COMPANY NUMBER: 08286856 REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1150354 WOMEN&GJRLS NETWORK Women and Girls Network REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The tru present their ila an.d￿ f￿anCIal statemejlts for Women and Girls Nth+oL* QWGN) for the year ended 3 1 March 2024 which arel- ed" to 'nieet the requirements for a directors, repo for CoMpa￿e* Act purposes. The trustees have provision of the Statement of Recommended Pra P) "Accounting and4 Reporting by Charities" (FRS 102) eparing the annual rei)ort - and financial statements of the charfty. The financial statements havo been prepared in ac¢ordanc with the accounting policies set out in notes to the accowtts,gn.d comply with the Memorandum and Articles ot" Assoclatiorf,:the.. Charities Act 2011. the Companies Act 2006 and Accolnting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recoinmended Practice applicable to charities preparing their ac,counts In accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard:applicable irf: the UK and Repiiblic of Ireland piiblished in October 2019. CONTENTS 1-27 Trustees, Annual Report (including Directors, Report) 28-31 Independent Auditor's Report 32 Statement of FinancRal Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) 33 Balance Sheet 34 1 35-45 Statement of Cash Flows Notes to the fi inancial Statements v,(Jii,. WOMEN AND GIRLS NETWORK TRUSTEES'ANNUAL REPORT {fNCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Objectives and Activities Our mission is to significantly irnprove the quality of life for our clients, fostering empowennent, healing, and transforniation to help survivors thrive. We offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to individual needs, crttdting care pathways that facilitate genuine choices and sustainable recovery. Women and Girls Network's core objectives and activities encompass: Therapeutic Services Providing specialised, holistic therdpy to support the healing and recovery of women and girls who have endured various fornis of gendered violence, including sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. Advoeaey Serviees Providing a comprehensive advocacy support to women and girls, encompassing a wide spectrum of needs such as assistance with legal proceedings, housing. immigration rnatters, and financial concerns. We have speciali5ed services for young women as part of our service offer. Training Initiatives Offering training programs to enhance understanding. raise awareness. and promote best practices among individuals and organisations working with survivo￿ of gendered violence. 4. Research and Information Dissemination Conducting research and sharing relevant inforn)ation to empower women who have experienced violence and those supporting them, enabltng infonned decision-making. Therapeutic Services Our primary focus remains addressing the needs of women and girls recovering from gendered violence, including the delivery of culturally sensitive counselling services. Each counselling request begins with an assessment to determine its appropriateness for the individual and to identify the most effective therapeutic approach. We offer professional counselling services for women who have experienced various forms of violence, delivered within a culturally sensitive framework that provides tailored therapeutic interventions. Our approach involves an initial assessment to deterniine the suitability of counselling and identify the most effective counselling method for each individual. Ascent Project This project offers counselling to women and girls aged 14+ who have endured any forni of gendered violence either recent or historic. Our services within the Ascent Project include: Ascent Counselling.. Offering one-on-one counselling to women and girls who have experienced domestic and sexual violence. Ascent Ending Harmful Practices: Specialised long-terni counselling for women who have ¢n¢ountered hannful practices, such as female genital mutilation, so-called honour-based violence, and forced marriage, whether recent or historic. WOMEN AND GIIiLS NETWOIiK TRUSTEES'AKNUAL REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 West London Rape Crisis Service {WLRCC) We operate a specialised counselling service for women who have faced re¢ent or historic sexual violence, including childhood sexual abuse, rape. prostitution, sexual assault, harassmenL and exploitation. Our central location in Ealin& along with satellite venues in Brent, Harrow, Hammersmith and Fulharn, Hillingdon. and Hounslow, ensures accessibility. Our services within WLRCC include: MOPAC Counselling: Offering one-to-one counselling to women and girls who have endured any forni of sexual violence either recent or historic. NHS RCC Counselling: Funded by the NHS, this service supports wornen and girls aged 14+ who have endured sexual violence av]d are cUT￿ntlY in or have gone through the criminal justice system. Body therapy and Coaching: Offering one-to-one Arornatherapy Massage or online Wellbeing and Coaching sessions to survivors. Ending Harmful Practices (MOPAC P&CT): Specialised lOng-te￿ counselling for women who have encountered harmful practices such as female genital mutilation, so-called honour-based violence, and forced m￿TIage, whether recent or historic. 5. London Borough of Hounslow (LBH Funded): Offers counselling and grounding session contracts to women aged 18+ specifically from the Hounslow area and referred directly into service by ihe Sexual Violence Outreach Practitioner for that borough as an effort to ensure clients who were being supported in Hounslow got the support they needed. DAISV Counselling: Offers counselling and grounding sessions, including specifically for Black and Global Majority women and gir15 living within West London. This service offers counselling online and in-person and is for women aged 14+ who have endured all forn]s of gender-based violence. Advocacy Services The Independent Sexual Violence Advocacy Service (ISVA) Based at the West London Rape Crisis Centre. OUT ISVA service provides practical and emotional support to survivors of recent and historic sexual violence within the West London Boroughs. This support encompasses assistance through the criminal justice process and addresses immediate needs to ensure safety and sustainable recovery. We offer specialist ISVAS for survivors Wlth multiple disadvantages as well as an ISVA for black and global majority women specifically- this is to address the inequalities in reporting and institutional racism these Survivo￿ endure when it comes to the crirninal justice systetii. This year we also introduced two Brief Intervention ISVA roles for short-tenn casework, whi15t they wait for more longer-temi support, in order for them to meet specific CJS milestones without undue delay. The Dedicated London Sexual Violence Helpline Part of the Ascent partnership with Women's Ai([ Refuge, and RASASC, thL5 helpline offers int¢grated services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence throughout London, providing immediate practical and emotional support and directing individuals to other support services. The WGN Sexual Violence Helpline caters to women and girls who have experienced gendered violence. WOMEN AND GIRLS NETWORK TRUSTEES'ANNUAL REPORT (fNCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Young Women's Service Our multidisciplinary team offers comprehensive support for young people aged l O to 25 Ihrough two specialist teams.. the Advocacy Team and ihe Prevention Team. Our projects are funded through include MOPAC RCC, EMPOWER - Safer London, London Council% and CouRAGEus MOPAC. Services within the Young Women's Service include: CouRAGEus: A unique pan-London project for Black and Global Majority young women and girls. created in partnership with 10 leading VAWG specialist organisations. It offers specialised advocacy, counsellin& resilience, and prevention programs for those experiencing gendered violence. mental health issues, and multiple disadvantages. We focus on suppx)rting Black and Global Majority young wotnen experiencing intetsectional disadvantage. recognising the con]wunding effects of strnctural Jacism and inequalities at these intersections. 2. Community Engagement Worker: Our CEW has regular workshops at Saint Gabriel Secondary School, Latin American Youth Forum, and Community Evenings at Stoke Newington Secondary School. She collaborate5 With other CEWS within the partnerships to deliver workshops and trdining to professional5. 