly has for me.

“Lockdown enabled me to access the freedom programme and I love the Extra activities. My family support worker wanted me to do this over a year ago, however with work commitments it was never going to happen as I teach and there's absolutely no way I was going to be allowed to attend a daytime group. So, lockdown for me gave me many positives as now you do freedom on zoom in the evening, I have been able to join and access the support.

Being online also means that if you can't make every week, you can do the course over a couple of cycles/ repeat sessions as needed. I'm not sure whether you had space for this when groups met face to face. By being on Zoom I access more help than I might have face to face as in some situations I can be quite shy so wrapped up in my duvet makes me feel comfortable doing the programme as there is no one else in the room. Also, if there was an evening face-to-face, I still wouldn't have been able to go due to childcare issues, so on Zoom literally is a life saver and is saving lives”.

Weekly dance classes have included Zumba, Yoga & Dance

One Billion Rising

Our weekly dance sessions also adapted to online delivery ensuring that we were still on track to perfect the ‘Break the Chain’ dance routine in time for One Billion Rising. On February 14th we joined Cornwall Women’s Centre on zoom and danced in solidarity with our sisters around the world to shine a light on the injustice of domestic and sexual violence. Dance is beneficial for both physical and mental health and provided in a safe woman only space the classes have enabled the expression of shared emotions, belonging, connectedness, alongside improved health and well-being. We have recently added bhangra to our weekly timetable and yoga so that women have a wide range of activities to attend and enjoy.

Celebration Events

We held two celebratory events over the year, a bit different than our previous events back at base but with comedian/actress Barbara Nice on board to host our zoom parties everyone said they were the best parties they had been to. It was so lovely seeing mums and children dancing and singing together from the comfort of their own homes.

Wise Warrior Women’s Book Club

In December, our Wise Warrior Women’s Book Club was born. It has been a great hit with our groups and authors alike. It is a collaboration of Wonderful Women connecting in a safe supported environment to share their passion, interest and solidarity in the healing journeys of women and children post domestic abuse. The group is designed to be fun and interactive with the aim of reclaiming our minds, voices, and bodies through exploring relevant trauma literature and empowering women’s stories.

As a group we read together, communicate together, laugh, and heal together. This year we have read:

‘Why does He Do That’ by Lundy Bancroft followed by screenings of three of his webinars;

‘The Courage to Be Me’ with the author Nina Burrowes in attendance;

‘Out of Control’, joined by the author Natalie Collins;

We were also delighted to be joined by Pat Craven creator of the Freedom Programme and author of ‘Living with the Dominator’’. We are very much looking forward to our next guests: Dr Jessica Taylor author of ‘Why Women Are Blamed for Everything’ and Jess Phillips MP author of ‘Truth to Power’ and ‘Everywoman’.

Thanks to funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner we were able to buy books and send them out to members of the group. We’d also like to thank Natalie Collins and Jessica Taylor for donating books to the group. And Nina Burrowes for offering her book as a free download on her website www.ninaburrowes.com

Yoga and Vagus Nerve Exercises

Yoga and Vagus Nerve Exercises were added to the weekly activities available to the women in March 2021. The hour-long class provided virtually by Hannah from Nine Tea Cups, allows the women to explore and connect with their body in a way that feels safe to them. Hannah’s mantra is “I know you can do more but can you do less.” The vagus nerve exercises are extremely important as it enables the women, who have previously been living in fight / flight, to connect to the system that helps them enter these states and directly work with it to release and relax it.

Collaborative Communicators

Our Collaborative Communicators project helps women develop their skills and strengths to ensure their voices are heard to influence agencies who meet survivors and/or make decisions that impact on women’s lives. Women join daily in our closed Facebook group where they share information, plan, and organise workshops, deliver workshops, invite speakers in and most recently have designed and produced a monthly newsletter. This project has adapted amazingly well on zoom; being virtual has given us access to lots of amazing speakers from around the UK who we would not normally have access to and has enabled even more women to stay connected. Here is a selection of workshops that have taken place over the last year:

Supporting Children After Domestic Abuse - Jane Evans (Parenting Expert)
Parent Workshop – Dr Karen Treisman (Clinical Psychologist)
Using Your Character Strengths to Achieve Your Goals - Ruth Cooper-Dickson, Champs Consult
Art Collage Workshops – Kate (volunteer)
Sleep as a Superpower - Hayley, Champs Consult
Pitch like a Boss – Scarlett Allen-Horton (Patron, The Apprentice 2019 Finalist)
Women in Society – Dr Anita Bhalla OBE (Chair of THSH)
The Power of Relationships – Dr Marie Kershaw (Clinical Psychologist)
Presentation Skills – Matilda New (Patron, Radio Broadcaster)
Menstrual Cycles and Reproductive Health – Kalefa (Doula)
Menopause Workshop – Dr Catherine Coward (GP)
Christmas Arts and Crafts – Holly Nolan (Artist in Residence)
Christmas Zoom Party hosted by Barbara Nice (Britain's Got Talent)

