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← Voices

2024-08-31-accounts

Voices’ Annual Report and Unaudited Financial Statement

31st August 2024

Registered Charity 1159445

A NOTE FROM THE CHAIRS OF TRUSTEES

Voices stands out because its commitment to long-term recovery is deeply rooted in lived experience, and that makes all the difference. This thread runs throughout the design of the holistic support it offers to survivors. And beyond that it is virtually unique in elevating survivors’ voices to actively influence policy, research, and service design both within Voices and on a national level.

To illustrate that commitment, we introduce you to the hard work, joys and successes of Voices over the past year. In this report you will find both an honest assessment of what we are trying to achieve and detail on what sets Voices’ work apart. We are also delighted to signpost our ambitions for Voices, with new strategic priorities going forward, built around our existing core services.

We want to express our gratitude to everyone who helps make the work of Voices possible. Firstly we want to thank our donors (and hopefully future donors) for their giving and generosity. Secondly, we are indebted to our lived experience group and our fantastic staff and volunteers, who design and provide survivors with multi-disciplinary services to meet their wide-ranging needs.

We want to warmly welcome our new CEO Emily Denne, whose leadership is already cementing the foundations built by Ursula Lindenberg, Voices’ courageous founder who stepped down this year. Emily is determined to grow and develop Voices, truly understanding that it occupies a unique and vital position within the domestic abuse sector, set apart from other organisations not just by the breadth of its services, but by the depth of its understanding. Alongside charities across the country, we recognise the current national challenges in grants and trusts fundraising that are putting pressure on our organisation.

Notwithstanding, through the efforts of all, we look forward to a rewarding year for everyone and we are pleased to share the impact of Voices’ achievements this year with you.

Helen and Joanna Voices Co-Chairs of Trustees

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LETTER FROM THE CEO

As I write this, it has been six months since I started in role - and whilst it has been an incredibly busy period, I continue to feel honoured to work for a charity like Voices.

Our ethos of survivor-led, trauma-informed and bespoke support results in lives being transformed - and I am so grateful to be a small part of that.

These first months have focused on the development of policy and process, to agreeing how we will continue to use our phenomenal trauma recovery approach for our clients.

This has been essential in order to allow us to continue grow and develop with a strong base and strategy, I am confident that Voices will go from strength to strength over the coming years.

I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Ursula, as Founder-CEO - I am in no doubt about the size of the shoes I step into!

Thank you also to our amazing team, volunteers and Trustees for all that you do every day. My greatest thanks go to our Lived Experience Group whose support, humour and patience know no bounds - and whose insights are helping to change the whole VAWG sector.

I’d like to end though with a quote from a client - which for me, sums up what makes Voices special:

“The group blew my mind. To meet so many women, from all walks of life, and find that they understood and could relate to me was transformative. I just kept thinking: I'm not alone. I'm not alone. I'm really seriously not alone. These people get this.......it was a huge deal for me. As was discovering an absolute kindred spirit of a friend, and establishing deep roots together as buddies. The group brought me true nurture and nourishment, insights and solidarity, friendship and new life..”

Emily Denne

CEO Voices

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Legal and Administrative information 5

Voices’ history, purpose and our people 6

Trustees’ Report 10 Referrals and Beneficiaries 12

Model, ethos and support services 17

Our impact and case studies 26 Strategic direction 2025 - 2030 30

32

Financial Report

39

Annual Accounts 2023-2024

Charity name: Voices

Charity number: 1159445

Our Board: Trustees who served during the year and up to the date of this report were:

Emma Sambrook (Chair) appointed 16/12/2024 Joanna Hole (Co-Chair) 28/02/2022 resigned 25/03/2025 Helen Wehner (Co-Chair) 21/03/2016 resigned 25/03/2025 Sara Goneos appointed 25/03/2025 Francesca Carpenter

Peter Brandt

Farha Rasul

Benazir Jatoi Ogunlende Samantha Stone appointed 16/09/2024 Brigid Musselwhite 22/09/2019 resigned 29/03/2024 Lisa Whelpdale 10/07/2023 resigned 14/08/2024 Janet Ratcliffe Robertson 10/07/2023 resigned 08/01/2024 eu 6¢4. Joanne Silver 01/09/2023 to 13/02/2024 then on sabbatical CEO: Ursula Lindenberg until 29/02/2024 See eens Pg 664 Emily Denne from 16/04/2024 Registered Office: PO BOX 5184 Bath, BA1 0RZ gaFZi= a%y a 6! Bankers: HSBC UK 41 Southgate Street Bath, BA1 1TN B9\ 26 V/s $/@ @ Bath Building Society 15 Queen Square Bath, BA1 2HN Independent Godfrey Wilson Limited wat “GW ae Examiners: Chartered accountants and statutory auditors 5th Floor Mariner House 62 Prince Street Bristol, BS1 4QD

Our History:

Voices was founded in 2014, by four survivors of Domestic Abuse, who recognised that beyond crisis services, there was little in place to support them. No one seemed to be focused on their recovery or that of their children. Something needed to change - and they made this happen by creating Voices.

One of the founding members, Ursula Lindenberg, would go on to become the Charity’s first CEO. Leading the charity as it developed into a centre of excellence for Domestic Abuse recovery support, led by the voices of those with lived experience.

In 2022, the charity achieved a long-held dream, opening its trauma recovery centre, ‘The Villa’, which provides a safe space for clients to come together and access Voices’ specialist support.

Ten years on and Voices continues to work to simultaneously provide longterm trauma-informed recovery-focused support for victims and survivors of Domestic Abuse, and to amplify their voices to effect change locally and nationally. In 2024, our Founder-CEO stood down, with our new CEO, Emily Denne, taking the helm in April. As we look towards our next decade, we are excited to see how the charity will continue to grow and develop.

VOICES - OUR PURPOSE:

We will help prevent and support recovery from Domestic Abuse because we will:

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OUR PEOPLE:

FULL TIME PART TIME VOLUNTEERS
Trustees - - 6
Services - 4 2
Operational 1 2 1
Lived Experience
Forum		 - - 8
Contracted staff - 2 -

Voices’ charity makeup as of 31/08/2024

Voices is led by a small and dedicated team of staff , who come from a wide variety of specialist backgrounds. People are at the very heart of everything we do; from our clients and volunteers, to our staff and trustees.

TRAUMA INFORMED:

Voices is proud to be a trauma informed organisation, upholding the trauma informed principles of:

This year, our Trustees pledged their commitment to ensuring this works at every level, including within the Board.

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Describing Voices:

Trustees, Members, staff, stakeholders, and survivors were asked to describe Voices in one word:

“I feel lucky: they’ve been the only place to ‘get it’!” (Client, talking about Voices, 2024)

TRUSTEES’ Voices is no ordinary Domestic Abuse Service - REPORT = - indeed, clients frequentlydescribe us as unique . What makes us special is our commitment to: Lived experience at the heart of our work, The bespoke nature of our support, Our recovery focus. Together, these elements - work to empower the »? survivor. “ With the support from Voices, I Voices fill a vital gap in managed to get a non- statutory provision. If we envisage support services molestation order against my as part of a pyramid, with abuser and am now free from prevention as a foundation abuse and a lot happier within and empowerment myself” (Voices’ Client) creating the peak; = We know that government funding tends to focus on crisis and high-risk services. Our work supports prevention, early intervention, recovery, and empowerment, leading to lasting change for survivors’ families and communities..

