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2023-03-31-accounts

Trustee Annual Report & Accounts 2022 - 2023

Providing emotional support to help local people cope with the impact of bereavement and loss.

WBSS Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023

the impact of bereavement and loss

Trustee’s Annual Report And Financial Statements

1[st] April 2022 - 31[st] March 2023

Contents

Report of the Trustees Pages 2 - 15 Reference and Administrative Information Page 16 Acknowledgements Page 17 Report of the Independent Examiner Page 18 Statement of Financial Activities Page 19 Balance Sheet Page 20 Principle Accounting Policies Pages 21 - 22 Notes to the Financial Statements Pages 23 - 28

WBSS Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023

Report of the Trustees

The Trustees of Walsall Bereavement Support Service (WBSS) have pleasure in presenting their annual report and financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31[st] March 2023.

The financial statements comply with the Charities Act, the Charity’s Constitution and 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 (FRS102) (updated 1 January 2019).

Our Charitable Objectives

provide caring and sensitive support that is free, confidential, and open to all residents of Walsall, irrespective of their relationship to the deceased, the cause of death, or the time that has elapsed since the death.

reduce the potential negative long-term impact that bereavement can have on a person’s physical/mental wellbeing, education or employment, by providing appropriate support to enable each person to cope with their loss and begin to rebuild their lives.

prevent the effects of bereavement from damaging family cohesion through developing understanding and improving communication within the family unit.

Our Strategic Aims

To establish WBSS as the local provider in the field of emotional bereavement support

To provide and promote high quality support services to the bereaved in the borough of Walsall

To raise awareness about the impact that bereavement has on a person’s emotional and physical health and where and when to seek support and advice

To raise awareness amongst the general public about ‘Dying Matters’ to help reduce the negative stigma that is attached to death and dying

WBSS Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023

Public Benefit

The trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in Chapter 1 Section 4 of the Charities Act 2011 to have regard to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit ‘Charities and Public Benefit’. In the opinion of the trustees, the objectives of the charity as detailed on the previous page are for the public benefit.

The support offered by Walsall Bereavement Support Service is currently available free of charge to bereaved children, young people, and their families who live within the Walsall borough or those registered at a Walsall GP surgery or educated within a Walsall school. Support is offered irrespective of the relationship to the deceased, the cause of death, or the length of time that has elapsed since the death.

Chair’s Report

To continue to meet the needs of everyone requesting support, WBSS continues to provide a blended support approach by offering clients face to face, telephone or on-line support.

Referrals for support continue to rise year on year, with the charity receiving 855 requests for support this year compared to 641 during the same period last year. The total number of clients receiving direct support this year rose by 27% from 856 to 1,081. The number of support hours provided increased by an incredible 40% from 2,327 to 3,690. This is a tremendous achievement, and I would like to thank all the staff and volunteer counsellors for their hard work and continued commitment to the work of the charity and the people we support.

To help cope with this increase, funding secured from The Black Country Healthcare Trust enabled us to temporarily increase staff hours and, in the summer of 2022, we were able to recruit two new counsellors to help support children and young people through THE SWING , one of which was funded by a three-year grant from The Henry Smith Charity. We also trained and recruited 18 new volunteer counsellors to assist with supporting adults through ‘Let’s Talk’ .

Support for adults continues to be offered at community locations through the borough, the number of different locations increased to 6 with two of those having two counsellors providing support. We have successfully secured three-year funding from Walsall Council which enables us to continue to deliver our support in the community. We were delighted to work in partnership with North Smethwick Development Trust by providing a counsellor to support some of their service users at the Brasshouse in Smethwick. We are hopeful to continue this relationship in the future.

Our Head of Service left July 2023 and I would like to thank Bev for all that she has achieved with the charity during her almost 18 years with WBSS. She continues to support the charity as freelance bookkeeper and financial advisor. The Head of Service position remains vacant whilst the trustees consider a restructure of staff roles. At the end of December 2023, three long standing trustees stepped down from the board. Bob Crundwell had been a trustee (including over 10 years as chair) since 2006. Neil Simpson became Treasurer in 2016. Bev Simpson initially started as a volunteer counsellor in 2007, then later became a trustee in 2016. I would like to thank all of them for the commitment and dedication they have provided over the years.

As we start 2024, we begin a new chapter. We welcome two new trustees to the board so far and have another two applicants who have shown interest. Additionally, a charity consultant who will be assisting the charity for 6 months. Our main focus is to secure funding to enable us to be able to deliver the quantity of support required whilst also looking at new opportunities to expand the support provided. Our long-term goal is to purchase our own premises.

