The KEYS Project Annual Report 2024
Unlocking Freedom from Addiction
Annual Report 2024
Working with churches and Christian charities to provide a holistic, community-based programme to help people escape the nightmare of drug and alcohol addiction.
Annual Report 2024
Our Mission and Values
We work with churches to provide a holistic, community based programme to help people find freedom from addiction. We support people when they are in the full grip of their addiction with individual recovery planning, mentorship and liaison with their drug/alcohol services, and then when they have achieved abstinence, offering one-to-one support through our Christian-adapted 12-step recovery programme.
Our programme combines three keys which we believe are vital to maintaining recovery:
Community - A supportive church based recovery community
Spiritual - A recovery programme which incorporates the 12-steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and aims to tackle the issues at the root of addiction. @ Medical - Medical Liaison and practical help to achieve drug or alcohol abstinence. G
Our programme is Christ-centred, practical and relational. We provide holistic support to address physical addiction, its emotional or spiritual root causes, and the ongoing impact it can have, bringing hope, healing and lasting freedom.
Our work is client-driven - we work with individuals, their local church, and their existing support networks to provide support tailored to their needs, through every stage of the recovery journey. This enables us to see lives saved and transformed, relationships restored and helps people find new hope for the future.
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Annual Report 2024
CEO Introduction
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As we reflect on the past year, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the strides we have made together. This year has been transformative for The KEYS Project, marked by significant milestones and the unwavering commitment of our team, volunteers, and supporters.
One of our notable achievements this year is the revision and development of the Supported and Controlled Alcohol Reduction (SCAR) programme. This programme has been instrumental in enhancing our support for individuals with complex needs, allowing us to forge stronger partnerships with other agencies and provide more comprehensive recovery support.
In the pages that follow, you will read of the remarkable achievements and impact The KEYS Project has had this year. Thank you for your continued support and belief in our mission.
I trust you will be encouraged as you read through this report.
Dr Steve Smith
CEO
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“It's given me a sanctuary where I can be still and safe. It's also given me serenity in the void I used drugs and alcohol to fill.”
“I am relieved people actually cared... This has taken me from a place of despair to hope.” ”
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Annual Report 2024
A Word from the Chair
Dear Friends and Supporters,
It’s a joy to congratulate the KEYS Project on completing 10 years of service to the community of people who struggle with addictions.
The dedication and personal sacrifices made by all those involved in shaping and steering the project since its inception is truly worthy of praise.
Thank you, and thank you to all you enthusiastic volunteers who carry the work forward, spreading care and treatment to this under-served community across the UK. Your work has a significant impact on improving many lives.
The SCAR programme developed by Steve Smith and some of his medical colleagues has the potential to radically improve access to treatment for people with alcohol dependence.
The SCAR programme will be formally presented at the Royal College of General Practitioners and Addictions Professionals conference in Manchester on 17th January 2025. This is a milestone for KEYS and of national significance.
As the Psalmist says, ‘Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvellous things.’ (Ps 89:1)
Sincerely
Dr Keron Fletcher
CHAIR OF TRUSTEES
Board of Trustees
ee Dr Keron Fletcher Ms Tracy Clarridge e Mr David Barratt e Mr Llewellyn Ramos e Mrs Priscilla Smith e Mrs Audrey Tan-Ramos
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“Having taken much from my time at KEYS, I'd managed several periods of recovery but had ended up in a cycle of recovery and relapse. Following a relapse that had taken me deeper into addiction than I had ever been, I decided to follow the programme fully rather than dipping in and out. As a result of my willingness for change coupled with the comprehensive recovery programme, and the support of the KEYS community and my church, I am now enjoying over two years of solid recovery from addiction and a transformation that I had previously never believed possible.” - Sussex Client 03 ”
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Annual Report 2024
From Our Operations Director
This year has marked a period of significant growth and transformation for The KEYS Project. Our operational focus has been on ensuring a seamless transition to our new brand identity and enhancing our recovery pathways.
We have made substantial progress in training our Centre Coordinators and developing resources for the new KEYS Recovery Pathway. This holistic approach to recovery, which integrates our three keys of community, spiritual, and medical liaison, is set to officially launch at our team day in November.
It has been a pleasure to get to know our new teams as they prepare for their launch and to work closely with them as we onboard our new Centre Coordinators. Equally, it is a privilege to continue our journey with our existing teams, supporting them as they establish and enhance their services to individuals within their local communities.
