Promoting, preserving and providing the power of animal companionship **Annual Report 2020 - 2021** _THANK YOU TO ALL OUR DONORS We would not exist without your generous support_ |CONTENTS|CONTENTS|| |---|---|---| |**1.**|**Tribute to Graham**|**_4_**| |**2.**|**Chairman’s Foreword**|**_5_**| |**3.**|**Our Aims**|**_6_**| |**4.**|**A Happy Ending for Ken and Lacy**|**_7_**| |**5.**|**CEO’s Report**|**_8_**| |**6.**|**Case Study - Sally Surr and Murphy**|**_12_**| |**7.**|**Case Study – Christine Matthews and Syri**|**_13_**| |**8.**|**Volunteer Support Manager’s Report**|**_14_**| |**9.**|**Volunteer Story – Jane Constable**|**_16_**| |**10.**|**Volunteer Story – Julie Lyman**|**_17_**| |**11.**|**How We Make a Difference**|**_18_**| |**12.**
**13.**|**The Year Ahead**
**Financial Review**|**_21_**
**_22_**| |**14.**|**Financial Report**|**_23_**| |**15.**|**Governance and Special advisors**|**_32_**| _Front cover: Gloria receiving a bit of love from AAA dog, Percy Above: Matthew and Henry reunited after being homeless_ 3 _Graham and Mr Snickers_ ## **TRIBUTE TO GRAHAM** _Our Special Friends would like to offer our heartfelt thanks to the late Dr Graham Milligan MRCVS for joining our steering group and helping us to develop our marketing and communications strategy._ _Graham was especially engaging, wonderful to work with and determined to maintain his involvement despite his significant health challenges._ _His belief and passion for the power of animal companionship, alongside his experience of marketing in the veterinary industry, and his leadership role at the Queen Mother Hospital at the Royal Veterinary College (where he championed research, practice and teaching) meant that he brought exceptional talent and insight. Graham will be greatly missed but his contribution will remain with Our Special Friends forever._ ## **CHAIRMAN’S FOREWORD 2021** At the beginning of 2020 none of us could have imagined the impact that COVID-19 would have on our lives and the devastation that it would leave across our planet. Throughout the pandemic _Our Special Friends_ continued our work of helping and supporting people at some of the most vulnerable times in their lives. Demand for our services has never been greater and, whilst we had to pause some of our services during the various lockdowns, many of our volunteers continued to provide support to vulnerable members of our community by maintaining contact in these exceptional circumstances. We are truly grateful to the growing number of people who freely give of their time to help _Our Special Friends_ bring the power of animal companionship to the lonely, the sick and other people at difficult times. Without these wonderful volunteers we would not exist and without _Our Special Friends_ many people would be without the lifeline that animal companionship can bring. Following government guidelines our team worked remotely for much of the year. Our small office-based team showed immense flexibility and adaptability, going above and beyond what was asked to ensure client, volunteer, partner and stakeholder needs were addressed. We are delighted to be able to return to office working once again. Unfortunately, our landlord, The Animal Health Trust was placed into administration during 2020 necessitating the move to a new office at the British Racing School on the outskirts of Newmarket. The demand for our innovative approach continues to grow and we are immensely grateful for the financial support we have received throughout the past year. _Our Special Friends_ does not charge for the services that we provide and we receive no ongoing central or local government funding. We are entirely reliant on individual donations, fundraising, and grants from local authorities, corporate and community trusts and individual benefactors. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Without your support, hundreds of individuals experiencing vulnerability would not have benefitted from the healing power of animal companionship. _Our Special Friends_ has proven that supporting people at times of vulnerability through promoting, preserving and providing animal companionship is hugely beneficial to both the person and the animal involved. Whether we help people look after their pets when they are unable to, make regular calls with a visiting dog or arrange for temporary fostering, our interventions are relatively low cost and immensely powerful. Once again, I offer my grateful thanks to our staff, our volunteers and our supporters and I look forward to _Our Special Friends_ being able to help even more people and animals next year. Mark Johnston - Chair of the Trustees 5 ## **OUR AIMS** 1. To deliver outstanding animal companionship support services to as many people as we can, providing a sense of comfort and safety, reducing anxiety for people at vulnerable times in their life. 2. To establish financial sustainability for Our Special Friends enabling us to expand our support to more people experiencing loneliness and vulnerability. 3. To become an integral part of Social Prescribing in the UK and, through our proven low-cost interventions, help to reduce the burden on other already stretched services. 4. To become the organisation of choice for those seeking employment or volunteering opportunities in our sector. 