Charity registratlon number 1145377 {England and Wales) Company reglstration number 07804583 WOMEN'S COUNSELLING AND THERAPY SERVICE LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
WOMEN'S COUNSELLING AND THERAPY SERVICE LIMITED LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Trustees Sarah Lucas Cecil Rowe (Appointed 19 May 2025) (Appointed 16 September 20241 {Appoinled 20 January 20251 Ayesha Begum Ann Walker Netalie Shloim {Appointed 15 July 20241 Secretary Ayesha Begum Senlor management Andrea Campbell Freya Hirst Mags Shevlin Nina Bullerworth Gemma Ridge Clinical Lead Operations Manager Services Manager Service Manager Service Manager Charlty number 1145377 Company number 07804583 R&gistered offlce 43 Park Square North Leeds Wesl Yorkshire England LS12NP Auditor BK Plus Audit Limited 52 St Johns Lane Halifax West Yorkshire England HX12BW Bankers National Weslminsler Bank plc Weslgale Branch 31 Westgale Leeds LS12RF
WOMEN'S COUNSELLING AND THERAPY SERVICE LIMITED CONTENTS Page Trustees, report Slalemenl of trustees, responsibilities 13 Independent auditols report 14-17 Statement of financial activities 18 Balance sheet 19 Statement of cash flows 20 Notes lo the financial slatemenls
WOMEN'S COUNSELLING AND THERAPY SERVICE LIMITED TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Trustee5' Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 Chair's Report- WCTS Annual Statement 2024-2025 l am delighted to present this year's Chair's Report. reftecling on a Iransformalive and purposelul year for WCTS. Over the course of 2024-2025, we finalised our new slralegic direction. anchored by three core goals.. Reaching women and girls who need support the most Building more holislic support through collaboration Growing stronger and more sustainable as an organisalion Alongside thls, we refreshed our organisational values lo better reflect who we are and what we sland for.. Empowering - We support women and girls to lake control of their futures. Strong and Klnd - We balance resilience with compassion, enabling he81ing and growth. Incluslve- We fosl8r a community where every voice is heard and everyone has the opportunity lo Ihrive. We continue lo explore what it means to be a women's service - open lo all who identity as such - In a society where the traditional binary categories of gender are expanding lo reflect more of the reality of iThJividual lives. W8 will continue lo explore how to sustain a seNice that feels safe for females who have experienced gender-based violence and expand this sense of safely lo more people who have experienced violence and discrlrmination around issues of sex and gender in the regions we work in. To 8nsure long-lerm organisalional sustainability. we enlered discussions wilh Inspire North this year. We anliclp21e becoming a member af Inspire North by autumn 2025, a partnership that will strenglhen our ability lo reach women and girls who need support the most. Looking ahead, l am excited about the organisalion's potential and the opportunities Ihal lie before us. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone employees, volunteers, partners. and supporlers who have worked tirelessly to make a posilive difference in the lives of our beneficiaries. Wliile the economic and political climale continues to pose challenges, I remain confident. As society increasingly embraces counselling and therapy as vital tools for menlal wellbeing, we will continue to focus on Ihose excluded from mainstream services, Our work wilh the Leeds Women and Girls Alliance will remain central, as we strive to maximise the impact of city-wide strategies and respond lo einerging opportunilies. Thank you for being part of this journey. Jackle Whittle WCTS Board Chair October 2025
WOMEN'S COUNSELLING AND THERAPY SERVICE LIMITED TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Objectives and activities Our objectives are to: Provide advice and guidance, counselling and psycholherapeutic seNices including self-help support for women and girls of all ages (and their families where necessary), living in Yorkshire 2nd Humberside, who are suffering from psychologicallmenlal health problems Advance the educalion of the public and of psycholherapisls and mental health workers in pariiGular, in the causes, effects. tre31menl and redLJclion of psychologicallmental heallh problems in women and girls. We operate mainly In the Leeds area, and particularly in areas suffering from economic deprivation working with women and girls experiencing multiple disadvanlages. Ullimalèly, our aims are to support marginallsed and vulnerable women recov8r from the impacts of negative life experiences and improve their life chances by: reducing their levels of psychological dislresslmental health problems; improving their levels of self-esleem and confidence., increasing Iheir resilience., 6mpowering them with skills for dealing with problems or tackling difficull situations and relationships. H81plng women achieve these goals takes lime. and we do il by providing access lo trauma specialised long-lerm i.e. up lo two years, psychotherapeutic services Ihal are. woman cenlred and increasSngly intersectional speGific'. that is, services that take account of both gender and wider power structures in so(:iely, and the pDlent181 impact of severe andlor long-18rm adversity on development, capacity to form and sustain healthy relationships and resili8nce. Crucially, we provide a service Ihal lolerales disrupted engagement, which is essenllal where issues of trust are crillcal, and where women are carers for children and or elders. We adapt lo the needs of individuals too, by using tex15 and phone calls lo secure therapeutic work, when neGessary, by deliverlng therapy al the b8neficiaries' preferred pa, and by providing praclilioners from Ihe same or differ6nt cultur81 identity, and wlth the same Inolher tongue. Where appropriate specialised seNices for our beneficiary target group aren't generally available, we aim to develop and pilot them. These include outreach services lo reach particularly marginalised and isolated women and extending otjr age range lo include 16- and 17-year-olds (supporled by funding from BBC Children in Need and the Pilgrim Trusll. Supporled by Comic Relief we continued lo reach women aged 50+ al risk of violence and a core grant from the Ministry of Justice helped us increase capaclly lo work wilh survivorslvictims of sexual harassment, abuse and violence as adults and or in childhood. We continue to see how important Ihe SeNice is. With Ihe stark disproportionate impact of the paThgemic on women and girls lincluding increases in gender-b3sed violence) and parliculaTly on those from diverse communities, services which recognise these intersectional impacts and offer specialised holistic support are essential, NOL surprisingly, in the face of growing demand and rising operalional costs, and despite the commilmenl and generosity ol partners, our funding limits those we can help. For example, our general counselling and tlierapy service can only WOTk with around 85 women al any time. Demand for our services continues to rise, as rapidly as the previous year and the wailing list for our open access service was closed for more than three quarlers of the year. A Leeds stalutory seNice offering support lo Ihose with Moderate needs is currently holding a w31ting list of over 1000 people. The harsh reality is that within our current budgels we can only help a few of the maiiy women who need and seek support. As parl of our efforts lo deliver the besl Possible service, we review our objectives and activities annually with ex- seNice users, staff and at Board level. These reviews look at the benefits we provide to women, and whore we might achieve more. We refer to, and comply with. guidance from the Cliarily Commission on public benefit in these reviews, and whenever we plan fLilure work. This yeai. we continued lo hosl the Ifisible project {www.visibleproject.org.uk) funded by Leeds NHS CCG. Vlsible accelerates citywide systeni changes in organisational seNices' responses to those with histories of sexual abuse I violence in childhood.
