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2025-12-31-accounts

Annual Report & Accounts Year Ended 31st December 2025

Embracing Age

Working towards a world where older people are valued, connected and full of hope

Charity Number 1160400 Charitable Incorporated Organisation

Page 1

Contents

Introduction 3
Legal & Administrative Information 4
Trustees’ Annual Report 5
Our Year at a Glance 6
Care Home Residents 7
Supporting Carers 8
Equipping Churches 9
The Value We Create 10
Financial Review 11
Independent Examiner’s Report 12
Statement of Financial Activities 13
Balance Sheet 14
Notes to the Accounts 15
Looking Ahead 19
Acknowledgements 20

Page 2

Introduction

Message from our Chair of Trustees, Tim Blair

I am pleased to report that 2025 was another outstanding year for Embracing Age - one that demonstrated not only the enduring strength of our mission, but the growing confidence with which we are pursuing it. We reached a record 2,351 care home residents across our established regions, a 27 per cent increase on the previous year, and every key measure of our work is at its highest level since the charity was founded.

The figures alone tell a compelling story. Over 7,600 handmade Cards of Kindness were delivered to residents, more than two and a half times the number in 2024. More than 3,600 gifts were given, many of them personal and handmade. Seventy-one unpaid carers were supported through Carers Connected, and 334 church leaders were equipped through our webinars and training. West Sussex, which we pioneered in the third quarter of 2024, is now a fully established region with 32 active volunteers.

This has been Sinéad Crosbie’s first full year as Chief Executive. Sinéad has brought energy and clear leadership to the role, and I am grateful to her for the way she has engaged with both the board and staff. She has continued to strengthen our governance and operational foundations while keeping the organisation firmly focused on the people we exist to serve.

I wish to note with gratitude the contributions of our departing trustees. Karen Block and João Tavares both resigned from the board in January 2026, having given generously of their time and expertise during a significant period of the charity’s development. We are grateful for their service and wish them well.

Looking at our finances, total income for the year was £175,314, a record for the charity, and a further step forward from the £168,532 recorded in 2024. Our unrestricted reserves now stand at £60,320, and we remain in a sound and stable financial position. We are grateful to the trusts, foundations, and individual donors whose continued confidence and generosity make our work possible.

None of what we have achieved would be possible without our remarkable volunteers. Whether befriending a resident who might otherwise go lengthy periods without a meaningful conversation, making a card for someone living with dementia, or facilitating a Carers Connected session for someone in need of support, they bring the mission of Embracing Age to life every single day.

To our volunteers and staff, on behalf of the Trustee Board, we give our thanks for your dedication and enthusiasm throughout the year. I am also grateful to my fellow trustees for their support. They bring a depth of skills, knowledge, and experience to our discussions.

As I reflect on this year, I am struck by how much has been achieved and how much potential still lies ahead.

Tim Blair

Chair of Trustees

Page 3

Legal & Administrative Information

For the Year Ended 31st December 2025

TRUSTEES

Tim Blair (Chair)

Tina English (Founder) Fiona Costa Roderick Day (Treasurer) Karen Block (resigned January 2026) João Tavares (resigned January 2026)

OBJECTS

The objects of Embracing Age are to relieve older people who are in need by providing befriending, support and other services calculated to relieve the needs of such persons, in accordance with Christian principles and to relieve social isolation and loneliness amongst elderly people.

REGISTERED ADDRESS

183 Lincoln Avenue, Twickenham, TW2 6NL

STAFF TEAM

Sinéad Crosbie, CEO

Sarah Waller, Communications & Impact Manager Paul Crowther, Churches Coordinator Rebecca Savage, Isle of Wight Coordinator Zoe Jones, Hampshire Coordinator Shabnum Kramer, Richmond Coordinator Jane Preston, West Sussex Coordinator Sarah Smith, Carers Connected Coordinator Amanda Clothier, Project Administrator

KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL

Those responsible for planning, directing, controlling, and operating the Charity include the CEO and senior staff members who have been delegated significant authority by the trustees to manage the day-to-day operations and decision-making of the organisation.

