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← Kingston Carers' Network

2025-03-31-accounts

Reg. Charity No. 1151456 Company Number 8376060

Report of the Trustees and Examined Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 for Kingston Carers’ Network

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Kingston Carers’ Network Reg. Charity No. 1151456 Company Number 8376060

Kingston Carers' Network (KCN) is an independent charity providing information, advice, advocacy and support to unpaid carers of all ages who are caring for someone with an illness, disability or substance misuse problem.

Vision

Our vision is a future where unpaid carers are recognised, valued, and enabled to thrive.

Mission

Our mission is to provide tailored information, advice and support to unpaid carers, advocating for better local services that meet their needs.

Values

Our work is driven by the following values:

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Kingston Carers’ Network Reg. Charity No. 1151456 Company Number 8376060

----- Start of picture text -----
Report of the Trustees and Financial Statements
for the Year Ended 2024/25
Contents
Page:
4 AGM 2024-25 Agenda
4 Current Staff
5 Report of the Trustees
7 Objectives and Activities
8 Achievements and Performance
10 Chairman’s Report
13 Independent Examiner’s Report
14 Financial Accounts
24 Minutes of AGM 2024
----- End of picture text -----

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Kingston Carers’ Network Reg. Charity No. 1151456 Company Number 8376060

Annual General Meeting – 21[st] November 2025: 3:00pm to 6:00pm Searchlight Community Centre, New Malden KT3 3DU AGENDA

  1. Welcome – Tony Woods, Chairman

  2. Apologies for absence

  3. Adult Carers ‘a day in the life’. Followed by short films: Presentation from Adult Carers

  4. Young Carers ‘a day in the life’. Followed by short film: Young Carers’ Conference 2024: Young carer and Klaire Osuji, YCP Interim Manager

  5. Speech from the Former Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames: Cllr Diane White

  6. Report by the Chair/Highlights of the Year: Tony Woods

  7. Report from the Chief Executive, Introducing KCN’s new strategy: Rachael Stokes

  8. Minutes of the 2024 AGM: Tony Woods

  9. Presentation & Adoption of the Annual Accounts for Financial Year 2024-25

  10. Appointment of the Independent Examiner

  11. Election of Directors of the Board 2025-26

  12. Any Other Business

  13. a. Big Give Campaign

  14. b. Kingston Carers Board

  15. Closing with Rosetta Life young carers film. The AGM will be followed by refreshments.

Current Staff

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Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

The Trustees (who are also directors of the company limited by guarantee for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006) are pleased to present their annual Trustee Report, together with the examined financial statements for the year ending 31 March 2025, which are also prepared to meet the requirements for a Directors’ Report and Accounts for Companies Act purposes.

Structure, Governance and Management

Kingston Carers’ Network is a charity registered in England and Wales with the Registered Number 1151456. The charity is a company limited by guarantee and was incorporated on 25 January 2013 and operates in accordance with its written Memorandum and Articles of Association. New Trustees are appointed in accordance with its Articles of Association.

Address 418 Ewell Road, Surbiton, KT6 7HF.

Directors

Directors who served as members of the Management Committee during the year from 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025, for the full year (unless stated otherwise) were:

Proposal for re-election of Directors

Under Article 23 the following longest serving directors, comprising one-third of the Board, are required to retire but available for re-election:

Dawn Whitcombe John Mays Bob Humphries

Under Article 24 there was one new director, Steven Blake, appointed by a resolution of the Board since the last AGM.

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Officers

Officers are appointed by the Board. There have been no new appointments since the last AGM.

Bankers

The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, Kingston upon Thames branch and Virgin Money, Kingston upon Thames branch, and Shawbrook Bank CAF Account

Accountants:

Kamp Accountants, New Malden, Surrey.

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Objectives and Activities

Purpose

The purpose of Kingston Carers’ Network is to provide information, support, and advice to carers of people living in the Royal Borough of Kingston who could not manage without their support. This might be due to a physical or mental health condition, addiction, or substance misuse. As such, the charity is a public benefit entity, and the trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance of public benefit.

Target Group – Definition

A carer is someone of any age who provides unpaid support to a family member, friend or partner who could not otherwise manage. This might be due to a physical or mental health condition, addiction, or substance misuse. A carer may also be juggling paid work with their unpaid caring responsibilities at home. Anyone can become a carer; carers come from all walks of life, all cultures and can be of any age, including children.

The 2021 Census indicated that there are 12,101 adult carers supporting someone in the borough of Kingston.

Activities

The charity provides a comprehensive and holistic range of services, and this has developed in consultation with carers and other stakeholders. We have adopted the five outcomes pledged by the Government in the National Carers’ Strategy:

Our current services include:

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Achievements and Performance

Adult Carers

KCN’s adult carer support services provide a holistic range of services to adult carers. We offer advice and information on carers rights, advice on claiming benefits as well as tribunal support and representation, mental health peer support, wellbeing activities, peer support groups and free counselling. We also carry out formal Carers Assessments on behalf of RBK.

