NEW HORIZONS MENTAL HEALTH Patroris, buyd Lluck & L)elia Powell New Horizons Mental Health -CIO Annual Impact Report and Financial Statement 1st April 2023 31th March 2024 Naw Horlzons projects the P•ysttIVè hyage olll#OP' problems through challenglng discrimination by means of education, outreach New Horizons Mental Health Annual Re Ort 2023- 2024 INDEX Item Le al & administrative information Chairs Re ort Staffin Patrons Trustees, Re ort Aims, ob'ectives & activities Summa of achievements Fundraisin thank ou Summar of Trustees res Volunteers - Thank ou Acknowled ements for fundin 10 11-33 34- 35 36 37 38 onsibilities Enclosure Independently examined accounts for the financial year ending 31st March 2024 LEGAL & ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION New Horizons Mental Health is a registered CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organization). The Charity Commission number is: 1153115 Registered office - 16A Dean Street, Aberdare, RCT CF44 7BN Telephone number: 01685 881113 E-mail: newhorizons2001 btconnect.com www.newhorizons-mentalhealth.or www.mentalhealthsu ort.co.uk Governing document.. Constitution dated 1-10-2013 Governing Body: Management Committee elected in accordance with the constitution Trustees during the period April 2023- March 2024 Phil Gillard { Chair) Nigel Bennett (Vice Chair) Natalie Griffiths Brian Mitchell Kath Jones Karl Coomansingh Jayne Dyer (resigned October 2023) Marcus Longley leuan Riggs (appointed April 2024) Bankers: Independent Examiner: Richard Knoyle FCCA ACA Baker Knoyle Accountancy Ltd Orbit Business Centre Rhydycar Business Park Merthyr Tydfil The Cooperative Bank PO Box 101 1 Balloon Street Manchester M60 4EP 2023124 Chair's report- Phil Gillard Hello and welcome to our Annual Report 2023-2024 During 2023-24 the charity continued to go from strength to strength with our biggest achievement during the year being the award of three year funding from the National Lottery to further develop our digital and information & signposting services plus additional, activities and progressing our diversity and inclusion work to ensure that our services are more culturally competent. We were also very pleased to be awarded the all Wales Diverse Cymru quality mark for Cultural Competency at the Silver Plus level in October- as a small local charity this is a great achievement. We continued to offer services face to face and on line to support the delivery of Recovery College courses and activities to ensure that they could be accessed across the whole of Cwm Taf Morgannwg (from Bridgend to Merthyr Tydfil) and were more accessible in the cost of living crisis. The Management Committee have been pleased that a number of the funding bids submitted by the Director and Business Development officer were successful- including the three year grant from the National Lottery People and Places which has helped us move nearer to our goal of diversifying our funding streams, although we remain very thankful for the support of Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board for renewing the SLA . We thank all those who have done fund-raising as well on behalf of New Horizons through this review period. It was also pleasing during the year to welcome a new member to the Management Committee so that the experience and expertise on the Committee continues to be further strengthened. Trustees continue to appreciate the continued support of Lloyds Bank Foundation. Especially the support received from their Volunteer Reach Programme to recruit new Trustees as well as the continued support from Mathew Sturgess our Lloyds Bank Foundation charity mentor. We believe that this charity continues to play a vital role support in our local community to support adults experiencing mental health issues. Phil Gillard, Chair Adroddiad y Cadeirydd 2023124- Phil Gillard Helo a chroeso i Adroddiad Blynyddol 2023-2024 Yn ystod 2023-24, parhaodd yr elusen i fynd o nerth i nerth a'n cyflawniad mwyaf yn ystod y flwyddyn oedd derbyn cyllid tair blynedd gan y Loteri Genedlaethol. Bydd yr arian hwn yn ein helpu i ddatblygu ein gwasanaethau digidol a gwybodaeth a chyfeirio ymhellach ynghyd a gweithgareddau ychwanegol. Bydd hefyd yn datblygu ein gwaith ar amrywiaeth a chynhwysiant i sicrhau bod ein gwasanaethau yn fwy cymwys yn ddiwylliannol, Roeddem hefyd yn falch lawn o dderbyn marc ansawdd Cymru gyfan Diverse Cymru ar gyfer Cymhwysedd Diwylliannol ar lefel Arian Plws ym mis Hydref. Fel elusen leol fach, mae hyn yn dipyn o gamp. Fe wnaethom barhau i gynnig gwasanaethau wyneb yn wyneb ac ar-lein i gefnogi'r gwaith o ddarparu cyrsiau a gweithgareddau'r Coleg Adfer i sicrhau bod modd eu cyrchu ledled holl ardal Cwm Taf Morgannwg (o Ben-y-bont ar Ogwr i Ferthyr Tudful) a'u bod yn fwy hygyrch yng nghanol yr argyfwng costau byw. Mae'r Pwyllgor Rheoli yn falch bod Ilawer o'r ceisiadau am arian a gyflwynwyd gan y Cyfarwyddwr a'r Swyddog Datblygu Busnes wedi bod yn Ilwyddiannus gan gynnwys y grant tair blynedd gan raglen Pawb a'i Le y Loteri Genedlaethol sydd wedi ein helpu i symud yn nes at ein nod o amrywio ein ffrydiau ariannu. Er hyn, rydym yn parhau'n ddiolchgar lawn am gefnogaeth Bwrdd lechyd Prifysgol Cwm Taf Morgannwg am adnewyddu'r CLG . Diolch i bawb sydd wedi codi arian hefyd ar ran New Horizons yn ystod y cyfnod adolygu hwn. Braf hefyd yn ystod y flwyddyn oedd croesawu aelod newydd i'r Pwyllgor Rheoli fel bod profiad ac arbenigedd y Pwyllgor yn parhau i gael eu cryfhau ymhellach. Mae'r Ymddiriedolwyr yn dal i werthfawrogi cefnogaeth barhaus Sefydliad Banc Lloyds, yn enwedig y gefnogaeth a dderbyniwyd gan eu Rhaglen Volunteer Reach i recriwtio Ymddiriedolwyr newydd, Diolchwn hefyd am gefnogaeth barhaus Mathew Sturgess, ein mentor elusen yn Sefydliad Banc Lloyds. Credwn fod yr elusen hon yn parhau i chwarae rhan hollbwysig yn ein cymuned leol i gefnogi oedolion sy'n profi problemau iechyd meddwl. Phil Gillard, Cadeirydd Staffin April 2023- March 2024 Janet Whiteman Director Tracy Thomas Deputy Director Carly Griffiths Admin & Monitoring & Evaluation Officer Steve Curry Business Development Officer /consultant Debra Winstanley Information & Signposting Officer Dean Clements Digital Officerlmen's project coordinator Helen Hughes Activity Coordinator New Horizons, Patrons Ongoing thanks go to New Horizons, patrons - our founder member Delia Powell and Boyd Clack (actor and writer) and his partner Kirsten Jones for their ongoing support. am prou Izo over the years and by appearing at various events, functions, fundraising and saying a few words we hope that this helps to bring further attention and increase charity funds. This in turn enables the continuation of the good work the charity brings to many, that transforms suffering into joy and increases confidence. self worth and self esteem to those that