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← The Swallows Head & Neck Cancer Support Group

2024-03-30-accounts

Trustees' Annual Report for the period

Period start date Period start date Period end date Period end date
1 April 2023 31 March 2024
From To

~~e~~ Section A Reference and administration details ~~ee~~

Charity name The Swallows Head & Neck Cancer Support Group

Other names charity is known by None

Registered charity number (if any) 1149794 ~~[~~ Charity's principal address Business First Amy Johnson Way Blackpool, Lancashire Postcode FY4 2RP

Names of the existing charity trustees who manage the charity

~~a~~ ~~ee~~
Trustee name
~~a~~		 Office (if any)
~~ee~~		 Dates acted if not for whole
**year **		 Name of person (or body) entitled
to appoint trustee (ifany)
1 Andrew Grice
~~a~~
~~se~~
~~es~~		 Chair
~~ee~~
~~se~~		 ~~se~~ The Board
~~se~~
2 Norman Hill
~~es~~
~~Rs~~		 Trustee The Board
3 Joe Bannister
~~es~~
~~Rs~~
~~es~~		 Treasurer The Board
4 Ali Khurram
~~Rs~~
~~es~~
~~Rs~~		 Trustee The Board
5 Lyanne Wright
~~es~~
~~Rs~~
~~es~~		 Trustee The Board
6 Mo Amirkhani
~~Rs~~
~~es~~
~~Rs~~		 Trustee The Board
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Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of adviser
Name
Address
Accounts Lawsons Accountants 19 Prestbury Avenue Blackpool FY4 1PT
Charity Advisor/Auditor Andy Moore Blaenpentre, Swyddffynnon, Ystrad Meurig, SY25
7AW
Clinical Advisor A Nigam, Surgeon Victoria Hospital, Blackpool
Clinical Nurse Fahida Rehman-Mandy Torbay Hospital, Torbay

Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)

Mr Christopher Curtis, Chief Executive Officer

Mrs Sharon Curtis, Charity Manager

Section B Structure, governance and management

Description of the charity’s trusts

Constitution adopted November 2012 and updated 15[th] May 2024 at the Type of governing document AGM

Trustees

How the charity is constituted

Trustees are appointed or reappointed annually at the AGM held in Trustee selection methods November or during the year with all Trustee approval

Additional governance issues (Optional information)

You may choose to include additional information, where relevant, about:

We have a policy in place to safeguard vulnerable adults and it will be carried out in line with our policy and procedures.

We have a strong working relationship with hospitals and receive patient, caregivers’ referrals plus advice on dealing with patients.

We support Head & Neck Cancer Patients, Caregivers, and family at the point they need the support 24/7.

Our Trustees give their time voluntary and receive no remuneration or other benefits for carrying out Trustee duties.

Section C Objectives and activities

Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document

Swallows Head & Neck Cancer Charity, A Beacon of Support The charity is dedicated to individuals affected by head and neck cancers and plays a crucial role in providing support and resources. The mission revolves around four key pillars: Support, Awareness, Research and Advocacy.

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Support

The Swallows Head & Neck Cancer charity offers a comprehensive support network for patients, caregivers and families facing head and neck cancers. This includes emotional support, practical assistance in navigating the complexities of treatment and recovery into survivorship.

Support group meetings facilitated by the charity creates a safe space for individuals to share experiences and insights, fostering a sense of community, family and understanding. The meeting in your area is held every 2nd Thursday of the month where patients, caregivers, family and friends come together in a relaxed and friendly environment to meet like-minded people.

Awareness

The charity actively engages in raising awareness about head and neck cancers, their risk factors and symptoms. Education and early detection are pivotal in improving outcomes for patients. The charity collaborates with health professionals around the globe, conducts awareness campaigns, and utilises various platforms to disseminate information to the public.

Making a Difference

The charity stands as a beacon of hope for those navigating the challenge of head and neck cancers. By providing support 24/7, raising awareness, supporting research, supporting hospital teams, and advocating for change, the charity contributes significantly to the well-being of individuals and families affected by these complex cancers. Patients, caregivers, family members and friends all gather to have a social evening and chat about how they are dealing with the head and neck cancer journey. Currently, we have several support groups in the UK and our unique international virtual monthly patient and caregiver meeting. Our experience, and feedback gathered from attendees, is that they value this time spent together to talk about their own specific issues in an open and honest way and to receive support.

Making a difference in the fight against head and neck cancers Our cancers pose unique challenges, affecting vital areas, the mouth, throat, nose, and salivary glands. Coping with the physical, emotional, and financial burdens can be overwhelming for individuals and their families. We step in to provide support, awareness, and hope.

Our website highlights the locations where we have our current groups. If you have one close to you, make a call or send an email to start on a new journey of hope and belief or just turn up at the next meeting where a friendly face will greet you.

24/7 Support Patient & Caregiver Line: 07504 725 059 Office phone

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Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objects (include within this section the statutory declaration that trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit)

Additional details of objectives and activities (Optional information)

Contribution made by our volunteers

Our volunteers are the backbone of the charity and have volunteered lots of hours to help the charity maintain the growth and support to patients, caregivers, and the NHS.

