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## THANK YOU TO ALL OUR DONORS AND VOLUNTEERS We would not exist without your generous support Front Cover: ‘Sally’ out walking with Bobby our visiting dog 2 Above: Renee and Pebbles
## CONTENTS
|CONTENTS||
|---|---|
|Thank You To Our Supporters|4|
|Chairman’s Foreword|5|
|Our Vision, Mission, and Goals|6|
|CEO’s Report|7|
|Case Data|9|
|Case Study: ‘Martha’ & Her Cats|12|
|Impact Feedback|13|
|Case Study: ‘Enid’, ‘Honey’, & ‘Rebecca’|16|
|Animal Companionship Coordinator’s Story|17|
|Animal Companionship Coordinator Cases|18|
|Volunteer Manager’s Report|20|
|Volunteer Story: Juliet & Mabel|22|
|Case Study: Ted, Aida & Blue|23|
|The Year Ahead|25|
|Financial Statement|26|
3
Thank you very much to all our volunteers, supporters, donors and fundraisers, without your kind help we would not be able to provide our support. These are just a few examples of fundraisers this year:
4
## **CHAIRMAN’S FOREWORD 2024**
This has been a VERY special year for Our Special Friends as it is the 10th anniversary from when the charity was first registered.
It was also special as Our Special Friends was chosen by the Chairman of West Suffolk Council to be his charity of the year. He featured Our Special Friends repeatedly throughout the year at his civic events, both highlighting the charity and raising its profile significantly across the county, as well as helping to raise funds. The charity’s contribution to society was also highlighted by Global’s Make Some Noise campaign which raised significant funds and widened awareness of the charity beyond the county’s borders.
As you’ll see in the data around our growth over the past ten years, when we added a second Animal Companionship Practitioner to our staff team, it enabled service delivery to increase by 33%. The majority of cases still come from self-referral but it is heartening to see 43% increase in referrals from Social Prescribing Linkworkers who play such a pivotal role in the provision of care for some of the most disadvantaged in society.
The range of circumstances of clients is still wide but the most frequent are physical and mental ill health as well as mobility and financial distress.
The importance of the human-animal bond in society has been well documented with studies showing significant cost savings to society and improved quality of life for many who have animals in their lives. Our Special Friends is determined to show the benefits of Suffolk being recognised as a pet-inclusive county.
Our Special Friends is asked to provide a wide variety of support activities (as you will see in the pie chart on page 11 and in the other infographics) and helped 615 cases in the year. This is an average of more than two cases per working day and equates to more than 1,100 people being supported. The cases are often complex in their circumstances and require significant expertise in the support that the team of staff and volunteers provide, alongside many of the statutory services such as mental health trusts, the probation service, and domestic abuse organisations; and often at very short notice. I invite you to read some of the cases and testimonials that are showcased in this annual review. There can be no doubt that many people have had their lives improved by the important, but often “below the radar” work that Our Special Friends carries out.
Looking ahead, Our Special Friends is building a strategy to influence politicians and others to appreciate the role that charities such as Our Special Friends can make to wider society if its principles and service delivery could be made more widely available.
Mark Johnston - Chair of the Trustees
5
## OUR VISION
A world in which the power of animal companionship is recognised and integrated into effective care and support plans for people and animals.
## OUR MISSION
To identify, develop, promote and deliver animal companionship support services which secure the benefits of animal companionship for people experiencing times of vulnerability, improving welfare for both.
## OUR GOALS
1. To develop and demonstrate the role of an Animal Companionship Practitioner (ACP) and the effective application of Animal Companionship Support Services (ACSS) to vulnerable people in society as a functioning unit in its current location.
2. To deliver and evidence outstanding ACSS in our current location
3. To expand the adoption and provision of ACSS locally, through outreach, education, training and partnerships with like-minded organisations and agencies and secure budgetary support from them.
4. To ensure financial stability.
a. To ensure our sustainability as a provider of ACSS in the current locality. b. To influence the provision of ACSS in other locations.
Trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.
6
Bury St Edmunds Market with our donated Scrumbles Advent Calendars
## **CEO’S REPORT**
This year we celebrated our 10th anniversary as a registered charity and it was the year that we recruited our first Animal Companionship Coordinator (ACC), thanks to funding from Mid Suffolk District Council and the National Lottery Community Fund’s Awards for All programme.
Our full-time ACC liaises between the OSF office in Newmarket and our referred cases, visiting people in their homes, recruiting local volunteers and matching them to the identified need. This role formalises and professionalises some of the work undertaken by our Lead Volunteers and the very first ‘animal companionship support worker’ at the start of our charity. We are indebted to all our volunteers, and especially our local Lead Volunteers and Assessors, whose work has been crucial for OSF to operate. However, with volunteering decreasing nationally, bringing in a paid-for role increases consistency and sustainability. We have continued to support owners going through critical times and people with a love of animals who appreciate the joy that their presence can bring. With over 600 cases in the year, and over 100 volunteers helping in varied roles, we have found a real need for this holistic support in the community where people and animals are suffering, and where access to pre-existing services is challenging. However, with other sectors in crisis, referrals to OSF are becoming increasingly complex. We are focusing on the quality of our intervention and creating transformational change.
This year has been a balance between us receiving more cases than our resources. It is important for people to find us easy to contact and to get a timely reply from our team. Many situations are urgent or they have reached out to others without any responses and are desperate.
We are helping to fill a void into which people and animals are falling, where they are suffering and not accessing the support that they need. We want more people and initiatives to help fill this gap and enable our communities to be pet-inclusive.
We were thrilled to be chosen as one of the small charities supported by Global’s Make Some Noise. We met their colleagues and benefited from their support which raised awareness of our community work, and vital funds for our Animal Companionship Practitioner role. We were also the Charity of the Year for the Chair of West Suffolk Council and my thanks go to Roger Dicker and Ruth Pusterla for all that it involved.
None of this would be possible without the support of so many, and I thank everyone who is helping or has helped to develop this community outreach approach.
_Dr Bin Johnston_
_CEO, Founder & Lead Animal Companionship Practitioner_
7
• Our Special
Friends
472 new cases
The
difference
we made
145 other cases
in the period
615
cases in
e year
202312024
1106
people supported
Beneficiaries
365
Direct: 721
Indirect: 385
dogs supported
152
cats and small animals
supported
9 % of our clients have
requested support
more than once in this
reporting period.
**----- Start of picture text -----**
CASE DATA
Client Age Range
18 - 40 (18%) 41 - 64 (33%) Over 65 (49%)
és
We support people of all ages, and for clients for whom we have age data, the largest proportion is over 65.
Source of Referrals
Self
Family and Friends
Social Prescribing Link Worker
Health Care Professional
Social Services
OSF Community
Veterinary Professional
Human Related Charity
Animal Related Charity
Housing Association/Services
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180
No of Cases
**----- End of picture text -----**
The leading source of cases continues to be self-referral with a broad range of others. Social Prescribing Linkworker referrals have increased by 43%.
9
10 Years of Growth in Number of New Cases
**----- Start of picture text -----**
500
450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Reporting Year
No of Cases
**----- End of picture text -----**
Over the years we have seen a steady growth in new cases which is especially apparent in the year 2023 which shows the impact of having a second Animal Companionship Practitioner in post. This enabled us to increase our service delivery capacity by 33% on the previous year .
## Location of New Cases in East Anglia
This illustrates that our primary focus is Suffolk while we aim for a pet-inclusive county and to develop and demonstrate the impact of our approach.
Where the postcode is available, 4% of new cases are outside East Anglia
10
## Help Requested 2023-2024
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Foster to Reunite(24%)
Financial Support (18%)
Animal-Assisted Activity (13%)
Dog Walking (13%)
Rehoming of Animal (10%)
Animal Adoption (9%)
Animal-Assisted Activity/Assisted Dog Walking (6%)
Advice Information & Guidance (3%)
Animal Care (2%)
Transport (2%)
**----- End of picture text -----**
The top request is Fostering to Reunite, which is nearly 24% of all the services requested. This is largely due to lack of pet-inclusive accommodation. Financial Support is the second highest which is not surprising in the current climate. More than one service can be needed and we are recording the primary one.
## Why Our Services Are Needed
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Physical Ill Health
Mobility
Financial Stress
Mental Ill health
Hospitalisation Involvement
Loneliness
Bereavement Related
Social Isolation
Housing Related
Caregiver Burden
Dementia
No Transport
Sensory
Domestic Abuse
Homeless
Digital Exclusion
Learning Disability
Frailty
Neurodiverse
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
No of Clients
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **CASE STUDY** ‘Martha’ and her cats
_NB – names have been changed to protect our client’s identity_
In October 2023, Our Special Friends (OSF) received a call from ‘Martha’ who had been admitted to a mental health unit and was worried that there was no-one to care for her two cats. She had had the cats, a two-year-old brother and sister pair, since they were six months old. Having already had her two young children taken away from her, the cats were very important to Martha and she was concerned as they had already been without care for 24 hours.