During 2024/25 KCN received 1,021 referrals to the adult carers service and provided direct support to 1,285 carers through the following:

In total, we provided 1,393 engagement activities throughout the year. See our Annual Review for further details and case studies.

Young and Young Adult Carers

KCN’s Young Carers Project aims to improve the lives of young carers of all ages living in the borough. We do this by offering respite holiday activities and term time drop ins where young carers can come together with peers in similar situations to get a short break from their caring roles, have fun and learn a new skill with the support from the YCP staff team.

During 2024/25 the YCP directly supported 835 young carers and offered 2,419 engagement opportunities through the provision of the following:

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Volunteering Project

KCN could not exist without volunteers. From young carer mentors, counsellors and front desk volunteers through to our governing body, the board of trustees, volunteers provide the backbone of our organisation and services to carers.

In 2024/2025, KCN benefited from the support of 92 volunteers who contributed nearly 3,500 hours of support, the equivalent of 490 working days . Our free counselling service, delivered in partnership with Kingston College, has created savings for carers of approximately £16,320 . We estimate the total value of our volunteering support to be £68,607 .

Our diverse range of volunteer roles provide Kingston residents with an opportunity to contribute to their local community and a be a force for positive social change.

Financial Review

The year to March 2025 was difficult financially for KCN, resulting in a significant loss for the year. Some major funders changing grant criteria to a more location based approach undoubtedly impacted, removing eligibility through conditions over which KCN has no control. In addition, as with other charities, we suffered the effects of a tough economic background and an extremely tight funding environment. Our YCP teams in particular were badly hit by these circumstances. In the light of this, the Trustees determined early in the year that the overall aims of KCN were best served by continuing our existing operations out of reserves for a short period, whilst initiating actions to improve financial health over the medium term. These actions have helped the current financial year into a much healthier position. The Board are very aware of the need to ensure the long term financial viability of KCN and review the financial position (current and future) regularly. The reserves at year end March 25 remain healthy.

See our Annual Review and Financial Accounts for more details on some of the challenges and opportunities for KCN from a financial viewpoint. Looking at income, our 12 main funders provide 92% of total income. Whilst grants from key funding bodies will always be vital for us, KCN is very actively looking at ways to diversify our income and build financial strength. On costs, 85% of our cost base is core charitable spend. We have identified areas where this can be more cost effective. On 'non charitable spend' - whilst some of this is unavoidable, we have again made changes to reduce without affecting our core purpose.

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Chairman’s Report for the year ended 31 March 2025

Kingston Carers’ Network (A company limited by guarantee)

Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities

Kingston Carers’ Network (KCN) is a Company Limited by Guarantee and, since its incorporation on 25[th] January 2013, the charitable company has been administered by its Board of Trustees, who are also Directors of KCN for the purposes of Company Law. As such, they are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Annual Report and the organisation’s financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

Company Law requires the Trustees to prepare annual financial statements that provide a true and fair view of the charitable company’s state of affairs, its incoming resources, and the application of those resources, including income and expenditure over the period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company, and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company, and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other

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irregularities. The Trustees are responsible for maintaining the integrity of the financial statements.

As stated below, KCN continues to seek additional Trustees, especially those who have relevant experience and skills that would benefit the organisation. Trustees are recruited based on their skills and experience. All new Trustees are taken through an induction procedure to ensure they understand their responsibilities and have sound knowledge of KCN’s policies and procedures.

Overview of 24/25

This past year has been one of both challenge and progress for Kingston Carers Network (KCN). Against a backdrop of rising demand, sustained financial pressures in social care, and a cost-of-living crisis that continues to hit carers hardest, KCN has remained a vital source of support, connection, and advocacy for thousands of unpaid carers across our borough. Despite the tough operational environment, the dedication and creativity of our staff team has ensured that carers of all ages receive high-quality, personcentred support. Our adult services supported increasing numbers of carers through assessments, information, benefits advice, and wellbeing activities, while the Young Carers Project once again delivered an exceptional programme of emotional, social and practical support.

We have also worked hard this year to strengthen KCN as an organisation. The introduction of Wellness Action Plans, refreshed safeguarding practices, the launch of our new CRM system, and improvements to internal communication and leadership structures have all built stronger foundations for the future. Alongside a major rebrand launching later this year, this work will ensure KCN is positioned for long-term sustainability, impact and influence.

Financially, the year has demanded prudent decision-making. We have sought cost efficiencies, diversified income streams, and strengthened our fundraising approach. We are grateful for the trust and investment of core funders, including the Royal Borough of Kingston, Achieving for Children, City Bridge Foundation, Henry Smith Foundation and Garfield Weston among others. We are also thankful for the generosity of local groups, businesses and individuals who have chosen to back our work this year.