Laura Waters Operations Director
The KEYS HQ team was delighted to have the opportunity to visit our Norwich team at Soul Church prior to their launch in April. Witnessing their vibrant, active, and diverse community in full swing was an absolute joy to behold! As always, the moments we cherish the most are those where we celebrate the incredible achievements of the individuals we support. Their courage and trust in us to accompany them on their journeys is truly inspiring. This year, we have had the privilege to celebrate numerous milestones:
Reclaiming Independence: Many have successfully regained their driving licences, symbolising a significant step towards personal freedom.
Securing Employment: Stable employment has been achieved by several individuals, providing them with financial security and a sense of purpose and meaningful contribution.
Reuniting Families: Heartwarming reunions with estranged family members have brought joy and healing.
Improving Health: Numerous individuals have made remarkable strides in improving their health & well-being.
Finding Stability: Stable accommodation has been secured, offering a safe and secure environment as a positive outcome of recovery.
Experiencing Peace: Simply feeling free and at peace has been a profound achievement for those who have overcome significant challenges.
Spiritual Milestones: This year we have celebrated baptisms, proudly marking important spiritual journeys.
Giving Back: Volunteering has flourished, showcasing the generosity and community spirit of those we support.
Celebrating Love: Even weddings have been part of our joyous celebrations, marking new beginnings and lifelong commitments.
Each of these achievements is a testament to the resilience and determination of the individuals we support. We are honoured to be part of their journeys and look forward to celebrating many more successes together.
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Annual Report 2024
Operational Activity This Year
Rebrand
We are delighted with the progress made this year in The KEYS Project’s rebrand. Behind the scenes, there has been a significant amount of activity supporting the transition into the new brand identity and development of our systems. Our attention is now directed to switching our back-office materials to our new format.
Recovery Pathway Development
Since our initial analysis into the outcomes of The KEYS Recovery Programme, our Recovery Pathway development has been piloted and is ready to launch.
The pathway offers clients a recovery journey in five phases, from active addiction into sustainable recovery, with an opportunity to become volunteers and lead others through the journey once phase 4 has been successfully achieved. Individuals have the opportunity to access KEYS recovery groups as part of their recovery journey - either to complement their existing support from other organisations, or to travel through the guided KEYS recovery pathway as a full recovery programme.
Recovery Group Participation in a recovery community through weekly recovery groups and peer support. 01 ~~a~~ Ready for Recovery Individual recovery assessment and recovery planning, including medical liaison and practical 02 support to achieve abstinence if required. ~~~~~ Recovery Foundations One to one recovery support for early recovery 03 ~~_————a~~ including spiritual support if desired. 12 Step Mentoring One to one mentoring through the 12 Steps to 04 achieve lasting long term recovery. ~~OO~~ Peer Mentoring Opportunity to pass on the message of hope by 05 supporting others through peer mentoring.
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“ I have found a hope I didn’t know existed.” ”
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Annual Report 2024
High Level and Complex Needs
We have seen an increase in the number of individuals seeking KEYS support who have high-level complex needs. This has led to further development in KEYS policy and protocols, enabling us to forge stronger links with other agencies and offer supplementary recovery support to individuals who have complex needs in partnership with those agencies.
In addition to those who have assisted us in the development of our SCAR programme, we are grateful for the support and advice from services such as Thirty-one eight, Circles UK, the police, and the Cinnamon Network for their valuable input into our development in these areas.
This has enabled KEYS Head Office to not only provide support to our local teams with medical liaison but also to extend liaison support to other agencies such as social care, children’s services, offender management, housing, and other community partners.
Spiritual Support
Many of our clients are open to a spiritual route to recovery, and addressing issues of the past is a key component of any recovery journey. As part of our Spiritual key, clients are offered the opportunity to undertake the KEYS short course called “Help in Finding Freedom.” This year, we have updated the course content and created a resource that can be used by all our centres.
We continue to partner with the Big Green Heart (BGH) and are making great progress in training at least one volunteer from each of our localities to become BGH practitioners. The BGH offers opportunities for anyone, regardless of their faith, to address the wounds of their hearts and resentments of the past.
