2024-03-31-accounts

Celebrating 70 years 1954-2024

Goodbye

Hello

2024 has so far been a big year for the charity, as we celebrate our 70th birthday and welcome a long awaited rebrand; transitioning from Bedford & District Cerebral Palsy Society (or more commonly known to everyone as BDCPS) to our brand new name ‘Embrace’. This special impact report will look back at some of the history of the charity and the impact we have and continue to make in the community. We hope you enjoy!

Message from our Chair

What an incredible year since our last impact report. So much has changed yet so much has stayed the same. The families and young people we work with continue to inspire all of us. Whether you are new or have been with us for a long time you will know how deeply committed we are to providing exceptional care and support.

This report tells the story of our journey from 1954 to 2024 and our new name and branding. We are all very excited about our new modern look, how we hope to attract new supporters and develop an even stronger platform for the future.

Looking forward is important, acknowledging where we are today is also vital. Too many families face challenges with the cost of living and are often frustrated with other services or simply do not know how to manage from day to day. They are struggling to live life their way. We at Embrace aim to be a source of trust. We try help our families find a way.

I pay tribute to our staff and volunteers for their energy, commitment and dedication as they unlock possibilities. Most of all I pay tribute to the families and young people we work with for their trust and for letting us be part of their journey as they embrace life.

Change is happening, rest assured our commitment to serve is constant.

With warmest best wishes

Me. Bedford and District Branch of the National Spastics Society was initially formed in 1954 and later changed to Bedford Spastics Society with the charity number 207386.

Our change to the Bedford and District Cerebral Palsy Society most likely coincided with changes in the national organisations when Scope changed its name in 1994, when the word ‘spastic’ was deemed inappropriate for people with cerebral palsy.

In 2014 we became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) with a new charity number 1156447. At this point we adopted the acronym BDCPS and had a refresh of branding and logos.

In 2023, we successfully applied for funding to support a rebranding project that included our families and young people as much as possible. We are grateful to all who provided feedback and participated in our rebranding project, the new name and branding really does reflect all those who participated. Thank you!

With 2024 being our 70th birthday, we have set an ambitious fundraising target of £70,000!

As we celebrate our 70th year in 2024, we have set a fundraising goal of £70,000. We are over half way to our goal and want to thank everyone who has made this possible either by taking part in a challenge, organising a fundraiser, helping at our fundraiser or showing up in support of it. Your help is greatly appreciated!

£43,000 so far!

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100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
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Throughout the year we have been asking people to choose a challenge for themselves around the number 70 and raise a minimum of £70. Our goal is to get 70 people participating in total, and so far we have 42 who have signed up, raising more than £6,000 between them! Among the challenges people have done are:

70 pull ups

70 cold water dips in 70 days

70 litter picks

Embrace has seen a huge growth in services and members over the past few years.

Since 2017-18 the number of clubs has increased from 9 to 17 and provided over 221 individual sessions last year.

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2017/18 2023/24
350
300
250
|| i
200
150
100
50
0
Clubs Sessions
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2017-18 2023-24
2000
1500
1000
500
0
Young People's Clubs Wellbeing
Total Attendances 2017-18 and 2023-24:
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But our biggest service growth has been in the Parent Carer Wellbeing: going from 23 sessions in 17/18 to 122 sessions in 2023-4!

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i Number of registered users
2017
2022
2024
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350
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We continue to grow, reaching more and more families. With the introduction of JoinIn, our new booking system, in 2022, our registered users have grown from 82 in 2017, to an amazing 301 in 2024!

This means our registered members have increased by nearly 150%

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2017-18 2023-24
3000
=
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
Volunteer Hours
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Since 2017-18 the number of volunteers we have recruited has reduced from 62 to 38 as well as the total hours volunteered.

Costs to keep services running

Skools Out 20.8% Stampede, JJ's & ACE 9.4%

Core Costs 35.7% Family Support Services Fundraising 14% Parent Carer Wellbeing 13.2% 7%

Next Next years forecast: years forecast: £350,000 £350,000

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Individuals
Trust & Foundation Grants 10%
28%
Events & Activities
15%
at wa
Other
1%
Selling Goods or Services
4%
On op. A: &
Ae] % 6 — ne
,en| eoey Local Authority ——
d 42% G Ce
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Our name has for some time led to confusion for families locally as our name includes cerebral palsy and all our communication includes the line “enabling people with cerebral palsy to live life their way”. The full name – Bedford and District Cerebral Palsy Society was outdated, confusing and no longer relevant to the community we serve. The acronym BDCPS that we adopted as an alternative name some years ago is difficult to say, remember and understand.