Finally, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our extraordinary staff team and volunteers. Their passion, skill, and compassion are the reason KCN continues to

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be a lifeline for carers in our community. I am also hugely grateful to my fellow trustees for their commitment, challenge and guidance throughout the year. We are delighted to have welcomed our new CEO, Rachael Stokes who has brought fresh energy, clarity and ambition to the organisation. With her leadership, KCN is entering its next chapter with renewed purpose and unity. Together, we will continue to champion carers, reduce inequalities, and make Kingston a truly carer-friendly borough.

Dr Tony Woods Chair, Board of Trustees 11[th] November 2025 For the financial year 2024-25

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Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Kingston Carers’ Network (Company limited by guarantee) Year ended 31[st] March 2025

I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31[st] March 5 which are set out on pages 14 to 23

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission and Companies Act 2006. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair view” and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

Masood Shahid ACA,KAMP Accountants Independent Examiner, Chartered Accountant Falcon House, 257 Burlington Road New Malden, Surrey KT3 4NE

Date: 20/11/2025 Charities, Section C

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KINGSTON CARERS' NETWORK

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the YEAR TO 31 MARCH 2025

Notes
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
4
Investment Income
4
Charitable Activities
4
Total
Expenditure on:
Charitable Activities
5
Other Costs
5
Total
Net Resources before transfers
Transfers between Funds
12
Net before other gains/losses
Other gains/losses
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of Funds
Total Funds Brought Forward
Total Funds Carried Forward		 2025
Unrestricted Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
£
£
£
117,827
0
117,827
6,996
0
6,996
0
634,151
634,151
124,823
634,151
758,974
213,560
601,448
815,008
12,270
0
12,270
225,830
601,448
827,278
(101,007)
32,703
(68,304)
46,143
(46,143)
0
(54,864)
(13,440)
(68,304)
0
0
0
(54,864)
(13,440)
(68,304)
206,219
43,316
249,534
151,354
29,875
181,230
2025		 2024
Total
Funds
£
116,036
5,479
666,644
788,159
766,253
12,474
778,727
9,432
0
9,432
0
9,432
240,102
249,534

The Balance Sheet continues on the following page.

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KINGSTON CARERS' NETWORK

BALANCE SHEET 31 MARCH 2025 31 MARCH 2025
Notes 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible Fixed Assets 6 19,872 30,148
Current Assets 19,872 30,148
Debtors 7 25,395 28,853
Cash at Bank and in Hand 253,722 383,782
Liabilities 279,117 412,635
Creditors: amounts due within one year 8 117,759 193,249
Net Assets 181,230 249,534
Reserves and Funds of the Charity
Unrestricted Income Reserves 13 131,483 176,071
Designated Reserves 13 19,871 30,148
Restricted Income Funds 12 151,354
29,875		 206,219
43,316
Total Funds 181,230 249,534
On Behalf of the Management Committee
Signed (Peter Whatnall, Treasurer) Dated 17 Nov 25

Notes 1 to 15 on the following pages form part of these accounts

15

Balance sheet (continued)

Trustee’s statements required by the Companies Act 2006

for the year ended 31 March 2025

In approving these financial statements as Trustees of the company we hereby confirm:

These financial statements are prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008).

The financial statements were approved by the board on 18[th] September 2024 and signed on its behalf by

Dr Anthony Woods

Chairman

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KINGSTON CARERS' NETWORK

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR TO 31 MARCH 2025

1 Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

The charity has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemption in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland': - Preparation of a cash flow statement

All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

Voluntary income is received by way of grants, donations and gifts and is included in full in the statement of financial activities when receivable. Grants where entitlement is not conditional on the delivery of a specific performance by the charity, are recognised when the charity becomes unconditionally entitled to the grant. Income received prior to the period the funding covers is deferred until the period starts.

Donated services and facilities are included at the value to the charity where this can be quantified. The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included.

Gifts donated for resale are included as incoming resources within activities for generating funds when they are sold.

Grants, including grants for the purchase of fixed assets, are recognised in full in the statement of financial activities in the year in which they are receivable.

Income from investments is included in the year in which it is receivable.

Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates.

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.

Support costs are those costs incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity and include project management. They are split using the number of staff hours spent on the main projects.

Tangible fixed assets are stated at their historical cost less accumulated depreciation. Improvements to the buildings are capitalised. Depreciation is provided over the expected useful lives and the term of the leases, as applicable, under the straight-line method. Depreciation is provided from the date an asset comes into use.

17

KINGSTON CARERS' NETWORK

Notes to the Accounts Continued

3 Accounting Policies (continued)

The pension costs charged in the financial statements represent the contribution payable by the charity during the year.

g) Creditors are measured at transaction value.