Coaching

Lockdown enabled another new opportunity for us, partnering with Ruth Cooper-Dickson CEO of Champs Consult. After reading the following research, which concluded that ‘WE:ARE has a direct relationship with the sense of survivorship and thrivership of the participants of this study’ A qualitative exploration of ‘thrivership’ among women who have experienced domestic violence and abuse: Development of a new model | BMC Women's Health | Full Text (biomedcentral.com) Ruth contacted us and the rest is history.

“The partnership was to understand how CHAMPS for Change could professionally support the women from WE:ARE with coaching to enable them to move forward with their lives”. Aims of the six-month pilot coaching programme by Champs for Change CIC:

To encourage ongoing empowerment to the women who have completed at least a one-year or two-year programme with WE:ARE
For women who may be peer supporting other women in programmes to have coaching support whether the focus is on personal or professional goals

To build on the model of thrivership and to encourage women engaging practically with future thinking, healing and “what’s next?”
To understand whether coaching is a useful tool to facilitate growth following trauma

20 women have taken part in coaching sessions. A final report is currently being compiled and we look forward to this ongoing partnership throughout 2021 and beyond.

The key feedback themes that have emerged in the coaching sessions from the women are:

Life-focused Positive changes to work and Feelings/Emotions: Wellbeing: personal life Confidence in feelings Hope, optimism, Looking to the future Self-acceptance resilience and goals Panning for them and the family Taking back control Importance of wellbeing Achievement and growth Positive impact Clarity on goals and future Create plans with strengths and resources

Women’s Comments About WE:ARE

“I'm really grateful for WE:ARE's ongoing support since the start of the COVID pandemic. I have received fantastic oneto-one support around practical issues to do with postseparation abuse and safeguarding. The online Own My Life course enabled me to gain new knowledge and understanding of abuse and abuse cycles. This was both validating and liberating/empowering . The online connection and learning via Zoom in additional webinars about trauma and parenting has also been hugely useful and supportive . Thank you all so much!”

“I’m not quite sure where I would be if it wasn’t for WE:ARE probably still a crumpled mess trying to work out what had happened in my life. And more importantly blaming myself. However, through the Freedom Programme and Own My Life , I am beginning to understand and more importantly realise that was has happened was not my fault . Although it’s harrowing to think that all the others in the group have been in a similar position it was also comforting knowing we were able to understand and support each other . The courses are run so well, making the most of Zoom has been great. Being able to access the support via the computer was also very helpful as I wouldn’t have been able to attend groups in person due to covid restrictions and childcare issues.”

“With a global pandemic and lockdown, there is a hideous perfect storm of families being trapped with perpetrators, abuse and violence increasing for women and their children AND being unable to escape or access services or support of family and friends that would normally help mental health and safety for all. Having video meetings and activities has been a lifeline . I can join a group of understanding and supportive women without having to leave the house, arrange childcare or break lockdown rules. As well as supporting women who are making a plan to leave, the Freedom Programme and Own My Life programme helps us recover and reclaim our lives . It helps support us parent our children who have been exposed to or

subject to abuse, helps break the cycle of intergenerational abuse and stop unhealthy patterns of behaviour. It has helped grow my confidence , encouraged me to move to a better job, to self-improve and learn and discover new activities to bring a new joy to my life . The mindfulness exercises have been excellent, as have the art classes, Christmas party, book club and countless other webinars and educational opportunities separate from the course themselves. I have been more connected with new people and engaged with new things since starting with WE:ARE than I have for the last 15 years”

“What a year! One of the things that has helped the most through these crazy times has been a sense of connection and belonging , not something I was used to as a single working Mum, nor expecting as we locked down with a global pandemic with enforced social distancing. Your team of remarkable and generous, amazing women have provided that in a way I hadn't ever thought possible. I am so grateful to you all for your energy and enthusiasm, for organising so many activities and educational opportunities, for sharing your wisdom and being there through good times and bad. I know you are also always available for those who are really struggling with practical living issues, court appearances, custody battles, social care and all the other shit that comes with surviving domestic abuse. I had no idea that Freedom would be just the start of such an awakening , to possibilities, to potential, to creativity and living a life which genuinely now feels joyful in a way it hasn't for many, many years. I am filled with hope and optimism for the future , which feels insane given the challenges the world faces right now! Please be very proud of all your achievements; I'm not sure you will ever know the incredible impact you have had on so many lives. I know you will go on to do more amazing things in 2021 and can't wait to be involved!”