We are encouraged by the testimonies from those who attended the KEYS online Freedom in Christ course this summer. Participants have noted that integrating their faith journey with their recovery has led to more stability and greater freedom. “ “I found out about the Freedom In Christ course through KEYS recovery groups as I am in recovery from a cocaine and alcohol addiction. I am currently 115 days clean and sober after multiple relapses and nearly losing everything - including my life.
I wouldn't be where I am without God working through me and my connection with him, which I found and grew through FIC. Doing this course alongside my recovery journey with KEYS was life changing.
I cannot express my gratitude to this course enough. It has helped me grow as a person and grow my faith. I have let go of all the characteristics, thoughts and everything that doesn't serve me and by growing my faith I have changed these into hope, faith, strength and most importantly forgiveness and gratitude.” Kayleigh - National Client ”
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Annual Report 2024
Team Development
As part of our rebrand, we took a deep dive into our identity and redefined our values. We believe our mission thrives when everyone is committed to authentically living our values and embracing the courageous journey we ask of our clients.
Inspired by this reflection, our head office team and Centre Coordinators have undertaken the 12-step mentoring process for themselves to ensure each person connected with KEYS can authentically walk out our values.
We look forward to extending this initiative to all our trustees, volunteers and new staff over the coming years, ensuring that every member of our team is fully equipped to support our clients with empathy, understanding, and shared experience. We believe this commitment will profoundly enhance the quality of support we provide, empowering our clients to achieve sustainable recovery and lead fulfilling lives. “ “Along with others, I have been undertaking the KEYS 12-step mentoring over the last few months. It has been very inspiring to understand how when these steps are worked thoroughly and are understood and applied in conjunction with truth from the Bible and surrender to God and his transforming power, they have a transformative effect on one’s thinking and behaviour.
I have already seen the benefit of being able to use these 12-step principles in my own life, and know that it has already, and will continue to help KEYS clients come into long lasting freedom from addiction.” Centre Coordinator - Sussex ”
10th Anniversary
This winter, KEYS is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and we plan to mark this significant milestone throughout the coming year. We launched a Ten for Ten fundraising campaign which will run throughout the year to help raise funds for our ongoing work and growth and have a number of Recovery Celebrations planned such as the Christmas Big Give Celebration, our Team Day and a springtime gathering with our centres.
Living Free...
...and rebuilding my life and relationships
...and my new wife thinks I’m cool!
...and finding faith and helping others ...and telling bad dad jokes
... and empowered to face life's challenges
…and on Nanny ...and living life to duty! the full, loving my amazing job and my sobriety!
... and trusting God
…and serene and clean
... and thankful to God and KEYS
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Annual Report 2024
Active Centres: 9
As we move into 2024-2025, our Active KEYS Centres for 2023-2024 are:
Brighton Hailsham Horsham Stoke Keighley Darlington Norwich Seaford National
BGH TRAINING Recently launched: York – Launching Nov 2024 VISION DAYTRUSTEES’ Isle of Skye – Launching Oct 2024 RECOVERY CELEBRATION Prospective Partnerships: TRAINING DAY Swansea ~~Fi.~~ Brighton TEAM DAY BGH TRAINING RECOVERY CELEBRATION BIG GIVE EVENT ~~o=~~ 58 This year in numbers new 9887 volunteers recruited 1589 ~~i~~ clean and sober _« days attendances in 144 the recovery groups 44 training modules 109 128% interventions completed 128% for high level, new attendees improvement in complex support quality-of-life ~~ae~~ scores 08 ee
Annual Report 2024
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“I first attended the KEYS meeting as I was struggling with life, not having a purpose and not feeling like I belonged. I didn’t think my binge drinking was an issue as I only did it now and again.
I went along to the meetings but stayed silent, I sat in the corner but took in everything everyone else was saying, I was asked to lead a meeting one week, and I haven’t looked back since! I haven’t had alcohol for nearly two years and can now see that it was an issue, and it needed to be resolved.
I am now Co-Centre Coordinator; I have supported many clients with their addiction problems, and we have supported people to safely achieve abstinence in the community.
My confidence has grown, and I have now had conversations with people I never imagined speaking to, I speak to agencies and services in the city and share with people what we do.
I love that KEYS not only brings people through their addictions but also helps them to find a faith. Helping people has really helped me!” - KEYS Centre Coordinator, Stoke ”
Donor and Funder Gratitude
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our donors and funders, whose generous support has been pivotal in our success. We recognise that this year has been a challenge for many financially, and we so appreciate each of the individuals and organisations who have begun and continued to faithfully support us this year. It is only through this support that we are able to continue our work in seeing lives transformed, and we - the KEYS Team and our clients - are truly grateful.