With the support of a grant from The Gale Family Trust, we started the rebranding project in the autumn of 2023 with a branding specialist who guided us and our service users through a branding process that has culminated in our new name and refreshed branding and look. We are immensely grateful to The Gale Family Trust for the grant to enable this to happen and to Natalie at The Edge Brands for her patient support and guidance.

Finally, a huge thank you to our families, young people, supporters and everyone who participated in any part of our rebranding project. Our new name and look really reflects what you told us.

Our Purpose: We believe in something bigger than ourselves, our service users.

Our service users are the heartbeats that guide our purpose and passion. Their resilience, their courage, and their unwavering determination in the face of adversity inspire us daily. We see their challenges as opportunities for growth, their triumphs as shared victories, and their hopes as the guiding light that propels us forward.

We understand that our existence is intertwined with the well-being of our community, our environment, and the world at large. Embracing this broader perspective empowers us to contribute meaningfully, fostering a legacy that extends far beyond our individual lives.

We believe in cultivating a world where empathy, compassion, and collective progress prevail—a world that thrives on the strength of our shared humanity.

Our Vision Is Bright

Our goal is to extend this transformative support to broader communities, amplifying our reach and positively impacting an increasing number of individuals and families in need.

We are Committed

Our mission is to provide unwavering support to families living with disabilities, sharing our knowledge and understanding to empower each individual we encounter along their unique journey. Through guidance and empathy, we aim to uplift families, fostering strength and resilience as they navigate lifes challenges.

YOUNG PEOPLE’S SERVICES

Skools Out is our exciting school holiday activity scheme running during the Summer, Easter, and half-term holidays. Designed to keep young minds engaged and active while school is out, we ensure that fun, laughter, and joy are at the heart of our activities.

With loads of fun activities on and offsite from arts and crafts, sports, climbing, canoeing, bowling, ice skating, trips out, theatre workshops, music therapy, themed days, swimming and so much more! There is nothing we won’t try!

YOUNG PEOPLE’S SERVICES

Stampede is our vibrant monthly youth club designed for young adventurers aged 5 to 12. Here, children can explore, play, and grow in a joyful, relaxed environment tailored to their unique needs and interests, filled with laughter and high standards of care

JJ’s Crew is our dynamic youth club for teenagers aged 13 to 17. It’s a space where teens can connect, create, and thrive, surrounded by peers and guided by supportive mentors. We foster an environment where aspirations turn into realities, ensuring everyone feels valued and empowered.

YOUNG PEOPLE’S SERVICES

ACE Unlimited is our pioneering monthly social club for young adults aged 18 and above and Colleges Out is an additional summer club. This innovative program focuses on achievement, creativity, and empowerment. Our dedicated and experienced team helps participants unlock their full potential, making a lasting and positive impact on their lives.

We even made it onto the cover of the local SEND Matters magazine!

I get so excited about going out in the dark. I have no other clubs that meet my needs. Having a night out is what other people my age do lots.

He gets so excited going out in the van of an evening. That's exactly what he should be doing at his age: nights out having fun away from parents. He's always very vocal in a chatty contented way afterwards so although he can't tell us what he did and what he liked, we know he's enjoyed it from the staff reports and his demeanour.

Arranging for the girls to have a girly shopping day in MK yesterday was a wonderful thing to do for two good friends. Embrace have done many wonderful things for her over the years but yesterday’s was up there with the best. X

The staff are all very caring and knowledgeable. They genuinely care about the children, young people and families. The activities are varied, engaging and adoptable to include everyone. Thank you!

FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES

Our Family Support Services have evolved to meet the needs of our families. We nurture a compassionate and supportive environment, understanding how isolating it can be to navigate the world of disability. Our honest, genuine approach ensures that every family feels understood and valued.