3. Young Women's Advocacy Service: Providing one-on-one advocacy support and casework in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure the welfare and wellbeing of young women who have experienced gendered violence. We also raise awareness of gendered violence issues through themed workshops and Casewo￿ for early intervention. 4. Young Women's Prevention Service: The London Council's WThole Schools projecl delivers interactive, arts- based education programs to children and young people aged 9 to 18, promoting healthy relationships and addressing violence myths. We also provide training for professionals working with young people, along with community The Advice Service One of the largest projects in the Ascent partnership, providing specialist and generic advice services for women and girls affected by gender-based violence through individual advice and group work. Services are available through two London Hubs in Ealing and Islington, along with spokes across London boroughs to increase accessibility while mitigating barriers associated with crossing borough boundarie5. Training Initiatives We develop and deliver accredited training Programs as part of the Ascent secOnd-ti￿ support project. Our goal is to enhance the sustainability of organisations providing services to those affected by sexual and domestic violence across London. This includes accredited training, expert-led sessions. seminars. BMER network events. borough surgeries. and personalised support. Our training team offers the following: Accredited Ttaining 2. One Day Courses Expert-Led Seminar5 4. Bespoke Tt7ining 5. National and International Training WOMEN AND GIRLS NETWORK TRUSTEES'ANNUAL REPORT (tNCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Community F.ngagement Work We have a Community Engagement Worker who provides the following to professionals and survivors: Training for Professionals and community stakeholders on VAWG issues, specialising in the needs and experiences of Black and minoritised young women. Experts by Experience Programme.. opportunities to amplify the voices of young people and support thern to become change makers. Research and Information Dissemination WGN is committed to conducting research and sharing valuable inforniation to ernpower women who have experienced violence, as well as those who support them. We aim to provide the necessary resource5 for Tnfonned, confident decision-rnaking. Over the past year, we have contributed to key reviews and consultations initiated by our funders, such as London Councils, and have worked closely with partner organisations like Imkaan. These collaborations have enabled us to support vital research projects that enhance services for women affected by violence. In addition, our newly appointed Data Impacts and Insights Manager has been reviewing our equalities dat4 risk and safeguarding protocols, and conducting research on issues such as suicidality and self-hatTh. Looking ahead, she will lead biannual data scrutiny panels in 2024-2025 and plans to explore services that focus on our Global Majority clients, ensuring our support remains inclusive and effective. Fund-raising standards information Women and Girls Network does not proactively raise funds from the public. We do have a number of onlTne accounts through which people are able to donale, and donations are made when people shop online using our account, for example with Easyfundraising. We receive direct donations through PayPal which are presumed to be predominately from ex-service users and their friends and family. Achievements and Performance Counselling and Body Therapies WGN'S core counselling service is dedicated to supportincr women in their recovery from gender-based violence. Clients are provided with flexible contracts, ranging from 15 sessions to one year. The determination of individual contracts and therapy goals is a Collaborative process with the client during the assessment phase. WGN'S clinical model is grounded in a strengths-based and evidence-based approach, with a focus on personal empowemient and ￿hleVIng cornprehensive and sustainable recovery. Therapeutic interventions prioritise the direct management of trauma consequences. tailoring them to the unique needs of each client. These interventions are characterised by their complexity, multimodality, holism, and alignment with the individual's trauma pathway. Outeomes Clinical services at WGN use various monitoring and evaluation systems to assess therdpeutic progress and clinical effectiveness. WGN relies on two main evaluation systems: Clinical Out¢ome5 in Routine Evaluation (CORE) and The Data Processing Management System (DPMS). These evaluation tools are complemented by client feedback mechanisms to ensure client-centered service delivery. WOMEN AND GIRLS NETWORK TRUSTEES'ANNUAL REPORT (fNCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 CORE is a recognised therapeutic outcomes database employed by NHS psychological services. It gathers and analyses qualitative and quantitative data through a four-domain questionnaire administered before and after therapy. This questionnaire assesses clients, functioning leve15, problem areas, risk factors, and wellbeing. CORE clinical reports provide in-depth analysis of individual client progress and the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. DPMS, developed by Rape Crisis England and Wales, incorporates clinical standards from Women's Aid and BACP. It focuses on identifying trduma markers associated with gender-based violence. The database collects and analyses both qualitative and quantitative inforniation, allowing tracking of individual client progress in tenns of services accessed, such as counselling. helpline support, groups, body therapies and advocacy. It also helps identify clinical outcomes. Additionally. feedback surveys and evaluation fornis are used to gauge client satisfaction with the services. GDPR-approved platforms like Survey Monkey and Text Magic are utilised to collect this data. Ascent Counselling Service WomeT] and Girls Network delivers innovative and effective counselling services for women and girls who have experienced all fornis of gendered violence in London. We provide women-only holistic and seamless therapeutic services. WGN has a specialised clinical model referred to as the Holistic Emwwennent Recovery Model developed to work with survivors of gendered violence. Therapeutic engagement consists of multifocal holistic interventions to address the global irnpact of trauma in a phased approach from a strengths- based perspective. Therapy is attuned to diversity and aims to be significant, relevant and sensitive to meet clients, cultural expectations. Therapeutic work aims to support clients, movernent and transition from survivor to thriver, promoting total and susrainable recovery. The Ascent Counselling Service provides counselling to women and girls aged 14 years upwards. We provide both in person and remote counselling options and have offices and satellites across London. This service is provided to women and girls living in the following clusters: West Quadrant: H&F, Brent, Ealing, HarTOW and Hounslow. North Quadrant: K&C and Wesbninster. South Quadrant: Bexley, Bromley, Croydon, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark. Here are the outcotnes for the year through COREnet's Benefits of Therapy forJn (taken from the 'End of Therapy, fortn which is an evaluation of the client's progress after receivin(T a full counselling contract)= 720/D of clients benefitted from aT] increase in personal insiRht and understandin% 87 % ol clients benefitted from being able to explore their feeling51probleTns 870/0 of clients benefitted from being able to express their leelingslproblems 78 % of clients developed better coping mechanisms and strategies 49 % were supported in accessing ongoing practical help 64 % reported having better control, planning and decision tnaking 770/0 reported an improvernent in their overall general wellbeing 700/0 reported an improvernent to their mental health symptoms 720/0 reported improved day to day funttioning 780/0 reported improved personal relationships. The Ascent counselling service delivered 921 counselling sessions in ?023-24 and welcomed 92 new survivors to our waiting list in the period. WOMEN AND GIRLS NETWORK TRUSTEES'ANNUAL REPORT (tNCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED JI MARCH 20?4 Feedback for A3cont Counselllng sorvlce 2023-24: -1 felt that this therapy space allowed for an opportunity to look 8t experiences and my responses and habitual behaviour in a helpful way." -It was very good, and my th&rapist was amazingj" "Looking forward to th8 future." "I have felt supported throughout, l am in a much better place now,. counselling and WGIV has been very supportive throughout myjourney. Thank you so much WGNI" -Thank you. this space has been invaluable to mel Counselling has facilitated my awareness and personal growth." Domestic Abuse /Seiual Violence Service This service is for black and minoritised women and girls aged 14+ who have endured all types of VAWG (including domestic abuse and sexual violence). We have four Specialist Counsellors providing l-? days per week each of five counsellin(y slots. This includes a Black Women's Counsellor (SV), Black Women's Counsellor (VA WG), Coun5gllor (Online revnote session provision) and Counsellor (SV). This service also includes a Black & Global Majority WoTnen Caseworker which is held within the Advice Casework team. By the end of 20?3-?4, this service was fully operalional. We were able to support 60 women in 20?3-?4. 