What does this mean in practice?

Many of our clients tell us that they did not realise that they were in an abusive relationship until it was ‘too late’. By the time they identified the behaviour as abusive, the situation had become dangerous.

Our clients reflect on what a difference might have been made had they understood: healthy relationships, love bombing, red flags, informed consent, and coercion and control. They have told us that much more work needs to be done to prevent abuse and support early intervention: this is therefore a clear focus for Voices in the coming strategic period.

For victims of Domestic Abuse who access crisis and high-risk services, the focus tends to be on ‘safety’, usually relating to the risk posed by the perpetrator. Voices know that this does not mean the victim is safe. Instead, other risks may present, such as:

Victims can be left trying to manage this array of challenges, at a time when they are also experiencing significant psychological impacts from the abuse, with trauma impacting every part of a victim’s life:

Many Domestic Abuse services stop supporting victims when they feel the most vulnerable - our long-term approach to supporting them through each stage of recovery is therefore revolutionary.

Voices was the light at the end of a very dark tunnel for me and my son. They came into our lives at the point when I felt most broken and helped me to see that there was a way forward. Through the support of Voices, I was able to see a future filled with hope, freedom and happiness for my little boy. Without their support, I think we would still be very lost. I was fortunate to access 1:1 and group support, both of which helped immensely, not only in finding my selfconfidence and rebuilding our life, but also in developing a circle of friends who 'get it' and have survived too.

Having had many experiences where I wasn't believed, coming into Voices was the first time I felt heard which was so powerful. We now have an amazing life ahead of us and this was all started at a time when I didn't know where to turn and with Voices answering my call.” (Ella, 2024).

REFERRALS

Over the last year, Voices received 196 referrals, which marks a 14% increase on the last year. Consistent with previous years, we continue to see an increase in our referral rates year-on-year.

REFERRALS INTO VOICES

Following a recent change in our recording processes and referral management systems, we anticipate further increases to referral numbers in the coming year.

It is worthy of note that Voices also recognise that the referral numbers do not fully reflect our actual work - for example, it does not include people we are supporting who were referred in previous periods, those who contact us for advice and signposting, or the wider impact on the family. Our work includes supporting clients to access support for their children and others impacted by the abuse.

Self-referrals made up over 65% of our annual intake in the last year. The second most common source of referrals was from Bath based multi-agency service, Southside, who operate the commissioned Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) service. Other servises referring into Voice are:

OUR BENEFICIARIES

A snapshot picture:

Voices seeks to offer an inclusive service, recognising that anyone can be a victim of Domestic Abuse and anyone can be a perpetrator.

Risks and needs:

Time Frame: September 2023 - August 2024

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Inclusivity:
49.61%
Clients who considered themselves to have a
disability
18.6%
Multiple disabilities
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Mental and emotional wellbeing:
90%
Clients who identified mental and
emotional wellbeing needs
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90%
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Client needs:
Safety concerns
68%
Housing concerns
45%
Criminal or civil court needs
52%
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“When you have come from a situation where you are told and believe that it’s all your fault; that nobody else would understand; and that you are all alone, to find a group of incredibly strong women who are able to understand your experiences from a place of great depth, it can truly change your world”. (Voices’ client)

OUR BENEFICIARIES:

Voices offer an all-inclusive service for adults who have been impacted by Domestic Abuse, noting that anyone can be a victim of Domestic Abuse, and anyone can be a perpetrator. However, we acknowledge that it does remain a gendered crime where women are more likely to be the victim and men are more likely to be perpetrators.

As a result, whilst we are based in Bath, and primarily our services are available to those based in Bath and North East Somerset (BANES), we are seeing increasing referrals from across the local area, including: Bristol, Wiltshire, Frome, and wider Somerset. Notably, 10% of our clients came from Bristol in this last year.

Research tells us that approximately one in five adults will experience Domestic Abuse in their lifetimes, with this equating to one in four women and one in six-seven men. For this last year 95% of our clients identified as CIS women. This does highlight that we have further work to do to ensure that men feel safe and able to access our services.

A high proportion of our clients have additionally experienced Sexual Violence, with our figures aligning with national statistics that tell us that approximately 50% of Sexual Violence can additionally be categorised as Domestic Abuse. Recognising this need, we were pleased to support SARSAS to offer a safe space to support women impacted by sexual violence in our trauma recovery centre. In addition, just over 60% of our clients reported experiencing stalking and harassment.

A high proportion of service users also report mental health symptoms and emotional wellbeing difficulties. In line with research that indicates between 51-75% of women who experience Domestic Abuse will go on to experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Complex-PTSD, many of our clients present with PTSD symptoms. This last year has seen almost 50% of Voices’ clients (49.61%) recorded as having a disability, with mental health being the most common form. Over 90% of our clients identified mental and emotional wellbeing needs.

Given the fact that isolation is a known tactic of Domestic Abuse perpetrators, it is perhaps unsurprising that almost three-quarters of our clients additionally note that they lacked support networks when they first accessed our services. Voices therefore strongly support the building of peer networks and we offer the only Domestic Abuse group-work recovery provision for a wide area, covering approximately 870km2, with a population of c.375,000 people.

“Voices have been a huge help and I know they will be an integral part of my healing, they have been extremely accommodating, kind and compassionate” (Voices’ Client)

This difficulty has become more pronounced over the last year, where growing waiting lists and the challenges of a ‘postcode lottery’ have greatly impacted people’s ability to access specialist services. Voices therefore utilises its trauma-informed approach to support individuals to build their resilience, understand the impact of trauma, and learn to self-manage symptoms. We find that clients are now open for extended periods, accessing more forms of support in our service and that we are ‘holding’ cases owing to the pressure on other services. Together with the ever-increasing referral numbers, this has placed additional strain on the charity.

44% of clients identified as having concerns around their safety

52% had criminal or civil court needs

45% had housing difficulties

48% had needs around education training and employment

68% described concerns around their safety

“"I still feel alone as I do not talk to anyone about what happened but being with voices has really helped me manage better and given me a voice to talk about things that I do not share with others. Abuse survivors can feel very isolated as it’s shameful to talk about and some do not understand and we are fearful of being judged”. (Voices Client).

Support for the wider family:

Voices recognise that Domestic Abuse has long-term implications on the entire family. 75 clients supported in the year had children, with a total of 140 children between them.

Voices ensures that our support includes:

68% of our clients reported having 68% concerns about how Domestic Abuse had impacted their children.

Voices support parents attending Freedom by offering a free creche facility.

We are very proud of this wider impact of our work.

“You have changed my life and my children’s lives too” (Voices’ client).

OUR MODEL AND ETHOS: Voices offers long-term recovery services for victims and survivors of Domestic Abuse utilising a trauma-informed approach. This means we abide by the core principles of trauma-informed practice.