Our small team of Family Support Workers are trained staff, many who are parent carers themselves. They can provide support, guidance, signposting and many practical tasks, from helping to complete disability benefit forms to supporting at meetings or just being a friendly ear in times of crisis.

FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES

Little Sweet Peas is our weekly group for pre-school children and their parent carers. Enjoying music, stories, and sensory play in a relaxed and informal setting. Our caring and kind staff and volunteers are on hand for cuddles, giving parent carers the chance to chat with our Family Support Workers or simply enjoy a cuppa and lunch with others. This group creates a comfortable and understanding environment where every individual feels reassured and supported.

FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES

Our Wellbeing Service has grown from a monthly breakfast meeting into a comprehensive suite of sessions known to boost mental health. Join us for Nidra Yoga, art and craft sessions, massage, Sound Baths, walking groups, and more. All parent carers are welcome, regardless of their children's participation in our clubs. Come along for some well-deserved ‘me-time,’ enjoy a drink and a chat, with our Family Support Workers available if needed. Our sessions are designed to create a relaxed, comfortable, and fun environment where happiness and personal growth are cherished, and our support leaves a lasting positive impact.

FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES

Family Swim

Family Swim at Embrace offers a fully accessible hydrotherapy pool, equipped with hoists in both the pool and changing areas. We create a nurturing and inclusive environment where every family member, including extended family and carers, feels welcomed and supported.

Family Days

We offer supported family days, which can include things like family outings to the Zoo or a park. These are for the whole family to attend and join in at your leisure, we will have some staff available to support families if they would like some.

Society Funding

A sub-committee which considers grants to individuals and families in need of specialist equipment such as wheelchairs or respite breaks.

If you hadn't asked me out for a cuppa I would have been in all day and seen no one

It's like being part of a family. A family that we never wanted to be a part of, but are now eternally grateful for.

Doing something new and different that I would never have had a chance to do otherwise, whilst being able to chat with other mums in an understanding environment and then being able to take home something to show for it!

So relieving to have a safe space to bring him to without having to constantly ‘explain’. Love the opportunity to chat with other mums, and meet new people from Embrace too.

It’s a great support to have and I always know if I’m feeling lonely I can join in a wellness session that week and have a load of women who will speak to me and be kind and inclusive.

It’s an amazing charity and I don’t know where we would be without them. —— —

THE POTTON CHARITABLE TRUST

THANK YOU ALSO TO ALL INDIVIDUALS & ORGANISATIONS IN THE COMMUNITY WHO HAVE FUNDRAISED OR DONATED TO US.

AND THANK YOU TO ALL OUR WONDERFUL ACTIVITY PROVIDERS!

Registered charity no: 1156447

Get in Touch

Office Headquarters: Embrace 43 Bromham Road BEDFORD MK40 2AA

Telephone: [phone]

E-mail:

For general enquiries [e-mail]

Don’t forget to check out our website www.embrace.org.uk Like & follow us on our social media platforms @embrace.org.uk

With thanks to White Hart Press for printing

Charity registration number: 1156447

Embrace (Bedford and District)

Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Community Accounting Plus Units 1 & 2 North West 41 Talbot Street Nottingham NG1 5GL

Embrace (Bedford and District)

Contents (continued)

Reference and Administrative Details	1
Trustees' Report	2 to 4
Statement of Responsibilities	4
Independent Examiner's Report	5
Statement of Financial Activities	6 to 7
Balance Sheet	8
Notes to the Financial Statements	9 to 19

Embrace (Bedford and District)

Reference and Administrative Details

Trustees Paul Lockyer, Chair Eileen Swaisland, Vice Chair Lee Mostari, Treasurer Robert Bunting, Secretary, until 13 November 2023 Suzannah Lee Rajan Kanda Claire Broughton-Welsh Catherine Weir, Secretary, from 13 November 2023 Elizabeth Noble Senior Management Team Jane Howard White, Services Director Charity Registration Number 1156447 Principal Office 43 Bromham Road Bedford MK40 2AA Independent Examiner John O'Brien, employee of Community Accounting Plus Units 1 & 2 North West 41 Talbot Street Nottingham NG1 5GL

Page 1

Embrace (Bedford and District)

Trustees' Report

The trustees present the annual report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Trustees and officers

The trustees and officers serving during the year and since the year end were as follows:

Trustees: Paul Lockyer, Chair Eileen Swaisland, Vice Chair Lee Mostari, Treasurer Robert Bunting, Secretary, until 13 November 2023 Suzannah Lee Rajan Kanda Claire Broughton-Welsh Catherine Weir, Secretary, from 13 November 2023 (appointed 13 November 2023) Elizabeth Noble (appointed 24 April 2023) Lynn Hoppenbrouwers (resigned 13 November 2023) Peter Mount (resigned 13 November 2023)

Public Benefit

The trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales. This report details activities undertaken for public benefit as well as other key details demonstrating the ongoing success and value of the charity.