5. To champion the adoption and provision of animal companionship support services nationally, sharing our knowledge and experience with likeminded organisations and agencies. **A Happy Ending for Ken and Lacy** _Ken Root with his new adopted friend, Lacy_ This case was self-referred after we were recommended to Ken by his vets. At 90, Ken had been living on his own since his father died 30 years ago, and he was shielding during COVID-19. Shortly before the outbreak, Ken’s dog had died and his efforts to look for a new companion were brought to an abrupt halt when the UK went into lockdown. Ken had never been without a dog and was extremely lonely. Within five days of Ken’s call, we had identified a dog, Lacy, who needed urgent rehoming. Her owners had multiple health issues and were living in a first-floor apartment in retirement housing, meaning they could no longer care for Lacy. They had tried without success to rehome Lacy within their own family – and then an Our Special Friends volunteer came to hear about their situation. Ken was keen to take Lacy on, and a trial period was agreed to ensure they were a good match. Our Special Friends took Lacy to Ken with all her bedding, a month’s supply of food and 3- months’ supply of donated Yumove supplement. We arranged and took her to a vet appointment to have a vaccination booster and a full health check, and updated her Petlog registration to Ken’s name. Ken said: _‘After Misty (my previous dog) it was a very bleak time as I have always had the company of a dog. What you did was to prove what a wonderful charity OSF is and you found me a dog and since Our Special Friends’ involvement, I am hardly ever lonely.’_ 6 7 Age Range of People Needing Support _From left: Bil Thorn, Belinda Johnston and Linda Sadler at the opening of our new offices at The British Racing School_ ## **CEO’S REPORT** In the eight years since I set up Our Special Friends, none has been as challenging as the past 12 months. Pandemic-induced lockdowns have created the perfect storm, sending demand for our services higher, whilst putting barriers in the path of delivering some of these services. All of this whilst we try to establish a sustainable funding model that allows Our Special Friends to bring the healing power of animal companionship to more people at lonely and vulnerable times in their lives. As I indicated in last year’s Annual Report we began a strategic review of the organisation’s plans for the future and much progress has been made, albeit there were times during the year when we had to pause our planning in order to give greater focus to the increasing number of people who needed our support during lockdowns and beyond. We will continue to develop our plans into next year and hope that our refreshed communication and evidence of effective low-cost interventions will encourage more people to support us. I truly believe that with the right resources, Our Special Friends will be able to help more people through promoting, preserving and providing the power of animal companionship. I am indebted to the small dedicated team of staff and our wonderful volunteers who have helped us weather this storm. More importantly, their resilience and flexibility has enabled Our Special Friends to continue to deliver a range of desperately needed services throughout the pandemic ensuring many people, going through a difficult time, continue to benefit from the help we can offer. As we exit this period under review I am delighted to inform you that our team will shortly be joined by a full time Animal Companionship Practitioner and Volunteer Manager and with these additional resources we will feel better equipped to face the challenges in 2022. During the year, Our Special Friends became homeless when our former landlord, the Animal Health Trust, sadly went into liquidation. Initially, as we continued to follow government advice to work from home, there was little change to our day to day working, although it has been extremely helpful to be able to get everyone together in our new office at the British Racing School now we are able to return to office working. We are also indebted to our volunteers, funders and other supporters as without them our services would not exist. **----- Start of picture text -----**
Whilst just over 50% of clients are aged over 65,
OSF continues to support people across all age ranges.
*Only indicated clients for whom we have age data
**----- End of picture text -----**
## Reasons People Need our Support The main reasons that people needed the help of OSF last year related to the health and welfare of their animal companion, loneliness and bereavement. The increase in loneliness during the pandemic was significant. Many of our cases involved multiple reasons for support. 8 9 ## Sources of Referrals Self-referrals are the principal source of our cases. However, as the reputation of OSF grows, it is encouraging to see our relationship with the veterinary profession and other support agencies develop. ## Support Needed During the pandemic we were restricted in the amount of face to face animal-assisted activity we were able to offer. At the same time requests for support with animal adoption, pet fostering and animal companionship support increased. ## Outcomes It is encouraging to report that enhanced human wellbeing and enhanced animal welfare remain at the forefront of the work we do to promote, preserve and provide the benefits of animal companionship. When compared with the previous year, the spread of cases across the region demonstrates that our reach is broadening across its original boundaries. *There is an overlap with some of our statistics. This is constantly being developed so that we can refine our recordings. 