We are fortunate to deliver most of our services directly from our trauma-informed recovery centre based in Bath, known as ‘The Villa’.

THE VILLA

The Villa was designed with victims and survivors to create a warm, welcoming space where clients feel safe. Importantly the building was developed to not look like a traditional office, but instead a place of comfort, where relationships are built.

Voices’ ethos is that recovery is prevention and our clients are supported to access multiple services over an extended period, to minimise the risk of them returning to or being vulnerable to a new abusive relationship.

“There is a friendly and kind atmosphere in the building and you are always welcomed with a nice cup of coffee and a smile”.

(Voices’ client talking about The Villa)

For this reason, our support tends to be long-term, tapering to allow for safe, planned closures in collaboration with the client. Recognising that everyone’s experience of trauma is different, no two people’s experiences of our services are the same. Nevertheless, a pathway through our services might look a little like this:

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.
Tailored recovery
support and
to one
intervention
.
Recovery Toolkit
12 week group work programme
build self-confidence and
supporting long-term recovery .
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In this example, a client will have completed two group-work courses with us, engaged with counselling, and joined our lived experience forum, whilst having the ongoing support of a Recovery Practitioner on a one-to-one basis.

“Having multiple sources of support has given me the opportunity to not only understand what happened, but to understand how to prevent it happening again in the future. In addition, receiving 1:1 counselling alongside group work has meant that I had the opportunity to work in further depth and in a 1:1 setting on the things I was learning within the group”. (Voices’ client talking about the importance of multi-disciplinary support).

OUR SUPPORT SERVICES

We have been pleased to continue to offer our multi-disciplinary, traumainformed, and holistic services which focus on supporting survivors to recover from Domestic Abuse over this last year. An important feature of our support is the focus on rebuilding communities and developing peer relationships, which is achieved through group work and our range of creative workshops.

Our workshops run throughout the year: this fabulous artwork was created during our therapeutic collaging workshop, allowing participants to explore and externalise complex emotions. Collaging offers individuals a sense of control and empowerment over feelings of anxiety.

Pat Craven’s Freedom Programme: The Freedom Programme is an accredited and evaluated twelve-week course, designed to support women affected by Domestic Abuse perpetrated by men. The programme examines the roles played by the attitudes and beliefs of the perpetrator and how this might impact victims and survivors. Its focus is on helping participants to better understand and make sense of what has happened to them, and move away from self-blame.

The programme additionally describes the impact of Domestic Abuse on children, and on parenting.

Collaging art workshop

During this year, we have run the Freedom Programme three times (term time only). The course is ‘rolling’ meaning people can join the course throughout the year and newer participants are offered additional support by longstanding group members.

We are delighted that Freedom is supported by a creche, enabling those with young children also to attend.

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Rockpool’s Recovery Toolkit:

Voices ran the accredited Recovery Toolkit course three times over the last year. This twelve-week course aims to assist and equip women with the knowledge needed to help them recover from the effects of abuse. This means that unlike Freedom, the group is only suitable for those no longer in an abusive relationship.

The programme is designed to support people’s recovery from Domestic Abuse, helping them rebuild their confidence, self-esteem and resilience. Topics covered include:

A client who completed Recovery Toolkit during this year reflected on the impact of the course, telling us:

“Coming to Recovery Toolkit has opened my eyes massively to my own strength and potential. I am feeling more confident in myself than I can ever remember. I will be taking forward so much knowledge and am excited to receive what I am worth and only what I accept going forward in life!”

One-to-one support:

Voices prides itself on offering personcentered, bespoke, and holistic support to clients, recognising that everyone’s experience of Domestic Abuse will look different. Clients can access one-to-one support from a Recovery Practitioner, which might involve face-to-face contact, telephone support, or virtual meetings.

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Our Recovery Practitioners work with each client to develop an individualised recovery plan identifying risks, needs, and goals. Whilst much of our support will focus on safety planning and helping clients better understand Domestic Abuse, we aim to be creative and consider the wider needs of each person. Examples of support areas include: Finances

Housing and safe accommodation Accessing specialist support for children and young people Rebuilding communities and developing healthy relationships. Recovering from abuse brings our clients into contact with multiple services, systems and other professionals. We work to support our clients to safely navigate these systems in order to achieve the outcomes they deserve. The chart overleaf demonstrates the many areas of a family’s life that can be impacted by abuse - showing how our team has supported our clients over the year.

“I now have the courage to endure the (court etc) storm ahead. I didn’t have the strength before and I couldn’t have done it” (Voices’ client).

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COUNSELLING:

During this year we have continued to support clients through our specialist counselling provision. We are delighted to have now employed our first Therapeutic Lead (September 2024) and are therefore hopeful of seeing this area of our work further develop in the coming year.

“Having counselling through voices charity has completely changed my life and way of thinking. Having struggled each and everyday with mental health and trauma related to previous abuse, I found myself completely lost and feeling like I was past any help. The counselling has changed my way of thinking, helped me manage and deal with my past trauma and helped to prevent me from self sabotage. It had enabled me to begin to enjoy life and understand that I can definitely move forward with the knowledge of the appropriate tools and having put lots of trauma issues to rest. This service has changed everything for me for the better and I can never be thankful enough for help and support that I have had”. (Voices’ Client).

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LEGAL SUPPORT

Voices are one of the only services providing clients with specialist support through family court, which has been widely recognised as a gap in provision for victims and survivors of Domestic Abuse. A report by the Domestic Abuse Commissioner (2023) identified that over 70% of victims going through Family Court did not receive specialist support.

We are proud therefore to offer a free law clinic for survivors in conjunction with the University of the West of England (UWE), whereby student solicitors and barristers provide brief legal interventions, advice and advocacy, overseen by their lecturers.

The impact of Legal Support:

Without their care and skillfully placed stepping stones I know, for sure, I wouldn't have been able to summon the courage to do what I have had to do.

Voices have been by my side, at every turn, as I engage with the Court processes - which is to say that they have been with me through what is undoubtedly the hardest part of my life path so far. No question has been too small, no worry has been too big, no moment of pure fear has ever wobbled them. They hold the ground beneath my feet, facilitating me to then stand strong and tall in the legal world, and advocate with all I've got on behalf of my children.

”The only reason I've been able to finally face walking through the door to the Court room, is because of the exquisite support offered to me by Voices.

It took my patient, insightful and highly experienced case workers ten months to get me to the point where I felt resourced sufficiently to face my perpetrator in court.

For me, Voices are the exact lifeline I have needed in order to endure the court world and all that it entails. They are my glue. They are my constant legal encyclopedia. They are my guides and my light as I walk the tunnel. For all of this, and more, I am profoundly grateful: it is only with their support that I have been able to level up and do what's necessary legally to protect my family.” (‘Clara’. 2024).

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LIVED EXPERIENCE FOR CHANGE:

Our Lived Experience forum meets monthly in our premises and alongside this peer network being an important part of their recovery journey, they continue to generously input their knowledge and experience into policy and practice. This means that they have been instrumental in supporting our strategic consultation process, alongside working on both local and national projects. Examples from this year include:

Voices strongly believe that this consultative practice, enabling those who have experienced abuse to impact policy and practice is sectorchanging.