“I want to show how amazing remote support is in helping us after we have escaped our abusers. I love the fact it’s online as it means it still can continue while this pandemic is going on plus it’s a lot less daunting and more relaxed by being able to do it at home as it’s helped me so much by helping me understand what I went through wasn’t my fault and if I’d hadn’t had this group to go to I would still not able to understand what I went through or have the support to overcome what I’ve gone through this group has made a massive difference to me and my life I don’t know what I would of done if I didn’t have this group to support me and help me I can never thank them enough for everything they have done”.

We have seen an exceptionally large increase in demand from agencies around the City for our services, and we do not see an end to women needing and wanting our services in the near future and even when we do return to base, we will still offer an online presence as it has become so accessible and so popular. We thank Reaching Communities, The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Heart of England Community Foundation and The People’s Health Trust for funding to enable us to provide all of the above throughout this difficult year.

Thank you to our amazing team, Jacky, Donna, Jo, Sadia, Sharmina and Teresa whose dedication, compassion and vitality make our project the success that it is. Here’s to always going the extra mile and extra hour to support women and children to heal and thrive once again after being subjected to domestic abuse.

Here’s some children’s art to warm your heart for those of you who have read to the end of this report.

COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 06498953 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1123337 WE:ARE Women's Empowemient And Recovery Educators Ltd Company Limlted by Guarantee Unaudited Financial Statements 31 March 2021

WE:ARE Women's Empowerment And Recovery Educators Ltd Company Limited by Guarante• Financlal Statements Year •ndod 31 March 2021 Page Trustees, annual report (incorporaling the directorfs report) Independent examiner's report to the trustees Statemenl of financial activities (Includlng Income and expenditure account) Statement of financial position Notes to the financial Stalements The followlng pages do not form part of the flnanclal 8tstsment8 Detailed statement of financlal activities 16 Notes to the detailed statement of finandal activitles 17

WE:ARE Women's Empowerment And Recovery Educators Ltd Company Limited by Guarantse Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporatlng th• Director's Rèport) Year ended 31 March 2021 The trustees, who are also the dlreclors for the purposes of company law, present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charlty for the year ended 31 Mar¢h 2021. ObJe¢llvu and a¢tlvttle8 Aprll 1812020- 31•t Mareh 2021 The activitles of the charity during the past year aTe set out In the prevlous pages. Atall tlmas In planning our activities th8 charlty has referred lo the guidance contained in the Charlty Commlsslon's general guidance on public benefit and how the aclivlll85 will contribute lo the overall aims and objectives we have Sel. The maln 8¢hlevemenls of tho charlty durfng the year are reported Sn earller page$. A¢hlov•m•nts and p•rforman¢e The achlevements and perforniance of the charlty durlng the past year are set out In earller paga8. Flnanclal rnvlow Gen•rnl Tho total Income for Ihe charity, grants and donations, durfng th8 year wa8 £202.09512020.' £146,326). 01 this £194,046 18 from grants and18 raported as re81rlcted. Total 8xpendlture was £172,31512020'. £109,196). Of this £166,008 relates to $peclflc grants weived from gr8nl$ and18 reported 88 reslrfcled. A further £2,200 was expendèd in expe¢tatlon of monles lo be recelved from Wesl Midlands Pollce. At the year end thera was a deficlt balanco on Ihlj fund but a grant was received in the new finanelal year. The net re8uII was a surplus for the year of £29,780 (2020.. of £37,130). This amount has been added to reserves leaving a balance carrfed forward for fvlure use of £110.058 of whlch £56,04618 consld8red unresldclod and £54,012 rostrlcled. A¢knowledg•monts We are ever grateful for Blg Lottery Reachlng Communitles Grant for ongolng fundlng. We have witnessed so many lrfe chan9lng moments for women and chlldren in that tlme which would not have been posslble wlthout Ihls grant. We are also gratelul to Peoples Health Trust. Heart of England Communlty Women and Girls Fund, and our many other donors who provided funding for programmes and creatlve actlvllles. Reservo1 Poll¢y The ¢harty8 current pollcy Is to hold $ufficlent rnserves to ensure that we can meet our liabilllles in the event ol Ihe Gharity's ¢105ure- ¢urrontly assessed al £29k Imainfy redundancy costs) plus thr•8 month8 running costs assessed at £30k. The Current teserves level of £56,046 5$ broadly in line with th1$ policy and the Irustees consider no adlustmenl or specific action Is required.

