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2025-06-30-accounts

Charity registration number 1135680 (England and Wales)

Company registration number 07164190

HOPE'S CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLES SUPPORT SERVICES ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

HOPE'S CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLES SUPPORT SERVICES

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees L J Ryan
Z J Wilkinson
L C Glover
C Attwood
H E Bolt
F J Meredith
A K Grenar (Appointed 1 April 2025)
Charity number (England and Wales) 1135680
Company number 07164190
Registered office Overross House
Ross Park
Ross-On-Wye
Herefordshire
England
HR9 7US
Independent examiner Thorne & Co.
1 St Mary's Street
Ross-on-Wye
Herefordshire
England
HR9 5HT

HOPE'S CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLES SUPPORT SERVICES

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees report 1
Independent examiner's report 2
Statement of financial activities 3
Balance sheet 4
Notes to the financial statements 5 - 14

HOPE'S CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLES SUPPORT SERVICES

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2025.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006 and "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 2019).

Objectives and activities

Please refer to annual report.

Achievements and performance

Please refer to annual report.

Financial review

Please refer to annual report.

Plans for future periods

Please refer to annual report.

Structure, governance and management

Please refer to annual report.

The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

L J Ryan

Z J Wilkinson

L C Glover C Attwood H E Bolt F J Meredith A K Grenar (Appointed 1 April 2025)

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The trustees report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Z J Wilkinson Trustee

27 November 2025

HOPE'S CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLES SUPPORT SERVICES

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF HOPE'S CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLES SUPPORT SERVICES

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Hope's Children & Young Peoples Support Services (the charity) for the year ended 30 June 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000, the independent examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of ACCA, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

Edward Richards FCCA

Thorne & Co.

1 St Mary's Street Ross-on-Wye Herefordshire HR9 5HT England

Dated: 27 November 2025

HOPE'S CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLES SUPPORT SERVICES

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
Notes
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
9,769
279,266
Other trading activities
4
11,213
-
Investments
5
1,169
-
Total income
22,151
279,266
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
6
16,515
-
Charitable activities
7
31,542
230,919
Total expenditure
48,057
230,919
Net gains/(losses) on
investments
11
-
-
Net income/(expenditure)
(25,906)
48,347
Transfers between
funds
2,182
(2,182)
Net movement in
funds
8
(23,724)
46,165
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 July 2024
160,120
50,235
Fund balances at 30 June
2025
136,396
96,400
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
289,035
67,175
216,695
11,213
13,883
-
1,169
-
-
301,417
81,058
216,695
16,515
15,493
-
262,461
42,379
211,698
278,976
57,872
211,698
-
185
-
22,441
23,371
4,997
-
10,169
(10,169)
22,441
33,540
(5,172)
210,355
126,580
55,407
232,796
160,120
50,235
Total
2024
£
283,870
13,883
-
297,753
15,493
254,077
269,570
185
28,368
-
28,368
181,987
210,355

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

HOPE'S CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLES SUPPORT SERVICES

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 30 JUNE 2025

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
13
Current assets
Debtors
14
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
Other creditors
15
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
The funds of the charity
Restricted income funds
17
Unrestricted funds
18
2025
£
21,480
197,071
218,551
748
£
14,993
217,803
232,796
96,400
136,396
232,796
2024
£
4,369
176,022
180,391
844
£
30,808
179,547
210,355
50,235
160,120
210,355

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 30 June 2025.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 27 November 2025

Z J Wilkinson

Trustee

Company registration number 07164190 (England and Wales)

HOPE'S CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLES SUPPORT SERVICES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Hope's Children & Young Peoples Support Services is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Overross House, Ross Park, Ross-On-Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 7US, England.

1.1 Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "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 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.

1.4 Income

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

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

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

HOPE'S CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLES SUPPORT SERVICES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, 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 classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Plant and equipment 25% on cost
Computers 25% on cost
Application 25% on cost

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.8 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.9 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

HOPE'S CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLES SUPPORT SERVICES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Basic financial assets

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

Basic financial liabilities

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

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

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

Derecognition of financial liabilities

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

1.10 Employee benefits

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

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

1.11 Retirement benefits

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

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

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HOPE'S CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLES SUPPORT SERVICES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

4 Income from other trading activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Fundraising events 11,213 13,883
Income from investments
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Interest receivable 1,169 -
Expenditure on raising funds
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Fundraising and publicity
Staging fundraising events 1,430 770
Staff costs 15,085 14,723
16,515 15,493

6 Expenditure on raising funds

HOPE'S CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLES SUPPORT SERVICES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