seek hel 111 was over the moon to have been asked to be a Patron for New Horizonsl l am so yhappy to see the vision that we had 30 years ago for mental health services in the Valleys for all age groups - in particular for young people- still alive with a great &taff team and Mana ement Commlttee at New Horlzons." Dall Powell Trustees, re ort The Trustees present their annual report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 St March 2024 The trustees who served during the period were- Trustees during the period April 2023- March 2024 Phil Gillard (Chair) Nigel Bennett (Vice Chair) Natalie Griffiths Brian Mitchell Kath Jones Karl Coomansingh Jayne Dyer (resigned October 2023) Marcus Longley (appointed March 2023) leaun Riggs (appointed April 2024) Trustees, responsibility for the financial statements Charity law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a fair and true view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the surplus or deficit of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements the trustees are required to: Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently Make adjustments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue to operate The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention of fraud and other irregularities. Recruitment and appointment of new trustees Due to the diversity of the charity an effort is made to maintain a broad skill mix of trustees. In the event of skills being lost due to retirement, suitable individuals are approached to offer themselves for election to the Board. To enhance the scope of recruitment for key positions the charity will also recruit through open advertisement. AIMS, OBJECTIVES & ACTIVITIES Mission Statement "New Horizons projects the positive image of people suffering mental health problems through challenging discrimination by means of education, outreach work, information and support services" Constitutional Objective To promote mental health and assist people with mental health problems by providing support and information. The charity will operate in the area of Cwm Taf Morgannwg or elsewhere for the benefit of persons who are ordinarily resident in this area" During 2023-24 New Horizons offered a range of support services for adults experiencing mental health issues including Cwm Taf Morgannwg Recovery College - access to a range of accredited training and self development courses Self-help initiatives including peer support and befriending Soft skill development including art & craft and creative writing Walking groups and outdoor activities Signposting to information and advice from partner agencies Digital support and information Opportunities to volunteer with New Horizons and partner organisations We have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aims and objectives and in planning our future activities. In particular the trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set. For further information and opening times please telephone 01685 881113 or email info newhorizons-mentalhealth.co.uk 10 Recovery College." One hundred and twenty five enrolment forms were received for Recovery College courses during the year including - Managing Anxiety, Anger Management and Stress Management. The courses are delivered in partnership with a number of organisations. The outcomes that students achieve from the training courses are monitored and evaluated using the Warwick-Edinburgh well- being assessment scale. A number of the courses were over-subscribed and waiting lists have been kept-thus demonstrating the demand for the courses. There were also courses offered in Bridgend during 2023-24. Befriending & Peer Support groups.. the groups encourage social inclusion via informal 'safe space, opportunities, where individuals can come together to talk about their experiences of mental health problems and learn from each other. Information & Signposting.. to information and advice from a range of partner agencies Art for Well-being-a range of creative opportunities including creative writing, music and art & craft Outdoor activitieslwalking groups-the groups encourage social inclusion and confidence building Volunteering opportunities: With New Horizons and the wider community Digital/Website- Mental Health Support Website & Directory." providing information and advice on a range of mental health and social issues whilst offering a directory of local support organisations, Evidence of need The data below shows that from April 2023- March 2024 there is an ongoing need for New Horizons, seNices- What did we achieve? Recovery College 15 Recovery College courses were offered 125 Enrolment forms were received 214 Attendances on the courses , 50 Learning accreditations awarded Activities . 448 Attendances for peer support , 681 Attendances for soft skills eg muslc and art & craft What was our im act? Recovery College-outcomes Warwick-Edinburgh well being assessment results 2023-2024 At the beginning and end of each of the courses students complete the Warwick- Edinburgh well being assessment tool. The results demonstrate for 2022-23 demonstrating the following progress Are we making a difference / who is benefiting? Total Objective Qtr1 Qtr2 Qtr3' Qtr4 I've been feeling optimistic about the future 100% I've been feeling useful nla NIA NIA 173.10'/0 I've been feeling relaxed -15.790/0 50% 55.56 /0 I've been feeling interested in other eo I've had energy to spare -15.00 /0 20% 200% nla NIA 40% NIA I've been dealing with roblems well I've been thinking clearly -25% 100% O.OO'/o 50% 116.67% I've been feeling good about m self I've been feeling close to other eo le I've been feeling confident 100% 42.86% 100% 231.75'/0 -10.00'/0 nla NIA NIA 215.740/0 100% -16.67 % 75./0 I've been able to make up own mind about thin I've been feeling loved I've been interested in new thin I've been feeling cheerful 100% nla NIA NIA NIA 100% nla NIA 5.56% -15.79 % 100/0 16.67 /0 188.90 /0 NIA 200 /0 nla NIA Please note the greatest /0 increases are in bold During the year-a review of the number of questions asked as part of the Warwick- Edinburgh well being self assessments was reviewed and agreed to reduce to 7 from 14 in order to encourage more students to complete the forms at the start and end of the courses and activities- shown by N/A from quarter 3 12 An exam le of the outcomes recorded from Janua - March 2024. Ne¥v Horizoiis Civm Taf Morgannkvg Recovery College JaTr Mar 2024 Warivick & Edinburgh Wellbeing Scale 1st ￿2rnd I ve bten Itelin8 opnmisD£ èoour The I'b* oeeD lrtitresied Ip thin I'￿ been teelilli reialed o.so I ve been fetiing confi4eili I've betD leelknl Initrested Utbér oeoole I'vt betn feelirt8 iom *b￿r myself I've been oealini Y4llh prooierns wéil I'%t tsten tninkini Eleariy 8orvlco dollve Cwm Taf Morgannwg Recovery