2025-03-31-accounts - Fortalice Limited

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Report of the Trustees and audited financial statements

for the year ended 31 March 2025

for Fortalice Limited

Company Number: 06517841

Charity Number: 1124031

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Fortalice Limited

Contents of the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

Report of the Trustees ............................................................................................................................ 3 Report of the Independent Auditors ..................................................................................................... 16 Statement of Financial Activities ........................................................................................................... 28 Balance Sheet ........................................................................................................................................ 29 Cashflow Statement .............................................................................................................................. 30 Notes to the Cashflow Statement ......................................................................................................... 31 Notes to the Financial Statements ........................................................................................................ 32 Detailed Statement of Financial Activities ............................................................................................ 47

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Fortalice Limited

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2025

The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015).

Objectives and Activities

Objectives and aims

The overall objectives and aims of the Charity are

The relief and protection of those who have been gravely or persistently maltreated by the partner with whom they are or have been living or any member of their immediate or extended family and of the children of such people
Providing refuge accommodation in Lewis House for women who have been gravely or persistently maltreated by the partner with whom they are or have been living or any member of their immediate or extended family and of the children of such women
Providing programmes, including early intervention, to raise awareness of domestic abuse and related issues
To facilitate and assist programmes in partnership with those dealing with perpetrators

The Charity's mission statement is:

'To provide emergency accommodation and a range of support services to assist women, children and young people who have, or are, experiencing domestic abuse and to raise personal and public awareness of the issues relating to domestic abuse and its impact on society'.

Ensuring our work delivers our aims

The Business plan 2025-2030 has been developed and identifies targets and objectives to ensure continuity, improvement and further development of the services we provide for women, men, children and young people affected by domestic abuse.

We regularly consult with service users and stakeholders and use this feedback to review services offered by the organisation. We do this through focus groups, questionnaires, weekly house meetings and individual stakeholder feedback. We also have an abundance of cards, letters and feedback forms expressing appreciation and advocating the services offered across the organisation.

Public benefit

We have referred to the guidance in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our objectives and activities and in planning our future activities. In particular, the 3 ————————

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The focus of our work

Fortalice has successfully continued to provide a highly effective service for women, men, children and young people affected by domestic abuse.

The priorities for the year have focused on;

Strengthening services and support for resident women, children, young people and families with complex needs within our refuge, the Outreach Support Centre and Children and Young People’s (CYP) and Education Hub

We have operated from our CYP and Education Hub for a full year, this new space is enabling us to meet the diverse and everchanging needs of the CYP we work with. In order to increase our offer to CYP and our accredited education courses we started a project to build a two-storey extension on the side of the building which is due to be completed 31[st] October 2025. This building project was funded from reserves with a small number of grants to help with furniture and equipment.
We have continued to expand our Children and Young person’s (CYP) team and further developed our network of working with children and young people’s services across the borough through Bolton Together, working in partnership with health, the council, education and other multi agency services. This has included Family Conferencing and Family Cohesion work enabling the families to develop new skills and grow together as a family unit.
Through consultations we have reviewed our different ways of working and have started to further develop some of our acuities for residents and their children in Refuge enabling us to meet their needs more effectively.
Staff have accessed trauma informed training and have completed refresher training ensuring everyone is up to date with current trends and legislation ensuring the delivery model meets the needs of all individuals who have accessed the services. We have started a programme of peer mentoring which assists staff in developing and reflecting.
Although the Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVA) service has been expanded caseloads are considerably higher than they should be which whilst we still meet demand does put a strain on the services. We have expanded the service by piloting a Police IDVA role, this role is a specialist role.
The Crisis Car continues to be successful and is going from strength to strength, feedback from the victims who have used the service has been extremely positive.
We are working in partnership with SafeLives where we have agreed to assist them in collecting the voice of children and Young People, this is called the Echo Project.
We have the privilege of being chosen to work with National Iris and Bristol University on a research piece specifically working with children and men, this has meant we have been able to bring additional capacity to the services as well as complete an important piece of research.

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We have developed a new business plan for 2025- 2030 which incorporates the authentic voice of the victims and survivors, emerging trends we are identifying and the diverse needs of victims and survivors we are seeing.
Continuous applications for grant and trust funding and tenders have been ongoing this year in order to sustain and develop all services in line with emerging trends.
We continue to develop strategies for enhancing the workforce by offering student placements. We have been successful in recruiting new volunteers into the service enabling us to resolve some capacity issues due to increased demand. We have developed new opportunities for volunteers and changed the way we recruit which has led to more interest in people coming forwards, this has and will continue to enable us to add more capacity into the services.
In order to secure further funding we continue to make changes to our fundraising strategy which will be adapted and worked on in the next financial year.
Working in partnership with other organisations, Bolton Council, GMCA, the Police and Community Safety to build a more streamlined holistic approach for victims has been ongoing and will help sustain and enhance our services.

Securing funding for the continuity of specific projects and core services

Fortalice continues to work collaboratively with a bid writer, to sustain existing projects, to fund projects that were previously unfunded and to develop new services.
The Healthy Relationships project is currently predominantly self-funded by the schools themselves and we continuously research funding streams to secure funding to ease the pressure on stretched educational budgets. We continue to see an increase in the demand for the project delivery during this last financial year.
The Refuge contract has been secured through the tender framework. The IRIS and IDVA contract have been extended.
The Adult Counselling Service is no longer funded through 1Point as the criteria for counselling was changed across GM resulting in 1Point having to change the way they worked, this led to the loss of funding for Fortalice’s counselling service. We continue to apply for funding from other sources as this specialist service is essential in helping victims and survivors work through their trauma and can prevent revictimisation.
Children’s services is funded by a variety of different funders therefore is a continuous process to find funding, we are aware of the need for this service as it keeps children safe from harm.
We have been fortunate to receive two one off donations from the Sycamore Project and Bank Street Unitarian Chapel as they sadly closed their doors, this has been well received in helping us where funding is short.

Achievement and Performance

Charitable activities

Fortalice was founded in 1977 by a group of volunteers and the first Refuge opened in Castle Street. The property was run completely by volunteers. By midday on the first day of opening, 3 women and their children had taken up residence. Since that day demand for our support has never waned. 5 ————————

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Nearly 50 years on we are proud to have supported thousands of victims and now deliver more than 20 different refuge and community-based projects. This ranges from working with the highest risk victims to delivering early intervention programmes and healthy relationships education programmes in schools to help break the cycle of abuse.

This is how we support victims.

All of our charitable activities are undertaken to further our charitable purposes for the public benefit.

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Who used and benefited from our services

These are our services and the impact that they have delivered in the time of this report.

Refuge Accommodation

Our purpose-built refuge provides safe, temporary accommodation and comprehensive support services for women and children fleeing domestic abuse. While priority is given to those from Bolton and nearby districts, the refuge regularly supports individuals from across the Northwest and beyond.

Support is tailored to the needs of each resident. Upon arrival, each woman is assigned a dedicated DAV Recovery Worker to help create a person-centred support plan. These plans can focus on recovery and fostering independence. Support can include risk assessments, individual support plans, budgeting support, housing and benefit assistance, drug and alcohol recovery, emotional wellbeing and parenting support.

Specialist roles such as a Substance Misuse Worker and Mental Health Co-ordinator are key to providing this holistic care for women facing complex challenges. These roles, play an essential part in daily support and recovery, ensuring mental health needs are addressed, external services are coordinated, and residents are linked with community resources upon departure.

This year…

78 referrals were received - a decrease of 42.6% from the previous year
66 residents were accommodated from the referrals – made up of 30 individual women and 36 children
36 weeks was the average length of stay – an increase of 12% from the previous year
98.4% average occupancy rate throughout the year

Our key challenges included…

Seeing an increase in ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’ Cases. There was a noted rise in complexity and support needs
Extended stays and ‘Move-On’ Challenges. Due to the national housing crisis, larger families experienced extended stays
Support Needs. We saw a continued rise in mental health, alcohol, and substance misuse challenges. In children we saw increased cases of suicidal ideation, behavioural issues, selfharm, and additional diagnoses

We are most proud of…

Our Move-On outcomes:

45% secured tenancies (via Local Authorities, Registered Social Landlords, or private landlords)
20% entered other short-term supported accommodation
20% stayed with friends or family
6% returned home without the perpetrator
6% returned to the perpetrator
3% left with no forwarding address

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Outreach victim advocacy support

Our outreach work offers support, guidance and education to women, men, children, young people and families who are, or have been affected by domestic abuse. Working with all clients of low, medium and high-risk abuse, we offer risk assessments, safety planning, one to one emotional and practical support, advocacy and group work.