7 Expenditure on charitable activities

Projects Projects
2025 2024
£ £
Direct costs
Staff costs 181,916 186,476
Depreciation and impairment 17,998 16,307
Insurance 1,142 860
Telephone 3,293 3,807
Accountancy and legal fees 11,914 1,143
Publicity - 90
Printing, stationery and computer consumables 3,776 4,247
Premises 19,736 19,736
Other costs 22,686 21,411
262,461 254,077
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 31,542 42,379
Restricted funds 230,919 211,698
262,461 254,077
8 Net movement in funds 2025 2024
£ £
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable for the independent examination of the charity's financial
statements 468 444
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets 17,998 16,307

9 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

10 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

Management
Service Delivery
Fundraising
Total
2025
Number
2
6
1
9
2024
Number
3
6
1
10

HOPE'S CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLES SUPPORT SERVICES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

10
Employees
Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Other pension costs
(Continued)
2025
2024
£
£
193,326
197,626
3,675
3,573
197,001
201,199
(Continued)
2025
2024
£
£
193,326
197,626
3,675
3,573
197,001
201,199
201,199

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

11 Gains and losses on investments

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
Gains/(losses) arising on: £ £
Revaluation of investments - 185

12 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

HOPE'S CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLES SUPPORT SERVICES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

13
Tangible fixed assets
Plant and
equipment
Computers
Application
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 July 2024
228
33,863
43,974
Additions
469
1,713
-
Disposals
-
(5,441)
-
At 30 June 2025
697
30,135
43,974
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 July 2024
228
21,376
25,652
Depreciation charged in the year
118
6,886
10,994
Eliminated in respect of disposals
-
(5,441)
-
At 30 June 2025
346
22,821
36,646
Carrying amount
At 30 June 2025
351
7,314
7,328
At 30 June 2024
-
12,486
18,322
14
Debtors
2025
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
Trade debtors
17,111
Prepayments and accrued income
4,369
21,480
15
Other creditors falling due within one year
2025
£
Trade creditors
280
Accruals and deferred income
468
748
16
Retirement benefit schemes
2025
Defined contribution schemes
£
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes
3,675
13
Tangible fixed assets
Plant and
equipment
Computers
Application
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 July 2024
228
33,863
43,974
Additions
469
1,713
-
Disposals
-
(5,441)
-
At 30 June 2025
697
30,135
43,974
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 July 2024
228
21,376
25,652
Depreciation charged in the year
118
6,886
10,994
Eliminated in respect of disposals
-
(5,441)
-
At 30 June 2025
346
22,821
36,646
Carrying amount
At 30 June 2025
351
7,314
7,328
At 30 June 2024
-
12,486
18,322
14
Debtors
2025
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
Trade debtors
17,111
Prepayments and accrued income
4,369
21,480
15
Other creditors falling due within one year
2025
£
Trade creditors
280
Accruals and deferred income
468
748
16
Retirement benefit schemes
2025
Defined contribution schemes
£
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes
3,675
13
Tangible fixed assets
Plant and
equipment
Computers
Application
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 July 2024
228
33,863
43,974
Additions
469
1,713
-
Disposals
-
(5,441)
-
At 30 June 2025
697
30,135
43,974
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 July 2024
228
21,376
25,652
Depreciation charged in the year
118
6,886
10,994
Eliminated in respect of disposals
-
(5,441)
-
At 30 June 2025
346
22,821
36,646
Carrying amount
At 30 June 2025
351
7,314
7,328
At 30 June 2024
-
12,486
18,322
14
Debtors
2025
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
Trade debtors
17,111
Prepayments and accrued income
4,369
21,480
15
Other creditors falling due within one year
2025
£
Trade creditors
280
Accruals and deferred income
468
748
16
Retirement benefit schemes
2025
Defined contribution schemes
£
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes
3,675
13
Tangible fixed assets
Plant and
equipment
Computers
Application
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 July 2024
228
33,863
43,974
Additions
469
1,713
-
Disposals
-
(5,441)
-
At 30 June 2025
697
30,135
43,974
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 July 2024
228
21,376
25,652
Depreciation charged in the year
118
6,886
10,994
Eliminated in respect of disposals
-
(5,441)
-
At 30 June 2025
346
22,821
36,646
Carrying amount
At 30 June 2025
351
7,314
7,328
At 30 June 2024
-
12,486
18,322
14
Debtors
2025
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
Trade debtors
17,111
Prepayments and accrued income
4,369
21,480
15
Other creditors falling due within one year
2025
£
Trade creditors
280
Accruals and deferred income
468
748
16
Retirement benefit schemes
2025
Defined contribution schemes
£
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes
3,675
13
Tangible fixed assets
Plant and
equipment
Computers
Application
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 July 2024
228
33,863
43,974
Additions
469
1,713
-
Disposals
-
(5,441)
-
At 30 June 2025
697
30,135
43,974
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 July 2024
228
21,376
25,652
Depreciation charged in the year
118
6,886
10,994
Eliminated in respect of disposals
-
(5,441)
-
At 30 June 2025
346
22,821
36,646
Carrying amount
At 30 June 2025
351
7,314
7,328
At 30 June 2024
-
12,486
18,322
14
Debtors
2025
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
Trade debtors
17,111
Prepayments and accrued income
4,369
21,480
15
Other creditors falling due within one year
2025
£
Trade creditors
280
Accruals and deferred income
468
748
16
Retirement benefit schemes
2025
Defined contribution schemes
£
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes
3,675
Total
£
78,065
2,182
(5,441)
74,806
47,256
17,998
(5,441)
59,813
14,993
30,808
2024
£
-
4,369
4,369
2024
£
400
444
844
2024
£
3,573
2025
£
17,111
4,369
21,480
2025
£
280
468
748
2025
£
3,675