4
Analysis of Income
Donations and legacies
Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames
Goldman Sachs
Donations
Investment Income
Bank Interest
Incoming Resources re Charitable Activities
R.B. Kingston
Achieving for Children
Discretionary Payments - Carers grants
Male Carers Group
Carers Trust - Carers Activities
City Bridge
Young Carers' Activities
Awards for All (Youth Group)
Jack Petchey Foundation
Clothworkers
St George's MHT
The Henry Smith Charity
Trust for London
SWL NHS
Big Lottery Community Fund
Young Carers Festival
Garfield Weston
Fitness and Wellbeing
YC Conference
Other Restricted Donations
Zero check post-population		 2025
£
85,000
20,000
12,827
117,827
6,996
162,170
40,002
40,000
12,501
2,299
-
1,620
6,675
4,199
14,200
40,987
103,980
50,837
40,975
62,730
4,818
25,000
2,467
7,960
10,731
634,151
-		 2024
£
85,000
-
31,036
116,036
5,479
179,800
40,000
40,000
10,132
14,013
57,539
7,990
9,577
5,300
-
21,218
85,290
33,336
39,045
98,776
-
9,995
1,870
12,763
666,644

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KINGSTON CARERS' NETWORK

Notes to the Accounts Continued

5

Analysis of Expenditure
Charitable Activities - Unrestricted Funds
Salaries including NI contributions & pensions
Recruitment, Training & Expenses
Premises and Office Costs
Events & Activities
Legal & Professional Fees
Charitable Activities - Restricted Funds
Supporting Adult carers
Supporting Male Carers
Supporting Achieving for Children
Supporting Lloyds
Supporting Carers Trust Carers' Activities
Supporting City Bridge Adult Carers
Supporting GLA Young Carers
Supporting Young Carers' Activities
Supporting Awards for All (Youth Group)
Supporting Jack Petchey Foundation
Supporting Wellcome Curiosity
Supporting Clothworkers
Supporting St George's MHT
Supporting The Henry Smith Charity
Supporting Trust for London
Supporting Trust for London Young Carers
Supporting Garfield Weston
Supporting Big Lottery Community Fund
Supporting RBK Carers
Supporting Fitness and Wellbeing
Supporting YC Conference
Supporting SWL Health
Supporting YC Festival
Supporting Other Small Projects
Other Costs (unrestricted)
Depreciation
Governance costs:
Independent Examiner's Fee
AGM Costs
Data Protection Registration
DBS checks		 2025
£
136,961
-
54,527
661
21,411
213,560
159,100
9,178
34,059
0
-
2,343
0
-
-
14,647
12,045
5,180
10,840
36,330
92,917
51,283
-
17,000
63,205
37,436
5,022
10,064
30,795
4,383
5,621
601,448
10,276
1,068
200
35
691
12,270		 2024
£
168,243
5,708
21,559
8,500
3,362
207,374
146,927
6,295
33,924
0
6,793
51,680
-
19,528
8,562
3,836
17,328
94,611
547,504
30,094
52,897
-
-
68,015
36,000
6,619
909
20,434
7,323
558,879
10,213
1,068
160
35
998
12,474

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KINGSTON CARERS' NETWORK

Notes to the Accounts Continued

Support costs included in Expenditure
Unrestricted Funds
Supporting Adult carers
Supporting Achieving for Children
Supporting Male Carers
Supporting St George's MHT
Supporting Trust for London
Supporting SWL NHS
Supporting The Henry Smith Charity
Supporting Garfield Weston
Total		 Support
Costs
£
56,286
6,000
4,000
3,000
4,606
10,362
8,000
9,929
7,000
109,183

Support costs are split using the number of staff hours spent on the main projects.

6 Fixed Assets

The movements in tangible fixed assets are comprised as follows:
Carrying value
Balance as at 1 April 2024
Additions in the year
Balance as at 31 March 2025
Depreciation as at 1 April 2024
Depreciation in the year
Accumulated depreciation as at 31 March 2025
Net book value at 31 March 2025
7
Debtors & Prepayments
Amounts falling due within one year
Other Debtors
Accrued Income
Prepayments
8
Creditors & Accruals
Amounts falling due within one year
Deferred Income
Trade creditors
Payroll liabilities
Accrued Expenditure		 Leasehold
improvements
96,338
-
96,338
(66,190)
(10,276)
(76,466)
19,872
2025
2024
£
£
5,875
5,875
6,370
11,350
13,150
11,628
25,395
28,853
2025
2024
£
£
83,930
153,020
69
-
69
-
19,112
15,133
14,787
25,165
117,759
193,249

Deferred income is income received in the current financial year for services to be provided in the next financial year. Hence, grants received from funders where the services will be provided to them in the next financial year have been recorded as deferred income, and are analysed as follows: £