We offer group work for victims in the community including the Freedom Programme, the Recovery Toolkit and Next Steps. Each course gives an opportunity for victims to learn how to recognise abuse, be able to identify the characteristics of healthy relationships, explore the effects of domestic abuse on children and improve their confidence to rebuild and move forward with their lives.

This year…

1,189 clients were reached. This included 600 new clients, 589 existing clients, and 64 male victims.
1,766 telephone advice calls were received, as well as 307 additional contacts through webchat, and our other ‘get in touch’ channels
557 (92.8%) of referrals were from Bolton, with 43 (7.2%) coming from Greater Manchester and Lancashire

Our key challenges included…

16 clients were referred to MARAC, with an additional 14 clients being assessed but not meeting the required threshold
The consistent variety in issues presented:
Domestic abuse in various forms: coercive control, physical, emotional, and sexual
Additional challenges: legal, housing, child contact, and health concerns
Mental health issues: panic, anxiety, depression, stress

We are most proud of…

103 sessions of The Freedom Programme were delivered with 515 women attending The breadth of our referrals:
424 self-referrals
22 from family, friends, or colleagues
31 via Greater Manchester Police (GMP)
48 from other internal Fortalice projects
24 from social workers
6 from mental health services
45 from other professionals/community support groups

Outreach Support Centre

Adults Counselling

Our Adult Counselling service is delivered by a team of qualified volunteer Counsellors and student Counsellors on placement. Our Counselling service works with clients that are not only suffering from issues related to domestic abuse. Common issues being presented include anxiety, depression, emotional trauma, relationship issues, sexual trauma and bereavement. We offer therapy in several models including Person Centred Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Hypnotherapy, Integrative Therapy, Trauma Focused Therapy and Transactional Analysis.

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This year…

35 counsellors actively supported our clients, including 13 qualified counsellors and 22 students on placement
1,770 counselling appointments were delivered

Training, Development and Awareness Raising

Fortalice offers a comprehensive and dynamic training programme to professionals, students, and community members. Our training offer includes a wide range of courses designed to increase understanding of Domestic Abuse and Violence (DAV), support effective interventions, and promote trauma-informed, victim-centred approaches.

The current suite of training includes specialised modules on topics such as abuse through technology, teenage relationship abuse, stalking awareness, and non-fatal strangulation. Several courses are now mandatory for social workers, demonstrating the value and relevance of the training within statutory services.

We also develop and deliver bespoke training packages tailored to the needs of Schools, Colleges, Social Services and providers in both the private and voluntary sectors.

This year…

66 training sessions were delivered
505 individuals were trained
22 different courses were available including:
Technology-facilitated abuse
Teenage abusive relationships
Stalking awareness
Trauma-informed approaches
Non-fatal strangulation

We are most proud of…

The breadth of our training participants
Changes in learner practice resulting from our training

Crisis (DAV) Car

The Crisis Car initiative is designed to enhance support for victims of Domestic Abuse and Violence (DAV) by improving their experience when engaging with the police. Its core aim is to help victims feel safer and more confident in reporting incidents, while also working to reduce repeat victimisation through early intervention and ongoing support.

Originally piloted in July 2022 as a small-scale First Response partnership between Fortalice and Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the model evolved in November 2022 when GMP established dedicated DAV teams. A new approach was introduced—pairing a Fortalice Crisis Worker with a police officer for joint follow-up visits after an incident, rather than during the initial response. This ensures victims receive emotional support alongside the criminal justice process.

Since April 2023, appointments are now scheduled where a police officer carries out a DASH risk assessment and may take a statement, while the Crisis Worker offers immediate and holistic support. 9 ————————

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Daily coordination between Fortalice and GMP allows for tailored risk assessments and effective deployment of volunteer Crisis Workers. Each appointment is preceded by a briefing, clarifying responsibilities with Fortalice taking the lead on emotional and practical support. Follow-up calls at 7–10 days and again at 1 month ensure continuity of care and allow victims to reflect on the support received and identify any further needs.

The model’s holistic nature enables rapid connection into support networks, aiming to reduce repeat police involvement and improve long-term safety and wellbeing.

This year…

84.5% of appointments completed (victims did not attend the remaining 15.5%)
Of the successful appointments, 84% of those victims accessed additional Fortalice services:
Adult Services
Children and Young People’s Services
IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advisors)

We are most proud of…

Our follow-up outcomes:
20 victims answered the 7-day call
90% had not needed to report to police again
6 victims responded to the 1-month call
100% had not needed further police contact

Children and Young People’s projects

The Children and Young People’s (CYP) projects at Fortalice are dedicated to safeguarding and empowering children who have experienced or been exposed to domestic abuse. Delivered by a skilled and compassionate team, the projects are supported by a combination of external funding sources and Fortalice’s own reserves.

Support is designed to meet the individual needs of each child or young person and includes one-toone sessions, group work, and structured educational modules. Safety is a central focus: each child develops a personal safety plan to help them respond effectively in case of emergencies or further incidents of domestic abuse.

Services also engage families through joint sessions that support improved communication, healing, and stability within the home. The programme’s holistic and preventative approach plays a vital role in helping children rebuild confidence, understand their experiences, and feel secure.

This year…

482 individual CYP were supported
2,467 one-to-one sessions were delivered – a 12% increase from the previous year
127 family sessions were delivered
28 parent or parent-and-child sessions
• 7 group work sessions of the Breaking Free programme were delivered, reaching 47 CYP 10
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Children in Need

The Dedicated to Overcoming Violent Experiences (D.O.V.E.) project focuses on supporting children and young people (CYP) who have experienced domestic abuse, providing therapeutic interventions to help them understand and recover from trauma.

Through a combination of one-to-one support and therapeutic activities, D.O.V.E. ensures that CYP in refuge receive consistent emotional and practical care in both home and school environments.

This year…

32 individual CYP supported
256 one-to-one sessions were delivered
30 Breaking Free sessions were provided with a total of 64 attendees consisting of 18 individual children

IThrive

The IThrive project delivers a broad range of emotional health and wellbeing support for children and young people (CYP), helping them understand and express their feelings in a safe, nurturing environment. Through one-to-one sessions, group work, and targeted therapeutic programmes such as Breaking Free and the Recovery Toolkit, CYP are supported in developing confidence, resilience, and coping strategies.

As a member of the THRIVE partnership, Fortalice is uniquely placed to provide a holistic progression route for CYP. The project ensures that the emotional and psychological tools children gain can be reinforced over time, supported by coordinated interventions and pathways that adapt to each child’s level of need.

The IThrive programme includes four distinct elements, each tailored to meet the specific needs of CYP across different age ranges and levels of complexity—from early intervention to more intensive family-centred support.

Emotional Health and Wellbeing (Ages 5–11)

Fortalice’s only community-based offer currently supporting younger children that is delivered primarily in school settings. We offer one-to-one sessions, group work, and sibling group work.

This year…

123 individual CYP were supported
1,239 sessions were delivered in total – of which 18 were group sessions

iThrive Lottery

This focuses on lower-level needs and provides short-term one-to-one sessions and referrals to other services

This year…

38 individual CYP supported
130 one-to-one sessions delivered

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iThrive Integrated Care Board (ICB)

This service is offered to 11–19-year-olds, delivered in schools, colleges, and at our CYP Hub or the Outreach Support Centre

This year…

61 individual CYP supported
301 one-to-one sessions delivered

Sanctuary Plus

Sanctuary Plus provide a whole family approach for those affected by domestic abuse. It is evident not all victims are able to secure refuge or safe accommodation following incidents of domestic abuse. This project has the aim of supporting victims to remain in their own home. We work in partnership with Bolton at Home, supporting families in social housing, and Endeavour, with those who own their own home or live in private rented properties.

This year…

Individual children and young people were supported
Sessions were delivered, including
Direct one-to-one sessions with CYP
Whole family sessions (CYP, siblings, and parents/carers)
Parent and child sessions (individual CYP and their parent/carer)

Haven

Working in partnership with Endeavour we support children and young people who have fled domestic abuse and are residing in temporary accommodation.

This year…

Individual children and young people were supported
Sessions were delivered, including
Direct one-to-one sessions with CYP
Parent and child sessions (individual CYP and their parent/carer)

Teams around Schools (TAS)

The Teams Around Schools project operates as a multi-disciplinary model, drawing on the resources and expertise of a range of partner agencies to provide holistic support for children and young people (CYP). While the model remains rooted in collaborative working, it is also undergoing continuous review and development to ensure it meets its evolving objectives and better serves CYP in school and community settings.

This year…

44 individual CYP supported
109 one-to-one sessions were delivered
Sessions were delivered in 13 schools 12
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Bury Anchor Project

This Bury partnership provides vital support for children and young people (CYP) who have been exposed to domestic abuse or are experiencing unhealthy relationships. The programme offers oneto-one and group-based interventions for resident Bury CYP or Bury cared-for children placed out of borough.