WE:ARE Women's Empowerment And Recovery Educators Ltd Company Llmited by Guarant00 Trusteo$' Annual Report {Incorporatlng the Dlrectorf8 Report) (¢onWou•dJ Year ended 31 March 2021 Flnan¢lal revlew {¢onUnu Prlor Yoar Restatement In prevrous years the charitys pollcy has been to treat all monies recelved in respect of Its Domestic Violence programme$ as being unrestricted. This is becaus8 the primary purpose of the obJecllve of the charity is the support of people who have suffered from abuse and consequenuy all monles were directed to thls aim irrespeGtTve of Source. We are now in receipt of substantial grants from different fvnders and It Seems more appropriate lo show in more detail the monies received and the r&lated expenditure. Consequently the ffigures for the prior year have been restated and an opening balance of various funds Is now shown. The effect has been to transfer an amounl from the funds prevlously reported as unrestrlcted. The overall reseThes of the charity have not been affected by this. Plang for futurg periods As we closed the year in M8rch 2020 Cov119 arrived and our projects, workshops. programme$ and activities all came lo a standstill. But as you can see in the report our dose knit dedicated team swfftty joined together, made a plan and started to adapt to working remotely lo ensure that the women on our pro9rammes and women yel to find us could still access services al a time en they are needed the most. Who knows what the next few weeks or months will brlng. We end the year knowlng that our team: Jacky, Donna. Jo. Sadia and Sharmina have the skills, commitrnent and dedication lo do everything we Can to eontinue to offer a range of awareness and empowerment programmes to enable those who ¢c*ne to us for supwrt to Rlse Reclaim and Recover Stru¢tiirep governance and management WE.'ARE Women's Empowernent And Recovery Educators Ltd is a rnPany limited by guarantee govemed by ils Memorandum and Articles of Assoclation dated 11 February 2008 and is registered as a charlty with the Charities Commission. The charity, previously known as Allens Croft Project, changed its name on 11 July 2019. Oryanlsatlon Th8 Board of Trustees meets biwmonthly. (The Project Manager has delegated authority for day lo day operational and buslnes$ rnatters). Significant decislons are dealt wllh by the Board. Related Partla8 The current board of trustees are all professlonals who are mainly either CUrrenY involved with or who have reeendy retired from the NHS. It is posslble that at some times the will be work carried out for organisations in which the directors have significant influonce and as such will need to be reported. Fundlng The Company recelves grants from varfous grant maklng bodles in order to assist with salaries and pay for various activities. It also receives donations. 11 does not actively seek money from the general public but does not reje¢l any donations that may be Offed.

WE:ARE Women's Empowennent And Recovery Educators Ltd Company Llmited by Guarantee Tru3tee8' Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) (conth4MdJ Year ended 31 March 2021 StN¢tur•i governance and manag•m•nt(¢ Rlsk Manag•m¢nt The Trustees have a Risk Managernent strategy *thlch involves: Govemance- a review of how the risk affects our aims. Operatlonal- Seryice quality, safeguarding. ¢hild prOttiOn and hèalth and safety. Financlal . reviewlng adequa¢y of resems and cash (k. R•f¢r•ne• and admlnhtratlv• dolall• RBgl•tered charlty nam• Ch•rlty rogtstr•llon numb•r Company r•gtstraUon numb•r W98953 Prlnclpal offlco •nd r•gl•tsr•d St Bede's Church offl¢e Bryndal& Avanue Bimiingham 814 6NG WE'ARE Women's &pm?ntAnd Rec(wery Educators Ltd 1123337 The tru•tM• Dr A Coward D Edward8 J Guggenheim JH Gc4lman SM Need (Appolnted 9 September 2020) David Seeley FCA Chartered aKounlant Aecuo Accounting Limited Chartered Accountants Alvechurch 811nghaM B48 7JX Account•nts Small company provl•lon6 Thls report has been prewed in a¢cordaneé the prnbisls appllcable to companies entlued to the $m811 companles exernn.