Whilst the future may appear a little uncertain at this time, I feel confident that the charity will continue to grow and prosper over the coming months, years and into the future.

Jim Green

WBSS Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023

Our Service

During the year, WBSS have supported 1,083 bereaved adults, children and young people. This is an increase from the previous year total of 856.

In total, 3,690 hours of support was provided to the bereaved, compared with 2,625 during 2021-22.

The support we provide is tailored to the specific needs of our service users and includes:

The process of support

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Initial contact / Triage Assessment Tailored support
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Our support is provided through 3 projects:

Group Support HOPE - Specialist support for adults bereaved by suicide.

Complex Grief - Specialist support for adults experiencing complex grief. Parental Grief - Specialist support for parents bereaved of a child. Community Support - Supporting people within their community.

THE SWING Bereavement support for children, young people, and families.

Our Services are Open to Everyone

WBSS wants its projects and services to be open to as wide a range of people as possible and as such, we do not discriminate clients by age, race, gender, sexual orientation, relationship to the bereaved person, the time elapsed since the death, or cause of death.

We utilise the skills of staff and volunteer counsellors from different backgrounds and ethnicities, to ensure that we can provide the most appropriate support to each individual client. We work with schools across the borough, many of whom have high levels of students who have additional support needs such as ADHD, Autism, Asperger’s etc. To help support these potentially challenging students, counsellors have all undergone specific training relating to supporting this client group.

WBSS Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023

Our Projects - ‘Let’s Talk’

The people who turn to WBSS for support are unable to cope with the overwhelming feelings of grief that they are experiencing and the impact on their mental, physical, and emotional health.

Many of our clients have anxiety, depression, and more complex issues that have developed as a result of how they feel. For adults this can include dependency upon substances such as alcohol, prescription drugs, or cigarettes. Some are unable to work, have withdrawn from family and social life, and are less able to take care of themselves.

Over the past 12 months ‘Let’s Talk’ received 572 referrals during the year, supported a total of 709 clients and delivered 2,327 hours of support.

Profile of the adults we have supported.

Outcomes reported following support.

WBSS Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023

Written Feedback Received from some Adults We Supported

What Helped the most….

How do you feel the support you received has made a difference to how you feel now….

WBSS Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023

Our Projects - THE SWING

Children/young people referred to our service are struggling to understand or manage their reactions to grief, which can lead to psychological/physiological difficulties.

Without appropriate support, these issues can spiral out of control and in the worst cases, we see service users excluded from school for behavioural issues and family breakdown due to misunderstood grief/poor communication.

Over the past 12 months THE SWING received 283 referrals during the year, supported a total of 372 clients and delivered 1,363 hours of support.

Profile of the children and young people we have supported.

The impact of our work

We understand the importance of monitoring and evaluation because it enables us to hear and respond to the views and experiences of our beneficiaries. The learning that we gain from evaluating our work informs the development of any of our new work streams.

We measure success by evaluating improvements made by each client against the issues affecting them due to their bereavement. At the onset of support, we undertake an assessment and record the issues facing each person via a questionnaire. We then monitor change under four main categories: emotional, behaviour, physical, and social/educational. These are broken down further into specific issues that include anxiety, depression, self-harming, substance/alcohol misuse, mental/physical health, etc. In doing this, we are able to gain an overall picture of the difficulties each person is experiencing and create a support plan tailored to their specific needs.

We monitor the progress of clients throughout their support and adjust their support plan if necessary. Finally, we ask all clients to complete an end of support questionnaire to compare where they were at the start of their support to the end. This determines our outcomes.

WBSS Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023

For children/young people we also ask parents to complete a similar questionnaire, enabling us to compare the child’s view of their progress against their parents. This helps us to measure outcomes more accurately.

Our monitoring system is designed using guidance from the National Child Bereavement Network. This enables us to analyse information and provide statistical evidence about the impact of our work.

Outcomes reported following support, the clients’ perspective.

Outcomes reported following support, the parents’ perspective.

Written Feedback Received from some Children We Supported

What Helped the most….

WBSS Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023

Emotional Wellbeing Programme.

Our Emotional Wellbeing Programme consists of three two-hour sessions. Different emotions are discussed each session; worksheets enabled the student to explore how that specific emotion affects them and helps them to learn new ways of coping thus enabling them to support themselves to resolve difficulties they may be experiencing.

The programme encourages children and young people to share their feelings with their peers if they feel able to do so. In addition, it enables them to understand how their peers are feeling and provides them with skills to help support others.