College Throughout 2023-24 New Horizons offered 15 courses to meet increased demand. Courses were offered face to face and on line via Teams and students were supported to get used to using the technology with some even being loaned devices by partner organisations to be able to participate. Courses offered included- Anger Management Confidence Building Managing Anxiety Mental Health & Wellbeing Stress Management Resilience Skills Feedback from some of the Recovery College students- "The course is very well presented and easy to follow. I feel very positive and am using the skills already" Meeting other people, learning new skills" "I have learned practical strategies to help manage my condition" "I feel more confident in myself" "It's helped me become of my listening skills and how attentive I'm bein to other eo le" 13 Funding was received from the Community Foundation in Wales to develop an on line Recovery College Stress Management course. The filming was undertaken involving students of the Recovery College and was installed on the New Horizons, website in summer 2022 and the outcomes are being monitored and evaluated. Bridgend Recovery College courses- funded by Bridgend CBC In 2023-24 New Horizons was funded by Bridgend CBC to offer Recovery College courses including a workshops on Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder and ND. Funding was awarded to support those who are waiting (due to waiting lists being several years wait) a diagnosis by providing courses and workshops. This has proved very successful with participants learning to understand ADHD more and how it affects them, plus what can support them better and being able to have conversations with their employer. eedback below froyh partl ahl 'The workshops were very in depth and informatlve, and discussed things I wouldn't have thought about if I didn't attend. There was also a good spread of information from a medical and personal perspective in regard to adhd. Workshops with people who themselves had adhd made the experience much more comfortable., 'The workshops have helped me tremendously. My understanding of my condltion has dramatically improved and has helped me understand why I do the things I do and why I struggle to accomplish other things. It has also helped me better communicate my condition to others as well. The workshops have also helped me professionally through providing me with information on what is available to help me in work and getting work. This has helped me in searching for newjobs and has Improved my self-confidence to apply to them. The workshops have generally reduced my anxiety about my condition in personal and professional settings, through a greater understanding of adhd andpotential Coping mechanisms to use In the future. Since the success of this pilot there has been great interest from other areas within CTM UHB about the possibility of New Horizons delivery across the whole CTM area. 14 Activities Physical Health and Wellbeing NEW HORIZONS MENTAL HEALTH Physical Health & Wellbeing Invlgoratlng. Agood game wlth good It's the reason I get up on a Monday morning and helps the week off at a good start healthy mind Quotes from partlclpants:; "Highlight of my week" "Look forward to these sessions. Improves myphysical health and mental health wellbeing" "Great course whlch keeps you active while also having fun and meeting other people. ,$ILots of different activities to do which you can do at your own pace. Lovely way to keep fit while having fun. "Literally getting out and about meeting others Fresh air and generally interaction with others It's just so important to try and engage wlth other service users and maybe benefit other service user s" "Being out in the fresh air among other participants and just being able to chilll In a word. And I thank the person/s responsible for making this all possible, 1111 "I was really uplifting just to be involved with people doing the activities. It got me out house on Monday mornlng. Something to look forward too over weekend when nothing happens." 15 Physlcal wellbeing just means that, the greatness of this is that it was allowed to be extended and if outdoors was unpredictable then the activities were still allowed to go on in the pavilion I think we are all in agreement here the fact that activities trould go on let's say inclement weather all attendees did gain benefit from these activities Well done to all concernedll" 'Personally I thought it was a great idea but it was a pity that there wasn't more ,,people attending Maybe a different day/time but on a personal basis I found it ouldn't be better maybe the other participants have their own Ida about time + , place It's just a shame this actlvity has to come to an endll" "Please bring It back it was thoroughly enjoyable, gave me some physical activity which I was missing and helped lift my mood." YOGA & RELAXATION li Yoga & Relaxation is about improving energy levels, strength and flexibility and relaxing your mind and body. The Service Users take part in chair yoga exercises. Feedback from participants "Enjoy Yoga very much. Not too strenuous and you are advised to do only what you're comfortable with. Both Steph and Helen are there on hand if we have any questions and are happy to help. It's a lovely relaxing group. "The meditation was more than what l expected, made me feel so better in myself, felt very chill out and easy to follow, my mind has been all over the place, but that day my mind was clear and empty, have not felt like for years, was really happy will 16 BEFRIENDING GROUP Number of Attendances Number of sessions Number of different people Male Female 274 46 16 The Befriending group is an online group where people can chat and take a quiz. We regularly have guest speakers coming to the group, including the local councilor, a Local History Tutor, the Samaritans and Stagecoach, Every month we also hold a Service User Meeting during the Befriending group for both and update Service Users about New Horizons Activities and courses, and for the Service Users to give feedback about the groups and guest speakers. eedback from partlclpants iii find the befriending group very good rewarding and l appreciate that it exists I: would be lost without it .it is something I look forward to and very rewarding the only negative is there is not enough woman members attending the group I feel It would be balanced out a bit more if there were more women. The group is great for finding people to communicate with and Interact with, which ' Is massively helpful to someone like me that has trouble getting out of the house to meet people. Helen is great for keeping order and having a laugh with us all. I've made many friends on the befriending group and have had a lot of advice on topics such as my PIP review from Helen and Dean which