“When you have come from a situation where you are told and believe that it’s all your faulty; that nobody else would understand; and that you are all alone, to find a group of incredibly strong women who are able to understand your experiences from a place of great depth, it can truly change your world. (Voices’ Lived Experience Member).

ANNA’S STORY

Many of our Lived Experience Group have been with Voices a long time. Here, ‘Anna’ tells us her story...

I guess my story starts a long time before I came into contact with Voices. Being a daughter of a mother in abusive relationships and growing up in an abusive environment, weird and unhealthy relationships were the norm.

When my children turned 6 weeks old, I booked my first counselling session because I wanted to be the best mum I could be and break the cycle of intergenerational abuse. I would go for counselling on and off for the next 16 years, always trying to uncover how I could be better and what I could do to make relationships better.

Making contact

This was up until I found myself coming out of a controlling coercive relationship at the end of those 16 years. A powerhouse of a woman at the time came into my life and explained to me emotional abuse and controlling coercion and even though I could follow what she was saying, I couldn’t understand it well enough to explain it to my daughters. She spoke to them with me, and for me. I trusted and valued this powerhouse friend who got me to safety. She told me about the Freedom programme, and asked me to sign myself up and see if I can figure out why she asked me to go there.

.

Most importantly, she told me that after the experiences I just lived through, I needed to join the sisterhood and sit within feminine power for a while. Freedom Programme I probably didn't know it at the time, but I think I was a bit of a man-hater - some might say, for good reason. On the Freedom Programme I learnt about what abuse is, where it is, how it happens and what healthy/unhealthy relationships look like. I was blown away that I'd had similar experiences to other women.

I felt validated. I understood.

All this time of going to counselling to see how I could be a better person, to have better relationships - and what I learnt from the Freedom Programme is that I am a beautiful person - I am just terrible at picking partners because I couldn't differentiate between unhealthy, familiar, abusive relationships and the healthy ones. I learnt a lot and realised that not all men are bad.

.

Recovery Toolkit

I felt so fortunate because at the end of the Freedom Programme I was able to join the Voices Toolkit Programme. Recovery from a lifetime of tumultuous experiences takes time, several weeks on a course was brilliant but I needed more education I guess. So, I now felt like I understood abuse and signs to look out for, but how do you move on from that?

I remember even at this time, still feeling lower than a snake's belly, dead inside, numb to the world with no way of knowing how to feel anything again. Well, the Toolkit helped me to move forward, to heal and re-energise, to value myself and set boundaries - to live again. I made new friends, friends that didn't recoil in disgust or tell me to man up - people who understood, shared their own stories and wisdom - we learned from each other.

My journey of recovery with Voices continues on and I continue to make new connections within the LE group. Being part of the Lived Experience group is important to me because I want to give back as much as I have gained from Voices and support Voices to support others.

I want to be an ambassador for others to know that abuse does not define us, that we can love and laugh again, be safe and accepted, where all voices are heard in the process. Voices is a special place and for me, it is people that makes places and everyone I meet in Voices is a Champion for someone else - I see this all the time within the walls of Voices.

I stay in the Lived Experience group because I feel nurtured, valued, respected and feel the group can make a difference for others.

Almost nine years later and I am still close friends with someone I met in the group and we communicate daily.

Our ideas are taken seriously and acted upon, we all work together for the greater good of supporting survivors of abuse and ending violence against women.

Lived experience group

I initially got involved with the lived experience group through being invited to engage in online consultations with researchers at various universities to input and feedback back on what would work (or not) when thinking about conducting research into aspects of domestic abuse.

I remember it felt good to be able to have conversations with professionals, be taken seriously, inform their understanding and shape the conversations and domestic violence landscape, within the area and beyond. As the LE group grew, we agreed group rules, applied for small pots of funding to branch out our ideas and think of ways we can actively contribute to voices, support others and break the silence of abuse.

“I felt listened to. I felt validated”

OUR IMPACT

A snapshot picture:

Through our survivor-led approach, ongoing community engagement, and tailored support services, Voices is committed to creating a safer, more informed community, ultimately breaking the cycle of domestic abuse.

Our Impact

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Time Frame: September 2023 - August 2024
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Children and parenting:
Increased understanding of DA impact on 91%
children
Parenting improved 67%
Increased understanding of DA:
Completing Voices support increased my 85%
knowledge and understanding of Domestic
Abuse
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----- Start of picture text -----
Impact of Voices’ support:
Positive health outcomes
81%
Trauma Symptoms improved
85%
Reduced isolation
85%
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“Voices have and continue to be life changing for me and my family. They are the only people I truly believe have my best interests at heart. They help me of a daily basis to become a strong, more independent and confident woman. Without voices I would be lost after the abuse I suffered”. (Voices’ Client).

At Voices, we continuously monitor and evaluate the impact of our services through a robust combination of qualitative and quantitative measures. Utilising widely recognized national tools—such as WEMWEBS, CORE-10, and POWER assessments—we assess our clients’ progress at the start, during, and upon completion of their support, effectively evidencing the distance traveled on their recovery journey.

We are proud to report that our impact over the past year has been profound:

A significant strength of Voices is our groupwork approach, which has proven transformative for many clients. Nearly 85% of those who completed group sessions reported feeling less isolated.

One client shared, “Group work brought me a degree of anonymity while allowing me to relate to others who have experienced similar situations. It not only provided invaluable insights but also helped me form lifelong friendships during dark times. The 1:1 support gave me the courage to engage with the group and reclaim my power, making every session a vital part of my healing process.”

Our support doesn’t just end with the individual; it creates a ripple effect throughout the community. 92% of clients indicated that the support they received from Voices has empowered them to help others experiencing Domestic Abuse, amplifying our impact beyond the immediate beneficiaries.

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Even the quietest whispers, can create a symphony of change.

PARTNERSHIP WORK:

Voices is committed to working in partnership with organisations across Bath and North East Somerset (BANES).

As founding members of the Domestic Abuse Practitioners group and members of the Domestic Abuse Partnership Board, we actively contribute to local policy and practices.

Collaborative Efforts for Broader Change:

Here we shine a spotlight on one aspect of our partnership approach through our work with the Local Family Justice Board (LFJB). This work speaks to our commitment to improve criminal and family court processes for survivors of Domestic Abuse.

A key initiative this year has been the development of a Court guide for survivors navigating the Family Court as litigants in person. Created collaboratively with legal experts, academics, and those with lived experience, this guide aims to provide essential resources for individuals affected by Domestic Abuse. We are excited to be seeking funding for a national rollout.

In partnership with the South-West Local Family Justice Board, we cofounded and currently chair the Domestic Abuse Sub-Group. This group raises awareness of Domestic Abuse—particularly coercive control— and its implications within the family court system.

Looking ahead, we will also work to synthesize findings from the Domestic Abuse Commissioner’s 2023 report on the Family Court, helping to educate professionals on the challenges survivors face during court proceedings.