Session one focuses on anxiety, session two anger and session three grief and loss. Each session follows the same format in helping the child/young person to understand what the emotion is, how it can affect the body and strategies to help them manage or overcome the emotion.

During the period April 2022 - March 2023, the programme was delivered in 11 schools to a total of 107 students and 22 staff members. The programme has been well received by the schools with them reporting that not only have the students who attended benefited from but also the staff who were present have gained a valuable insight into how different emotions affect their students.

Our Projects - GROUP SUPPORT

Although, all of our support groups are facilitated by WBSS staff, the meetings are user led with attendees free to share as much or little as they feel. The groups provide a sympathetic and nurturing environment in which attendees can feel safe to express their thoughts and feelings without fear of being judged.

HOPE – H elping O thers, through sharing P ersonal E xperience. Since early 2000, we have offered a monthly support group specifically for adults bereaved by suicide. Many group members have been part of the group for many years and continue to attend as they want to offer support and hope to others.

COMPLEX GRIEF – Established in 2021, and as a direct result of the COVID -19 pandemic, this monthly support group is specifically for adults who may be experiencing complex loss. Complex loss can occur when an individual experiences a loss in traumatic circumstances or have experienced several losses over a short period of time. It may occur if the individual has preexisting mental health issues or addiction. Many people are experiencing complex grief as a result of them not being able to see or be with their loved ones when they died during the early part of the pandemic.

PARENTAL GRIEF – Established in 2021, and as a direct result of enquiries from service users, this monthly support group was set up to support adults bereaved of a child under the age of 35. This loss could be as a result of a long term, life limiting illness or tragic accident.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT – We recognise that many people may be unaware of our support or may not be able to access support for various reasons such as illness, disability, cultural difficulties etc. We plan to expand on the work already achieved by engaging with local organisations to provide group support with the community. We have attended a coffee morning held by Dean Harper Funeral Directors in Walsall where information and support was offered to people recently bereaved. In June 2023 we delivered an introductory support session at three separate residential care homes run by Walsall Housing Group. Residents at one of the homes found the support extremely beneficial and requested that the home provide monthly group sessions where residents can meet to discuss their feelings in a safe and confidential environment.

WBSS Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023

Spotlight on our Volunteers

Our volunteers are our most vital asset. During 2022 / 2023, they donated 874 hours of their time to support the bereaved.

Since WBSS started to provide placement opportunities it has trained 180 counsellors to help provide bereavement counselling.

Whenever possible, WBSS operates a rolling recruitment programme to attract volunteer counsellors to ensure that we have the staffing resources to provide a high skills base for us to draw from to support our clients. Over the years, we have developed a reputation for providing very good placements for those training to become counsellors and our volunteer mentoring is recognised as being excellent. This is evidenced in our retention rate of volunteers; we currently have 3 qualified counsellors who have been providing their services on a voluntary basis for between 10-15 years and 1 who has provided support for over 15 years.

WBSS volunteers, providing support to adults, are all either qualified to at least Diploma Level 4 in Counselling or are on placement whilst training towards this qualification.

Prior to being able to provide support, all volunteers, regardless of qualification and/or experience, must complete our in-house ‘Bereavement and Loss’ 10-hour training programme. In addition, they must complete annual on-line safeguarding adults training.

Volunteers providing support to children and young people must have achieved at least 75 hours counselling support and in addition, must also complete THE SWING ‘Supporting Children and Young People’ 12-hour training programme.

We recognise the importance of continually refreshing and expanding volunteer knowledge and experience and aim to offer additional training whenever opportunities arise.

Words from one of our Volunteers

Just wanted to say a big thank you to Bev, Ian, Nikki and all the team at WBSS for giving me the opportunity to work as a trainee Counsellor at WBSS.

The training provided by WBSS was outstanding. It allowed me to understand that being human in a counselling session was mostly important, then being a counsellor second. It was ok to feel a client’s pain, and to sit with their emotions and understand their feelings with them while still applying boundaries and protecting yourself. Learning self-care is just as important.

What I learnt from the training was more valuable than the theory I have learnt in 3 years of studying. My volunteering journey has been far more than amazing since I have started. I have evolved and grown as a person as well as a Physiotherapist, I have become more confident, and my self believe is stronger than ever.

The experience I have gained is so much more than I anticipated, being a part of so many clients healing journeys has been an experience, an eye opener and so rewarding. Being part of a fantastic team has given me the belief to move forward with my independent counselling journey with great confidence.