WOMEN'S COUNSELLING AND THERAPY SERVICE LIMITED TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Public b8nefit The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charily Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake. Structure, Governance and Management WCTS has operated conlinuously since 1982, initially as an Industrial and Provident Society wilh charitable objectives, and then as a charitable company limited by guarantee from 2011. WCTS is governed by arliclas of 8ssociation. The Board usually comprises between eight and Iwelve Irustees, recruiting by open advertising, personal recommendation and direct approach, depending on the required expertise or skills. One third of trustees retires each Annual General Meeting and are welcome to sland for re-election. Officers in post during the year were Ihe Chair and deputy, Treasurer and deputy. The CEO acts as the Company Secretary. Potential Iruslees attend an initial inlroduclory meeting wilh Ihe Chair and two Board meetings as a guest. New Irusloes receive an induction pack, which includes Charily Commisslon guidance 'The Essenlial Trustee, and are invSled lo allend an induolion session with the Chair and Chief Executive. This session covers areas like legal responsibillty,. the Articles,. services,. and finances. Board responsibilities are reviewed annually. An expérienced Board member mentors and works with each new Board member for up to a year, while a system of formal annual Board appralsals is und8rtaken biannually. The Board mel elghl times in the year and receives regular reports from the Chief ExecutSve, covering financial performance and other key performance indicators such as clinical servlce I therapy outcomes, complalnls, and staff wellbeing. A scheme of delegation (reviewed annually) is also in place, and day-to-day responsibility for the provision of servSces rests with the Chief Executive, supported by Ihe Clinical Lead. The Chief Executive is responslble for ensuring WCTS delivers the services specified, and Ihat key performance indicalois are mel. The Clinical Lead has responsibility for the framework of clinical services. The Iwo management teams meet forinighlly and comprise the Chief Executive, Clinical Lead and Operations Manager, and Ihe Operalions Manager, Services Managers and the Services Support Manager. We regularly review our employee remuneration and reward packages lo make sure we always atlracl and retain Ilie besl possibl& staff for our work. WCTS is guided by local, regional and nalional policy and strategy, and informed by inpul and feedback from service users.
WOMEN'S COUNSELLING AND THERAPY SERVICE LIMITED TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Achievements and performance Summary Women who use Ihe SerVi- profile and demographics Women's Outcomes- CORE Outcome Measures, qualilative evaluation. beneficiary feedback What the SeNice offers Summary: Withoul this seNice Ihere would be no sutyival. FACT My r818tionship with my Gounsellor was like finally finding a friend that knew me. I was always excited about seeing her. hler words often balanced my pain and altered my train of thought This year was a good year for the Charity continuing lo reach slgnificant numbers of women and girls and regain stability after the impacts of the pandemic on the UK workforc8. We worked with 418 women and young women in the year. a 6./0 reduction from previous year- due lo the loss of some funding, Of these, 95Q/o presented with clinical mental health problems.. three quarters In the Moderate, Moderately Severe and Severe groupings. Over 800k of mental health problems I concerns have lasted over 12 months, recurrlng or continuous. These levels of psychological distress are profoundly debllitating affecting all areas of life. We continue to s88 significant proportion of women with experien of sexual vSolence. A fifth of the women we work with are from Black, Asian, minoritised communities a slighl decrease from the previous year. This is due lo reduction of funding thal supports the additional costs of working in the communlly as well as our central premises {one bus ride away from anywhere in Leeds). The length of support women engaged with, and their excellent mental health oulcomes were maintained. Seven in len showing clinical andlor reliable improvement i.e. significant recovery. Improvements across PsyGhological Domains average three (of four) clinical levels which is excellenl pariicularly for Ihis beneficiary group. Risk (of suicide or harm lo selll reduced Irom clinical levels lo non-clinical levels. Feedback from women on the impacts of counselling is also excellent. With 990/0 of beneficiaries feeling they understand themselve5 beller, 840/D agreeing Ihey tackle difficull situalions better and 81°/o saying their relalionships have improved and they cope beller with their feelings. She was empalhelic, palient. She also challenges some of Ihinking which was helpful. During the year we continue to offer the open access service. specialised services for pregnanl women and new mothers, counselling for 16-25-year-olds and for Ihose affecled by Covid. Our service offering counselling supporting NHS T8lking Therapies Slep 3 work in the city continued. We worked hard lo lry and establish olfering therapy from key venues in 'deprived' Leeds, alongside our city centre premises. Whilst, as a deeply relational services, we operate in Ihe main face lo face we do offer limited remote sessions lo support accessSbS1ity. We were very fortunate to be chose as Leeds Lord Mayor Charity of the Year from May 2024. Cllr Al Garthwaite a tireless activist for women and girls, and for communilies leil the fundraising efforts whlch resulted in over £64,350 being raised in Ihe yaar. The women we help: proflle and demographic5 Almost all of women and girls we support have men131 heallh problems in the 'clinical population,. Before Iherapy, the average clinical score of the women we help is stable at 21 {20?4'. 19 2023.. 21. 2022-. 20,1 equaliiig to Moderately Severe mental heallh problems. Over 500/0 of women have needs normally only addressed in secondaiy seNices, bul tlie women who use our Service can find il hard to access. engage willi or recover within more mainstream services because of their complex needs and particularly a5 a consequence ol gender-based violence experiences, and l or are excluded from Ihem by limited accessibilily.
WOMEN'S COUNSELLING AND THERAPY SERVICE LIMITED TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 The women we help continue lo have an average of six problemslconcerns al assessment with over 800/0 lasting for al least 12 months and recurring or continuous. Most commonly-. anxiely I stress and depression (100'/01, self- esteem (80+ /ol, interpersonal problems (70+°A}. Iraumalabuse (90+°Al. Of these problems almost all (80+ % ) of each is in the Moder8tely Severe band. Worryingly, all these problern5 appear to be far more prevalenl than in Ihe 2011 Primary Care nation81 database, and levels of traumalabuse at assessment remain over three times higher Ihan Ihe n2tional average. Monitoring of beneficlaries accesslng the service show excellent reach into target beneflciary populatlons: 280/0 of beneficiaries are from poslcode areas LS7, LS9, LS10. LS14 and LS15 ranked in the lowest 30/0 of wards in England in the multiple deprivation index. A further 16°/. from LS8, LS11 and LS12, ranked wilhin the lowest 10 % and having the highest rates of suicide within the city. Overall, more Ihan half of benefiGiaries live In Leeds's most deprived areas. 19D/o of beneficiarles are from BME communities 160A of beneficiaries who define Ihelr status consider Ihemselves lo have a dlsability and 11 % of those who disclose their sexuality define as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. The age range of women accessing the seNice is relatively stable wilh 150/0 aged 1&25 and 24 % over 45 years old, 40/0 over 65. Of those who name a religious affillation 180/0 are Muslim. How women describe their goals at the start of counselling Include: Addressing s8lf-harm as 8 coping mechanism for big emolions. Managing coping strategies re calaslmphizing wilh birth and having Ihe new baby To be able to make and maii?18iii heallhy relalionships or at18asl have a heallhy perspeGlive on what Trlalionships should look like Boing more certain of my own wants, needs and values. Slabilisalion of symploms.- flashbacks, panic. i)ighlmar6s, hypeig11a#JCe, anxiety Manage dislress and anxiely belter so thal I can leave the house To nol hav8 lo live wilh anxiely every day Ihings wilhout already l?aving an oulcome in place I found the gmunding lechniques helpful and now don É worry as much. I'm also more refleclive and pres8nl. Changes in psychologlcal Domains are: Commonly Experienced Problems: 26 (Severe) reducing lo 14 (Mild) Wellbeing issues.. 28 (Severe) reducing lo 13 (Mild) Lifelsocial Funclioning.. 20 (Moderalely Severe) reducing lo 18 (Moderate) Risk.. 4 (clinical population) reducing lo O Inon-clinical population) Crucially, and equally positively, this recovery is also sustained. In 2012. we won an award from the Brilish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy for condLtcting research which revealed that 60D/o of participating beneficiaries were still experiencing reliable and significant cliange four years after their therapy. The longevily of these recoveries isn't just excellent for thè individual servica user herself.. it also reduces their need for future iiileNenlions, which in turn frees up our seNices for olher women. Women altended for an average of 13 sessions with average of seven months contact wilh the SeNice reduced from 21, due to the new NHS Talking Therapies Slep 3 waiting list support work with a maximum of 16 session offered. 74O/Tr of all sessions wei-e attended -excellent for the client group with their range of wider responsibilitias and dependencies.