"Voices have changed my life completely. I have gone from being a victim feeling frightened of the world and nervous of everything to a strong and powerful woman with much more knowledge. My journey hasn’t finished and I still have obstacles to overcome but voices have changed my life in so many ways that I will forever be thankful for everything." (Voices Client).

CHARLOTTE’S STORY

I escaped from Yorkshire to Bath in Summer 2021 after leaving a toxic environment to put it mildly. With a safe home and new beginnings, I thought it would be easy to fit back in to “normal” life. This couldn’t have been further from the truth.

Voices feels like a big family...

I have completed Voices’ Freedom program, Recovery Toolkit, one-to-one counselling and now I am involved in the lived experience work. All of this has been lifesaving for me. So much knowledge shared, tears and laughter too. I will never forget the people I met in the groups and still talk to some.

Only once you are out of your situation, does it then start processing in your body and all sorts of symptoms from for example PTSD surface. Life feels worthless and in a kind of weird way, you wished you’d be back in the past as you were used to that. It’s what you knew. I cannot describe in words how alien it is to have a kind word said to you without consequences. Or even what it’s like for someone to ask you how your day was. The guilt and shame was too much.

I was very isolated and had only told the police about my “life”. Voices have been incredible for my recovery these past 3 years.

No one likes to talk about abuse that happens behind closed doors, even family members. Voices not only gives you the opportunity to meet wonderful people who’ve been through similar situations but more importantly, it gives you that feeling of empowerment to carry on. That you’re not alone. That you can do it despite the bad days you still have. And that you are not to blame.

Voices feels like it is a big family. Kindness, compassionate and knowledgeable. Just a few words on what Voices is.

I am forever grateful for everything Voices have done for me. I will continue to work with Voices and they have empowered me to help others in our situations when I am able.

VOICES STRATEGY 2025-2030

In these uncertain times for charities nationwide, we are optimistic to continue to raise awareness and support our valuable clients. We aim to do more outreach work and create other places of safety to meet with clients within the community.

By providing more remote support and outreach with home/community visits where there are mobility needs or other challenges to travel, we can bridge a further gap in services. We aim to reach more marginalised groups who cannot otherwise access our premises and form more partnerships in doing so.

Lived Experience at the Heart:

Voices was founded by four survivors of Domestic Abuse, and a decade on we continue to listen to, believe in, and be guided by the voices of those with lived experience. Voices will work actively to break the silence and amplify the voices of those with lived experience.

Recovery Focus:

Voices is dedicated to supporting long-term recovery from Domestic Abuse through the provision of trauma-informed, multi-disciplinary services, which are tailored to meet the needs of the individual. Ths will include group work, one to one support, therapeutic services and legal support.

Education and prevention:

Voices will offer a range of services to help prevent Domestic Abuse, break the cycle of abuse, and empower people to seek early intervention services. We will provide specialist training and healthy relationships sessions to professionals, educational establishments, corporate partners, and the public.

VOICES

This poem was written by one of our clients.

It talks to the impact of Domestic Abuse and the recovery support provided by Voices.

It is shared here with our thanks .

When you experience Domestic Abuse It can make you feel like you’re no use When all your confidence has left and gone It makes you feel like they have won.

You feel crushed and no longer yourself You feel you can’t speak to anyone else No one seems to understand what you’ve been through But deep within, you want to feel new.

You do not want to remain so crushed Feeling like your life has turned to mush Allow your voice to begin to appear Then the way forward can start to be clear.

You do not have to remain squashed and put down Stand tall, speak out and wear your crown Your new found voice can guide the way Leading you to a much better day.

It’s thanks to Voices you can see All that you deserve and all that you’re meant to be You can get over the abuse you’ve been dealt With thanks to Voices support and help.

FINANCIAL REPORT:

The last financial year has been a challenging one for Voices, and we ended the financial year with a slight deficit of £26,485. However, our overarching financial picture for this year remains positive. With an income this year of £302,254 plus £5,350 for gifts in kind, we secured a total income of £307,604, compared to £277,869 in 2022-2023.

INCOME AND FUNDRAISING

RISKS

Voices is a non-commissioned charity, and our predominant funding sources are grants, trusts and foundations, including: Garfield Weston, Lloyds Bank Foundation, The Tudor Trust and the National Lottery.

We are fortunate to additionally receive support from the local Police Crime Commissioner (PCC) and the local ICB.

Voices is working to diversify its income streams. This year, our nongrant related income was £44,250 are actively developing new fundraising activities.

Voices recognises that the current national challenges in grants and trusts fundraising are putting pressure on our organisation, alongside charities across the country. For Voices, this challenge is more pronounced as a number of our multi-year grants are due to finish in the coming financial year. For this reason, we are considering a range of ways to diversify our income.

Further risks are noted as a result of the ever-increasing demand on the service, which typically outstrips capacity. This is compounded by the following factors: e Closure of partnership services or restrictions on their offer. e Cost of living crisis.

Demands on the NHS and mental health services, leading to extended waiting lists.

As a result, Voices continues to review our services and referral processes to consider how we can extend our

provision of services, without compromising our trauma-informed approach or quality of support.

Reserves policy:

Voices has reviewed its reserves policy during this financial year. This sets out our the Trustees’ long-term ambition to have reserves that meet the following criteria:

In line with best practice, Voices will ensure that a minimum of three months of operating costs are held in reserves between both designated and unrestricted funds. For Voices, this currently sits at £77,186.

==> picture [50 x 72] intentionally omitted <==

Voices ended this financial year with reserves of £218,612 (unrestricted reserves of £161,662). Whilst this is a positive position, Voices recognises that the challenges facing the charitable sector are likely to require our using reserves to sustain our core services in the coming year(s).

Governance and public benefit:

Voices is a CIO and was registered on the 2nd December 2014. A constitution is in place to ensure appropriate governance and management, and our charitable objects are set out here:

==> picture [160 x 45] intentionally omitted <==

This report has focused on what Voices has achieved over the last year, and the outcomes of our work in the reporting period. However, in addition, during this year, a full strategic consultation has occurred, enabling Voices and the Trustee Board to fully review our vision, values, and purpose and develop a new five-year strategy. In considering this strategic direction, the Trustees have considered their responsibilities and referred to the guidance contained within the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. We are therefore confident that our new strategy continues to align with our charity objects and delivers public benefit.

Structure, governance and management:

Voices has two senior leadership roles: the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Head of Service. The staffing structure for the charity is outlined overleaf.

The Charity is overseen by an experienced Board of Trustees, with two Co-Chairs. The Board includes Trustees with Lived Experience and two Trustees directly oversee Safeguarding and Finance.

A full Board meeting takes place each quarter, and three sub-committees are in effect:

Governance Committee : is chaired by one of our experienced Trustees and focuses on ensuring Voices is appropriately led, with thought to our leadership, constitution, recruitment and induction of Trustees. During this year, they have been focusing on developing a cohesive, well-informed board and setting up arrangements for a period of mutual assessment once the new Chair of Trustees has been appointed

CSquared’s brilliant spinathon raised an amazing £1325.05 for Voices in August

APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES:

Trustees are appointed by the decision of the members during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) or by the Board ‘at any time’ (Clause 13 (4) and (5) of the CIO constitution). In normal circumstances, Trustees who have completed their term of office, stand down at the AGM.

