vie
point
Annual
Report
20224
## Contents
## A Message from our Chair
## Who We Are & What We Do
- Our Vision
- Our Mission
- Our Goals
- What We Offer
## Our Governance
- Board of Trustees
- Viewpoint User Voice Council
## What We Do
## Our Year in Focus
- Our Strategic Objectives (2018 - 2023)
- Involvement and Lived Experience Support
- How does becoming a peer/lived experience facilitator support personal recovery
- Peer support in partnership with Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trus
- User Voice Council – what we achieved
- The difference we made
## Resources and Financial Management
## What is Next for Viewpoint?
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## A Message from our Chair, Joanna Bowen
Welcome to Viewpoint's annual report for 2022/23. Viewpoint emphasises the importance of people with a lived experience of mental health and addiction challenges, and they are central to all we do. With this in mind, we have continued to coproduce, seek information and offer a lifeline through our supportive sessions.
IWe have welcomed and involved more people in the organisation and encouraged them to tell their stories, influencing change and promoting recovery-oriented working.
I look forward to working co-productively with all our stakeholders to develop our next five-year strategy to ensure we continue to hear what people experiencing mental health and/or addiction challenges say, influence change, and ensure Viewpoint remains patient-centred and recovery-focused. It will be an exciting year, and I hope you will get involved.
I want to thank everyone involved in Viewpoint. I would appreciate your continued support.
Joanna Bowen Board of Trustees Chair
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## Who We Are & What We Do
Viewpoint develops innovative services that support people with a lived experience of mental health issues and/or addiction challenges. We put them at the centre of everything. For example, promoting good physical and psychological wellbeing while supporting people to be independent, have their say, and influence change to services that help them in their personal recovery.
Our support is flexible and needs-led, delivered by outreach group-based activity or one-to-one. Living experience facilitators facilitate our groups, providing a safe place to discuss issues, share experiences, and help solve problems. Alongside this, we offer a variety of educational and connection sessions that enhance wellbeing. We equip each individual with the skills, at ude, and self-belief to live a successful, independent life in their community.
We provide an independent, recovery-focused, united voice for individuals with mental health and/or addiction challenges to share their experiences of accessing support services to help shape future provision. Everyone has the right to be listened to and heard and have a voice; every individual is at the centre of our decision-making.
## OUR VISION
We will work with people with mental health and/or addiction challenges to influence change.
OUR MISSION
We provide advice and support to promote mental wellbeing to anyone experiencing mental health and addiction challenges. We involve people to provide information and a voice to improve services.
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## OUR GOALS
## **Improving Services**
Making sure that people are involved in the planning, developing, delivering, and evaluating of services to gain equality of support and treatment
## **Staying Well**
Supporting people to stay well
## **Supporti ng Choice**
Supporting people to make informed choices about services and their own mental wellbeing
## **Re d u c i n g Inequality**
People’s involvement from all backgrounds is essential to gain equality of support and treatment
## **Organisati onally**
Use all of our organisational excellence to enhance quality and develop the right resources
## **O U R IMPACT**
Feel they have been supported in a way that has reduced feelings of social and self-isolation [January 2023]
100 %
Mood was improved after taking part in one of our Connection Sessions [January 2023]
94 %
Would attend another Get Together session [January 2023]
## WHAT WE OFFER
- Giving people a voice to improve services through questionnaires, interviews, forums, co-production sessions and partner meetings.
- Lived experience facilitators lead all our projects and are at the centre of our organisation. They coproduce courses, attend meetings, innovate projects and teach students (under- and post-graduate)
- Working with local partners and encouraging better collaboration for better outcomes.
- Run projects that support people with mental health and/or addiction challenges by givin gthem new skills, encouraging involvement in relevant communities, giving 5 them a voice and
## Governance
## **Board of Trustees**
Our Board of Trustees comprises volunteers, bringing in a wealth of skills, knowledge, and experience. They are vital in providing governance, overseeing strategic direction, and ensuring financial stewardship. They set policies, monitor organisational performance, and safeguard the charity's mission. They also appoint executive leadership, manage risks, and uphold legal and ethical standards to fulfil our objectives to benefit the people we support. The Board meets publicly six times yearly.
Our 'User Voice' Council works alongside our Board of Trustees to review and ensure we work within our Fidelity Criteria in a collaborative and co-productive way and remain recovery-focused. This inclusive approach fosters transparency, accountability, and responsiveness, resulting in programs and services that better address the needs and preferences of the people we support, enhancing our overall impact and effectiveness.
Please get in touch with Viewpoint if you are interested in either becoming a member on the Board of Trustees or the User Voice Council - Contact us on 01707 386136 or email: info@hertsviewpoint.co.uk
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## **Viewpoint User Voice Council 12 Month Overview**
Throughout the past year, the VUVC have discussed and worked on:
- Aspreadsheet to record people's journeys with lived experiences with Viewpoint, giving important information about learning needs, qualifications, and skills to help their development
- Information about individuals - used to attract potential new work and involvement opportunities, such as working with the Police, etc.