WOMEN'S COUNSELLING AND THERAPY SERVICE LIMITED TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Analysis of Beneficiary feedback forms in March 2025 shows that 100QA agreed or slrongly agreed with the slalemenls '1 felt understood by my counsellor, and .1 lell able lo work with my counsellor,. Within 'Helpfulness of counselling, g9 % of beneficiaries agreed or strongly agreed with Ihe statement '1 feel l understand myself beller. and 900/. '1 cope betler wilh my feelings.. 89% thal they tackle difficull 51tualions better,. 90Q/o that they had made changes In how they dealt with their problem5, and 81°/D said thair relationships have improved and the feel they have become a more effeclive parent. Feedback around convenience and accessibility remained strong.. 89°/o of beneficiaries found the venue convenient and accessible,. felt that they were offered an appointment wilhin a reasonable length of lime.. Ihal Ihey were offered appointments at convenient limes,. and found the wrillen information helpful. Some of the feedback from beneficlarles In 2024-25 Therapy has been very helpful and (Counsellor) has been understanding. I have been supported Ihrough my pain... I have 8 belter oullook on life and don I hava lo worry as muGh. More mindful of maybe how my actions could be perceived, and not doing everylhing, asking for help. Looking al things from objeGlive view or from olhers, experience. Being more forgiving of myself and slress l am under e.g. understandable th8t I h8d a chunk ol tim8 off posl hospilal slay. It has been life changing having this SPaGe and support. EMDR has changed my memory lo b8 18ss distressing and I'm so grateful. Wé held two annual ex-beneficiary feedback evenls this year- one in person and one onlSne. We a keen to hear about women's whole experience, the good and not so good. We find that there are many benefits lo ts)is plece of work, bul the main ones aTe that in asking for Iheir views we are making ourselves easier to reach and that, then, we become enriched by both receiving and actSng on Iheir feedback. This links back to one of our main values, Ihal of empowerment, by seeking feedback we hope Ihal bolh Ihe clients and the seNice become empowered through this relational work. Women told us.. y counsellor was Iov81y, patient and knowledgeable in her field Seeing same person each lime and being in same mom w8s positive I fell s88n, heard, and underslood 11 helped me work oul my Ihoughts I fell supporled and cared abouf We continued to work with around 12 exlern81 clinical supervisors during the year. These experienced women offer additional thinking and warmth to our work. Helping us lo 'see' ihe women we work with more clearly particularly through the strong dynamic women bring into the work as a result of mulliple traumalic experiences. One ex-service user served on the Board of Truslees during the year offering a unique perspective from thelr experiences. What the Service offers WCTS has saved my life It was life cl?anging for me A women-only seNice keeps it safe. 11 wouldn't reel safe if it was mixed WCTS offers uniqu81y safe, confidential and culturally sènsitive spaces where women can spea1< openly and fully about their experiences, feelings and thoughts. Crucially. we're providing something women and girls usually can't access In any othér area of their lives. In a society whei'e we are understanding more about the prevalence, insidiousness and inipacts of for example racism. misogyny and mulli-generalional poverty, this is vital to menlal health. I lilced the building. everyone was kind. I felt he8rd and accepted.
WOMEN'S COUNSELLING AND THERAPY SERVICE LIMITED TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 The naluie of working long term with trauma and the energies (powerful emotions, confused and confusing Ihoughls, strong oflen negative mind sets and self-beliefs, elc} can best be seen and 'held' in person. As the profession learns about the impacls of remote work in non-pandemic context, we believe it is safer for our client groups and staff lo work face to face. Our support enables women to express and resolve painful experiences. which in turn changes Iheir often-complex altitude towards Ihemselves and olhefs. This vilal opportunity reduces psychological dislress and mental health problems, and it also increases women's resilience to everyday ups and downs as well as more challenging life events. OLtr services are 'lrauma specialised,, which means they lake account of Ihe potential impact of severe andlor long- term adversity on development, resilience, and the capacity lo form relationships. They also address Ihe frequent mislabelling of people with histories of trauma as 'uncooperative, hard lo engage, non.complianl or treatment resislant, needy or aggressive,. Therapy has helped me (and is continuing to) be kind to myself, undersland Ihaff Ihe way I perceive/reaci fo a situalion could have been the resulf of a pasl experience, reflect on it. acknowledge and address it, It has hugely Improved my ¢oleranc8 of myself 8nd olhers. Essential casework support around wlder h881th and social needs enables access to and engagement with counselling, enabling women to use Ihe specialised Iherapy we offer to maximum benefit- it means they gel 'added value. from Ihelr contact with us which h8s become even more important with Ihe disproportionate severe Impacts of cost of living on women. Working hollslically with women facing on average six identified long-lerm problems mean working with significant complexlty. Whi181 counselling works primarily wilh ways of Ihinking, feeling and behavlng as 'processes' there is always 'conlenl' lo Ihe work i.e. the social, health and interpersonal needs women are living with sUltIn9 from their experiences and histories. Working at one level on Ihe 'whal gels in Ihe way (internally or exlernallyl, in relation lo this issue that is causing you difficulty in your life, counselling is always focused on supporting women live more of the lives they want I desire and so is inlrinsically praclical. Aiming lo support women towards the 'new skills, confidence, independence, security andlor agency,. Identifying goals al the beginning of work together and checking in with Ihese regularly 'Are we talking about tt)e things that maller mosl lo you?, focuses Ihe work on the changes Ihal are most important lo each individual woman. Our approach Is all about responsiveness to individual need and flexibilily in unders18nding individual circumstances. Within a clear psycholherapeulic framework, guided by the BACP'S Ethical Framework for Counselling Professioiis, our focus is on the relationship belween beneficiary and therapist, or on relationships with olher group members. Il's in the conlexl of these safe, underslanding and thoughtfully challenging relationships that real and lasling change lakes place. WCTS employs a wide range of highly skilled counsellorslpsycholherapists, offering counselling in four community languages and from different Iherapeulic modalilies, including psychodynamic, humanistic, analytic, geslall, person ceiilred, and the creative arts therapies. Every modality acknowledges jusl how imporlanl establishing a sense of safely and trust is before the relationship belween client and Iherapisl can foster exploration, learning and change. Caseworkers sit alongside Counsellors to enstsre the SeNice is as accessible as possible. Our receplionisls play a vital rola in making the seNice welcoming and accessib5e to dislressed vulnerable women. I feel be(ler than I did befoi-e I started ther8py, with being c81mer and thinking aboul the fulure wilh more hopè. Managing anger better. Looking at more stratogiès to manage anger and feeli17gs be1161-. Understandably, women continue to highlight the importance of confidentiality in their feedback: their need to trust someone enough to speak openly, and the profound impact of leeling supporied and understood. They talk aboLII feeling welcomed and aGGepted al WCTS: about their relief al having someone they can I'egularly expiess Iheli. ofl&n troubled or troubling thoughts and feelings with.