HOPE'S CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLES SUPPORT SERVICES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

16 Retirement benefit schemes

(Continued)

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.

17 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

At 1 July 2024
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Transfers
At
£
£
£
£
50,235
279,266
(230,919)
(2,182)
Previous year:
At 1 July 2023
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Transfers
At
£
£
£
£
55,407
216,695
(211,698)
(10,169)
30 June
2025
£
96,400
30 June
2024
£
50,235

18 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 July 2024
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Transfers
Gains and
losses
At
£
£
£
£
£
General funds
160,120
22,151
(48,057)
2,182
-
Previous year: At 1 July 2023
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Transfers
Gains and
losses
At
£
£
£
£
£
General funds
126,580
81,058
(57,872)
10,169
185
30 June
2025
£
136,396
30 June
2024
£
160,120

HOPE'S CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLES SUPPORT SERVICES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

19 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
£
£
At 30 June 2025:
Tangible assets
14,993
-
Current assets/(liabilities)
121,403
96,400
136,396
96,400
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
£
£
At 30 June 2024:
Tangible assets
30,808
-
Current assets/(liabilities)
129,312
50,235
160,120
50,235
Total
2025
£
14,993
217,803
232,796
Total
2024
£
30,808
179,547
210,355

20 Designated Funds

The Youth Management Team manages its own designated fund, and uses it to fundraise for activities such as youth sessions and Hope on the Road trips - ensuring Hope remains a charity of young people, for young people. The amount designated at year end was £2,708 (2024-£2,213).

21 Operating lease commitments

Lessee

At the reporting end date the charity had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

Within one year
Lessor
2025
£
-
2024
£
12,464

22 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).

2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT

REGISTERED CHARITY 1135680

Structure, Governance and Management

Hope’s Children and Young Peoples Support Services (Hope Support Services) is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity. It is governed by its Articles of Association dated 22nd February 2010 (with subsequent revisions). In the event of the company being wound up directors are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £10.

The directors of the company are also charity trustees for the purposes of charity law. All trustees gave their time voluntarily and received no benefits from the charity. No expenses were reclaimed from the charity as reflected in the Financial Statements. Due to the nature of the work of the charity, there is a mix of business, educational and safeguarding expertise within the board of trustees.

The trustees are familiar with the work of the charity, some having been involved as family members of users of the service. New trustees are appointed by the existing trustees and are briefed on the objectives and work of the charity and provided with information and full supporting documentation including information on the statutory responsibilities of trustees. The trustees work with all members of the SMT on a strategic level. The Operations Manager has responsibility for the day-to-day management of the charity.

Objectives of the Charity

Our charity’s objectives are as set out in the Articles of Association: (1) To relieve the mental and physical sickness of persons resident in the United Kingdom, in particular children and young people suffering from bereavement or loss or a serious health crisis of a family member by the provision of workshops and support. (2) To advance the education of professionals working with children and young people suffering from bereavement, loss or the serious illness of a family member by the provision of training.

The following quotation is pertinent to the setting of our aims and objectives; “Children who experience three or more stressful life events, such as family bereavements, divorce or serious illness are significantly more likely to develop emotional and behavioural disorders” (Source: The Office for National Statistics 21st October 2008).

