CHEER -UP SQUAD ANNUAL REPORT 2024 WE KEEP SMILES IN FASHION Trustees Report and Financial Statements Registered Charity Number: 1139859
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| About Us | 3 |
|---|---|
| Services | 4 |
| Testimonials | 8 |
| Facts and Figures | 9 |
| Impact | 11 |
| Trustees Report and Financial Statements | 13 |
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ABOUT US
The Cheer-Up Squad, established 12 years ago by a group of parents with ill children, emerged from the challenging reality of caring for a sick child while balancing the needs of the entire family. Our founders realised the lack of support services for families in similar situations, which inspired them to create an initiative designed to bring comfort, joy, and hope to those facing illness. What began as a dream to provide entertainment to bedridden individuals has blossomed into a flourishing network of care that touches the lives of ill and disabled children, adults, and elderly individuals across London.
Our compassionate services help patients forget their grueling treatments, hospital routines, and medical appointments, creating an environment where laughter and joy take center stage. Our work reduces social isolation, combats anxiety and depression, and nurtures a sense of community. Our unwavering commitment is at the heart of our mission to make families smile and laugh again, even during the most difficult times.
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SERVICES
Driven by a mission to spread hope and joy, we offer a range of free and confidential services to brighten the lives of hospitalized and home-bound individuals and their families.
VISITS / CLOWN CARE
MAGICAL MOMENTS
Our enthusiastic team of selfless volunteers, magicians, jugglers, musicians, singers, scrapbooking, and arts and crafts volunteers spend hours visiting children, adults, and elderly people in need. We support anyone in need, whether recovering from an operation, suffering from a medical condition e.g. Crohn's and Colitis, or in hospital with a severe and long-term disease. Perhaps the most admirable aspect of our work is the thoughtful consideration and attention to detail displayed by our dedicated volunteers. Visits are carefully planned to suit the patient and situation. We can whip up a magic show, cheerful songs, funny skits, or puppet shows. Each visit is accompanied by a dazzling array of toys and games for the sick child. We leave a trail of laughter, hope, and warmth.
For adult patients, our crew can turn into a miniconcert featuring professional musicians, violinists, and popular singers. We play stirring tunes and sing uplifting words of hope and faith, thus lifting their spirits and speeding recovery.
Our Magical Moments project allows patients who can't make it to family weddings or gatherings to still take part in the festivities in real time. Instead of typical video calls, this service lets patients control the camera to zoom in and capture special moments from different angles—making it a much more personal and immersive experience.
BEDSIDE CREATIVES
We send packages with educational and entertainment content to kids in hospitals all over London. These packages include toys, games, and crafts for the little ones, and for the adults, more complex activities like knitting sets, jigsaw puzzles, and paint-by-number kits. They help fill those long, lonely hours spent in hospitals or on bed rest.
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TECH CONNECT
Our service that lets patients borrow iPads, laptops, and DVDs has become a lifeline for those looking for comfort and distraction during tough times. They can check out devices from our tech library to stay connected with the outside world, like video call family members, dive into entertainment, explore creative pursuits, or just pass the time with something fun while in the hospital. These devices help make things feel more normal and combat feelings of loneliness and boredom.
CHEER UP DAY
― The Cheer Up Day, is arranged for in advance, in conjunction with the providers of care, for the ― special needs children. Cheer Up Day, is anticipated with much excitement by all special needs children. It is the highlight of their year. Our volunteers pay meticulous attention to all details of the event.
Our Events Manager Alex Gluck coordinates the event and is an expert at delivering a highly successful fun ― packed day. The effect that Cheer Up Day, has on the special needs population is indescribable. ― As one teacher told us After Cheer Up Day, Dave – an uncommunicative autistic child, has become more responsive and has started to communicate with his peers. Our events help foster youth cohesion.
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FOOD DISTRIBUTION
We help families with food vouchers that they can use at local butcher shops or grocery stores. This takes some financial pressure off and allows parents to focus on their children's needs. Additionally, we have offered daily breakfasts to 100 children over 20 days, giving families a break from meal prep and ensuring kids begin their day with healthy, nutritious food.