Martha had only moved to the area two months previously and had no local family or friends who could help. She did not know how long she would be staying in hospital, and as the cats had not been vaccinated, they could not go into a cattery. Martha had been in hospital previously when she had been able to leave the ward to care for the cats herself. However, due to her deteriorating mental health, the hospital staff could no longer allow this.
Our Special Friends quickly stepped in and sent a call out to our volunteers for help. We arranged a rota of two volunteers to visit, with occasional visits from OSF staff to fill any gaps. Martha had provided the keysafe code to us, illustrating a high level of trust and allowing us to easily provide in-situ pet care. We set up a WhatsApp group so Martha could be kept updated with news and photographs of the cats, which she found very reassuring. She was also able to order food and cat litter online when OSF notified her that supplies were getting low, giving her an important connection to her pets’ care.
A month later, Martha was well enough to be escorted home to care for the cats herself. Unfortunately, a few weeks later there was a crisis and Martha had to be readmitted to hospital, so OSF stepped in again to provide in-situ care for the cats. During this time, Martha sent a WhatsApp message saying she had made the difficult decision to rehome the cats as she wasn’t going to be returning home. Given Martha’s evident love for her cats, this caused immediate concern to OSF. We contacted the hospital, who said she was in the process of being discharged and was expected back later to collect her belongings. Further contact with Martha indicated she was at risk of suicide but her whereabouts were unknown. We continued to liaise with Martha and the hospital and thankfully she was located and returned to hospital. Her fear of discharge and being without her children had precipitated Martha’s suicide plan, but after four days more in hospital she had improved sufficiently to be discharged home. While we hope Martha will continue to recover, she knows Our Special Friends will always support her and her cats if she needs it.
Martha told us _“[Our Special Friends] stepped up to help immediately as soon as the help was required, even last minute/on the day, they communicated extremely well with me via calls and messages, but also respected my privacy and the sensitive nature of my illness … The volunteers have been extremely kind and compassionate with regards to my situation and health and have even raised the alarm on occasion when I needed more professional support._
_[Our Special Friends] were so very proactive with their support. Because my health was changeable and unpredictable, I was concerned that I may have had to find a new home for my two cats. However, due to the support from OSF, I felt reassured that the cats were being very well cared for over the periods that I was away._
_My relationship with my cats is stronger than ever now and I am so very grateful that OSF were there to help look after them when I was unable to … I have remained out of hospital for a month and a half now, so I am excited at the prospect of being able to return to work very soon; fingers crossed … [the cats] are both very well and happy and still loving me being home and I’m loving spending time with them too.”_
Stock image for illustrative purposes
12
## **OUR SPECIAL FRIENDS IMPACT**
## Feedback Form Statistics and Comments 2023/24
Our Special Friends measures our impact on clients’ health and wellbeing through our Client Feedback Form, which is sent to all clients. This includes a list of statements about the difference OSF has made, with clients requested to select how much they agree or disagree with statements on a five-point scale between ‘Strongly Agree’ and ‘Strongly Disagree’. The following chart shows the breakdown of responses received in 2023/24:
Our Special Friends Client Reported Impact 2023/24
Reducing loneliness and isolation is a key outcome for Our Special Friends. The following pie charts show the responses to questions asking clients to self-assess their feelings of loneliness both before and after receiving help from Our Special Friends. This demonstrates a significant reduction in clients who ‘Always/Often’ or ‘Some of the time’ felt lonely, and an increase in those who ‘Hardly ever’ or only ‘Occasionally’ felt lonely after receiving help from Our Special Friends.
How lonely did you feel BEFORE receiving help from Our Special Friends
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Never
Hardly ever
Occasionally
Some of the time
Always/Often
**----- End of picture text -----**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
How lonely did you feel AFTER receiving
help from Our Special Friends
3%
Never
Hardly ever
|
26% | / =| Occasionally
Some of the time
Always/Often
**----- End of picture text -----**
13
Responses received throughout 2023/24 to open questions in our Client Feedback Form include:
_The emotional support was excellent. I felt that I wasn’t alone with the problems I had. The follow up care was fantastic to ensure everything was still ok. I am very grateful to this organisation._
_They found a new cat for me to adopt after my 2 girls passed away. I’m not as lonely now._
_Jane and Margot were lovely visitors. I really enjoyed chatting to Jane and stroking Margot. The visits helped with my sadness and loneliness after my husband’s death._
_Saved me from being incredibly depressed and stressed which also helped my whole family and changed a dog’s life which will forever fill me with happiness and relief._
_They were very understanding and supportive with my hard decision. Made me feel confident my decision was the right one._
14
## Third Party Feedback
## Third Party’s Relationship with Client %
We also measure impact through a Third Party Feedback form, which asks people involved with the client for their opinion on how both they and the client have benefited from OSF’s services. The pie chart on the right breaks down the type of relationship respondents to the Third Party Feedback Form had with the client for forms received in 2023/24:
**----- Start of picture text -----**
I referred the client to Our Special Friends
I am a professional who Our Special Friends
referred the client to
I am a family member or friend of the client
I am a volunteer helping the client for Our
Special Friends
Other
**----- End of picture text -----**
The Third Party Feedback Form also gave a list of statements, asking the respondent to rate how much they agreed with each one on a five point scale between ‘Strongly Agree’ and ‘Strongly Disagree’. Responses are summarised in the following graphic:
Our Special Friends Third Party Reported Impact 2023/2024
Narrative feedback from third parties included the following:
_My parents have been able to keep their dog with the support of Our Special Friends. Without them Sandy may have had to be rehomed._
_The dog walking facility Our Special Friends offered has been invaluable … [it] has been so useful for those of us looking after him as ‘another pair of eyes’ and lovely for the client especially when housebound._
15
## **CASE STUDY ‘Enid’, ‘Honey’ and ‘Rebecca’**
In August 2023, OSF received an urgent referral from Adult Social Services for a lady, ‘Enid’, aged 73, who was in hospital and needed to stay in overnight but was close to self-discharging as she had no one to feed and look after her beloved 12-year-old dog, ‘Honey’. Social Services were requesting help for someone to go and check on the dog and feed her.
Unfortunately, when Our Special Friends called back, the Social Worker who had referred Enid wasn’t working and the person on duty wasn’t aware of the situation. Luckily, Enid’s son had managed to arrange for the neighbour to check on the dog that night.
Enid doesn’t have a strong support network around her that can help as her son lives 50 miles away and there have been a lot of fallings out within the family so no other help was available. Due to this, the son was feeling exhausted and experiencing care giver burden, meaning foster care for Honey was urgently needed.
Honey experiences separation anxiety if left alone as she is used to the company of Enid 24/7. However, within three days of OSF receiving the referral, OSF had found a perfect match of fosterer as the volunteer, ‘Rebecca’, works from home. A WhatsApp group was created with Enid’s son and granddaughter as well as Rebecca. This allowed regular updates to be sent and the granddaughter shared the photos with Enid when she visited her in hospital. This provided great comfort to Enid knowing Honey was being well cared for. Rebecca looked after Honey for three days before she was returned home.
In less than a week, Enid was back in hospital and Honey needed fostering again. Thankfully, Rebecca was available to look after the dog again. This time it was nine days before Enid and Honey could be reunited. During this time, Honey ventured into town and experienced her first ‘puppuccino’. She also provided much comfort to Rebecca’s teenage daughter.
Rebecca said:
“Honey is a really chilled vibe and her being here is helping my daughter massively as well. She has had a tough time at school over the past year and the girl friendship dynamic drama gets a bit much for her at times, so Honey seems to have done her the world of good as well… She’s been the best house guest. Such a lovely, lovely girl…We love her so much!!”
## Enid’s granddaughter said:
“Thank you so much for how much love and reassurance you are giving Honey to make her feel settled. I’ve been showing my Nan the pictures daily and letting her know what Honey has been up to which makes her smile.”
## Enid’s son said:
“You are all heroes, mother will forever [be] in your debt, it is the knowing for her, she is so attached to Honey. Everything you are doing is much appreciated - thank you - and it is taking so much worry and pressure off…We’ve been loving the photos and updates.”
Images above: Enid reunited with her beloved dog Honey Honey enjoying a ‘puppuccino’ while in foster care
16
## **ANIMAL COMPANIONSHIP COORDINATOR’S STORY**
## Trina’s Story: From a classroom full of children to an office full of dogs
After 12 years of teaching in primary schools, I was ready for a change in career. As much as I loved teaching and inspiring the next generation, I was fed up and exhausted with the ever-increasing paperwork and politics involved in education. I knew I needed to make a change to improve my own wellbeing and when I saw the job as an Animal Companionship Coordinator at Our Special Friends (OSF) it felt like the job description was written for me; it was literally my dream job! Helping people and helping animals.