WOMEN'S COUNSELLING AND THERAPY SERVICE LIMITED TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) {CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Importantly, providing a longer-lerm therapeutic relationship helps therapy progress at a pace Ih81 women with complex trauma histories can manage. Il's significant Ihat many women only gradually feel stable and trusting anough lo begin talking in intimate detail about formative life events. and that's one of the key benefits of long-lerm therapy like ours. They identify and explore the ongoing impact of these experiences, and, over lime, this enables them lo make both small and huge changes in Iheir understandings of themselves and their behaviours. In turn, this helps them begin to make choices that conlribute to improving their lives and those of their children, families and communities. Our service is unique in Leeds for its special mix of accessibility and long-term support. It's free, delivered in venues women can reach easily and feel safe in, and personalised lo their unique needs, even with some travel, inlerpreter and childcare support where necessary. Il's also long term, with counselling or psychotherapy lasting up to two years 2nd delivered by fully qualified, accredited and experienced female staff. Both individual and group psychotherapy is offered, and some women complete a period of focused individual work before moving into group work lo deepen their explorations of relalionship with others. We offer 8-week psychoeducational courses loo, designed lo help women reflect upon their currenl difficullies. develop skills and slrategies for managing Iheir emotional wellbeing, and build their resilience to life's ups and downs. l understand mys81f and other peop18 8 bit bell8r, &speGialty my family. I can recover quicker from my low days, and I'm mor8 open lo speaking lo friends and my boyfriend when I feel upset. I need to Continue lo pr8Ctice the lechniques th81 help me deal with feelings of anxiety + 81so h8ve a journey to continue on regarding gri8f itself. We offer an open access service for women in the beneficiary group. It's funded by Leeds Clty Council Adulls and H@allh, the Bromley Trust, and Lealhersellers Company Charitable Fund. All women accessing this service are unable lo access other seiceS lo meet their needs. They're not able to pay for COLJnselling, they need a female Iherapisl, and they're only able to feel safe enough to speak of their experiences often years or decades of neglect, sexual or domestic abuse andlor violence - in a women's service. WCTS is a service Ihal recognises their slrenglhs, is compassionate aboul their challenges, and that supports them in Iheir desire and efforts lo make changes.. logelher we celebrate them and their achievemenls, large and small. We've successfully helped women deal with the consequences of fraclured families, domestlc abuse, children with challenging behavioufs, Iraumalic labours and births, bereavem6nt, and overMIng the negative impacts of aspects of their own childhoods, including multigenerational poverty. Our perinatal work conlinues to see very positive resulls within Ihe NHS Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service (LMWS) and capacily was increased during the year. A partnership of seven local organisations which supports a joined-up experience for service users. We also delivered Slep 3 Talking Therapies work lo help bring down the wailing list wliich had climbed to over 4000 during the pandemi¢. This new element of our work is producing excellenl outcomes with women allending the service. We also continued working wth 16- and 17-year-olds, funded by BBC Children in Need within the 16-25-year-old specialism provided by the Service. We offer an elaslic engagement for young women recognising that shorter contracts of six to iwelve sessions with the opportuniiy lo return several times supports engagement and a long- term nurturing connection with Ihe service.
WOMEN'S COUNSELLING AND THERAPY SERVICE LIMITED TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Wider work We are delighted lo continue hosling the Visible project funded by the West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board commilling further funding into 2026. Visible is a pioneering city-wide initiative lo improve setvices wilh, and for, adult sutwivors of child sexual abuse. Visible carries oul Ihis work in close partnership with Leeds Involving People, 2nd Ihere's more information al Visible - im rovin wellbein outcomes wi adull surviv of sexual abuse. We play a part in the slrengthened and Go-ordinated approach to mental health service provision for the women of Leeds through our involvement in key cily-wide forums like Forum Central (the Leeds voluntary sector ment81 health forum), the NHS Perinatal Menlal Health Group and the Leeds Stralegic Mental Health Partnership. Our CEO acts as Third SeGlor Advocale on sexual violence seNices lo Ihe West Yorkshire Mayor's Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Advisory from their experiènces. Board and is Depuly Chalr of the Leeds Psychology Board. During the year she 81so became a Governor al Leeds and York Partnership Foundation Trust Flnanclal review WTCS works hard lo malntaln and fLFrther diversify ils funding base, operaling a diverse range of fundSng streams. Careful financial management means we're increaslngly able to respond flexibly in relation to emerging needs and opportunities - vital in such 8 complex and volalile operating environment. Incoming resources for the period from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 were £1,212,15612024'. £972,344) and expendilure of £1,181308 {2024- £1,021,396}. Nel movement of funds Is a surplu5 of £30,848 {2024'. defiGII of £49,052). The reserves carrled foNard are £257,042 (2024.. £226,194) Prlncipal fundlng sources The largest slngle ftsnding stream is a contract with Leeds Communlty Healthcare (for LMWSI of £480,539 (2024 215,0331 of income. Other conlribulions are from NHS CCGS which lolal- £317,527 (2024. £292,174) and from charitable Irusls and foundations; £409.599 (2024: 461,331) ReseNes policy The Iruslees continued lo monitor progress against the reseNes policy (i.e. that free reserves held by the charily should equate lo 25-50°/o of agreed budgeled expenditure for the subsequent financial yearl. expènditure for 2025126 is £978,565 Budgeted The reseNes target is £244,641 to £489,282 The reseNes are needed lo meet the working needs of Ihe charily in the event of a significanl drop In funding, lo maintain provision for redundancy and legal cosls or other untoward events. At presenl the free reserves amount lo £245,377 {2024.' £226,194) just over Ihe lower limit of target. The Board is continuing to Ik al ways to build the reserves and has also considered contingency plans in the event ol a significanl reduction in finances in the shoit lerm.
