Welcome to tastelifeUK Annual Report 2024- 2025 Registered Charity 1158516
Responding well to e ISderS Eating disorders are just not going away. If anything, the statistics are worsening. Hence, the tastelife charity remains committed to responding well to those affected, offering help, hope and tools for recovery where often people have no other support. Eating disorders are treatable. Responding well to their threat is what we do. This year we have defined our ground-breaking interventions as: Recovery: 8 session Community Recovery Courses, online or face-to-face. Safe, non-judgmental spaces for learning and growing. Teaching, discussion, stories of recovery and tools for life. For those affected and those who care. Prevention: 'Understanding eating disorders,, preventative, factual resources. Suitable for young people in schools and youth groups. Early intervention, ready to roll. Education: Accredited training to become a tastelife Course Leader. Bespoke training based on current education and great resources. We are responding well to the challenge of eating disorders and changing the story for the better. Welcome to ur 2024- 2025 report. www.tastelifeuk.org
xecutive summary tastelKfe 2024125 2013-2025 Community Recovery Course Courses 252 Participants 78 2468 Friends/family 21 308 Male 170 TASTELIFE YOUTH TRACK UNDERSTANDING EATING DISORDERS 11,000+ Young people have access to Youth Track with education about eating disorders. 100% Students improved their understanding of eating disorders See our 10 year Impact Report for more! Contact us for your free hardcopy or download via www.tastelifeuk.org
Why we need to tallvobo disorders - the national challenge The problem and the solution There is a gap in care for, and general public understanding of, eating disorders, despite increasing government recognition of Mental Health, and associated funding. However, budget cuts usually affect the latter, so care remains patchy. 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. With eating disorders on an increasingly alarming rise, all effective help is welcome. Statistics from Royal College of Psychiatrists record an 84/0 rise in hospital admissions in the last five years reaching a total of 24,268. Those receiving other treatment have increased by two-thirds since before the Covid pandemic. A vast swathe of people affected do not qualify for statutory care, with estimates ranging up to 11/. for young girls, and I0/. for 48-year-old women; 25/0 of those directly affected overall are male - a growing statistic. Added to this, training for GPS is limited, and they tend to focus on re-feeding and weight restoration. IAPT, GP surgeries and caring agencies refer to tastelife; and many others self-refer. For binge eaters, the arrival of weight loss drugs are a development we are watching closely for impact, benefits, potential hazards and long term results. We are mindful that drugs do not address the underlying issues that can trigger the use of food behaviour in obsessive ways. As a powerfuli pertinent and timely response to this eating disorder epidemic in the UK, tastelife trains volunteers to run a research-based, 8 session community course, online and face-to-face. This welcome, targeted resource has effective tools for support and recovery, for those affected and those who care. It is non-threatening, educational and encourages a self-help approach that really works, creating a safe, learning environment for all to come together. Relevant for most life- stealing eating issues, all material was accredited by the University of Brighton Health Sciences, and endorsed by OCN, London. tastelife resources complement NHS and other statutory services and fill the gap in support and treatment for those affected by eating disorders in England and Wales, as well as for those who care for them. These resoures are not dependent on professional funding, but on the training of caring volunteers, who can then deliver help in their local communities, and online. tastelife is also committed to Prevention of eating disorders, through understanding and awareness, via its 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. Our External training programme was launched in response to requests for education around eating disorders, for the many professionals and bodies who want to understand and respond well to those affected. whether in the workplace or community, home or friendship circle. Together with the growing tastelife team of volunteers and partners, we are working hard to get the community course, the Youth Track and education into communities and institutions around the country.