Potential new Trustees are sought through open and transparent advertising processes, including the use of local networks and social media. No Trustee is appointed without an interview process and the opportunity to attend a Board meeting before being confirmed in role. During the appointment process, appropriate checks will be made, including any potential conflicts of interest, DBS vetting and Disqualified Directors Register.

experience, background and knowledge. In addition, we work to ensure that the Board includes members with lived experience.

New Trustees are supported in their induction period through meetings with the Chair, the potential for ‘buddying’ and a comprehensive induction pack. In addition, each new Trustee meets one-to-one with our CEO.

Looking forward:

This coming year (September 2024 - August 2025) marks the start of our new strategic direction.

Detailed overleaf are our priorities for this period, linked to our values.

Voices is aware of its commitment to diversity and inclusion, and is working to ensure the Board embraces diversity, including in regard to

I t’s given me the hope back that I can heal and move on. I don’t have to be a victim and let what has happened dominate my life. It’s giving me a safe place to be vulnerable and heal where there is no judgement but compassion and support.

I don’t feel like I’m crazy anymore as voices get it they understand just what the abuse does to people and I no longer feel so alone.” (Voices’ Client).

OUR VALUES

PRIORITIES

MEASURING SUCCESS y ‘

Evaluation questionnaires demonstrating impact of training Introduction of Trauma Informed and professionals trained across the Practice Training. locality. ° Focussing on Voices as a centre of \ Increased tailored clients support on excellence. \ a case by case basis. Trauma Informed Launch Breathe Free - a new Psychoeducational course run twice psychoeducational group work in 2024-2025, demonstrating course. increased understanding of trauma In house clinical Lead role and ability to manage own introduced.

Increased tailored clients support on a case by case basis. Psychoeducational course run twice in 2024-2025, demonstrating increased understanding of trauma and ability to manage own symptoms. Improved outcome monitoring.

Introduction of Survivor Engagement Advisor. Review constitution. Review membership model.

Expansion and development of the lived experience forum. Increased membership.

==> picture [510 x 419] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
||| |---|---| |Victim voice at the heart|lived experience forum.| |Review constitution.| |Increased membership.| |Review membership model.| |/|e| |Use of our centre for groups,| |Client feedback and increased peer| |activities and multi-agency| |relationships.| |partner work.| |Holistic|Collaboration with partner| |Multi-disciplinary services| |agencies.| |continue and develop.| |Impact measurement.| |Bespoke recovery pathways.| |e|Staff feedback.| |Staff wellbeing prioritised.| |New impact tools introduced - that| |Passionate|New outcome and impact| |demonstrate the specialist provision| |measurement tools introduced.| |being offered by Voices.| |Diversifying our income and| |growing our name.|Delivery of training courses.| |New website development.|New website and logo developed| |Activists| |Introduction of new Domestic|and operational.| |Abuse training for professionals.|Expanded Lived Experience.| |Launch of newsletter.|consultation.|

----- End of picture text -----

Client feedback and increased peer relationships. Collaboration with partner agencies. Impact measurement.

Staff feedback. New impact tools introduced - that demonstrate the specialist provision being offered by Voices.

2023 - 2024 Highlights

We’ve had another fabulous year! Here are just a small fraction of our highlights...

Kirsten attended the Circle Fund conference in London with Lloyds Bank

Ursula’s fond farewell

Bath Students Union, RAG

Nayana Jaidev joining us as Charity Support Officer!

THANK YOU

Voices would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helps makes our charity what it is.

Thank you to our clients, lived experience group, Members, Trustees, volunteers and our team.

But a particular thank you to everyone who has helped to fund us over the last year: we simply could not do it without you.

Voices

01225 984189

info@voicescharity.org

www.voicescharity.org

Statement of responsibilities of the Trustees

The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees’ report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and the incoming resources and application of resources, including the net income or expenditure, of the charity for the year. In preparing those financial statements the trustees are required to:

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;

make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended

practice have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and

prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the constitution. The trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charity’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other

jurisdictions.

Independent examiners

Godf�rey Wilson Limited were reappointed as independent examiners to the charity during the year and have expressed their willingness to continue in that capacity.

Approved by the trustees on 20 May 2025 and signed on their behalf by

Emma Sambrook Chair

Peter Brandt

Finance Sub Committee Trustee

Independent examiner's report

To the trustees of

VOICES

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of VOICES (the CIO) for the year ended 31 August 2024, which are set out on pages 40 to 56.

Responsibilities and basis of report

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

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

Independent examiner’s statement

Since the CIO’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), which is one of the listed bodies.

Godfrey Wilson Limited also provides management accounts and payroll services to the CIO. I confirm that as a member of the ICAEW I am subject to the FRC’s Revised Ethical Standard 2016, which I have applied with respect to this engagement.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

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

Date: 20 May 2025 Dougal Howard ACA Member of the ICAEW For and on behalf of: Godfrey Wilson Limited Chartered accountants and statutory auditors 5th Floor Mariner House 62 Prince Street Bristol BS1 4QD

39

VOICES

Statement of financial activities

For the year ended 31 August 2024

Restricted Unrestricted
Note
£
£
Income from:
Donations
3
1,000
33,287
Charitable activities
4
170,676
100,410
Other income
5
-
2,231
Total income
171,676
135,928
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
-
19,827
Charitable activities
205,419
108,843
Total expenditure
7
205,419
128,670
8
(33,743)
7,258
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
90,723
154,374
Total funds carried forward
56,980
161,632
Net income / (expenditure)
and net movement in funds		 2024
Total
£
34,287
271,086
2,231
307,604
19,827
314,262
334,089
(26,485)
245,097
218,612		 Restated
2023
Total
£
33,298
238,922
5,649
277,869
19,883
270,608
290,491
(12,622)
257,719
245,097

All of the above results are derived from continuing activities. There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those stated above. Movements in funds are disclosed in note 14 to the accounts.

Prior period expenditure has been restated to better reflect the use of resources split between the statutory headings. There has been no change to total expenditure or not movement in funds.

40

VOICES

Balance sheet

As at 31 August 2024

Note
Current assets
Debtors
11
Cash at bank and in hand
Liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due within 1 year
12
Net assets
13
Funds
14
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
General funds
Total charity funds		 £
11,383
231,278
242,661
(24,049)		 2024
£
218,612
56,980
55,000
106,632
218,612		 2023
£
53,699
200,746
254,445
(9,348)
245,097
90,723
55,000
99,374
245,097

Approved by the trustees on 20 May 2025 and signed on their behalf by

Emma Sambrook Chair

Peter Brandt Finance Trustee

41

VOICES

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2024

1. Accounting policies

a) Basis of preparation

VOICES is a CIO registered in England and Wales. The registered office address is PO Box 5184, Bath, BA1 0RZ.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities in preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

VOICES meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note.

b) Going concern basis of accounting

The accounts have been prepared on the assumption that the charity is able to continue as a going concern, which the trustees consider appropriate having regard to the current level of unrestricted reserves. There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.

c) Income

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Income from the government and other grants, whether 'capital' grants or 'revenue' grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.

d) Donated services and facilities

Donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item, is probable and the economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), general volunteer time is not recognised.