This year…

68 CYP completed work through the partnership
354 one-to-one sessions delivered
4 Breaking Free group sessions delivered

Family Cohesion

This project supports families where domestic abuse has affected the parent–child relationship. It helps children, young people, and parents rebuild trust, improve communication, and understand the impact of their behaviour within the family unit. Support is delivered through a mix of individual and whole-family sessions to strengthen relationships and promote recovery.

This year…

We supported:

30 parents
78 children and young people
30 families in total

Through:

118 one-to-one sessions with CYP
25 one-to-one sessions with parents
110 whole-family sessions

Family Group Conferencing

The Family Group Conference Service works with families supported by Children’s Services at statutory support level. The aims of the FGC meeting are specific to each family; the children’s Social Worker will set out their worries and aims for the family at the beginning of the meeting. The FGC worker will then support the family to create their own family action plan of how to address these concerns. The FGC worker will support with restorative conversations and mediation between family members. Prior to the meeting, work is completed with key family members to collect their views including the child(ren)’s voice(s).

This year…

We supported:

45 parents
55 children and young people
26 families in total

Through:

• 119 one-to-one sessions with CYP

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64 one-to-one sessions with parents
17 whole-family sessions
121 sibling group sessions

Children's Counselling

The children's counselling service funded through GMICP is a high demand project. We have 3 qualified Children's Counsellors and 1 qualified Play Therapist providing Play and Talking Therapies for children and young people aged four to seventeen and believe this to be a unique service within Bolton. The demand for this service is high with referrals coming through a variety of sources where there is a professional working with the family.

This year…

929 therapy sessions were offered to 71 individual children and young people.

Identification and Referral to Improve Safety (IRIS)

The IRIS project delivers domestic abuse training to clinical and administrative staff across all GP practices in Bolton and provides advocacy support to patients who disclose abuse. Staff are trained through tailored sessions, and patients referred into the service receive ongoing support, helping reduce repeat visits to GPs for the same issue.

This year…

32 GP surgeries were trained across Bolton
261 individual staff received training

This resulted in

351 client referrals received from GPs
8 high-risk cases referred to MARAC

Identification and Referral to Improve Safety Research Project (IRIS+)

IRIS+ is a research project that is being undertaken in three areas of the UK: Bolton, Swansea and Bristol. Following the success of the original IRIS project identifying and referring female victims over the age of eighteen experiencing domestic abuse for specialist support. Research is now being undertaken to identify if there is a demand for services to be extended to support children, young people and male victims of domestic abuse, using the IRIS model.

The project officially launched in May 2024, with a period of recruitment where GP surgeries in Bolton were approached and offered the opportunity to partake in the research project.

All GP surgeries in Bolton have been provided with the opportunity to participate in the IRIS+ project. Of the 36 surgeries that have expressed an interest in participating in the research project, 7 have completed the relevant documentation and have been allocated to either the intervention group (4) or the control group (3).

If the surgery is allocated to the control group, they will not be able to refer patients to the IRIS+ trial but will continue to refer patients, over the age of eighteen, to the IRIS team.

All surgeries that are allocated to the intervention group are required to complete IRIS+ training, either online or in-person, to enable them to refer patients to the IRIS+ team for support. Clinical 14 ————————

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Independent Domestic Violence Advisory (IDVA) Service

Our Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) provide crisis support for high-risk victims of domestic abuse, working to increase safety and reduce the risk of further harm. Based at the Outreach Support Centre and in the community, the team offers short to medium-term support, empowering clients to regain control of their lives. IDVAs also attend police interviews, court hearings, and safeguarding meetings, ensuring victims are supported during key moments.

This year…

We employed 6 IDVAs + 1 Service Co-ordinator
Funding was granted for an additional IDVA (currently working over capacity)
They have received 1,194 referrals for 837 individual clients

IDVA+ (medium risk) project

The Medium Risk IDVA service is based within Bolton’s Integrated Front Door (IFD), providing early intervention support for domestic abuse victims—primarily those in households with children. The IDVA prepares research for Daily Risk Meetings, attends multi-agency discussions, and contacts victims afterward to offer support. Their presence within IFD allows close collaboration with social workers, health professionals, and police, offering specialist advice and direct client support to prevent escalation to high-risk cases.

This year…

197 cases were discussed at Daily Risk Meetings
97 individual clients supported by Medium Risk IDVAs

Independent Sexual Violence Advisory (ISVA) Service

Our Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) provides emotional and practical support to victims of sexual abuse, whether or not they are engaged with the criminal justice system. The ISVA supports clients through the court process and also works with those who choose not to report. Support is offered both in the community and within the refuge, with a trauma-informed approach tailored to each individual.

This year…

Our ISVA had 52 community clients, and worked with a further 25 residents
127 referrals were received in the financial year to date

SAV Counselling

Our SAV counselling offer was developed to enhance the ISVA service by providing timely, specialist emotional support tailored to survivors of sexual abuse and violence. This service ensures clients can transition into the most appropriate support pathway as their needs evolve. 15 ————————

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This year…

1 specialist counsellor led 64 counselling sessions
39 individual women were supported
The types of abuse disclosed included:
33 clients: sexual abuse by a partner/former partner
1 client: abuse by multiple perpetrators
3 clients: childhood abuse by a known adult
2 clients: abuse by a family member

Healthy Schools Project

This education project teaches children about safe, healthy relationships and raises awareness of domestic abuse and hate crime. Sessions are interactive, mapped to the RSE curriculum, and delivered by experienced staff with teaching backgrounds. The programme is flexible to school needs, prioritising children's emotional wellbeing and adapting content based on feedback and emerging issues.

This year…

2,880 children educated in 96 classes across 58 schools in Bolton and Bury

Children Services (Refuge)

Children’s Services at Lewis House provide a wide range of creative and structured support for children and young people living in refuge. Activities include play sessions, after-school clubs, youth groups, one-to-one support, and family sessions—all designed to meet the individual needs of children affected by domestic abuse. The team works closely with partner agencies to respond to emerging needs and support children on child protection or action plans.

This year…

70 individual CYP accessed support at Lewis House
98 ‘Mum and Me Time’ sessions were delivered
36 childcare sessions were provided for parents attending the Freedom Programme
14% of children taking part had additional speech and language needs

Financial Review

This period has again been successful with the Charity generating a surplus of £269,620 compared with a surplus of £77,711 last year. This year’s surplus includes an unrealised loss on investments of £10,091 (2024 – unrealised gain £49,727).

Principal funding sources

The principal funding sources for the Charity are currently by way of grant and contract income from Bolton Council (BC). The two main sources are:

Adult Services refuge accommodation provision
Housing Benefits

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Funding received from Bolton Council in relation to accommodation-based housing related support services and Housing Benefits represents 11.70% (2024 – 10.62%) and 22.18% (2024 – 25.33%) respectively of total incoming resources from charitable activities.

Investment policy and objectives

The investment objective of the Charity is to make investments which will provide an overall return on the portfolio, while maintaining the real purchase power of the portfolio over time and providing reasonable growth.

Under the Trustees Act 2000, the trustees have the same full and unrestricted powers of investing and transposing investments as if they were beneficially entitled thereto.

The investment funds held yielded income of £34,853 (2024 - £25,229) and as at 31 March 2025 they had a market value of £530,752 (2024 - £543,021). Details are shown in note 14 to the accounts.

Reserves policy

The trustees review the Charity's requirements for reserves annually, in the light of the major risks facing the charity.

As agreed at the management meeting on 30th April 2019, the trustees consider that in order to ensure the continuous provision of the Charity's services, they aim to maintain a general fund equal to 9 months of budgeted expenditure. However, to ensure a continuous delivery of services and remove possible constraints, the Trustees have agreed a general fund of between 6 and 9 months of budgeted expenditure with the intention to stay as close to 9 months as practical.

At the year end the Charity's unrestricted and undesignated reserves stood at £1,111,673 which represent 5.6 months of budgeted expenditure. During this financial year we started to extend our Children and Young People’s (CYP) and Education hub, offering an enhanced base for CYP services and training delivery. This extension is impacting our level of free reserves, the finance and investment sub-group is mindful of reserve levels and will review the reserves policy once the extension is complete.

The net book value of tangible fixed assets is included in the designated fund, these assets are used by the charity in the furtherance of its objectives and are not free reserves.

Future plans

The Business plan continues to be influenced by emerging trends and an increase in demand for services. Fortalice has continued to develop highly effective ways of working to meet the emerging trends and the needs of the diverse range of victims, children and families affected by domestic abuse.