WOMEN'S COUNSELLING AND THERAPY SERVICE LIMITED TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Plans for future periods Our three Strategic Goals will be measured by Reaching women and girls who need support the most Increasing access to long term support by al le8St 10 % annually Prioritising prevention and early inlervenlion re establishing our fasl access 1 4 session work by 2027 Raising awareness and publishing self-help mental health resources at least one every year from 2025 Bulldlng rnore holistic support by working with others Addressirig wider health and social impacls on mental health Doubling our casework capacity by 2026 Increasing our innovative oulreach communily partnerships By at least one more each year Growing stronger and more sustalnable Expanding and diversifying our funding base Doubling funding from trusts and foundalions by 2028 SecurSng and relaining the best people- ensuring their wellbeing at work Undertaking a full review of beneflls, terms and conditions in 2025 Pilotlng services for unmel needs; inlluencing commissloning Starting at least two subslanlive pilots in 2026 Our updated Values: Empowerlng We provide support lo help women and girls recognise their inner strenglhs, build self-confidence, and cullivale resilience. By encouraginq them lo make informed decisions rooled in their own values and aspirations, we empower them lo lake control of Iheir futures. Strong and Kind We co.create a safe space where women can confront challenges wilh courage while feeling supported and valued. A balance of slrengih and compassion enables Ihem lo heal and grow. Inclusive We work to ensures Ihal everyone feels welcomed and respecled. By valuing diversity, we create a supportive community where all voices are heard and everyone has Ihe opportunity to thrive. I have inore strategles for my anxieiy and have more confldence In bulldlng connections to hopefully create my 'village'. 10-
WOMEN'S COUNSELLING AND THERAPY SERVICE LIMITED TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED} FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 structure, governance and management The trustees, who are also the direclors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were.. Jules Blackw811 Andrea Bucknor Sarah Dempsey Molly Rushworth Sarah Lucas Cecil Rowe Ayesha Begum Ann Walker Nelalie Shloim Jacqueline Whillle (Chair) (Resigned 15 July 2024) (Resigned 1 August 2024) (Resigned 20 January 2025} (Resigned 16 September 20241 (Appointed 19 May 2025) (Appointed 16 September 2024) (Appointed 20 January 2025) (Appointed 15 July 20241 Potential trustees allend an initial inlroduclory meeting wilh the Chair and two Board meetings as a guest. New Irustees receive an induction pack, which includes Charily Commission guidance 'The Essential Trustee, and are invited to 2tlend 8n induction session with the Chair and Chief Executive. This se5slon covers areas like legal responslbillty,. the Articles,. services,. and finances. Board responsiblli1185 are reviewed annu8lly. An experienced Board member mentors and works with each new Board member for up lo a year, whi18 a system of formal annual Board appraisals is undertaken biannually. The Board met six limes in the year and receives regular reports from Ihe Chief Executive, covering financial P8rform8nc8 and olher key performance indicalors such as clinical s8Ni¢e I Iherapy outcomes, complaints, and staff wellbeing. A scheme of delegatlon (reviewed annually) is also in place, and day-lo-day responsibility for Ihe provision of seNices rests with the Chief Executive, supported by the Clinical Lead. The Chief Executive is responsible for ensuring WCTS delivers the services specified, and that key performance indicalors are mel. Tha Clinlcal Lead has responsibility for Ihe framework of clinical services. Th8 managemenl teams meet fortnightly and comprise Ihe Chief Executive, Clinical Lead and SeNices Managers. We regularly revlew our employee remuneration and reward packages to make sure w8 always atlracl and relain the best possibl8 staff for our work. WCTS is guided by local, regional and national policy and strategy, and informed by inpul and feedback from service users. Risk Management The Irustees have reviewed the major risks lo the charily, ,'Ihe risk register is updated as risk5 change and al least annually. Appropriate risk miligalion strategies are in place, and areas sucli as heallh & safely, safeguarding and finance are standing items on Board agendas. Included in ils current policies, WCTS has a serious incident policy, a beneficiary confidenlialily policy, and child and adult safeguarding policies. The Iruslees consider Ihe Chief Executive, the Clinical L8ad, and the Operations Manager as kay management P6rsonnel, in charge of directing and conlrolling Ihe charity, and running and operating Ilie charity on a day-lo-day basis. The pay of the charily's key managemenl slaff is reviewed annually and may be increased in accordance willi national indicalors like inflation or average earnings wliere financially possible and prudent. Remuneration is also benchmarked periodically with charities of a similar size and aclivily to ensure Iliat il's fair and in line with that generally paid for similar roles. 11
WOMEN'S COUNSELLING AND THERAPY SERVICE LIMITED TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Auditor In accordance with the company's articles, a resolulion proposing thal BK Plus Limiled be reappoinled as auditor of Ihe company will be put at a General Meeting. Disclosure of Information to auditor Each of the trustees has confirmed that there is no information of which they are aware which is relevanl lo the audit, but of which the auditor is unaware. They have further confirmed that they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relev2nt information and to establish that Ihe auditor is aware of such information. The Iruslees, report was approved by Ihe Board of Truslees. Jack£& UJhittl& Ayesha B8gum Trustee Jacqueline Whiltle (Chairl Trustee 1011212025 Date.. 12-
WOMEN'S COUNSELLING AND THERAPY SERVICE LIMITED STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES. RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 The trustees, who are also the directors of Women's Counselling and Therapy SeNice Limited for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Truslees, Report and the tinancial slalemenls in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounling Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice}. Company law requires the Iruslees lo prepare financial stalemenls for each financial yèar which give a true and fair view of the stale of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expendilure, of the charitable company for that year. I n preparing these financial slalements, the Iruslees are required lo.. select suitable accounling policies and Ihen apply them ¢onsislently,' obseN6 the methods and principles in the Charities SORP. make judgements and eslimales that are reasonable and prudent.. slate whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed. subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial slalemenls., and prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless il is inappropriate to presume Ihal the charity will conlinue in operation. The Iruslees are responsible for k86ping adeqLsale accounting records that disclose wilh reasonab16 accuracy at any lime the financial position of the charity and enable them lo ensure that Ihe financial slalements comply with the Companies Act 200S. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevenlion and detection of fraud and other irregularilies. 13-