Responding well to eating disorders: Value l - Caring Our priority this year as always was our focus on people, in line with our values - Caring, Resourceful, Professional and Fun. I Caring The Community Course Hybrid - despite a tough year financially, and a reduced staff team, we have continued to offer the community course both online and onsite. Either way, the course takes all on a journey of learning about what eating disorders really are, how to move beyond them into experiencing life and health, and how to use the effective tools for life that the Course offers. GP surgeries, local eating disorder services and social prescribing continue to refer people to tastelife. The vast majority who attend make measurable progress, whether affected directly by eating disorders, or learning how to support someone who is. Pilots of the HUB delivery lor the Community Recovery Course - have taken place this year, establishing proof of concept for our 'Hub' style of delivery online, centrally administered, but still together with our trained Course Leaders for breakout rooms for the interactive and personal times. This wi15 be linked to easy booking through the Eventbrite platform. We now seek funding to enable this for the future. Training Volunteer Course Leaders - This year we have had the privilege of welcoming and training 27 new leaders to facilitate the Community Recovery Course on our 2-day training - both online and in person. They are ably supported by our Network Team, who offer full assistance via email, phone calls and resources. Ongoing research and information about eating disorder issues are disseminated via the gdrive Course Leaders Area online, which is specifically for leaders. Youth Track - Our Recovery Course Leaders have free access to this, and some take it into schools or youth groups, offering realistic, effective care to young people, plus parents and school staff. '1 now know that this eating disorder isn't a life sentence - recovery is possiblelg Course participant
Responding well to eating disorders: Value 2 - Resourceful 2 Resourceful Surviving and thriving. In common with many charities, 2024-2025 brought us significant funding challenges, and we had to fight hard to keep the charity in good shape, making some tough decisions. However, the second half of the year brought encouragement, both in successful funding applications, and our own fundraising. Resourcing our Course Leaders. As different types of eating disorders are diagnosed, we have resourced our Leaders with information through our Leaders, update events, this year online. For example, ARFID amongst young children and how to respond well to it. Education. Under the banner of our growing Education stream, tastelife has offered bespoke teaching about eating disorders to organisations and institutions. These include church leaders, online training for youth leaders, seminars at public summer conferences and national youth conferences. We also offer help and hope to all via our marketplace stands. Youth Track impact. Interest in our current Youth Track continues to grow among schools at KS3 and youth groups. It teaches them the truth about eating disorders; how to handle social media positively. positive coping mechanisms; creating a healthy body image; and how to help themselves or others. Our new resource Food, Feelings and Faith, a new version of the Youth Track tailored for Christian context, is gaining interest too. Feedback shows 42/. increase in confidence/knowledge of eating disorders; 36 /0 increase in ability to spot the signs of potential eating disorder; 69/0 increase in knowing what to do if experiencing problems with eating, or seeing this in someone else. Launch of trial webinars for youth leaders covering topics such as 'What is Disordered Eating Why do eating disorders start?> Promotion of offered help to the public through online interviews with CEO. With thanks to J.John especially, we experienced peaks of engagement and our most successful Eating Disorder Awareness Week. Podcasts. Our podcasts have been downloaded 750+ times, get great feedback, and cover topics essential to eating disorders in honest and informative ways by people with lived experience. Radio. The team continues to respond to requests for radio interviews on personal experience of eating disorders, and general information. Online learning. Developed for Birmingham Diocese staff, launching in late 2024; an example of our good relationships with church networks. Social Media and interns. Our Tiktok, Instagram and Facebook accounts inform, and encourage those interested eating disorders, counteracting other unhelpful, misleading and frankly dangerous content online. Two interns from Southampton University have worked for us to make them happen - thank you Anagha and Wareeshal
Responding well to eating disorders: Value 3 - Professional; Value 4 - Fun 3 Professional 2 x lectures on eating disorders and spirituality. Published in the Journal of Spirituality and Health here last year, our research was presented at the International Conference for Spirituality and Health in Salzburg this year by Di Archer, Dr Barbara Mitra and Assistant Professor Joanne Hurst from Worcester and Coventry Universities respectively; and at the first conference on eating disorders for medical students in London by CEO Di. Resources created for the medical, faith-based and church communities. Community Recovery Course. Planning for a fully updated Course launching in autumn 2025. NHS. Liaison with NHS Worcester with the aim of co-running our Recovery Course for patients waiting for treatment. NHS staff number in our trained leader cohort; and our third highest stream of participants are referred from the NHS. OCN London Accreditation. All our resources continued to be accredited this year. Charity stabilityi future proofing and reach. Ensuring a stable core to the charity's structures is always prioritised, in particular with a new more interactive website this year. External education. Our growing Education stream has offered Bespoke Training about eating disorders to organisations and institutions, both online and in person, including East to West, a charity working with young people in Surrey, Hampshire, London and Windsor. Help and hope to all offered via conference stands, run by team, trustees and trained Leader volunteers. Campaigning. As part of the APPG on Eating Disorders, we have supported the launch of a Report calling for better treatment for eating disorders, and also the campaigner Hope Virgo in her Dump the Scales initiative. 6 x training events for adults, including seminars on general aspects of eating disorders, including training for those working with young people in schools and surgeries. 2 x training events for youth group leaders and young people, online and in person. 4Fun Leaders, Day. While some may find this value a surprise, it is very important to include in our approach to the serious and difficult world of eating disorders which so easily pulls people down. Leading a Recovery Course is no small task, so our annual day for Leaders restores some of the balance, upskills the Leaders and gives space for networking. Unity and Vision Day. The above applies to the trustees and team too, and our annual autumn get-together in real time and space is encouraging and uplifting for all. Team spirit. Our Tuesday meetings include an element of fun to ease us through the week.
