OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2022-03-31-accounts

WELCOME TO THE TASTELIFE ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2021-2022 FROM DI ARCHER CEO

OFFERING HOPE IN THE FACE OF EATING DISORDERS

WHAT DO WE DO?

Eating disorders promise so much – initially they make you feel better about your yourself, your life and your ability to cope with both. But they lie.

Through the traumatic experience of our daughters falling prey to their power, I discovered two things. One, eating disorders can be hell on earth, not just for those consumed by them, but also for surrounding family and friends. Two, eating disorders are tricky, especially as understanding and assistance are so limited.

In response to these discoveries, Jean Hart and I created tastelifeuk to support those in the middle of eating disorder issues, with help and hope for recovery.

The joy of finding that what tastelife offers brings real transformation to many cannot be overestimated. As a charity team, we would like to tell you how that has been happening over the last year 2021-2022.

I am looking at myself in the mirror again after years of not daring to do so...

2

COVID RESPONSE

As we have all been regularly reminded through increasing news coverage, Covid-19 has heightened the problems many people of all ages in the UK already had. For those with eating disorders, grappling with an unhealthy and often dangerous relationship with food, it has increased their vulnerability. And

because eating disorder behaviour often begins as a way of coping with difficulties in life, those struggling are more, rather than less, likely to turn to their unhelpful food patterns. The need for tastelife services has never been

greater.

The good news is that, with all tastelife services now running successfully online, we are reaching more people than ever before. This has resulted in a waiting list, with at least one person signing up every day. GP surgeries, local eating disorder services and social prescribing continue to refer people to tastelife. The numbers are below, but each one represents a precious, unique person who has had life-transforming tools and care offered to them:

----- Start of picture text -----
264 people offered
places on courses
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
10
----- End of picture text -----

3

We ran our second successful online tastelife Gathering , our annual conference, for 85 people. The focus this year was on men and eating disorders, in response to recent statistics suggesting that 25% of those suffering are male, of all ages. Rev Will van der Hart fascinated all genders with his presentation on how men can differ in relation to eating issues; and Hope Virgo raised our hopes of better public awareness as she inspired us with her own story of lobbying and suggested ways for us all to get involved.

Continuing to provide Covid survival tips via our website and social media – targeted resources for those struggling to manage Covid and eating disorders – and indeed, for those just struggling with the former.

Creation of further online material for the community course – for example, a new introductory session and follow-on sessions for monthly post-course meetings. These will be incorporated into the onsite courses.

Plans are afoot for specialised tastelife community courses for specific groups – the Men’s Track is being prepared, and ideas for tastelife 4 teens , as the presenting ages for eating disorders sadly become increasingly younger.

‘I feel like a different person. I have hope now. TARGET MARKET I am ready to keep moving in the right direction.’ course participant

4

BEYOND COVID

And then vaccinations abounded, Covid started to abate, and we all crawled out of our lockdowns…

TARGET MARKET

5

ONLINE OPPORTUNITIES TO KEEP

Liaising with other organisations – much easier to do online. We continue to explore working together with other bodies in our field, and doing so where we can. For example, preparing for a new Peer Support Network in partnership with Options Wellbeing and trained tastelife leaders in Southampton.

Previews online – open lunchtime sessions to pop in and find out more about training to run the tastelife course. Or more about the Youth Track.

Further communications' tools via our database and IT systems , enabling faster signups and a better user experience for enquirers.

Consistent social media presence , especially on FB and Instagram. Designed to speak directly to those suffering with food issues, and others interested. With videos of real-life stories of recovery, straight-talking, tidbits of information, we are combatting the lies and pressure around body image and food, which is so often found in the marketplace that is social media. It is easy to find ideas for keeping an eating disorder going – we are speaking the truth about food and emotions, and that recovery is possible. Our following is growing.

Appearing virtually at conferences , such as local council online ‘fairs’, with videos and information about eating disorders and our services. It’s hard to know exactly, of course, but we contacted hundreds of people this way.