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER

Craig McDowell, 56 The Bittoms, Kingston, KT1 2AP

PRINCIPAL BANKERS

The Co-operative Bank plc, PO Box 250, Delf House, Skelmersdale, WN8 6WT

Page 4

01 | Trustees’ Annual Report

For the Year Ended 31st December 2025

The Trustees submit their report and the financial statements of Embracing Age (“the Charity”) for the year ended 31 December 2025. The financial statements have been prepared in the format prescribed by the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP2015 (FRS102)) and the Financial Reporting Standard 102. The Legal and Administrative Information set out earlier in this document forms part of this report.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT

Status and Governing Document

Embracing Age is a CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation), registered charity number 1160400. Its governing document is a constitution dated 11th November 2014, and Registered Charitable status was granted on 9th February 2015.

Governance and Internal Control

The Trustees monitor the day-to-day activities of the Charity. Trustee Board meetings are held quarterly, and additional informal discussions and meetings also take place. Existing Trustees appoint New Trustees.

Organisation

The Board of Trustees, which has a minimum of three members, administers the Charity. Certain tasks are delegated to the CEO and other staff and volunteers.

Trustee Induction and Training

New Trustees are made aware of the seriousness of their responsibilities and obligations under charity law. They are given an induction pack and are able to understand their obligations by reading relevant Charity Commission publications. Trustees are aware of training courses and conferences and may extend their knowledge of matters pertaining to their role in the Charity.

Related Parties and Co-operation with other organisations

The Trustees are unpaid and receive no benefit from their work with the Charity. There is no relationship between any Trustee and Charity employees or suppliers. The Charity has good relationships with a number of organisations which support the Charity’s vision.

Pay Policy

Staff pay rates are set by the Board of Trustees. Details of Trustees’ expenses, if any, and related party transactions are disclosed in a note to the accounts.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE PUBLIC BENEFIT

The aims and objectives of the Charity in 2025 were that:

Public Benefit

The Trustees have considered the guidance of the Charity Commission on public benefit. The provision of public benefit is given at no charge and is made available to all people including those on low incomes.

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02 | Our Year at a Glance

2,351 7,613 3,600+ Residents supported Highest Cards of Kindness Handmade Gifts incl. Christmas Triple last ever ▲ 27% ▲ 157% year

71

334

4

Carers supported ▲ 51% on Church leaders Webinars & Established regions West 2024 workshops Sussex thriving

“That’s equivalent to more than filling Westminster Abbey!”

2,351 residents — our highest ever

Our Growth Story — Every key metric at a record high
Metric 2024 2025 Growth
Residents supported 1,845 2,351 ▲ 27%
Care homes supported 116 176 ▲ 51%
Cards of Kindnessgiven 2,956 7,613 ▲ 157%
Unpaid Carers supported 47 71 ▲ 51%
Church Leaders equipped 300 334 ▲ 11%
Regions active 4 4 West Sussex fully
established

Resident support figures include befriending, group engagement, Cards of Kindness, gifts, and wider care home initiatives. Some residents may have received support more than once during the year

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03 | Care Home Residents

2,351

care home residents in 2025 — our highest ever.

In 2025 we reached 2,351 care home residents across our four established regions Richmond-upon-Thames, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, and West Sussex. This represents our highest-ever total, achieved through the dedication of our volunteers and the strength of the community links our coordinators have built.

Cards and Gifts

7,613

handmade Cards of Kindness sent to residents.

Our cards are chosen for each individual where we know their interests. Residents on the dementia pathway or with partial sight receive a tactile card. This is 2.5 times more than in 2024.

3,600+

gifts including at Christmas — triple last year.

Many gifts were handmade and personally chosen. Care home managers described gifts as remarkably personal, and residents were moved that people in their community had thought about them.

“Our residents feel like they matter to someone when they receive their cards and presents at Christmas time. Often, they don’t have any family so it’s nice for them to have a connection outside of the home.” Care Home Manager

Stories of Impact — Behind every number is a person

“A volunteer who speaks fluent Spanish visits “Spending time with this resident is one of my a resident who has lost her ability to communicate biggest highlights of the week. in English and now only speaks Spanish. She is a ray of sunshine. Her face lights up when she sees Christie who When the weather is behaving, we walk in the has become her great friend!” garden deciding which flowers are our favourites.” Care Home Staff Christie, a befriending volunteer

Hundreds of volunteer hours were contributed across our regions through befriending, cards, gifts, church engagement, and practical support.

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04 | Supporting Carers

71

unpaid carers supported through Carers Connected

▲ 51% on 2024

Through two weekly Zoom gatherings and a private Facebook group, carers have a space to share, pray, and support one another — many describe it as their primary source of support.