WOMEN'S COUNSELLING AND THERAPY SERVICE LIMITED INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF WOMEN'S COUNSELLING AND THERAPY SERVICE LIMITED Opinion We have audited the financial statements of Women's Counselling and Therapy Service Limited (the 'charity') for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the slatemenl of financial aclivilies, the balanGe sheet, the statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including 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 Slandard 102 The Financial Reporting Slandard applicable in Ihe UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Praclicel. In our opinion, the financial statements: give a true and fair view of the slate of Ihe charitable company's affairs as al 31 March 2025 and of its incoming resource5 and application of resources. including ils in¢ome and expenditure, for the year then ended., have been properly prepared in accordance with Uniled Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practic£,' and have been prepared in accordance with th8 requiremenls of the Companies Act 2006. Basis for oplnion We conducted our audit in accordan¢e wilh Internalional Slandards on Auditing (UK) {ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under thos& standards are further described in the Audilorfs responsibililies for the audil ol Ihe linancial statom8nls section of our report. We are independenl of the charity in accordance wilh the ethical requirements that are relevant lo our audit of the financial stalemenls in the UK, including the FRC'5 Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibililies in accordance wilh these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate lo provide a basis for our opinion. Conclusions relating to going concern In 8udiling the financia5 slalemenls, we have concluded Ihal the trustees, use of the going concem basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriale. Based on the work we have performed, we have nol idenlified any malerial uncertainties relaling to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may casl significant doubl on the charily's abilily lo continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial slalemenls are authorised for issue. Our responsibilities and the responsibililies of the Iruslees with respecl lo going concern are described in the relevant sections of Ihis report. Other information The other information comprises the informalion included in the annual report other than the financial slatemenls and our auditor's r&port Ihereon. The trustees are responsible for Ilie olher informalion contained wilhin the 8nnLJal report, Our opinion on the financial statemenls does not cover the other information and, except lo Ilio extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion Ihereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and. in doing so, consider whether the other information is malarially inconslslent wilh the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otheiwise appears to bé materially misslaled. If we idenlify such malerial inconsistencies or appai-enl material misslalemenls, we are required lo deterniine whether this gives rise lo a material misstatement in the financial statements Iheinselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude Ihal there is a material Inisslatemenl of this other information, we are required to report thal facl. We have nothing to report in Ihis regard. Opinioiis oh othei. niatters pre5crlbed by the Companies Act 2006 In our opinion, based on the work undertaken iii the course of our audil- the information given in the Irustees, report for the financial year for which the financial slatemenls are prepared, which includes tlie directors, report prepared for Ihe purposes of company law, is Gonsislenl willi Ilie financial stalemenls., and the directors, report included within the Irustees, report has been prepared in accordai)ce willi applicable legal requiremenls. 14
WOMEN'S COUNSELLING AND THERAPY SERVICE LIMITED INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE MEMBERS OF WOMEN'S COUNSELLING AND THERAPY SERVICE LIMITED Matters on whlch we are required to report by exception In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charity and ils environment obtained in the course of the 2udil, we have not identified material misstatements in the directors. report included within the Iruslees, report. We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us lo report to you if, in our opinion: adequate accounting records have not been kepl, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or the financial slalements are not in agreement with Ihe accounting records and returns., or certain disclosures of Iruslees, remuneration specified by law are nol made-, or we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or the trustees were not entitled lo prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small compani6S regime and lake advantage of the small companies, exemptions in preparing the Iruslees, report and from the requirement lo prepare a strategic report. Responsibilities of trustees As exp18ined more fully in the statement ol truslees, responsibilities, the Iruslees. who ar& also the directors of the charity for the purpose of company law, are responsible for the preparalion of the financial slalements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Iruslees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial slalemenls thal are free from material misslatemenl, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial slalements, the Iruslees are responsible for assessing the charity's ability lo continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicab18. mallers related lo going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Irustees either intend to liquidate Ihe charilable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic allerrsalive bul lo do so. Audltor's responsibilitles for the audlt of the f inancial statements Our objectives are lo obtain reasonable assuran about whelher the financlal statements as 8 whole are free from material misslatemenl, whether due to fr8ud 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 audil conducted in accordance with ISAS IUKI will always delecl a material nilsslalemenl when il exists. Misslalemenls can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate. Ihey could reasonably be expected lo inflijence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of Ihese financial statements. The exlenl lo which our procedures are capable ol delecting irregularilies, including fraud, is detalled below. A further description of our responsibilitles is available on the Financial Reporting Council's website at.. htips'.11 www.f¥c.org.uk/auditorsresponsibililies. This description forms part of our auditor's reporl. 15-
WOMEN'S COUNSELLING AND THERAPY SERVICE LIMITED INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE MEMBERS OF WOMEN'S COUNSELLING AND THERAPY SERVICE LIMITED Other matters Our approach lo i(Jentifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows.. The engagement partner ensured that Ihe engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence, capabilities and skills to identify or recognise non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations., We identified the laws and regulations applicab5e to the company through discussions with directors and other management, and from our commercial knowledge and experience of the induslry sector,. We focused on specific13ws and regulations which we considered may have a direct malerial effect on the financial slalements or Ihe operations of the company. including the Companies Act 2006, taxation legislation and data protection, anti-bribery, employment, environmental and health and safely legislation; We assessed the extent of compliance with Ihe laws and regulations identified above through making enquiries of management and inspecting legal correspondence. and Ensured laws and regulalions were communicated within the audit team regularly and the team remained alert lo instances of non-compliance throughout Ihe audit. We assessed the suscepiibilily of the company's financial stalem8nts to material misslatemenl, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by- Making enquiries of management as lo where they considered there was a susceplibilily to fraud, their knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged fraud; Considering the internal controls in place to mitigate risks of fraud and non-compllance with laws and regulations,, and Understanding the design of the company's remuneration policies. To address the risk of fraud through managemenl bias and override of controls, we; Performed analytical procedures lo identity any unusual or unexpected relationships, Tested journal entries to identify unusual transactions Assessed whether judgements and assumptions made in determining the accounting estlmales set out in note 2 were indicative of potential bias., and Investigated the rationale behind significant or unusual Iransaclions. In response to the risks of irregularities and non-compliance wilh laws and regulations, we designed proceduies which included, bul were not limited lo.. Agreeing financial statement disclosures to underlying supporting documentation; Reading th8 minutes of meelings of those charged with governance., Enquiring of management as to actual and potential litigation and claims., and Reviewing correspondence with HMRC, relevant regulators and the company's legal advisors. There are inherent limilalions in our audil procedures described above. The more removed Ihal laws and regulations are from the financial transactions, the less likely it is Ihat we would become aware of non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations lo enquiry of the directors and other management and Ihe inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any. Material misslatemenls that arise due to fraud can be harder lo detecl than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate Goncealmenl or collusion. 16-