- Global warming and developing a Net Zero policy
- Review of the involvement reward payments, including travel and expenses
- Reviewed and suggested changes to the website, including developing a resources section with links to other services, etc.
- Arranged a formal process to speak to trustees and staff directly
- Started developing an Induction programme
- Developing an IT programme available to all members
- Reviewed and discussed the welfare checks instigated in the COVID crisis
- Reviewed returning to face-to-face opportunities for the continuation of Get Together sessions. Discussed attendance and outcomes
- Drafted a template to use with the social work faculty at the University of Hertfordshire. This is an important development; peers must receive relevant information to guide a successful involvement opportunity
- Discussed the challenges of men-only groups - We also discussed forming a group to see what could be done for domestic abuse survivors
- Peers were asked to contribute to the Ballyhoo newsletter and involvement in developing the 13th HPFT recovery conference, which has set a theme of ‘challenges and opportunities in uncertain times’
- Discussed the challenges to recruiting new members of the Council
- Attracted new members as a result of World Mental Health Day
- Co-produced the Viewpoint Induction pack, which would be for all members, staff, trustees, facilitators, etc.
- Agreed protected time for the Council - this means no sessions for members of the group
- Took part in the debate about the user voice contract – and discussed the risks to the charity.
- Discussed Viewpoint's 20-year anniversary and how we could celebrate the special occasion
- Took part in HPFT 5-Year Strategy Stakeholder Event
- Highlight the need for a policy for booking and cancelling peers.
- Suggested the need for a coproduction course for Viewpoint facilitators and members.
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## What We
> _As part of the wider health and social care_ Do _network, we collate views of people experiencing mental health and/or addiction challenges_
_to ensure how they can positively impact the redesign and improvement of local services._ People are encouraged to have their say through:
- Questionnaires/interviews
- Forums/focus groups
- Seminars
- Attending a meetings held by partner organisations
## Involvement Peer Facilitators and Involvement Peers
Our involvement peers lead all of our projects and are at the centre of our organisation. We encourage people to co-produce and collaborate in service delivery and the organisation’s governance.
We host fora forums where people give us feedback on development, potential gaps in services, and exploring new opportunities to broaden our service delivery. We also hold co-productive sessions for all elements of our work and the development of any new projects.
We are a user lead organisation and encourage people with lived experience to get involved by:
- Co-designing and co-deliver courses and sessions
- Taking part in interview panels
- Attending meetings on behalf of Viewpoint
- Taking part in audits, surveys or evaluations involving designing surveys, questionnaires, running groups etc
- Joining innovative working groups to design aspects of the organisation
- Innovative projects
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## Our Year In
Focus _Viewpoint remains committed to creating a safe and nonjudgmental place where people can receive a warm welcome and help to access the proper support at the right time. Everyone has the right to be listened to and heard and have a voice, and every individual is at the centre of decision-making._
Viewpoint continues offering a unique service across Hertfordshire. Our main objective is to support people to have a voice and move forward in their recovery. We have offered support people through telephone and digital online support, providing
Immediate and assessable lived experience support groups;
An opportunity for experts by experience a chance to coproduce and co-deliver all aspects of our service; Partnerships with statutory and local community agencies to ensure people with mental health and/or addiction challenges have a voice.
We continued participating in meetings and committees to ensure partners heard the user's voice.
## Facebook
379 Likes, 451 Followers Reach increase of 211.2% (Jan 22 - Feb 23)
Twitter 976 Followers
The Viewpoint Network
Instagram 160 Followers
## Weekly Bulletin
Sent every Friday to 800 subscribers (as of 14.3.24) 34% email open rate
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## Our Strategic Objectives
## 2018 - 2023
Viewpoints' **Together we can influence change' Strategy** (2018-2023) describes how we will work with people with mental health and/or addiction challenges to influence change and achieve positive outcomes. We aim to ensure that people who use both Viewpoint services and those provided by other organisations are at the centre.
## Viewpoint’s current strategic objectives are:
- 1.We will improve, innovate and transform Viewpoint productive and highquality service through co-development and codelivery
to provide the most effective,
- 2.We will deliver opportunities for people who use services, to enable them to (i) develop skills to self- manage and (ii) influence other organizsations to hear and respond to what people say
- 3.We will improve the wellbeing of people through the delivery of effective, evidence-based service
- 4.We will attract, retain and develop staff people with
**----- Start of picture text -----**
the right skills and values
**----- End of picture text -----**
Note; For people, read people with mental health and/or addiction challenges
We have held several sessions to think about our Strategy, which has enabled us to think more about what is unique about Viewpoint and begin to review the Strategy to take the charity forward.