Governance and Management

Embrace (Bedford and District) is also known by its working name Embrace. The name changed from Bedford & District Cerebral Palsy Society (BDCPS) in March 2024.

For historical reference, a revised constitution was established, and a new Charitable Incorporated Organisation was registered as charity number 1156447 on 6th April 2014. All operations, contracts and assets of the previous charity number 207386 were transferred to the new charity on this date.

Under the terms of the current constitution Trustees are appointed for a tenure of three years and are available for re-selection at the annual AGM.

Trustees are appointed based on any skill gaps identified with the aim of improving the effectiveness of the existing board. Opportunities to join the board are available to all interested in supporting the charity’s objectives as detailed in the constitution.

Two references and Disclosure and Barring Service checks, as well as right-to-work checks, are carried out before people take up voluntary or employment opportunities which may bring them into regular contact with vulnerable people.

Page 2

Embrace (Bedford and District)

Trustees' Report (continued)

A comprehensive set of governance and operating policies and procedures has been developed to ensure we manage the charity effectively and give people the best possible service. These are reviewed, updated if necessary and signed off by trustees on a rolling basis. In addition to rigorous safeguarding, selection and supervision processes, staff and volunteers are offered a variety of training opportunities.

A service and operations focussed strategic review, involving trustees and staff, is held regularly (last in March 2024). The output of this review is used as a framework for prioritisation and major decision making.

Trustees meet monthly and senior staff report to these meetings. Sub-groups and committees are allocated to specific areas where more focus than the monthly trustee meetings can provide. This year these sub-groups have been tasked to continue the focus on the charity’s strategic plans and sustainability, fundraising and the 70th year anniversary year in 2024. Sub-committees have clear instruction and delegated authority from the trustee board.

Reserves Policy

Reserves are held to help the charity operate effectively. The level of reserves are monitored throughout the year as part of the normal monitoring and budgetary reporting processes. In this way trustees are aware if there is a build-up of excess reserves or if reserves being unexpectedly or rapidly depleted.

There are sufficient unrestricted free cash reserves of £100,000 available to cover four months of budgeted activity. This is in addition to the restricted and allocated cash we need to maintain our statutory and minimum operating costs.

This decision on these reserves has been carefully considered to ensure that families will remain supported should the charity fail to raise sufficient funds and reluctantly identify a need to cease operating.