WE:ARE Women's Empowerment And Recovery Educators Ltd Company Llmited by Guarantee Trustses. Annual Report (Incorporatlng the Dlrectorfs Report) (condnu Year •ndod 31 Mar¢h 2021 The trustees, annu81 report was approved on 7 November 2021 and $lgned on behalf of the board of tnrstees by: J Guggenheim Trustee

WE:ARE Women's Empowerment And Recovery Educators Ltd Company Limited by Guarantee Independent ExamIne3 Report to the Tru8tses of WE:ARE Women'8 Empowerment And Recovery Educators Ltd Year ended 31 March 2021 l Trport to the trustees on my examination of the ftnancial statements of WE:ARE Women's Ernpowemient And Recovery Educators Ltd ('the chariv) for the year end8d 31 March 2021. Responslbllltlos and ba818 of report As the trustees of th8 company (and 81s0 its dlrectors for the wrposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financi statements in a¢Gordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 {Ihe 2006 Act,). Having salisfied myself that the accounts of the company are nol required lo be audSted under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examinalion of the charity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charilies Act 2011 {'the 2011 Act')- In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515)(bl of the 2011 ACL Independent oxamln•rfs statement I have completed my examination. I confimi that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination glving me cause lo beliève.. accounting records were not kept in respe ol the charity as required by $e¢tlon 386 of the 2006 Actr. or the financial statements do not accord with those racords,. or the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requlremenls of section 398 of the 2006 Act other than any requSrement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view whlch Is not a mattèr considered as part of an independenl examination; or the financial statements have nol been prePad in accordan¢e wlth the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for a¢¢ountlng and reporting by charities applicable to charities weparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 102). I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection with the examlnation lo whkh attention should be drawn in thts report in order to enable a proper understanding of th8 accounts lo be reached. DAVID SEELEY FCA Chartered a¢¢ountanl Accuo Accounting Limited Chartered Accountants Atvechurch Birmingham B48 7JX

WE:ARE Women's Empowennent And Recovery Educators Ltd Company Llmited by Guarantse Statsment of Financlal Acllvltles (Including income and expenditure account 31 March 2021 2021 Restrlcted fvnds Total fund• Total funds 2020 UnStriCted funds Income and endowments Donations and lega¢les Total Incom• 8.049 194,046 194,046 202.095 202,095 146,326 146,326 8.049 Expondlture Expenditure on charitable activitres Total expendltur• 4,107 168.208 172.315 172.315 109,196 109,196 4,107 168.208 Net In¢ome and net mov•m•nt In funds 3,942 25,838 29,780 37,130 Rocon¢lllallon of fund8 Total funds brought forward Total funds ¢arrled foNard 52,104 56,046 28,174 54,012 80278 110,068 43,148 80.278 The statement of financial activities Includes all gains and losses re¢ognlsed in the year. All income and expenditure derive from eonlinuing activities. Th• note8 on page• 8 to 14 fomi partofthe#e flnanclal statemen

WE:ARE Women's Empowerment And Recovery Educators Ltd Company Llmlted by Guarant•• Statement of Financial Posltlon 31 March 2021 2021 2020 Current as80ts Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 15 4,560 116,474 121,034 4,950 85,423 90.373 Cror•.. amounts falllng duo wlthln ono y•ar Not ¢urront a•8•ts 16 10,976 10,095 110.058 110,058 110,058 80,278 80,278 80,278 Totsl a8¥ets les• current Ilablltth8 Net •88•t• Funds of tho chartty Reslricled fund8 Unre8lricted funds 54,012 88,048 30,838 49,440 80,278 Total charlty fund8 17 110,058 For the year endlng 31 March 2021 tho chartty was entmed to exemption from audll under section 477 01 th6 Companle8 Act 2008 relatlng to small companies. Dlrectors, re8pon8ibllltlos: The m8mbers have not requlred tha rnpanY lo obtaln an audlt of Its financlal 8t8tements for tha year In question In accordance wlth section 476: The dlrectors acknowledge thelr respon8lbllltl68 forcomptylng wllh the raqulrements of the Actwlth respacl to accountlng records and the preparatlon of f nanclal 8tatem&nts. These financlal stalwnents have been prepared In accordance with the provlslon8 applk8ble to companlos 5ubJ8ct to the Small compani88' reglme. These flnancial 81alements were approved by the board of trustees and authorlsad for Issue on 7 November 2021, and are signed on behalf of the board by.. J Guggonheim Trustee Tho notw on pago8 8 to 14 lonn part of th•90 flnan¢lal •tatam•nts.