So, I took the leap of faith and decided to apply. I was very excited when I was offered an interview but also super nervous. I hadn’t had an interview outside of teaching for over 12 years. However, once I arrived at the office in Newmarket, and was greeted by the waggy tails and wet noses of the office dogs, I felt more at ease. The human and animal health and welfare sector were completely new to me, but I did have
many transferable skills and knowledge from my time teaching. I was offered the job and felt very excited to start this new chapter of my career but also felt sad to be leaving teaching behind.
After my first week at OSF, I knew I had made the right decision. I was welcomed into the team, and I certainly enjoyed the novelties of not being a teacher.
My job as an Animal Companionship Coordinator is a very varied role, where no two days are the same. It involves meeting and assessing clients in the community for our Animal-Assisted Activity programme or for dog walking support. I still sometimes pinch myself that I get paid for having a chat with a client or for taking their dog for a walk to assess its suitability. Don’t get me wrong, at times it can be difficult and upsetting to meet vulnerable people who are lacking the care and support they need but I also get chance to meet people who have amazing stories to share about their lives from fighting in WW2, to travelling the world and even meeting the Pope! I assist with fostering to reunite and provide adoption support, as well as networking, attending events and working closely . with the Volunteer Support Manager to recruit more volunteers.
I thoroughly enjoy my job and it is rewarding knowing that we are helping support people and animals in need. If there is ever a chance for you to join the Our Special Friends team, then I would highly recommend it!
Trina being welcomed to the office by Willow
17
## **ANIMAL COMPANIONSHIP COORDINATOR CASES**
## Dog Walking
A 76-year-old was referred to us by Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care System because she needed help walking her dog due to having heart failure. OSF provides weekly dog walking, which also gives peace of mind for the client in case she is admitted to hospital. The client used to stay awake at night worrying about what would happen to their dog.
Animal-Assisted Activity (AAA) A 79-year-old was referred to us for AAA by a social prescribing link work. The client is receiving palliative care for Parkinson’s and his wife is the main carer. As a couple they were struggling with feeling isolated and the client was feeling depressed. He had emigrated here from New Zealand and has no family locally. The AAA visits allow the wife respite in addition to providing animal companionship which they both enjoy. The volunteer even took the client to meet their pony.
## Foster to Reunite
A 38-year-old single mum with a toddler contacted us requesting fostering for her two dogs as she moved into emergency accommodation with a no pet policy following a no-fault eviction. The client’s sister was only able to provide a month of respite care for the dogs. OSF put a plea on Facebook and their old school friend saw and fostered dogs two days before deadline.
18
## Foster to Reunite
Fostering needed for two cats as a family had moved into emergency accommodation with a no “© pet policy. They were evicted after eight years as <4 landlord sold the house. OSF organised a cattery, a vet appointment for vaccinations and advocated x 3. for the family to stay with their pets.
## Foster to Reunite
Fostering for a dog due to the owner requiring hospital admission. The client was referred to us by their vets as they were refusing the operation if there was no-one to look after their dog. OSF was contacted with just three days notice, but stepped in and found two volunteers who fostered the dog, allowing the client extra time to recover postoperation.
## Rehoming Support
OSF were contacted by an Independence and Wellbeing Practitioner for help to support a 75-year-old client who bought a German Shepherd puppy. The client had health issues and needed an oxygen machine. Initially, OSF provided advice and financial support, as the client had a support network to help with the puppy. Unfortunately, the support network didn’t help, and the client made the difficult decision to rehome the dog. OSF provided emotional support during this.
19
## **VOLUNTEER MANAGER’S REPORT**
Frances Day, Volunteer Manager
## **Recruitment and activity/successes**
This year our recruitment rate has increased, and we have successfully recruited 43 new volunteers. We are proud to report that our retention rate continues to be high, with 25% of our active volunteers having been with us for over 5 years. This demonstrates the incredible commitment that our volunteers show us, as well as the community that we have built over the years.
Our Special Friends has supported five Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) students to complete their awards which encourages young people to enhance their skills, grow in confidence and help their community. OSF works hard to match DofE students to cases that will raise awareness of the unmet need in their community as well as help develop skills to use
throughout their lives.
“I think this whole experience is giving Freya good life skills and a sense of duty and has been rewarding.” – AJP, mother of DofE student
OSF provided ten in-house training opportunities for our volunteers. These included repeats of our core training such as Case Discussions, Bereavement and Grief and Animal First Aid, as well as new sessions from external providers e.g. Sight Training (delivered by Suffolk Sight) and Having Difficult Conversations (delivered by St Nicholas Hospice Neighbours). On the 26th June, we also hosted another successful Volunteer Celebration Event to thank our volunteers for their continued support.
This year, we have developed a working partnership with our new Animal Companionship Coordinator (ACC). This role has helped identify opportunities to recruit new volunteers, as well as match them to cases with ongoing support. Before the appointment of the ACC role, the tasks were predominantly carried out by volunteers. With the limited availability and capacity of volunteers, it is evident that this needs to be a paid-for role.
## **Survey**
We received 48 responses to the annual Volunteer Survey, similar to previous years. In summary, volunteers feel very well supported. With regards to how rewarding volunteering with OSF is, no volunteers scored 3 or less and 90% said they would strongly recommend their friends and family to volunteer with us. Whilst we provided training sadly over 40% said they were ‘offered but didn’t attend’. While 42% of respondents say they do more than one role for the charity, 17% said they would like to do more, so we will look to addressing this response.
## **Challenges**
This year, our referrals have become incredibly complex. Our team of assessors, along with the service delivery team, have needed to determine whether some cases are appropriate to be matched to a volunteer.
## **Call for help and the year ahead**
In the year ahead we will look to enhance our volunteer community. We have identified a need for a volunteer fundraising group. We hope that this team will be able to coordinate fundraising opportunities and events. We are also planning to improve our fosterer recruitment experience by developing a bespoke induction for them. The need for fosterers is increasing and our capacity is limited.
## **To volunteer with us, complete our online form at www.ourspecialfriends.org/download-volunteer/**
16 20
Our Special Volunteers
2,496
AAA Visits
43,392
foster hours
••
39
new volunteers
"Good communication.
Outstanding support for
clients and volunteers"
••
"Every time I visit a client it
means the world for them and
for me and my dog. You can
clearly see how their mood
Changes and rt's really
satisfying"
Dog Walks
in house training
opportunities
"Makes volunteers
feel valuable"
reported they have
been offered
relevant and useful
training
would recommend
volunteering with Our
Special Friends to
friends and family
99%
980
Promoting, preserving and providing the power of animal companionship
21
## **VOLUNTEER STORY** Juliet and Mabel
## “I’m glad the rescue centres turned me down”
Juliet Thomason explains how rejection turned to joy.
I’ve been a volunteer with other charities in the past, in particular with the Meals on Wheels service, but working for Our Special Friends is quite different. That’s because the aim of our CEO and founder of the charity, Belinda Johnston, was to create a community of animal lovers who help each other as well as the clients. And from personal experience, I know how this does work both ways.
Firstly, I would not have my lovely Border Terrier, Mabel, if it were not for help from OSF, and second, because one of our volunteers and now a good friend, Carole Langton, kindly looked after her for six weeks after I had a shoulder replacement operation. My right shoulder had smashed when I fell while walking Mabel and since I’m right-handed, and live alone, life would otherwise have been difficult. I really appreciated the help.
Mabel and I have now been visiting a bed-bound elderly lady in Bury St Edmunds for two years. She so enjoys our visits as otherwise all she can do is watch TV all day. She has dementia, but so did my late husband, so together with my years of delivering meals to lonely elderly people, I understand and empathise with her.
In the five years I’ve been a volunteer with OSF, I have regularly visited other people with Mabel, walked the dogs of clients who are not mobile, and have occasionally helped with pet care and providing transport. Relationships do not necessarily end when the initial need has been met. I used to visit a lovely, very bright lady and take her old Spaniel for a walk, but now that the dog is reluctant to walk I still call in to see the owner. I enjoy whatever I do for OSF, everyone is so friendly.
As for the rescue centres that turned me down in 2019, I wish they could see me now on my hour-long walks with Mabel.
I used to live on a farm just outside Newmarket and when I lost my Border Collie I thought I would ‘downsize’ for my next dog as I intended to move to Bury St Edmunds within the next few years. I contacted several rescue centres and was turned down as being over 70 and too old, even though I was fit. I didn’t want a puppy, neither did I want an old dog as I’d been through the distress of losing one to cancer. A lifelong dog owner, I was desperate for canine company again.
Thankfully, friends introduced me to Belinda, who found Mabel for me. Then three years old, Mabel had been returned to her breeder due to a marriage break-up, and the breeder interviewed me to ensure the dog was this time going to a good forever home. The right age, and easier for me to manage than a large Collie, she’s proved perfect. And it seems that she’s thanked OSF in her own way, by becoming a visiting AAA dog, while I’ve been rewarded by making several new friends.
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Image : Mabel and Juliette
**----- End of picture text -----**
“And it seems that she’s thanked OSF in her own way, by becoming a visiting AAA dog, while I’ve been rewarded by making several new friends.”