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## Involvement and Lived Experience Support
_Lived experience support holds immense value for people experiencing mental health challenges. Shared lived experiences create a unique bond, fostering empathy and understanding. Peers offer non-judgmental, relatable perspectives, promoting a sense of connection and reducing isolation. This support complements professional services, enhancing recovery outcomes. Peer support empowers individuals, instils hope, and encourages self-advocacy. It contributes to a collaborative and inclusive mental health landscape, breaking down stigma. Through shared narratives, coping strategies, and encouragement, peer support builds resilient communities, promoting holistic healing. Its value lies in its transformative impact on individuals, promoting recovery, and creating a supportive, empathetic environment._
_We offer all our lived experience facilitators a bespoke learning package co-produced with IMROC (Implementing Recovery through Organisational Change). We also provided a series of co-produced learning opportunities throughout the year. After attending the workshops, experts will represent the organisation and become Peer/lived experience facilitators. We then match them to the opportunities we have. Currently, we have 15 peer/lived facilitators and 15 volunteers._
_Peer/lived experience facilitators run most of our sessions to support people with mental health challenges by sharing the wisdom of their own lived recovery experiences, inspiring hope and belief that recovery is possible in others._
_Being a peer/lived experience facilitator can significantly aid personal recovery by providing a sense of purpose and empowerment. Sharing lived experiences fosters a meaningful connection with others facing similar challenges, reducing feelings of isolation. It reinforces the individual's journey of self-discovery, promoting resilience and self-esteem. The role also encourages ongoing learning, enhancing coping skills and self-awareness. It helps to build a supportive community, reinforcing the importance of mutual assistance. By positively impacting the lives of others, facilitators often find a renewed sense of identity, fostering a transformative and affirming experience that contributes to their ongoing recovery journey._
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## What Jason says about being a peer/lived experience facilitator
Being a peer/lived experience facilitator with Viewpoint has been great for my continuing recovery journey. I've been able to connect with others who have shared experiences and learn from people from very different stories, and in doing so, I'm part of a wider community.
While I am there to facilitate groups and offer support, I've often found that Viewpoint group members also try to lend support, share resources and provide information, and sometimes I have found myself benefiting from that help.
My skills and confidence as a facilitator have also grown through my work with Viewpoint, which has helped my overall self-esteem and confidence. There are frequently new opportunities to get involved as well, and there is always more to learn.’
## Jason Langley
Peer Support Coordinator Viewpoint
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## Peer Support in Partnership with Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (HPFT)
Over the year, our peer support team working as part of the Enhance Primary Mental Health Service (EPMHS) based in Watford and Lower Lee Valley continued to offer support to people experiencing mental health challenges.
We helped them to make a positive difference in their wellbeing and progress in their unique recovery journey.
This support was provided through:
1:1 support weekly sessions either remotely or via face-to-face calls.
Online weekly peer support groups average 10+ participants at each session, and people attending the groups would sometimes co-facilitate sessions.
Supported colleagues to co-facilitate psychological-based therapy sessions. Examples include: Beginnings Group.
THRIVE group for 18 to 26-year-olds.
STEP exercise group offering peer support alongside.
Conducting evaluation and feedback sessions.
4. We have also promoted and encouraged people with lived experience of both mental health challenges and using the Trust services to become involved through the Trust Involvement Team, which laid the ground for setting up a Primary Care Advisory Council, which opened in September
## What people we supported say:
‘The only reason my suicidal thoughts were not acted upon was the thought of my wife or daughters being the ones to find me and how that would affect their lives, so in essence, I owe my life to them! I was contacted by the peer support team, who invited me to an online peer support group.....and I am still attending these every week.
I have found and still find these discussions extremely insightful but also extremely helpful. I have gained knowledge regarding coping mechanisms, advice, and life experiences from other attendees……………
I have identified methods used by others that can assist me in moving forward in a much better frame of mind now, and I would not have been able to identify these without the guidance of the peer workers. I cannot thank them enough ....... Keep up the excellent work’. - Jo
'Thank you so much for your support. ...... I'm going to take that time to really work on recovery. .......So I've also managed to get out with A to the Beaumont centre and do an art class and a knitting class. It's been good to be around people like myself, like a Lil community; I doubt I'd have got this far on my own steam, so I'm grateful for you holding my hand the last couple of years; I couldn't have done it without you. Thank you for your support, guidance, time and encouragement. I really appreciate you and all you've done to get me out of the desperate places I go to . You've worked so hard with and for me, .... 🙏
If there's anything I can do to repay your kindness please let me know... Thanks'.