Thank you to our supporters Thank you to . our incredible supporters, both personal and grants and trusts. We literally would not be here without you. We are so grateful for all you give to help us help others. This year, we are delighted to highlight: The 29th May1961 Charity The Beer-Harris Memorial Trust The Belstead Ganzoni Charitable Settlement GMCTrust E and D Cadbury Trust The Grace Trust, Jerusalem Trust, Grant Foundation Barbara Ward Foundation The National Lottery The Post Code Lottery CB & HH Taylor Trust The Souter Charitable Trust Aylesford Family Trust Garfield Weston Foundation Lennox Hannay Charitable Trust Special gratitude to all who contributed to our most successful Big Give Christmas Campaign to date, whether as pledgers to make the magic happen, or donors during the live Campaign week in December. ++ T]hLank y()ut! ++ We are keen to extend the community-focused partnership opportunity that tastelife provides to as many relevant trusts and foundations as possible, and would like to see this aspect of our funding advancement grow in coming years. Calling all businesses! If you have an ESG (formerly CSR) programme and would like to fund us tax efficiently or support tastelife with gifts-in-kind, please do get in touch!
Our aspirations for 25/26 tastelife community Recovery courses for those affected and those who care. To continue to expand our reach with the tastelife recovery community course, both onsite and online. We aim to double the number of courses, which will offer much-needed help to 600 people affected by eating disorders. We will do this by training at least 30 new leaders in the coming year through our OCN accredited training, and develop the Hub delivery of the Course, accessible to 50 people at a time. Brand new Community Build plan to add to the above, with wrap-around care for participants to include taster sessions and centrally-led follow up groups. Network Lead to expand our support of all trained leaders. by providing new ongoing resources and up-skilling opportunities, both in person and online, and reenergise the leader network. To expand the rollout of our Preventative resources to reach a further 5.000+ young people through the development of a new e-learning version of Youth Track online, hosted on our website. Upscale our effective social media presence, adding TikTok and combating unhelpful content with the truth around eating disorders, and encouraging healthy life choices. Launch our interactive portal of resources via our new website for all those interested in responding well to eating disorder issues with an e-learning module for parents. To hold one bespoke training session per month, especially within the workplace environment, educating people to understand the issues around eating disorders and how to respond well to them. To create a new one-lesson-per-year version of the Youth Track for primary and secondary schools. New research with university team into whether Chaplains in healthcare and pastoral settings feel equipped to respond well to eating disorders. To continue to explore sources of ongoing financial support both via grants and regular giving, in order to support our expanding vision. To expand our collaborative working with other eating disorder charities, such as BEAT UK. To continue our liaison with the NHS and CAMHS: through referrals and links in communities where the tastelife course is running; through planning for training of CAMHS staff to run the tastelife course internally; and through making the Youth Track accessible to MHECPS. To host tastelife information-and-help stands at events and conferences, averaging two per quarter.