10 11 Bereavement/Anxiety/Depression/Social Isolation/Loneliness ## **CASE STUDY** ## **CASE STUDY** ## Change in Circumstances/Housing Related/Mental Ill Health/Social Isolation _Sally and Murphy settle in to their new life_ ## **Case Summary** We came across this case when we were asked to visit a lady living in a hotel room with a very large dog to dog sit for an hour whilst she went to get groceries. She could not leave the dog on its own, nor could she take it with her. Sally had recently lost her husband, and relocated to this area to be nearer to her partially sighted sister and her sister’s blind husband in Thetford, with a view to becoming a carer. Unbeknown to Sally, by relinquishing the keys to her previously rented accommodation, she lost her eligibility for housing. With no address, no photo ID or references she was unable to apply for jobs or tenancies. She could not apply for any benefits because she was homeless. When she asked for help she was told to go online, but did not know how to use a computer. It was hard to comprehend that a 57-year-old British citizen could end up homeless purely because she had a lack of understanding and IT skills and that she was a dog owner. She had been living in a Travelodge for 6 weeks, running out of money and finding it impossible to find accommodation for her and her dog. She was living in a small, hot, cramped room, taking the dog out 6 times a day and employing a dog walker so that she could get out to go to the shops. She had become very anxious and depressed. Along with the difficulties of being unemployed, trying to find employment with no fixed abode and worrying about the care of her beloved Lurcher she was left feeling desperate, and at times, suicidal. Murphy, a large Lurcher, was strong, (although he was good on the lead). He was quite a vocal dog, and he suffered from separation anxiety and fear aggression. He had not been socialised and had never been off the lead so it was going to take a pretty special person to take on this case. Sally couldn’t bear to give Murphy up after losing her partner and everything else she had endured in the last few months. ## **Intervention** Within days, Sally was matched to Our Special Friends volunteer, Anne Emery, who has extensive experience in housing, human and animal support. Anne put a huge amount of care into this case going above and beyond the expectations of any volunteer. Anne arranged meetings, helped with advocacy, transportation and housing information. She invested her time, supporting Sally who had been at such a low point in her life. Murphy was initially put into a local kennel which was financed by Our Special Friends (as no immediate foster home could be found). Anne took Sally into her own home and made it possible for Murphy and Sally to be reunited. She taught Sally some basic IT skills, and helped her to get into volunteering and to gain employment, and also provided her with an independent place to live. ## **Outcome** Enhanced Human and Animal Wellbeing Anne completely transformed Sally’s life. Within 4 months Sally was able to start volunteering leading to her gaining employment in the local residential care home. After some time in gainful employment, Sally was able to apply for pet-friendly housing which allowed her to continue to stay with the only friends she had whilst she lived through some of the worst months of her life. ## _**“It means the world to me knowing that I can keep Murphy with me.”**_ ## **Testimonial** I am writing to you to say “thank you” for sending Anne to help me and Murphy. She has been a big help to me and has given me a lot of support. Without her help I would be out on the streets by now. Murphy would like to say “thank you” to all of you. He says “I can stay with my Mum”. Murphy is doing a lot better now. If there is anything I can do in any way to help or support Our Special Friends just let me know. It means the world to me knowing that I can keep Murphy with me. I had never heard of Our Special Friends before. I think you all do a wonderful job in the way you help people keep their dogs in their homes with their owners. Murphy and me would just like to say a big “Thank you” to you all from the bottom of my heart. _Sally Surr_ _Syri has given Christine a reason to get up in the morning_ _**“You didn’t just save me, you saved dear Syri too!”**_ ## **Case Summary** Chris had been caring for her husband who had been living with Alzheimer’s for many years. They recently lost their beloved dachshund, Dora, and a few weeks later, during lockdown, Chris developed pneumonia and her husband subsequently moved into long term residential care before sadly passing away. Although Chris was in regular contact with friends and family, she felt very lonely, became anxious and depressed and started to find it difficult to socialise and go outdoors. Chris said she found herself in a ‘very dark place’. Chris chatted to her friends about the possibility of adopting a rescue dog and asked her neighbour, whom she knew was an OSF volunteer, for advice. The volunteer discussed how OSF could help and after several weeks of careful consideration, Chris contacted OSF to ask if they could find her a suitable dog. Chris wanted a dog that would not only give her long term companionship but was also child and dog-friendly. ## **Intervention** OSF conducted an extensive search which was more challenging than usual due to the COVID-19 lockdown and inaccessibility to larger animal charities. However, within two weeks, Syrup was identified at a local charity, through Facebook. ## **Outcome** Animal Adopted/Dog Ownership/Enhanced Animal Welfare/ Human Wellbeing/ Increased Community Support OSF supported Chris throughout the adoption process, coordinated necessary administration, provided transport and accompanied Chris to visit Syrup and contributed towards the adoption costs. Additionally, when Syrup was rehomed, our volunteer facilitated dog training at Chris’s home which she found extremely beneficial. More importantly Chris reported that she was becoming more involved with the local community, meeting other dogs and their walkers and feeling almost back to ‘normal’. ## **Testimonial** Chris was very happy with us for finding Syrup (renamed Syri) and the subsequent support we offered. “They found me a lovely dog called Syri, but I was going to struggle to pay for her, as I’m on a basic pension and the cost of rescue dogs is not cheap. Our Special Friends helped with a donation towards the cost so I could have her. Since having her in my life I feel so much better and I have a reason to get up in the morning and go out for a walk. She has