‘R, S and M regularly attended Peer Support Group Workshops; they have since participated in Viewpoints Introduction to Peer Support training and then the Imroc training to fully qualify as peer support champions. They were instrumental in coproducing their own self-run peer support group with Viewpoint, which is being developed to receive referrals from other organisations. S also made a moving video presentation at the HPFT Recovery Conference 2022’. - Olgar
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## The difference we made
We encourage people experiencing mental health and addiction challenges to become Viewpoint members. Currently, we have 508 members. Membership offers an opportunity to receive up-to-date information about our engagement and involvement opportunities. In addition, we send out a weekly news bulletin highlighting what we have to offer and how they might get involved in influencing change across the health and social environment.
## **Overview**
We offered a variety of sessions, attended committees and meetings, and provided educational sessions and connection opportunities throughout the year:
Attended 25 committees or meetings to make sure the user's voice is heard; Held 162 connection sessions with 1000 attendees;
Held 15 ‘Get Together’ sessions – 97 people registered;
Offered 34 workshops/awareness sessions – 230 attendees;
Offered 5 co-production sessions – 57 people registered;
Ran 3 introductions to peer support for Viewpoints peer/lived experience experts with 14 participants
Ran 5 Mental Health First Aider training courses, 49 participants;
## University of Hertfordshire:
47 Interview sessions for either Nurse or social work students;
9 recovery narrative sessions for pre and post Approved Mental Health Professionals.
We attracted 46 new members.
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## What we offered and what participants told us
## **Connection sessions**
Forging meaningful connections is vital for mental health. Social bonds offer emotional support, reducing feelings of isolation and stress. Shared experiences and understanding create a sense of belonging, fostering resilience. Positive connections promote a supportive environment, enhancing overall well-being and contributing to a more robust mental health foundation. Our connections sessions continue to make a difference - as can be seen from the participants' responses – and there was a huge difference in how they felt at the beginning and end of the session. All categories had a positive shift—the table below reflects 413 completed evaluation forms.
|**How partcipants felt**|**At the beginning of the**
**session**|**At the end of the session**|
|---|---|---|
|Angry/Irritated|56.77% (228)|0.90% (3)|
|Anxious/Scared|21.30% (88)|1.45% (6)|
|Lonely|27.36% (113)|0.30% (1)|
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|Overwhelmed|19.12% (79)|1.21% (5)|
|Connected|5.56% (23)|51.08% (211)|
|Hopeful/optimistic|17.91% (74)|29.05% (120)|
|In control|3.14% (13)|6.29% (26)|
|Happy|5.08% (21)|30.99% (128)|
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## Active in Mind project
Viewpoint received funding for our innovative ‘Active in Mind’ project from Comic Relief via Groundworks. Our original project proposed running six sports health and wellbeing / social activity pop-up groups—3 for men and 3 for women. Each session would have a peer support group after the activity session. However, after consideration, discussion with experts by experience and negotiating with Groundworks, we amended our offer. We had concerns about the safety of participants and felt they would benefit the physical/sports element led by a qualified sports trainer and first-aider.
We ran gender-specific sessions and mixed sessions. Two peer/lived experiences facilitated the support group after the activity session supported all groups. Forty-eight participants participated in the weekly sessions, and eight peer/lived experience facilitators supported 27 sessions across Hertfordshire.
We received 48 completed evaluation forms. What participants said:
No of participants who identified personal goals - 47 (98%)
Were you able to make connections with other group members -
Strongly agree/agree - 44 (91%)
Did you feel supported to have your say?
Strongly agree/agree - 41 (86%)
Did you feel supported to problem solve?
Strongly agree - 41 (86%)
Did you meet your recovery goal for attending?
Strongly agree - 39 (82%)
Would you recommend Viewpoint to someone else? - 47 (98%)
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## Men’s Closed Peer/lived Support Groups
_Our Closed Peer/Lived Experience Support Group Project aimed to support men experiencing mental health challenges. The group offered both practical cookery sessions alongside peer support. It aimed to help men, enabling an attitude of self-belief and self-empowerment to help them live successful, independent lives, reduce isolation, and equip them with skills to increase the potential for further education and employment._
_We ran six weekly sessions and had 33 participants._
_What participants said_
_100% felt supported to have their say_
_100% made connections_
_85% felt supported to problem-solve_
_85% Felt they had met their recovery goal_
_71% would recommend Viewpoint_
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Our Get Together forums allow Viewpoint members to meet and share their views and ideas regarding mental health and drug and alcohol services within Hertfordshire. They provide an opportunity to learn more about mental health services in the community and share views. They feature special guest speakers from various organisations across Hertfordshire, providing up-to-date information on projects and services. It also offers the opportunity to raise any concerns or questions about experiences.
We ran 15 sessions; subjects included burn-out prevention, the cost of living crisis, and learning about services, including Hertfordshire Complex Needs, New Leaf Recovery and Wellbeing College and Headway services. We also had a session to offer support over Christmas.
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## Working with the University of Hertfordshire
Viewpoint has supported the development of
undergraduate and post-graduate mental health nurses and social workers for some years and continues getting very positive feedback. The students are always grateful and positive about the insight Viewpoint lived experience facilitators.