Looking after our leaders . This year we launched a dedicated stream of webinars for the support and upskilling of our wonderful tastelife course leaders, with topics such as Group Facilitation, ARFID and Leadership. Without our leaders, we could not offer the help we do. As one participant put it:

'I couldn't have hoped or imagined to feel more known, cared for, or loved by the course leaders. Their kindness, wisdom, encouragement, and understanding was exemplary and without it, the course would have been a totally different experience.'

6

External teaching - understanding eating disorders in the workplace. In response to demand, we piloted a lunchtime webinar for WIN (Women Impact Network) in Fiserv, to provide education about eating disorders, and how to respond to them in the workplace. Over 90 people attended and their feedback indicated a need for this service. We aim to expand it in the coming months. We are also preparing learning teaching modules for church and youth leaders for the Diocese of Birmingham.

EMERGING FROM THE COVID SHELL

Just before the last Covid-inspired restrictions of 2021, we inaugurated an annual Vision and Unity day for team and trustees . It was a treat to be in the same air, and a chance to take stock and celebrate that we have been able to pivot so well over the last two years to respond to the increasing incidence of eating disorders.

What a relief to attend a ‘real’ event in November with our Youth Track (see below). Despite not being able to quite remember how to set up and run an information and help stand, it was a joy to talk face to face to delegates at Youthscape, a resource event for youth leaders . And we did have balloons…

Getting back to the office has been a culture shock in reverse for many, but we have been relieved to get together again. We have been able to develop swifter and smoother IT solutions for communicating with course leaders, and participants as a result. Being in the same space has inspired us to create a series of podcasts , due to launch in 2023, for those struggling with eating disorders, and those supporting them – recorded by those who have been there and know what it’s really like. These have been made possible by

the generous donation of time and expertise of Amy and Simon Sleath of Fuxbox Productions. They are just the thing I would have wanted to listen to TARGET MARKET when my family were going through the nightmare of eating disorders, so they have the potential to bring real empathy and help to many.

BBC and other radio stations continue to ask us for responses to latest eating disorder news; we have recorded interviews for them too.

7

WHAT’S HAPPENED TO THE TASTELIFE YOUTH TRACK: UNDERSTANDING EATING DISORDERS?

It’s been a big year for the Youth Track. Suitable for KS3 and youth groups, we are creating lots of new material and partnerships. As Covid has changed the landscape for the requirements for schools, we have been responding…

Interested teachers and youth leaders can find out more at via lunch-hour online previews . Linked to the emphasis on good mental health , and ticking the boxes for essential provision in schools, this resource is proving increasingly popular as it:

. Enables young people to understand and steer clear of eating disorders Includes targeted supplementary resources for parents, youth leaders and teachers and tutorials for presenters.

The three sessions, provided on USB memory sticks cover: o Learning the truth about eating disorders

o Handling social media positively o Positive coping mechanisms o Creating a healthy body image

o How to help yourself and others who are struggling

Youth track online : Youth Track sessions running online in conjunction with Alumina, a youth-focused mental health organisation. We have also recorded a podcast with them for our soon-to-be-released podcast series. Youth Track for you: a suite of resources now available for youth group leaders, school teachers and parents.

Youth Track and NHS : we continue to work with the Mental Health in Schools Team in the Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership Trust, developing a model that will be replicable beyond this Trust, and available countrywide. Youth Track and Diocesan Training : developing training with Diocese of Birmingham on eating disorders for their clergy, staff and youth leaders. Youth Track Landing Page : a new, dedicated, mini website.

Youth Track Database : Improving the Youth Track evaluations' process.

8

WHAT'S THE IMPACT OF YOUTH TRACK?

Since its inception, Youth Track has reached over 2000 young people in schools and youth groups around the UK.

Participant feedback has shown the impact to be overall positive and helpful:

Measuring their improvement in their general knowledge of eating disorders , respondents reported a 42% increase in their confidence/knowledge

From this feedback, we are confident to recommend the Youth Track as effective, targeted and empowering .