has been a blg help, unfortunately I have been unable to attend the face-to-face meetings because of my anxiety but I'd enjoy having one on a Thursday also, Very grateful to the team and I look forward to the meetings every week." Befriending group Is good and allows opportunities for peer support and l enjoy the guest speakers" efiniendin .,0od and allows ortunit,i08 for 17 ARTS AND CRAFTS Number of Attendances Number of sessions Number of different people Male Female 195 45 23 14 The Arts and Crafts group is a space for Service Users to be creative, whether that is working on their own projects or taking part in activities planned by the Activity Coordinator. The arts and craft group worked towards and held an art exhibition in Ynysangharad Memorial Park, Pontypridd, for Mental Health Awareness week. The Arts and Crafts group has also visited Cynon Valley Museum to see an exhibition of one of our Service Members. Staff from the Welsh Ambulance service visited the group twice talking about the Welsh Ambulance service and NHS Direct and has given Practical Emergency First Aid demonstration to the group. 18 WALKING GROUP Number of Attendances Number of sessions Number of different people Male Female 179 39 31 15 15 The Walking group is for seNice users who like to go outside for a walk and meet and chat to people and to get some fresh air and gentle exercise. The walking group went on a few trips during the year with TFW Confidence Travel Scheme including Barry Island, Cardiff Museum and Cynon Organic Adventures. Feedback from participants. 'The walks are a lifeline and means that we get to come out, sociallze, exercise, meet new people and get opportunities to give feedback on local community events and programs" "The walks are great for myself as it means I can get out and about meetpeople and get to know you all." "We all look forward to these walks as it's chance to gain new friends and acquaintances for that chance to be able to get out and about which otherwise may be impossible to do." 41The walks help reduce stress" 19 Cuppa & Natter Number of Attendances Number of sessions Number of different people Male Female 62 14 16 10 The Cuppa and Natter is a group for Service Users who like to have cup of tealcoffee and chat. We have had several different organisations come along to the Cuppa and Natter including RCT Community Domestic Abuse Service. Isobel from Welsh Ambulance service have visited the group twice talking about the Welsh Ambulance service and NHS Direct and has given Practical Emergency First Aid demonstration to the group. We also went through the engagement pack of both Welsh Government Suicide & Self- harm Prevention Strategy and Mental Health & Wellbeing Strategy with the Service Users at the Cuppa and Natter group and gave their feedback about the strategies. Every month we also hold a Service User Meeting during the Cuppa and Natter group for both the walking group and Cuppa and Natter group. We update Service Users about New Horizons Activities and courses, and for the Service Users to give feedback about the groups and guest speakers. 20 Partnership project Cwm Taf Morgannwg Self Harm support project Funding was secured in 2020121 to develop a much needed support group for adults experiencing issues around Self Harm. The partnership project with Mental Health Matters, Eye to Eye and the Samaritans started in 2021 and continues as an online peer support group- longer term funding is being sought for this project. Cwm Taf Mor8annw8 Self-Harm Support Group Faiwtsnrrrtiwiiht￿IrO￿*• Irtsmwry Ilih2VII SAMARITAMS GIG The project has offered a weekly peer support group and access to workshops with the Samaritans and to counselling with Eye to Eye. The group is an open, confidential space where group members have felt able to speak openly about their struggles. Group members have been able to discuss techniques which have helped them, and have offered support to each other outside the group. New members quickly settled and felt able to talk in depth and at length about their situations, and would also contact staff outside the group as they had grown to trust them. One group member experienced a mental health crisis and staff stayed with the person to ensure they were safe and supported them to access a Crisis Team assessment when they spoke about needing more intervention from NHS services. Mens, on line peer support group The aim of the Men's project is to provide a no-pressure, safe space for men to talk freely, to offer peer support to one another and to offer guest speakers on topics picked by the group rnembers. Finally, it is a platform for members to give their own talks on a subjectlskill and to plan and undertake activities picked by the group members. The hope is to develop a trusting environment where men can share their thoughts and feelings, whilst building a network of support. Throughout year the regular number of attendees of the men's group has grown with a mixture of new and returning members The group currently has one volunteer who helps lead and moderate discussions as well as offering support and sharing his lived experience with other members of the group. The group's discussions include a range of subjects including their mental and physical health, the challenges they face in life, sharing stories of success and failure, opinions on current affairs, hobbies and interests and family life. This has led to all members of the group to be more open about their conditions and the issues they face. This has allowed me to signpost members to complimentary support. 21 . Quotes from participants- 1411 have really enjoyed tonight it's just so relaxed and fun it made my night" ÉThe benefits of coming to the Men's Group for me is the cheerful conversation" 'The main benefit for me is being able to get insight into other people's ideas" 'It's just nice to have a place to talk" You guys crack me up it really cheers me up" It's nice to meet in the evening as I don't have to worry about getting somewhere or doing something" Sometimes it nice to just Ilsten to you all and have company" '1 like meetlng In the evening on zoom because it's (the meetings) really relaxing and once we're done, I don't have to worry about getting home I can just keep relaxing" "It's good because I don't have to worry about travel" I have really bean looking forward to tonight it's been a really long day" The user lead nature of the group has meant a relaxed atmosphere has developed, this has helped the group open up more about how they are feeling or issues that have affected them. The group has developed a good level of peer support that often leads to group members doing individual research on topics to support other members orjust to have better awareness. 