## Connection Sessions
Viewpoint lived experience facilitators participated in the following:
## **Interviews**
30 Nurse Interview sessions
17 Social Work Interview sessions
Approved Mental Health Professional (AHMP) sessions
Peer/lived experience facilitators shared their recovery stories at 6 AHMP and 3 with pre-AHMP students.
## **Teaching sessions**
5 MH Nurse Teaching Sessions
6 Social Work Course Planning and Programme Presentations
2 Paramedic Teaching sessions
Took part in Equality and Diversity, Personality Disorder and the Impact of Gender and Being Transgender Days
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Working with the University of Hertfordshire **Service Satisfaction** We encourage our members to comment yearly on our service and possible new developments. They told us: 97% (37) said they felt supported in accessing appropriate information. 95% (36) felt they had been supported to improve their feelings of self-worth and mental wellbeing.
## Comments & Testimonials
Comments made:
Having the opportunity to deliver training and facilitate peer support sessions is really valuable to my wellbeing. It allows me to be me to be honest and real about my experiences and challenges and support others.
Viewpoint providing regular support in the form of different groups has definitely improved my self-worth. There’s never any judgment if you’ve missed a session, making me want to keep returning. Also, having space with people who understand how to enjoy a laugh about living with mental health issues is invaluable.
Being in Viewpoint gives me purpose and meaning. It makes me more creative. I get support & understanding from interacting with my peers. Through expression, I get a better perspective on my situation. I learned practical tips on things like self-care.
Testimonials
‘….. I’m a very social person and enjoy the company of others, and without Viewpoint’s activities, I would have felt lonely, isolated and cut off. The activities have been really great because they are connecting people together and keeping us busy... They give me something to do during the day, and I get to know new people, which I think is very good. I’m not sure what I would have done without them; they make me feel better, and I really enjoy them.
A big thank you to everyone who has hosted an activity with Viewpoint.’
‘It is lovely that Viewpoint cares about their members/service users in such a lonely time. Choosing to come out of an abusive relationship because of COVID-19 was a challenge and still is, but I found the skills Viewpoint gave me helped me through what I had to do, and the people I met through Viewpoint are supporting me still. So thank you, Viewpoint. I'm still learning who I am, and it’s hard, but I will get there.’
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## Mental Health First Aid
_**Mental health first aid training is essential because it equips individuals with the skills to recognise and respond to people experiencing mental health challenges. It reduces stigma, fosters empathy, and provides tools for early intervention, potentially preventing crises. By promoting a supportive environment, mental health first aid contributes to a more compassionate and understanding community.**_
This year, we have run five courses with 49 students from across the community, including people who experience mental health challenges, which continues to be well received. What participants say:
- 100% (49) felt the course helped them think differently about mental health.
- 95.91% (47) felt more confident to challenge mental health stigma.
- 95.91% (47) felt more confident to challenge discrimination.
## **Participants comments:**
‘It has taught me how to respond better to situations and different types of mental health.’
‘That everyone has mental health, whether good or bad.’
‘Mental health is a lot more than just an umbrella term for a wide range of illnesses and issues. Also, it's made me become a lot more aware that everyone will deal with mental health in very different ways, even if they are experiencing the same symptoms.’
‘It has made me think about how mental health can be applied to the workplace if there are any measures we can put into place that will help colleagues. As a team leader, I feel it will be very beneficial in helping me spot the signs of mental health concerns but also how to best support that individual and how to approach that individual.’
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## What Is Next For Viewpoint?
_We need to review our strategic objectives. We will work with all stakeholders to co-produce our strategy for the next five years to enable Viewpoint to be innovative and transformative, ensuring we place people at the centre._
_We will continue to:_
- _Holding co-production sessions to develop new and innovative ways of working;_
- _Work with peer/lived experience facilitators to support people experiencing mental health challenges and support the organisation in capturing the voice of people using services;_
- _Develop co-produced projects that enable people to manage their wellbeing and set their goals for success;_
- _Approach organisation to make sure we gather the information to influence change and meet people's needs;_
- _Learn from all the information and data;_
- _Ensure people have a wider voice in the transforming agenda across both the statutory and voluntary sectors._
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## Membership
_We encourage people to become members of Viewpoint, as this gives them a far more significant influence on what we do._
_After joining,Viewpoint members will receive opportunities to:_
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Give us a greater voice to influence change
Attend courses
Attend forums, focus groups, seminars etc
Attend the Peer development pathway to become a Peer Facilitator
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Get involved in projects
To learn more about our membership, the benefits of doing so, how to access our weekly news bulletin and more, please visit our website:
www.hertsviewpoint.co.uk/ become-a-member
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## Resources and Financial
## Management
The principal funding for Viewpoint continues to come from Hertfordshire County Council (HCC); the total grant received in respect of the User Involvement Commission for Mental Health was c. £137,000. This grant continues to be fundamental to Viewpoint’s viability, and without this ongoing work, the charity’s future would be very much at risk.