WOMEN'S COUNSELLING AND THERAPY SERVICE LIMITED INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE MEMBERS OF WOMEN'S COUNSELLING AND THERAPY SERVICE LIMITED 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 stale to the charilaUe company's members those matters we are required to slate to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest exlenl 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 audil work. for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. Vlctoria Atklnson FCA {S8nlor Statutory Audltor) For and on behalf of BK PlusAudil Limited, Slalutory Auditor Chartered Accountants 52 Sl Johns Lane Halifax West Yorkshire HX12BW England Dale. .11.,.Q.E (o.ntr.b.u 202£ IL fivs AvLLbS L Im101 17-
WOMEN'S COUNSELLING AND THERAPY SERVICE LIMITED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Unreslricted Restrlcted funds funds 2025 2025 Total Unrestricted Restricte(J funds funds 2024 2024 Total 2025 2024 Notes Income from: Donations and legacies Charitable acliviliés Investments 104,452 131.250 4,491 106,936 865,027 211,388 996,277 4.491 100,989 423,558 3,806 180.050 263,941 281,039 687,499 3,806 Total incoma 240,193 971,963 1.212,156 528,353 443,991 972,344 Expendlture on: Charitable activities 221,010 960,298 1,181,308 560,611 460,785 1,021,396 Total expenditure 221,010 960,298 1,181,308 560.611 460,785 1,021,396 Net incomel(expenditure) 19,183 11,665 30,848 (32,258) (16,794) (49,0521 Transfers beeen funds (5,875) 5,875 Net movement In funds 19,183 11,665 30.848 {38,133) (10,919> (49,052) Reconciliation of funds: Fund balancés al 1 April 2024 226,194 226,194 264,327 10,919 275,246 Fund balances at 31 March 2025 245,377 11,665 257,042 226,194 226,194 The slalemenl of financial aclivilies includes all gains and losses recognised in Ihe year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing aclivilies, 18
WOMEN'S COUNSELLING AND THERAPY SERVICE LIMITED BALANCE SHEET ASAT 31 MARCH 2025 2025 2024 Notes Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 13 8.509 436.704 25,400 301,208 445.213 326,608 Credltors: amounts falllng due within one year 14 (188,171) (100,414) Net current assets 257,042 226,194 The funds of the charity Reslricled income funds Unr8slrict8d funds 17 18 11,665 245.377 226,194 257,042 226,194 1011212025 The financial statements were approved by the Iruslees on Jacki& WILttU& Ayesha Begum Trustee Jacqueline Whillle (Chair} Trustee Company registration number 07804583 (England and Wales) 19-
WOMEN'S COUNSELLING AND THERAPY SERVICE LIMITED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 2025 2024 Notes Cash flows from operating activities Cash generated froml{absorbed by) operations 23 131,005 (82,598) Investing actlvities Investment income received 4,491 3,806 Net cash generatecl from Investlng activities 4,491 3,806 Net cash generated from financing actSvitles Net increaselldecrease) in cash and cash equlvalents 135,496 (78,792) Cash and cash equivalents at beginnlng ofyear 301,208 380,000 Cash and cash equlvalents at end of year 436,704 301,208 -20-
WOMEN'S COUNSELLING AND THERAPY SERVICE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Accounting policles Charity information Women's Counselling and Therapy Service Limited is a private company limited by guaranlee incoTporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 43 Park Square Norlh, Leeds. West Yorkshire, LS12NP, England. 1.1 Accountlng convention The financial slalemenls 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" and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charilies.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable lo charities preparing their accounls in accordance wilh the Financial Reporiing Slandard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 102)" The Gharily is a Public Benefit Enlily as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monelary amounts in these financial slalements are rounded lo Ihe nearest £. The financial slatemenls have been prepared under the hislorical cost convention, Imodified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properiies and certain financial instruments al fair value]. The principal accounting policies adopled are set out below. 1.2 Going concern Al the time of approving Ihe financial slalemenls. the trustees h8ve a reasonable expeclalion that the charity ha5 adequate resources lo continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees Continue to adopl the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial st81emenls. 1.3 Charltable funds Unreslricled funds are available for use al Ihe discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objeGlives. Reslricled funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as lo how they may be used. Th8 purposes and uses of the restricted funds are sel out in the noles lo Ihe financial stalemenls. Endowment funds are SLJbjecl lo specific conditions by donors Ihal th@ capilal must be maintained by the Charity. 1.4 Income Income is recognised when the chaTily is legally enlilled lo il after any performance conditions have been mel, the amounts can be measured reliably, and il is probable that income will be received. Cash donations are recognised on receipl. Ollier d(Inations are recognised once the charily has been nolilied of the doiiallon, unless performance condition5 require deferral of the amount. Income tax reGovei'able in relalioii lo donalions received under Gill Aid or deeds of covenanl is recognised al the time of the donation. Legacies are recognised on receipt or olheTwise if the charily has been nolified of an impending dislribulion, the amount is known, and receipt is expecled. If Ihe an)ounl is not known, the le9acy is Irealed as a conlingenl asset. 21
WOMEN'S COUNSELLING AND THERAPY SERVICE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Accountlng pollcles (Continued) 1.5 Expenditure Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, il is probable that a Iransfer 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 dIrt costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in Ljndertaking each aclivily. Direct costs atlribulable lo a single activity are allocated directly lo that aGlivily. Shared costs which conlribute lo more than one aclivlly and support costs whlch are not allributable lo a single activity are apportioned between Ih05e aclivities on a basis consislenl with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on th& basis of time spent, and depreciation Charges are allocated on the poriion of the asset's use. 1.8 Tangible fixed assets Tangible flxed assets are initially measured al cost and subsequently measured at cost or valualion, nel of depreciation and any impairment losses. D8precialion is recognised so as lo write off the cost or valuation of asse15 less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases.. Fixtures and fillings Computers 15 /0 straight line 330A straight line The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset Is determlned as the dlffer6nce between Ihe sale proceeds and the carrying value of th8 asset. and is recognised in the statement of financial aclivilies. 1.7 Cash and cash equlvalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand. deposits held al call with banks, other short-term liquld investments with OTiginal malurilies of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabllilies. 1.8 Flnanclal Instruments The Gharily has elected lo apply the provisions of Section 11 'Basic Financial Instruments. and Section 12 'Other Fin8nci31 Instruments Issues, of FRS 102 to all of ils financial inslrum81i1s. Financial instruments are recogr)ised in Ihe charity's balance sh8el when Ilie charity becomes party to Ihe conlraclual provisions of the Inslrumenl. Flnancial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in Ihe financial statements, when there is a legally eiiforce8ble right lo set off the recognised amounls and Ihere is an inlenlion lo sellle on a nel basis or lo realise tlie asset and sellle Ihe liabilily simultaneously. Baslc flnancial assets Basic financial assets. which include deblors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction cosls and are subsequently carried at amortised cosl using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constilules a financing transaction, where the Iransaclion is measured al the present value of Ihe future receipts discounted al a market rale of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not ainortised. -22-