Main Objectives

Main objectives for the year July 2024-June 2025

The trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit and the summary of the main activities for the year were:

  1. Continued development of the Board to best use skills and expertise available and access additional expertise with the intent of maintaining robust governance which allows for the potential growth of Hope Support Services

  2. Safeguard the economic sustainability of the charity through continued development of a fundraising strategy focusing on non-restricted and sustainable income streams

  3. Safeguard the economic efficacy of the charity through scrutiny of current practice

  4. Strategic approach to raising awareness of Hope Support Services within Herefordshire and the surrounding counties with an aim to introducing a membership base

  5. Development of education programme in collaboration with St Michael’s Hospice

  6. Scope alternative accommodation for Hope Support Services aiming to both save money and ensure increased accessibility for young people

Volunteers contribute to the work of the charity supporting by fundraising, but also in administration, publicity, marketing and support at youth sessions and activities. All members of staff also volunteer on a regular basis. The Youth Management Team (Y-Team) are all volunteers and remain a significant part of the organisation.

Main objectives for the year July 2025-June 2026

Aims and objectives for the future:

Expand the financial scope of the charity to ensure diversification and source income from alternative and sustainable streams

Hope in Herefordshire: Youth Sessions

Fortnightly sessions for 11-17 year olds continue to take place in Hereford, Ross and Leominster.

These sessions aim to provide a safe space for young people to meet others going through a similar thing, whilst being able to take part in fun activities - providing a much needed space for our young people to just be themselves, and take a break from the pressures at home.

33 young people have accessed our 11-17 groups

Total attendances reached 364, an increase of 11% from the previous year

Under 11s can access our monthly community group in Hereford. Over the last year sessions have included visits from practitioners from Hay Festival, an outdoor activity programme with Dandy Lions, and peer support games and activities.

We’ve continued to run our 12 month bereavement programme in partnership with St Michael’s Hospice for our under 11s who have been bereaved - these sessions provide more targeted support around the themes of resilience, belonging and emotions, whilst still providing fun activities for them to get involved with.

27 young people accessed our under 11 groups

10 of these young people accessed for the first time this year

Hope in Herefordshire: Activities

One of the highlights of our Hope in Herefordshire project this year is the range of activities we’ve been able to deliver - providing young people with opportunities they may not have otherwise had, with other young people who understand what they’re going through.

Our annual summer residential saw 18 young people spend two nights away from home, challenging themselves with activities like caving, climbing, abseiling, canoeing and crate stacking - pushing their own limits, and achieving things they didn’t think they could.

Eight young people were also invited to Longtown Outdoor Learning Centre for an outdoor activity weekend, offering another chance to have some time out to enjoy themselves.

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What was the best bit of the residential?
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Throughout the year 49 children and young people have joined us on our Hope on the Road day trips to venues including: We The Curious science museum in Bristol, Birmingham Sealife Centre and city treasure trail, Jamie’s Farm, Madley Environmental Study Centre, and Hay Festival.

We hosted our first family day this year open to all families, past and present, with lots of activities and fun for everyone!

Hope in Herefordshire: One-to-One Support

Having a loved one with a serious illness is one of the most difficult things a young person can face, so sometimes a bit of extra support is needed. Throughout the year we’ve offered one-to-one support sessions across Herefordshire in community venues, schools, St Michael’s Hospice and home visits, as well as online and over the phone - offering young people in the county the chance to access support in a way that suits them the best.

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230 school visits 31 community
169 phone calls
visits
4 \ 4 62 online one- N\
9 home visits
to-ones
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We have delivered in person support in 15 schools across the county, and have received referrals from an additional six schools where the young person has either chosen to access in a different venue, or attended our activity programmes.

All of our one-to-one support is low level, providing an ongoing listening ear for young people to offload to whilst looking at basic coping strategies. We can’t change what’s going on at home, as much as we would like to, but we can ensure each young person knows that they don’t have to face it alone.

We received a referral for a young person whose dad ended up in a coma ! following a heart attack. The work we did in sessions initially involved helping him manage the uncertainty around his dad being in hospital, looking at both different ways he can stay in the present where he feels the most calm and grounded and values-based work which helped provide him with focus and purpose. Unfortunately, the young person’s needs then transitioned to post-bereavement work where we looked at the 7 grief muscles and how these can help with his return to university. He has reflected on how he recognises the importance of looking after his own wellbeing, how progress isn’t linear and how grief is as unique as a fingerprint - he said “wherever I am on my grief journey is wherever I need to be”, and recognises there is no need to rush, make comparisons or meet expectations put on him by others.

Hope Online: One-to-One Support

Through Hope Online, we can offer one-to-one support to children and young people across the UK. Young people can chat to our Wellbeing Advisors via video or audio call on Microsoft Teams, as well as through messaging services.

Whilst most of our sessions take place at home in the evenings and weekends, this year we have seen a high demand for our school sessions - as well as the schools we were already working with, this year we delivered support in an additional 19 new schools nationwide.