changed my life. Words cannot express how grateful I am to Our Special Friends because you just didn’t save me, you saved dear Syri too. Thank you.” ## _Chris Matthews_ 12 13 ## **VOLUNTEER SUPPORT MANAGER’S REPORT** ## **An overview** A survey of 29 of our volunteers provided, in February, an overview of their volunteer experience and how it was affected by the pandemic. Hours volunteered dropped by 86% between February and March thus demonstrating the significant impact the pandemic had on our volunteer’s ability to support our clients. With a blanket ban placed upon animal-assisted activity (AAA) visits, following the government’s first announcement in March, many of our volunteers were unable to carry out their usual tasks. Dog walking and AAA activities were significantly reduced, yet the need for animal companionship support services grew evermore. ## **Impact on ability to volunteer and the volunteer themselves** 54% of our respondents reported that COVID-19 had some degree of impact on their ability to volunteer, with 26% reporting a major impact. This is a snapshot of a much wider picture and we are continuously learning how our volunteers have been affected over the past year. Of the 46% who report no impact, these were predominantly dog walkers and some administrative volunteers who could continue whilst remaining ‘COVID secure’. 94% of our volunteers reported that they had to adapt the way in which they volunteered in some way. Some sent cards and dropped off food packages, whilst others were more comfortable having a weekly chat over the phone with their client. We have witnessed how willing and robust our volunteers are, thinking of innovative ways to continue their support through some of the most challenging months. ## **Impact on our volunteers** Qualitative data demonstrated the impact and adverse effects this enforced isolation had on our volunteers, and their animals alike. 84% used wording associated with negative mental health including ‘lonely’ and ‘anxious’, with 16% of these specifically using the term ‘mental health’. For those AAA volunteers, it became evident that both the human and animal were suffering. Many volunteers reported change in character in their own animal, as they were also missing out on visiting their AAA human companion. There is no doubt that the psychological wellbeing of our volunteers has been a key focus of Our Special Friends, and continues to be so. ## **How we supported our volunteers** The volunteer support team tried to maintain regular communications with volunteers, albeit remotely, throughout lockdown. Regular weekly drop-ins were held up until February ensuring those who wanted to connect could do so and we offered a visual remote connection point for socialisation. The monthly newsletter was utilised as a regular touchpoint with interesting features and key information. Facebook is also used as a regular source of two-way communication which continues to be valued and supported by over 40% of volunteers. Our survey asked volunteers to score OSF’s contact over the year. Some comments highlighted the challenges of virtual meetings. Considering the demographic of our volunteers, Our Special Friends were keen to resume face to face contact and review the frequency and format of our contact. ## **Recruitment and resignations** The welfare of our volunteers has been paramount over the past year in recognition that they may be struggling. A review of Our Special Friends’ volunteer team saw that 18 volunteers had resigned, but that the charity has successfully attracted, and fully recruited, 21 new volunteers - a very positive statistic. We understand that many individuals reflected on their capacity to volunteer. Sadly, several of our volunteers needed to shield, leaving many deeply affected by isolation and the general fear around contact. It has irreversibly impacted a number of their lives and we continue to support all of our volunteers during these times. We have seen increasing evidence of the fluidity of our service, whereby volunteers become clients, and clients become volunteers. We believe this highlights the reactive nature of our service and ability to offer support for volunteers and clients alike is what makes Our Special Friends so valuable. 14 15 ## **VOLUNTEER STORY – Jane Constable** ## _“It didn’t take me long to decide that I would like to volunteer for Our Special Friends…”_ ## _**Jane Constable recalls her volunteering journey with Our Special Friends. If she wasn’t busy before, she certainly is now…**_ In 2018 we lost our Labrador Arnie and wanted to donate some of his possessions to a charity and I’m pleased to say that I came across Our Special Friends. After meeting with Belinda, who explained what the charity was all about, it didn’t take me long to decide that I would like to volunteer for them. I had my interview and before I knew it, I was walking Roxy and Pepper in Lakenheath, mother and daughter Staffie crosses, who are totally scatty but adorable dogs. I was also encouraged to take on the role of Assessor and Local Lead volunteer for Mildenhall. I’ve enjoyed the roles I’ve taken on for OSF, from manning an awareness table at Sainsburys to attending Lakenheath carnival, both pre-COVID and with the help of some great volunteers, to make the public more aware of the work of the charity. In July, we were lucky enough to adopt a dog from the local RSPCA. He’s a 2yr old Boxer called Bentley and he’s settled in so well and definitely keeps us on our toes. ## _Jane Constable_ _Bentley finds a happy home_ ## **VOLUNTEER STORY – Julie Lyman** _“The very special relationships that we nurture with our animal companions will last forever...”