Thank you WBSS for being part of my counselling journey and giving me the opportunity to increase my skills and experience. Something that will always remain with me wherever I shall go in the future.

Kind regards Suki Dosanjh

WBSS Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023

Our Notable Achievements during 2022 - 23

Support we provided….

In addition, we have also….

Our networking and partnership working….

Our proudest achievement….

Everyone found the experience extremely enlightening; THE SWING staff learned more about the process or assessment and by speaking about our charity’s experience of a volunteer visit, both in person pre Covid and on-line during Covid, The Henry Smith Charity gained a valuable insight into their process from the point of view of the charity.

WBSS Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023

Our Plans and Goals Moving Forward

As 2022-23 was another extremely busy period providing supporting to individuals, not all of our plans for the year were achieved. Most of those goals have been carried forward to 2023-24.

Financial Review

To ensure that we are accessible to all residents, we do not charge our clients for our services. However, we do encourage donations if clients feel they are able to support our charity. Grants from our service users, the general public and Charitable Trusts and Foundations are vital in helping us to provide our services.

Due to having surplus funds at the end of 2022, we decreased our fundraising efforts in order to concentrate on service delivery. As a result, our income decreased from £293,064 (2021/22) to £179,624 (2022/23). Our expenditure increased as a result of additional salaries and counselling costs such as room hire, supervision and materials. The total rose from £163,004 (2021/22) to £225,653 (2022/23). The end reserves balance decreased by £46,029 leaving a closing balance of £204,290.

Grants and donations from charitable giving organisations continue to be our primary source of income for THE SWING . In August 2022 we received a three-year grant from The Henry Smith Charity Covid-19 Long-Term Support Grant. This grant enables us to fund the position of a counsellor. We are extremely grateful to The Henry Smith Charity for their continued support. BBC Children in Need continue to fund our Emotional Wellbeing programme in school. Other funding for THE SWING includes £10,000 from The Eveson Charitable Trust; £5,000 from Grantham Yorke Charitable Trust and The True Colours Trust; and £2,000 from Edward & Dorothy Cadbury Charitable Trust and The Roger & Douglas Turner Trust.

WBSS Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023

Funding from Walsall Council continued to fund cost associated with providing support to adults at community outreach locations. Whilst the Black Country Healthcare Trust helped to fund additional counselling sessions for both adults and children to help reduce waiting times.

Moving forward, we are aware that we need to apply for support from Grant making organisations as well as develop our income base, especially from community support and events. As a small charity, without a dedicated fundraiser, this does remain a challenge. However, we will continue to consider all options available to us in order to increase our income.

Reserves Policy

The Trustees continue to review the charity’s requirements for reserves considering the main risk to the organisation, that funding to run the organisation is not secure. The trustees have established a policy whereby the reserves in total that are not invested in tangible fixed assets held by the charity, should be up to the equivalent of 9 months of the total anticipated expenditure of the charity.

This level of these reserves has been determined by the need to meet the working capital requirements of the charity. In addition, due to a massive increase in demand for our service over the past year, this period represents the necessary amount of time required to deliver counselling sessions to all the clients who are on our waiting list for support and for the charity to carry out all its legal obligations.

At the end of March 2023, the total of the charity’s reserves stood at £204,290 of which £86,600 was general unrestricted funds, £75,000 were designated funds and £47,690 restricted. Expenditure during the year was £225,653, therefore, based on this level, the unrestricted free reserves represent roughly 34% of our estimated expenditure of £251,518 for 2023/24. This will therefore be equivalent to just over 4 months of the charity’s running costs.

The financial strategy of WBSS continues to be that of building unrestricted free reserves to meet our 9-month target, through planned cost-effective operational procedures and further fundraising. The Trustees will continue to take all necessary actions regarding the prevailing economic climate. Where surplus funds are available, a percentage will be transferred to the designated fund which will help fund the purchase of premises for the charity.

Risk Assessment

The Trustees are very aware of the need to assess and minimise risks to the operation of the charity. As such, a comprehensive set of policies and procedures are maintained, reviewed, and where necessary, updated to comply with changes in legislation and the requirements of funding bodies. Following the guidance of these policies covers the main risks to the operation of the charity.

The risk of being unable to adequately fund projects is our main concern. In order to minimise this risk, the trustees hope to diversify income streams. Expenditure is constantly reviewed in order to ensure that funds continue to be used effectively.

