Charlty number 1136245 Company number 6972805 SUPPORTING CARERS AND FAMILIES TOGETHER (SCAFT) REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ST I APRIL 2024 TO 31" MARCH 2025
SUPPORTING CARERS AND FAMILIES TOGETHER (SCAFr) COKTENTS Page Charity Information Report of the Directors and Trustees Statement of financial actNities Balance Sheet Notes to the financial statements 9-12 External Examiners Report
SUPPORTING CARERS AND FAMILIES TOGETHER (SCAFT) CHARITY INFORMATION Directors and Trustees: J R Lumlev A Ashley D Barnes L Ketterldge Charlty registratlon number: 1136245 Company registration number: 6972805 Registered Offi. Suite 29. Philpot House Station Road Rayleigh Essex SS6 7HH
SUPPORTING CARERS AND FAMILIES TOGEfHER (SCAFT) DIRECTORS ANDTRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE PERIOD I APRIL 2024 TO 31ST MARCH 2025 Strurture, governance and management th The organisation is a charitable Company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 25 July 2009 and th registered as a charity on 8 June 2010. The Company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects 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 £1. The day to day running and management of the Charity is undertaken by the Directors, who are also Charity Trustees for the purposes of Charity law. The Directors are appointed by the members of the Charity. The membership of the board has changed over the past year, and there are now 4 appointed Directors. The Directors are responsible for identifying and appointing staff members, to whom some aspects of the companf s charitable work are delegated. The Directors undertake regular risk assessment reviews covering the charitf s operational, strategic, legal, financial, insurance and employment risks where appropriate, systems or procedures have been established to mitigate the risks the charity faces. Objectives and Actlvlties The object of the company is to relieve the social, emotional, mental, physical and educational needs of carers and families in the county of Essex, through the provision of support, person and group centred interventions, advice, guidance and signposting to other services as appropriate. Financial Revlew The financial statements in this report cover activity for the period I" April 2024 to the 31" March 2025 for Young Carers. During this period the company has acquired grants and donations and sundry income of £97,998.10, and has 6 part-time staff, with a whole time equivalent of 3, although this is under review to accommodate the increased demand for services. The accounts for the Company at this time are stable, with significant commitments of funding received, primarily from The National Lottery Community Fund programme. The ongoing policy of the Charity is to provide "core" services through a tightly managed financial facility allowing seNice projections to function through ring fenced accounts. At the year-end "ring fenced" projects retained balances that will allow them to progress and develop as planned. As always additional funds are constantly sought, with applications currently in progress to a range of grant making bodies. SCA remains reasonably successful in attracting funding for specific aspects of the project
and new developments; however, the cost of living crisis and the huge demand from charities across all sectors facing rising costs has raised the level of competition for available funds. Reserves policy- The Charity has recently reviewed its reserves policy to ensure that it is compliant with all necessary legislation and commitments. After a thorough review it was agreed that the Charity should maintain its reserve to hold a minimum of £40,CK)O in unrestricted funds in order to meet its obligations for staff salaries, redundancy provisions, and other financial commitments and contractual obligations. This will remain under regular review to ensure these conditions remain met. Operating Environment Despite the on-going dual impact of the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis, SCA has strengthened ties With schools and other local partners. These collaborations have led to increased identification of young carers and rising demand for services. Staffing levels are under review to meet this demand, dependent on funding. Coordination with Essex County Council's Young Carers project ensures complementary provision, especially for complex cases. Demographic shifts due to rapid local development, particularly farnilies relocating from London