_ ## _**Billy’s final visit to a special lady**_ Billy and I have been visiting MS for 2 years. She is a lady in her late 90’s, fiercely independent, still living in her own home with a live-in-carer. She had lots of stories, she had been a ballroom dancer; loved her dancing and adored seeing Billy. We had to stop visiting during the first lockdown, as I had to take a step back due to my own family circumstances. On a Monday early in January I received a call from MS’s carer saying that MS was obviously at end of life, the Doctor reckoned only a couple of days, this was not COVID. MS had requested a visit from her beloved dogs, her last wish. I felt that it was necessary to make the visit. So we went with plenty of PPE for protection. On arrival, the carer took us through to the bedroom where MS was asleep in bed, she moved MS over a little to make room on the bed for Billy to lay with her. Billy curled up right tight beside her, and the carer laid MS’s hand on to Billy’s back. Even though MS was not responding to us humans, in any way, she started to move her hand on Billy. While I was there a family member arrived and he was so thankful that we had made the visit and he saw MS respond to Billy being beside her, Billy was so good and stayed with her and was so still, as if he knew that she was unwell. All the humans in the room felt MS was getting comfort from the contact. Sadly, the carer contacted me on the following morning to say that MS had passed away peacefully overnight. I am so pleased that Billy made that one last visit to a very special lady. _Julie Lyman, Sudbury_ _Billy’s last visit_ 16 17 ## **HOW WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE** ## **Client** ## **Bedbound client’s sister on receiving regular dog walking** ## _Arranging and matching a volunteer_ ‘You have helped us so much. Having your volunteer to walk the pups has helped so much. And, you found someone to give my birds a home. You have made such a difference, it’s made our lives so much easier and now I have my birds safe. I would like to thank you all so much. You are so kind, you have made us feel if we ask so many questions, you come through every time. You are all marvellous. We are so pleased with (Volunteer name) walking the dogs, she is a lovely young lady; the animals adore her. Thank you.’ ## **Client after hospital care** _Urgent foster to reunite of dog and bird for client suffering with Mental Health_ ‘Our Special Friends saved me worrying and helped me immediately in looking after my dog and bird. They saved my life.’ ## **Client after receiving support when her dog fell ill** _Advice, guidance and financial support_ ‘I was in a very difficult position financially when my Springer Spaniel fell ill. I emailed Our Special Friends, in hope of support. I was contacted back within a couple of hours, which I found amazingly quick, also very comforting. We spoke about the situation and the medication and treatment needed for my dog, also the possibility of future care depending on the progress he made with the medication and treatment. The help Our Special Friends offered was incredibly generous, and supportive. It was a total relief to know that the help my dog would continue to receive, in order to help him get better, left me with only one worry; my dog’s health improving and him responding to his treatment. I was so relieved, and happy, that within a very short period of time my dog had responded well to the medication and treatment he’d received from the vets, and he’s now on the road to recovery. I have to say a very big thank you to Our Special Friends, for their help, fantastic knowledge, and support, that they instantly showed and provided. Thank you, Our Special Friends.’ ## **From a client after Our Special Friends arranged for a volunteer to visit with her dog** _Animal-assisted activity (AAA)_ ‘Our Special Friends has changed my life. I have improved greatly since I have been receiving their help. They were so understanding and being confined indoors, showed me I was a human being. Just keep up what you are doing, thank you.’ ## **Agency** ## **From a Family and Communities Officer at West Suffolk Council** ## _Support for vulnerable resident before and after hospitalisation_ ‘OSF highlighted concerns for a resident in Haverhill who was being supported by West Suffolk Council’s Home but Not Alone service. OSF highlighted concerns for a resident in Haverhill they have been supporting. Throughout the five months of COVID-19, OSF have continually stepped in to support this resident. In recent weeks the resident has had to have a spell in hospital and OSF triggered and coordinated the communication to keep everyone updated, but more than this, they removed the burden and stress for the resident by finding a foster carer for their dog. The dog is the resident’s companion and maintains their well-being, so to have OSF take the lead and organise this has supported the resident being able to be in hospital, and also supported the reunion coming out of hospital. Whilst the focus has been on the treatment and care for the resident, the resident’s thoughts have been about their companion. OSF has made the difference between the resident going into hospital without the worry and additional stress that going to hospital _**“I believe they have**_ brings, especially during COVID-19. OSF offer more than befriending for people and animals. This is a _**made the professionals’**_ holistic approach to well-being and places the person _**work much easier.”**_ at the centre of the support required. They have also taken the lead as they have the most interaction with the resident in keeping the other professions and interested parties updated. In doing this, it has kept everyone up to date, without the need for chasing, so everyone is on the same page.’ ## **From a Mental Health Support Worker** _Dog walking for client to alleviate her anxiety when attending her weekly dialysis_ ‘Thank you for not losing your compassion. Your compassion remains when many people would have stepped back; you go beyond the bounds and offer an amazing service. Thank you.’ ## **From a Social Worker at Suffolk Social Care** ## _Dog walking and befriending for client struggling with mental and physical disabilities_ ‘I would like to thank you and on behalf of Bernice a very big thank you for all the help you provided in her case of need. It has helped me to understand the necessity of including the client’s animals care and support when they are hospitalised. The members of staff who I spoke with at Our Special Friends were calm when I was anxious, knowledgeable when I was not and some have gone out of their way to put the dog first which is so lovely.’ ## **Volunteer** ## **From a volunteer after she started volunteering** ## _From the volunteer survey: about the benefits of volunteering_ ‘I was quite unwell for such a long while following my Dad’s death in May’18. Our Special Friends was the first thing I became involved with since and my volunteer work has gone from my initial step moving forward with my life, to something that is definitely keeping me going. Because of my volunteering I now feel much better and I am in a position to actively look for a new job. I would not have believed that volunteering could do that for me 12 months ago… so thank you Our Special Friends.’ ## **From a Carer at St Nicholas Hospice** _When offering services which would normally fall outside the radar of most services_ ‘I can never sing your praises highly enough – and this case has deepened my respect for you and all your volunteers – What stars!’ 18 19 ## **THE YEAR AHEAD** More than any other year, the last 12 months have shown us at Our Special Friends the deep need for our animal companionship support services. With the increase of loneliness, social isolation and associated mental health issues we have witnessed the healing power of animal companionship to those who needed it most. This gave us the chance to prove that so often Our Special Friends prevents people’s situations from deteriorating and necessitating additional involvement from other agencies. Whilst we are hopeful that lockdowns are now confined to history, we have no doubt the demand on our services will increase in 2022 and beyond. Our aim is to support as many people as we can whilst building organisational capacity and competence to ensure we are around to support future needs. We will continue to evolve and evaluate the services we offer, developing best practice and evidencing how our interventions have made a real difference to the lives of so many people. Alongside this, we will develop our links with local authorities, the NHS, the veterinary profession and other agencies, building a mutual understanding and integrated approach to supporting those who need our services. _Left: Jethro and Willow looking optimistic!_ Having moved into our new office at the British Racing School, just outside Newmarket, we are benefiting enormously from the ability to share information and experience with colleagues in real time. We extend an invitation to all of our stakeholders to come and see us if you are ever in the area. With a full-time Volunteer Manager and an Animal Companionship Practitioner joining our team, Our Special Friends can and will do more to help those who need our services. However, for this to be possible we need sustainable funding and we have to develop the means to increase our fundraising activity in 2022. 21 _Above: Foster to reunite cat whilst owner was recovering in a mental health ward_ ## **FINANCIAL REVIEW** Income is primarily derived from grants and increased by 67% to £240,487 (2020: £143,989). At the beginning of the year, we had been concerned that the pandemic would reduce our success rate with grant applications, because of competition from an increasing number of worthy causes. In the event our success rate not only held up, but we attracted funding from some important new funders. The average amount of each grant is still relatively low, so we continue to rely on a constant flow of successful applications to maintain our cash reserves. Expenditure increased by 15% to £140,160 (2020: £122,244). Expenditure on charitable activities was broadly the same as the previous year at £111,511, while expenditure on fundraising activity increased, reflecting a full year of the investment we began last year. Reserves grew to £170,190 of which £103,582 (2020: £68,651) is unrestricted and is already being deployed in expanding our staff team. This level of unrestricted reserves equates to approximately 5 months of our expanded operating costs, which the Trustees are satisfied provides sufficient security. 22 23 Our Special Friends Fi￿nt￿l statements for the year ended 30 April 2021 Our Special Friends Financial statements lor the year ended 30 April 2￿21 Report to the trustees of Our Special Friends I re￿ to the charity I￿￿tee$ on my e>2minal￿n of the ￿)Unts of Ire Company for the yea ended 30 April 2021 set out on pages 2 to 7. Contents Page As the charty's trustees of the Company {who are akn the directors of the company for the puws of company lawl. you are responsible for tIE PfEparatiDn of the ac¢otJnts in accOrda￿e with requiremerts of Ihe Compan￿$ Act 20061.thè 20(fi Acri. Independent Examiners Report statement of Financial Activf(ies (incorporating summary income and expendf(ure account) HawNJ satisf*d ffly5e￿ that the accounts of the Company aTe not required lo be aLMifLed for this year under Part 16 of the 20{￿ Act aTrJ are eligible for indepeThJent examination, I report in respect of my eyaminalK)n of yOLtr charity's accoLJnts as carried out y￿ler section 145 of the CharIt￿S Act 2011 1.the 2011 Act'l. In carryirrfJ out my examinatf>n, I have folk)wed the Directions gNen by Charity Commiss￿￿ {under section 14515llbl of the 2011 Aet. Balance Sh$et Notes I have comp￿￿1 my eyamination. I confimi that no rnaterial matters have come to my attent￿n which gives me cause to bel*ve that.. • accountitVJ fecords were not kept in accordance wi(h section 386 of the Companies Act 2006.. or . the do Thji accord wi(h SLLh records,. or . the ¥CCMJnts do t￿t compty wrth relevant ￿coUntir0 requirements uThJer section 396 of the CcmpanÈs Act 20[￿ other than any ￿quireMent that tke accounts gNe a'true and fairf wew wh￿h i8 not a matter￿￿SKIered as part of an independent examination., or • the &eounts not been preparEd in ?