The Leigh Trust
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Annual Report 2024
Governance Statement
Organisation type: Charitable Incorporated Organisation
Governing Document: The Constitution of The KEYS Project
Charitable objectives: The objectives of The KEYS Project as recorded within the constitution are as follows: ‘ To relieve persons suffering from drug and alcohol misuse through a programme of detoxification and rehabilitation in order to help preserve and protect their good health and in accordance with Christian principles.’
Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees
Trustees are recruited and appointed by the existing Board of Trustees and are representative of medical professional, business and Charitable Christian service backgrounds.
Trustee Induction and Training
Our Trustees Induction Policy includes the completion of Code of Conduct and Trustee Eligibility Agreement and Conflict of Interest Declaration. Trustees are also required to agree to our Data Protection Policy and complete a DBS check.
Investment Policy
The KEYS Project does not have any investments
Registration History: Registered 18th October 2013
Registered Charity Number: 1154263
Registered Address: The KEYS Project, 124 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX
Trustees:
Dr Keron Fletcher – Chair Mr David Barratt Mrs Priscilla Smith
Ms Tracy Clarridge Mr Llewellyn Ramos Mrs Audrey Tan-Ramos Chief Executive Officer: Dr Stephen Smith Operations Director: Mrs Laura Waters
Accountants for Independent Examination: Caladine Ltd., 22 Upperton Road, Eastbourne, BN21 1BF Bank : CAF Bank, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent, ME19 4JQ
Report signed By Dr Keron Fletcher on behalf of the Trustees:
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Annual Report 2024
Financial report 2023-2024
Overview
The financial results for the fiscal year 2023/24 reflect a small deficit of £3,276, with income levels remaining broadly consistent with the previous year. This stability was maintained despite the recruitment of a fixed-term (1 year) contracted member of staff to assist with programme development in anticipation of future growth and an exciting upcoming project.
Staffing and Funding
Thanks to the generous support of one of KEYS’ major benefactors, we were able to support this temporary role without an adverse effect on our overall budget. Consequently, KEYS concluded the year with cash reserves of £44,500, representing 35% of total income. It is our goal to develop our funding stream over the coming year to enable the charity to recruit an additional staffing resource on an ongoing basis.
Steps Taken in 2024/25
With two regular funders taking scheduled funding breaks, KEYS has implemented several measures in the 2024/25 financial year to ensure more sustainable staffing resources:
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Replacing our in-house fundraising team with professional fundraising resources to maximise our funding potential.
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Increased our fundraising activities and launched a fundraising campaign initiative with a view to increasing regular individual donations.
Financial Year 2024/25 Projections
The 2024/25 financial year is set to bring together several promising developments:
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Exploration of potential new funding sources.
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Continued focus on core activities with the potential for a 10% increase in service delivery compared to last year.
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Potential growth through new projects without jeopardising income and expenditure budgets. Initial four months' results have exceeded budget by £19,000.
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Committed income stands at 53% as of 31/12/2024.
Conclusion
The KEYS project is well-positioned to navigate the challenges facing many charities today. The unwavering commitment of our trustees, staff, and volunteers, coupled with the finely tuned systems, processes, and procedures developed over our 10-year history, ensures our continued success.
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Charity Registration No. 1154263
THE KEYS PROJECT
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
THE KEYS PROJECT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
CONTENTS
| Charity Information | 1 |
|---|---|
| Independent Examiners Report | 2 |
| Receipts & Payments Account | 3 |
| Statement of Assets and Liabilities | 4 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 5 |
THE KEYS PROJECT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
Page 1
| CHARITY INFORMATION | |
|---|---|
| Trustees | Dr Keron Fletcher (Chair) |
| Mr David Barratt Mr Llewellyn Ramos Mrs Priscilla Smith |
|
| Ms Audrey Tan-Ramos | |
| Ms Tracy Clarridge | |
| Charity number | 1154263 |
| Address | The Keys Project |
| 124 City Road | |
| London | |
| EX1V 2NX | |
| Independent Examiner | C J Dadswell FCA ACCA |
| Caladine Limited | |
| Chartered Certified Accountants | |
| Chantry House | |
| 22 Upperton Road | |
| Eastbourne | |
| East Sussex | |
| BN21 1BF |
THE KEYS PROJECT
Page 2
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Keys Project ('the CIO') for the year ended 31 August 2024, which are set out on pages 3 to 5.