boroughs, have already made 2021 census data unreliable. Staff and Trustees continue to monitor the effects of this change within our community, with regular consultation keeping services responsive to diverse needs. In August 2024 we moved our office base from the town centre to a more suitable, accessible premises to cut overheads and provide a better working environment for staff and volunteers. Achievements and Performance Young Carers -our experience has continued to bear out research showing that young carers have experienced greatly increased social isolation during the pandemic period and beyond. Many are still reporting and displaying greatly decreased social confidence as a result, which is negatively affecting their attendance at both our groups and school. Once again particular mention should be made of the staff, sessional staff and volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their support in changeable conditions; doing their best to ensure young carers continue to have as much access to SUPPOrt as possible. The register contained 190 young people receiving direct services over this period, with around a further 200 making use of SCAFfs Young Carers Passport Scheme in schools. Referrals have steadily increased as partnerships with schools have developed. All 72 scheduled group sessions were successfully delivered, offering young carers a rich mix of creative play and social engagement. Activities ranged from baking and craft-making to holiday-themed events like Halloween, Christmas tree decorating, and Valentine's Day, alongside special experiences such as therapy dog visits and remote-control car building. The One20ne school support programme remains in exceptionally high demand across all age groups and has reached full capacity. Prioritisation based on need ha5 become essential, and additional funding is being actively sought to sustain and expand this vital service. Seasonal programming included festive Christmas parties, a family evening at a local play centre, and a variety of well-received school break sessions-from Laser Tag and pottery painting to outdoor adventure
days and family nights. These events have been instrumental in strengthening peer networks among parent5 and enhancing family cohesion. A residential visit to the Young Carers Festival allowed a select group to join over 1,500 peers nationwide for a weekend of shared experience, policy engagement, and indoorloutdoor activitie5 giving voice to young carers, realities at a national level. SCAFT has also continued to provide families with practical information and resources, including advice on safeguarding (especially online safety), benefits, education, employment, drug and alcohol awareness, and local services. Distribution of local hardship funds and access to the food bank, via the voucher scheme, further reinforced our wraparound support for families in need. Current Challenges & Forward Planning SCAFT faces ongoing pressures from increa*d need, population growth, and financial constraint5. Yet staff commitment and flexibility have sustained the delivery of impactful services, as evidenced by service user and partner feedback. Plans include summer programming and potential new project streams. Stakeholder and user consultations remain central to shaping the future direction of SCAFT. Looking Ahead While delivery has stabilised post-pandemic, rising operational costs and shrinking funding streams, especially core support, demand new and innovative fundraising approaches. Despite these pressures, SCAFT is prepared to evolve, adapt, develop and continue meeting the needs of young carers with resilience, relevance and care. On behalf of the Dlrectors and Trustees Ltrjt 102f J R LUMLEY CHAIRMAN Date
SUPPORTING CARERS AND FAMILIES TOGETHER (SCAFT) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcfiviTIES FOR THE PERIOD 1ST APRIL 2024 TO 31" MARCH 2025 Note Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds 01.04.2024 To 31.03.25 Total Funds 01.04.2023 To 31.03.24 Total Funds Incoming Resources Donations and Grants Sundry Income Total Incoming Resources 20.019.89 1016.81 21.036.70 76,961.40 96.981.29 1016.81 97.998.10 128.(K)8.34 418.44 128.426.78 76,961.40 Resources Expended Charitable Expenditures 75.535.69 67,274.09 142.809.78 110,622.06 Net Incoming Resources (54,498.99) 9,687.31 (44.811.68) 17.804.72 The Charity has no other recognised gains or losses for the above year other than those accounted for in the Statement of Financial Activities.