2222
## **CASE STUDY** Ted, Aida and Blue
In May 2022, Ted was referred to Our Special Friends (OSF) by the NHS Integrated Neighbourhood Team. Recently widowed, Ted, 87, struggled with low mood and isolation. Having been diagnosed with arthritis and COPD, Ted was housebound, and although his family were supportive, they did not all live locally, leaving Ted feeling very alone.
When an OSF Volunteer Assessor met Ted, he shared fond memories of his late Jack Russell Terrier and other dogs he had owned previously. Missing the canine companionship, Ted was eager for OSF to arrange weekly visits from a volunteer and their dog. Although Ted smoked, he agreed to refrain from smoking two hours before visits and to air out his flat to ensure a comfortable environment for the dog and the volunteer.
We identified a potential volunteer, Aida, who had previously visited another client whose health had deteriorated and meant visits were no longer possible. Aida has a lovely 7½ year old friendly Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Blue, who she had brought over from Spain, and they
started visiting Ted in July 2022. Ted delighted in Aida’s visits and interacting with Blue, getting her to sit, and practising Blue’s skills such as balancing treats on her nose before flicking her head up to catch them! He even bought Blue a special water bowl for the warm weather. Blue, loving the attention and treats, quickly adapted to her role in providing companionship.
Aida’s weekly visits continued until Ted sadly passed away at the end of February 2024. Ted’s granddaughter notified Aida, who was deeply saddened as she was just about to arrange their next visit. Aida attended Ted’s funeral, where a photo of Ted and Blue was lovingly included in the order of service.”
Aida told us how right from the start, the match: _“was a complete success as Blue and Ted felt an instant connection on the very first visit (I guess the treats and cuddles helped!)._
_For a little bit more than a year, Blue and I visited Ted once a week, and during this time became genuine good friends. We would have our ‘moan-ments’, but mostly there was a lot of laughter. I really miss the stories he used to tell me about the air force, and all the travelling he did around the world. You could perfectly imagine the places by the descriptions he gave. Also, he would tell me about his family, how happy he was with them, and how he met his lovely wife._
_I think Animal Companionship is just amazing. How much positive impact a single hour can have in a person’s life, and to see the improvement in their mental health and wellbeing. For example, we would start the visits with “my back aches today” or “I have been a little bit down this week” and finish with laughter, teaching new tricks to Blue, and spoiling her with treats and cuddles._
_Not only would the visits positively affect Ted’s day, but also mine, and that feeling lasted long after the visit had ended. I got to know Ted really well and we become good friends. It made me feel great, that I was being helpful when I took Blue to visit him, socialising and bringing a smile to his face. Visiting Ted made me really happy, and it felt very gratifying to see that he enjoyed the time with us too”_
Ted’s son said to Aida: _“I just wanted to let you know that he loved your visit every time you went with Blue. He told me all about them every night when I called him, he loved talking to you about places in Spain ... Thank you for doing what you do visiting people that need some company and entertainment from your sweet dog.”_
Image above: Ted enjoying Blue’s visit
23
ri
## **THE YEAR AHEAD**
Looking to the future, we need to continue to strive for multi-year core funding, demonstrate our impact and share our knowledge to encourage others to be pet-inclusive. Our cases are often very complex and involve many variables, which makes quantifying impact challenging. We intend to review our data capture and analysis to improve evidence of outputs, outcomes and impact.
Financially, we know we are too reliant on grants and trusts and need to diversify our income. Therefore, we are aiming to recruit a new fundraising colleague to nurture the local community support and increase individual and corporate giving.
Our growing compassionate community really appreciates how important it is to keep people and beloved pets together, and to help them live well together. However, there are many barriers and challenges. The biggest is housing, specifically temporary and emergency housing which do not allow pets, resulting in additional significant distress, and sometimes homelessness or forced relinquishment.
We are undertaking a strategic review to make the most of our resources and to ensure that our evidence is fully evaluated and our knowledge is used to influence change.
We want to continue to answer telephone calls and reply to enquiries as soon as possible. We must maintain this quality of support if we are to influence others.
We are having to be reactive because others are saying “no”. Animal companionship is not all positive and we are evidencing a lot of challenges especially when there is significant mental health or critical changes in circumstances. We want to encourage more care planning where there are pets, so when owners need support it is clear and easy for others to step in. Research is needed for the most effective solutions to safeguard the health and welfare of people and animals; and we will explore working with academics to be part of this. We have useful data that needs to be analysed.
Lack of pet-inclusive housing and the crises in so many sectors means that community outreach is vital in this everchanging and challenging world. The dearth of community care is making it increasingly difficult for everyone experiencing vulnerability. We need joined up integrated services and proactive care planning to help prevent crises.
Our society needs widespread pet-inclusive accommodation, including sheltered housing, care facilities, mental wards and homeless hostels, and strong networks of multi-disciplinary support for these important life-enhancing and life-saving human-animal bonds.
Our collaborative approach is only possible with sustainable funding, vital volunteers and policy changes. We are proud of our role in identifying and supporting unmet need and look forward to doing more. There is a busy time ahead.
Image opposite: Irene and Blue
25
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Our Special Friends
Company Lirnitod by Guarants•
Financial statemonts
Year endod 30 April 2024
Page
Twstees. annual report (Incorporallng ts dlre¢tors' repcfft)
27
Indeent examin*s report to ts trustees
33
Statement of flnanclal aCtIeS oncdIng Income and exPre accourt)
Balance sheet
35
Notes to the finarKial statwnert8
36
Company no 08769892
Charity no 01156778
26
Our Special Friends
Company Lirnitsd by Guarnntso
Tru8t068' annual rnport (incorporating th• dir•ctorn' rnport)
Yaar ended 30 April 2024
The trustees, vhK) are also the direth for the purp)ses of company law, present their rewt and the
UnalIted financial 8tatempAts of the tharity for th8 year ended 30 April 2024.
The flnandal statemerts have been prepwed In xcordance the accourrtlng Fjjlldes set out In notes to
the accounts and compty Imth the charitys gDveming doojment, the Chariti'es Act 2011 and Companies Act
2006 and AccountirwJ and RewrtiThJ by Chaiibes: Statement of Recommended Practice apTIcable to
charltle$ preparlng thelr a¢Unts In a(danCe 1h ts Flnanclal ReportlNJ Stsndard appll¢atle In the UK
and Republic of Ireland published in October 2019.
Chairs rnport
If you wish read Chai¢s Report for Our Special Friends please see the annual report preceding these
Rofernnce and administrative dotailB
Registered charity name
r Special Frier
Charlty reglstrallon number
1156778
Company reglgtratlon number 08769892
Principal offic8 and ragistorBd West End House
offlce
Upper Green
Higham
Bury St EdmuThJs
Suffo
IP28 6PA
Th• truste
The trustee8 wt 8erved duriNJ Ihe year arnl at the of apwoval were a8 follcr•M:
Dr M Johnston MA VetMB PhD MRCVS (Chair)
R Ferguson ffreasurer)
C Bradbume
Dr E Omerod BVMS CF
R Stephens {ApwJinted 07102r2024)
R Sullfvan (Appolnted 16108r2024)
Dr J Gumey MB ChB. MA (Resigned 24107r2024)
Company no 08769892
Charity no 01156778
Our Special Friends
Company Lirnitsd by Guarnntso
Tru8t068' annual rnport (incorporating th• dir•ctorn' rnport)
Yaar ended 30 April 2024
The trustees, vhK) are also the direth tr the purp)ses of company law, present their rewt and the
UnalIted financial 8tatempAts of the tharity for th8 year ended 30 April 2024.
The flnandal statemerts have been prepwed In xcordance the accourrtlng Fjjlldes set out In notes to
the accounts and compty Imth the charitys gDveming doojment, the Chariti'es Act 2011 and Companies Act
2006 and AccountirwJ and RewrtiThJ by Chaiibes: Statement of Recommended Practice apicable to
charltle$ preparlng thelr accounts In ac¢(%dance 1h ts Flnanclal ReportlrKJ Stsndard appllcalle In the UK
and Republic of Ireland published in October 2019.