Our volunteers also extend support by distributing sandwiches and snacks to patients during cheer-up visits, providing comfort and lifting spirits. This comprehensive approach addresses immediate hunger and builds a sense of community care, supporting families and individuals facing illness.
EXPANSION TO NORTH WEST LONDON
HEALTHCARE TEAM GIFTS
With the support of Awards For All funding, The Cheer-Up Squad expanded its reach by opening a new branch in Golders Green, Barnet. This grant helped us bring on a dedicated administrator to run our new office, ensuring we can deliver our services smoothly to people who are ill or disabled in the area. Having a local presence means families don't have to travel far, making it easier for those who need our support. Through partnerships with local health services, schools, and community centers, we raised awareness and engaged with potential beneficiaries. This expansion is a big step forward in our mission to bring care and support across London, building on our success in Hackney.
We also love to show appreciation for the healthcare workers who devote so much to caring for patients. Our volunteers bring ice cream, chocolates, and other treats to doctors, nurses, and hospital staff to acknowledge their hard work and relieve some of the stress of their demanding roles.
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OUR PATH FORWARD
The Cheer-Up Squad is committed to scaling its operations to meet the growing demand for its services. As part of our goals, we plan to refurbish our offices to create a more welcoming and functional space for our staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries. This refurbishment will include updating office furniture, enhancing accessibility features, and creating dedicated areas for volunteer training and resource distribution.
In addition, we aim to expand our inventory of toys, educational kits, and technological devices to better serve individuals in need. By increasing our stock, we can ensure every patient, regardless of age, receives high-quality resources to brighten their day and support their recovery.
Building on the success of our existing branches in London, we are excited to extend our services further to Manchester and Liverpool. These cities have significant populations of individuals facing chronic illness and disability, and we are eager to bring our unique brand of care and joy to these communities. We plan to recruit and train volunteers from these areas, partner with local hospitals and charities, and kick off awareness campaigns to reach those who will benefit the most. This expansion will help us spread joy and hope, making a lasting difference across the UK.
The Cheer-Up Squad will keep growing, bringing comfort and smiles to families wherever they are.
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TESTIMONIALS
"I can't thank you enough for the Cheer Up Day. My son's face lit up when the clowns arrived. He hasn't laughed like that in months. Truly incredible." – L.M.
"The volunteers at the hospital gave us a much-needed break. I was able to rest while my child enjoyed the crafts and toys. Thank you, Cheer Up Squad!" – N.G.
"The Cheer-Up Squad's visits truly show that laughter is the best medicine. I've seen how their interactions brighten patients' spirits and ease stress. It's a remarkable addition to the healing process." Dr. J.T, Homerton University Hospital
"Your guys are doing an excellent job. I can tell on patients when The Cheer-Up Squad visited— I notice that on those days they respond far better to treatment." -Dr. H Busch, a doctor at Royal London Hospital
"Thank you so much for the DVD's!!!! It was a major help!!! You can't even imagine!" -Anna
"I just want to say a big thank you to The CheerUp Squad. You literally revived Sammy he enjoyed your visit so much. You guys really made a difference to him and it was a very special evening!! Keep up your great work!" - B.S
Thanks for sending a group to my uncle. He was a different person after you left! Greatly appreciated!" -Josh
"Thanks for the books you sent, my son was busy with it the whole day and I finally had a bit of quiet time!" -Sara
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FACTS AND FIGURES
116 Volunteers 1,352 Patients visited in a year (approximately)
31 18,200 Hospitals visited DVDs given out
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FACTS AND FIGURES
92 families supported with food vouchers
100 children served with breakfast for 20 days
2 branches operating in Hackney and Barnet
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IMPACT
99% Reported reducedisolation Strengthening 96% resolve to fight disease
98%
Relieved from the boredom
90% Improvedcommunication 92% Increased socialinteraction
92%
95%
100%
99% 88%
100's
Improved physical and mental health wellbeing Creating positive mood Feeling supported by the community Success rate in preventing anxiety and depression
Prolonging the life of people
THE CHEER -UP SQUAD LIMITED TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024