SUPPORTING CARERS AND FAMILIES TOGETHER (SCAFT) ST BALANCE SHEET FOR THE PERIOD I APRIL 2024 TO 31 MARCH 2025 Note Unrestrirted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds 31.03.25 Total Funds 31.03.24 Current assets Cash at bank and in hand 47,146.50 19,249.00 66,395.50 111,207.18 Creditors amounts falling due within one year Net current assets 47,146.50 19,249.00 66,395.50 111,207.18 Funds 47,146.50 19,249.00 66,395.50 111,207.18 For the financial year ended 31. March 2025, the charity is entitled to exemption from the requirement to have an audit under the provisions of section 477 of the Companies Act 2006; and no notice has been deposited with the charity under section 476 of that Act requiring an audit to be carried out. The Directors and Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for ensuring the company keeps accounting records which comply with section 386 CA 2006; and preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity at the end of the financial year and of its incoming resources and applications of resources for that year, in accordance with the requirements of section 394 and 395 CA 2006, and which otherwise comply with the requirements of that Act relating to accounts so far as they are applicable to the charity. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to Companies subject to the small companies regime within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008). Approved by the Directors and Trustees for i55ue on JRLUML Director / Trustee Chairman Director / Trustee Company Registration No. 6972805
SUPPORTING CARERS AND FAMILIES TOGETHER (SCAFT) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ST FOR THE PERIOD 1ST APRIL 2024 TO 31 MARCH Z025 Accounting policies The principal accounting policies are summarised below. The accounting policies have been applied consistently throughoutthe period. (a) Basis of accounting The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 and the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities issued in March 2005. (b) Fund accounting Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Directors and Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the terms of an appeal. Incoming resources All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The foSlowing specific policies are applied to particular categories of income: Voluntary income is received by way of grants, donations and gifts and is included in full in the ststement of Financial Activities when receivable. Grants, where entitlement is not conditional on the delivery of a specific performance by the charity, are recognised when the charity becomes unconditionally entitled to the grant. Donated services and facilities are included at the value to the charity where this can be quantified. The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included in these accounts. Investment income is included when receivable. Incoming resources from grants, where related to performance and specific deliverables, are accounted for as the charity earns the right to consideration by its performance.
SUPPORTING CARERS AND FAMILIES TOGETHER (SCAFT) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD 1ST APRIL 2024 TO 31ST MARCH 2025 d) Resources Expended Expenditure is recognized on a cash book basis. Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and tho cost5 of an indirect nature necessary to SUPPOrt them. Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity and include costs linked to the strategic management of the charity. All costs are allocated between the expenditure categories of the SOFA on a basis designed to reflect the use of the resource. Costs relating to a particular activity are allocated directly. others are apportioned on an appropriate basis as set out in Note 3. Donations and Grants Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds£ 01.04.24 to 01.04.23 to 31.03.25 £ 31.03.24 £ Big Lottery Fund ITNLCFI Awards for All {TNLCFI Sobell Foundation Christopher Holmes Charitable Trust Essex Lottery Rayleigh Town Council Rochford Housing- Sanctuary Rochford District Council Augustine Courtauld Rochford District Council- Chairman Alchemy Foundation Essex County Council Locality Fund The Albert Hunt Trust Perry Watlington Trust Charles S French Charitable Trust The Woodward Trust Masonic Charitable Trust Co-op Rayleigh Lions H.l.G.S Solutions Individual Donations Diana Timpson Fund Wilkinson Family Fund The Mrs Smith & Mount Trust The Essex Freemasons The Souter Charitable Trust Garfield Weston The ROSCA Trust Fowler Smith & Jones Trust 36,153.50 2,475.00 36,153.50 2,475.00 10,000.00 5,000.00 130.CK) 71,031.50 10,000.00 io,cM)o.o) 5,000.00 130.00 68.50 51J).00 500.(K) 500.00 500.00 5C(I.00 750.00 5,026.44 1,000.00 19,582.90 4,000.00 3,500.00 3,500.00 1,750.00 250.00 1,256.67 1,000.00 100.00 506.78 1,000.00 750.00 5,026.44 I,cH)o.00 19,582.90 4,000.00 3,5CMJ.00 3,500.00 1,750.00 3,000.00 2,500.00 250.00 1,256.67 1,000.00 100.00 506.78 888.47 19.87 500.00 5,797.00 1,203.IXI 3,)0.00 2,500.00 4,000.00 1S,000.¢JJ 4,000.00 3,000.00 128,008.34 20,019.89 76.961.40 96,981.29
