2023-04-04-accounts

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1155566

Report of the Trustees and Financial Statement Year ended 04 April 2023

Music Therapy Lambeth

Music Therapy Lambeth

Contents

Annual Report and Financial Statement Year ended 04 April 2023

	Page
Welcome from the Chairperson	1
Report of the Trustees	2
Independent Examiner’s Report	8
Statement of Financial Activities	9
Balance Sheet	10

Music Therapy Lambeth

Welcome from the Chairperson

Music Therapy Lambeth, MTL’s annual report summarises the Charity’s achievements and challenges of the year ending in April 2023. Although the global covid-19 pandemic has considerably subsided during this year, the effect on those children and young people whose lives changed significantly during the lockdown periods and with the devastating impact of the illness on many families has had a huge effect on their mental health and emotional wellbeing as they transition back or begin full education and social functioning.

Music Therapy Lambeth’s focus remains on the service provision to support emotional, social and health needs for these children and their families, as well as adults across Lambeth communities. There remains a focus on meeting the diverse needs of the Black and Minority Ethnic, migrant and asylum-seeking communities.

MTL continues to implement excellent therapy provision, integrating effective practices used during the pandemic, which remain beneficial in some areas of service provision. The learning and adaptative implementation of certain practices has been key to developing the strategy of MTL as we meet current needs and plan for future provision.

Music Therapy Lambeth trustees and Director met this year in person on a strategy day to discuss the Charity’s strengths and challenges. During discussion on the learning from the adaptation to meet needs during the pandemic, we were able to reflect on how best to operationally plan for the future and what strategy would frame and support this. The outcome of the day was a productive and we agreed strategy with key focus areas, one of which is Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

Looking ahead, MTL has exciting opportunities as a developing charity, it continues to grow and go from strength to strength in response to and in anticipation of service users’ needs. Working in partnership with local community groups such as nurseries, schools, colleges and community groups for young people and adults is a key area of this growth and has proved successful in the past. This annual report demonstrates the impressive achievements of the charity during this year, particularly in the flexibility of operations and therapy practice to meet the needs of diverse service users and partners whilst maintaining the employment of a highly qualified, motivated and committed therapy team.

MTL’s Board of Trustees will continue to meet on a regular basis in person and via video, with additional contact for focussed projects. The value of the strategy away day for trustees and Director has been noted and will become a part of the annual meetings. Many thanks to all trustees for their dedication and support over the last year. With special thanks to Steve Gillard, for his hard work and commitment to the development of MTL for many years.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Victoria Lord (Chairperson) Date: 13/11/23

DIRECTOR

Katherine Jones Date: 13/11/23

MUSIC THERAPY LAMBETH - ANNUAL REPORT 2023 - www.musictherapylambeth.org.uk

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Report of the Trustees Year ended 04 April 2023

The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 04 April 2023. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (2019) in preparing this report.

Objectives and Aims

The object of Music Therapy Lambeth (MTL) is to promote for the public benefit music therapy for the relief of physical and mental illness and disability, the alleviation of developmental, emotional, social and behavioural difficulties, and the protection and promotion of good health of children and adults in particular but not exclusively in the London borough of Lambeth.

The stated aims of MTL are:

• To provide a high quality, needs-led Music Therapy service for children and adults primarily within but not limited to the London borough of Lambeth

• To promote the growth and development of a comprehensive Music Therapy service primarily within but not limited to the London borough of Lambeth

• To focus on delivering safe practice within the guidelines and regulations of the British Association of Music Therapists (BAMT) and Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)

• To liaise with other stakeholders to ensure communication and teamwork are key to sound service development and delivery

Significant Activities

This Trustees’ Report provides an overview of MTL’s activities in the year to 04 April 2023. Although we have moved through the main effects of the pandemic the impact is now being seen on some of the infants who were born during it and who are now reaching nursery school age. However, MTL’s key focus remains fixed on needs-led delivery of services to children and families in nurseries, primary schools, special schools and colleges across Lambeth. Our service addresses a range of emotional, behavioural, learning and communication needs experienced by children and adults in Lambeth, often with a focus on people from Black and Minority Ethnic and newly migrant communities.

Some activities, developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, were sustained or further evolved during this year such as:

• Online team meetings

• o Increased bank of therapist song resources

• Whole class or nursery singing groups to support the wellbeing of the whole school community

Once again, there was turnover of Music Therapy staff during the year. This was due to another therapist going on maternity leave and one therapist deciding to reduce their hours. Two separate rounds of interviews resulted in the successful recruitment of a maternity leave cover therapist - John Morcom- and a new permanent therapist for Ethelred nursery, Hannah Merchant. We are delighted with the fresh perspective and energy that these new therapists bring to the team. The total number of Music Therapists employed by MTL remained at six during 2022/23 (a total of 2.5 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) posts). Over the course of the year a volunteer has continued to provide administrative assistance to the Director and Committee.