We continue to develop and work within the early years framework and maintain a quality nursery service with the aim of maintaining our Outstanding OFSTED grade.

In line with the business plan, we will continue to further develop our core services to meet the everchanging needs of the victims, families, children and young people who access services at the Refuge, CYP and education hub and the Outreach Support Centre. This will include recruiting new volunteers and further developing new ways of working with our team of highly skilled volunteers.

We look forward to the official opening of the CYP and Education hub in November 2025 and the CYP conference which will also take place in November 2025. 17 ————————

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To secure funding for core services, new projects and projects where funding is due to end to ensure continuous delivery of services. One of the key projects which needs to be funded is our counselling service to enable victims and survivors to work through their trauma with highly skilled specialist counsellors who are able to meet their needs.

To maintain and further develop group work and advice sessions at the Outreach Support Centre providing increased opportunities for all victims to access the right services at the right time meeting individual needs.

The video interview suite is now completed, and our aim is to work with the police to ensure this facility is used to enable victims to provide evidence in a comfortable environment without having to attend police stations.

Through further funding we aim to build on the good practice for our crisis car work where our workers accompany police on DA appointments to ensure victims have access to the right service at the right time. Working in partnership with the police we have also planned to train all reliefs who operate in Bolton.

The objective of further developing our services will be to reach a more diverse range of communities and varying issues around domestic abuse. This will include identifying and working with a range of partners to achieve our goals. We are also working in partnership with Rape Crisis by offering a room for them to deliver a specialist counselling service at the OSC.

To continue to develop projects within Children’s Services to meet the ever-increasing demand, our aim is to continue to maintain the number of children and young people’s workers to enable us to manage the demand for the service. We will work with our children and young people to develop a Youth Council specifically relating to domestic abuse and the issues it raises for children and young people. We will also enable our CYP staff to further develop their skills to meet the ever-changing complexities of the CYP we work with.

To work with Bolton Together and the THRIVE partnership in providing and securing further funding to maintain the range of services for children and young people in Bolton.

To continually develop our education programmes in Schools and in the community, reaching more children with the aim of breaking early cycles of domestic abuse and unhealthy relationships. This development will be done through evaluating the programmes and working with our children and young people’s advisory panels and staff working in educational settings.

The IDVA service will be continually developed maximising opportunities to keep all high-risk victims safe and to contribute to the local DAV strategy through feedback from Victims, this will be completed in conjunction with the MARAC review across Greater Manchester.

To continue to develop new partnerships with the aim of meeting the objectives in the domestic abuse bill enabling a more diverse service to victims and survivors who need domestic abuse services. Our Chief Executive sits on various boards and panels across Bolton and Greater Manchester ensuring Fortalice and victims can contribute and co-produce domestic abuse strategies and implementation plans.

Our fundraising and social media action plan will be further developed with the aim of assisting the organisation in achieving its fundraising target in meeting the shortfall. The Chief Executive will work with the Finance Director, bid writer and fundraiser to identify specific funding for projects.

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A key focus for all our work will be early intervention, high, middle and low tier domestic abuse, working with adult victims and children.

The Board of Directors together with the Chief Executive and Finance Director will support the above priorities whilst maintaining a high standard of service and will monitor through a series of subgroups ensuring policy and working practices comply with and surpass the quality standards of regulating bodies and funders. We plan to review the working structure of the Board in order to maximise its input into strategy and utilise the Boards expertise in further developing the organisation.

Structure, Governance and Management

Governing document

The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 28th February 2008 and registered as a Charity on 13th May 2008. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objectives and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £10.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees and management committee

There is a broad mix of knowledge and skills represented on the management committee to reflect the client group we serve and to provide the management skills required for the smooth running of the organisation. The Directors are also committee members and hold official positions as Chair, Secretary and Treasurer for the organisation.

Upon her retirement from the Board of Directors, we would like to thank Hilary Eastham for her expertise and time given so freely over the years.

All members of the Management Committee, apart from the Chief Executive, give their time voluntarily and receive no benefits from the charity. Any expenses reclaimed from the charity are set out in the notes to the accounts.

Sarah Collier, Angela Brown and Cllr Linda Thomas retire by rotation and all offer themselves for reelection.

Organisational structure

Fortalice is headed by a committee of 10 directors and 1 management member who meet on a regular basis to monitor and give guidance and direction in respect of the services provided by the organisation.

The full committee meets quarterly with additional subgroup meetings addressing specific issues in relation to Business development, finance and investment, HR, monitoring and evaluation, health and safety and marketing and publicity.

Day to day service delivery is managed by the Chief Executive reporting back to full committee meetings. 19 ————————

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Services are provided across the organisation by three teams:

Adult Residential Services:

Providing services, support and temporary accommodation at our refuge in Bolton.

Outreach Services:

Providing a range of non-residential support services and domestic abuse training programmes, interventions and outreach at the Outreach Support Centre and at external venues within the local community

Children's Services: Providing early intervention, crisis intervention and support services; education on healthy relationships and support for children in the refuge, the CYP Hub, Outreach Support Centre and at external venues within the local community.

The teams comprise of 68 paid part-time and full-time workers and a contingency of volunteers working in all areas across the organisation.

Volunteers play a significant role within the organisation and their contribution greatly enhances the quality of services we can offer. This creates 'added value' to the service and clearly demonstrates efficiencies in terms of cost and value for money. In return, we offer a high level of training and opportunities to improve skills, knowledge and expertise to enhance their own personal and professional development. Unfortunately, the majority of volunteer roles were put on hold for over two years due to Covid however, we started to integrate them back into the organisation during the previous financial year and have continued to do so this year.

Fortalice has provided an increased number of placements for student counsellors, social work students and work experience placements, all of which have gained knowledge and expertise through their time with the organisation.

Our quality assurance processes ensure that we are effectively monitoring and reviewing our working practices, this has ensured that we consistently meet the needs of the client base and work within the constraints of our financial budgets. The continuous evolving working practice with residents has enabled us to measure the success of the service against specific outcomes.

Induction and training of new trustees

A Trustee induction programme is in place and subject to review through consultation with the management team. All members are required to undertake training relevant to their adopted role and to increase their own awareness and knowledge of issues relating to domestic abuse and its effects within society.

All Trustees and committee members are encouraged to visit the project to become familiar with the staff team and the day-to-day work of the organisation.

Related parties

Services provided by Fortalice respond to both local, regional, and national strategies and we continue to be a key member of strategic partnerships within Bolton and the North West. Our association with other voluntary organisations through collaborative partnership working continues and we have undertaken joint training and aim to develop and strengthen the association further in the immediate and long-term future.

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Docusign Envelope ID: D82931BD-4585-4851-9F21-3F2B4D3E046EDocusign Envelope ID: B6E6BE7C-3440-44F3-9D0D-17CC94330E0D ~~SS~~ E We have strong established links with mental health and social care agencies to enhance the support we offer to service users to ensure additional needs are addressed and met and the risk of revictimisation is greatly reduced.

Through training we are able to raise awareness of the effects domestic abuse has on society and this year we have responded to the additional demand for training to a number of agencies throughout the borough.

Risk management

The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure that appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurances against fraud and error.

There are strict internal controls in relation to financial transactions and an annual review of external factors that may affect the Charity's viability.

We continually review our policy and procedures in relation to risk factors at all levels and health and safety controls are in place throughout the organisation.

24 hour on-site staff cover at the Refuge sites and minimum staffing levels in all areas has been achieved at all times throughout the year.

Clients are consulted on risk and contribute to the annual assessments.

Policies and procedures are in place to safeguard all clients and in addition to stringent security checks at the point of recruitment; we undertake induction training with all paid staff and volunteers in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

There are procedures in place giving clients the opportunity to raise issues either independently or as a group at house meetings and concerns or complaints can be raised formally or anonymously with a record kept of each issue and outcome. Consultations are undertaken on a regular basis to ensure all victim and survivor needs are met. Residents also help to evaluate the service through questionnaires and discussion groups.

Reference And Administrative Details

Registered Company number

06517841 (England and Wales)

Registered Charity number

1124031

Registered office 43 Bradford Street The Haulgh Bolton BL2 1HT

Trustees

Mrs D M Hawkins Dr (h.c.) G Smallwood MBE Ms H J Eastham – Resigned 25.11.2024 Mrs S Swain

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Mrs J Smith – Resigned 15.09.2025 Ms L Lee Mrs A Brown Ms S Collier Mrs S White – Resigned 31.07.2024 Reverend I Hepburn Mr R Jackson – Resigned 23.09.2025 Cllr C L Thomas Mr J P Rayner – Appointed 29.04.2024 Mrs K J Holdsworth – Appointed 01.12.2025

Company Secretary

Mrs S Swain

Auditors

Sumer Auditco Limited Fourth Floor Unit 5B The Parklands Lostock Bolton BL6 4SD

Bankers National Westminster Bank plc 24 Deansgate Bolton BL1 1BN

Solicitors KBL Solicitors LLP New Mansion House 63-65 Chorley New Road Bolton BL1 4QR

Investment brokers

Progeny Wealth Limited The Lightwell 61/63 Brown Street Manchester M2 2JG

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Statement Of Trustees Responsibilities

The trustees (who are also the directors of Fortalice Limited for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Report Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP;
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business.