Page 3

Embrace (Bedford and District) Trustees, Report (continued) Statement of Responsibilities The Iruslees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial iirforniation inLluded oil the Lliaril<ible c()iiiplliiy's Th'ebsile. Legislalioii governing Ilie preparation and disseniinalion ()[ rinaiicial stateinenls may difler from legislation in other jurisdictions. Tl)e Inislces arc re￿ponsIble lor prcp<irii)g tlie trustees, report and Il)c linancial slaleillcnls in aLcordanc¢ willi Ihc Uiiil¢d Kingdoin A¢Loiinling Siaiidards, (Uniled Kingdoin Generally ALcepled ALLOLlllting PraLti¢e) and appliLIL ble law and regulaiioiis. The law ¢1pplicable lo ch1¢ riti¢s requires the tnistees lo prepare tinancial slat¢m¢i)ts for each linancial year whicl) give o true and foir vil'w i)f the stllte ()t affairs c)f IhL' ¢liarity and of the inLomin8 Tesoiirees and application of re%ources ot (he chariiy lor thu( period. lil prepiiriiig IhLse finanLial 8iaienienls. Ihe trustees are required to.. sL.IuLI suilablL' aLLouiiling pc)IiLiL5 and diLn apply thLtn Lonslstently: obSe￿e ih¢ iD¢ihods and prinLiples in the Charities SURI,; niakL judg¢inL'I)l% (Ind L.41iiniilL'% ￿]11[ £ire reasoiiable and prudent,. sl(IIL whLilIL'r ¢ll)i)IiL(?l)IL acLI)Iintiiig sl<ind<ll'ds 11<1VL been followed, subjeel to any inaterial departures di%Llosed and cxplaiiied iii ihe LiiiaiiL12£ I statLineiitS' <ind prLpur¢' IhL fin(IllLi%il sl¢tl¢ininls oil Ilie goiiiLI Loncen) basis ui)less il is inappropriale lo presumL Ihal Ilie ¢li¢?rily will coiiliiiue li) busiiiess. The Injslees are resp()nsihle l()r keepiiig proper aLcoiiiilin8 reLords that disclcise wilh reasoiidble llLeuraey ai Any liiii¢ Il)¥ li112( IILi(il pi)silic)n c)l- Illl Ll)arily und enable Ihein (i) Ln.%ure Il)ul Ili¢ finanLial %laEemLnl% L(iiiiply wilh tlie Lli¢iriliLS ALI 21111, IhL Chari(ie4 IAccoLinls and Repi)rls} RLgiilAli()ns 21108. and thL provisic)ns ol- the coiisliliilion. 'l-IIL truste¥s arL nl.%o rcspoi)siblL Ic)r 5atiguarding IhL assLls ol. Il)L Lhfirily and l)LIILL" l()r Iiikiiig rell4()n#ble slep% lor the prevenlii)ii and deiection ot traud aiid other irregiililrities. aiinual report was appmved by the Iruqlees c)t'the charity on . and .qigned oli ils behalt by.. Paiil l.OLky¢ Tru51Le Page 4

Embrace (Bedford and District)

Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of Embrace (Bedford and District)

Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Embrace (Bedford and District)

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Embrace (Bedford and District) (the Charity) for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

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

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

Independent examiner’s statement

Since the Charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member and Fellow of the Association of Charity Independent Examiners, which is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

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

2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

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

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

a> ......................................

John O’Brien MSc, FAIA, FCCA, FCIE, employee of Community Accounting Plus Fellow of the Association of Charity Independent Examiners

Units 1 & 2 North West 41 Talbot Street Nottingham NG1 5GL Date:............................. 21/10/24

Page 5

Embrace (Bedford and District)

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Note Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies 2 Charitable activities 3 Other trading activities 4 Investment income 5 Total Income Expenditure on: Raising funds 7 Charitable activities 8 Total Expenditure Gains/losses on investment assets Net income/(expenditure) Gross transfers between funds Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 20	Unrestricted £ 11,054 10,081 75,678 6,379 103,192 (11,114) (56,318) (67,432) 28,689 64,449 (106,136) (41,687) 448,422 406,735	Restricted £ - 150,267 - - 150,267 - (279,101) (279,101) - (128,834) 106,136 (22,698) 34,015 11,317	Total 2024 £ 11,054 160,348 75,678 6,379 253,459 (11,114) (335,419) (346,533) 28,689 (64,385) - (64,385) 482,437 418,052	Total 2023 £ 48,334 155,858 34,519 6,269
				244,980
				(8,136) (284,000)
				(292,136)
				(38,746)
				(85,902) -
				(85,902) 568,339
				482,437

All of the charity's activities derive from continuing operations during the above two periods. The funds breakdown for the period is shown in note 20.

The notes on pages 9 to 19 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 6

Embrace (Bedford and District)

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued)

These are the figures for the previous accounting period and are included for comparative purposes

Note Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies 2 Charitable activities 3 Other trading activities 4 Investment income 5 Total Income Expenditure on: Raising funds 7 Charitable activities 8 Total Expenditure Gains/losses on investment assets Net expenditure Gross transfers between funds Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 20	Unrestricted £ 48,334 10,759 34,519 6,269 99,881 (8,136) (86,234) (94,370) (38,746) (33,235) (44,752) (77,987) 526,409 448,422	Restricted £ - 145,099 - - 145,099 - (197,766) (197,766) - (52,667) 44,752 (7,915) 41,930 34,015	Total 2023 £ 48,334 155,858 34,519 6,269
			244,980
			(8,136) (284,000)
			(292,136)
			(38,746)
			(85,902) -
			(85,902) 568,339
			482,437