SUPPORTING CARERS AND FAMILIES TOGEfHER (SCAFr) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD I" APRIL 2024 TO 31" MARCH 2025 Total resources expended Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds 01.04.24 to 31.03.25 Total 01.04.23 31.03.24 Total Charitable expenditure Donations and Grants Young Carers Transport Costs Costs of Activities Staff Costs (including training) Travel Expenses Premises Costs Postage. telephone, equipment Sundry Expenses Legal and Professional, and Consultancy Costs 6,748.95 6,069.37 3,052.41 2,579.60 9,801.36 8,648.97 7836.47 3088.48 31,557.05 207.30 10.006.57 4,679.52 227.43 16,039.50 50.889.08 82,446.13 207.30 15,084.57 8,117.52 227.43 18,276.5 77337.87 411.26 11089.92 6485.51 153.69 4218.86 5,078.00 3,438.00 2,237.00 75,535.69 67,274.09 142,809.78 110.622.06 Directors and Trustees Remuneration & Related Party Transactions None of the Directors and Trustees received any remuneration during the period. No Director and Trustee or other person related to the charity had any personal interest in any contract or transaction entered into by the charity during the period. Taxation As a charity. Supporting Carers and Families Together (SCAFt) is exempt from tax on income and gains failing within Section 505 of Taxes Act 1988 or s256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to is charitable objects. No tax charges have arisen in the Charity- -io-
SUPPORTING CARERS AND FAMILIES TOGEfHER {SCAFT) NOTESTO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD 1ST APRIL 2024 TO 31ST MARCH 2025 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Unrestrlrted Fund Restrirted Fund 31.03.25 Total 31.03.24 Total Accrued expenses n/a n/a n/a n/a Movement in funds 01.04.24 to 31.03.25 Totsl 01.04.23 to 31.03.24 Total Unrestricted Fund Restrirted Fund As at 31" March 2024 Excess of income over expenditure Redesignation of Funds 101645.49 (54,498.99} 9561.69 9687.31 111,207.18 {44,811.681 93,402.46 17,804.72 As at 31" March 2025 47,146.50 19,249.00 66,395.50 111,207.18 Funds balances are: Core Funds / Cash held Designated Reserve £ 26,395.50 £ 40,000.00 Total £66,395.50 li-
ortin Carers and Families To ether S.C.A.F.T. tered Chari No: 1136245 External Examiners Re ri12024- March 2025 Introduction This report covers the audit check for the year 1 St April 2024 to 3181 March 2025 Accountin Procedures The Charity reports on a cash accounting basis using a manual book keeping system. Separate accounts are kept for income and expenditure and petty cash. My review showed that all the transactions were supported by the relevant paperwork and could be traced through the charities financial system and bank account. Books of Account l Final Accounts l examined the receipts and expenditufe ledgers for the year under review. All transactions had been properly recorded and broken down between specific headings with a clear audit trail available for examination. All ledgers had been properly totalled and reconciled to the figures recorded in the final accounts. The format of the accounts was on a receipt and payment basis using cash accounting. Financial Re ulations Financial records are kept in line wrth the financial regulations and all transactions are supported by invoices or other appropriate paperwork. Invoices had been paid promptly and were properly recorded and accounted for. Bank Reconciliation All bank statements had been checked and reconciled on a regular basis and reported. All transactions were well supported with relevant receipts and the invoices could be traced through the accounting records and the bank accounts. Where possible payments have been set up for regular bills via direct debits. Online banking (Fast Pay) is now used on a regular basis which reduces the number of cheques being issued and helps accounts being paid promptly.
enditure All accounts were paid within the suppliers stated terms and payments were correctly authorised and signed. I checked all of the invoices processed as part of my review. All invoices checked had been properly processed and authorised for payment and were correctly recorded in the ledgers. Salaries Salaries are paid on a monthly basis by BACS payment. These have been checked and reconciled to the audit trail and bank statements. Summa My examination of the ledgers and supporting documentation for "Supporting Carers and Families TogetheV' (S.C.A.F.T.> for the year April 2024 to March 2025 confirms that they are meeting the set requirements. As expected. the standard of record keeping is exlIent with all transactions being properly documented and accounted for in a professional manner in these most difficult times. Mr Roger Fagence Extemal Examiner 18th Juty 2025