Viewpoint reported a surplus of £45,472, which is an improvement of £2,772 (+6.5%) from last year. Total income for the year was almost £328,000, an increase of c. £85,500 (+35.2k) on the previous year. However, this significant increase in revenue did not translate
into similar growth in Viewpoint’s reported surplus because the incremental income came from the HPFT Peer Support Project and is primarily offset by its directly related salary and related costs.
The grant from HCC and the HPFT Peer Support Project income accounts for c.75% of the charity’s total income. The third largest tranche of revenue came from Health Education England (£52,275) to deliver a Peer Support training programme.
We control the charity’s direct costs tightly. The overheads and the year-on-year increase are primarily driven by the recruitment and salary costs of the Peer Support Team, who are employed to fulfil the HPFT Peer Support project requirements.
Viewpoint’s accumulated reserves on 31st March 2022 are £138,593. Therefore, with the retention of the HCC User Involvement contract confirmed for 2022/23, it goes into the new year in a solid and stable financial position.
We continue to appreciate significantly all those organisations and individuals supporting our charity. We would also like to recognise our staff and volunteers for their unstinting hard work and commitment throughout the year.
Total income for the year
£328,000
Accumulated reserves
£138,593
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## How We Have Engaged With
## People Workshops and Courses
Viewpoint offered 12 workshops or courses over the year. Some ran for several sessions, others one-off.
We ran sessions on:
- Active Listening
- Charity involvement rewards
- Domestic Abuse
- Healthy Habits
- HIV Awareness
- Meditation
- Mindfulness
- Moving into Awareness
- Reforming the Mental Health Act
- Confidence Building
- Section 136 of the Mental Health Act
- The Role of an Approved Mental Health Professional (AHMP)
## **W h a t Parti cipants Said**
- 81% felt the tutor was supportive to their needs
- 100% felt the tutor was both confident and knowledgeable about the course subject
- 99% would recommend Viewpoint to others.
**About the parti cipants:**
- 74% women
- 5% men
- 1% non-binary
- 81% were aged 45 – 65
- 13% had long term mental health challenges
- 18% had another health challenge
- 33% were primary carers
## Peer Support
## **W h a t Parti cipants Said**
Peer support is an essential element of the work of Viewpoint. Sessions allow people to find solutions to challenges, support each other, and put in structures that build resilience and support their mental wellbeing.
- 100% felt they had made connections
- 89% felt the facilitator was supportive
- 89% felt supported to have their say
- 100% had met their goal for attending
- 100% would recommend Viewpoint to others
**About the parti cipants:**
- 70% women
- 32% men
- 1% non-binary
- 81% were aged 45 – 65
- 77% had long term mental health challenges
## **W h a t people said:**
- _‘I like that we feel at ease with one another and can speak about whatever’s on our minds without judgement’_
_‘Connecting with others, sharing experiences, being respected and validated, being listened to and heard, being supported through challenging times’_
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## We Need Your Help
## You can get involved by
- Becoming a Trustee
- Becoming a Member
- Becoming a Peer Facilitator
- Becoming a Volunteer
## Contact us on **01707 386136** or email: **info@hertsviewpoint.co.uk**
## THANK YOU TO ALL OUR FUNDERS AND DONORS
If you would like to donate to Viewpoint, please follow the link to:
https://www.hertsviewpoint.co.uk/donate/donate/
5/credit-card
Virgin Money Giving http://localgiving.com/charity/viewpoint; https://www.hertsviewpoint.co.uk/donate/donate G Pay
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Website: hertsviewpoint.co.uk Social Media: @hertsviewpoint
Weltech Business Centre Ridgeway Welwyn Garden City AL7 2AA +44 (0)1707 386136 info@hert sviewpoin t.co.uk
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 44CB16BB-D8E4-4BE7-9931-A9C66CACCF30
**Charity Registration No. 1159735**
## VIEWPOINT
**Report of the Trustees & Financial Statements**
**Year Ended 31[st] March 2023**
DocuSign Envelope ID: 44CB16BB-D8E4-4BE7-9931-A9C66CACCF30
**VIEWPOINT**
## **CONTENTS**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st March 2023**
|Independent Examiner’s Report
Charity Information
Trustees Report
Statement of Financial Activities
Balance Sheet
Notes to the Financial Statements|**Page**
3
4
5
6
7
8 - 9|
|---|---|
2
DocuSign Envelope ID: 44CB16BB-D8E4-4BE7-9931-A9C66CACCF30
**VIEWPOINT**
## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st March 2023**
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity for the year ended for the year ended 31 March 2023 which are set out on pages 5 to 9.