The risk of not supporting clients and volunteers professionally is managed by having a supervision programme in place in line with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) procedures. It is WBSS’s policy that every new volunteer is supported by way of an obligatory training course followed by induction, prior to client contact time. Staff meetings, project meetings, and individual meetings are conducted monthly, and the board of trustees meet at least bi-monthly to review, amend and update working procedures and to eliminate risks. These meetings are held more frequently if required. Disclosure and Barring checks are made every three years for all members of staff and volunteer counsellors.

WBSS Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023

General Data Protection Regulation is adhered to as well as policies regarding Safeguarding Adults and Children. Procedures are in place to ensure compliance with Health and Safety of all staff, volunteers, clients, and visitors to the centre. These ensure a consistent quality of delivery for all operational aspects of the charity. In addition, the regular meetings of the Trustees at the charity’s premises facilitate the constant review of the environment in which the charity exists.

The charity continues to monitor government guidelines as regards COVID-19 to ensure all visitors to our centre are safe. PPE equipment, protective screens etc are available if required.

Structure, Governance and Management

Governing Document

Walsall Bereavement Support Service is a registered charity that aims to meet some of the needs of bereaved people within the Walsall Borough. The charity, originally formed as an unincorporated charity in 1998, became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) on 4[th] July 2013 and is governed by a constitution approved by the Charity Commission of England and Wales .

Appointment of Trustees, Induction, and Training

The focus of the charity is that of supporting bereaved adults, young people and children. The Board of Trustees seeks to ensure that the needs of these groups are appropriately reflected through the diversity of the trustee body. To enhance the potential pool of trustees the charity has sought to identify members of the community who are willing to use their own experiences to assist the organisation.

The Trustee Board is well represented by a wide range of individuals from various aspects of the community. Trustees have the power to appoint additional trustees to act jointly with them for all purposes. A trustee whose term of office has expired can be appointed for a further term of office.

Whilst there is no formal induction process in place, all new trustees are invited and encouraged to visit the offices of WBSS in order to familiarise themselves with the organisation and the context within which it operates. The Hed of Service will then discuss the following aspects of the organisation with the new trustee and answer any questions arising.

In addition, new trustees are given a copy of the latest Annual Report along with a trustee role description, a copy of the constitution, the Charity Commission’s Trustee Handbook, the organisation’s main policy documents and the latest financial statements.

Organisational Structure

WBSS has a Board of Trustees of at least 4 members who meet at least quarterly and are responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the charity. At present there are 5 trustees from a variety of professional backgrounds relevant to the work of the charity.

The Head of Service is responsible for overseeing and maintaining the day-to-day operational management of the organisation in line with the constitution and quality procedures. They are required to attend trustees meeting but have no voting rights.

WBSS Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023

Responsibilities of the Trustees

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that 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 charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charity (Accounts Reports) Regulations 2008. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Approved by the Trustees and signed on its behalf on 10[th] January 2024

By Mr. J. Green (Chair)

WBSS Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023

Reference and Administrative Information

Charity Name : Walsall Bereavement Support Service Charity Status : Charitable Incorporated Organisation Charity Number : 1152724 Registered Office : Office Suite 2 The Crossing at St Paul’s Darwall Street Walsall West Midlands WS1 1DA

Telephone : 01922 724841 / 01922 645035

Website: www.wbss.org.uk

Trustees:

Chair: James Green Treasurer: Neil Simpson (stepped down Dec 2023) Alyson Green (from Jan 2024) Trustees: Dr Robert Crundwell (stepped down Dec 2023) Bev Simpson Stepped down Dec 20023) Verity Baker (stepped down Aug 2023) Sandev Panaser (appointed Oct 2023) Akinola Meheux (appointed Dec 2023) Employees: Head of Service Bev Richardson Dip.Couns. Registered Member BACP, MAAT (until Jul 2023) THE SWING Co-ordinator Sally Robinson Dip.Couns. Registered Member BACP (until Aug 22) THE SWING Counsellors Harvender Panaser Dip.Couns. Registered Member BACP Lauren Jones Registered Member BACP (from Aug 22 – Feb 2023) Scott Homer Registered Member BACP (from Aug 22 – Dec 2023) ‘Let’s Talk’ Co-ordinator Ian Davies Dip.Couns. Registered Member BACP ‘Let’s Talk’ Counsellor Davina Lytton Dip.Couns. Registered Member BACP Charity Administrator Nikki Preene

Independent Examiner:

Karen Hanlan Independent Examiner Limited, 1 Saracen Close, Ettington.CV37 7SZ

Banks:

Barclays Bank: 1 Breadmarket Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire. WS13 6JY

Nationwide: 18 Bridge Street, Walsall, West Midlands. WS1 1DE

WBSS Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023

Acknowledgements

Walsall Bereavement Support Service would like to publicly acknowledge and thank the following organisations and donors for their financial support during 2022 / 2023.