22 National Lotte fundin New Horizons is very pleased to have been awarded £286,515 (3 year funding) by the National Lottery Community Fund in July 2023 New Horizons had previously received funding for 12 months during Covid from the Lottery to pilot new services including- Information & Signposting and Digital support. The evidence from this pilot demonstrated the need for these services to continue. We are pleased to confirm that New Horizons has been awarded People & Places funding for 3 years from the National Lottery to continue to offer both of these projects and to increase the activities that we offer and the work that we are doing around ensuring that our services are culturally competent. An event to celebrate the funding award was held in August 2023 Quote from Phil Gillard, Chair of New Horizons We are delighted to have received £286,515 ( over 3 years) from the National Lottery Community Fund. This is an accumulation of a lot of hard work over a number of years. Thanks go to the staff team and to all who attended on the Day to join us in our celebrations of this amazing achievement-. 23 The National Lottery Community Fund/ Cronfa Gymunedol y Loteri Genedlaetliol 3h.I Great neivs is Just the icing on the cake, New Honzons Mental Health is celebrating £286,515 of #NationalLottery mone/. Neiv Horizons will continue to offer arts and outdoor actiiiities to help disengaged minority ethnic people, men and young people to feel more a pèrt of their community. We can't ￿'aIt to see the amaziiig kvork tliat you'll do for your ccmniunity. Neivyddion gwch i New Honzons Mental Health sy'n dathlu £286,515 0 gyllid y #LoteriGenedlaethol. Bydd Nebv Horizons yn parhau i gynnig gi'ieithgareddau celfijddydol ac ak'i%Jr agored i helpu pobl ethnig leiafrifol, dynion a pliobl ifanc i deimlo'n rhan o'u cymuned. EdDJchwii ymlaen at weld eich gbvaith gwych yn y gymuned. ital Officer's re ort At the beginning of the year my focus was the review and implementation of our Cyber Security policy in partnership with the Administration, Monitoring & Evaluation Officer, Digital Trustee and Director as well as a redesign of the 'Fundraising' and 'Donate' pages of the website in partnership with the New Fundraising officer, Before undertaking the review, l attended refresher training sessions on cyber security to ensure I was up to date with the latest practices. After this, I reviewed the current plan before meeting with the Administration, Monitoring & Evaluation Officer, Digital Trustee and Director where we agreed changes and the new security measures to be introduced. A presentation was designed for the other staff members to update them on the incoming changes and new security practices. To redesign the 'Fundraising' and 'Donate' pages I worked in partnership with the New Fundraising Officer. Firstly, we discussed what they hoped to achieve with the pages and then we agreed a basic layout and the information to be included, I then redesigned the pages to the new specifications before holding review meetings to further refine the design. Once everyone was happy with the final design, the pages were published and relocated to make them more visible on the website. After publishing the pages, we began integrating new fundraising tools into the website, including a new digital application for volunteers and revising the ways we can accept and process donations. We also began advertising our new fundraising opportunities and partnerships. 24 I then had to focus on adapting to the content posted on social media as the two main platforms we use. Twitter and Facebook had introduced changes which reduced the organic reach of posts that link to outside websites. This has meant I have had to maximise our use of secondary links such as QR codes and comments on content to share more contact information. I have begun to optimise the website to make it as accessible as possible for all users. I have done this by attending training to ensure I was up to date on the latest practices and then I ran several accessibility tests on the website, correcting any issues which has led to the website testing well in all areas of accessibility. In addition, I have continued to update both the website and our social media accounts and continued to monitor our online 'Digital Stress Management, course. Stats for stress mana ement course 2023-2024 Total number of views- 310 YouTube views- 94 (30.33 % of total views) Facebook views- 216 (69.67 % of total views) Of the views on YouTube 57.5 /0 came from external websites and apps (such as our own website) and 42.5 % came from or YouTube page Our most popular video was Lesson 1 'What is Stress?, which accounted for 103 views (33.23 % of total views) The average view time of the videos was 1 minute and 33 seconds Of the views on YouTube- -58.5 % came from computers -41.5'/0 came from mobile phones -1000/0 of views came from Females -The age range was 35-44 -85.710/0 were on weekdays -14.29 % were on weekends Facebook Reach: 45,660 which is and increase from last year of 172.90/0 Followers.. 1857 which has grown by 237 from last year which is a 44.50/0 increase We have had 987 views of our video content which is an increase of 28.70/0 and for a total of 4 hours and 3 minutes viewed which is an increase of 18.6 % Insta ram started in November 23 Reach: 105 Followers: 75 Website Session: 7212 Visitors., New 88 % Returning 12 % Device Breakdown: Desktop 65 % Tablet 20/0 Mobile 330/0 25 Information & Signposting Project The Lottery funded Information & Signposting Service was launched in June 2021 and we secured a further three year's funding from the Lottery in August 2023. The project's purpose is to better respond to an increase in demand and to provide information to clients, carers and other agencies enquiring about New Horizons, services, or services and support available in the wider community. To do this effectively, a second strand of the work involves developing good working links with stakeholders, partner agencies, and other agencies across the sector, to foster a robust two-way means of client referral and join up services to the benefit of clients. All new client enquiries receive short-term one-to-one support, with appropriate tailored, client-centered signposting or referral to external services. The officer works more closely with some clients over a longer period, when there is more complexity and on-going issues, or there are a range of presenting needs. In the period between April 2023 and March 2024: We responded to 437 enquiries 287 client enquiries. 