## **Responsibilities and basis of the report**
As the charity’s trustees 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 Charity’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**
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:
- the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
- the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
- the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts as set out in the Charities (Accounts & Reports) Regulation 2008 other than the requirement that the accounts give a ‘true & fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
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 to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
…………………………………….
**George Davidson FMAAT** Resolve Corporate Ltd Unit 11, Garden Court Tewin Road Business Centre Welwyn Garden City Hertfordshire AL7 1BH
3
DocuSign Envelope ID: 44CB16BB-D8E4-4BE7-9931-A9C66CACCF30
**VIEWPOINT**
## **REFERENCE & ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS**
## **AS AT 31st MARCH 2023**
## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS**
|Registered Charity number:|1159735||
|---|---|---|
|Registered office:|Unit 28, Weltech Centre||
||Ridgeway||
||Welwyn Garden City||
||Hertfordshire||
||AL7 2AA||
|Trustees|Joanna Bowen|Chairman|
||Ashley Risk||
||Bryony Kirby (appointed 02.11.2022)||
||Eni Bankole-Race||
||Jacqui Lynskey||
||Meredith Griffiths (resigned 17.10.2022)||
||Ray Gibbins||
||Simon Taylor|Treasurer|
||Yetunde Rachel Kasonga|Secretary|
|Independent Examiner|George Davidson||
||Resolve Corporate Ltd||
||11 Garden Court||
||Tewin Road Business Centre||
||Welwyn Garden City||
||Hertfordshire||
||AL7 1BH||
|Bankers|CAF Bank||
||25 Kings Hill Avenue||
||Kings Hill||
||West Malling||
||Kent||
||ME19 4TA||
|Chief Executive Officer|Leslie Billy||
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 44CB16BB-D8E4-4BE7-9931-A9C66CACCF30
**VIEWPOINT**
## **TRUSTEES REPORT**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st March 2023**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES**
The Trustees of Viewpoint present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31[st] March 2023.
## **STATUS**
Viewpoint was established under a constitution and registered as a charity with the Charity Commission on 29[th] December 2014.
## **PURPOSE**
The promotion of mental health in the county of Hertfordshire, in particular but not exclusively, by the involvement of users and former users of mental health services in the planning, development & delivery and monitoring of those services and the advancement of the education of the public in all aspects of mental health and addiction.
## **RESERVES POLICY**
The Trustees have examined the Charity's requirements for reserves in the light of the main risks to the organisation and have established a policy whereby they wish to work towards the balance of unrestricted funds being equivalent to at least three months core funding.
## **PRINCIPAL FUNDING SOURCES**
The principal funding source for the organisation is Hertfordshire County Council who contributed a total of £144,675 in 2022/23 (2021/22 £151,706).
Viewpoint also provided mental health peer support throughout Hertfordshire in conjunction with the Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust. This contract started in September 2020 and finished in March 2023 generating income in the year of £110,000 (2021/22 £111,112)
The Charity also partners with other local government organisations and charities on projects commensurate to its purpose as stated above.
## **Future Plans**
The Charity plans to continue the activities outlined in the forthcoming year subject to satisfactory funding arrangements.
## **ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD** :
............................................. **Joanna Bowen** Chairman
5
DocuSign Envelope ID: 44CB16BB-D8E4-4BE7-9931-A9C66CACCF30
**VIEWPOINT**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES**
## **Year Ended 31 March 2023**
|**Incoming Resources**
Notes
Grants
2
Training Group
Sundry Income incl. donations
3
Total Incoming Resources
**Charitable Expenditure**
Staff Costs
Office Expenses
Premises Costs
User Group Support
Equipment & Training Costs
Training Group Costs
Staff & Volunteer Travel
**Management & Administration**
Management
Legal & Professional
Accountancy
Marketing & Advertising
Bank Charges
Provision for bad debts
Total Resources Expended
**Net Surplus /**-**Deficit for the year**
Fund balances brought forward
**Total Funds carried forward**|Year Ended 31st
March 2023
£
£
287,810
7,286
6,442
301,538
227,829
20,706
18,926
20,101
4,895
1,745
223
294,425
5,714
3,913
650
416
144
0
10,837
305,262
**-3,724**
138,593
**134,869**|Year Ended 31st
March 2022
£
£
322,113
3,395
2,432|Year Ended 31st
March 2022
£
£
322,113
3,395
2,432|
|---|---|---|---|
||227,829
20,706
18,926
20,101
4,895
1,745
223|209,731
20,102
16,194
12,442
3,285
1,356
111|327,940|
||||263,221
19,247|
||5,714
3,913
650
416
144
0|7,080
11,049
650
0
205
263||
|||||
||||282,468|
|||||
||||**45,472**|
||||93,121
**138,593**|
6
DocuSign Envelope ID: 44CB16BB-D8E4-4BE7-9931-A9C66CACCF30
**VIEWPOINT**
## **BALANCE SHEET**
## **As at 31st March 2023**
|Notes
**Fixed Assets**
Tangible Assets at Net Book Value