On 11[th] March the trustees attended a productive away day at the National Theatre with discussions on topics:

• recruitment,

• diversity, management, succession planning.

MUSIC THERAPY LAMBETH - ANNUAL REPORT 2023 - www.musictherapylambeth.org.uk

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The outcome of this meeting was a consolidation of discussions and priorities in each of these key areas, which were taken back to the ordinary meeting of trustees to discuss throughout the year. Trustees and Director enjoyed their focussed time together and benefited from the focus of discussing strategy and operations.

MTL provided clinical support via zoom and in-person training sessions for its music therapists. An in-person training session took place at the National Theatre and included:

• Aggression in therapy - Reviewing a book chapter in ‘Music Therapy in Schools’

• Techniques for supporting adolescent anger

• The A-Z of LGBTQ+

• PACE, playfulness, acceptance, curiosity and empathy, training for building connections between adults and children

• Thinking about Selective Mutism in a current clinical situation. Some pointers and fresh learning.

(Photograph below is of six Music Therapists sitting at a table at the National Theatre all looking relaxed and smiling. There are coffee, snacks and work materials on the table)

MUSIC THERAPY LAMBETH - ANNUAL REPORT 2023 - www.musictherapylambeth.org.uk

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Achievements

During the course of 2022/23 there were a total of 348 direct public beneficiaries of MTL’s activities (recipients of music therapy) including 262 children (aged 0-16) and 17 young adults, 25 parents and 42 members of staff. This increase has been due to a return to pre-pandemic numbers of children within school services and the continued development of group and whole class sessions and parent inclusion in sessions.

Our YouTube channel has further expanded to become an established resource bank for our service with many therapists adding songs to our collection as well as a research presentation being shared on the topic of Music Therapy and Selective Mutism. Parents are signposted to these resources and frequently give positive feedback about how useful they are.

Please click on the link below to view the videos.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgjZir4RoHkbXtEjJd5lJKA/videos

(The photograph below is of the Music Therapy Lambeth Youtube page with links to different videos such as ‘Rainbow song’ and ‘Walking through the jungle’)

Singing together for wellbeing has also become a more embedded part of our service. Staff have become more confident in delivering the singing sessions themselves and value this time as part of the nursery curriculum. The benefits of the sessions, such as non-verbal or quiet children being able to join in within a group session, are frequently reported by the staff. Although not a directly therapeutic output the improved confidence and general standard of singing is also apparent.

The Walcot Foundation continued their funding into the second year of the Early Years project and for Larkhall Centre for Autism and Primary school. Two other schools, Harris Academy Clapham and Jubilee Primary school, have also received funding from the Walcot Foundation for a day each per week but for one year only.

There were some improvements made to the website with details being provided about all of the trustees and therapists. https://www.musictherapylambeth.org.uk/about-us/our-therapists/

MUSIC THERAPY LAMBETH - ANNUAL REPORT 2023 - www.musictherapylambeth.org.uk

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(The picture below is taken from a webpage on the MTL website. It has photos of five Music Therapists and a paragraph of information about each one)

MUSIC THERAPY LAMBETH - ANNUAL REPORT 2023 - www.musictherapylambeth.org.uk

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MTL Strategy 2023/24

For the forthcoming year, 2023/24, the charity has the following strategic objectives:

• To sustain and expand the reach of our service through a range of funding applications

• Although we are expanding our reach through reputation in the borough, a focused attempt to increase service delivery means that funding applications should be made on a regular but manageable basis. Funders such as the National Lottery might provide appropriate sources of project funding whilst core costs will need to be sought elsewhere.

• To maintain our focus on equality, diversity and inclusion issues including improving the diversity of our therapy team

• To maintain and improve our public image through a range of activities e.g clinical sharing days and mini conferences

• To maintain a high standard of governance of the charity through regular reviews of policies and procedures and recruitment of new trustees and members

• To follow the new HCPC guidelines on standards of practice and:

• encourage all team members to take up leadership roles within the organisation conduct Annual Personal reviews with therapists which include wellness goals support therapists to keep up to date with new technology

• To continue our focus on community and family centred Music Therapy provision

• To enhance transdisciplinary practice, involving staff in generalisable MT techniques

• To continue to support the increase and improvement of musical activities in all settings to create positive relationships, a sense of community and to reduce anxiety levels.