You may choose to include further statements, where relevant, about:

On the 2nd June 2017 our volunteers were recognised by the Queen and the charity received the Queens Award for Voluntary Sector.

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Section D Achievements and performance

Summary of the main Supply of Awareness Leaflets & Posters achievements of the charity during the year Supply leaflets and posters to Doctor & Dentist surgeries, Hospitals, and all departments, Supported the Heath Mela conference Supported several Health Mela conferences and arranged to have an Oral Screening Day lead by a local dentist ’60 seconds to save a life’ Spoke and attended various conferences and events We spoke at various conferences about the issues patients and caregivers have through the cancer journey – conferences were for patients, caregivers and clinical staff. Monthly Support Meetings Hold monthly support meeting across the UK every month where patients & caregivers come together to talk and support each other. Since inception we have now supported in the region of 13,000 head & neck cancer patients and caregivers. Patient Support Boxes We supply Patient Support Boxes to Head & Neck Cancer Patients in the region of 300 a month sent throughout the UK following a referral from the health professional teams. Patient & Caregiver 24/7 Support Line We run a 24/7 support line for patients and caregivers, this is not a call centre or message service but a live call. Hold an annual International Head & Neck Cancer Conference Hearing from Inspirational Speakers From United States of America, Australia, Spain, and the UK. Whether they are Cancer Survivors or World-Renowned Health Professionals all will be sharing their experiences with Head & Neck cancer. Enhancing knowledge Learning from a room full of people, whether patients, caregivers or health professionals, who are passionate about making a difference and improving the Head & Neck Cancer journey... there really will be something for everyone! Facilitating the making of connection Lots of networking activities provide the perfect opportunity for

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Section D Achievements and erformance p

everyone to meet both friends old and new, strengthen existing relationships and catch up with like-minded people in a relaxed environment. For health professional organisations connecting and renewing acquaintances may also offer potential commercial opportunities.

Sharing ideas

Discussion with patients, caregivers, health professionals and companies in a unique environment, allowing all to share their own journey and see it within a broader context. The whole conference will provide those attending with opportunities to step beyond their own experiences and, for organisations, offer continued professional development.

Impact Statements

Where do I begin… I cannot thank Swallows enough for the support I have received as a caregiver for my husband from the very beginning of his journey, not long after diagnosis. My world had been turned upside down and I felt so alone and unable to share my worries with my husband. I didn’t want to burden him. Both Chris and his wife have been a constant source of support whenever I have needed it. Sharing their experiences and giving reassuring advice and tips to help get through the treatment along with the never-ending side effects which were ever changing. My calls were always answered whenever I felt overwhelmed and, although I have a supportive network of family and friends, it was so reassuring to speak to someone who had been on a similar journey and could just listen to me and put my mind at rest. This journey has been a rollercoaster but with the support of Swallows it has helped iron out the bumps along the way! I know we still have a long road ahead of us but with Swallows support I know we will get there. This group has been invaluable, and I really don’t know how I would have coped without them and the shared WhatsApp advice along with the care boxes we received. I will never be able to thank Chris and Amanda and Swallows enough for the difference they have made and would like to send our sincere gratitude for everything. We will be eternally grateful. It’s definitely a 5 star award from us. Take care Daphene Caregiver I first had contact with The Swallows Charity after seeking advice for my mum who has swallowing issues following radiotherapy. Chris was so helpful and supportive, sending out a support box and advising on different mouth washes and mouth sprays. I have continued to have links with the charity, not only on a personal level but also a professional level as I work with Head and Neck cancer patients. - The charity is wonderful, both Chris and Sharon are amazing

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Section D Achievements and erformance p

providing support and advice as well as increasing public awareness of Head and Neck Cancer. The annual conference along with their monthly support meetings are so beneficial for so many survivors. I wouldn't hesitate to signpost family, friends or my patients to this charity, and I would definitely give them 5 stars Debbie Senior Physiotherapy Support Worker I will be forever grateful to my dentist and the consultant and his team who operated and looked after me. The NHS is truly wonderful. I have a life changing condition, but I am thankful for every day. I know how fortunate it was that the cancer was caught early. Like everyone, I really do worry about the future. All sorts of thoughts occupy my mind at certain times of the day and night, these are a natural part of the future, but I hope to continue with a positive frame of mind and live and enjoy each day as best I can. I have very recently been diagnosed with pre cancer and so here we go again on the journey. I am so glad I can share my thoughts and feelings with the Swallows Family on the Zoom meetings for moral support. Family and friends are lovely, but they do not understand as fellow cancer sufferers (for want of a better word) do, so long live the Swallows Charity. Susan Patient My name is Karen and you recently, and very kindly, sent me a box of goodies. I just wanted to say a ‘Great Big Thank You’ for your gift box. The contents are helping me with my mouth and throat after 4 weeks of radiotherapy to my neck. It is overwhelming, but the kindness of people and their wanting to help others is heartwarming. I've had a tough 18 months, firstly with my mum being diagnosed with Lymphoma, then myself with the same cancer 10 months later. Unfortunately, my chemotherapy didn't erase all my cancer, hence the radiotherapy. I have seen you have a JustGiving page, I shall be making a donation on there, so you can carry on sending out these wonderful boxes which DO make a big difference to those in need. Your kindness and thoughtfulness mean more than I can express. Thank You again Karen Patient The Swallows Head and Neck Charity is one of the most valuable resources us head and neck cancer patients have. From running an informative and innovative annual conference to being available for help and advice on a 24 hour basis, they have wonderfully filled a void in cancer care. They run regular meetings and have particularly good caregiver support. Caregiver support is a hugely neglected aspect of care. They provide support boxes full of all sorts of mouth goodies. I