Balance brought forward at 1 April 2024
Released in year
Income received in year deferred to following year
Balance carried forward at 31 March 2025		 153,020
(153,020)
83,930
83,930

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KINGSTON CARERS' NETWORK

Notes to the Accounts Continued

9
Fee for Independent Examination of the Accounts
Kamp Accountants
10
Staff Costs
Gross Salaries
Employer's NI contributions
Pension contributions		 2025
£
1,068
2025
£
495,755
42,166
17,158
555,079		 2024
£
1,068
2024
£
493,181
41,997
17,011
552,189

The average monthly numbers of employees during the year calculated on the basis of full time equivalents was as follows:

Charitable Activities 13
Administration 4

There were no employees who received employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) of more than £60,000 during the year.

10.1 Trustees' emoluments

No remuneration was paid to any trustee

11 Related Party Transactions

No loans made to or received from any trustee. No trustees' expenses were reimbursed.

Payments totalling £1900 were made to Carole Whatnall, the wife of Peter Whatnall,

in respect of sessional work supporting the Adults Carers team.

21

KINGSTON CARERS' NETWORK

Notes to the Accounts continued

12 Restricted Funds Held

Grants to support:

a Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Support to Adult carers b Achieving for Children Young carers c Discretionary Payments Support grants to adult carers d Inspiring Change YACs Young adult carers peer support e Carers Trust Carers activities f Male Carers Group Adult male carers g The Henry Smith Charity Young carers 5-18 h Trust for London Adult carers benefits and tribunals i Big Lottery Community Fund Young carers 5-18 and volunteer support j Young Carers conference Young carers 5-18 k SWL Health Adult carers resilience support l St George's MHT Mental Health support m Garfield Weston Young Carers n Young Carers Activities Peer support activities o Awards for All (Youth Group) Young carers p Children in Need Fitness and Wellbeing Young carers 5-18 q Jack Petchey Foundation Young carers r Clothworkers Foundation Database support s Young Carers Festival Young carers

Restricted Fund Values and Movements

a Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames
b Achieving for Children
c RBK Discretionary Payments
d Inspiring Change YACs
e Carers Trust
f Male Carers Group
g The Henry Smith Charity
h Trust for London
i Big Lottery Community Fund
j Young Carers Conf
k SWL Health
l St George's MHT
m Garfield Weston
n Young Carers Activities
o Awards for All (Youth Group)
p Children in Need Fitness and Wellbeing
q Jack Petchey Foundation
r Clothworkers Foundation
s Young Carers Festival
Other funds		 Balance brought
Incoming
Transfers
Outgoing
Balance carried
forward
Resources
Resources
forward
£
£
£
£
£
136
162,170
0
(159,100)
3,205
(840)
40,002
(4,000)
(34,059)
1,103
4,000
40,000
(37,436)
6,564
0
0
10,360
2,299
(10,000)
(2,343)
316
7,790
12,501
(3,000)
(9,178)
8,113
(1,939)
103,980
(8,410)
(92,917)
714
8,619
50,837
(2,929)
(51,283)
5,244
2,113
62,730
(1,638)
(63,205)
(0)
5,961
7,960
(3,660)
(10,064)
197
1,928
40,975
(12,100)
(30,795)
8
1,635
40,987
(4,656)
(36,330)
1,636
25,000
(8,000)
(17,000)
0
1,620
12,250
(14,647)
(777)
5,248
6,675
(12,045)
(122)
(0)
2,467
(5,022)
(2,556)
2,892
4,199
(5,180)
1,911
14,200
(10,840)
3,360
4,818
(4,383)
435
(4,587)
10,731
(5,621)
523
43,316
634,151
(46,143)
(601,448)
29,875

22

KINGSTON CARERS' NETWORK

Notes to the Accounts continued

13 Unrestricted Reserves Movement

General Reserves
Designated Reserves		 At 1 April 2024
Incoming
Transfers
Outgoing
At 31 March 2025
resources
resources
£
£
£
£
£
176,071.00
124,823
46,143
(215,554)
131,483
30,147.75
-
(10,276)
19,871
206,219
124,823
46,143
(225,830)
151,354

The General Reserve is utilized for the ongoing Core activities of the charity rather than the charitable activities. In accordance with the Reserves Policy of the Charity the General Reserves are intended to meet all necessary costs in the event of the Charity being forced to be wound up. Transfers between Unrestricted and Restricted Funds represent the charge of management supervision time to each project.

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Analysis of Net Assets between Funds
Unrestricted Reserves
Restricted Funds		 Fixed
Current
Current
Assets
Assets
Liabilities
Total
£
£
£
£
19872
165312
33829
151354
0
113805
83930
29875
19872
279117
117759
181230

15 Company limited by guarantee

Kingston Carers' Network was incorporated on 25 January 2013 and the assets and liabilities were transferred as of 1 April 2013 for "Nil" Consideration.