WE:ARE Women's Empowemient And Recovery Educators Ltd Company LIMIt by Guarantee Notes to the Flnanclal Statements Year onded 31 March 2021 G¢noral Inforniallon The Charity is a private company limited by guarantee. registered in EThJland and Wales and registered charity in England and Wales. The address of the reglsterod office is St Bede's Church, Bryndal8 Avenue, Birningham. 814 6NG. Slat•m•nt of compllanc• These ftnancial statements have been wepared in (a)mpiiance with FRS 102. The Flnancial Reporting Standard applicable In ts UK and the Republic of Irelanrf. the Statement of Recommended Prxti¢e applicabte to Charitss preparing thelr accounts In accordance Wlth the Flnancial Reportlng Standard applicable in the UK and Republk of Ireland (FRS 102) (Charities SORP IFRS 1021> and the Charities 2011. Ac¢ountlng pollcl BMI• of pr•par•th>n The financ1 Statements have been prepared on th8 h1$tOral cost basb. Golng conc•rn There ar• material Urint19j about the chadV$ abllty to eontlnu?. DI10*v1• ex•mptlon• The charfty meets the deffinltlon of a publbc benefft enuty. 11 satisfies the ¢rlleria of being a qualifying entity as defined Sn FRS 102 and as Such Ih? trustees have taken advantage of the exernptm and have not prepared a cash tknv statsment for the company. Judg•m•nls and k•y •ourn• ol o•tlmallon unc•rtalnty Signiflcant ludgements There are no judgements (apart from those involving estimations) that management has made in the proc$ of applying the entws a¢countin9 pOIleS that have any svjnifunt effect on the amtyjnts recognlsed in the financlal slatements. Key sources of estimation rtaInty AOUnting eslimate8 and 8MptiS are rnade concemhg Ihe fuiute and. by their nature, wlll rareiy equal the related actual outcome. The ttusteos do rt consider hOVer that there are any key a$$umptions or other sources of estimation urtertainty that have a signlficant risk of causing a materral adjustment to the carying anUnts ofassets and liabilites vthin the next financlal year. Fund ac¢ountlng unstrICted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further any of th8 charity's purposes. Restrict•J fvnds are subject to restrictions on thèir expenditure declared by the donor or through the tefms of an ap1, and fall Into one of two $ub4asse8: restricted income fvnds or endowmenl funds. There a ¢urrenUy no endowment funds.

WE:ARE Women's Empowerment And Recovery Educators Ltd Company Llmlted by Guarantee Not08 to the FEnanclal Statements (¢onthu Year ended 31 March 2021 A¢countlng poll¢108 {¢onUnued) Incomlng re•ource8 All Income Is Included in the statement of financlal aetivitfes when entftlemenl has passed lo the charfty, it Is probable thal the economt¢ benefits associated wlth the transaction wlll flow to the chadty and the amount can b6 rellably measured. The followlng 8p8clfic policies are appliéd to partlcular categories of income: Income from donation$ or grants is recognised when ther8 Is evldence of entlllemenl to the glft receipt is probable and amount can be measured r81iably. donated facilities and servlces a recogn15ed In the accounts when recelved if the value can b& rellably measured. No amounts are Included for tha contribution of general volunleers. Income from contracts for the Supply of servlces Is recognlsed wllh thé delfvery of the Contracted servlco. Thls Is Classified as unrestrlcted funds unle85 therè is a ¢onlraclual requlrement for11 to be 8pent on a partl¢ular purpose and relumed If unsp8n( in whlch case It may b8 regarded 88 restri¢ted. Ro•Ou oxpond•d Expendllure 18 rocagnlsed on an accruals bas18 a8 8 Ilabllity 18 Incurrèd. Expenditure Includes applicable VAT as thls cannot be recovered, and18 ¢188slfied undér headlng8 of the statement of flnan¢lal actlvlll88 lo whlch11 relates.. expendllure on charitable actlvltl88 Includ08 all costs Incurred by a charity In undertaklng activlties that further bts charltabla aims for the beneflt of its benellclaries, Including those support costs and c03ts relatlng to the govemanco of the charlty apportloned to charltablo aclfvltles. other exp&ndllure Include8 all expendllure that Is nelthor rnlated lo r41slng lund8 for the charlly nor part of Its expendltur8 on charltable acllvlll88. Tanglbl• a•••ts All fixed assets arg Inltlally recorded at Cost. Dopr•cla¢lon Depreclallon Is calculated so a8 to write off the cost or valuation of an a8se(18sJ Ils resldual value, over the u¥efvl economlc Ilfe of that asset as follow3: Computern 33% stralght Ilne Dgllned contrlbutlon plan• Contrfl)ulions lo defined contrlbutlon plans are re¢ognlsed as an expen8e In th8 period In whlch the related servlce Is provldad. Llmttod by guarante• The company is Ilmlted by guarantee arKI ¢onsequenUy has no share ¢apltal. In the event of a windlng up the Ilability of a memb&r to (x)ntribute to the assets of the company is Ilmlled to £1.