￿rda￿ wi(h the CharrtÈs SORP IFRS102}. I have no concerns aThJ have Gome across rK) other matters in wnneGlion with the examination to whth attentK)n should be drawn in this report in order lo enable a prcper understandiryJ of 11 accounts to be ￿aGlEd. marg￿rIte EM Nice ACA CTA charte￿ Accountant. Chartered Tax Advtsor The Green FarmhoLLse Green 88rrow Bury Sl Edmunds Suffolk IP29 SAA 24 25 Our Special Friends Financial statements for the year ended 30 April 2(r21 Our Special Friends Financial ststemenls for the year ended 30 April 2021 Statement of financial activities (including summary income and expenditure account) Balance sheet Unrestricted furKIs Restricted income funds Total this rot31 prloT yEdr u￿￿trIcted furkds Restiicted incorne fund5 Prlory*r fvnds NotÈÈ t4otes Tolal funds Incom? Debtors Cash at bank Ènd in hand Total eurrent assets 1.493 110,305 111,798 1,810 65,092 66,902 3,303 175,397 178,700 1,023 80,578 81,541 Donations and legacies Charitable aetivits'es Interest Total income 1￿.432 1.057 31 107,520 132.967 239.399 1.057 31 240.487 137.329 6.567 93 143.989 132,967 Creditors: amounts falling due within one 8,216 294 8,510 It,678 Expenditure Net current assets 103,582 66,608 170,190 69,863 Raising funds Charittble activities Total expendtture 19.719 52.870 72.5B9 8.930 58.641 67,571 28.649 111.511 140,160 72.654 It￿.590 122.244 Total assds less current liabilities 103,582 66,608 170,190 69,863 Net incomellexpenditurel Transfers between funds Net movement in funds 34.931 Totsl net assets 65.396 loo.￿/ 21. 745 103.582 66.608 170,190 69,863 34.931 65.396 100.327 21. 745 Funds oftht Charty Resthcted Incorne f4Jnds Unrèstricted fvnds ReconcilÉation of funds.. Total funds brought forward Totsl funds carried forward 88,608 66,608 103,582 1,212 68,651 103,582 68,651 103.582 1,212 66,608 69,863 170.190 48.118 69,863 Totsl funds 103.582 66.608 170,190 69,863 For the ye8r ended 30 Apnl 2021. the company was enb.tled to exemptKJn from audrt under s8thon 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companiès. The members have not required the Company to obtain an audrt of its aecounts for the year in quèstion in accordance with section 476 ofthe Companies Art 2006 The directors a¢knowledge their rèsponsibilib.es for complying wf(h the requirements of the Companiès Act wrth resped to a¢counts"ng recofds and the preparation of accounts These 8c¢ounts have been prepared in accordance wrth the provIs￿nS applicable to small companies subject to the small corRpanies' regime and in accordance wf(h FRS102 SORP Approved by the Board and stgned on its behalf by Date Its ltsl I Robert Fe Director 26 27 Our Special Friends Financial statements for the year ended 30 April 21Y21 Our Special Friends Fitlancial statements lor the year ended 30 April 2021 Notes to the accounts Notes to the Wiunts Basis of preparation These accounts have bèèn prepared under the historical cost Convention wth rtems iecognised at cosl or Iransath'on valué 3 Analysis of income Unr¢$trl¢ted ResM¢ted nds income Total funds Prlorye8r The accounts have been prepared in aecordance wtih the Statement of Recommended Practice.. Accounting and Reporting by Charvcies preparing their accounts in accordance wth the Finan¢ial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 issued on 16 July 2014, and wrth the char￿"e$ Act 2011 Donatlons and leg•¢ies.' Donab"ons and grfts Gift Aid General grants provided ty govvother charities Other Total donations and legaciè$ 24,057 5.444 76,044 227 24,284 5,444 208,784 42.616 4,698 89, 025 132,740 887 106,432 887 239,399 990 737.329 2 Ac￿unting policies 132,967 Recognttlon of inwme Income is included in the Ststement of Financial Aetivrfties when". Charitable xtlvfities: Fundraising events 1,057 1,057 6.567 the eharrty bèeomes ent'ied to the resources., it is more likely than not that the trustees will receNe the resources., and the monetary value ean be measured ￿th sufficient rel*abilty. There has been no offsetting of assets and liabilities, or income and expenses, unless required or permrtted by the FRS 102 SORP or FRS 102. Other Income: Interest 31 31 Offsetting Totsl Income 107.S20 132.967 240,487 143,989 Grants and donations Grants and donat￿n$ are only included in the Statèmènt of Financial Activrt￿S when the general income recognition criteria are met. Legacies Lsgacies are included in the Statement of Financial AL*vpties when r￿elpt is probable. that is. when there has been grant of probale. the executors have estsblished that there ar£ sufficient assets In the estate and any concjrtions attaehed to the legacy are either wrfchin the control of the charrty or have been met Analysis of expenditure Restricted Income funds TO1￿ funds Unrestrfcted fvnd$ PKl0r￿r Volunteer help The value ol any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described In the trustees, annual report. Expenditure on raising funds Stsff costs Advertising, marketing. direct mail and publicity Total expèndilure on raising fijnds 18,061 8,930 26,991 17.075 Liability recognition Liabilities are recognised wttere it Is rrnfe likely than notthat there is a legal or constructive obligabon committing the charity to pay out resourees and the 8mount of the obligab.on can be measured wth reasot7able certainty. 1.658 1,658 1.579 19.719 8,930 28,649 12, 654 Governance and support costs Support costs have been allocate(J between govemance costs and other support. Govemance costs comprise 811 costs involving public accountabilty of the charty and fcs compliance wrth regulation and good prathce. Expenditure on charitabk activitie¥ Volunteer Costs Animal care costs Office expenses Stsff costs Depreciation Total expenditure on charitable activities 853 3,359 5,635 43.