Every member of the company undertakes to contribute such amount as may be required not exceeding £10 to the assets of the charitable company in the event of its being wound up while he or she is a member, or within one year after he or she ceases to be a member.

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KINGSTON CARERS’ NETWORK

Minutes of the 33[rd] Annual General Meeting held at 2.00pm on Friday 11[th] October 2024 at Searchlight Community Centre, Kingston Road, New Malden KT3 3RX.

Present :

Members :

Tony Woods Chair Peter Whatnall Treasurer Jo Cocup Co-Sec Bob Humphries Trustee John Mays Trustee Steven Blake Trustee Thay Thayalan Trustee Dawn Whitcombe Trustee

Rachael Stokes Joanne Maye Georgette Bellino Gloria Lewis Carole Driskoll Ann Mason Prabha Shetty Nicola Tyler

CEO Staff Member Carer Carer Carer Carer Carer Carer

Invited

Mayor Liz Green Guest Speaker Deputy-Mayor Elizabeth Park Guest Speaker Jess Burrows Speaker/Staff Lily Bath Speaker/Staff Claire Littlewood Staff Member Diana Alecu Staff Member Marie Green Staff Member Joslyn Kofi-Opata Staff Member Vilma Espinoza Staff Member Carole Whatnall Volunteer

Kasia Adamusinska Volunteer

Marilynne Epstein Carer Caroline Aylott Carer Richard Beadle Carer Patricia Maskell Carer Ishverlal Modi Carer Puhpa Modi Carer Bernadette Menasse Carer Alan Moss Guest

Apologies:

Ed Davey Sarah Olney Paul Kohler David Still Liz Grimwood Meera Winder Ian Bellinger Brian Maskell

Guest Guest Guest Deputy CEO Staff Member Staff Member Sessional Work Carer

Howard Mintz Carer Kathryn Ingham Carer Ava Mintz Carer Kajsa Roberts Carer Margaret Walsh Carer Kathryn Ingham Carer Charles Yule Carer Hella Silverside Carer

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Welcome and AGM Introduction

Tony Woods, Chair of Kingston Carers’ Network introduced himself and welcomed everyone to the AGM. Welcome was given to The Worshipful the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames, Councillor Liz Green, and Deputy Mayor Councillor Elizabeth Park. The mayor will speak at the end of the meeting.

The Chair thanked the Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames for their continued support over the last year. RBK have provided KCN with a significate amount of funding, and KCN continues to have a good relationship with RBK.

The business of the AGM will be carried out towards the end of the meeting.

Housekeeping – Searchlight is a shared space with several other organisations, so please use the rear doors when entering or leaving the building. The toilets are located at the back of the hall. Please can you all make sure you have signed in.

The Chair welcomed such a mix of attendees, expressing that it was good to see so many carers at the meeting.

Apologies for Absence

Apologies were tendered by the speakers and KCN members listed as above.

The Chair introduced Jess Burrows, Mentoring & Volunteer Manager, who will be speaking about the YCP Conference in Liz Grimwood’s absence.

The Young Carers’ Conference – Jess Burrows, Mentoring & Volunteer Manager

Jess runs the mentoring programme within the Young Carers’ Project, and manages all volunteers across KCN. Apologies from Liz Grimwood as she is unwell today but would have loved to have been present. This year’s YCP conference is on the theme of Dream Big. It is a celebration for young carers in Kingston and there will be approximately 200 attendees, including representatives from local businesses. YCP needs more financial support to keep the programme running, so Jess asked that if anyone knows of any local businesses or community groups who would donate to or sponsor the conference, to take a flyer to distribute. There will be around 150 young carers at the conference, and there will be a fun party atmosphere with entertainment, a magician, free prizes, young carers sharing their experiences and plenty of emotion. There will also be young carers performances of drama and dance, a DJ, goody bags, and free entry to Chessington Worlds of Adventures. Please help to support YCP and see Jess for more details.

The Chair thanked Jess and the whole of the YCP team for all their hard work.

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Adult Carer’s Service – Lily Bath, Manager of Adult Carers’ Support Team

The Chair introduced Lily Bath, manager of the Adult Carers’ Support Team.

Lily has worked at KCN as a support worker since 2015, and last year became manager of the Adult Carer’s Support Team. The team provide services to carers over 18 supporting someone relying on them for care needs. Services include carers assessments, information on carers rights, advice and information, benefits support, respite, and support groups and activities to connect with other carers. KCN carries out carers assessments on behalf of RBK, as it is the statutory responsibility of the local authority to ensure these are carried out for carers. Lily introduced her team and invited the members to ask questions.

