2024-12-31-accounts

Trustees’ Annual Report for the Period: 1 January 2024 – 31 December 2024

Registered Charity Number: 1159664

Section A – Reference and Administration Details

Charity Name:

Space2Create

Principal Address:

Unit 31, The Factory, Castle Mills, Aynam Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 7DE

Trustees:

Current Trustees

• Chair: Kevin Hankey (appointed Sept 2024)

• Trustee: Mat Butler (appointed Sept 2024)

• Trustee: Janet Walkden (appointed July 2024)

Former Trustees

• Vivian Appleyard (resigned Aug 2024)

• Alison Barnes (resigned May 2024)

• Jamie Barnes (resigned May 2024)

• David Stevens (resigned Aug 2024)

Senior Staff:

• General Manager: Elaine Cuthbertson

• Deputy Manager: Hayley Easton

• Volunteer Co-ordinator: Aduele Hesse

• Service User Support: Julie Thomas

• Admin Clerk: Rob Tidd

Section B – Structure, Governance and Management

Space2Create is governed by a written Constitution and is constituted as an unincorporated association. Trustees are appointed in accordance with the terms set out in the governing document, either through election by existing trustees or appointment based on relevant skills and experience to support the charity’s work.

The trustees regularly review governance arrangements, manage risks through appropriate policies and procedures and ensure the organisation complies with legal and regulatory requirements.

Section C – Objectives and Activities

The charity’s objects are to promote health, wellbeing, and social inclusion through creative and therapeutic activities.

Space2Create provides a safe, welcoming environment for adults experiencing mental health challenges, isolation, or other barriers to wellbeing, supporting recovery through art, community, and connection.

During 2024, the charity continued to deliver a broad range of creative and wellbeing sessions, exhibitions, and social activities aimed at improving confidence, reducing isolation, and building community connections.

The trustees confirm that they have had due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit when planning and delivering activities.

Our Groups and Activities in 2024

Space2Create runs regular ongoing groups supporting vulnerable adults. Attendance at sessions is shown in our feedback to greatly improve wellbeing, positive feelings, confidence, and social interaction.

The groups are supported by volunteers and present activities that are accessible and fully resourced by the charity. Sessions are led by a variety of practitioners in arts and crafts.

The weekly groups running in 2024 included:

• 2Create & WeCreate – These two groups are closely linked and both are run by artist Mat Butler. They are general art groups and over the year undertook projects in acrylic painting, watercolours, wet felting, printmaking, weaving, 3D sculpting, collage, and others. The sessions are relaxed and designed so that achievable outcomes are realistic within each individual’s ability. A lot of social interaction occurs within the groups, with laughter, mutual support, chat and then periods of quiet where everyone is able to lose themselves in the creative process.

• In Stitches & Close Knit – These linked groups focus on knitting and crochet, with a great sociable atmosphere. Group members support each other to learn new skills and share ideas.

• Rag Rugging – The rugging group taught several individuals rag rugging skills in a sociable and supportive atmosphere. Over the year, the group members took on larger rugging projects as their confidence grew.

• Craft and Chat – A vibrant craft group that uses a variety of crafting skills to make items that are often seasonally inspired. The group is full of conversation and positivity, and some members entered their work into the local show at Cartmel — proudly winning first prize in some categories.

• Hands On – A more technical craft group using a range of skills to construct and make functional pieces such as boxes, decorations, and cards. Needlework is also a regular theme in this session with the group creating collaborative patchwork curtains proudly displayed at the unit.

• Kentmere Ward – Sessions run at the local mental health unit at the Kentmere Ward in Westmorland General Hospital. These provide simple art activities for patients to help them relax and pass the time. The sessions also serve as an introduction to Space2Create’s wider work, providing a familiar face for those who later attend sessions at the main studio.

• Writing Group – A very active writing group led by a local poet, using various prompts and exercises to inspire creative writing and storytelling.

• WellArt – The original group from which Space2Create developed. It remained a painting group, led by Artist Mat Butler in the first half of the year and later by Volunteer Jane, using a more step-by-step approach to help those new to painting or with low confidence.

• Men’s Group – A new group in 2024, this session focused on electronics inviting another local charity to offer advice and tuition. This led to a participant collaboration designing & building an electric guitar which was raffled off to raise funds for Space2Create

Exhibitions

Space2Create held five exhibitions of service-user artwork during 2024, showcasing creations from across all the groups.

The exhibition programme is a vital part of the recovery and support process, giving participants the opportunity to see their work framed and displayed publicly — a powerful boost to confidence and self-esteem.

In addition, S2C displayed artwork at two local GP surgeries, brightening up waiting rooms and corridors while raising awareness of the charity’s work.

Events

We also attended local craft fairs and community events, including the College Christmas Fair and the Mayor’s Coffee Morning, both of which provided valuable opportunities to connect with the wider community and showcase the creativity of our members.

Section D – Achievements and Performance

Space2Create continued to provide vital creative and social support for our members throughout 2024.

Highlights included collaboration with local partners, exhibitions showcasing member artwork, and the development of new group activities such as the Men’s Group supported by Westmorland and Furness Council funding.

Our volunteers remained the heart of the organisation, offering their time, care, and creativity to help us reach and support a diverse range of individuals in our community.

Section E – Financial Review

Principal sources of funds:

During the year, Space2Create received generous grant support from:

• £12,000 from Westmorland & Furness Council (Men’s Group and operational costs)

• £10,000 continuation funding from the Frieda Scott Trust

• £1,631.34 from the Lupton Tower Trust

• £500 from Tesco Community Grant

• £2,000 from Albert Hunt Grants

• £15,000 from Postcode Lottery Grants

• £20,000 from the National Lottery Awards for All (Main Grants)

• £5,000 from the Westmorland & Furness Support Grant

In addition, the charity benefited from service user donations, art and exhibition sales, and community fundraising events such as quiz nights and raffles.

These contributions play an important role in sustaining our core activities and enabling continued support for the people who rely on our services.

Reserves policy:

The trustees aim to maintain reserves equivalent to approximately three months’ core running costs .

This level is considered sufficient to protect the charity against unexpected shortfalls in income, ensure continuity of essential services, and allow for an orderly wind-down should this ever be necessary.

Reserves are reviewed annually in line with the charity’s financial position and future commitments.

Funds in deficit:

There were no funds in deficit at the end of the financial year.

Section F – Other Optional Information

Space2Create continues to be deeply grateful for the commitment of its volunteers, supporters, and funders.

Our work remains rooted in community spirit, creativity, and compassion , values that underpin everything we do to promote recovery and wellbeing through the arts.

Section G – Declaration

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees:

Signature: _________ Full Name: Kevin Hankey Position: Chair of Trustees Date: 30[th] October 2025

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