The notes on pages 9 to 19 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 7

Embrace (Bedford and District)

(Registration number: 1156447) Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2024

		2024	2023
	Note	£	£
Fixed assets
Investments	14	345,358	441,098
Current assets
Debtors	15	5,688	1,983
Cash at bank and in hand	16	74,183	47,238
		79,871	49,221
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year	17	(7,177)	(7,882)
Net current assets		72,694	41,339
Net assets		418,052	482,437
Funds of the charity:
Restricted income funds
Restricted funds		11,317	34,015
Unrestricted income funds
Unrestricted funds		406,735	448,422
Total funds	20	418,052	482,437

The financial statements on pages 6 to 19 were approved by the trustees, and authorised for issue on .................... and signed on their behalf by: 14/10/24

......................................... Lee Mostari Trustee

The notes on pages 9 to 19 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 8

Embrace (Bedford and District)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

1 Accounting policies

Statement of compliance

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the second edition of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

Basis of preparation

Embrace (Bedford & District) meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.

Exemption from preparing a cash flow statement

Under the exemption available to smaller charities the Board of Trustees has chosen not to include a Statement of Cash Flows within the financial statements.

Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.

The trustees assess whether the use of going concern is appropriate i.e. whether there are any material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the charity to continue as a going concern. The trustees make this assessment in respect of a period of one year from the date of approval of the financial statements.

Income and endowments

Voluntary income including donations, gifts, legacies and grants that provide core funding or are of a general nature is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability.

Donations and legacies

Donations and legacies are recognised on a receivable basis when receipt is probable and the amount can be reliably measured.

Grants receivable

Grants are recognised when the charity has an entitlement to the funds and any conditions linked to the grants have been met. Where performance conditions are attached to the grant and are yet to be met, the income is recognised as a liability and included on the balance sheet as deferred income to be released.

Expenditure

All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregates similar costs to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources, with central staff costs allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use. Other support costs are allocated based on the spread of staff costs.

Page 9

Embrace (Bedford and District)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued)

Raising funds

These are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income, the management of investments and those incurred in trading activities that raise funds.

Charitable activities

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

Government grants

Government grants are recognised based on the accrual model and are measured at the fair value of the asset received or receivable. Grants are classified as relating either to revenue or to assets. Grants relating to revenue are recognised in income over the period in which the related costs are recognised. Grants relating to assets are recognised over the expected useful life of the asset. Where part of a grant relating to an asset is deferred, it is recognised as deferred income.

Taxation

The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.

Tangible fixed assets

Individual fixed assets costing £500.00 or more are initially recorded at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.

Depreciation and amortisation

Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows:

Asset class	Depreciation method and rate
Furniture and equipment	20% straight line
Computer equipment	33% straight line
Motor vehicles	20% straight line

Fixed asset investments

Fixed asset investments, other than programme related investments, are included at market value at the balance sheet date. Realised gains and losses on investments are calculated as the difference between sales proceeds and their market value at the start of the year, or their subsequent cost, and are charged or credited to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period of disposal.

Unrealised gains and losses represent the movement in market values during the year and are credited or charged to the Statement of Financial Activities based on the market value at the year end.

Page 10

Embrace (Bedford and District)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued)

Trade debtors

Trade debtors are amounts due from customers for merchandise sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business.

Trade debtors are recognised initially at the transaction price. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. A provision for the impairment of debtors is established when there is objective evidence that the charity will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.

Fund structure

Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees' discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.

Restricted income funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose.

Pensions and other post retirement obligations

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity. Pension costs charges in the Statement of Financial Activities represent the contributions payable by the charity during the year.