A weekly message of encouragement reaches those unable to attend the regular sessions. The words of carers themselves speak to the value of this work.

“Carers Connected really is such a balm to the soul, and, at least in my case, a genuine lifeline. No exaggeration.” A regular Carers Connected attendee

“I don’t know how I would have got through the last few months without the group.”

A Carer

“Thank you so much for this email. It’s been one heck of a week. When I read the email, I had just managed to get home and felt very low. You will never know how much you have helped by sending this through.” The Weekly Message — offering carers encouragement even if they couldn’t attend a gathering

Page 8

05 | Equipping Churches

334

10+

12

Church leaders reached New churches each year Churches equipped through Webinars & workshops ▲ 11% adopting their local care home annual programme

In 2025, 334 church leaders were reached through our webinars, workshops, and conferences. Topics included developing a ministry strategy for older people, coming alongside those living with dementia, supporting unpaid carers, and having supportive conversations.

We continued to make free resources available online, including our Making Moments booklets and a bank of tried and tested care home service plans, enabling churches to act on their inspiration beyond the training sessions themselves.

Page 9

06 | The Value We Create

Using HACT Social Value Bank methodology, we estimate that our work may generate over £8 of social value for every £1 invested. Estimate based on recognised social value proxy indicators linked to reduced loneliness, improved wellbeing and increased community connection.

----- Start of picture text -----
We estimate that
For every £1 given to Embracing Age,
£8+
in social value
Based on HACT Social Value Bank methodology
----- End of picture text -----

What our work prevents:

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07 | Financial Review

FINANCIAL REVIEW

A summary of the financial results and the work of the Charity are set out in the accounts. The Charity’s income was £175,314 in 2025, £168,532 in 2024.

Risk Assessment

The major risks to which the Charity has been exposed, as identified by the Trustees, have been reviewed and systems have been established to mitigate those risks.

Going Concern

Taking into account reserves and anticipated income, the Trustees are confident that the Charity remains a going concern for at least twelve months from the date of approval of these accounts.

Reserves

The Charity has unrestricted accumulated reserves of £60,320 in 2025, £49,661 in 2024. The Trustees aim to hold 3 to 6 months of unrestricted reserves and consider that the fund reserves at the year-end were adequate but not excessive.

Trustees’ Responsibilities

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, and for keeping accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the Charity.

The Report was approved by the Trustees on 27/05/26 and signed on their behalf by:

Tim Blair — Chair of Trustees

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08 | Independent Examiner’s Report to The Trustees of Embracing Age

For the Year Ended 31st December 2025

I have examined the accounts for the year ended 31st December 2025 on pages 13 to 18, which have been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies on page 15.

Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner

The Trustees of the Charity are responsible for the preparation of accounts; they consider that the audit requirements under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 do not apply but they have requested an independent examination. I have been appointed to conduct an Independent Examination under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 and to report in accordance with the regulations made under section 145 of that Act.

Having satisfied myself that the Charity is not subject to audit and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to: (1) examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011; (2) follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011; (3) state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of Examiner’s Statement

This report is in respect of an examination carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 and in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of other accounting records kept by the Charity, and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’.

Based on my examination, no matter has come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect accounting records have not been kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act 2011, or the accounts presented do not accord with those records, or comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act 2011.

No matter has come to my notice in connection with my examination to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn to enable a proper understanding of the accounts.

Craig McDowell 27/05/26

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09 | Statement of Financial Activities

For the Year Ended 31st December 2025

Unrestricted
Funds 2025 £		 Restricted
&
Designated
2025 £		 TOTAL
FUNDS
2025 £		 Unrestricted
Funds 2024
£		 Restricted
&
Designated
2024 £		 TOTAL
FUNDS
2024 £
INCOME from:
Donations 8,925 149,732 158,657 11,267 150,053 161,319
Fundraising activity 8,504 5,946 14,450 5,928 0 5,928
Charitable activities 0 1,003 1,003 1,284 0 1,284
Investment income —
interest		 1,204 0 1,204 0 0 0
Total Income 18,633 156,681 175,314 18,479 150,053 168,532
EXPENDITURE on:
Charitable expenditure 7,720 161,692 169,412 5,348 146,928 152,276
Fundraising 254 0 254 4,276 0 4,276
Total Expenditure 7,974 161,692 169,666 9,623 146,928 156,551
Net Income 10,659 (5,010) 5,649 8,856 3,124 11,980
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought
forward		 49,661 99,975 149,636 40,805 96,851 137,656
Total funds carried
forward		 60,320 94,966 155,285 49,661 99,975 149,636

All the above results derive from continuing activities. All gains and losses recognised in the year are included above. The notes on pages 15 to 18 form part of these accounts.