49 of which were new referrals in the period across casework and counselling teams. l OOO/o of clients who concluded 5UPPOrt ( I l } duriT)tr the period reported better coping mechanisms, improved general wellbein improved feelings of safely and felt more infonned and empowered to act. The integration of both caseworkers and counselling teams has provided cOMp￿hen$1ve support for survivors, catering to their advocacy and therapeutic needs effectively. Our clinical team has observed an increase in clients requiring advocacy support, particularly retTardinu hou5inu imrnitrration. le(ral proceedings, and financial challenges exacerbated by the cost of living crisis. Balancin therapy arn idst numerous external stressors has been challenging, often necessitating prioritisation of practical support over ¢ounselling. However, with access to dedicated caseworkers. Ihis process has become more streamlined, allowino counsellors to focus on delivering therapeutic assistance. This inteorated approach ensures client5 receive specialised wraparound supporL enhancing their overall experience and outcomes. Feedback for DAISV Service 2023-24: "The service is actually one with skilled educated staff. who make effective change. The staff are knowledgeable in facts. So one moves on from the service empowered and believing in one s rights as 8 women or girl." -Hopefully the local authorities will fund this service to grow more and meet more service users. They should also be sending their staff for training at WAGN on the complex cases and how to support women and girls who are victims of sexual and physical violence. WOMEN AND GIRLS NETWORK TRUSTEES'ANNUAL REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 20?4 Ending Harmful Practices (Counselling sern'ices) We continue to offer two EHP services within WGN, each funded separately.. one throuJo MOPAC P&CT and the other through Ascent funded by London Councils. These services provide specialised, long-tern) counselling to women who have experienced harmful practices such as female genital mutilation, so- called 'honour-based' violence, and forced marriage. Our counselling contracts last for 20 weeks (but can be extended) and are available to women aged 18 and older. Longer therapy durations allow us to address complex issues 5temrning from harmful practices comprehensively, aiding in recovery. We serve women and girls connected to or residing in Ealing, Hounslow, and Bromley boroughs. Additionally, we collaborate with voluntary, statutory, and community sectors to raise awareness about the impact of harniful practices throuJo ) presentations and trainin which is detailed in the training section below. We maintain a strono partnership with interpreting service, ensuring access to female interpreters for clients with lanouage needs. Additionally, we recruit staff proficient in multiple languages, including Albanian, Urdu, and Punjabi. for this project. By recruiting counsellors from Crlobal majority backgrounds for this project, we enhance support for clients who may prefer working with someone familiar with their culture and experiences, thereby promoting greater comfort and understanding. We have noticed an increasing number of clients seekincv support in housing and immigrarion matters. While our primary focus remains on providing counselling, we are also assisting by writing support letters, offering GP referrals, and connecting clients with advocacy services such as our WGN Advice Casework team. This collaborative approach ensures that clients receive well-rounded care and the support they need. Housing challenges continue to affect many of our clients within this service. Some are IiviT]g in unsuitable accommodation, like hotels or B&Bs. which often lack basic amenities such as kitchen facilities. Those with 'no recourse to public ￿nds, (NRPF) have been especially hard-hit by the rising cost of living, making the need for immigration and financial support even more uroent. Over 300/0 of clients accessing this service have immioration issues. Our clin ical team is available to assist with these issues, with onward referrals to advocacy teams, but we also place sessions on hold if clients are unable to fully commit to sessions or are unable to do deeper traurna work due to external stressors needing to be resolved first. They are welcome to resume therapy at any time. For clients who are unable to attend in-person sessions due to financial constraints, we continue to offer travel reirnbursements to help ease their burden. These services welcomed 38 new referrals in 20?3-24. 30 clients received counselling contracts in the period. Our counsellors delivered 25 asses5rnent hours durino the period and JO l individual counselling and grounding sessions. Our Senior Clinical Team also provided additional hours providing supporting letters. welfare check in calls, GP letters and supporting clients with onward referral to advocacy services such as IKWRO and Advice casework, as well as statutory mental health teams. Client feedback for EHP counsolllng sorvlces 2023-24: "l appreciate my Counsellor a lot, for h8r time and her great pmf8ssional support." "I got lots of support from yourgroup. They taught me to live a better life and k89p b8 Posltive in life. So thanks for this positive support." "The support I received was amazing. [My counsellorjwas the nicest most understanding person. I had a lot of intertwined issues, and she was so patient. and l am now able to cope a lot better. The Centre the sessions ware held in was very welcoming and I fett calm walking in. I have come away from the whole experience with a better sense of personal s8curity and s8lf-assuranc8." WOMEN AND GIRLS NETWORK TRUSTEES'ANNUAL REPORT (tNCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 West London Rape Crisis Service The West London Rape Crisis Service (WLRCC), a specialised branch of Women and Girls Network, offers free counselling and advocacy services to women who have experienced various fornis of sexual violence, including child sexual abuse, rape, prostiNtion, sexual assaulL harassment, gang-related violence, bullying, and exploitation. The primary objective is to enhance, safeguard, and restore the mental wellbeing of women and girls who have encountered or are susceptible to sexual violence, all while striving for a society free from gender-based violence. Our central service is the Counselling Service, which provides flexible contracts (ranging frorn 20 sessions to one year) to WOTnen who have faced sexual violence. Therdpeutic interventions are tailored to address trauma- related issues. adopting an individualised. multifacete(L and holistic approach. WLRCC'S qualified therapists deliver this therapeutic service across six boroughs. offering session5 frorn one to two days a week. We also provide wellbeing check-in calls to clients in nee(L facilitated by our Sen ior Clinical Team. which also extends support through letters and ongoing assistance after the WGN counselling contract. In total, 2.342 counselling sessTons were delivered over the year conslsting of initial assessment session5, 1-1 counselling se55ions, Senior Clinical Team sessions and risk management sessions. Benefits of Therapy OutCOTnes 2023-24: Clients accessing our RCC counselling service this year achieved the following outcomes as shown through positive CORE scores and End of Therapy fornis. These scores are taken from the full years data set for our annual review of the service.. 