The trustees are responsible for keeping 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.

In so far as the trustees are aware:

there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company's auditors are unaware; and
the trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information.

Auditors

The auditor, Sumer Auditco Limited, is deemed to be reappointed under section 487(2) of the Companies Act 2006.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 12[th] December 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

Mrs D M Hawkins – Trustee

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Report of the Independent Auditors to the Members of Fortalice Limited

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Fortalice Limited for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the statement of financial activities including the income and expenditure account, balance sheet, cash flow statement 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 as at 31 March 2025 and of its income and expenditure, for the year then ended;
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
have been prepared in accordance 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 company’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 trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

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We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

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

The information given in the trustees’ report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
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 Trustees’ Annual Report.

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

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 agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
certain disclosures of trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
we have not received all the information and explanations necessary for the purposes of our audit.
the trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies regime and take advantage of the small companies exemption from the requirement to prepare a Strategic Report or in preparing the Report of the Trustees

Responsibilities of the trustees

As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees Responsibilities set out on page 23, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) 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 they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

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

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

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:

We identified areas of laws and regulations that could reasonably be expected to have a material effect on the financial statements from our general commercial and sector experience, and through discussions with the directors (as required by auditing standards) and discussed with the directors the policies and procedures regarding compliance with laws and regulations. We communicated identified laws and regulations throughout our team and remained alert to any indications of noncompliance throughout the audit. The potential effect of these laws and regulations on the financial statements varies considerably.

Firstly, the company is subject to laws and regulations that directly affect the financial statements including financial reporting legislation and taxation legislation. We assessed the extent of compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our procedures on the related financial statement items.

Secondly, the company is subject to many other laws and regulations where the consequences of non-compliance could have a material effect on amounts or disclosures in the financial statements, for instance through the imposition of fines or litigation. We identified the following areas as those most likely to have such an effect: Companies Act 2006, Charities Act 2011, Health and Safety at Work Act and Employment Law.

Auditing standards limit the required audit procedures to identify non-compliance with these laws and regulations to enquiry of the directors and inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any. Through these procedures we did not become aware of any actual or suspected noncompliance.

Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. For example, the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations (irregularities) is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely the inherently limited procedures required by auditing standards would identify it. In addition, as with any audit, there remained a higher risk of non-detection of irregularities, as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls. We are not responsible for preventing non-compliance and cannot be expected to detect non-compliance with all laws and regulations.

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We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined below to detect material misstatement due to fraud:

Matters are discussed amongst the audit engagement team regarding how and where fraud might occur in the financial statements and any potential indicators of fraud
Identifying and assessing the design and effectiveness of controls that management have in place to prevent and detect fraud
Detecting and responding to the risks of fraud following discussions with management and enquiring as to whether management have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: [www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities]. This description forms part of the auditor's report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. Cc Hesketle Alex Hesketh FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Sumer Auditco Limited Fourth Floor Unit 5B The Parklands Lostock Bolton BL6 4SD

Date: 16/12/2025 | 8:49 PM GMT

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FORTALICE LIMITED

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

				31.03.25	31.03.24
		Unrestricted	Restricted	Total	Total
		funds	funds	funds	funds
	Notes	£	£	£	£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
FROM
Donations and legacies	2	179,620	-	179,620	148,813
Charitable activities
Operation of Women's Refuge, Support Centre & Hub	5	519,624	1,432,741	1,952,365	1,610,011
Other trading activities	3	55,440	-	55,440	59,269
Income from investments	4	34,853	-	34,853	25,229
Total		789,537	1,432,741	2,222,278	1,843,322
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
Operation of Women's Refuge, Support Centre & Hub		639,947	1,302,620	1,942,567	1,815,338
NET INCOME BEFORE
INVESTMENT		149,590	130,121	279,711	27,984
GAINS/(LOSSES)
Net gains/(losses) on investments		(10,091)	-	(10,091)	49,727
NET INCOME		139,499	130,121	269,620	77,711
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward		1,749,792	129,326	1,879,118	1,801,407
Transfers between funds		-	-	-	-
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD		1,889,291	259,447	2,148,738	1,879,118

CONTINUING OPERATIONS

All incoming resources and resources expended arise from charitable activities during the period.

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Balance Sheet

FORTALICE LIMITED

BALANCE SHEET At 31 March 2025

		31.03.25	31.03.24
	Notes	£	£
FIXED ASSETS	13	753,963	636,599
Tangible assets	14	530,752	543,021
Investments		1,284,715	1,179,620
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors	15	181,174	83,534
Cash at bank and in hand		989,925	866,054
		1,171,099	949,588
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year	16	(307,076)	(250,090)
NET CURRENT ASSETS		864,023	669,498
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES		2,148,738	1,879,118
NET ASSETS		2,148,738	1,879,118
FUNDS
Unrestricted funds		1,889,291	1,749,792
Restricted funds		259,447	129,326
TOTAL FUNDS		2,148,738	1,879,118

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

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 12[th] December 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:

Mrs D M Hawkins -Trustee

Mr J P Rayner -Trustee

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FORTALICE LIMITED

CASH FLOW STATEMENT for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

		31.03.25	31.03.24
	Notes	£	£
Cash flows from operating activities:
Cash generated from operations	1	203,138	133,000
Net cash provided by operating activities
		203,138	133,000
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investment income		34,853	25,229
Purchase of investments		-	-
Purchase of tangible fixed assets		(126,389)	(10,954)
Movement in fair value of investments		12,269	(47,423)
Net cash used in investing activities
		(79,267)	(33,148)
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period		123,871	99,852
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period		866,054	766,202
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period		989,925	866,054

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FORTALICE LIMITED

NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

1. RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

OPERATING ACTIVITIES
	31.03.25	31.03.24
	£	£
Net income for the reporting period (as per the statement of financial activities)	269,620	77,711
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges	9,025	11,247
Investment income received	(34,853)	(25,229)
(Increase)/decrease in debtors	(97,640)	42,282
Increase in creditors	56,986	26,989
Profit on sale on disposal of fixed assets	-	-
Net cash provided by operating activities	203,138	133,000

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FORTALICE LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

Assessment of going concern

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Grants received from local authorities are credited to income on an accruals basis.

Self-generating income represents monies due as rent and is accounted for on an accruals basis. Monies received in advance are shown as current liabilities and monies owing as debtors.

Income from legacies is recognised on a receivable basis.

All voluntary income is included in income on receipt.

Donated services and facilities are included in income at a valuation which is an estimate of the financial cost borne by the donor where such a cost is quantifiable and measurable. No income is recognised when there is no financial cost borne by a third party.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis.

Allocation and apportionment of costs

Expenditure has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation which is provided in annual instalments over the estimated useful lives of the assets.

Leasehold buildings are depreciated to write down the cost less estimated residual value over the remaining useful life by equal annual instalments. It is the trustees' policy to maintain all buildings to such a standard that their estimated residual value is not less than their cost at any given time. Therefore, in the opinion of the trustees, no depreciation charge is required.

Small items of equipment and furniture are not capitalised but are written off on acquisition through the income and expenditure accounts.

32 ————————

Docusign Envelope ID: D82931BD-4585-4851-9F21-3F2B4D3E046EDocusign Envelope ID: B6E6BE7C-3440-44F3-9D0D-17CC94330E0D ~~SE~~ FORTALICE LIMITED E NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates:

Improvements to property - 2%/10% on cost Computer equipment - 33% on reducing balance Motor Vehicles - 25% on cost

Fixed asset investments

Investments are a form of basic financial instrument. Listed investments are initially recognised at their transaction value and subsequently measured at their fair value as at the balance sheet date using the closing quoted market price. The statement of financial activities includes the net gains and losses arising on revaluation and disposals throughout the year.

Unlisted investments are recognised at their cost value within the balance sheet.