Chairs rnport
If you wish read Chai¢s Report for Our Special Friends please see the annual report preceding these
Rofernnce and administrative dotailB
Registered charity name
r Special Frier
Charlty reglstrallon number
1156778
Company reglgtratlon number 08769892
Principal offic8 and ragistorBd West End Hwse
offlce
Upper Green
Higham
Bury St EdmuThJs
Suffolk
IP28 6PA
Th• truste
The trustee8 wt 8erved duriNJ Ihe year arnl at the of apwoval were a8 follcr•M:
Dr M Johnston MA VetMB PhD MRCVS (Chair)
R Ferguson ffreasurer)
C Bradbume
Dr E Omerod BVMS CF
R Stephens {ApwJinted 07102r2024)
R Sullfvan (Appolnted 16108r2024)
Dr J Gumey MB ChB. MA (Resigned 24107r2024)
Company no 08769892
Charity no 01156778
28
Our Special Friends
Company Limitod by Guarantee
Truste, annual rnport (incorpornting tho dir•ctor8' rnport) (conffnuodj
Yaar anded 30 April 2024
Palron
Lord Fairhaven DL KStJ
Team
Dr B Johnston MRCVS. CEO, Fwntsrand Lead Practstr
G Reld. Anlm81 Companh)n8hip 1¥8Lttttioner
F Day. Volunleer Support Manager
J Connolty, Chaty Manager
Supported 'ln the ¢)fflce' by
volunt••rn:
R Clarke, Mathetlng 8nd PR
K Mallet, SeNice Delwery
C Singleton. SeThKe Delivery
J Webb. Admin Support
C Guy, Admin Support
S Day. Adfftin Support
C Gord¢)n, Admln Support
Ass*ted by:
S Bra01, Fln8n
Tdlw, Finance
Pald Advlsers
J Bradbume LLB {Ldan) LLM Cantab
Voluntary Advl8•rn
Dr D Carson BVSc(Syd) MRCVS
Dr D Rook LL.B(Hons) LLM, Dknv FHEA
Dr H Crawford BVSC PGCertSAECC MRCVS
L Dickson CGMA Caseron
J Grossart MA MRICS
Dr J Little%X)d MA PhD BVSc(Hon8) DVR DVD
MRCVS Veterinary Demiatology Referrals
Dr C Mayer MBBCh FRCPsych. Consullant Psythiatrist
P M¥heW FCIPD
A Reynold8
Bankern
BaayS Bank
20r21 Comhlll
Bury Sl Edmund8
IP33 1DY
Independent oxamlner
L Thurston FCCA
Lov1 Blake LLP
Flrst Floor Sulie
2 Hi118ide Busine88 Park
Bury St Edmunds
IP32 7EA
Company no 08769892
Charity no 01156778
29
Our Special Friends
Company Limited by Guarantee
Tru8t0•8' annual report (incorpornting tho dirKtor8' rnport) (conffnuodj
Year ended 30 April 2024
ObjKIiv•8 and aciivits88
If you wish to read about the obiecbves and activi of Ow sla1 Friends please see the annual report
preceding th888 aCUnts.
Public bonofft
In shaping our obiecbves for the and planning our ales. the trustees have considered the Charity
Commission's guidance on Public Benefft including. The Public Benefft Requirem1 (PB1). Running a
Charity (P82) Reporting (PB3).
Achlw•ments and porfomianc•
If you wish to read about the achievrnts and perfomHnce of Our Speoal Friend8 please see the annual
report preceding these account&
Flnanclal revl
Total incom8 for lh8 ended 30 April 2024 vrd8 £227.277 whith was 81ighUy up on th8 IX8ViOU8 year
(2023: £222,569). We contlnue to rdy prlmarfty on grants, and the average amount of each each grant Is
sb'll relatively k. We Iherefore rely on a constart of Succes8 appli(ztion8 to fund our services and
maintain r8s8rv8S.
While a broad spread of funders redS the risk inherent *ith just one or two major providers, the lime and
effort required to ap. secure and report on IF58 grants is significant for a small charity. Our ftrture
grÉMth will therefore depend on securing income from a wder range of sources. In particular, we are
seeking a communty fundraiser and ideally we would also like to find organisation or individual prepared
to support our core operations with multi yw fvn(IrvJ.
In addltlon trj fvndralslrMJ to support our charltable actlvltles, we belleve there Is an Increaslngty strong case
for local aulhoriti'es and welfare agencies to contract with u8 to provide ow 8ervice8.
Expenditure for the Jtar increa8ed to £278,261 (2023: £239,448). The increase 18 primarily due lo higher
staff costs. The main impxt was a full y*s cost of our animal Compannship C¢inator. vtho joined part
way through the prior year.
RMerv88 Pollcy
Unrestrlcled reserves at 30 Awll 2tr24 were £75,863 (2023: £142,259).
If the level of unrestricted reserves falls below 6 months of unrestricted expenditure the Trustee5 will
detemiine whal action is required to be taken in order to irrtxeage reserves in line with our ley. As at the
year end unrestn'cted reserves amunted lo 5 (2023: 7) months of unrestricted costs.
Th8 Chaiitys reserv88 policy is to a180 maintain totsl r888rves al a18vel adequatè to protect 118 ongoing
work from significant flucluations In fundlr4J. As at the year end total reserves re £136,885 (2023:
£185,869). The tru8tee8 are 8atisfied wilh the level of reserves.
Plans for fvture perfods
Ir you wsh to read aboul the plans for fure of Our Spe(xal Friends please S the annu81 rep(xt preceding
these accounts.
Company no 08769892
Charity no 01156778
30
Our Special Friends
Company Lirnitsd by Guarnntso
Tru8t068' annual rnport (incorporating th• dir•ctorn' rnport) {conUnu
Yaar ended 30 April 2024
8tructure• governance and management
The chaiity 18 a ragi8t8r8d charity and a company limited by swararrtae. The chwita1I8 company wa8
Incorporated on 11 November 2013 (numbw 08769892) and became a reglstered charlty (number
1156778) on 23 April 2014. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association. which 8ets
out its object8 and powers and is governed under ils Arlides of Assoaation. In the event of the cixnpany
belng VUnd up members are requlred to contrlbute an amount not ex¢eedlng £10.
Gurrent board of lJusle88 and the tharvJes lch have occurred since the pwous annual rep(xt are as
stated in the reference and adminislrative delails of these accounls.
None of the Trustees have any beneficial interest in Ihe Charitable Company.
Appolnlm•n( Inductlon and tralnlng of trust•8s
New trustees are recruited through a combination of adverfising, recommendation, and per80nal contact
Appointments are rev1wd and approved by the Board and all trustees are provided with a detailed
induction.
Rl8k management
Management has revIe• the major rfsks to whlch the Charlty Is exposed. Where approprfate systems or
procedures have been e8tabli8hed lo mitigale the risks the Charity faces. As is the case for many Charities,
extemal furKling represents a risk to the stabilty of the Charity. Our Special Friends enjoys the support from
number of loyal donors, costs are closdy monit(Ked lo wwre the Charity opwates wlhin Its means and
the Charity maintains some reserve8, all of which mnimise exposwe to this risk.
TNsta• rnsponsibilili
The trustees, whD are al80 direclors for the purFSe8 of company law, are responsible for preparing the
trust885' rnport and the financial statements in accordance with apICable law arKI United Kingdom
Ac¢ountlng Standards (Unlted KINJdom General Accepted Accounllng Practlce).
Company law requires the tharity trustees to prepare financial Statsments tr each year 1¢h give a true
and fair view of state of affairs of the charilable company and the incoming resr and application of
resources, indudirwJ the income and exwditure. for that peric*J.
In preparing th888 financxal 8tat8ments. th8 ITU8t888 required to:
S818Ct suitable accounting policies and then ap them consistenty.
observe the melp$ and prlneiples In the appllcable Charllles SORP;
make judgments and accounting th'mates that are re&8onable and prudenl;
prepare the firk3nrial statements on going concem basbs unless it is inapprowiate to wesume that
th8 charity 11 continue in business.
Tre trustees are responslble for keeplng adequate accounllrwJ records that are suffldent to shtyw and
explain the charitys transactions and disdose with reasonable accurxy at any b'me the financial position of
the charty and enable them to ensurn thal the financial stalemenls with the Companies Act 2006.
TPEY are also responslble for safeguardlng the assets of the ¢harlty and hence for taklng reasonable steps
for the prevenlion and detedion of fraud and other irregulariti'es.
Company no 08769892
Charity no 01156778
31
Our Special Friends
Company Lirnitsd by Guarnntso
Tru8t068' annual rnport (incorporating th• dir•ctorn' rnport) {conUnu
Yaar ended 30 April 2024
Golng concern
Through con8id8ration of report8 on incom•, expenditure and of fOra8 for the next tW81ve month8,
Trustees have analysed any rfsks to the charity, and have Identrfled no material uncertalntles that cast
doubl abrt Ihe abilty of the company to continue as a goiThJ COrKn.
Indopndent examln•r reappolnlm•nt
A resolution to appoint L Thurston FCCA of Lovthvel Blake LLP as indep&Klent examiner will be proposed
at the nexi Annual General Meeting.
Small company provlsk•ns
Thi8 report has been prepared takirrfj advantage of Ihe small companies, exempb.on of section 415A of the
Companies Act 20(k%.
9 October
The tru8tee8' annual report wa8 approved cm .............................. and signed on behalf of the t#)ard of
trus
Fe
uson
Trustee and treasurer
Company no 08769892
Charity no 01156778
32
Our Special Friends
Company Limited by Guarantee
Independent examinerfs report to the trustees of Our Special Friends
Year ended 30 April 2024
I report to the charty trustees on my examination of the financial statements of the company for the year
ended 30 April 2024 which comprise the ststement of financial activitses {including income and expenditure
account), balance sheet and the related notes.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are
responsible for the pparation of the financial statements in accordance Vth the requirements of the
Companies Act 2006 (Ihe 201% Act,).