7?O/o of clients reported improved personal insight and understanding 830/0 of clients were better able to explore their feelingslproblems 79010 of clients were better able to express their feeltngslproblems 82 % of clients developed better coping strategiesltechniques 39010 of clients were provided with access to p￿tical help 61Y/o of clients reported improved decision making and planning 830/0 of clients reported irnproved general wellbeing 640/0 of clients reported an irnprovement in their trauma symptoms 75 % of clients reported improved day to day functioning 7￿/0 of clients reported improved personal relationships. In 2023-24, 43 clients answered our feedback survey and provided the following positive outcomes: Clients who reported improved health and wellbeing - 840/0 Clients who reported feeling informed aT]d empowered to act= 86 % Client who reported improved feelings of safety = 82 % Clients who reported developing Tllore p051tive copinu mechanisms and techniques = By the end olQuarter 4 we had 45 clients on our risk register for mediurn to hiJ risk clients with approxirnately 15 /0 being on the register due to risk of harni from others and the other 85 % bein(r due to risk of harn) to self (E.g. suicidal ideation, suicide attempts andlor self-harni). Interventions inclllded sending GP letters for interim support or requesting a review of a cli¢nt's medication or care plan, onward referral to advocacy services (including our in-house Advice Casework servTce), welfare check-in calls and the extension of counselling contracts when necessary. In 2023-24, we closed a total of 43 risk flags, all of which were attributed to 'risk of harni to self including risk associated with substance use, suicidal ideation, self-hami and suicide attempts (either recent or historic). 33 of these risk flags were closed due to plam)ed closure and risk de*scalation, indicating that we no longer considered the client at risk. WOMEN AND GIRLS NETWORK TRUSTEES'ANNUAL REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED JI MARCH ?0?4 This accounted for 770/0 of clients with closed risk flaos. l 00/0 had their risk fla(ys de-escalated to lower-level risk flags and 14 % disengaged or declined service. In such cases, we ensured they were provided with resources like helpline numbers, and that their GPS were informed in high-risk instances. The West London Rape Crisis Centre successfully completed the National Service Standards assessment for Rape Crisis England & Wales rneeting all crileria for Full Membership of Rape Crisis England & Wales which is valid for three years. We have also been highlighted as a centre for good practice by Rape Crisis Enoland and Wales. Client feedback for WLRCC in 2023-24: °It has genuinely changed my life. I feel so much more equipped to d8al with things and understand myself so much better." "The privacy of the IoGation. The women only environment. The priv8te and comfortable mom. The excellent communication regarding appointments." "I can see a good future ahead no matter what. I believe in myself again and am beginning to trust now that I have deaft with my past. I was made to feel bad and mad and thanks to this support I know I'm not and have never been. l am me and I'm back on my feet. Thank you" "From the mom8nt I contacted WGN services I was informed of what accessing support looked like. and timeframes which were particularly important as the Homecare Team w8r8 trying to discharge me withoutproactivaly helping me put support in place. I was communicated with via telephone. text and email even whilst I was waiting for sessions to start I had check-in calls which I greatly appreciated.- "My experienc8 with Women & Girls Network was crucial to me getting my life back on track. I cannot express how grateful l am to have been supported in this way. My therapist was 8 perfect match for my needs. and she had left me the tools I need to continue forward." Body TherapTr and Coaching As part of the WGN model of integrated holistic services, clients are offered body therapy as a means to physical healing, to create healthier and more posilive connections to the b(Kly, and to promote wellbeing and self-care. This year. we welcomed a new body therapist to join our team offering a second day of Aromatherapy Massage at our Shepherds Bush service so that clients have more choice and flexibility when it comes to accessing this very popular service Our Body Therapy service consist5 of two different types of sessions clients can access.. Aromatherapy Massage (Monday evenings and Wednesday mornings. Shepherds Bush) As part of a holistic approach to recovery, massage has long been used to restore healih of body and mind. Massage can have profound efyects and is particularly useful in the treatment of trauma. This is an hour- long session at our Shepherd's Bush premises. This non-invasive therapy helps improve areas such as sleep, digestion, body aches and pains and tseneral wellbeing. Clients are in control of their treatment, which is devised in consultation with them. A treatment can be stopped or amended at any time. WOMEN AND GIRLS NETWORK TRUSTEES'ANNUAL REPORT (tNCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Wellbeing Coaching (Tuesday evenings, Online) These are 50-minute Sessions which focus on issues related to the body such as exercise, nutrition, stress- management, sleep hygiene, grounding, self-care, body image, food relationships and menopausal issues. A wellbeing coach guides the client to bring about a clearer understanding of any concerns in relation to overall wellbeing and inspire the necessary changes to achieve goals. We delivered 24? hours of body therapy in 2023-24. Client feedback for Body Therapy servlco 2023-24: "I gained a lot of weight for a year after the incid8nt and stopped working out. I have now lost half of the gained weight and consistently go gym. l am a lot less scared and anxious which has made g￿ng outsid8 not only easier but enjoyable. I se8 my friends a lot more and l find it easier to communicate." "I was surprised with how useful I found the wellbeing coaching sessions. my coach was so lovely. tailored the support to my needs and made me feel really at eas8. It has been the most valuable support I have had and I greetly appreciate the CouRAGEus CouDselling CouRAGEus counselling is for Black and minoritised young women. This includes those from ethnic minority groups, LGBT+ and disabled young women. It is for survivors aged 14 yrs - 24 yrs who live, Work or study in any London Borough and have endured or are enduring violence, abuse and/or exploitation. Se55ions are flexible to suit the needs of young people and can range from 10 sessions to up to a year. We received 44 referrals in 2023-24 which SU￿assed our target and is an 80/0 increase on last year's numbers. We offered 14 assessment appointments and 156 individual counselling sessions in 2023-?4. We also welcomed a new specialist counsellor to the tearn to offer two diarles. 73010 of clients in 2023-24 accessing our counselling service reported an increased ranoe of self-care strategies and positive coping mechanisms. This client group necessitated additional support from our Senior Clinical Team who provided 14 sessions of welfare emotional support calls and GP assistance within the period. London Borough of Hounslow Counselling This service operated with a 5inale diary and one Specialist Coun5ellor based at our Hounslow satellite venue. The counsellor provided five sessions each Monday, Specifically for clieT)ts refer￿d through the 'Sexual Violence Outreach and Prevention Practitioner. at the London Boroutyh of Hounslow. This initiative was designed to address the growing needs within the borough, ensuring that clients received timely support and experienced shorter waiting times for sessions. In total we provided 262 sessions for the year (approximately50/0 over taroet) and supported 44 individual clients. J? of which were new referrals to the service in 202i-24. Benefits of Therapy Outcomes 2023-24: Clients accessing the LBH Counselling service this year achieved the following outcornes as shown through positive CORE scores and End of Therapy form5. These scores are taken from the full year's data set (April 23- March 24). 