WE:ARE Women's Empowerment And Recovery Educators Ltd Company Llmited by Guarantse Notos to the Flnancial Statements (¢onthiwdJ Year ended 31 Mah 2021 Donallons and lega¢l¢8 Unrestrtcted Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds 2021 Donatlons Donations 4.049 Grants Big Lottery-main Grant Heart of En9larKI-Women and Girfs FuTrJ Big Lottery-lnierim Grants ig Lottery-office for Cibil Society Peoples Health Trust Police and Crime CommissM)ner Salnsbury Heart of Englan¢*Transitscffl Grnwth Fund Govemment grant income 50,313 3,000 50,000 50,000 9.924 30.809 60,313 3,000 50,OIXI 50,000 9,924 30.809 4.000 8,049 4,000 194,046 202,095 Untestri¢ted Restrthd Total Funds Funds Funds 2020 Donotlon8 Donations 8.221 8.221 Grants Big Lottery-maln Grant Heart of England-women and Girfs Fund Big Lottery-lnterim Grants Big Lottery-ofke for CNFI S Peoples Health Trust Police and Crime Commr&si)ner Sainsbury Heart of England-Transition and Growlh Fund Govemment grant income 99,151 5.000 99.151 5,CN)O 5,954 3.000 25,000 3,000 25,000 8,221 138.105 146.326 -10-

WE:ARE Women's Empowennent And Recovery Educators Ltd Company Limitod by Guarantse Notes to the Financial Statsments (conthwd) Year ended 31 March 2021 Expenditure on charttable a¢tivill•s by fund ty Unrestricted Restricted T¢)tal Funds Funds Funds 2021 Domeslc VNAence Programme Support Msts 4.107 158,617 9,591 168.208 162,724 9,591 4,107 172,315 Unrestricted Resirthd Totsl Funds Funds Funds 2020 Domestic Violence Programme Support ¢osts 1.929 97,450 9,817 107,267 99,379 9,817 109,196 1,929 Expgndlturo on charltable acovlllos by aelivlty typ• uThJertaken ditecty Supwrt Total funds ¢osts 2021 Total fund 2020 Domestic VlenCe Programme Governance costs 162.724 8.500 1,091 9,591 171,224 1.091 172,315 108,112 1.084 109,196 162,724 Anatysis of 8UPPOrt C08ts Anatysis of support costs Domesti Vjolence Prc*3ramme Totsl 2021 Total 2020 Staff costs Governance costs 8.500 1,091 9,591 8,500 1.091 9,S91 8.733 1.084 9,817 Net Incomo Net income is slated after chargingl(credtlingl: 2021 2020 Opetallng lease rentals 706 529 11-

WE.'ARE Women's Empowerment And Recovery Educators Ltd Company Limlted by Guarant00 Notss to the Financial Statements f¢onllnuedl Year ended 31 March 2021 10. Indfrpendent examlnatlon fees 2021 2020 Fees payable to thé Independent examlner for. Independent examlnallon of the financial statsments Other flnanclal servlces 402 600 402 600 1,002 1,002 11. Staff co•ts The total Staff costs and employee b8n8fits far the repng perfod are analysed as follow8.' 2021 2020 Wages and 8alarfe8 Soclal secudty costs Employer conlribullon8 to penslon plans 108,996 8,186 1.991 119,172 70,932 2,689 1,483 75.104 The average head Count ol ernOyeeS durlng the year wa$ 6 {2020.' 3>. Tho average number of full-tlme aqulvalent employees durfng the year18 analy8ed aj ft>llow8'. 2021 2020 No. No. Number ol staff Involved In charltable actlvllles No employee recolved employee benefll8 of more than £60,000 durlng th¢ year {2020: NII}. K•y Management P•r•onno1 The Iruslees conslder that they compr188 the key management personnel. No remunerallon Is pald lo Ihem by the charity or any thlrd paty In connecuon wlth their role at the Charlly. 12. Tru8to0 remun•ratlon and •xp•nso• No remuneration or other benefits from employment wllh the charfty or a related enlily were recelved by the trustees In elther the current or previous year. No expense8 were relmbursed in elther year. 13. frnn8f•rn b90•n fund8 There wère no transfers beeen funds durlng the year. 12-