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Embrace (Bedford and District)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued)

2 Income from donations and legacies

Donations and legacies; Donations from companies, trusts and similar proceeds Grants, including capital grants; Government grants	Unrestricted funds General £ 11,054 - 11,054	Total 2024 £ 11,054 - 11,054	Total 2023 £ 39,334 9,000
			48,334

3 Income from charitable activities

Unrestricted funds General £ Grants & donations - Professional Specialist Service 100 Subscriptions 9,981 Sundry receipts - 10,081 4 Income from other trading activities Fundraising 5 Investment income Income from dividends; Dividends receivable from other listed investments Interest receivable and similar income; Interest receivable on bank deposits	Restricted funds £ 150,267 - - - 150,267 Unrestricted funds General £ 75,678 75,678 Unrestricted funds General £ 6,271 108 6,379	Total 2024 £ 150,267 100 9,981 - 160,348 Total 2024 £ 75,678 75,678 Total 2024 £ 6,271 108 6,379	Total 2023 £ 145,057 1,720 9,039 42
			155,858
			Total 2023 £ 34,519
			34,519
			Total 2023 £ 6,143 126
			6,269

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Embrace (Bedford and District)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued)

6 Grants and donations

6 Grants and donations
Bedford Borough Council Central Bedfordshire Council The Harpur Trust Daxtonbury The Gale Family Trust Potton Charitable Trust The Wixhamtree Trust Magic Little Grants The Baily Thomas Charitable Fund Sport England Toy Library	Unrestricted funds £ - - - 5,054 6,000 - - - - - - 11,054	Restricted funds £ 50,010 56,400 11,779 - - 12,500 6,000 500 8,000 4,078 1,000 150,267	Total funds £ 50,010 56,400 11,779 5,054 6,000 12,500 6,000 500 8,000 4,078 1,000
			161,321

7 Expenditure on raising funds

a) Other costs of generating donations and legacies

a) Other costs of generating donations and legacies
Costs of generating donations and legacies Investment management costs	Direct costs £ 5,673 5,441 11,114	Total 2024 £ 5,673 5,441 11,114	Total 2023 £ 2,228 5,908
			8,136

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Embrace (Bedford and District)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued)

8 Expenditure on charitable activities

Accountancy & payroll Insurance IT, software & maintenance Legal & professional fees Wages, NIC & pensions Rent & services Activities & events Bank staff salaries Communications Equipment Grants & donations awarded Premises hire Printing Staff travel & expenses Stationery & office supplies Training Volunteer expenses Bank charges Memberships Depreciation Sundry expenditure Overheads	Unrestricted funds General £ 3,594 1,896 828 18,985 67,379 2,541 2,386 11,780 1,100 1,195 - 4,989 284 1,192 365 367 - 97 323 - 314 (63,297) 56,318	Restricted funds £ - - - 334 125,350 - 12,473 62,189 108 2,297 2,141 5,610 - 1,291 9 3,719 149 - 114 - 20 63,297 279,101	Total 2024 £ 3,594 1,896 828 19,319 192,729 2,541 14,859 73,969 1,208 3,492 2,141 10,599 284 2,483 374 4,086 149 97 437 - 334 - 335,419	Total 2023 £ 3,145 1,828 541 3,227 155,478 9,399 26,908 62,269 1,938 1,863 3,934 7,654 244 1,680 933 1,692 421 97 308 441 - -
				284,000

9 Net incoming/outgoing resources

Net outgoing resources for the year include:

Depreciation of fixed assets

2024		2023
£		£
	-		442

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Embrace (Bedford and District)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued)

10 Staff costs

The aggregate payroll costs were as follows:

Staff costs during the year were: Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension costs	2024 £ 246,386 11,663 8,649 266,698	2023 £ 201,363 9,520 6,864
		217,747

The monthly average number of persons (including senior management team) employed by the charity during the year was as follows:

Average number of employees	2024 No 31	2023 No 25

7 (2023 - 7) of the above employees participated in the Defined Contribution Pension Schemes.

Contributions to the employee pension schemes for the year totalled £8,649 (2023 - £6,864).

No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 during the year

The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £46,512 (2023 - £44,869).

11 Trustees remuneration and expenses

During the year the charity made the following transactions with trustees:

Lynn Hoppenbrouwers

Lynn Hoppenbrouwers (during the period as the trustee) received remuneration of £9,494 (2023: £7,247) for the role as Interim Grant Fundraiser during the year.

No trustees have received any reimbursed expenses or any other benefits from the charity during the year.

12 Related party transactions

There were no related party transactions in the year.

13 Taxation

The charity is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from taxation.