Charity aims and objectives As a registered charity that relies heavily on charitable donations, tastelifeUK will offer an expanding range of resources and services in the coming year, targeting where they are most needed, and adapting our service delivery to meet new opportunities. Our Charity Aims and Objectives, based on responding well to the eating disorder challenges, will be expressed thus: 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 resourcefulness in response to the issues around eating disorders. To systematically assess and evaluate the outcomes and success of our courses. Team and trustees Trustees who served during the year were as follows: Richard Mason - Chair Zoe Mason - Youth and Social Media Bob Dudley - Secretary (resigned 281412025) Dr Ros Simpson - Training and Medical Advisor (resigned June 2024) Joanne Hurst - Assistant Professor in Occupational Therapy Debbie Niblett Peter Jackson - Treasurer Sarah Watson (appointed 241212025) Trustees appointed after year end: Jeffery Cotterill (appointed 281412025) Trustees are inducted and trained in awareness of both trustee responsibility, and eating disorders where necessary. The trustees give valued support to the CEO. Operations Coordinator, Key Trainer, Network Coordinator, Youth Track Coordinator and Communications Coordinator; and regularly revise and update the governance policies, including Risk and Safeguarding. Our Safeguarding Lead has updated policies and training for team and trustees, plus included safeguarding training for our Course leaders, all of whom are DBS checked. We have signed up to the safeguarding service 31.8. The trustees are committed to ensuring that our services are effective.
Team and trustees 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: Financial controls. to ensure all record keeping is timely, accurate and regularly reported upon, that fraud risk is minimised and good value for money obtained. HR Management, including specialist support for employment matters during the transition to a paid staff establishment. Risk Management, including updates to the risk register which shows key risks, likelihood and impact, and the steps taken by management in mitigation of these risks. Statutory (e.g. Safeguarding) and other key policies, to ensure they are up to date and implemented through effective procedures and ongoing staff and volunteer training. We are committed to maintaining a modest level of 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. Recruitment of Trustees The Code of Conduct for the Voluntary and Community Sector includes the principle that Irustees should have a diverse range of skills, experience and knowledge needed to run an organisation effectively, and that trustees should ensure that they received the necessary induction, training, and ongoing support they need to discharge their duties,. The Trustees of tastelifeUK will ensure that there is a balanced representation of skills amongst the Trustees to help ensure that the operation of the charity operates in a professional and responsible manner. These skills include management, medical and finance. Potential trustees are invited to attend a trustees meeting to gain an understanding of the day to day responsibilities and also meet separately with the Chair of Trustees to discuss suitability etc. Collectively, the trustees decide on whether to appoint a new trust based on their experience and suitability and also provide support to the new appointee on an ongoing basis. The Trustees are constantly seeking potential candidates from their contacts and professional people who are in the community that tastelifeUK works with. 10
Financial Review 12 months to 31st March 2025 tastelifeUK, commonly known as tastelife, is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation operating throughout England and Wales governed by a foundation constitution. The principal offi'ce address of the charity is: Hales, Red Lane, Burton Green, Kenilworth, Warks, CV8 1PB. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice ISORP} applicable to charities preparing their accounts on a receipts and payments basi& Volunteers The chartty makes use of volunteers. These contributions cannot be economically quantified and these services are therefore not recognised in the financial statements. Staff Numbers The charity employs a number of staff to develop programmes, manage courses and to provide expertise in eating disorder matters. Average Monthly FTE equivalents are as follows: 12 months to 31 March 2024 3.2 12 months to 31 March 2025 2.4 11