We would also like to thank the following organisations for fundraising on behalf of Walsall Bereavement Support Service during 2022 / 2023

And finally… many thanks go to all of the volunteers for the skills, commitment, and time that they have contributed throughout the year. Without their support we simply would not be able to provide this valuable service.

WBSS Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023

Independent Examiners Reported to the trustees of Walsall Support Service

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Walsall Bereavement Support Service (‘the Charity’) for the year ended 31 March 2023 which are set out on pages 19 to 28.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’).

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

Independent examiner’s statement

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

1) accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or

3) the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

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

Karen Hanlan, Institute of Chartered Accountants, England & Wales Karen Hanlan, Independent Examiner Limited 1 Saracen Close, Ettington, CV37 7SZ

Date 10[th] January 2024

WBSS Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023

Statement of Financial Activities



Income from:
Note

Donations & legacies
1
Charitable activities
2
Trading activities
3
Investments – bank interest
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Charitable activities


Total expenditure
4
Net (expenditure)/income
and net movement in funds
for year

Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 Un-restricted
Restricted
Total
Total
funds
funds
funds
funds
2023
2023
2023
2022
£
£
£
£
6,242
59,518
65,760
81,400
85,530
26,290
111,820
208,973
526
-
526
2,399
1,518
-
1,518
292
93,816
85,808
179,624
293,064
4,918
4,912
9,830
17,289
122,677
93,146
215,823
145,715
127,595
98,058
225,653
163,004
(33,779)
(12,250)
(46,029)
130,060
190,379
59,940
250,319
120,259
156,600
47,690
204,290
250,319

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

WBSS Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023

Balance Sheet

Note

FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
7

CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
8
Cash at Bank

CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one
year
9

NET CURRENT ASSETS
NET ASSETS

FUNDS
11
Restricted Funds
Unrestricted Funds
- General
- Designated

TOTAL FUNDS		 2023
£
2,023
7,657
232,668
240,325
(38,058)
202,267
204,290
47,690
81,600
75,000
204,290		 2022
£
3,289
1,986
251,459
253,445
(6,415)
247,030
250,319
59,940
115,379
75,000
250,319

The accompanying accounting policies and notes form part of these financial statements.

Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

Mr J Green, Chair of Trustees

Date: 10[th] January 2024

WBSS Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023

Principle Accounting Policies

Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (updated 1 January 2019) – (Charities SORP (FRS102)) and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102).

Walsall Bereavement Support Service meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note.

Going Concern statement

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis which assumes that the Charity will continue to operate. The validity of this assumption is dependent upon the continuance of support from the Charity’s key funders and stakeholders and in response to the progress made by the Charity in pursuing a viable budget including the obtaining of further grants and donations.

The Charity’s business plan shows that the Charity will be able to operate in the foreseeable future. Based on this understanding the Trustees believe that it remains appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis. The financial statements do not include any adjustments, which would result from the basis of preparation being inappropriate.

Funds

General accumulated funds are unrestricted funds available for general purposes and include funds designated for a particular purpose; the use of such funds remains at the discretion of the Trustees.

Restricted funds are funds subject to conditions imposed by the donor or by specific terms of the appeal under which the funds are raised. The restrictive conditions are binding upon the Charity.

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities when the Charity is legally entitled, ultimate receipt is probable and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.

Income relating to future periods, as a result of donor-imposed conditions specifying the time period, has been treated as deferred income.

Income dependent on certain conditions, amounting to more than mere administrative requirements, is recognised when the conditions have been fulfilled.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the Charity to the expenditure. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. Expenditure is classified under the following activity headings:

Costs of raising funds comprises the costs of fundraising activity and includes an allocation of staff costs relating to time spent on fundraising activity.

Expenditure on charitable expenditure includes the costs of project delivery to further the purposes of the Charity and their associated support and governance costs.

WBSS Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023

Principle Accounting Policies (continued)

Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.

Interest receivable

Bank interest is shown on the basis of amounts received in the year.

Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at a rate calculated to write off the cost on a straight-line basis over a period of less than the estimated useful life of the assets, which is estimated at 4 years.

Fixed assets are capitalised when their value exceeds £500.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash at bank and in hand and short-term deposits repayable on or within a three-month notice period.

Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

Creditors

Creditors are recognised where the Charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably.