642 online one-to-ones delivered

115 children and young people accessed our one-to-one support for the first time

21 of these new children and young people self-referred

Young people found out about us through a range of different services including: schools/colleges, universities, hospices, hospitals, other charities, word of mouth, web searches, local organisations and social services

This year we also received funding for the first time to work on targeted projects in certain areas of the country. The Sir James Knott Trust provided funding for an outreach programme in the North East of England, which has led to 83 contacts with schools; 4 contacts with other charities; 2 contacts and 1 meeting with medical teams; and 7 contacts with social care and council services.

We have also received funding from the Haventus Ardersier Port Community Benefit Fund administered through Foundation Scotland to reach more families in the area, especially important as we have identified a gap in young people ye accessing from Scotland, as our heat map shows. This is a new project which will continue into our next financial year.

In addition, our online team have been contacting universities and Macmillan Cancer Support and Information Centres across the UK, with 47 of these requesting further information on referral methods or leaflets to hand out to families, already leading directly to new referrals.

Volunteers

Volunteers play an integral part of the work we do at Hope, and this year is no different; our volunteers have given an incredible 557 volunteer hours through helping at sessions, assisting at events, using their expertise on our Board, and driving the service forward with the Y-Team.

Since the very start of Hope, our Y-Team has been with us every step of the way. A group of young volunteers all with experience of having a loved one with a serious illness, the Y-Team helps plan our activities, offers peer support and represents Hope at events and fundraisers - using their own experiences to help make our service better for other young people who need us.

Over the year they have...

Organised and led activities at the summer residential

Arranged a bingo fundraiser

Attended events such as the Broome Farm Festival and the Junior Boxing showcase

Learned lots of new skills, and received their food hygiene certificates

This year saw eight new volunteers join us, including three new members of our Y-Team following a successful recruitment campaign and one new Trustee. We finish the year with a small number of vacancies at Board level which we are looking to fill in the coming months with a concentrated recruitment drive.

Our volunteer Jane has been supporting our under 11s work since 2021,

Finance:

Fundraising and Support

We are grateful to all the funders, large and small who have supported our charity throughout the year. Funding for the charity sector remains challenging but our sources have been outstanding in supporting our work - the National Lottery Community Fund has continued to be our largest funder, but this has been added to by many other charitable trusts, including those who have supported us in the past and those awarding us grants for the first time. Our grant-makers this year include:

Albert Hunt Trust Inchrye Trust Ambergate Chartiable Trust Noel Sweeney Foundation Baron Davenport’s Charity Safer Communities Fund of BBC Children in Need Herefordshire Council, West Mercia February Foundation Police and the Police & Crime Foundation Scotland: Haventus Commissioner for West Mercia Ardersier Port Community Benefit Sir James Knott Trust Fund Souter Charitable Trust Garfield Weston South Square Charitable Trust Hedley Foundation The 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust Herefordshire Community Foundation: The Archer Trust George’s Fund The National Lottery Community Herefordshire Community Foundation: Foundation Iron Fund Woodroffe Benton Foundation

We have been lucky enough to partner with a number of corporate supporters this year, and have received donations from lots of generous donors - some of whom have seen first hand just what impact our support has on children and young people.

We have also had some fantastic fundraisers take on their own challenges to raise money for us from sponsored walks to rowing events, open water swims to Christmas raffles to name a few. As always, we really appreciate all of their incredible efforts.

Finance: Reserves and Future Planning

The Trustees continue to manage our finances cautiously; this year our previous investment was moved into a cash reserve, removing the funds from mainly property bonds given the downturn in the property market. These cash reserves are now earning stable interest, with a national bank managing funds in an ethical and socially responsible way.

Our part time fundraiser has been focusing this year on securing core funding in order to meet our staffing and administration costs, whilst also looking for outreach funding to allow us to reach more young people who need us. Additional project funding has also been received, allowing us to deliver activities such as outdoor education afternoons and encourage peer support in our family days.

The year’s total income was £301,417, and we ended the year with a net income of £22,441. Many of these funds were received towards the end of the financial year, so will be carried over to our next year to cover upcoming costs.

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Unrestricted Income (£) Unrestricted Expenditure (£)
22151 48057
Restricted Income (£) Restricted Expenditure (£)
279266 230919
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Diversification of funding continues to be a focus moving forwards; whilst grant funding continues to be a large part of our income, we continue to build our supporters lists with the aim of creating a membership scheme (in line with GDPR principles) - we are also actively planning campaigns to ensure our income can be sustained if our existing grants are not renewed.