Having satisfied myself that the financial ststements of the company are not required to be audited under
Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination
of your companws financial statements as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the
2011 Act,). In carying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission
under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examlnefs statement
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..
accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the
2006 Act,. or
the financial ststements do not accord those records: or
the financial statements do not compty with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the
2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and faiff view which is not
matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
the financial ststements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles
of the Statement of Recommended practi for accounts.ng and reporting by charities applicable
to charrties preparing their accounts in accordance wsth the Finanal Reporting Standard
applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
I have no concems and have come across no other rnattet5 in connection wth the exarnination to which
attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be
reached.
L Thurston FCCA
Independent Examiner
Lovewell Blake LLP
Chartered accountants
First Floor Suite
2 Hillside Business Park
Bury St Edmunds
IP32 7EA
11 October 2024
Company no 08769892
Charity no 01156778
33
Our Special Friends
Company Lirnitsd by Guarnntso
Statsmont of financial activitie8
(including income and expenditure account)
Year gnd8d 30 April 2024
2024
2023
fund8
funds Total funds Total fund8
Income and •nd¢Y•vmonts
Donation8 and18gacie8
Charltable actmtles
Other trading ath'vitie8
Investment i1me
31,852
58,950
20,500
114,283
52,352
173,233
33.547
188,397
309
316
1,692
92,494
1,692
227,277
Total incom
134,783
222,569
Expenditurn
Rai8ing funds
Expenditure on raising funds
Charitable activitses
10,934
147,956
158,890
20,C
97,371
117,371
30,934
245,327
276,261
38,911
200,535
239,446
10
Total expendlture
Net exp¢ndlture and net movenxnt In funds
(66.396)
17,412
(48,984)
(1e,877)
Roconciliatlon of fundg
Total fvnds Ixought forward
Total funds carrled forward
142,259
75,863
43,610
61,022
185,869
136,885
202,746
185,869
Th8 8tatefflent of finanrAal activiti88 includ88 all gains and108888 rn11 in the r.
All Income and expIjre derfve from contlnulng activtiies.
Company no 08769892
Charity no 01156778
Our Special Friends
Company Lirnitsd by Guarnntso
Balanc• 8h••t
30 April 2024
2024
2023
Curnnt ass•ts
Debtors
Cash at bank and In hand
16
139,010
198,574
196,135
199,783
Credltors: Amounts falllng due vrtthln
one year
16
(61,889)
(13,914)
Not curront assets
136,885
136,885
185,869
185,869
Total a880ts1088 current Ilablllllos
Not as8•ts
136,885
185,869
Funds of the charlty
Restricted funds
Unrestricted furKIs
61,022
75,863
136,885
43,610
142.259
185.869
Total charity funds
For the year ending 30 Aprrl 2024 the charity was entiued to exemption from audit under section 477 of the
Compani88 Act 2006 relating to Small companies.
Directors, responsibilities:
The membern have not r4uired the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the y
in qStion in accordance wlh secaion 476:
The director8 ackn¢y4Aedge their re4)onsibilit*s for comFtyiNJ ¥th the requirements of the Aci with
respect to a¢untIng records aNJ the preparakn of fina181 statements.
financial statemerts have been prepar1 in acc(Ydance with the provi8ions applicable lo c(xnpanies
subject to the small companies, reoime.
TP*se financial Statements were approved by the board of trustee8 and auihorised for issue on
, and ar8 signed on behalf of the board by:
R Ferguson
Tn&8tee and treasurer
Company registration number. 0876982
Company no 08769892
Charity no 01156778
35
Our Special Friends
Company Lirnitsd by Guarnntso
Not•8 to tho financial 8tatsm•nts
Yaar ended 30 April 2024
General Infommllon
Th8 charity 18 a public benefit tity and a privat8 oxnpany limited by guaran188. r8gi8tered in
ErwJlaThl and Wales and a reglstered charlty In England and Wales. The address of the registered
office and operating addr&83 18 West End Housq Upper Green. Higham. Bury St Edmunds, SuffolK
IP28 6PA.
8taiemont of compliance
The charity conslitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial sL7tements have
been prepared in acCdanCe with Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of
RecommerKled Practice appli¢atAe ts tharities prepanng their accounts in acrdanCe with the
Financial Reportrng StarKlard applicalA8 in the UK and Republic of Ireland i3su8d in October 2019. the
Flnanclal Reportlng Slandard appllcable In the Unlted Klngdom and Republlc of Ireland (FRS 102),
the Chantie8 Act 2011, the Companies Act 20 ar#J UK Generally Accepted Accounling Practice.
Accounllng poll¢les
Bas18 of prnparallon
The flnandal statements have been prepared M the hlstorlcal cost basls, as modttled by the
revaluation of rtain financial a88el8 ar#J I1.'tieS and investment woperties measured at fair value
through income or expenditure.
The financial statements are prepared in sterfing, which is the fvnctional of the entity.
GDlng concern
Th8 account8 hav8 b88n prepared th8 wing con(xm ba8is the trusl88s b81i8ve thal no
materfal uncertalntles e51. Tr trust have consldered the level of fijnds held and the expected
income and expendiiure for the next 12 months from authorising tte financial statement8. The
budgeted income and expendilure is suffi¢xrt yth the level of reserves for the charity to be able to
continue as a going corKern.
Fund acGountlng
UnreslTlcted are avallable for use at the dscretlon of the trustees to further any of the drft$
Designated funds are unre8tricted fund8 eami¥ked by the trustee8 for partIlar future pr(¥ect or
commilment.
R88triclad fund8 are subjected to restrictions on their expenditurn dedarnd by the donor or through
the lemis of an appe81. and f811 Into one of SUta&Ses. restrcled Income funds or endowment
funds.
Incom•
All income is included in the 8latement of fin81 activibes when enttllement has passed to the
charity, rt is probable that the economic benefits a$sated vAth the transaction will flow to the charity
and the amount can be reliably measured. The followirvJ 8P8cific policaes are applied lo particular
categories of income:
Company no 08769892
Charity no 01156778
36
Our Special Friends
Company Limitod by Guarantee
Noto8 to th• financial statsm•nt8 fccnllnuo
Yaar anded 30 April 2024
xcountlng pollcles (rtInu•d)
Income (c41nOnu•d)
- income from donations or grants is recognised when there 18 evid8n(x of errtitlem8nt to the gi
recelpt Is probable and Its amount can be measured rellably.
- legaGy in(x)me is rwni8ed when relpt is prob*)18 a1 entiuemerrt is 83tak1i8hJ.
- income from donated gocxls is measured at the fair value of the goods unless this 18 impractical to
measure reliaw, in which case the value is derived from the cost to the don¢X or the estimated resale
value. Donated facAlitie8 and 8ervi(xs are r8cogni88d in th8 accA)urts when r1ved if the value can
be rellably measured. No amounts are Induded for the contrltxrtlon of general vdunteers.
- Income from contracts for tho supply of seNlces Is renISed vAth the dellvery of the contracted
service. This 18 da8srfied as unrestricted funds unle&8 there 18 a contractual requirement for it lo be
spenl on a particular purpose and retumed rf unspert in vthich case rt may be regarded as restricted.
Expendlture
Expenditurn is rn(wni88d on an a(XnS basi8 as a liabilty 18 incu1. Expenditure indude8 any
VAT vthlth cannot be fulty r0¥, arKI Is dasslfied under heodlngs of the statement of flnandal
acb'vitie8 to which it relat88:
- expendIlu on rai8iNJ funds indudes Ihe costs of all fundraising activibes, evenls, nOnharitab1e
trading act'vities, and the sale of dIX gots.
- 8XP8nditure on charitable xtivtt]es inrJud88 all costs incurred by a (tsrity in undertaking activtties
that further Its charflat4e alms for the benefft of Its benelldarfes, Includlng those support costs and
costs relatiTrJ to the pvemance Df the charity apporti¢xted to charitable activitses.
- olher expenditure indudes all expenditure that is neilher related lo raising funds for the charity nor
part of its experKliture on charitable aclr¥itse&
JI Costs are allocated lo expenditure categNies refiecaing the use of the resource. Direct costs
attribulable to 8 8irMJle actimty are all¢xated directly to that activity. Shared costs are apwboned
between the actiwtie8 they contribute to on a reasonable. justifiable and consistent basis.
Tanglble assets
TaNJible a88ets are initialty reCded at cost, and subsequ 81ated ai cost le88 any accumulated
depreciation and impaimient lo&w. Any tangible assets carried at revalued amounts are recorded at
the fair value al the date of revaluation less any subsequ1 accumulated depreciation and
subsequenl accumulated impaim*nt losses.
These are capiiali8ed if they can be used for m¢xe than one >tar, cost at least £1,000.