Pensions

The Charity contributes to employee’s individual personal pension plans. The employer contributions to the scheme in 2023 were £4,056 (2022 £3,281) and are charged to the statement of financial activities as incurred.

Taxation

As a registered Charity no provision is considered necessary for taxation.

WBSS Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023

Notes to the Financial Statements

1. Donations & legacies

1. Donations & legacies
Un-restricted:
Donations
Grants
Restricted:
Donations
Grants
The Henry Smith Charity (The Swing)
Other Charitable Trusts (The Swing
Other Charitable Trusts (Hope Group)
Total
2. Income from Charitable Activities
Un-restricted:
Training & Support
Walsall Council
Black Country Healthcare Foundation Trust
North Smethwick Development Trust
Restricted:
The National Lottery (Let’s Talk)
Children in Need (Emotional Wellbeing Programme)
The Henry Smith Charity Covid-19 Long-Term Support
Grant
Total
3. Trading activities
Un-restricted:
Fundraising events
Online Fundraising
Restricted:
Fundraising Events
Total		 2023
£
6,242
-
6,242
218
30,000
29,300
-
59,518
65,760
2023
£
2.405
44,250
37,500
1,375
85,530
-
5,757
20,533
26,290
111,820
2023
£
275
251
-
526		 2022
£
2,953
-
2,953
-
30,000
48,447
-
78,447
81,400
2022
£
3,310
96,750
64,185
-
164,245
41,017
3,711
-
44,728
208,973
2022
£
1,006
1,393
-
2,399

WBSS Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

4. Analysis of Expenditure
Staff Costs
Payroll Costs
Fundraising Costs
Centre Costs
Unit 3 Rent
Unit 3 Utilities
Room Hire
IT
Telephone
Stationery
Postage
Printing
Office Equipment
Refreshments
Materials
Resources
Travel / Parking
Training
Supervision
Assessment
Client Support
Volunteer Expenses
Publicity
Insurance
DBS Checks
Legal & professional Fees
Bank Charges
Cleaning & H&S Equipment
Sundries
Depreciation
5. Expenditure
Fundraising Costs
Direct Costs
Support Costs
Governance		 Unrestricted
Restricted
2023
2022
£
£
£
£
101,986
79,896
181,882
119,163
229
229
458
-
313
638
951
8,011
5,580
5,580
11,160
10,027
3,000
-
3,000
3,100
173
-
173
372
1,450
450
1,900
315
1,013
902
1,918
2,416
939
829
1,768
1,607
148
152
300
406
11
-
11
138
670
586
1,256
826
302
458
760
1,121
12
-
12
51
-
2,194
2,194
1,364
-
267
267
29
210
954
1,164
643
1,331
200
1,531
1,225
4,442
1,636
6,078
5,044
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
512
-
512
239
526
100
626
855
1,258
1,258
2,516
2,137
959
55
1,014
474
1,120
513
1,633
1,483
64
64
128
162
58
45
103
126
352
301
653
90
934
751
1,685
1.580
127,595
98,058
225,653
163,004
Unrestricted
Restricted
2023
2022
£
£
£
£
4,918
4,912
9,830
17,289
80,976
78,858
159,834
98,321
17,622
10,113
27,735
42,792
24,079
4,175
28,254
4,602
127,595
98,058
225,653
163,004

WBSS Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

6. Net expenditure/income for year

. Net expenditure/income for year
Net income is stated after charging:
Independent Examiners fee
Depreciation
taff costs, trustee remuneration and expenses
Salaries
National Insurance
Pensions
Staff settlement payment
Total		 2023
2022
£
£
990
990
1,685
1,580
2,675
2,570
2023
2022
£
£
149,821
111,149
8,005
4,733
4,056
3,281
20,000
-
181,882
119,163

Staff costs, trustee remuneration and expenses

No employee has employee benefits in excess of £60,000 (2022: nil).

The equivalent of 5 full-time members of staff were employed during the year (2022: 4.18) Key management personnel comprise the Head of Service and the Finance Manager whose employee benefits total £41,266 (2022 £38,794)

An early termination settlement was agreed with a member of staff following the end of year and has been accrued for in these accounts as an adjusting post balance sheet event.

The charity does not operate its own pension scheme but contributes towards NEST Pension scheme for all employees.

There were no trustees’ remuneration or other benefits in the year (2022: None). No trustee expenses were reimbursed in the year (2022: None).

There are no further related party transactions that require disclosure in the accounts.