On receipt, donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.

e) Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity: this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.

42

VOICES

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2024

1. Accounting policies (continued)

f) Funds accounting

Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the charity's work or for specific projects being undertaken by the charity.

g) Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.

h) Allocation of support and governance costs

Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Governance costs are the costs associated with the governance arrangements of the charity, including the costs of complying with constitutional and statutory requirements and any costs associated with the strategic management of the charity’s activities. These costs have been allocated between cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities on the basis of staff costs:

2024 2023
Raising funds 2.6% 3.6%
Charitable activities 97.4% 96.4%

i) Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

j) Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

k) Creditors

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

l) Financial instruments

The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently recognised at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

43

VOICES

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2024

1. Accounting policies (continued)

m) Operating leases

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the statement of financial activities as they fall due.

n) Accounting estimates and key judgements

In the application of the charity's accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and underlying assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

The key sources of estimation uncertainty that have a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements are donated services and facilities as set out in note 1(d).

o) Pension costs

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for its employees. There are no further liabilities other than that already recognised in the SOFA.

2. Prior period comparatives: statement of financial activities

Income from:
Donations
Charitable activities
Other Income
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Charitable activities
Total expenditure
Net income / (expenditure) and net movement in
funds		 Restricted
£
£
500
32,798
186,940
51,982
-
5,649
187,440
90,429
-
19,883
211,352
59,256
211,352
79,139
(23,912)
11,290
Unrestricted		 2023
Total
£
33,298
238,922
5,649
277,869
19,883
270,608
290,491
(12,622)

44

VOICES

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2024

3. Income from donations

Donations
Gifts in kind		 Restricted
£
£
1,000
27,937
-
5,350
1,000
33,287
Unrestricted		 2024
Total
£
28,937
5,350
34,287

Gifts in kind were for labour costs of premises maintenance.

Prior period comparative:

Donations
Gifts in kind		 Restricted
£
£
500
31,898
-
900
500
32,798
Unrestricted		 2023
Total
£
32,398
900
33,298

45

VOICES

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2024

4. Income from charitable activities

Grants > £5,000
Avon & Somerset Police & Crime Commissioner
Garfield Weston
NHS BSW
Lloyds Bank Foundation
The National Lottery Awards for All
The National Lottery Reaching Communities
Tudor Trust
Grants < £5,000
Training income
Total income from charitable activities
Prior period comparative:
Grants > £5,000
Avon & Somerset Police & Crime Commissioner
Bath and North East Somerset Council
Cobalt Trust
Lloyds Bank Foundation
Medlock
National Grid
Stand With Us
The National Lottery Reaching Communities
Grants < £5,000
Training income
Total income from charitable activities		 Restricted
£
£
21,000
-
-
30,000
35,886
-
-
25,000
19,490
-
74,000
-
-
40,000
20,300
3,000
-
2,410
170,676
100,410
Restricted
£
£
21,667
-
23,607
-
-
10,000
-
27,250
-
10,000
9,990
-
24,000
-
104,766
-
2,910
1,800
-
2,932
186,940
51,982
Unrestricted
Unrestricted		 2024
Total
£
21,000
30,000
35,886
25,000
19,490
74,000
40,000
23,300
2,410
271,086
2023
Total
£
21,667
23,607
10,000
27,250
10,000
9,990
24,000
104,766
4,710
2,932
238,922

46

VOICES

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2024

5. Other income

Other income
2024 2023
£ £
Room hire 2,231 5,649

All room hire income in the current and prior year was unrestricted.

6. Government grants

The charity receives government grants, defined as funding from Avon & Somerset Police & Crime Commissioner; NHS Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire; Frome Council; and The National Lottery. The total value of such grants during the year ended 31 August 2024 was £152,876 (2023: £150,040 from Avon & Wilts PCC, NHS BANES Council, and The National Lottery). There are no unfulfilled conditions or contingencies attaching to these grants in the current or prior year.

47

VOICES

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2024

7. Total expenditure

Staff costs (note 9)
Insurance and premises costs
Other staff costs
Office expenses
Fundraising expenses
Accountancy
Project / session expenses
Consultation for counselling
Provision of charitable services
Survivor consultation
Legal and professional fees
Marketing
Volunteer expenses
Sub-total
Total expenditure
Allocation of support and
governance costs		 £
4,982
-
-
-
13,591
-
-
-
-
-
-
177
-
18,750
1,077
19,827
Raising
funds		 £
187,943
32,034
23,578
10,062
-
-
7,418
4,557
4,302
3,634
-
-
92
273,620
40,642
314,262
Charitable
activities		 £
9,135
14,686
-
6,703
-
9,773
1,140
-
-
-
282
-
-
41,719
(41,719)
-
Support and
governance
costs		 £
202,060
46,720
23,578
16,765
13,591
9,773
8,558
4,557
4,302
3,634
282
177
92
334,089
-
334,089
2024 Total

Total governance costs were £2,848 (2023: £3,391).

48

VOICES

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2024

7. Total expenditure (continued) Prior period comparative

Staff costs (note 9)
Insurance and premises costs
Office expenses
Project / session expenses
Fundraising expenses
Accountancy
Provision of charitable services
Other staff costs
Consultation for counselling
Legal and professional fees
Survivor consultation
Volunteer expenses
Sub-total
Total expenditure
Allocation of support and
governance costs		 £
5,844
-
204
-
12,259
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
18,307
1,576
19,883
Raising
funds		 £
155,141
29,264
9,107
10,191
-
-
8,020
7,695
7,566
-
1,765
17
228,766
41,842
270,608
Charitable
activities		 £
8,337
12,761
6,270
2,688
-
8,817
-
-
-
4,545
-
-
43,418
(43,418)
-
Support and
governance
costs		 £
169,322
42,025
15,581
12,879
12,259
8,817
8,020
7,695
7,566
4,545
1,765
17
290,491
-
290,491
Restated
2023 Total

Prior period expenditure has been restated to better reflect the use of resources split between the statutory headings. There has been no change to total expenditure.

49

VOICES

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2024

8. Net movement in funds

This is stated after charging:

Operating lease payments
Trustees' remuneration
Trustees' reimbursed expenses
Independent examiners' remuneration:
Independent examination (excluding VAT)
Other services (excluding VAT)		 2024
£
34,000
Nil
Nil
2,200
4,587		 2023
£
34,000
Nil
46
2,150
4,647

Trustee reimbursed expenses in the prior year related to DBS checks for two trustees.

In common with other charities of our size and nature we use our Independent Examiners to assist with the preparation of the financial statements. Our Independent Examiners have also provided bookkeeping and payroll services to the charity during the year.