**Current Assets**
Debtors amounts falling due within one year
4
Cash at bank and in hand
Total Current Assets
**Current Liabilities**
Creditors due within one year
5
Total Current Liabilities
**Net Current Assets**
**Total Assets less Current Liabilities**
**Creditors due after more than one year**
6
**TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES**
**Analysis of Total Funds**
Unrestricted Funds
Restricted Funds
**TOTAL FUNDS**|2023
Total
Funds
£
0
21,502
150,765
172,267
-32,398
-32,398
139,869
139,869
-5,000
**134,869**
134,869
0
**134,869**|2022
Total
Funds
£
0
12,086
161,635|
|---|---|---|
|||173,721|
|||-27,128|
|||-27,128|
|||146,593|
|||146,593
-8,000|
|||**138,593**|
|||128,661
9,932|
|||**138,593**|
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 2[nd] August 2023 and were signed on its behalf by:
............................................. Joanna Bowen, Chairman
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 44CB16BB-D8E4-4BE7-9931-A9C66CACCF30
**VIEWPOINT**
## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2023**
## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES**
**1.1 General.** These accounts have been prepared under the historical; cost convention and in accordance with applicable accounting standards and the statement of recommended practice on accounting and reporting by charities
**1.2 Grant Income.** Revenue grants are matched with the related expenditure.
**1.3 Expenditure.** Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis when a liability is incurred, as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the Charity to the expenditure.
**1.4 Tangible Fixed Assets.** Capital expenditure in the year is shown net of any grants received. Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates to write off each asset over its estimated useful life. Individual assets purchased with a cost (net of grants) lower than £2,000 are expensed in the year of purchase.
**1.5 Taxation** The Charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities & is not registered for VAT.
**1.6 Fund Accounting.** Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the Trustees. Restricted funds can only be used for restricted purposes within the objects of the Charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
**1.7 Pension Costs and Other Post-retirement Benefits.** Viewpoint operates a defined contribution pension scheme; employer contributions payable to the scheme are charged to the Income Statement in the period to which they relate.
## **2. GRANTS & CHARITABLE INCOME**
|Hertfordshire County Council:
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (HPFT)
National Lottery
Edward Gostling Foundation
Comic Relief (Groundwork)
Health Education England
North Hertfordshire District Council
Sundry
**Total**|2023
£
144,675
113,282
10,892
10,000
5,477
3,484
0
0
**287,810**|2022
£
151,706
111,112
0
0
4,059
52,275
2,700
261|
|---|---|---|
|||**322,113**|
8
DocuSign Envelope ID: 44CB16BB-D8E4-4BE7-9931-A9C66CACCF30
**VIEWPOINT**
## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2023**
## **ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)**
|**3.**
**Sundry Income**
Donations
Bank Interest Received
**Total**
**4.**
**Debtors**
Accounts receivable
Accrued income
Prepayments
**5.**
**Creditors (due within one year)**
Amounts payable
Pension costs payable
Accruals
Income received in advance
PAYE & National Insurance payable
Future Builders Loan
**6.**
**Creditors (due in more than one year)**
Future Builders Loan|2023
£
4,678
1,764
6,442
2023
£
12,308
3,282
5,912
21,502
2023
£
5,986
1,587
13,451
5,000
3,374
3,000
32,398
2023
£
5,000|2022
£
2,252
180|
|---|---|---|
|||2,432|
|||2022
£
1,087
9,920
1,079|
|||12,086|
|||2022
£
2,390
1,360
7,216
9,932
3,230
3,000|
|||27,128|
|||2022
£
8,000|
9
Docusign Envelope ID. 44C816BB-D8E448E7-9931-A9C86CACCF30
VIEWPOINT
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st March 2023
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity for the year ended for the
year ended 31 March 2023 which are set out on pages 5 10 9.
Responsibilities and basis of the report
As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance wilh the
requirements of the Charities Act 2011 1"the Act").
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity 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 14515){b) of the Acl.
Independent Examlnerfs 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 lo believe Ihat in any malerial respect-
the accounting records were not kept in accordance wilh section 130 of the Charities Act., or
the accounts did not accord with the accounting records- or
the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning ihe form and conlent of
accounts as set out in the Charities (Accounts & Reports) Regulation 2008 other than the
requirement that the accounts give a 'lrue & fair, view which is not a matter considered as part of
an independent examination.
I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which
attention should be drawn in this report lo enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Docu51qn•d by..
G¢oa%¢ R.
e6F13F31267fj4D6..........
George Davidson FMAAT
Resolve Corporate Ltd
Unit 11, Garden Court
Tewin Road Business Centre
Welwyn Garden City
Hertfordshire
AL7 1BH