----- Start of picture text -----
TARGET MARKET
----- End of picture text -----

9

THE RESEARCH PROJECT – EATING DISORDERS AND SPIRITUALITY

The research team comprising representatives from Coventry and Worcester Universities and tastelife, have been writing up their research outcomes and hope to publish in the Autumn 2022:

·The second observation noted the centrality and complexity of personal faith.

·The third veered towards a conclusion that, despite some positives, for those with eating disorder issues ‘social media should come with a health warning.’

Further accreditation

tastelife were delighted to achieve accreditation for its community course, training to run it and Youth Track material with OCN London (Open College Network). OCN now endorses these elements and will review them annually.

10

THANK YOU

OUR AMAZING SUPPORTERS

We are so very grateful for absolutely everyone who gives to help those suffering with eating disorders, through the tastelife charity. We could not continue without their support. From the young lad who gave us his pocket money, to the trained leader who sells homemade jam, to the most generous gifts from trusts and foundations, everything counts; everything makes a difference to someone. We are so grateful to WLG Gowling, Leathersellers, Ecclesiastical, John Mason Family Trust, Beer Harris, The 29th May Charitable Trust, William A Cadbury Trust, Barbara Ward Children’s Foundation among others who have shared our journey of bringing hope and help to so many people.

THE TASTELIFE TEAM

Without the dedication of the tastelife team and trustees, tastelife would not

be able to offer life-changing help to others… and we were delighted to welcome a new Administrator to the Network team this year. This new role is part of our commitment to supporting our trained leaders, ensuring they have the relevant resources and backup to run the tastelife course. This is turn enables the smooth running of the courses, and easy access to them.

Throughout the constantly changing backdrop to our lives over the last years of pandemic and slow emergence, the team have prioritised looking after each other as well as doing their jobs well. The tastelife charity values of Caring, Resourceful, Professional and Fun have been well in evidence, inhouse, and in how we relate to others.

11

FACING THE FUTURE

We are more than ever committed to bringing compassionate understanding and practical help to those who want it. The future looks daunting for many, and tastelife offers hope, support and effective tools to sufferers of all types of eating disorders, and those who support them. We are also determined to help young people avoid eating disorders in the first place, through the understanding provided in the Youth Track material.

' A HUGE THANK YOU!!! I truly believed that there was no way out of my Eating Disorder. I was on the verge of being hospitalised and had sadly accepted that anorexia was going to be a part of my life forever. After this course, I can wholeheartedly say that I do not feel this way any more- a MASSIVE part of that is down to tastelife. I cannot thank this amazing group of people and the inspiring leaders enough. I really feel I have some amazing strategies to manage my recovery and cannot believe how far I've come. THANK YOU!!!!! xx'

12

TASTELIFE SUMMARY

Our Aims and Objectives remain the same, as long as eating disorders continue to challenge good mental health

To provide resources for eating disorder sufferers, and their carers, with the aim of empowering them with tools towards recovery, in the UK and worldwide, based on Christian values, and open to all.

To work with and train professionals in related fields in order to encourage best practice in dealing with eating disorder sufferers and carers. To advance the education of the general public in relating to those with eating disorders; and their carers.

To develop further resources in response to issues around eating disorders. To systematically assess and evaluate the outcomes and success of our courses.

As a powerful, pertinent and timely response to the eating disorder epidemic in the UK, tastelife trains volunteers to run a research-based, 8 session community course, online and face-to-face. This is proving to be a welcome, targeted resource with effective tools for support and recovery, for those who suffer and those who care. It is non-threatening, educational and encourages a self-help approach that really works. It creates a safe, learning environment for sufferers and carers to come together. The material is relevant for most life-stealing eating issues. Both the course and the training were accredited by the University of Brighton Health Sciences, and now Open College Network, London. tastelife resources are designed to complement NHS and other statutory services and fill the gap in support and treatment for those affected by eating disorders in England and Wales, whether personally or in support of friends, family or others.

13

TASTELIFE SUMMARY CONT'D

· tastelife is also committed to prevention of eating disorders through understanding and awareness, and to that end, created the popular Youth Track for young people in schools and youth groups. This 3-session, adaptable resource is being used to educate and arm young people against developing eating disorders, and as a first-response intervention tool.