￿3 653 9,413 13.966 87,479 4,511 1,545 24,274 77,922 1,338 6,054 8,331 44,256 Tangible fixed asset$ for use by charity These are caprtalised if they can be used for rnore than one year. 8nd cost at lèast £250 They are valued at cost and deprech?ted over 3 years. 52.870 58.641 111,511 109,590 Totsl expendTlure 72,589 67,571 140,160 122,244 No fees were paid in respect of the Independent Examination ol the financial statements in the current or prior year. No trustae èxpenses were incurred in the current or prior year. 28 29 Our Special Friends Financial ststement5 lor the year ended 30 April 2021 Our Special Friends Financial statements foi the year ended 30 April 2021 Notes to the accounts Notss to the ac¢ounts RestrtGted funds Fund balances brought forward Fund balanGe5 ¢arrled Incom• Expendllurè foN4ard 5 Staff costs Currentyear Purpose and Resti￿￿On5 This year Pntiryear Salafies and wagès Swial 5ecurty costs Pension costs (definèd contribution scheme) Self employed staff costs Staff training and expenses 63,665 2,221 1.168 45,657 1.759 114470 55.793 1.350 939 The Hobg)n Chanty Mrs Smth & Mount Tru In(iMdual Grant Guemsey Charitstjb Tru* St EdrThJnds Tr Goddphin Indiwdual gr#nt Nevnnarket Festival West SuffrJlk Counol Suff¢lk Comrnunrty Foundation Fonnere8u Foundation Anitrvl actwty D￿erer Core wsts Corona￿￿15 Cornrwnty FU￿ Core c Ma￿￿eaU Fund Sal•rEs Reviwng Our Comwty Core costs Maurken FLthd Core costs Wost s￿￿1k Council Animal tompanionship wactstl)r￿r IndÈvKlual Grant Fundrai*r$8lary Helen Roll VoluntEersupFL)rt AnirTBI WeK8re Support Fund Pet P￿￿ Ch8ritabJg TrLtst AnirrAI Welfare Support Hobson Chantable Trust Animal we￿8￿ Support Anirrel Weware SLPP)rt Kenr￿1 Club Ctroritat4e Tw5t Dog we￿re Vets fees Animal as%slÈd acbvty Fundraisersalary Animal asssted activity IT fijndi OffKe rent off￿ rènt Animal a￿Sled activity Localty funding 1,212 11,2121 1.8(X> 1S,(D)I 118,5141 17,4261 14531 14521 11,0001 15001 18,514 7,426 1. 825 88.997 4,547 4.548 No employees recewed employee beneffts (excluding employer pension costs) lor the reporting period of more than £60,(K)O. The company provides pension benefrts under the NEST scheme The full time equwalent number of staff working for the chanty during the year wa5 412020_" 41 5,000 5,000 5.000 2.000 5,C￿0 1.500 .(x)o 10.0)0 s.￿0 13,4271 15,0001 15.0001 12,0001 15.0001 11.5001 1.573 Debtors and prepayments Thls yèar 25,00) 6.070 2,685 Prepaymènts and accrued incomt 3,303 3,303 1.023 1.023 13,9301 12.3151 14.8151 385 5,000 10,OCX) 5.0(X) S.(X)O 10.000 s.￿D 7 Creditors and accruals Amounts falling due within one year This year Tolal Restrlcted Fund$ l¥ioryesr 1,212 132.740 68.808 Fund bolancos brought Fun balences carried eome Expendlture fonvard Accruals and deferred income Taxation and social security 6,863 1,647 8,510 11.383 295 11,678 Pvrpose andRe&irf¢kns West Suffolk Corrmunity Chest GI￿¢>11* The Hobson Ch8r Suffolk Comn7unityFGundetion Realis￿9 Arnbthons Pargter S(fftob( G￿ingFUnd Sth77pson Ftsnd 8￿e 8gllFund Helen Roll LD Rope Masonic Chent8ble Found8tion Pet P18n Chant8ble TMSE Kennelclub Chantable Tmst Adnwnidr8lor cods Reloc&lion costs Vets feas 7.740 5,tX)O 6.0 113.7401 (5.000) (788) 2.000 1.212 Prndth'oners818ry Anim81 as&￿ed&di￿1ty Salery costs Admini&relorcods Adminisfr8tor¢o&*s ITcosts Anlm8l&ss￿d adivity Volunteer Cocnlinalorselery Oulre8th centre Dog ¢0sts 15.7 5,000 1,000 2,000 (15.700) (5.000) (1,000) (4,380) (2,000? (3.000) (3,000? (9.200) 110.OQOJ (5.OOOJ 2,380 2.￿0 4.600 4.600 70.000 5,000 TotalRestrlctedFunds 21,T20 57,300 177.808) 1.212 30 31 ## **GOVERNANCE AND SPECIAL ADVISORS** ## **Patron** Lord Fairhaven ## **Board of Trustees** Robert Ferguson (appointed 25 July 2018) Mark Johnston (appointed 20 January 2014) Elizabeth Ormerod (appointed 25 July 2018) Carolyn Bradburne (appointed 16 September 2020) **Accountant** Marguerite Nice The Green Farmhouse Barrow Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP29 5AA ## **Bankers** Barclays Bank plc 20/21 Cornhill Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP33 1DY ## **OSF Team** Belinda Johnston, _CEO, Founder and Lead Practitioner_ Susan Bradwell, _Financial Support_ Mark Toller, _Financial Director_ Sally Bycroft, _Marketing and PR_ Anna Hunt, _Fundraising_ Jane Paley, _Volunteer Support_ Tracey Le Gallez, _Volunteer Support_ Linda Sadler, _Animal Welfare Support_ Bil Thorn, _Office Administrator_ _Supported ‘in the office’ by volunteers:_ Rebecca Clarke, _Marketing and PR_ Janet Collins, _HR_ Karen Mallett, Christine Singleton, _Service Delivery_ Jan Webb, _Volunteer Admin_ ## **THANK YOU TO ALL OUR DONORS** _We would not exist without your generous support_ We are very grateful to our corporate sponsors who have donated their time or products which, amongst others include: _**Fish4dogs Caseron Purple Haze UK Ltd Royal Canin Pitpat Pet Remedy Pet-ID Microchips Purina Co-op**_ ## **Voluntary Advisers** Jeremy Bradburne Nicki Glen, _NGM_ Lisa Dickson, _Caseron_ Hylke Knoop, _Ecollective_ Christopher Mayer, _Consultant Psychiatrist_ Alan Reynolds Deidre Carson Helen Crawford John Grossart Janet Littlewood, _Veterinary Dermatology Referrals_ Philippa Morphew Graham Milligan We are particularly grateful to **Ashtons Legal** for their invaluable pro bono legal tenancy advice. Our special thanks to Max Caine at **Caine Design** for the pro bono design services towards the production of this Annual Report. David Wright, _Cranfield Trust_ © Copyright 2021 _Our Special Friends_ 32 33 **THANK YOU TO ALL OUR VOLUNTEERS** Our thanks go to all our volunteers for their continued support and commitment over the years. It goes without saying that _Our Special Friends_ would not exist without them.