10 WOMEN AND GIRLS NETWORK TRUSTEES'ANNUAL IiEPORT (tNCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 20?4 75 % of clients reported improved personal insight and understanding 840/0 of clients reported beincr better able lo e.xplore feelingslproblems 840/0 of clients reported being beller able to express their feelingslproblerns 840/0 of clients developed better coping slrategiesltechniques 9 % of clients were provided access to prdctical help 42% of clients reported better control, planning and decision making 60 % of clients reported improved subjective wellbeing 84 % of clients reported an improvement in mental health symptoms 840/0 of clients reported an improvement in day-to-day functioning 84% of client5 reported an irnprovement in their personal relationships. This year. we closed I I risk flags for clients flagged as medium to high risk for risk of hami to self (90 % ) (E.g. suicidal ideation, self-harm and suicide attempts either recent or historic) and risk of hann from oihers (l O /0) (E.g. risk associated with a perpetrator, advocacy need). One client was also on our risk register for risk associated with her physical health deteriorating due to a condition she is living with. Of these, 900/0 were closed due to planned closure and risk de-escalation. meaning we did not consider the client at risk when closing their case. l O /0 disenuaged but GP letters were sent to provide them with ongoing support and an advocacy referral for a client experiencing homelessness. We have six clients remaining on our risk register goino into 24-25 who we will continue to support with GP letlers. contract extensions, welfarelcheck-in calls and onward referral to advocacy services where necessary. Unfortunately. this service will not continue in 20?4-25. However, the positive impact it had on survivor5 was invaluable. Client feedback for LaH Counselling service 2023-24: "The seNice has helped me feel safer and more comfortable to be in society again.- -my therapist and how willing she was to listen to me and hold space for me to share things no one else wanted to listen to." Two dients informed us that they wish they could have attended a greater number of sessions as they benefitted greatly from the contracts they did attend. Honorar). Coun5ellors Between April ?3 and March 24 our Honorary Counsellors provided ?38 counselling sessions across counselling services and supported 50 individual clients over the year. They also achieved an 82 % attendance rate during the period. This year, we have encountered difficulties in retaining our Honorary Counsellors. leading to a more than 50 % decrease in Ihe nurnber of sessions offered and clients supported. Several factors contributed to this. with the cost of living crisis being a key issue. Many of our volunteers have understandably needed to priorTrtise paid work over volunteering their time and services. In response, towards the end of the year, our Admin team implemented a more strategic approach to diary management. This allowed us to better meet targets by optimising available session slots, particularly those that were either above target or where flexibility allowed for adjustments. This approach has helped reduce our reliance on Honorary Counsellors while continuing to meet the needs of our clients. WOMEN AND GIRLS NETWORK TRUSTEES'AKNUAL REPORT (tNCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Independent Seiual I'iolence Advocac). Service The ISVA Service provides advocacy support to women aged 14 years and over in west London. The ISVA aims to: Improve the survivors, awareT]ess of their rights- Increase their confidence in the criminal justice process and involvement of any statutory agencies. and Increase their immediate and longer tern] safety. This year, the ISVA team has provided vital supwrt to survivors of sexual violence despite significant challenges within the crirninal justice system, including police staffing shortages. delays in investigations, incon51Stent comrnunication from the police and the CPS and record-high court backlogs. They have navigated inconsistent Section 28 applications and persistent trial delays while advocating for tirnely case PTogre55iOT] and clearer communicatlDn with authorities. Despite these obstacles, the team has celebrated successe5, including CPS charues in several cases. improved communication with the CPS VictiTn Liaison Unit, and securiv]g a rnajor conviction at Isleworth Crown Court. The team also expanded its capacity with new staff. positioning itself for continued progress in 2024. The ISVA service supported 107 individual women on both a short- and long-term basis with 37 having been referred this year. The extreTnely challenging environment which the ISV A servic¢ navigates, creates significant barriers to justice for survivors. However, the team's resilience, bolstered by recent successes in both court outcomes and improved CPS communication, offers hope for continued progress. As new team members come on board in early 2024. the ISVA service is poised to expand its capacity and further strengthen it5 SUPPOrt for survtvors, all while advocating for necessary changes within the criminal justice system to address these longstanding issue5. There have been several notable successes this year. Communication between ISVAS and the CPS has improved significantly, thanks to the establishment of the CPS Victim Liaison Unit (VLU). This unit has facilitated better dialogue between ISVAS and the CPS, opening communication channels that were previously closed off. This development has been crucial in eTJsuring that su￿1VorS are kept informed about their cases. and it has strengthened the relationship between the ISVA service and the CPS. Furthennore, there was a positive outcome in a case at Isleworth Crown Court in December 2023. A survivor, who had reported a rape in May 2018, finally saw her perpetrator brought to justice. After years of delays, the trial concluded with the perpetrator being fouT]d guilty. In January 2024, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison, with a minimum of14 years to be served. This case highlights the importance of persistence and advocacy. even in the face of a slow-moving systeTn. The team also saw improvements in how ISV A support is perceived in court. In the Isleworth case. witness care and the survivor's barrister both acknowledged the vital role ISVAS play, ensuring the ISVA was allowed to sit with the survivor during the trial, which provided much-needed emotional support. Here are Some outcomes taken from our client feedback survey in 20?3-24 (using feedback from 23 individual clients who answered our 5urvey)'. 70 % reported irnproved health and wellbeing as a result of using the service 790/0 reported improved self-care strategies and positive coping mechanisms 5J /0 reported improved feelings of safety 870/0 reported feeling infornied and ernpowered to act 66010 reported that engaging with the ISVA service affected their experience of the criminal justice system. This is in keeping with previous years, feedback. 12 WOMEN AND GIRLS NETWORK TRUSTEES'ANNUAL REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 20?4 Cllent feedback for ISVA service from 2023-24: "My ISVA adviser is super super helpful and makes me feel very comfortable. She has helped 8 great deal with the problgms I have had, unfortunately it is the police department that has immensely under performed in their job." -1 feel like my ISVA workgr has gone above and beyond while working with me. She seems to always be there when I need her, in emergencies especially. and she is always listening. I feel like she actually hears m8, validates m8 and keeps me grounded during very trying times while still remaining honest and professional. She has been able to help me through this process of getting justice. but also she brings clarity to other parts of my lrfe such as my mental health and my interpersonal relationships.- "ISVA service is really helpful. They understand my feelings and my situation, making me realise I'm not alone and giving me the strength to take action. Without their support. I might still be deeply depressed and unable to move on from the trauma." "My ISVA is very trauma informed and empathic to my needs. She s so inft>rmed on the processes and its so helpful. Equally I feel as though I m in control of this process which is so important, and I value it a Jot." "I believe in myself again, thank you and happy to be alive.