Together with the growing tastelife team of volunteers and partners, we are working hard to get the community course and Youth Track into communities and institutions around the country.

There is a gap in care, and general public understanding of eating disorders, despite increasing government recognition of the importance of Mental Health, and associated funding. The focus remains necessarily on those who are severely ill, usually with anorexia nervosa; those with bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder are not prioritised. The average waiting time for waiting for eating disorder treatment is 176 weeks (Delaying for years, denied for months, Beat Eating disorders, 2017). Added to this, there is limited training for GPs who, for example, tend to focus on re-feeding and weight restoration. Covid has only worsened these statistics. IAPT, GP surgeries and caring agencies refer to tastelife; as do many who self-refer. An increasing number of those struggling with eating issues are accessing tastelife resources which are not dependent on professional funding, but on the training of caring volunteers, who can then deliver help in their local communities.

14

OUR ASPIRATIONS FOR 22/23

tastelife community courses for those who suffer and those who care: To continue our relaunch of the tastelife course in current and more centres, in order to achieve our vision of 50 tastelife centres around the UK in the next three years. This would mean the number of sufferers and carers who will be offered the help they need will reach 1,500. We will do this by training at least 30 new leaders in the next year.

Online courses: To continue to offer online courses, for which we have a waiting list, to further our reach for the community course, and the training.

To continue to develop relationships with the NHS Mental Health in

Schools teams to adapt and deliver Youth Track workshops in the Coventry & Warwickshire Trust; and use the Youth Track in the remaining 3 MHSTs, reaching a further 5,400 pupils per annum . Then expand to other NHS Trusts in England reaching potentially tens of thousands of pupils.

To launch a church focused campaign to increase uptake of Youth Track by church Youth Leaders.

To launch more resources online, to plug the gap for those looking for help and waiting for a course allocation, as an immediate lifeline and emergency support. This will also suit all those interested in responding well to eating disorder issues, wherever they are.

To expand our external teaching especially within the workplace

environment, helping people to understand and respond to the issues.

15

OUR ASPIRATIONS FOR 22/23

To continue to scope out both a teenage version of the community course and a primary school version of the Youth Track – the Kids’ Track.

To continue to respond appropriately to the Covid legacy, with targeted, creative resources for those within and without the tastelife community.

To continue to explore sources of ongoing financial support both via grants and regular giving.

To continue collaborative working with other relevant charities and continue our liaison with the NHS and CAMHS , through referrals and links in communities where the tastelife course is running, and training of CAMHS staff to run the tastelife course internally, initially in Warwickshire.

To host tastelife information-and-help stands as that becomes increasingly possible.

To continue stream-lining our data processing and daily systems to ensure sustainability and fast response times to enquiries.

'I have gained the ability to see that I am worthy of recovery, and deserve to live a fulfilling life. I now realise that there is so much more to me than my anorexia. I have gained the bravery and courage to take active steps towards genuine recovery finally.'

16

OUR TRUSTEES AND ADVISORY BOARD

Richard Mason - Chair

Zoe Macnaughton – Youth and Social Media Bob Dudley – Secretary Dr Ros Simpson - Trustee, training and medical advisor Joanne Porter - Trustee, Senior Lecturer in Occupational Health Debbie Niblett – Trustee Peter Jackson - Treasurer

Trustees are inducted and trained in awareness of both trustee responsibility, and eating disorders where necessary.

Chair Richard Mason's business background and no-nonsense approach is very welcome. We thank Zoe Macnaughton for her effective and encouraging stint as Acting Chair. Tanya Pengelly resigned - we are grateful that she kept us on track with safeguarding and finances. We record our thanks to Paul Archer for his support and expertise on community course development.