150 enquiries from organisations. We referred 76 clients to external services for additional support. We received 77 referrals from external agencies. We have partnered with Citizens Advice, giving us access to their Refernet system, which is funded by the Welsh Government. Enabling us to refer and fast-track clients to their service. In the Autumn of 2023, Citizens Advice invited us to work in closer partnership with them and offered us a grant of £10,000 towards this work. We provided community information events in partnership with Citizens Advice, in Rhondda Cynon Taff, Merthyr Tydfil, and Bridgend. We have partnered with The Trussell Trust and Merthyr & Cynon Foodbanks, enabling us to issue food vouchers directly to clients where needed. Feedback from clients 'IIw35very inloimali¥eandextiemetyhelplul' 'Stsflaie Iiiendlyandundeiitsndin A¥eryposili¥eexpeiien(e,wilhaseNiiel pieviouslyknewnolhingabouv 'Ilwasyerysupportivelowaidi rne, 'Mademe leelalease3ndlislenedlo' 'NewKoiiion5havebeen¥ery helpful, eryhelpful,¥eryfriendtyandundeislanding, Non.judgmental 'S05UPPOrtiveanden£oui3gin( eseNiiew35¥erypioles5ion31,andlheinloim3liongivenwastsernendou5' eyweieveryquicklo geliThlouch, andpul mymifidal ease. Iloundlhesetviieverybenefi(iallomymental health. 'IwasgiYenhelplulinlonnalion' Supportr¥ecill' InlomaliveaftdopeTr' °Amaiin 26 Postcode Lottery- Stepping Forward project Funding was received from the Postcode Lottery to offer a range of outdoor activities from 2021- 2023 to boost mental well-being for service-users of New Horizons Mental Health in partnership with Cambrian Village Trust. New Horizons has shifted services to online and by-phone since March 2020 and recently successfully offered walking groups due to the sharp increase in demand resulting from Covid-19 and, the sharp decrease in mental well-being among existing and new service- users caused by the pandemic. The range of activities will be offered by the new service mostly outdoors but also utilising some inside space at the Clydach Vale country park centre, whenever safe and within guidance. Some equipment.. jackets, walking poles and mats will be provided for those who don't own such equipment and would struggle to purchase Throughout the project we achieved a total of 229 attendances including 114 males and 85 females from the age of 26 upwards with the highest numbers being over 50. We collected the Warwiick- Edinburgh data and most participants reported feeling more relaxed and feeling closer to other people. ' It gets me out of the house and lets me get some fresh air and keep my fitness up '.without pressure" 27 30th anniversary celebrations- Heritage Lottery funding Following a successful bid to the Heritage Lottery New Horizons was planning to hold a number of events during 2020 to celebrate our, 30th anniversary including an oral history project and producing two publications one celebrating the history of the charity (by a founder member) and one to work with current service users. The two publications were completed and a celebration event was held in 2023.The publications included a history of the charity by Delia Powell( founder member and patron) and a poetry book written by members of the creative writing group. The Oral History project is ongoing with members of the Creative Writing group undertaking training to interview members of New Horizons about the experiences with New Horizons. A poem from the poetry book Surf Surf Surf Is all l ever knew Even in the rain Is what will come again The heat is all around From the sun it beat down The final curtain calls As the tid8 rolls away You think ill fly away Like the ladybird of rhyme Fly away home Only on a plane 28 Lloyds Bank Foundation funding LLOYDS BANK FOUNDATION England & Wales New Horizons was very pleased to be awarded funding from the Lloyds Bank Foundation for the employment of a Business Development Officer post for 2 years (2022-24) to help support the charity to develop funding bids and the long term sustainability of the charity. Business Planning and Development Officer report - Steve Curry We continue to receive fantastic support from our funder, Lloyds Bank Foundation (LBF) which includes continued, unrestricted funding to support our part-time Business Development role from June 2022 for two years. LBF Has also offered New Horizons sessions where staff from across the UK business talk with us during a 3-hour session to generate ideas and tips for our work. LBF has extended this idea by developing a Skills Exchange programme for which NH had been selected to participate during Spring/Summer 2024- this will have a focus on developing our marketing and communications skills. Support from Cranfield Trust continued by way of a volunteer mentor helping us to develop a new Business Plan, This now provides an overarching framework document to guide us with annual or project plans, derived from it. The plan has already proven its value with our National Lottery Community Fund (TNLCF) grant from August 2023 to July 2026. The Lottery Community Fund grant covers the three posts of Digital Officer, Information & Signposting Officer and Activities Coordinator, all for a three-year period. Both our local research with service users, partners and communities as part of our TNLCF preparation as well as national and international research is telling us that the need for mental health support is exceptionally high, with our surveys showing that 87 % of the people we spoke to having experienced a mental health issue themselves or via friends or family, and whereas Covid lockdowns had contributed to a greater acceptance and more help-seeking behaviours in general, not many people were using third sector services in this respect, which points us towards greater awareness-raising and closer partnership-working. Our latest Theory of Change exercise in 2023 recognised New Horizons as empowering people to feel more in control and more hopeful as well as developing the reputation and resilience of New Horizons as a trusted and effective, charity service provider, amongst communities, funders and particularly our health board, CTM-UHB. As a mental health support charity, New Horizons understands that it needs to reach and support more people who are in need, seeking to learn about mental health, support others in their familylcommunity and create greater resilience in themselves and others. 