THE CHEER-UP SQUAD LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee) Trustees, report and financial statements for the year ended 31 October 2024 13
THE CHEER-UP SQUAD LIIIqITED CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 OCTOBER 2024 Page Report of the Trustees Independent Examiner's Report Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet Notes to the Financial Statements 7t08 Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 14
THE CHEER-UP SQUAD LIMITED REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 OCTOBER 2024 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 October 2020. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recomrnended Practice (SORP) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities, issued in March 25. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Company number 07419511 (England and Wiiles) Registered Charity number I l39859 Registered office Office 3 107 Dunsmure Road London N16 5HT Trustees Abr¢iham Gluck David Breuer Moses Mandel Independent Examiner Balazs Nezmi FCCA JS&CO Accountants Ltd 26 Theydon Road London E5 9NA STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited cornpany, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006. Risk management The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Objectives and aims To provide relief and moral support to sick and ill people of all ages both in hospital and at horne and to persons in prisons. To uplift and raise their spirits and to improve their condition in particular (but not exclusively) by arranging visits to and entertainment for the sick, elderly and frail, weekend activities and holidays for sick and ill people together with persons caring for them and visits to persons in prisons. To give presents to unwell children. The advancement of such other objects as are charitable according to English law. Monies are raised through private donations and grants. Review of activities and achievements The trustees are pleased with results for the year. ON BEHALF OF OARD: Moses andel - Trustee 23rd April 2025 This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements Page 3 15
INDEPENDET EXAML INER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE CHEER-UP SQUAD LIMITED I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 October 2024 set out on pages five to eighi. Respective responslbllities of trustee5 and examiner The cbarity s tTuslees (w'ho are also the directors for tbe puOseS of company law) are responsible for the preparaiion of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under Section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011(the 2011 Act)) and Ihat an independent examination is required. Hai'ing satisfied myself that the Lharity Is not subjecl to audit under company la. and is eligible for indendent examination, it is my responsibility to: exarnine the accounts under Section 145 of the 2011 Act to follow the procedures laid domm in the Gcncral Directions givcn by the Charity Commission (under Section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act); and to state whether particular mattcrs have coine to my atlention. Basls of the independent exydminer's report My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presentrd with th0È4e records. It also includes consideralion of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounis, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequentl), no opinion is giN'en as to wheiher the accounts pie%ni a 'true and fair vieiv ' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statements below. Independent examiner's $tAtement In conncction ivith my examination. no rnatter has come to my attention: (1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that. in any material respecL the requi rements to keep accoiiiiiing records in accordance with Scction 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 21X)6; and to preparc 1ccLount>i which aLcord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of Sections 394 dnd 395 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the meihods and principles of the Accounting and Reporting by Chariiies: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accorddnce with the Financial Reporting Stsndard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective l January 2015) have not been met; or (2) to which. in my opinioffj attention should be drawn in order to enabl¢ a proper underslanding of the accoun15 to b¢ reached. Balazs Nezmi FCCA JS&CO Accountants Ltd 26 Theydon Road London E5 9NA 23rd April 2025 This page does not fom] part of the statutory financial statements Page 4 16
THE CHEER-UP SQUAD LIIIqITED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the year ending 3 l October 2024 Restricted Funds Unestricted Funds Notes Total 2024 2023 INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies Grants received 44,486 44,486 39,343 56,147 6,000 39,343 Total Incoming resources 44,486 39,343 83,829 62,147 EXPENDITURE ON Fundraising Expenditure on charitable activities 7.277 42,Il6 7,277 75,916 33,800 49,357 Total 33,800 49,393 83,193 49,357 NET INCOMEI(EXPENDITURE) 10,686 -10,050 636 12,790 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 28.194 28,194 15,404 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 10,686 18,144 28,830 28,194 The notes forn] part of the financial statements Page 5 17