- 'oung Il'omen's AdvocacTr Service The role of the Advocate is to support young women (I1-?5) who have been affected by/ or at risk of sexual violence andlor sexual exploitation including young women who are gang associatedlinvolved. The Advocate offers holistic wrap around l-?_I support, advice. workshopslsupport groups and schoolsl coTnmunity-based prevention work to young women. In addition, the Advocate delivers Professional Exchanoe Serninars to frontline staff in the West London Boroughs around an intersectional approach to responding to Youno Survivors. This year, we faced recruitment challenges in this project due to hiiFh turnover, driven by the cost of living crisi5 and funding instabil ity. In response. senior team members focused on strengthening referral pathways, building partnerships with key oroanisations such as Solace, Southall Black Sisters. and the CouRAGEus projecls. They also referred individuals internally to London Survivors Gateway and WGN'S Advice tram. The waitlist for MOPAC-funded services was temporarily c105ed after Q2, with recruitment efforts continuing into ?0?4-?5. The Young Women's Advocacy Service received a total of15 referrals in this reporting year. Of these referrals.. 68 Youno Women received on-going advocacy support ?6 received full counselling contracts though the Empower Project and CouRAGEus. CouRAGEous is a unique pan-LoDdon project for minoritised young women and girls. It is a partnership between I I leadiT)g VAWG specialist oraani5ations (WGN, Ashiana. IKWRO, Solace Women's Aid, Nia. Southall Black Sisters, Respond, Jewish Women's Aid, Galop, Advance and ITnkaan) to Provide specialist advocacy, counselling, and resilience and prevention programé for minoritised young women and girls experiencing gendered violence, mental health issues andlor multiple disadvantages. 13 WOMEN AND GIRLS NETWORK TRUSTEES'ANNUAL REPORT {tNCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH ?0?4 At the core of the work of the pan-London Young Women and Girls, Intecrrated service is to support minoritised young women experiencing intersectional disadvantage. Therefore, the understandino of the multiple forms of overlapping structural inequalities which intensify at the point of intersection are critical in understanding, engaging and offering the appropriate inlervention for the youno women and girls accessing the service. Feedback for Community Engagement Worker 2023-24: -1 never think about the connection between ours8nses and my body when we are under strass. Always I fett nervous, and my hands were so wet. and my breathing changad all the timg. But now, with this activity, I leamed that my body was reacting to protect me. I love this comfort kit because now I know how to Ind how I can relax." The Dedicated London Sexual Violence Helpline Women and Girls Network's dedicated Sexual Violence Helpline provides a safe, confidential and non- judgmental space for anyone in London who self identifies as a woman and has experienced either recent or historic sexual violence. Women and (rirls who access the Helpline's Freephone number or web chat can share their experiences and explore the irnpact of their experiences on their lives and journey to healing and recovery. The Helpline is Staffed by highly trained Sexual Violence Practitioners and volunteers who provide trauma-infomied and holistic responses to survivors, supportinu them to understand, recognise and put strategies in place for dealing with the trauma they have experienced. The Helpline can COTnplement existing systems of support survivors already have in place. but often the Helpline is the sole source of support women will a¢¢es5, especially as it offers complete anonymity on the point of access for survivors if they wish for it. As part of the Ascent Partnership Helplines stran(L the Helpline works in partnership with Refuge, RASASC and RESPECT to ensure the delivery of helpline services for survivors of VAWG, and sexual violence in particular. The Helpline has designed. developed and delivered two new additional service provisions, operational from January ?0?3: 1) Emotional Support Web Chat and 2) Emotional Resiliency Packaues. The emotional SUPPDrt Web Chat provides up to I hour of emotional support per web chat and operates within the same parameters as the Freephone Helpline service. WGNS Sexual Violence Helpline continues to PTovide Etnotional Resiliency Packages following the succes5 of the pilot in 2022-23. This is interirn emotional support calls for survivors of sexual violence who are on waiting lists to access support (identified and referred in via the London Survivors Gateway). This provision entails helpline practitioners delivering up to six weekly phone based emotional support sessions to survivors who were identified by London Survivors Gateway. In this reporting period the Pan London Sexual Violence Helpline provided 904 individual survivors with emotional sUPPOrt. Of these, 761 (approximately 85%) reported reduced isolation, increased hope andlor increased understanding. 612 (approxirnately 680/0) survivors reported having an increased underslanding of the steps they need to take to increase their safety. Additionally, 3? borough professionals reported being better able to support their clients, needs as a direct outcome of their support from our Helpline. Women and Girls Neh*'ork Training Women and Girls Network's training department delivers training courses that are accredited through fhe Open College Network (OCN). WGN, s training is aimed at front line professionals working within the VA WG sector. 14 WOMEN AND GIRLS NETWORK TRUSTEES'ANNUAL REPORT (fNCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The objectives of the training services are to validate learners, prior and current knowledge, as well as to provide opportun ities to further enhance and develop awareness, knowledge and skills of learners. In 2023-24 we delivered the following trainings: Sexual Violence Accredited Training-. 3? delegates from 31 "Organisations Understanding and Working with Harn1￿1 Practices: 15 delegates from 13 Organisations Professional Resilience and Self-care Trdining Dying to Live - Understanding and Working with Suicidality Accredited Training: 18 Delegates from 14 Organisations Ending Harsnful Practice.. I I delegates from I l Organisations Advanced ISVA training - Accredited. A range of Expert led seminars. and internal trainings were also delivered, for example. focused on safeguarding. The Advice Service Women and Girls Network's Ascent Advice service provides Freephone Advice Line, webehat and medium- long frrni 1-2-1 Casework and advocacy support services for women and girls aged 14 or older in London. Freephone Advice Line Women and Girls Network's Ascent Advice Hub provides free and confidential women-led, trauma-infonned specialist inforniation, advice and advocacy support to survivors of VAWG aged 14 OT older and their supporters. WGN'S Freephone Advice Line covers 17 London boroughs and provides women and girls with infonnation about the options available to them. Specialist inforniation is provided on a wide range of issues including: Personal safety Housing and homelessness (including access to refijge accommodation) Finances and welfare benefits No Recourse to Public Funds Legal options and processes (including legal protection remedies) Child contact related Concerns Mental health and Emotional wellbeing. The Advice Line is also open for professionals to access advice, support and consultations on cases involving gender-based violence. We were able to support 1,732 calls to the Advice Line in 2023-24. they provided assistance to 1.325 individual clients over the course of those calls. Of these clients. 6￿/0 reported increased leelin(rs of safety as a result of th¢ Advice Line's support. 1-2-1 Casework Overvieiv The AdvTce service offers specialist face to face casework 5UPPOrt for self-identifying wornen and girls affected by VAWG. Casework support is offered in several south-west London boroughs including Bromley, Croydon, Ealing, Wandsworth, Lewisham, Lambeth, Kingston and Richmond. Support is offered in several satellite venues across those boroughs. Face lo face casework support is delivered from an intersectional framework within a wider social-justice agenda. 