29 To do so we will continue mapping and building relationships with the relevant agencies, groups and individuals and continue to improve our communications, both digital and analogue. We're now supported by a Lottery Community Fund grant to develop New Horizons, digital presence and online growth as more people interact with us digitally helping us provide tools for people with disabilities such as sight-loss to access our services and supporting volunteers, groups and service-users to make use of the growing online resources for mental wellbeing. The National Lottery Community Fund also supports our Information & Signposting service to help NH client contacts and build connections with local organisations as well as following-up referrals and tracking service-user's journeys. Also, our Activities Co-ordinator who develops activities and opportunities can people start to use as tools to maintain, re- set and improve their mental wellbeing (MWB), building upon our work during the pandemic. Finally, our Cultural Competency work will develop under this grant to ensure our services attract and work for ethnic and other minority groups, allowing us to reach out to communities of identity to deal with MH challenges that they are more likely to be confronted with. Bridgend Council and ARC awarded funding in 2022 and 2023 for NH to provide Recovery College courses designed for ADHD management to help people awaiting diagnosis andlor support services, which represents a large group with unmet needs in the health system and we hope for further funding to continue this work. Two exciting new areas of work we are looking to develop include building on the Pen y Cymoedd (Pyc) micro-grant awarded for research in three Heads of the Valleys target communities to explore outreach work to bring Recovery College courses into these locations, partnering with local community anchor organisations. We plan to develop a PYC Vision Fund bid for three years of Recovery College courses in these three areas and linking to our other new service venture, Virtual Reality (VR):_ New Horizons through a contact of the Business Development Officer, began to work with Tend-VR who have developed a mindfulness-based cognitive therapy course on a VR headset. We helped in a home-use trial study in 2023-24 which showed indications of high effectiveness in people with mild to moderate anxiety and depression. We are seeking health board approval and funding to develop this service in small peer support group format and available to loan for suitable, individual, service-users at NH'S base, once they have been inducted in use of the equipment and programme. New Horizons is very pleased to have support from a business mentor through the Lloyds Bank Foundation- Mathew Sturgess 30 Quality & Monitoring New Horizons has a Quality and Monitoring sub group that meets bi- monthly and includes volunteers, trustees & staff in reviewing the charity's monitoring & evaluation tools and the quality measurements for our services. diverse cymru Diverse Cymru Cultural Competence quality mark New Horizons is pleased to confirm that the Charity was awarded the Diverse Cymru Cultural Competency Quality Mark at the Silver Plus level in October 2023 .Aslan Cultural Cornpetence Certificatlon 5rheme Award Winner New Horizons has embarked on extending its reach and ensuring that its services can be increasingly accessible to people identified as Black Asian & Minority Ethnic. Since the initial engagement with Diverse Cymru in 2019, we as an organisation have participated in addressing each section within the framework they have provided. New Horizons has sought to adopt an approach that will enable the organisation, as a whole, to adapt and change to the opportunities and challenges its current aspiration will provide. By ensuring we address race and broader equalities and inclusion policies and practices as part of all strategic and delivery meetings these areas will be mainstreamed into broader conversations. During 2023-2024 New Horizons made various changes that have enabled us to show our commitment providing an inclusive accessible service. The recruitment of a Cultural Competency Officer meant that we had a steer in fulfilling our aspirations to become fully accessible to ethnically minoritized people and communities and achieve accreditation under the Cultural Competency Certification Scheme led by Diverse Cymru and validated by the Royal College of Psychologists. Environment & Management Commitment. While we no longer deliver all of activities face to face since the 2020 lockdown we continued to provide activities at various venues and spaces. Pre-lockdown we had already sought to change signage to be multi-lingual in preparation for increasing our client base from ethically and faith diverse communities. With more information moving online we have changed our website so that it can be navigated in 8 community languages. While this isn't exhaustive, it is a start to enabling more speakers of non-UK languages to access our information. We have also made the website more accessible for people with varying levels of sight loss. We have been more in increasing our networks and pro-active in sharing information fom people and organisations that represent andlor support people from target communities. We are always keen to recognise and promote key dates and celebrations. For example for Black History Month.During 2023-24 we continued to identify ways to include Black Asian & Minority Ethnic people and communities throughout the organisation and our activities, We were really pleased to have received the Cultural Competency quality mark award at the Silver Plus level in October 2023- as a small local charity this was a great achievementl .ME 32 RUSTED CHARITY MARK Trusted Charity New Horizons was very pleased to be awarded the PQASSOI Trusted Charity Quality Mark in 2018 and is working towards securing the quality mark again in 2024-25. The name of the Quality Mark was changed to"Trusted Charity as it needed to make it clearer what the award is for, The NCVO chief Stuart Etherington said at the launch - 'the Trusted Charity quality mark enhances how your organisation operates and therefore people can put their trust in you" Mental Health Support website www.mentalhealthsu ort.co,uk New Horizons was commissioned by RCT CBC to develop a website which would act as a local service directory for people looking for support online in the mental health arena. The Mental Health Support (MHS) website includes.. Information about general mental wellbeing and illnesses, including signs and symptoms Information and links to other local organizations providing a holistic approach for visitors to the site A service user area to display poemslartwork Information and support for carers and young people Information about local events Volunteering opportunities The Mental Health Support website hosts the Mental Health Service Directory for the Cwrn Taf Morgannwg Third Sector Mental Health Forum. The MHS website and Directory address the priorities in the Welsh Government's 'Together for Mental Health, strategy for mental health and The Social Services and Well being Act where it is a priority to ensure that the people of Cwm Taf Morgannwg are able to access information, advice and assistance. One off funding was awarded from the UHB to update the website in 2020 Sustainable funding is being sought to maintain and update the website and Directory into a wider Information and Advice service. 