9. Staff costs and numbers

Staff costs were as follows:

Salaries and wages
Social security costs
Pension costs		 2024
£
188,149
10,339
3,571
202,059		 2023
£
158,910
7,268
3,144
169,322

No employee earned more than £60,000 during the current or prior year.

The key management personnel of the charity comprise the Chief Executive Officer and Head of Services. The total employee salary and benefits of the key management personnel were £92,774 (2023: £69,524).

Average head count 2024
No.
7.00		 2023
No.
7.50

10. Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax as all its income is charitable and is applied for charitable purposes.

50

VOICES

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2024

11. Debtors

Prepayments
Accrued income
Deposits
Creditors : amounts due within 1 year
Trade creditors
Accruals
Other taxation and social security
Pension
Analysis of net assets between funds
Current assets
Current liabilities
Net assets at 31 August 2024
Prior year comparative
Current assets
Current liabilities
Net assets at 31 August 2023		 £
59,514
(2,534)
56,980
£
92,304
(1,581)
90,723
Restricted
funds
Restricted
funds		 2024
£
2,883
-
8,500
11,383
2024
£
3,009
16,396
3,825
819
24,049
£
183,147
(21,515)
161,632
£
162,141
(7,767)
154,374
Unrestricted
funds
Unrestricted
funds		 2023
£
2,833
42,366
8,500
53,699
2023
£
1,844
3,968
2,796
740
9,348
£
242,661
(24,049)
218,612
£
254,445
(9,348)
245,097
Total funds
Total funds

12. Creditors : amounts due within 1 year

13. Analysis of net assets between funds

51

VOICES

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2024

14. Movements in funds

Restricted funds
BANES CIL
BANES COMF
Circle Fund
Frome Council
J & M Britton Charitable Trust
Legal Education Fund
Liz & Jack Daniel Foundation
NHS BHIF
ROSA Fund
St John's Foundation (Programme)
The National Lottery Awards for All
Zucchetti UK Ltd
Total restricted funds
Designated funds:
Salaries
Total designated funds
General funds
Total unrestricted funds
Total funds
Women's Aid Training
Quartet Community Foundation
Avon & Somerset Police & Crime
Commissioner
The National Lottery Reaching
Communities
The National Lottery (Uplift for Cost
of Living)
The National Lottery (New
Premises)
Unrestricted funds		 £
1,526
17,941
3,520
-
-
-
7,806
-
-
-
7,377
6,042
-
91
6,768
38,266
1,386
-
90,723
55,000
55,000
99,374
154,374
245,097
At 1
September
2023		 Income
£
21,000
-
-
2,000
2,500
2,000
-
8,800
35,886
5,000
-
-
19,490
74,000
-
-
-
1,000
171,676
-
-
135,928
135,928
307,604		 £
(21,609)
(17,941)
(3,520)
(270)
-
(60)
(695)
(2,477)
(30,811)
(1,451)
(7,377)
(6,042)
-
(74,091)
(2,863)
(33,826)
(1,386)
(1,000)
(205,419)
-
-
(128,670)
(128,670)
(334,089)
Expenditure		 £
917
-
-
1,730
2,500
1,940
7,111
6,323
5,075
3,549
-
-
19,490
-
3,905
4,440
-
-
56,980
55,000
55,000
106,632
161,632
218,612
At 31
August
2024

52

VOICES

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2024

14. Movements in funds (continued) Purposes of restricted funds

Avon & Somerset Police & Crime Commissioner

Funding for VOICES' Gateway service.

BANES CIL

Grant for new premises.

BANES COMF

Contain Outbreak Management Fund (COMF) - Recovery work salary and overheads grant. Hardship payments for clients, administered by VOICES and monitored by SafeLives via monthly reports.

Circle Fund Hardship payments for clients, administered by VOICES and monitored by SafeLives via monthly reports. Frome Council To fund client work for individuals from Frome. J & M Britton To fund client work for individuals from Bristol Area. Legal Education Fund LEF funding was provided for the facilitation of survivor consultation groups by SafeLives. Liz & Jack Daniel Foundation To fund the creche for group work and associated utilities for the premises. NHS BHIF To fund recovery practitioner salaries, a portion of rent, utilities for premises, and staff management costs. Quartet Community Foundation To fund the creche for group work and associated utilities for the premises. ROSA Fund Funding from Stand With Us for new Executive Officer and Centre Administrator roles, staff training, travel and wellbeing support, and consulting, IT or website improvements. To cover the salary for the head of services and costs St John's Foundation (Programme) associated with group work. Therapeutic Practitioner post and staff management The National Lottery Awards for All costs for client counselling services. The National Lottery Reaching To go towards core costs including salaries for CEO and Communities Finance Administrator.

Uplift funding as part of existing Reaching Communities The National Lottery (New Premises) grant. Designated for premises project costs. The National Lottery (Uplift for Cost of To go towards cost of living increases to core and staff Living) costs.

53

VOICES

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2024

14. Movements in funds (continued)

Purposes of restricted funds (continued)

Women's Aid Training

For staff training at Women's Aid and Women's Aid membership fees.

Zucchetti UK Ltd Christmas gift card donations for clients and families in December 2023.

Purposes of designated funds Salaries Funds to cover salary costs if a shortfall in funding arises.

54

VOICES

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2024

Prior year comparative
Restricted funds
Circle Fund
ROSA Fund
Renishaw
Lloyds Bank Foundation
Community Matters Fund
BANES COMF
Legal Education Fund
BANES CIL
Total restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds:
Salaries
Total designated funds
General funds
Total unrestricted funds
Total funds
Women's Aid Training
St John's Foundation (Programme)
The National Lottery Reaching
Communities
The National Lottery (New Premises)
St John's Foundation (Admin, Comms
& Marketing)
The National Lottery (Uplift for Cost of
Living)
Avon & Somerset Police & Crime
Commissioner
The National Lottery Awards for All		 £
5,169
4,437
-
124
-
885
-
21,411
-
10,000
6,085
10,991
34,307
8,060
13,166
-
114,635
55,000
55,000
88,084
143,084
257,719
At 1
September
2022		 Income
£
-
21,667
24,000
-
66,500
500
38,266
-
9,990
-
-
-
-
-
23,607
2,910
187,440
-
-
90,429
90,429
277,869		 £
(5,169)
(24,578)
(16,623)
(124)
(66,409)
(1,385)
-
(21,411)
(9,990)
(10,000)
(43)
(4,223)
(30,787)
(254)
(18,832)
(1,524)
(211,352)
-
-
(79,139)
(79,139)
(290,491)
Expenditure		 £
-
1,526
7,377
-
91
-
38,266
-
-
-
-
6,042
6,768
3,520
7,806
17,941
1,386
90,723
55,000
55,000
99,374
154,374
245,097
At 1
September
2023

55

VOICES

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2024

15. Operating lease commitments

The charity had operating leases at the year end with total future minimum lease payments as follows:

Amount falling due:
Within 1 year
Within 1 - 5 years		 2024
£
34,000
5,667
39,667		 2023
£
34,000
39,667
73,667

16. Related party transactions

There were no related party transactions in the current or prior period.

56