Realised gains and losses

All gains and losses are taken to the Statement of Financial Activities as they arise. Realised gains and losses on investments are calculated as the difference between sales proceeds and their opening carrying value or their purchase value if acquired subsequent to the first day of the financial year. Unrealised gains and losses are calculated as the difference between the fair value at the year end and their carrying value. Realised and unrealised investment gains and losses are combined in the Statement of Financial Activities.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits

The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

Hire purchase and leasing commitments

Lease payments under operating leases, where substantially all the risks and benefits remain with the lessor, are charged as expenses in the periods in which they are incurred.

Government grants

Government grants are recognised at the fair value of the asset received or receivable when there is reasonable assurance that the grant conditions will be met and the grants will be received.

A grant that specifies performance conditions is recognised in income when the performance conditions are met. Where a grant does not specify performance conditions it is recognised in income when the proceeds are received or receivable. A grant received before the recognition criteria are satisfied is recognised as a liability.

Financial Instruments

The following assets and liabilities are classified as financial instruments; trade debtors, rents receivable, trade creditors and other creditors.

Trade debtors, rents receivable, trade creditors and other creditors are measured at the undiscounted amount of the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or received.

33 ————————

Docusign Envelope ID: D82931BD-4585-4851-9F21-3F2B4D3E046EDocusign Envelope ID: B6E6BE7C-3440-44F3-9D0D-17CC94330E0D
~~SE~~ FORTALICE LIMITED E NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

		31.03.25	31.03.24
		£	£
Donations		154,620	144,446
Legacy income		25,000	4,367
		179,620	148,813
Analysis of donations received during the period:	Analysis of donations received during the period:
Date	Donor		£
Various	Anonymous donations and amounts of £500 or less, including gift aid	Anonymous donations and amounts of £500 or less, including gift aid	19,612
Various	Enthuse		21,841
Various	Just Giving		15,581
06.06.24	Bank Street Unitarian Chapel		50,000
17.06.24	Sycamore Project		6,300
26.02.25	Back Care Solution		4,000
19.12.24	PMJ Capital Limited		3,000
Various	AO.com		2,793
15.04.24	PMD Leasing		2,057
06.01.25	James Industrial Limited		2,000
Various	Lloyds Bank Foundation		1,780
13.11.24	Christ Church, Harwood		1,500
11.07.24	Ferns Academy, and other schools		1,365
Various	Mr Murray		1,200
10.06.24	Triangle Community Methodist Church		1,050
07.12.24	Bolton School of Dance & Drama		1,044
18.11.24	Barclays Bank		1,000
27.02.25	Bolton at Home		1,000
13.12.24	Bradshaw Gass Trust		1,000
22.01.25	Cormar Carpet Co.		1,000
27.12.24	Red Bridge		1,000
01.12.24	Richard T Hurst Charitable Trust		1,000
02.12.24	Ruth & Toni Pieczonka		1,000
13.11.24	Beaverbrooks Charitable Trust		900
07.03.25	Starts With You		849
01.12.24	Buckingham Emergency Food Appeal		800
Various	Chapel Lane Post Office, Horwich		794
03.06.24	M & S Middlebrook, Tea & Tipple		731
Various	Rotary Club of Horwich		701
Various	Alastair Robertson		650
Various	Payroll Giving		623
03.03.25	Amrin Resources Limited		594
08.11.24	Paul & Lisa Spann, Hallowe’en event		573
12.12.24	Saving Threads Limited		560
Various	Fluent Money		560
03.05.24	Vet Partners		558
18.04.24	Lynne Leaf		554
Various	Rockhaven & Horwich Lodge		550
17.02.25	Bolton Wanderers Remembrance Group		500
14.01.25	Instarmac Group		500
26.06.24	Matrix 247		500
25.07.24	RAOB Riyadh		500
26.06.24	Tk Maxx & Homesense Foundation	Tk Maxx & Homesense Foundation	500
			154,620
34 ————————

Docusign Envelope ID: D82931BD-4585-4851-9F21-3F2B4D3E046EDocusign Envelope ID: B6E6BE7C-3440-44F3-9D0D-17CC94330E0D SE FORTALICE LIMITED E NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 3. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES

OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
	31.03.25	31.03.24
	£	£
Fundraising events	14,335	22,954
Other income	41,105	36,315
	55,440	59,269

4. INVESTMENT INCOME

		31.03.25	31.03.24
		£	£
Deposit account interest		24,222	14,962
Investment income	Investment income	10,631	10,267
		34,853	25,229
INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES	INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
		31.03.25	31.03.24
	Activity	£	£
Charge to residents	Charge to residents Operation of Women's Refuge, Support Centre & Hub	519,624	511,090
Grants	Operation of Women's Refuge, Support Centre & Hub	1,432,741	1,098,921
		1,952,365	1,610,011

5. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

35 ————————

Docusign Envelope ID: D82931BD-4585-4851-9F21-3F2B4D3E046EDocusign Envelope ID: B6E6BE7C-3440-44F3-9D0D-17CC94330E0D
~~a~~ FORTALICE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 5. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES - continued Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:

INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES - continued Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:	INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES - continued
	31.03.25	31.03.24
	£	£
Bolton Council - Vulnerable Children & Young People	-	28,805
Bolton Council - Adult services	260,000	195,840
1point	25,740	52,620
Bolton Council - Iris Project	98,641	107,939
University of Bristol – IRIS+ project	36,669	-
FFE Funding	28,185	16,907
Bolton Together – Thrive	26,098	24,950
Bolton Together - iThrive Counselling	39,765	38,720
Bolton Together – iThrive 11-19 years	9,200	27,826
Children in Need, D.O.V.E.	9,956	9,935
Bolton CCG - Children’s Counselling	22,003	21,872
Bolton CCG - Teams Around Schools	61,179	60,814
Bolton Fund – Round 21 Children getting the best start in life	-	1,250
Bolton Fund – Round 23 Health and wellbeing	-	6,214
Bolton Fund – Round 29 Standing Together	2,345	3,605
Bolton Fund – Household Support Fund 5	8,500	-
Bolton Fund – Round 36 Positive Activities for Bolton	1,895	20,850
Bolton Fund – Round 43 Standing Together	5,833	4,166
GMCA – ISVA	44,000	42,000
GMCA Crisis Car	37,500	37,500
GMCA Police IDVA	62,500	-
The Circle Fund	2,000	-
Bolton Together – Emotional Health and Wellbeing	36,936	36,936
Bolton Together – Thrive Plus	22,500	7,500
Bolton Together – Internet Safety	-	7,471
Bolton Council – IDVA	221,634	194,385
Bolton Council – Family Group Conferencing	39,857	-
Endeavour - Haven	100,000	-
Bolton at Home – Sanctuary Plus	80,000	-
Bolton CVS – Stalking and Harassment	1,415	-
Bolton CVS – Domestic Abuse and Gender Based Violence	1,521	-
Safelives – Authentic Voice	15,090	-
Box Power	10,000	-
Morrisons Foundation	-	19,093
Amazon Community	-	1,000
Albert Gubay Foundation	34,779	-
Masonic Charitable Foundation	-	19,973
Safenet Bury Refuge	-	10,500
Schroder Charity Trust	-	4,000
James Tudor Foundation	-	5,000
The Grace Trust	-	1,250
JD Foundation	-	5,000
Charles Hayward Foundation	20,000	20,000
29th May 1961 Charitable Trust	5,000	5,000
Axa – CYP Youth Voice	2,000	-
TLC Bury CYP Domestic Abuse Partnership	60,000	60,000