Under Richard’s guidance, the trustees have moved the tastelife team from freelance to employment. As a statement of belief in the team’s value, and as a commitment to sustainability, this is a welcome step for the charity

17

GOVERNANCE

The Trustees have considered the requirements of Public Benefit as defined by the Charities Act 2011 (as amended), as follows:

tastelifeuk’s work is beneficial in a way that is identifiable and capable of being proved by evidence. It is not based on personal views and is externally accredited. We are careful to ensure that no detriment or harm results from our charitable purpose, whether to people, property of the environment. Our courses, resources and support benefit the public in general to the extent that mental health eating disorder sufferers are deemed a sufficient section of the public, as defined by our purpose and governing constitution. Our work does not give rise to any incidental personal benefit outside of the charitable objects of our work.

As part of their work throughout the year, the Trustees have continued to conduct reviews and make informed decisions in respect of the following, which is not exhaustive:

· An increase to the restricted reserve to safeguard the future of the entity or, in the event of some catastrophe, to ensure timely and effective winding-up of the entity including any staff payments legally due and the settling of all outstanding bills.

18

TASTELIFEUK Statement of Financial Activities

TASTELIFEUK
Statement of Financial Activities
for the year ended
31st March 2022		 2020/21
2021/22
Income and Expenditure £
101,420
91,460
9,960
9,960
86,465
96,425
53,164
16,500
3,200
725
4,707
2,243
10,921
4,569
2,136
19,983
25,606
2,938
21,750
0
3,438
21,000		 128,247
70,432
57,815
57,815
28,650
86465
6,280
5,181
23,648
19,753
2,900
22,100
22,851
3,288
22,246
30,801
22,365
5,470
350
1,626
1,634
8,186
Receipts
Total Incoming Resources
Incoming Resources
Training Course Income
General Sales
Regular & One Off Donations
Big Give Donations
Gift Aid on above Donations
Non-restricted grants
Covid-19 Support Grants
Course Income
Schools Work - Youth Track Grants & Income
Expenses




Resources expended
Total Outgoing Resources
Net Incoming Resources
Net movements in funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
Costs of Charitable Activities
Costs of Covid-19 activities
Fundraising
Cost of Governance Activities
Network Growth and Promotion
Resources and Training
Schools Work - Youth Track
**, **

The net movement in funds referred to above is the net incoming resources as defined in the

Statement of Recommended Practice for Accounting and Reporting issued by the Charity Commission for England and Wales and is reconciled to the total funds as shown in the Balance Sheet that follows

19

TASTELIFEUK Statement of Financial Activities as at 31st March 2022

Total Current Assets
Creditors
amounts due within one year
Net Current Assets
Total Net Assets
The Funds of the Charity
Reserves
Unrestricted income funds
Total Charity Funds
Balance Sheet
The Assets and Liabilities of the Charity
Fixed Assets
Tangible Fixed Assets
Investments
Total Fixed Assets
Current Assets
Liabilities
Cash at bank
Bad Debt write off
Reserves
Unrestricted revenue accumulated funds		 96,425
0
96,425
96,425
96,425
2022
£
20,000
76,425
570
95,855
0
0
0		 86,465
0
86,465
86,465

2021
£
6,400
80,065
904
85,561
0
0
0
86,465

For the year in question the CIO was entitled to exemption from audit, however in accordance with section 43 of the Charities Act 1993 the accounts have been examined by an Independent Exmainer whose report is annexed to these accounts.

The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.

Signed:

Bob Dudley On behalf of Treasurer

20

CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independonl oxamlMrf• rnport on the accounts Svclitsii A IAfiÉuKé 31 rt kn4ÉG4 2ozi 20 Ch•rlty no I ISgi6 Ywiy lfv Tru￿7 tr• 2011 llh• w•* ••ciitri 145 01 2011 ffry •x•nwikn. I 145(5Mbl d ltr• A4 p•nd•nt

*A¢ity

111 •nyl." 9 iij IER OCkn1￿ 2018 21

SL'elion B Diselosurc Orty ¢cvnp rf Ihe exwniner to mattern crf ¢¢)nC￿l#e¢ CC32, IndeFwthrt cl d￿lity accwts.. and gukn for examinrB}. Gl¥• h•r• brF•f d•tlkn of

thy tt•rn• th•t th•

•¥mmln•rwl•hM dlsclo8e. O¢*bv 2018 22