Claire L has come to KCN from Merton Carers and has a good background in working to support carers.

Marie G is a trained social worker with experience of working with children.

Joslyn KO has worked in housing management.

Diana A runs the Mental Health Peer Support Service.

Vilma E is a benefits adviser, specialising in appeals and tribunals.

Meera W coordinates the wellbeing service, providing outings, workshops and activities for carers.

It has been a very busy year, with over 100 new referrals each month, some of which are very complex. Please talk to the tram and give any feedback.

Councillor Elizabeth Park asked if KCN could provide support outside of work hours?

Lily confirmed that yes, we can help working carers outside of work hours where needed.

The Chair thanked Lily and the Adult Carers Support Team for all their work.

HeArt of Care Video Presentation :

Tony Woods works as a programme manager for the Creative Health Project, using art interventions to improve mental health. He has recently been working with stroke survivors, and through this met Lucinda Jarrett the artistic director of Rosetta Life.

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Lucinda’s father had a stroke, and was upset by what he could no longer do. Lucinda encouraged her father to focus on what he could do, not what he couldn’t do, and this improved his mental health. Tony had put Lucinda in touch with KCN, and they ran poetry workshops at the Rose Theatre as part of the HeArt of Care Project uniting carers across the world, giving them a voice and increasing their confidence. This resulted in a large digital installation in Kingston Market Square funded by Arts Council England. It was a great success, and we will be talking with them next week to work with them again.

Tony presented the video clip, which can be viewed here:

Tony thanked everyone who took part in the performance and production of the piece.

Report by the Chair and Highlights of the Year– Tony Woods

Last year was very difficult for the organisation. We made the appointment of the new CEO and got it wrong. This led to upset with staff, impacting on the services provided. We hope that the carers did not notice. We apologise for our mistake but there were still some repercussions. There was concern among other stakeholders. There was a great response from the staff under pressure. We now have a new CEO and are 100% confident that it will be completely different.

Thank you to Diane for stepping in as interim CEO, despite being very busy being Mayor. Especial thanks to trustees Peter, and to Viv who has now sadly resigned. And thank you to all the trustees. Thank you to all staff and carers for their patience.

KCN celebrated our 25[th] anniversary this year with a party for staff and carers. KCN is an important organisation for carers, giving them a voice, and providing advocacy.

Ed Davey has shown concern with the way carers have been treated over carers allowance. Thank you to Ed for raising with the government.

We continue to grow, despite financial challenges. Fundraising has become more crucial, and there are plans in place to do more.

Thank you to Diane and to everyone in the KCN team for working together.

Welcome to Rachael, who is a terrific asset, and we are very pleased to have her.

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The Year Ahead by Chief Executive Rachael Stokes

Rachael gave a brief speech about her few weeks at KCN:

Thank you for the warm welcome and thank you for coming here today – I am delighted to be taking on the role of CEO here at KCN and have enjoyed my first few weeks getting to know the team and trustee board, meeting partners and of course carers across the borough

I know she is not here today, but I would like to say a particular thank you to Diane for her interim leadership over the past year and for giving me the best handover I think I have ever had, coming into a new role. I know how much KCN means to her and how much she has given to the organization over the past 15 years. I also know she is not going to be a stranger, so I look forward to working with her over the coming years.

Although I have only been at KCN for just over a month I have already had the opportunity and privilege to see and learn about some of the critical support the team of staff and volunteers alongside our partners are providing for adult and young carers across Kingston. I’ve already begun to get out and about, including:

You probably don’t need me to tell you what vital lifeline carers services can provide. I want to share some of the feedback we have received in the past few weeks alone…

“Today has been one of the best days of my life.” Young carer taking part in YCP activities over the summer.

“Your support has been an incredible gift to us this year. Thank you for your dedication, kindness and the difference you make to our lives.” Parents of a young carer.

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“When I was referred to you I was desperate for some support. I felt I was unable to manage my feelings and low moods. It was difficult to know where to go and who to speak to. Over the weeks we talked and this helped me to normalize things. I wasn’t having conversations that made sense so speaking to you brought back my ability to discuss and communicate. I was also given information that will help open doors to information as well as activities for myself.” Adult carer benefitted from wellbeing support delivered in partnership with MIND.

Yet whilst clear value, there is also a clear challenge. And I want to return the last paragraph of the same carers letter:

“I feel this service needs to be more available to carers like myself and fully funded on a wider level as I’m sure you are inundated with families like myself. Although you are charity based I would hope that one the government and / or local authority see your worth and sponsor more of the support for carers. As after all we carers are saving the government millions in giving up our lives to care for a loved one.”

The only correction I would make to what the carer wrote in their letter is that it’s billions not millions: the support that unpaid carers provide nationally is valued at £193bn per year - far outstripping the value of the NHS. In Kingston alone this is valued at £336 million.