33 THANK Y•ui -.u.n4raisin Coalfields Regeneration Trust funding In 2022 New Horizons was pleased to receive funding from CRT for a Volunteer fundraiser co-ordinator post for 12 months, Helen Hughes started in this new post in July 2022 and supported the following fundraising activities during the year- Treochy Comprehensive Treochy Comprehensive Amy Hiat One to One Gym Amy Hiav Kathy James Swankie Treochy Comprehensive l Bleddyn Richards class MINDSET Physical Fitness RAMSDENS Aberdare Anonymous First Give First Give collection bucket collection bucket DJ Christmas kids party First Give I bake sale Bake Sale Just Give Checkout Just Give Checkout Improving Emotional Wellbeing Locally Crowdfunder Anonymous Donation A new Volunteer Fundraising pack was developed and a new t shirt was also designed for the volunteers 34 A big 'Thank You, to all of our supporters who undertook fundraising for New Horizons during the year including- Tracy Thomas Deputy Director and her sister Melanie Salsbury did a Zip Wire fundraiser in May 2023 in memory of their late brother Mark who they lost to suicide in 1999. Amy Hiatt- Fundraising events were or anised at the One to One gym in Treforest one one gym DJ Swankie- held online music events to fundraise for New Horizons and other local charities rAMliiibJA￿lrrrjJ¢5) Treorchy Comprehensive School students 35 TRUSTEES The trustees in office during the year at the date of this report are listed on page 3. Financial review The largest single source of income for our Charity continues to be the Service Level Agreement with Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board. This agreement has recently been extended to run until 2025, This income is crucial to our Charity, as it provides us security in order to develop our ongoing services and plans. We firmly believe that the funds received from CTUHB provide great value to the community. During the financial year, we have again been lucky to secure a number of new sources of grant and other income. A number of our ongoing projects are still suffering delays due to the covid pandemic, with the unspent funds being carried forward with the agreement of the funders, to be used in the current financial year, Due to additional sources of income, our recognized income for the financial year increased from £190,946 to £273,316 and total expenditure during the financial year decreased from £264,703 to £254,130. We recognized a surplus on funds during the year of £19,186. Reserves policy Reserves are needed to bridge the gap between the spending and receiving of income, and to cover unplanned emergency expenditure such as for repairs. The trustees consider that an ideal level of reserves would equate to 6 months total expenditure. As at 31st March 2024, our free reserves amounted to £97,625, against a target of £127,065. Every effort will be made to secure additional funding in the upcoming year to increase the levels further. The trustees are currently considering a more detailed Reserves policy. Risk management The Management Committee examine the main risks that the Charity faces and have developed systems to monitor and control these risks, and to mitigate any impact that they may have on the future of the organization. Approved by order of the board of trustees on. signed on alf b .5.....ll)o.V2ML:. . Joai.... and P Gillard - Trustee and Chair 36 THANK Y•ui Volunteers New Horizons believes that in order to achieve its, goals the active participation of the community is vital. To this end we encourage the involvement of volunteers at all levels in the organization and with all of our activities. A special thank you to all of our volunteers from April 2023-March 2024 Nigel Bennett Karl Coomansingh Jayne Dyer Phil Gillard Natalie Griffiths Andrea Hatch Amy Hiatt Sabine Ingeborg Kath Jones Marcus Longley David Loring Brian Mitchell Jan Pope Delia Powell leuan Riggs Kara Smith Melanie Salsbury Matt Sturgess James Swankie Craig Thomas Tracy Thomas 37 Acknowled ements for fundin Bridgend CBC CA RCT, Bridgend and Merthyr Coalfields Regeneration Trust Community Foundation in Wales Co-op Local Community Fund Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board Heritage Lottery Interlink RCT National Lottery Lloyds Bank Foundation Maerdy Wind Farm Penycymoedd windfarm Postcode Lottery Valleys Kids VAMT 38 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF NEII, HURIZOINIS NIENT.41. HF..41,TH CEfiTRE Independent examiner's report to the tru5tee5 of New Horizons N.lental Health Centre ('the Companv,) I repoil to the charity tnislees oil my exan]inalion of th¢ accouiils of ihc Conipany foi Ilie year elided 31 Mi arch 2024. Responsibillties and basis of report As Ilie cliarity's tnist¢es of tlic Compaiiy {and also its directors for the purposes ot. compaiiy law) yoii ar¢ r¢sponsible for the preparation of tlie accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Conipani¢s Act 20061'the 2006 Act'l. Having satisficd n)ysclf that the accoiints of the Company are not required lo b¢ aiidilcd uiidcr Part 16 of the 2006 Act and arc eligible for indepeiidcnl Cxamiiialion, I report iii rcspccl of my exaTnination of your charity's accounts as carried out uiidcr Scctioii 145 of Il)L Ch42 3,260 2,393 7,721 1.500 (21,973) {4,616) {709) 1,293 12,763 1,239 15,000 1,090 4,034 50,000 1,198 1619) 194 11,922) 2,393 {6,584) (1,344} (1,137) (156) 4,283 32,283 4,283 26,883 (5,400) 1.282 3,461 1,609 1,282 3,461 1,609 126,266 5,513 (5,2nc?) 126,573 TOTAL FUNDS 226.749 19,186 245,935 Page 49 continued... TrLiid Small Gi'aiils S¢hcme Co<21 ficlds Iiilorlink - Wintcr Prcssiires Postcodc Lottery Iiitci'link Warm HUB National Gi'ld Wai'ni HUB Pi'oject Tcsco Coniinuiiity Graiil Fuiid 156,080 1179,0601 (22,980) (5,984) (12,78C)) (23,610) (4,702) {11,323} (560} (5,2471 (5,3571 {3,2971 (295) (7,747) (500) (500) (5,984) (3,Ci50) (23.610) (4,702) {11,3?3) {560) (5,247) (358) {3,297) (295) (7,747) 9,136 4,999 500 500 1,500 1,500 172,715 1260,9681 {88,253) TOTAL FUNDS 190,946 {264,70.3) {7.3,757} Page 52 continued... NEW HORIZOINS MENTAL HEALTH CENTRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATE￿IENTs- continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 15. IIIOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued A current yeai. 12 moiitlis and prioi. year 12 monihs con)biiicd posilioii is as folloivs.. Nct mov¢m¢nl in funds Transfers bctsvccn fiiiids At 114122 3113124 Unrestrlcted funds Gciier<21 flind Lloyds Foundation RCT CAB 85,987 6,432 22,542 (805) 5,206 97,625 22,542 (805) 85.987 28,169 5,206 l19,362 Restricted funds CwTh Tcif MDr&y7 Support costs Governance costs liidcpciideiil ex<2lliiii¢ltion Oilicr (1CC()Iiiiiaiicy s¢1-vicLs 2,340 4,200 2,580 4,156 6.540 6,736 Total i'esoiii'ces expended 254,130 2C)4,703 Net inconie/(expenditure) 19,186 (73,757} This page does not form part of the sla¢utory financial statemcnts Page 58