WOMEN'S COUNSELLING AND THERAPY SERVICE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Accounting policies (Contlnued) Ba51c financial liabilities Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are inilially recognised at Iransactlon price unless the arrangement conslitules a financing Iransaclion, where the debt instrument is measurèd at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rale of inter8sI. Financial liabililies classified as payable wilhln one year are not amortised. Debt instruments are subsequently carried al amortised cost, using the effective interest rate melhod. Trade creditors are obligations lo pay for goods or ServIS that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operalions from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as CLÈrrent liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-currenl liabilities. Trade credilors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effeGlive interest method, Derecognltlon of flnancial liabilities Financial liabililies are derecognised when the charity's contractual obligations expire or ar8 discharged or cancelled. 1.9 Employee benefits The cost of any unused holiday enlillemenl is recognised in Ihe period in which the employee's services are received, Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably commilled lo terminate the employment of an employee or lo provide lerminalion benefits. 1.10 Retlrèment benefits Payments to defined contribution reliremenl benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due. Critlcal accounting estlmates and Judgements In the application of the charity's accountlng policies. the Iruslees are required lo make judgements, eslimales and assumptions about tlie carrying amount of assets and liabilities Ihal are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associaled assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors thal aro considered lo be relevant. Actual results may differ from Ihese eslimales. Tlie eslimales and underlying assumplions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions lo accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only thal period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods. InGome from donations and legaGies Unrestricted Restricted fund5 funds 2025 2025 Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2024 2024 Total 2025 2024 Donations and gifts Grants 39.952 64.500 39,952 171,436 4,457 96,532 4,457 276,582 106,936 180,050 104.452 106,936 211,388 100,989 180,050 281,039 -23-
WOMEN'S COUNSELLING AND THERAPY SERVICE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Income from donations and legacies (Continued) Unrestricted Reslricted funds funds 2025 2025 Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2024 2024 Total 2025 2024 Grants Henry Smith Charity Ministry of Justice BBC Childr6n in Need Leeds Womens Aid LCC Adults and Health Lloyds Bank Foundation Lealhersellers The Bromley Trust Lord Mayor Charity Pilgrim Trust 43.030 43.030 38,800 76,187 32,164 32,899 38,800 76,187 32,164 52,431 33,648 33.648 19,532 {24,850) (24,850) 25,000 25,000 20.000 7,000 25,000 25,000 20,000 7,000 25,000 10,000 35,000 64.350 64,350 20.258 20,258 64,500 106,936 171,436 96,532 180,050 276,582 Income from charitabl& activlt18S Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2025 Total Unrestrlcted Restrtcted funds funds 2024 2024 Total 2025 2024 Charitable actlvitios Other income Peiformance related grants 2,340 1.000 3.340 2,474 440 2,914 128,910 864,027 992,937 421,084 263,501 684,585 865.027 996,277 423,558 263,941 687,499 Performance related grants analysis Charit¢ible activities Charltable activities 2024 2025 Leeds City Council l Leeds Communily Healthcare Visible Other 926,977 65,960 616.585 68,000 992,937 684,Jf85 -24-
WOMEN'S COUNSELLING AND THERAPY SERVICE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Income from investments Unrestricted Unrestricted funds funds 2025 2024 Inlerest receivable 4,491 3,806 Expenditure on charitable activities Charitable activities 2025 Charitable activities 2024 Dlrect costs Staff costs Recruilmenl and DBS checks Theraphy, supervision and freelance workers Staff and volunteer training Premises costs Dir8cI client costs Postage and slalionery Travel and subsistence costs Tru51ees expenses 938,909 3,728 33,333 13,041 117,876 36,066 3,975 10,102 775,591 7,828 21,050 26,365 101,678 30,799 5,044 7,257 200 1,157,030 975,812 Share of support and governance costs {see note 71 Support 24,278 45,584 1,181,308 1,021,396 Analy51s by fund Unrestricted funds Reslricled funds 221,010 960,298 560,611 460,785 1,181,308 1,021,396 Support costs allocated to activities 2025 2024 Governance costs 24,278 45. Jf84 Analysed between: Chai'itable activities 24,278 45,584 25-
WOMEN'S COUNSELLING AND THERAPY SERVICE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Net movement in funds 2025 2024 The nel movemenl in funds is stated after chargingl{crediting)- Fees payable for the audit of the charity's financial stalemenls 7.500 4,800 Trustees None of the trustees lor any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year. 10 Employees The average monthly number of employe8s during the year was.. 2025 Number 2024 Number Charity Manager Therapy Managers and Staff Charity and Therapy administalion 24 22 Total 29 26 Employment costs 2025 2024 Wages and salaries Social security costs Other pension costs 824,235 77,051 37,623 690,213 58,655 26,723 938,909 775,591 The number of employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000 Is as follows: 2025 Number 2024 Number £60,000-£70.000 £70,000-£80,000 Remuneration of key management personnel The reinuneralion of key management personnel was as follows= 2025 2024 Aggregate compensation 185.302 123,348 -26-
WOMEN'S COUNSELLING AND THERAPY SERVICE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 11 Taxation The charity is exempt from laxalion on ils activities because all its income is applied for charilable purposes. 12 Tangible fixed assets Flxtures and fltlings Computers Total Cost At 1 April 2024 7.972 11,381 19,353 At 31 March 2025 7.972 11.381 19,353 Deprociation and Smpalrment At 1 April 2024 7.972 11,381 19,353 At 31 March 2025 7.972 11.381 19,353 Carrylng amount Al 31 March 2025 Al 31 March 2024 13 Debtors 2025 2024 Amounts falling due within one year: Trade debtors Prepaymenls and accrued income 896 24,504 8,509 8,509 25.400 14 Creditors". amounts falllng duè withln one year 2025 2024 Notes Otlier laxalion and social securily Defei'red iiicome Olher Lredilors Accruals 13,393 129,122 1,067 44,589 14,274 44,891 15 41,249 188,171 100,414 -27-
WOMEN'S COUNSELLING AND THERAPY SERVICE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 15 Deferred income 2025 2024 Olher deferred income 129,122 44,891 Deferred income is included in the financial slatements as follows.. 2025 2024 Deferred income is included within: Current liabilities 129,122 44,891 Movements in the year.. Deferred InMe al 1 April 2024 Released from previous periods 44,891 84,231 77,791 (32,900) Deferred Income at 31 March 2025 129,122 44,891 16 Retlremenl beneflt schemes 2025 2024 Defined contrlbullon schemes Charge lo profil or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes 37,623 26,723 The charity operates a defined contribullon pension scheme for all qualifylng employees. The assèts of the scheme are held separately from those of Ihe charily in an independenlly adminislered fund. -28-
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WOMEN'S COUNSELLING AND THERAPY SERVICE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 19 Analysis of net assets between funds Unrestricted funds 2025 Restrlcted funds 2025 Total 2025 At 31 March 2025: Current assetsl(liabililies) 245,377 11.665 257,042 245,377 11.665 257,042 Unrestricted funds 2024 Restricted funds 2024 Total 2024 At 31 March 2024: Current ass81sllliabililles) 226,194 226,194 226,194 226,194 20 Operatlng lease commitments Lessee At the reporting end dale Ihe charity had outstanding commltm8nls for future mlnlmum lease payments under non-canGellable operating leases. which fall due as follows: 2025 2024 Within one year Between two and five years In over five years 32.975 130,915 128,400 32,975 131,791 160,500 292,290 325,266 21 Events after the reporting date Subsequent lo Ihe balance sheet date, the Irustees have formally approved the commencemenl of legal and regulatory processes lo become a subsidiary of Inspire North. Inspire North will become the sole meniber of WCTS. While the acquisition is not yet complete a collaboration agreement has been signed between both parlies that outlines the seNices that Inspire North will provide WCTS in exchange for a management charge. Al the dale of approval of these financial statements, the transaction remains subject lo firial conlraclual agreement. Accordingly, no adjustments have been made lo tlie financial statemenls in respect of thSs event. 22 Related party transactlons There were no disclosable related parly Ir8nsaGlion5 durtng Ihe year {2024 - none)- -32-
WOMEN'S COUNSELLING AND THERAPY SERVICE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 23 Cash generated froml{absorbed by) operations 2025 2024 Surplusl(deficil} for the year 30,848 (49,052) Adjustments for. Inveslmenl income recognised in statement of financial activities (4.491) (3,806> Movements in working capltal.. Decrease in debtors Increasel(deGreasel in creditors InGreasel(decrease) in d8ferred income 16,891 3,526 84,231 4,892 (1,732) {32,900) Cash generated froml(absorbed by) operatlons 131,005 182,598) 24 Analysis of changes Sn net funds The Charity had no material debt during the year. -33-