15 WOMEN AND GIRLS NETWORK TRUSTEES'ANNUAL REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH ?024 Casework support offers women and girls a safe space where they can be themselves, safely explore their options and have their voices heard. Caseworkers offer intensive advocacy and support around a wide range of practical and emotional support needs related to VA WG. Pan London Young Women Caseworker (YWC) The Pan London YWC supports young women and girls Loed 14 to 24 by creating a safe and respectful space where young WOTnen are sUPPOrted to speak theiT mind without judgements and assumptions being Made. The YWC supports yOUDlY women to think about what they need or want support with and then will work with them to make changes in their own lives, enhancing a positive view of self and encouraging the creation of new, positive connections. Our YWC has been instrumental in increasing our service visibility in the Sector and has been a fierce advocate in challenging VA WG myths and bad practice in Secondary schools and Universities in particular, The YWC has had huue outcomes in supporting very cornplex cases, including advocacy for proper statutory care for a 14 year old who was due to become an inpatient for her mental health, as well as providing holistic wiap around support to increase our clients. safety tool kit and empowerment to recogT)i5e harmful people in her life. Our YWC has supwrted a disabled, non-binary 19-year- old with multiple needs as they navigate accessing mental health support and explored VA WG awareness raising and empoweThent sessions. Black & Global Majority Caseworker (DAISV) Durino this delivery year the Casework Service has had new specialist role &s we now have our Black and Global Majority Women lead caseworker. The caseworker is holding a fvll caseload with varied complex cases. Our casewO￿er has supported two clients get a religious divorce and safely separate frotn the perpetrators. The caseworker has also supported our second oldest client (7?) out of a high-risk situation and with successful joint workincr with MAIUC Crot her to remain safely in her home as the perpetrator was removed. Our caseworker has received so much tsreat feedback in particular, "thank you so much for your hard work & dedication to me. I know I was hard to reach at the betsinnin You still didn't trive up on me. I really appreciate your deterniination because of this I can now live a normal life. A million thanks to you. Keep up the good work." Caseivork summary for 2023-24 The service has also seen an increase in the volume of women and girls lookint particularly around safe accomrnodation and mental health needs. The Advice Service continued to raise the profile of the service across the boroughs it covers, with the service taking part in a wide range of community events and borough-based targeted outr¢ach promotions across the 17 boroughs it covers. The service has continued to establish excellent referral pathways with a wide Tange of partner agencies, particularly tar(reting educational establishments and VAWG leads in the boroughs we support. We have also made some great connections which resulted in referral pathways and free traininD for our team from different organisations such as Specialist prevention worf(ers on child exploitation, a disability support organisation and legal protection training. In 20?)-24. the Advice Casework team supported 128 individua] clients, 112 of which were new refe￿a]S in the period. to access crisis support. Feedback for Advico 1-2-1 Casowork seryice 2023-24: -1 really appreciated it really could make the difference in someone remaining sane or even committing suicide." -In times of crisis this is literally a lifeline for those going through critical and somewhat devastating times in their lives.- "My caseworker explained and supported me. to understand the sitU8tion I was in and advised me on my options. which gave me the Gonfidence to make changes." 16 WOMEN AND GIRLS NETWORK TRUSTEES'ANNUAL REPORT (fNCLUDING DRRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The Londoll SurviTr'ors Gateway Women and Girls Network is leading a sexual violence triage pilot in partnership with four London Rape Crisis Centres, Galop, Survivors UK, and London Havens. The funders are the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) and London Havens. The London Survivors Gateway offers support to victims and survivors of rdpe and sexual abuse aged 13+ in London, including a dedicated triage service (the 'Gateway') and lSVA￿caSeWOrkerS in each voluntary partnership agency who work with survivors. The Gateway service provides survivors with: A 40-minute comprehensive risk and needs assessment with a Navigator Multi-agency liaison for safety concerns Referrals to other agencies made by Navigators. often creating smoother pathways and shorter waiting times Specialist resources like self-help guides and helpline inforniation Transfer for a forensic medical examination if needed. The service supported 2225 individual survivors. They were able to make 2409 referrals over the year to rape crisis centres, advocacy services, counselling services and health agencies. There were a further 347 clients who did not require an ongoing referral as their needs were met by the London Survivors Gateway. These ISV A and Caseworker roles across the partnership provide long-temi and short-tem support to survivor5 of sexual violence who require rnore intensive Casework and multi-agency support as a result of experiencing multiple disadvantages or chronic disempowernient. ISVAS across six partnership agencies worked with 583 individual survivors over the course of the year. The caseworkers worked with 323 individual survivors over the year. Outcomes for survivors accessing LSG Helpline- 960/0 reported an increased awareness of sexual violence services in London 960/0 of survivors reported feeling believed and understood by LSG staff. Outcomes for survivors accessing the ISVA service: 82 % reported increased feelings of safety 860/0 reported increased self-care strategies and positive coping mechanisms 900/0 reported that they are better inforn)ed and ernpowered to act 86 % reported a positive increase in their health and wellbeing 740/0 of clients pursuing criminal justice outcornes report that the ISVA helped improve their experience of this process. Outcomes for survivors accessing the Caseworker service: 75 /0 reported increased feelings of safety 76 /0 reported increased self-care strategies and positive coping mechanisms 80 % reported that they are b¢tter infonned and empowered to act 740/0-reported a positive incTease in their health and wellbeing 92 % of clients pursuing criminal justice outcomes report that the ISV A helped impTove their experience of thts process. In 2023-24, Gateway provided clients waiting for counselling andlor ISVA support some interim short-terni support. We also restructured our team configuration and recruited for some newly created roles. 17 WOMEN AND GIRLS NETWORK TRUSTEES'ANNUAL REPORT {INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED J l MARCH 20?4 We launched our Gateway psyehoeducational 'understanding trauma, webinar for survivors, receiving positive feedback. These webinars help survivors to understand trauma responses they may be experiencing from a psychoeducational lens, and to equip them with ways to cope. Clients have also been able to access Gateway Wellbeing Coaehing sessions. These four times weekly online sessions offer a wam] and understanding space to explore concerns related to a survivor, s overall wellbeing. focusino on specific goals (e.g. around sleeping and eating) to improve their wellbeing. In collaboration with the WGN sexual violence helpline. we've further developed our offer of Emotional Support Sessions to survivors aivaiting specialist ISV A or counselling support, providing much needed etnotional space for clients who often otherwise have no one to speak to. This support offers six weeks of a contained, regular and reliable time to receive empathic eTllOtional support, relieving them from the burden of repeating their experiences to a new perSOT] each time a5 is required when accessiT]g a helpliT]e. The role of our Senior Rapid Response Navigator (SRRN), who holds more cornplex cases and offers short- terni interventions for clients falling between gaps around Casework or in statutory services, or who have high levels of need, has been a continued success, both for clients and for our team structure and institutional learning. For example, she has worked skillfully with chronically suicidal survivors who have had difficult relationships with statutory meT)tal health teams and were stru(YCrling