1,432,741 1,098,921

Docusign Envelope ID: D82931BD-4585-4851-9F21-3F2B4D3E046EDocusign Envelope ID: B6E6BE7C-3440-44F3-9D0D-17CC94330E0D ~~a~~ FORTALICE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Restricted income, included in the above, are as follows:
	31.03.25	31.03.24
	£	£
Bolton Council - Vulnerable Children & Young People	-	28,805
Bolton Council - Adult services	260,000	195,840
1point	25,740	52,620
Bolton Council - Iris Project	98,641	107,939
University of Bristol – IRIS+ project	36,669	-
FFE Funding	28,185	16,907
Bolton Together – Thrive	26,098	24,950
Bolton Together - iThrive Counselling	39,765	38,720
Bolton Together – iThrive 11-19 years	9,200	27,826
Children in Need, D.O.V.E.	9,956	9,935
Bolton CCG - Children’s Counselling	22,003	21,872
Bolton CCG - Teams Around Schools	61,179	60,814
Bolton Fund – Round 21 Children getting the best start in life	-	1,250
Bolton Fund – Round 23 Health and wellbeing	-	6,214
Bolton Fund – Round 29 Standing Together	2,345	3,605
Bolton Fund – Household Support Fund 5	8,500	-
Bolton Fund – Round 36 Positive Activities for Bolton	1,895	20,850
Bolton Fund – Round 43 Standing Together	5,833	4,166
GMCA – ISVA	44,000	42,000
GMCA Crisis Car	37,500	37,500
GMCA Police IDVA	62,500	-
The Circle Fund	2,000	-
Bolton Together – Emotional Health and Wellbeing	36,936	36,936
Bolton Together – Thrive Plus	22,500	7,500
Bolton Together – Internet Safety	-	7,471
Bolton Council – IDVA	221,634	194,385
Bolton Council – Family Group Conferencing	39,857	-
Endeavour - Haven	100,000	-
Bolton at Home – Sanctuary Plus	80,000	-
Bolton CVS – Stalking and Harassment	1,415	-
Bolton CVS – Domestic Abuse and Gender Based Violence	1,521	-
Safelives – Authentic Voice	15,090	-
Box Power	10,000	-
Morrisons Foundation	-	19,093
Amazon Community	-	1,000
Albert Gubay Foundation	34,779	-
Masonic Charitable Foundation	-	19,973
Safenet Bury Refuge	-	10,500
Schroder Charity Trust	-	4,000
James Tudor Foundation	-	5,000
The Grace Trust	-	1,250
JD Foundation	-	5,000
Charles Hayward Foundation	20,000	20,000
29th May 1961 Charitable Trust	5,000	5,000
Axa – CYP Youth Voice	2,000	-
TLC Bury CYP Domestic Abuse Partnership	60,000	60,000

1,432,741 1,098,921

Docusign Envelope ID: D82931BD-4585-4851-9F21-3F2B4D3E046EDocusign Envelope ID: B6E6BE7C-3440-44F3-9D0D-17CC94330E0D SE FORTALICE LIMITED E NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 6. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS

CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS
	Direct costs (See note 7)	Support costs (See note 8)	Totals
	£	£	£
Operation of Women's Refuge, Support Centre & Hub	1,905,521	37,046	1,942,567
DIRECT COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
		31.03.25	31.03.24
		£	£
Trustees' remuneration etc.		71,760	66,520
Staff costs		1,351,747	1,231,396
Water rates and service charges		18,589	17,376
Insurance		13,194	12,026
Light and heat		53,245	63,732
Telephone		13,252	12,072
Postage and stationery		4,431	4,843
Sundries		2,624	2,383
Cleaning materials		6,647	6,229
Window cleaning		2,435	2,250
Gardening		1,551	1,601
Furniture, equipment and maintenance		14,589	23,609
Health and safety		92	165
Irwell Valley Homes Rent		150,568	148,973
Children's activities		6,627	7,836
Resident’s expenses		9,593	1,467
Travel & transport		9,462	10,548
Computer costs		37,221	28,799
Interpreting		7,165	5,231
Repairs, renewals & maintenance		37,860	24,351
Subscriptions		2,049	2,324
Training costs		7,339	9,696
Refreshments		469	413
Emergency provisions		-	35
Outreach Support Centre activities		5,036	4,309
Support, supervision and counselling services		1,015	660
Fundraising expenses		24,211	29,341
Children's counselling		15,564	17,092
Publicity and advertising		4,732	2,895
Bad debt expense		50	1,155
Bank charges		1,455	1,451
Legal and professional fees		19,740	25,340
Depreciation		9,025	11,247
Profit on sale of tangible fixed asset		-	-
Investment portfolio charges		2,184	2,158
		1,905,521	1,779,523

7. DIRECT COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Included within the staff costs is an amount totalling £1,115,676 (2024: £987,234) which relate to restricted fund expenditure.

38 ————————

Operation of Women's Refuge, Support Centre & Hub

Governance costs £ 37,046

9. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):

----- Start of picture text -----
|||| |---|---|---| |31.03.25|31.03.24| |£|£| |Auditors' remuneration|10,800|12,000| |Auditors' remuneration for non-audit work|1,154|1,116| |Bookkeeping|14,368|7,800| |Depreciation - owned assets|9,025|11,247|

----- End of picture text -----

10. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

----- Start of picture text -----
|||| |---|---|---| |31.03.25|31.03.24| |£|£| |Trustees' salaries|63,000|58,396| |Trustees' social security|7,439|6,803| |Trustees' pension contributions to money purchase schemes|1,321|1,321| |71,760|66,520|

----- End of picture text -----

One trustee received remuneration during the period. The trustee's remuneration is in accordance with the memorandum and articles of association of the reporting entity.

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Professional indemnity insurance has been taken out on behalf of trustees at a cost of £1,358 (2024: £1,534).

11. STAFF COSTS

----- Start of picture text -----
|||| |---|---|---| |31.03.25|31.03.24| |£|£| |Wages and salaries|1,237,048|1,129,520| |Social security costs|92,681|82,094| |Other pension costs|22,018|19,782| |1,351,747|1,231,396|

----- End of picture text -----

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:

31.03.25 31.03.24 Management and administration 10 10 Lewis House, Outreach Support Centre and Hub 58 55 68 65

One trustee received emoluments in excess of £60,000.

Docusign Envelope ID: D82931BD-4585-4851-9F21-3F2B4D3E046EDocusign Envelope ID: B6E6BE7C-3440-44F3-9D0D-17CC94330E0D
~~SE~~ FORTALICE LIMITED E NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

12. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

	Unrestricted funds	Restricted funds	Total funds
	£	£	£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies	148,813	-	148,813
Charitable activities
Operation of Women's Refuge, Support Centre & Hub	511,090	1,098,921	1,610,011
Other trading activities	59,269	-	59,269
Investment income	25,229	-	25,229
Total	744,401	1,098,921	1,843,322
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
Operation of Women's Refuge, Support Centre & Hub	670,068	1,145,270	1,815,338
NET INCOME BEFORE INVESTMENTS	74,333	(46,349)	27,984
Net gains/(losses) on investments	49,727	-	49,727
NET INCOME	124,060	(46,349)	77,711
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward	1,625,732	175,675	1,801,407
Transfers between funds	-	-	-
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD	1,749,792	129,326	1,879,118

40 ————————

13. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

	Long leasehold	Improvements to property	Computer equipment	Motor vehicles	Totals
	£	£	£	£	£
COST
At 1 April 2024	464,029	213,257	20,400	10,995	708,681
Additions	126,389	-	-	-	126,389
Disposals	-	-	-	-	-
At 31 March 2025	590,418	213,257	20,400	10,995	835,070
DEPRECIATION
At 1 April 2024	-	45,785	15,303	10,994	72,082
Charge for year	-	7,326	1,699	-	9,025
Disposals	-	-	-	-	-
At 31 March 2025	-	53,111	17,002	10,994	81,107
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2025	590,418	160,146	3,398	1	753,963
At 31 March 2024	464,029	167,472	5,097	1	636,599

41 ————————

14. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS

			Market Value	Market Value		Cost		Market Value	Cost
				2025		2025		2024	2024
				£		£		£	£
UK Listed
Unrestricted
COIF Investment Fund 7,381.54 units				143,797		125,000	125,000	150,824	125,000
COIF Global Equity Income Fund	COIF Global Equity Income Fund			163,159		125,000	125,000	173,712	125,000
58,690.40 units
COIF Property Fund 42,673.04 units	COIF Property Fund 42,673.04 units			44,103		50,000	50,000	44,171	50,000
CWM portfolio				179,692		150,000	000	174,313	150,000
				530,751		450,000	000	543,020	450,000
			Market Value			Cost		Market Value	Cost
				2025		2025		2024	2024
				£		£		£	£
UK Unlisted
Unrestricted
1Point NW Limited				1		1	1	1	1
				1		1	1	1	1

Total Investments				530,752		450,001	001	543,021	450,001
	Market Value 01.04.24	Additions/ Disposals		Interest		Charges		Gain/ (Loss)	Market Value 31.03.25
UK Listed	£	£		£		£		£	£
Unrestricted
COIF Investment
Fund 7,381.54 units	150,824		-		-		-	(7,027)	143,797
COIF Global
Equity Income Fund 58,690.40	173,712		-		-		-	(10,553)	163,159
units
COIF Property
Fund 42,673.04 units	44,171		-		-		-	(68)	44,103
CWM portfolio	174,313		-		6	(2,184)		7,557	179,692
	543,020		-		6	(2,184)		(10,091)	530,751

42 ————————

Docusign Envelope ID: D82931BD-4585-4851-9F21-3F2B4D3E046EDocusign Envelope ID: B6E6BE7C-3440-44F3-9D0D-17CC94330E0D
~~SE~~ FORTALICE LIMITED E NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

15. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

				31.03.25	31.03.24
				£	£
	Trade debtors			147,055	45,098
	Rents receivable			16,753	17,646
	Prepayments and accrued income			17,366	20,790
	Other debtors			-	-
				181,174	83,534
16.	CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR	CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
				31.03.25	31.03.24
				£	£
	Trade creditors			13,997	11,928
	Social security and other taxes			23,104	21,951
	Other creditors			3,257	4,511
	Accruals and deferred income			266,718	211,700
				307,076	250,090
17.	LEASING AGREEMENTS
				31.03.25	31.03.24
	Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases			£	£
	Within one year			174,734	168,890
	Between two and five years			54,947	65,763
	Total			229,681	234,653
18.	ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
		Unrestricted Funds	Restricted Funds	31.03.25 Total Funds	31.03.24 Total Funds
		£	£	£	£
	Fixed assets	1,257,944	26,771	1,284,715	1,179,620
	Current Assets	722,343	448,756	1,171,099	949,588
	Current Liabilities	(90,996)	(216,080)	(307,076)	(250,090)
		1,889,291	259,447	2,148,738	1,879,118

43 ————————

	At 01.04.24	Net movement in funds	At 31.03.25
	£	£	£
Unrestricted funds
Undesignated funds	1,093,362	18,311	1,111,673
Designated funds	656,430	121,188	777,618
	1,749,792	139,499	1,889,291
Restricted funds
Operation of refuge, support centre & hub	129,326	130,121	259,447
TOTAL FUNDS	1,879,118	269,620	2,148,738

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

	Incoming Resources	Resources Expended	Transfer	Movement In Funds
	£	£	£	£
Unrestricted funds
Undesignated funds	789,537	(644,837)	(126,389)	18,311
Designated funds	-	(5,201)	126,389	121,188
	789,537	(650,038)	-	139,499
Restricted funds
Operation of refuge, support centre & hub	1,432,741	(1,302,620)	-	130,121
TOTAL FUNDS	2,222,278	(1,952,658)	-	269,620

The accumulated undesignated funds are for the purpose of providing relief and protection of women, men, children and young people who have been gravely or persistently maltreated by the partner with whom they are or have been living or by any member of their immediate family and of the children of such women.

The designated fund relates to the net book value of tangible fixed assets used in the furtherance of the charity's objectives and the balance left on various funds designated by the Trustees.

The balance on the restricted fund represents amounts received during the financial year in respect of the following projects;

The Healthy Relationships Project which educates children about acceptable behaviours in relationships. The delivery equips children with the knowledge, understanding and the skills required to develop healthy relationships. The project addresses unhealthy/abusive relationships, how to recognise these and where to get help.

44 ————————

19. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS – continued

Monies received specifically to purchase radiator covers following a Health and Safety review at Lewis House.

1Point North West, monies received to deliver adult counselling services at Outreach Support Centre.

Children in Need Grant for Children’s Services in the refuge, these monies fund the D.O.V.E (Dedicated to Overcoming Violent Experiences) project, delivering Breaking Free and Just For You sessions.

GM Police Bolton ARIS Fund, monies received to produce a video which will be used as a resource and training tool.

Box Power CIC, monies to fund activities and trips for children residing in the refuge.

Albert Gubay Summer House, funds to provide a stand-alone structure in the grounds of the refuge to give the women and children we work with a space away from the refuge building to do specific pieces of work such as art therapy or counselling. The fund reduces each year by the annual depreciation charge.

The Manchester Guardian Society Charitable Trust, Duchy of Lancaster and Bolton Street Angels, one-off grants and donations towards the cost of electronic signing in system at both the Refuge and Outreach Support Centre.

Charles Hayward Foundation, received to support outreach recovery work for Children and Young People, the grant assisted with shortfall on overall planned children’s services budget.

29th May 1961 Charitable Trust, received to support outreach recovery work for Children and Young People, the grant assisted with shortfall on overall planned children’s services budget.

GMCA ISVA, monies to provide practical and emotional support to victims of sexual abuse or violence, supporting victims through the criminal justice process, and advocating on their behalf.

GMCA Crisis Car, monies to provide an early intervention service by working with the Police at the point of a victim’s disclosure enabling them to receive the appropriate pathways into the right services.

GMCA Police IDVA, a grant to provide a specialist service to support: victims of Police perpetrated abuse or Police officers/staff who are victims of abuse within GM Police force.

Sanctuary Plus project, funds support for victims of domestic abuse and their children living in the community. This is partnership working with Bolton at Home and Endeavour, and our priority under this offer is to meet the needs of the individual children and young people.

Haven project, funds support for victims of domestic abuse and their children living in temporary accommodation due to fleeing domestic abuse (non-refuge). This is partnership working with Endeavour and our priority under this offer is to meet the needs of the individual children and young people.

These balances are all budgeted to be expended over the next financial year.

45 ————————

20. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

KBL Solicitors LLP have invoiced Fortalice £nil (2024: £2,400) in the year for services. At the year-end Fortalice owed £nil (2024: £nil) to KBL Solicitors LLP.

KBL Solicitors LLP are a related party by virtue of Sarah Collier being a director & trustee of Fortalice and, at the time of the transaction, an Employment Law Partner at KBL Solicitors LLP.

1Point have granted restricted income to Fortalice of £25,740 (2024: £52,620) in the year.

Bolton Together have granted restricted income of £134,499 (2024: £143,403) in the year.

1Point and Bolton Together are related parties by virtue of Gill Smallwood being both a director & trustee of Fortalice and a director at 1Point and Bolton Together.

21. ULTIMATE CONTROLLING PARTY

The company was controlled by the Board of Trustees throughout the year under review.

46 ————————

Docusign Envelope ID: D82931BD-4585-4851-9F21-3F2B4D3E046EDocusign Envelope ID: B6E6BE7C-3440-44F3-9D0D-17CC94330E0D ~~SS~~ E Detailed Statement of Financial Activities

FORTALICE LIMITED

DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

	31.03.25	31.03.24
	£	£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
Donations	154,620	144,446
Legacy income	25,000	4,367
	179,620	148,813
Other trading activities
Fundraising events	14,335	22,954
Other income	41,105	36,315
	55,440	59,269
Investment income
Deposit account interest	24,222	14,962
Investment income	10,631	10,267
	34,853	25,229
Charitable activities
Charge to residents	519,624	511,090
Grants	1,432,741	1,098,921
	1,952,365	1,610,011
Total incoming resources	2,222,278	1,843,322
EXPENDITURE
Charitable activities
Trustees' salaries	63,000	58,396
Trustees' social security	7,439	6,803
Trustees' pension contributions	1,321	1,321
Wages & salaries (Excl NI)	1,237,048	1,129,520
Social security	92,681	82,094
Pensions	22,018	19,782
Water rates and service charges	18,589	17,376
Insurance	13,194	12,026
Light and heat	53,245	63,732
Telephone	13,252	12,072
Postage and stationery	4,431	4,843
Sundries	2,624	2,383
Cleaning materials	6,647	6,229
Window cleaning	2,435	2,250
Gardening	1,551	1,601
Furniture, equipment and maintenance	14,681	23,774
Irwell Valley Homes Rent	150,568	148,973
Children's activities	6,627	7,836
Resident’s expenses	9,593	1,467
Travel & transport	9,462	10,548
Computer costs	37,221	28,799
Interpreting	Interpreting 7,165	5,231
Carried forward	1,774,792	1,647,056

47 ————————

Docusign Envelope ID: D82931BD-4585-4851-9F21-3F2B4D3E046EDocusign Envelope ID: B6E6BE7C-3440-44F3-9D0D-17CC94330E0D
~~SE~~ FORTALICE LIMITED E DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

	31.03.25	31.03.24
	£	£
Charitable activities
Brought forward	1,774,792	1,647,056
Repairs, renewals & maintenance	37,860	24,351
Subscriptions	2,049	2,324
Training costs	7,339	9,696
Refreshments	469	413
Emergency provisions	-	35
Outreach Support Centre activities	5,036	4,309
Support, supervision and counselling services	1,015	660
Fundraising expenses	24,211	29,341
Children's counselling	15,564	17,092
Publicity and advertising	4,732	2,895
Bad debt expense	50	1,155
Bank charges	1,455	1,451
Legal & professional fees	19,740	25,340
Depreciation	9,025	11,247
Profit on sale of tangible fixed asset	-	-
Unrealised/realised (gain)/loss on investments	10,091	(49,727)
Investment portfolio charges	2,184	2,158
	1,915,612	1,729,796
Support costs
Governance costs
Auditors' remuneration	10,800	12,000
Auditors' remuneration for non-audit work	1,154	1,116
Bookkeeping	14,368	7,800
Legal & professional fees	10,724	14,899
	37,046	35,815
Total resources expended	1,952,658	1,765,611
Net income	269,620	77,711

48 ————————