I know many carers in the room might feel uncomfortable putting a price tag on what they do. For many it is simply as part of your role as a partner, parent, sibling.

Caring is arguably the greatest act of selflessness and love there is. But it can come at great personal cost. To your financial security, your health and wellbeing, to your family life.

At KCN we believe carers need to be recognized and valued for what they do; that carers should be healthy and enjoy a life outside caring; that they can access breaks when they need it; have a voice in decisions that affect them and their cared for person; and that they should not be financially penalised for their unpaid contribution to society.

We know that many public services would be on their knees if carers didn’t do what they did.

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And so, this is why I am here, and this is why I have taken on this role; to ensure that carers in Kingston get what they need and deserve.

I am very much looking forward to working with you, and with our partners on Kingston Council, with our local MPs and our NHS and voluntary sector partners to achieve this change.

As for my priorities over the coming year, I am honestly still working these out, but they are likely to focus on:

Ensuring KCN has the resources it needs to keep pace with the growing demand for its services

I am under no illusion of the challenge we are up against, but I think with some dogged persistence and strong collaboration we can achieve great things. Thank you!

AGM Business

The Chair Tony Woods presented the business of the AGM.

Minutes of the 2023 AGM

The minutes of the 2023 AGM were agreed as a true record.

Adoption of the Annual Accounts for 2023/24

The annual accounts were not formally presented at this meeting. The Chair invited everyone to read the full record of the Annual Accounts in the Annual Report, and to address any questions to the Treasurer, Peter Whatnall. The Chair thanked the Finance Team and the auditors for the tremendous amount of work put into producing the annual accounts.

Adoption of the accounts was proposed by Peter Whatnall and seconded by Dawn Whitcombe. The accounts were agreed and adopted by the Board.

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Appointment of Independent Examiner

KAMP Accountants are the Independent Examiners for the coming financial year.

Proposed by Bob Humphries and seconded by Thay Thayalan.

Agreed by all.

Election of Directors to the Board of Trustees and Officers of the Board 2024-25

The following candidates, under Article 23, being the three longest serving directors of the Board were proposed for re-election as Directors:

Simon Post , Peter Whatnall , Wydeeswaran Thayalan

Proposed by Jo Cocup , Seconded by Tony Woods - Agreed by all.

There have two resignations since the last AGM, in April of 2024:

Viv Rowlands , Julia Linney

The Chair gave thanks you to both these trustees for their tireless input into KCN.

Under Article 24 there was one new director appointed by a resolution of the Board since the last AGM, in September 2024 – Steven Blake

Proposed by Tony Woods , Seconded by Jo Cocup - Agreed by all.

Officers are appointed by the Board. There have been no new appointments since the last AGM.

Any Other Business

The Chair introduced new trustee Steven Blake. He has lived in Kingston for 20 years and is an actuary by trade. His main focus is on accounts and fine detail. Steven said he felt very humbled by what he has heard about KCN.

John Mays, vice Chair proposed a vote of thanks to the Chair, who has coped extraordinarily well during a difficult period. Agreed by all.

The Chair gave thanks to the Company Secretary Jo Cocup for organising the AGM and the Annual Report.

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Closing remarks from the Worshipful the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Councillor Liz Green

The Mayor and Diane White have been ward colleagues since 2014, and have worked very closely together. It is amazing that Diane stepped in when she did and put herself out to get KCN through a difficult patch. There are no councillors who do not know who KCN is and what it does due to Diane’s perseverance in raising carer issues.

The Mayor cannot speak on behalf of RBK in her capacity as Mayor, but councils across the country are struggling financially. There is a £6 million black hole in funding, and councils are legally not allowed to set a deficit budget. The voluntary sector helps to fill this void and provide great value for money. They provide so much support for the money, and how much each carer provides in terms of hope and practical care. Positivity is so important, and helps the person being cared for feel their life has purpose. KCN provides invaluable support to carers.

The Mayor will attend the YCP conference with her daughter, who is a member of YCP. The Mayor’s Community Awards will be held in March, and she invited the members of the AGM to recognise and thank any volunteers who live or work in the borough by nominating them.

The Deputy Mayor Elizabeth Park was only able to attend the AGM during her lunch hour, as she is currently working in psychiatric health, but she would really like to speak at a KCN event.

The Mayor offered to help in any way she can to get the voice of carers heard.

The Mayor gave her thanks to the staff, trustees and carers of KCN.

The Chair thanked the Mayor for her support.

This brings to a close the 2024 AGM.

The AGM will be followed by a light lunch.

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Kingston Carers’ Network 418 Ewell Road Surbiton KT6 7HF

Contact:

Enquiries 020 3031 2757 www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

24 HOUR ANSWERPHONE

Registered Charity No. 1151456 Company Limited by Guarantee No. 8376060

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