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Embrace (Bedford and District)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued)

14 Fixed asset investments

14 Fixed asset investments
Other investments Other investments Cost or Valuation At 1 April 2023 Revaluation Disposals At 31 March 2024 Net book value At 31 March 2024 At 31 March 2023 15 Debtors Trade debtors Prepayments 16 Cash and cash equivalents Cash on hand Cash at bank		2020 £ 345,358 Listed investments £ 441,098 29,270 (125,010) 345,358 345,358 441,098 2024 £ 3,074 2,614 5,688 2024 £ 331 73,852 74,183		2023 £ 441,098
				Total £ 441,098 29,270 (125,010) 345,358 345,358 441,098 2023 £ 279 1,704
		345,358
		345,358
		441,098
		2024 £ 3,074 2,614 5,688 2024 £ 331 73,852 74,183
				1,983
				2023 £ 277 46,961
				47,238

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Embrace (Bedford and District)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued)

17 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

17 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Other taxation and social security Other creditors Accruals	2024 £ 4,254 1,224 1,699 7,177	2023 £ 3,992 1,473 2,417
		7,882

18 Independent examiner's fees

During the period, the fees payable (excluding VAT) to the charity’s independent examiner Community Accounting Plus are analysed as follows:

Independent examination Other financial services	2024 £ 925 1,890 2,815	2023 £ 835 1,618
		2,453

19 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted

	Unrestricted
Fixed asset investments Current assets Current liabilities Total net assets Fixed asset investments Current assets Current liabilities Total net assets	General £ Designated £ 345,358 - (31,446) 100,000 (7,177) - 306,735 100,000 Unrestricted General £ Designated £ 341,098 100,000 15,206 - (7,882) - 348,422 100,000	Restricted £ - 11,317 - 11,317 Restricted £ - 34,015 - 34,015	2024 Total funds £ 345,358 79,871 (7,177)
			418,052
			2023 Total funds £ 441,098 49,221 (7,882)
			482,437

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Embrace (Bedford and District)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued)

20 Funds

Unrestricted funds General General funds Designated Building fund Total unrestricted funds Restricted funds Young People's Services College's Out Family Support Services Welfare Total restricted funds Total funds	Balance at 1 April 2023 £ 348,422 100,000 448,422 20,720 6,311 6,984 - 34,015 482,437	Incoming resources £ 131,881 - 131,881 54,840 2,000 93,427 - 150,267 282,148	Resources expended £ (67,432) - (67,432) (179,555) (4,114) (93,291) (2,141) (279,101) (346,533)	Transfers £ (106,136) - (106,136) 103,995 - - 2,141 106,136 -	Balance at 31 March 2024 £ 306,735 100,000
					406,735
					- 4,197 7,120 -
					11,317
					418,052

The transfer from the General fund to the restricted funds is to cover the deficit on these activities.

The specific purposes for which the funds are to be applied are as follows:

Young People's Services - wide range of creative activity and life skills clubs, trips and residential experiences, festivals, sports/theatre events and nights out.

College's Out - Held during the Easter and Summer holiday periods. Full days of activity schemes are open to disabled young people aged 18-25 offering a wide range of experiences to help empower young people to achieve, make new friends, try new things and develop life skills.

Family Support Services - Provides information and support for families with local and national contacts for a wide range of topics about CP and other disabilities.

Welfare - Embrace awards grants to individuals and families who need specialist equipment to help them with their condition.

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Embrace (Bedford and District)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (continued)

These are the figures for the previous accounting period and are included for comparative purposes

Unrestricted funds General General funds Designated Building fund Total unrestricted funds Restricted Young People's Services College's Out Skool's Out Family Support Services Welfare Total restricted funds Total funds	Balance at 1 April 2022 £ 426,409 100,000 526,409 21,920 6,389 3,536 9,783 302 41,930 568,339	Incoming resources £ 99,881 - 99,881 21,060 - 61,300 59,739 3,000 145,099 244,980	Resources expended £ (133,116) - (133,116) (22,260) (78) (109,396) (62,538) (3,494) (197,766) (330,882)	Transfers £ (44,752) - (44,752) - - 44,560 - 192 44,752 -	Balance at 31 March 2023 £ 348,422 100,000
					448,422
					20,720 6,311 - 6,984 -
					34,015
					482,437

Page 19