THE CHEER-UP SQUAD LIMITED BALANCE SHEET 31-Oct-24 2024 2023 Notes FIXED ASSETS Fixtures & Fittings 1,601 2.231 CURRENTT ASSETS Cash at bank and in hand Other Debtors 8,232 26,259 34.491 22,956 11,855 34,811 CREDITORS: amounts falling due within one year -3,254 -1,040 Net Current asselsl(liabilities) 31,237 33,771 CREDITORS: Amounts falling due after more than one year -4.638 -7,178 NET ASSETS 28,194 FUNDS Restricted Funds Unrestricted Funds 10.686 18,144 28,194 TOTAL FUNDS 28.830 28,194 The Charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 October 2024. The trustees have not required the charitable company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 October 2024 in accordance with section 476 of Companies Act 2006. The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for a) ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that cornply with Section 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and b) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordan with the requirements of Section 394 and 395 and which othenvise comply with all the requirements of the Companies Act 2(M)6 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company. These financial staternents have bn prepared in accordance with the special provision of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2(X)6 relating to srnall charitable companies and with the Financial reporting Standard for smaller entities (effective April 2008) Approved by the board of Trustees on: 23 April 2025 And signed on their beh Moses Mandel - Trustee The notes forn] part of the financial statements Page 6 18
THE CHEER-UP SQUAD LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ending 31 October 2024 I 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 Reporling 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 l January 2019) 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. Income Incoming resources All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is entitled 10 the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. Expenditure Expenditure is accounted for on accurals basis and 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 Taxation The Charity is exempt from 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. Tangible fixed assets Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows: Office equipment - 25 /0 reducing balance 2 TRUSTEES REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS No trustee received remuneration, allowance for or reimbursement of expenses. EMPLOYEES Average number of employees, during the year was as follows: 4 (2023: 3) Page 7 19
THE CHEER-UP SQUAD LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ending 31 October 2024 3 FIXED ASSETS OlCe Equipment Totals COST: At l November 2023 Additions At 31 October 2024 21,860 21,860 23,235 23,235 DEPRECIATION: At l November 2023 Charge for year At 3 l October 2024 20,260 744 21,004 20,260 744 21,004 NET BOOK VALUE: At 3 l October 2024 At 31 October 2023 1,600 1,600 4 CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2024 2023 Other Creditors Accurals 2.254 900 3,254 260 780 1,040 5 CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER ONE YEAR 2024 2023 4.368 7.178 6 MOVEMENTS IN FUNDS At 1.11.23 Net movement in funds At 31.10.24 Restricted funds Grants l 0,686 10,686 Unrestricted funds General fund 28,194 -10,050 18,144 TOTAL FUNDS 28,194 636 28,830 Net movement in funds. included in the above are as follows: Incoming resources Resources expended Movement in funds Restricted funds Grants Unrestricted funds General fund TOTAL FUNDS 44,486 33,800 10,686 39,343 83,829 -10,050 636 83,193 Page 8 20
THE CHEER-UP SQUAD LIIIqITED DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the year ending 31 October 2024 Restricted Unrestricted Total 2024 2023 INCOMING RESOURCES Donations and legacies Grants received 39,343 39.343 44,486 56,147 6,000 44,486 Total incoming resources 44.486 39,343 82.829 62,147 RESOURCES EXPENDED Fundraising 7.277 7,277 Costs of charitable activities - by activity Admin and Project management Food, Gifts & Activities Toys and equipment Printing, Postage & Stationery Rent Telephone Advertising Wages Sundries Depreciation 5,900 7,758 115 11,000 6,054 16,9(K) 13,812 115 2,886 13,430 3,377 2.579 20,027 103 744 73,973 6,270 9,979 622 9,836 2,983 1,873 14,863 2,886 13,430 3,377 2.579 20,027 103 744 40,173 533 46,959 33,800 Governance costs Account<incy Professional fees Bank charges & Interest 900 738 305 1,943 900 738 305 1.943 780 1,282 3.36 2,398 Total resources expended 33,800 42,116 75,916 49,357 NET INCOME FOR THE YEAR 10,686 -10,050 636 12,790 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS NET INCOME FOR YEAR 10.686 -10.050 636 12,790 Total Funds Brought Forward Total Funds Carried Forward 28,194 18,144 28,194 28,830 15,404 28,194 10,686 This page does not form part of the financial statement Page 9 21