Depreclatlon
Depreciation is calculated 80 a8 to write off Ihe c08t or valuation of an asset, le88 118 residual value,
over the useful economic lrfe of that asset as fdluws:
Compuier Equipment
33% strdight line
Company no 08769892
Charity no 01156778
37
Our Special Friends
Company Lirnitsd by Guarnntso
Not•8 to tho financial 8tatsm•nts (c
Yaar ended 30 April 2024
counllng pollcles fe<%thiu•dJ
Flnanclal Instruments
A financial as88t or a financial liabilty is rn11 only wh8n the entity be(x>m8s a party to the
contractual pr0vlsll ¢y tr* Instrumwrt.
BasiG finanryal instrumerts are inilially reGogni8ed at the arnount rale or payable induding any
related transaction costs, unless the arraNJement Consti a finanang transaction, %there it is
recognised at the Fyesent value of ts fuiure payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a
similar debt instrument
Current assels and current Ilabllllles are Subsequ measured at the cash or other conslderatlon
expected to be paid or received and nol discounted.
Debt in8trument8 are Subsequ measured at anKXti8ed c08L
Limit•d by guarnnt••
The comF)any has no Share capital but is limited by guarantee. Every member Of the company is the
guarantor and und8rtak8 to (x>ntiibut8 to the assets of the Ix)mpany in the event of tt b8ing wound up.
such amounts as may be requlred. Each guarantors Ilablllty Is Ilmw to £10.
Donallons and kgacles
Unr8stri¢Aed Restricted Total Funds
Funds
Funds
2024
Donatlon8
Donations and gi
Gift aid
30,(X15
1,847
31,852
20,500
50,505
1.847
52.352
20.500
Unrestrithd Restricted Total Funds
Fund8
Fund8
2023
Donatlons
Donations and gifts
Glft ald
31,448
2,099
31.448
2,099
33,547
33,547
Charltablo athltl•s
Unrestrided Restricted Total Fund8
Funds
Funds
2024
Grants
58,950
114,283
173,233
Company no 08769892
Charity no 01156778
38
Our Special Friends
Company Limitod by Guarantee
Noto8 to th• financial statsm•nt8 fccnllnuo
Yaar anded 30 April 2024
Charltable actlvltles (¢onth14Md)
Unre8triL*ed R88tiicted Total Fund8
Funds
Funds
2023
Grnnts
79.812
108.585
188.397
Oth•r trading activits88
Unrestricted Total Funds Unre8trided Total Funds
Fund8
Funds
2023
Fundrai8irKJ eVts
309
Investsrnnt Inco
Unrestrlcted Total Funds Unl¢led Totsl Funds
Fund8
Fund8
2023
Irrtere8t receivable
1.692
1.62
316
318
ExpenditurB on raising fund•
Unrestricted Restricted Totsl Fund5
Funds
Funds
2024
6.819
4.115
20.000
26.819
4,115
Advertlslng and markellrvJ
10,934
20,000
30.934
Unrestricled
Funds
Restricted Totsl Funds
Funds
2023
Outsourced servlces
Advertising and markelirvJ
Staff costs
14.947
2,024
14.543
31.514
7,397
2,024
14.543
38.911
7.397
Company no 08769892
Charity no 01156778
39
Our Special Friends
Company Lirnitsd by Guarnntso
Not•8 to tho financial 8tatsm•nts (c
Yaar ended 30 April 2024
10. Expendltsjre on charltable aclMtI8s
Unre8trided Re8tsicted Total Funds
Funds
Funds
2024
Volunteer costs
Anlmal care Msts
4,116
2,199
33,970
15,615
92,056
147,956
4.118
15,697
39,852
15.615
170.047
245.327
13,498
Staff costs
7T.991
97.371
Unrestri(aed Restric Total Funds
Funds
Funds
2023
Volunteer Costs
Animal care costs
3,897
4,052
19,473
24,869
50,092
102,383
3,897
17.441
33,223
24,869
121.105
200.535
13.389
13,750
OLrtsourced s8Nce8
Staff costs
71.013
98.152
11. Independent examlnatlon fees
2024
2023
Fees payable to the ind8pendent examiner for.
Ind8wKlerrt examination of the financial 5tatemerrts
1.637
1.800
11 Staff costs
The total staff costs and employee benefits fcr the reportirvJ period are analy8ed as follows:
2024
2023
Wage8 and 8alarie8
ScKial security costs
Pension costs
Staff training and expense8
155,954
10.480
3.614
2,685
124,013
5,289
2.318
4.028
172,733
135,648
The averag& hgad court of employees during the ywr was 5 P023: 5).
No employee receAved empbyee benefts of more than £60.000 during the year (2023: N(Th).
Key management personnel
The key managemenl persmnel of the Chartty comse ts CEO for the charlty. Tr totsl amount of
employee bfitS (induding employ pension conlribub'on8) receNed in re8pect of key management
personnel amounted £34.827 (2023: £26.674).
Company no 08769892
Charity no 01156778
40
Our Special Friends
Company Lirnitsd by Guarnntso
Not•8 to tho financial 8tatsm•nts (c
Yaar ended 30 April 2024
13. Trustee remunerallon and expenses
Tru8t888 were reimbur88d exp*8 amounling to £Nil (2023: £252) during the year.
1& Tangible f0d assets
Equipmont
At 1 May 2023 and 30 Aprll 2024
Depreclatlon
At 1 May 2023 and 30 Aprll 2024
Carrylng amount
At 30 April 2024
At 30 ri12023
3,852
3.852
1& Debtorn
2024
2023
PTrpaym8nts and accTh incam8
Otr*r debtors
59.OTT
3.648
59,564
3.648
16. Credltors: Amounts lalllng due wlthln one y#r
2024
2023
Trade creditors
Accruals ar deferred Inco
Social security arrfl other taxes
3,402
58.287
11,652
2.262
13.914
61.689
17. Deferr incom•
2024
2023
Amount deferred in year
56,650
Defvrred income rdates to condltlonal grart Inm0 ed to wlthln the year on behall of kyojects
being completed in folltr1ng years.
18. D•fin•d contribution plan8
The company provides pension benefrts under the NEsf 8cheme.
The amount recognised in income or expw#liiure a8 an expen8e in relati( to the defined contribution
plans was £3,614 (2023: £2.318).
Company no 08769892
Charity no 01156778
41
Our Special Friends
Company Lirnitsd by Guarnntso
Not•8 to tho financial 8tatsm•nts (c
Yaar ended 30 April 2024
19. Anatyslg of charttable fund
Year ended 30 Aprfl 2024
At1May
223 Income Expenditure Transfers
At 30 Apr
2024
Kennel Club Fund
Hollythock Trust Fund
Wesl Suffolk Council - Crisis Supp1
Fund
Mld Suffolk Dlstrlct Coundl Fund
Mars Pet FOCKJ Fund
Helen Roll Charity
Nati¢)Tr Lottery crynrnuty Fund
Suffolk Community Cnl Grart
Suffolk Community Foundation -
Shadwell Fund
Animal Friends Ingurance
Wesl Suffolk Council - Public Montal
Heallh Fund
Ctrop Local Communty Fund
Th8 Hobson Charity
Suffolk Communlty Foundatlon - Pargtt
Trust Fund
Florence Cohen Charitatle Trust
Sufft)Ik Community Foundation - Mill
Trust Fund
Suffolk County Council - Localty SupF#xI
Fund
Pets at Home- Community Parlnerships
Baberyh District Council
Suffolk Communlty Foundatlon - Blrketts
FurKI
Global's Make Some Noise
West Suffolk Counol - Communlty
Che8t
AntnY Martin Charitable FurKI
AnYnKluS IliVIdual Fund
500 Suffolk Reasons
838
15,7T4
(838)
(15,774)
5,000
20,000
1,998
(5,000)
(20,000)
(1,998)
(10,000)
(9,580)
(907)
10,000
907
1,250
5,000
(1,250)
(5,000)
5,000
2,016
5,000
(5,000)
(2,016)
(5,000)
5,000
2,000
(5,000)
(2,000)
2,000
(2,000)
1.000
15,000
20.000
(1,000)
15,000
20.000
1,000
15.550
(1,000)
(3,528)
12.022
9,000
5,000
20,000
500
9.000
5,000
po,000)
(500)
43,610 134,783 (117,371)
61.022
Unr¢strlcted funds
General fvnds
142.259 92.494 (158,890)
75.883
Company no 08769892
Charity no 01156778
42
Our Special Friends
Company Limitod by Guarantee
Noto8 to th• financial statsm•nt8 fccnllnuo
Yaar anded 30 April 2024
Year ended 30 Aprll 2023
Restrlcted funds
At1May
21Y22 Income Expendlture Transfers
At 30 Apr
2023
West Suffolk Council - Vclunleer Supwt
Manager Fund
West Sullolk Council - Animal
Companionship Pracb'tioner Fund
West Suffolk Council - Cri3is Supwl
Fu
West Suffolk Council UK Shared
Prosperfty FurKI
Mid SLrffolk District Council Fd
K8nn81 Club Fund
Hollytr Trust Fund
Coco Joelle Foundation Fund
Suffolk Community Foundation - Harris
Family Fund
Suffolk Community Foundalion - David &
Jill Simpson Fund
Suffolk Community Foundallon - Parglter
Trust Fund
Suffolk Community Foundalion - Miller
Trust Fund
Suffolk Community Foundalion - Pargiter
Trust Fund
Suffolk Community Foundation -
Shadwell Fund
Helen Roll Charity
Cfrop Loc81 Communty Fund
Green Hall Foundation Fund
Anonymous Indrvidual Fund
Charles Hayward FouThlatlon Fund
Mars Pet F¢xKI Fund
P8t8 at Home Foundation Fund
Kennel Club Charftsble Trust Fund
10.000
{10.000)
7,290
(7,290)
5,000
5,000
2,250
20.000
10.000
39.190
5,OlJO
(2,250)
20,000
838
15,774
(9.1V2)
123.41e)
(5,000)
2.000
p.000)
1,000
(1,000)
2,500
(2,500)
500
(500)
5.000
(5,000)
500
5,0(10
(500)
(5,000)
(2.145)
(5,000)
(7.397)
(4,000)
(1,002)
{10.000)
(2,387)
40,574 108,585 (105,549)
2.145
5,000
7.397
4,000
3,000
10.000
1,998
2,387
43,610
Unrestrlct•d fundg
General FurKIs
162.172 113.984 (133.897)
142,259
Company no 08769892
Charity no 01156778
Our Special Friends
Company Lirnitsd by Guarnntso
Not•8 to tho financial 8tatsm•nts (c
Yaar ended 30 April 2024
Restrlcted fund purpose5:
Pets at Home - C¢xnmunity Partner8hip8: Tho income ralved Fmthin thi8 fund 18 rn8trid8d to
SUPFth the anlmal welfare support fund.