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Section D Achievements and erformance p

received one early in my recovery and found everything useful. I volunteer for Macmillan, and I frequently signpost people to the Swallows. Dani Support Worker

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Section E Financial review

Brief statement of the

charity’s policy on reserves

The policy is to ensure that we have sufficient unrestricted funds available to meet unforeseen issues including the closure. Ast 31/3/24 we had £23,317 in unrestricted finds which is believed to be more than sufficient

Details of any funds materially Not applicable in deficit

Further financial review details (Optional information)

You may choose to include additional information, where relevant about:

There are at the date of signature of this TAR no concerns about the charity continuing as a going concern

2023/24 saw the closure of the charity shop which reflects both reduced income and expenditure. Grant income was lower than the previous year

Section F Other optional information

There were no conflicts of interest in the year There were no related party transactions The Trustees have complied with their duty to have due regard to the commissions public benefit guidance When exercising any powers or duties to which the guidance is relevant Section G Declaration ~~—___~~ The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above. Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s)

Norman Hill

Full name(s) Andrew Grice Position (eg Secretary, Chair, Chair Trustee etc)

Date 05/12/2024

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THE SWALLOWS HEAD & NECK CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

Charity number: 1149794

1[st] April 2023 to 31[st] March 2024

Receipts and payments accounts Receipts and payments accounts Receipts and payments accounts Receipts and payments accounts Receipts and payments accounts
Unrestricted Unrestricted
Restricted		 Endowment Total Funds Last year
Funds Funds Funds
£ £ £ £ £
Receipts
Grants/Sponsorship received 10252 55000 65252 99844
Shop takings 13454 13454 59012
Donations 22653 22653 26920
Just giving 10723 10723 6779
Fundraising 240 240 1037
Bank interest received 424 424 99
Total 57747 55000 0 112747 193690
Payments(revenue expenses)
Payroll 42446 42446 63135
Torquay Conf. (Chris Curtis Consultancy) 0 30000 30000 31800
Rent/Rates/Room hire/Storage 19203 19203 29033
Core 20 project 3104 5000 8104 1000
Marketing - Website/Printing / Advertising 8407 5404 13811 27959
HNCC 1373 1373 14579
Professional fees 3517 3517 7442
Patient grants and support 3261 3261 6087
Travel, Food, Mileage & Subsistence 0 12596 12596 5243
Subscriptions/Licenses 4707 4707 3783
IT Equipment/services and software 2159 2159 3407
Utilities: Electric/Gas/Phone/Water 1554 1554 3111
Insurance 258 258 2576
Postage 4076 4076 2687
HR and training 0 0 1193
Sundry 1774 1774 1367
EPOS System 345 345 722
Repairs & Maintenance 157 157 412
Just giving cost 0 0 216
Fundraising costs 930 930 158
Bank charges 343 343 531
97613 53000 0 150613 206441
Surplus/(Deficit) for year -39866 2000 0 -37866 -12751
Cash funds last year end brought forward 63184
Cash funds this year end carried forward 25318

THE SWALLOWS HEAD & NECK CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

Charity number: 1149794 1[st] April 2023 to 31[st] March 2024

Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total Funds Funds Funds Funds £ £ £ £ Cash & Bank Funds Cash 0 0 Current a/c 4262 2000 6262 Savings #1 7712 7712 Savings #2 11343 11343 23317 2000 0 25317 ~~=~~ Estimated Assets Fund Owner Value £ Nil Estimated Liabilities Fund Liable Amount When due £ PAYE Unrestricted 750 Apr-24 ~~ee~~ Signed ………………………………. Name Andrew Grice Date 5th December 2024

Independent examiner's report on the accounts

Section A Independent Examiner’s Report

Report to the trustees/ The Swallows Head & Neck Cancer Support Group members of

On accounts for the year 31[st] March 2024 Charity no 1149794 ended (if any)

Set out on pages 1 and 2 below this report ~~Ps~~

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31 March 2024

Responsibilities and basis of report

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

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

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

Signed: Date: 5/12/24 ~~|~~ Name: Andy Moore ~~Cs~~ Relevant professional n/a qualification(s) or body (if any): Address: Blaenpentre, Swyddffynnon, Ystrad Meurig, SY25 7AW ~~CO~~