MUSIC THERAPY LAMBETH - ANNUAL REPORT 2023 - www.musictherapylambeth.org.uk

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Music Therapy Lambeth

Registered Charity Number 1155566

Principal Address

9 Talmage Close Forest Hill London SE23 3AE

Trustees

Management Committee Members

Ms Erika Dawkins Ms Victoria Lord (Chair) Rev Alison Kennedy Dr John Strange (Secretary) Ms Mary Suphi

Ms Erika Dawkins (Trustee) Dr Katherine Jones (Director, MTL) Mr Steve Gillard (Volunteer) Rev Alison Kennedy (Trustee - Safeguarding lead) Ms Victoria Lord (Trustee - Chair) Dr John Strange (Trustee - Secretary) Ms Mary Suphi (Trustee)

Independent Examiner Revd Cpt Paul Fitzpatrick C.A. SCP The Rectory Outwood Lane Bletchingley Surrey RH1 4LR

Banker

Barclays Bank PLC Forest Hill Branch 1 London Road London SE23 3TR

Governing Document

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a constitution, and constitutes a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.

Reserves Policy

MTL has a Reserves Policy that specifies that MTL will aim to build and maintain sufficient reserves to support core running costs for a period of up to 6 months and try to ensure, that in the event of unexpected withdrawal of funds, economic crises and other unforeseen circumstances, the continuity of existing music therapy provision for vulnerable children and adults is brought to a safe conclusion. As of 04 April 2023, MTL's reserves stood at a total of £18,952.30. Our spend was £99,729.47 by 04 April 2023. Therefore, we hold 38% in reserves, estimating against an approximate £49,865 for six months of spend. This decreased from 2021/22 which was 42% evaluating a £92,814 expenditure.

MUSIC THERAPY LAMBETH - ANNUAL REPORT 2023 - www.musictherapylambeth.org.uk

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Independent Examiner’s Report to the Music Therapy Lambeth Charity No. 1155566

The 2022-23 accounts were received by the trustees on 27[th] June 2023 and signed on behalf of the Board of Trustees by the Chair of Trustees and the Treasurer.

This report on the accounts of the trustees for the year ended 04 April 2022, which are set out on the following pages, is in respect of an examination carried out under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011.

Respective responsibilities of the trustees and examiner

As the members of the trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts; you consider that the audit requirement of section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (The 2011 Act) does not apply.

It is my responsibility to:

• Examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act.

• •To follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act); and

• To state whether in particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner's report

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

Independent examiner's statement

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

• (1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements;

• to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the Charities Act; and

• to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met; or

• (2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn

10 July 2023

Reverend Captain Paul Fitzpatrick C.A. SCP

The Rectory, Outwood Lane, Bletchingley, Surrey. RH1 4LR

MUSIC THERAPY LAMBETH - ANNUAL REPORT 2023 - www.musictherapylambeth.org.uk

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Music Therapy Lambeth

Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 04 April 2023

INCOMING RESOURCES Grants Fees for charitable services (therapy) Public fundraising TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES RESOURCES EXPENDED Service provision Management & administration Professional supervision Musical instruments DBS checks Independent examiner Parking Website hosting Zoom subscription TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED NET INCOMING RESOURCES NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS IN YEAR BALANCES BROUGHT FORWARD AT 5 April 2022 BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD AT 4 April 2023	Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds 2023 Total funds 2022 £ £ £ £ 99,040.00 99,040.00 99,318.00
	99,040.00 99,040.00 99,318.00
	87,906.47 87,906.47 75,771.84 9,555.00 9,555.00 15,579.00 1,620.00 1,620.00 1,041.00 57.99 51.89 300.00 300.00 300.00 12.67 60.00 60.00 288.00 288.00
	99,729.47 99,729.47 92,814.39
	-689.47 -689.47 6,503.61
	-689.47 -689.47 6,503.61 19,641.77 19,641.77 13,138.16
	18,952.30 18,952.30 19,641.77

MUSIC THERAPY LAMBETH - ANNUAL REPORT 2023 - www.musictherapylambeth.org.uk

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Music Therapy Lambeth

Balance Sheet for the year ended 04 April 2023

Fixed Assets Tangible fixed assets Investment assets Current Assets Debtors and prepayment Short term deposits Cash at bank and in hand Liabilities Amounts falling due within one year Net Current Assets Amounts falling due after one year Net Assets Funds Unrestricted Restricted		2023 £ 18,952.30		2022 £ 19,641.77
	18,952.30		19,641.77
	18,952.30		19,641.77
		18,952.30		19,641.77
		18,952.30		19,641.77
		18,952.30		19,641.77

MUSIC THERAPY LAMBETH - ANNUAL REPORT 2023 - www.musictherapylambeth.org.uk

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