Babergh Dlstrlct Councll: The Ino)me re¢elved wlthln 1$ restrlcted to support anlmal
companionship coordinator costs.
Global's Make Some Noise: The income 1ved wilhin this fund 18 restricted to 8UPPOrt animal
companionship practitioner cc*ts.
West Sufftlk Council - Community Ch88t: Th8 in(X8 thin thi8 fund 18 Trstiicted to
support anlmal conwanlonshlp ccxxdlnator costs.
Anthony Martln Charflable Fund: The Income recelved 1h1n thls fund Is restrfcted to support the
animal welfare SUPPt fund.
Th• following rn8trici•d prnj•cts ha bwn compl•t•d:
Kenrd Club Fund: Represents income from the Kemel Club Charitable Tru*c & Mr French
re8tn.cted to support anim81 companion8hip practitioner (x>Bts.
Hollyhock Trust FurNJ: The incowo received vthhin Ills fund is restricted to sUppt charity
manager salary cr>sts.
West SLffolk Council - Crisis &pw>rt Fund: The incorn rVed within this fund is restrcted to
crisis support and pwenti¢)n.
Mid Suffolk Di8trict Council Fund: The income received vthin IIMS fund is re8triC Io 8UPPOrt
animal (xxnpanionship coordinator costs.
Mars Pet Food Fund: The irKome reCd within Itrms fund is restricted to support the animal
welfare 8UPPOrt fund.
Helen Roll Charity: The income receiv&J within this fvnd is restricted to supwt animal
companionship practitioner costs.
National Lottery Community Fund: The income received *ithin this fund is restricted to Support
animal companionship coordinator costs in Mid Suffolk.
Suffclk Communty Ccmjncil GranL' The income recewj Within this fund 18 restri¢Xed to support
VIrttl meetirwJ costs and 4uipmerL
Suffdk Communlty Four#Jation- Shadwell Fund: The IrKoffe recelved within this fund18 restricted
to support animal companionslmp 8UPPOrt ser¥ice8 cost&
Animal Friends In8urance: The income received vAthin thi8 fund 18 restricted to 8UPPOrt Vel c08ts
VthIn the animal welfare P•UPPOrt fund.
West Suffolk Council - Public Mental H1th Fund: The income received %Mthin this fvrml is
restrcted to support anim81 companionship pr8clitioner costs in the Newmarkel area.
Cw Local Communty FuThl: The Income recelved thIn thls fvnd Is restrlcted to support
voluntser manager costs.
Company no 08769892
Charity no 01156778
Our Special Friends
Company Lirnitsd by Guarnntso
Not•8 to tho financial 8tatsm•nts (c
Yaar ended 30 April 2024
The Hobson Charity: The inccThe receiv&J within this fvnd is restri¢Xed to supwrt vet costs rythIn
the animal welfare 8UPPOrt fvnd.
Suffdk Communlty Foundatlon - Parglter Trust Fwid: The Income recelved *fjthln thls fund Is
restn'cted to support animal companionship support 8ervices costs for the eldth.
FlorerKe Cohen Charilable Tn&st: The irKome receNed within this fund is restricted to 8UPPOrt
animal companionship support services costs for the elderly.
Suffolk Community Foundation - Miller Trust Fund: The incoFrft received Mthin this fund is
restricted to support animal compani¢ship P•UPPOrt services costs.
Suffdk County CoLmcll - Locallty &pport Fund: The Income recefved thIn thls fijnd Is restrlcted
to support boardirvj costs.
Suffolk Community Foundation . Birketts Fund: The incoff£ recetved wilhin thi8 fund is restri
to support animal Compan1¢x1p 8UPPOrt seNces costs.
Anonymous IrKltvidual Fund: The IrMe received Mthin this fund is restricted to support
fundraising activitses.
500 Suffolk Reasons The Income re¢elved 1n thls fvnd Is restrlthd to support fvndralslng
ath'viti'es.
20. Anatysis of not a88•ts b•lYn funds
30 Aprfl 2024
Ger81 Resblcted
Fund8
Fund8
Fund8
Currwrt assets
Credttors less than 1 year
137,552
{61,689)
61.022
198.574
(61,889)
Not A8tr
75,863
81,022
138.885
30Apiil 2023
Generdl Restn'caed
Funds
Funds
Funds
Currnnt a888ts
Credltors less than 1 year
156,173
(13,914)
43.810
199.783
(13,914)
142,259
43,610
185.869
Company no 08769892
Charity no 01156778
45
Our Special Friends
Company Lirnitsd by Guarnntso
Not•8 to tho financial 8tatsm•nts (c
Yaar ended 30 April 2024
21. Related partle
B John8ton. CEO of the charity. 18 a f8mity member to Ihe Trustee M Johnst. During the year th8
charlty paid B Johnston amounts tolalllng £38.264 (2023: £27.810).
L Ferguson, Is a famlty member to the Trustee R Fgu$(m. Durfng the year the ¢harfty pald L
Fwguson amounts for ouisourced Services totall1d £Nil (2023: £5,788).
J Bradbume, is a family member to the Trustee C Bradbume. During Ihe year the charity pai(J J
Bradbume amounts for outsourced Servi tolalling £4,500 (2Q23: £1,000).
There were no 0th8r related party tian8Xti(Th in this or the Fxior yw.
Company no 08769892
Charity no 01156778
Image opposile. Janet and Higgins
IiJylJ
47
ou•
## **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:
Adoption Mission (Mars Petcare) Bury St Edmunds Cathedral Caseron Cloud Accounting Danetre Health Products Denzel’s Everyman Cinema Glasswells
Greene King LickiMat L’Occitane Pet-ID Microchips Ltd Pet Remedy Ltd Scrumbles Vetstream Ltd
And to Trusts and Foundations which, amongst others include:
Annie Tranmer Charitable Trust Anthony V Martin Charitable Foundation Babergh District Council Belstead Ganzoni Charitable Settlement Co-op Local Community Fund D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust Florence Cohen Charitable Trust G C Gibson Charitable Trust Global’s Make Some Noise Helen Roll Charity Hobson Charity Leslie Mary Carter Charitable Trust Morley Family Charitable Trust Mrs FB Laurence’s Charitable Trust Mrs L D Rope Third Charitable Settlement
National Lottery Community Fund - Awards for All Newmarket Public Mental Health Programme Pets (at Home) Foundation Postcode Places Trust R&J Gardner Trust Scott (Eredine) Charitable Trust Simon Gibson Charitable Trust Sir Frederick Hiam Charitable Trust Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust - Ann Rylands Small Grants Suffolk Community Foundation - Birketts Fund Suffolk Community Foundation - Miller Trust Fund Suffolk Community Foundation - Pargiter Trust Fund Suffolk Community Foundation - Shadwell Fund West Suffolk Council Community Chest
Our Special Friends,
c/o British Racing School, Snailwell Road, Newmarket, CB8 7NU 01284 247077 www.ourspecialfriends.org office@ourspecialfriends.org
© Copyright 2024 Our Special Friends
48
36
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