Responsibilities and basis of the report
As the charity trustees of the CIO you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with
out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
I have completed my examination. I 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:
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(1) accounting records were not kept in respect of the CIO as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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(2) the accounts do not accord with those records.
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.
C J Dadswell FCA ACCA DChA
Caladine Limited Chartered Certified Accountants Chantry House, 22 Upperton Road Eastbourne, BN21 1BF
Date:
THE KEYS PROJECT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
Page 3
Receipts and Payments Account
| Notes Receipts Gifts and donations Grants received 5 Partnership Fees Other Income 4 Sub Total Other receipts Loans received from an external funder Total Receipts Payments Payroll Costs 5 Staff Travel and Training Volunteer Costs Service Delivery Costs 5 Office and IT Costs Professional Fees Fundraising and Event Costs Media and Publicity Sub Total Other payments Loans repayment to an external funder Total Payments Net Receipts / (Payments) Cash Funds at 1 September 2023 Cash Funds at 31 August 2024 |
Unrestricted Funds £ 44,306 61,750 17,750 1,268 |
Unrestricted Funds £ 44,306 61,750 17,750 1,268 |
Restricted Funds £ - 2,100 - - |
Restricted Funds £ - 2,100 - - |
Total 2024 £ 44,306 63,850 17,750 1,268 127,174 - 127,174 110,522 5,334 2,132 3,582 4,115 960 2,098 1,707 130,450 - 130,450 (3,276) 47,766 44,490 |
Unrestricted Funds 50,156 61,550 10,165 71 |
Unrestricted Funds 50,156 61,550 10,165 71 |
Restricted Funds - 6,550 - - |
Restricted Funds - 6,550 - - |
Total 2023 £ 50,156 68,100 10,165 71 |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 125,074 | 2,100 | 121,942 | 6,550 | 128,492 | ||||||||
| - | - | - | - | |||||||||
| 125,074 | 2,100 | 121,942 | 6,550 | 128,492 | ||||||||
| 106,022 5,334 2,132 1,482 4,115 960 2,098 1,707 |
4,500 - - 2,100 - - - - |
90,092 3,413 548 2,882 4,067 900 1,126 1,527 |
6,150 1,050 700 - - - |
96,242 3,413 1,598 3,582 4,067 900 1,126 1,527 |
||||||||
| 123,850 | 6,600 | 104,555 | 7,900 | 112,455 | ||||||||
| - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||
| 123,850 | 6,600 | 104,555 | 7,900 | 112,455 | ||||||||
| 1,224 43,266 |
(4,500) 4,500 |
17,387 25,879 |
(1,350) 5,850 |
16,037 31,729 |
||||||||
| 44,490 | 0 | 43,266 | 4,500 | 47,766 |
THE KEYS PROJECT
Page 4
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
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|---|---|---|
|Cash funds|31 Aug 2024|31 Aug 2023|
|£|£|
|CAF Cash Account|43,180|45,899|
|Spending Account|1,310|1,867|
|44,490|47,766|
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Liabilities
Accrued expenses 990 960
THE KEYS PROJECT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
Page 5
Notes to the Financial Statements
1 Accounting Policies
The Financial Statements have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis in accordance with Section 133 of the Charities Act 2011.
2 Funds
Unrestricted funds are income funds which are to be spent on the Charity's general purposes.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.
3 Related party transactions
None of the trustees received any remuneration or were reimbursed out of pocket expenses during the year.
4 Other Income
| Other Income consists of: Interest received Services delivered on behalf of other charities Restricted funds b/f Centre running costs - payroll 4,500 Service delivery - Equipment 4,500 |
Other Income consists of: Interest received Services delivered on behalf of other charities Restricted funds b/f Centre running costs - payroll 4,500 Service delivery - Equipment 4,500 |
2023/24 68 1,200 1,268 Income Expenditure |
2022/23 71 - 71 Transfers c/f |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4,500 | - (4,500) - - 1,500 (1,500) - - |
||
| 4,500 | 1,500 (6,000) - - |
5 Restricted funds
Centre running costs - Represents monies given to aid in the running KEYS various centres Service delivery - Monies provided for testing alcohol levels