WE:ARE Wornen's Empowerment And Recovery Educators Ltd Company Limited by Guarantee Notss to the Financial Statements (¢ondnu6d) Year ended 31 March 2021 14. Tanglble flx8d assets Equipment Total At 1 Aprll 2020 and 31 Mareh 2021 Oeprnclatlon At 1 Aprfl 2020 and 31 March 2021 Carrylng amount At 31 March 2021 1,392 1,392 1.392 1A92 At 31 March 2020 15. Dobtorg 2021 2020 Trade debtors Prepayments and accrued income 3.000 1.950 4.660 4.560 4,950 16. Cr¢dttor8: amounts falling due wlthln ono yoar 2021 2020 A¢cruals and deferred income 10,976 10.095 17. Analy8b of charltablo funds Unre8trictod fvnd8 At 31 Mar 2021 1 April 2020 Income Expenditure General funds 52,104 8,049 (4.107) 56,046 -13-

WE:ARE Women's Empowennent And Recovery Educators Ltd Company Llmltsd by Guarantse Notes to the Flnanclal Statements (conthuoo) Year ended 31 March 2021 17. Anaty818 of charhable funds RoStrIct fund• At Iorne Exwdtture 31 Mar 2021 1 N)ri12020 Big Lottery-main Grant Big Lottery4Aain Granl-lnterim Fund Heart of England-Transition and Growth Police and Crime Commissior West Midlands Police Big Lottery-Offic& for CMI Society Heart of England-women and Girts Fund Peoples Health Trust 124 50,313 50.000 (50.437) 13,480) 46.520 20.316 120.155) {29,8331 (2,200) (49,870) 161 976 (2.200 130 30.809 50.0fy) 3.000 9.924 (4.700) (7,533) (168.2081 2,766 5,659 $4,012 28,174 194.046 18. Analys1$ of net assots tween funth Unrestricted Restrthd Total Funds Total Funds Funds Fund$ 2021 2020 Current assets Crediiors less than 1 year Net ass•ts 67,022 (10,976) 54,012 121,034 110.976) 110,058 J.373 (10.095) 80.278 54.012 -14-

WE:ARE Women's Empowerment And Recovery Educators Ltd Company Limited by Guarante• Managemont Information Year ended 31 Pjlarch 2021 The followlng page• do not forni part ol th• flnanclal •tatom•nl•, -16-

WE:ARE Women's Empowerment And Recovery Educators Ltd Company Llmited by Guarantee Detallod Statement of Financial Activftles 31 March 2021 2021 2020 Income and endowments Donations and legaclos Donations Big Lottery4Aain Grant Heart of England-women and Girls Fund Big Lottery-lnlerim Grants Big Lottery-office for CNil ScK*ty Peoples Health Trust Police and Crime CommissK) Sainsbury Heart of England-Translb'on and Growlh Fund Government grant income 4,049 50.313 8,221 99,151 5.000 60,000 so,000 9,924 30.809 5.954 3,000 25,000 4000 202,095 146.326 Total In¢ome 202,095 146,326 Expenditure Expenditure on charitable acllvltle8 Wages and salarles Employeffs NIC Pensron costs Operating leases Rent Insurance Vehicle leasInlre Legal and prOfeSsnal fees Telephone Other office costs Other interest payable arKI similar Charges Programmes and acbvities Publicity 108.995 8,186 1,991 70,932 2,689 1.483 529 8.430 734 1.635 1.701 782 2,721 5,400 775 5.010 1.006 1.705 6A11 85 30M15 1.730 172.315 17.156 318 109,196 Total oxpendllure 172,315 109,196 Net Incom• 29.780 37,130 -16-

WE:ARE Women's Empowerment And Recovery Educators Ltd Company L5mltsd by Guarantee Notss to the Dotailed Statsment of Flnancial Actlvlti•s 31 March 2021 2021 2020 Expenditure on charltable actfvitle8 Domestlc Vlolenc& Pn)gramme Actlvltl•s und•rtaken dlre¢tly Salaries Employerfs NIC Pension costs Oper8tfng lease$ Rent Insurance Training Legal and professional fees Telephone Other offi¢e costs Activities Publicity 100,995 7.786 1,891 706 5,400 775 6,010 62.654 2,341 1,376 529 8,430 734 1.635 703 782 2.721 17.156 318 1,705 6,311 30A15 1,730 162,724 99,379 Support ¢osts Salaries Employels Nl Pension costs 8,000 400 100 8,278 348 107 8,600 8,733 Govemance costs Legal and other professional fees Bank Charges 1,006 85 998 1.091 1,084 Expgndlture on charltable actlvftles 172.31S 109,196 17-