7. Tangible fixed assets

. Tangible fixed assets
Cost
At beginning of year
Additions
At end of year
Depreciation
At beginning of year
Charge for the year
At end of year
Net Book Value
At 31 March 2022
At 31 March 2023		 Computer
Equipment
£
Fixtures &
Fittings
£
Total
£
19,505
2,182
21,687
419
-
419
19,924
2,182
22,106
16,216
2,182
18,398
1,685
-
1,685
17,901
-
20,083
3,289
-
3,289
2,023
-
2,023

WBSS Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

8. Debtors
Prepayments
Accrued income
Rental Deposit
9. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Accruals
Deferred income
Staff settlement payment (see note 6)
Movements in deferred income are as follows:
At beginning of year
Released to income in year
Deferred in year
At end of year		 2023
2022
£
£
2,082
1,486
5,075
-
500
500
7,657
1,986
2023
2022
£
£
1,409
1,270
16,650
5,145
20,000
-
38,058
6,415
£
5,145
(5,145)
(16,650)
16,650

Deferred income relates to funding received in advance of project activity.

10. Analysis of net assets between funds

Fund balances at 31 March 2023 are represented by:

Restricted Total
Un-restricted Funds Funds Funds
£ £ £
Fixed Assets - 2,023 2,023
Current assets 177,436 62,889 240,325
Current Liabilities (20,836) (17,222) (38,058)
Total 156,600 47,690 204,290
und balances at 31 March 2022 were represented by:
Restricted Total
Un-restricted Funds Funds Funds
£ £ £
Fixed Assets - 3,289 3,289
Current assets 190,379 63,066 253,445
Current Liabilities - (6,415) (6,415)
Total 190,379 59,940 250,319

Fund balances at 31 March 2022 were represented by:

WBSS Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

11. Movement in funds

. Movement in funds
Balance at Transfers Balance
beginning of
year		 Income Expenditure between
funds		 at end of
year
£ £ £ £ £
Restricted funds
The Swing 52,956 28,483 (45,048) - 36,391
The Henry Smith Charity
-		 30,000 (30,000) - -
The Henry Smith Charity
Covid-19 Long-Term
Support Grant - 20,533 (13,998) 6,535
BBC Children in Need
Wellbeing Program 468 5,757 (5,102) - 1,123
Tesco Community Grant
-		 1,000 (790) 210
Grantham Yorke 388 - (388) - -
HOPE Group 2,481 35 (690) - 1,826
The Toy Trust 1,185 0 (1,185) - -
Skipton Building Society 2,462 0 (857) - 1,605
59,940 85,808 (98,058) - 47,690
Un-restricted funds
General fund 115,379 93,816 (127,595) - 81,600
Designated building fund
75,000		 - - - 75,000
190,379 93,816 (127,595) - 156,600
Total funds 250,319 179,624 (225,653) - 204,290

Transfers between funds relates to expenditure on capital items funded by a grant.

Let’s Talk provides counselling support to adults.

The Swing provides counselling support to children, young people and families. Funding is provided by various charitable giving organisations and grant providers.

The Henry Smith Charity grant is year 3 of a three-year grant towards The Swing project costs.

The Henry Smith Charity Covid-19 Long-Term Support Grant is year 1 of a three-year grant for the costs of a counsellor with The Swing.

A three-year grant from BBC Children in Need has enabled us to pilot an Emotional Wellbeing programme to deliver to groups children at their school.

Tesco Community Grant supported the pilot Emotional Wellbeing programme.

Grantham Yorke provided funding for sessional workers to support bereaved children and young people as and when required.

HOPE Group (formally the Bereaved by Suicide Support Group) provides monthly support to the families who have lost loved ones as a result of suicide.

General funds consist of unrestricted reserves brought forward, general donations and fundraising; they may be used for any charitable purpose as deemed by the trustees.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds that have been ringfenced towards the cost of purchasing premises from which the charity can operate and provide support.

WBSS Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

12. Controlling Interest

The Charity is controlled by the Trustees.

13. Comparative Statement of Financial Activities



Income from:
Note

Donations & legacies
1
Charitable activities
2
Trading activities
3
Investments – bank interest
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Charitable activities


Total expenditure
4
Net income and net
movement in funds for year

Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward

Total funds carried forward		 Un-restricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
2022
2022
2022
£
£
£
2,953
78,447
81,400
164,245
44,728
208,973
2,399
-
2,399
292
-
292
169,889
123,175
293,064
9
17,280
17,289
28,514
117,201
145,715
28,523
124,481
163,004
141,366
(11,306)
130,060
49,013
71,246
120,259
190,379
59,940
250,319