to engage with thern due to an approach that was less trauma-infonned. The SRRN has successfvlly supported clients until they were able to access longer-ternl advocacy or casework support from partner organisations. We also appointed an Admin and Bookings Worker (ABW) within the Gateway fram. This role has provided more capacity and support with the Gateway Wellbeing Coaching sessions being offered to clients who are waiting to access counselling andl or ISVA support whilst waiting lists are closed. The ABW also supports with refe]Ting clients who have been waitincr for a referral into counselling andlor ISVA following a Gateway assessment, when a closed service's waiting lists re-opens. We implernented a new robust and safer system for the intake of Gateway referrals intake openlclosures, thus continuing to offer sustainable, high-quality, holistic support for survivors, while safeguarding both staff and clients. More sustainable caseload levels have allowed for more creative and trauma-infortned interventions such as the Co-creation of creativt, holistic, person-centred safety plans for survivors in various fornis of crisis. This has also enabled us to maintain regular weekly referral openings, good contact times (on average 1-3 days from referral to first contact with client or professional), and to hold the average wait for a Gateway assessment relatively steady at around 1-2 week5. There is a significant shortage of available services, and significant waitints lists across the sexual violence sector and beyond, due to increasing demand for support and a challengino fundincr landscape. We have seen increasing complexity of survivor circumstances with the compounding housing, healthcare and cost of living crises. Despite this, our team sensitively delivers news of long waiting lists or closed support, while continually assessing risk and any need for additional statutory support. Navigators are skilled at delivering difficult infomiation empathically, providing professional consultations to professionals, and advocating with statutory services for clients with more complex needs or facing muliiple batTiers. Feedback for London Survivors Gateway 2023-24: °Professional and understanding" Amazing for her to be the first point of contact, gave me confidenc8 to continue with my case" "Fantastic service" Navigators and lines workers were"described as: "Fantastic... patient and kind and gave me 8 lot of useful infom?ation" 18 WOMEN AND GIRLS NETWORK TRUSTEES'AKNUAL REPORT (SNCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 New Developments Sexual Violence La￿er5 Pilot (2024-25) For 2024-25, WGN will introduce a new Sexual Violence Lawyers service whith will provide free, independent legal support to rape survivors, aiming to improve their experience, build trust in the crirninal justice system (CJS), enhance health outcomes, and streamline policè investigations. The service will offer legal advice for general enquiries, and specific support for survivors asked to provide digital or third-paty materials. This includes direct liaison with the police and CPS, &s well as submitting written representations to both and the courts. Our lawyers will help sur.vivors navigate various justice mechanisms. such as pursuing a Victims. Right to ReVI￿V (VRR), and assist in making or reviewing Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme applications. Our aims are: More survivor5 will have access to critical advice on navigating the CJS ISVAS will benefit from greater access to legal guidance and support for their clients Financial Review During the year WGN received income of £7,109,564 (2023 £6,440.995) and incutTed expenditure of £6.985,126 (2023 - £6,191,159) showing an overall surplus of £124,438 (2023 - £249,836). At 31 March 2024 general unrestricted reserves totalled £1,170,295 (2023 - £1,073,064) and restricted reserves were £226,961 (2023 - £199,754). £7,109.564 £6.440.995 £6.985,126 £6,191.159 2024 SURPLUS £124438 2023 SURPLUS £249,836 19 WOMEN AND GIRLS NETWORK TRUSTEES'ANNUAL REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 TOTAL EXPENDITURE: £6,985,126 COST OF RAISING FUNDS £27,802 CHARITABLE EXPENDITURE DIRECT CHARITABLE EXPENDITURE £3.777,184 CHARITABLE EXPENDITURE £6,957,324 STAFF COSTS £2,627,852 SHARE OF GOVERNANCE COSTS £17,494 SHARE OF SUPPORT GOSTS £534,794 Reserves Policy The trustees have examined WGN's reserves requirements, considering the main risks to the oiganisation and any reserves restrictions asserted by funding bodies. We have established a reserves policy for unrestricted ￿ndS that have not been desiJq iated, of between 3-6 months of the projected annual expenditure (not including payments made to partners). This budgeted expenditure for 2024125 is £4.299,460 therefore the reserves target is between £1,074.865 and £2,149.730. The level of free general reserves not tied up in fixed asset5 at 31st March 20?4 was £1.170,295, within the reserves policy (2023-£1,072,8?7). Pay Policy The trustees set the rernuneration of the key management personnel by comparing job descriptions with similar roles in comparable organisations and other external data of its comparators. Principal Funding Sources During this period, WGN received funding from London Councils, The Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC), The London Boroughs of Houn51ow, HammersTnith and FulhaTn, Westtninster and Kensington and Chelsea. The Ministy of Justice. The Safer London Foundation/MOPAC, London Hostels Association, NHS England, Brook and London Havens. The funding enabled WGN to continue delivering all its main services as well as developing new specialist and innovative services aimed at supporting women and girls who have experienced all fonns of gendered violence. We would like to acknowledge the generous donation we received from the AKO Foundation. 20 WOMEN AND GIRLS NETWORK TRUSTEES'ANNUAL REPORT (tNCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Plans for Future Periods The key plans for the 2024n5 financial year are= To continue strengthenino service users, active participation in developing and shaping new and existing services through our Experts by Experience Groups To develop support services for clients on waiting list5 ¢.g. etnotional 5UPPOrt sessions and awareness raising seminars To review WGNS senior leadership team structure To strengthen and consolidate services and the core infrastructure. Structure, Governance and Management Governing Document Women and Girls Network (WGN) was founded in 1987. On l April 2013 all the assets of the unincorporated association were transferred to the charitable Company limited by guarantee. The charitable company is governed by its articles of association and is overseen by a iy)ard of Trustee5, consisting of individuals listed in this document. Their tenns extend until the initial Board meeting of the following year, during which they may seek re-election. The Board must have a minimum of three and a maximum of ten elected Trustees, with no one under 18 eligible. Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees Each year. one-third of the current Trustees or the nearest approximation if not divisible by three retire during the initial Board meeting. The longesl-serving Trustees since their last election are subject to retirement, with selection by lot if appointed on the same day. Retlring Trustees can be re-elected. Appointments, retirements, and removals of Trustees and the Company Secretary, if appointed, must be reported to the Registrar of Companies. The Board can appoint individuals to fill vacancie5, granting them voting rights until the next calendar yeaT'S initial Board meeting. where they tnay be elected. The Board conducts tneetinu5 following Articles of Association guidelines. Decisions are by majority vote. with each Trustee, including the Chair, having one vote. A quorum requires one-third of Trustees, with a miT]imum of three.Trustees airn for diverse membership, emphasising representation from Black and Minority Ethnic communities and survivors of gendered violence. including former service users. An amiual skills audit idenlifies deficits. and new rnernbers with required expertise are recruited. Trustees Induction and Training New Trusfres undergo an induction program and access internal and external training, including financial management. Organisational Structure The Board ove]sees the strategic plan, fmancial and perfomiance reports, and risk assessment. Sub