2025 vs 2024 Variance analysis Review of k varian$ 12 months to 31 March 2025 vs 2024 12 Months ended 31st March 2025 2024 Var. Comments £k £k £k In Grants Recelved 93.6 37.9 55.7 147% Increased Fundraising attivity in 2024/2025 Fundraising by Supporters Regular Donations One Off Donations Course Income Youth Track Income Training Income Other Income -21% 17.6 13.8 28% 13.6 -28% 12.9 249% One off Course in 2024/2025 -91% -64% Less Training in 202412025 138% Includes £5k of grant for Intern5 in 202412025 100% Increased Big Give activlty in 202412025 -71% Catch up from prior years in 202312024 110% Increased bank balances 74% Big Give 32.2 32.3 Gift aid Interest Income Total Income 213.3 122.4 enditure Payroll Costs 95.3 110.4 15.1 14% 202412025 includes £5k re interns. Reduced headcount in 202412025. Compassionate Funds Subcontractors loo% 92% Reduced Subcontractors in 202412025 26% Reduced employee travel in 202412025 Employee Expenses Advertising/PR/Promotion Web Costs -63% -5.1 -1020% Development of new Website in 202412025 Course Costs Professional support Youthtrack non staff costs Training Expense Course Delivery Costs SIW Licen5es Event Expenses -25% 65% 19% loo% 15.7 12.1 77% Reduced event activity in 202412025 -78% Addition of Fundraiser in 2024/2025 Fundraising 10.7 Misc Expense Bank and Payment Charges Governance -56% -183% Total Expenditure 141.8 159.7 17.9 11% Surplusl(tkficlt) 71.5 (37.3) 108.8 12
Reserves After careful consideration the Trustees have concluded that the charity should aim to have minimum reserves (adjusted for a provision for downstzing and contracted obligations) which are the equivalent of between 3 and 6 months of (budgetedlforecasted) expenditure. In situations where reserves fall below the 3 month level the trustees will carefully monitor expenditure levels and where appropriate take action to ensure that the charity can meet tts ongoing financial obligations. (note the reserves position has improved significantly subsequent to 31 March 2024). The following chart summarises the reserrfes posrtion as of 31 St March: Reserves 12 Months ended 31st March 2025 2024 £k £k Total Reserves 118.1 46.6 Add budgeted 3 months of recurring income Deduct Grant income deferred to subsequent year 126.3) {5.5) Deduct provision for committed expenditure and downsizing (18.41 {13.9) Total available for subsequent 3 months 78.1 30.2 Budgeted expenditure for subsequent 3 months 40.1 39.2 Number of months In order to arrive at the Reserve available for subsequent 3 months the reserves are adjusted by the following items.. estimated recurring income from no grant sources; grant income received for identified purposes. grant income received which unLess received for identified purposes is considered to be forthe benefit of 12 months following receipt: possible restructuring costs. Fundraising The charity is dependent on the generous support of individuals, companies and grant making bodies. In order to ensure that the charity is sustainable and to provide a platform for extending our seNices we retained the services of a professional fundraiser in January 2024. This Fundraiser enabled the charity to attain a more sustainable position in the period to 31 March 2025. 13
tastelifeUK Statement of Flnancial Actlvlties For the year ended 31st March 2025 2024 2023 Income and Ex Recei Incomin Resources Training Course Income General Sales Regular & One Off Donations Gift Aid on above Donations Big Give Donations Non-restricted grants Course Income Schools Work- Youth Track Grants and Income Interest Received enditure 940 6,972 29,527 2,451 64,490 82,599 13,237 11,000 2,096 2,489 2,918 30,120 8,481 32,170 18,500 3,898 22,850 1,004 Total Incoming Resources 213.312 122,430 enses Resources ex ended Cost of Charitable Activities Fundraising Cost of Governance Activities Network Growth and Promotion Resources and Training Schools Work - Youth Track 101,672 10,663 1,230 5,123 3.352 19,776 106,414 7,861 1,407 11,055 3,875 29,095 Total Outgoing Resources 141,816 159,707 Net Movement in Funds 71,496 {37,277) Funds Brought Forward 46,622 83,899 Funds Carried Fonmard 118,118 46,622 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 14
tastellfeUK Balance Sheet as of 31st March 2025 2024 The Assets and Llabllltles of the Chari Flxed Assets Tangible Fixed assets Investments Total Fixed Assets Current Assets Cash at bank Debtors Totsl Current Assets 118,118 46,622 118,118 46,622 Creditors Amounts due within one year Net Current assets 118.118 46,622 Total Net Assets 118.118 46.622 Reserves Resenies Unrestricted income fijnds Total Charity Funds 118,118 46,622 118,118 46,622 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 Peterjackson - TreasurerTastelifeUK Date: £111 Iiol 15
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trusteesl members of tastelifeUK On accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 Charity no (if any) 1158516 Set out on pages 14-15 I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity ("the Trust") for the year ended 3110312025. Responsibilities and As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation basis of report of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ("the Act"). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination. I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. Independent examinerfs statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in. any material respect: accounting records were not kept in accordan with section 130 of the Act or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: Date: 21_7-1 Name: David Rogers Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any): ACA Address: Bernard Rogers & Co Bank Gallery, High Street. Kenilworth. CV8 1 LY IER October 2018
Section B Disclosure Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners). Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose. IER October 2018