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10 | Balance Sheet

For the Year Ended 31st December 2025
Unrestricted
2025 £		 Restricted &
Designated
2025 £		 Total
2025 £		 Unrestricted
2024 £		 Restricted
&
Designated
2024 £		 Total 2024
£
FIXED ASSETS 157 0 157 476 0 476
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash at bank 58,867 94,966 153,833 48,345 99,976 148,321
Debtors 1,854 0 1,854 1,445 0 1,445
60,721 94,966 155,687 49,790 99,976 149,766
CREDITORS: AMOUNT
DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR		 559 0 559 605 0 605
TOTAL ASSETS LESS
CURRENT LIABILITIES		 60,320 94,966 155,285 49,660 99,976 149,636
FUNDS
Unrestricted Funds 60,320 0 60,320 49,661 0 49,661
Restricted Funds 0 94,966 94,966 0 99,975 99,975
TOTAL CHARITY FUNDS 60,320 94,966 155,285 49,661 99,975 149,636

The accounts approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf on 27/05/26.

Tim Blair - Chair of Trustees

Roderick Day - Treasurer

The notes on pages 15 to 18 form part of these accounts.

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Notes to the Accounts

For the Year Ended 31st December 2025

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

(a) Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015). The Charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. The Charity is a Going Concern.

(b) Funds Structure

General funds are unrestricted funds available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity. Restricted funds are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or raised for specific purposes.

(c) Income

All income is included in the SOFA when the Charity is legally entitled to the income, and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. No amounts have been included in the accounts for gifts in kind or for services donated by volunteers.

(d) Expenditure

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings, they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with use of the resources, using time spent on each activity as a guide.

(e) Fixed Assets

Office equipment is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the effective useful life of the assets, estimated as four years. The carrying values are reviewed at the year-end for impairment.

(f) Taxation

The Charity is a Registered Charity and is therefore exempt from taxation under the Income and Corporation Taxes Acts.

2. DONATIONS

Donations comprise the following:

2025 £ 2024 £
Grants from Charitable Trusts 145,350 144,650
Grants from companies 0 466
Individual donations 10,943 12,030
Other organisations 2,364 4,173
Total 158,657 161,319

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Notes to the Accounts (continued)

3. CHARITABLE EXPENDITURE

Charitable expenditure comprises the following:

2025 £ 2024 £
Salaries, pension & staff costs 147,355 138,657
Supporting gifts 182 843
Office and Sundries 13,115 9,204
Equipment 1,600 864
Insurance, legal and professional 2,014 1,397
Training Videos 4,900 0
Other costs 246 1,311
Total 169,412 152,276

4. SALARIES, TRUSTEES’ REMUNERATION AND TRUSTEES’ EXPENSES

The Charity paid £140,437 (2024: £131,506) to nine individuals in the year (2024: 9), all of whom are employed on a part-time basis.

Employer pension contributions were £6,818 (2024: £7,181).

The key management personnel compensation was £32,000 (2024: £26,482).

Trustees were paid no salaries or expenses.

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Notes to the Accounts (continued)

5. FIXED ASSETS
FIXED ASSETS Office Equipment 2025 £ Office Equipment 2024 £
Cost
On 1 January 1,274 960
Additions 0 314
1,274 1,274
Depreciation
On 1 January 799 480
Charge for the year 319 319
1,117 799
Net Book Value 157 476

6. DEBTORS
DEBTORS 2025 £ 2024 £
Sundry debtors 1,854 1,445

7. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN
ONE YEAR		 2025 £ 2024 £
Accruals 559 605

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Notes to the Accounts (continued)

8. RESTRICTED FUNDS

2025 Restricted Funds
Projects Brought
Forward
£		 Restricted
Received
2025 £		 Designated
2025 £		 Total
Restricted &
Designated £		 Total Spent
2025 £		 Carried Forward £
Richmond 6,229 49,749 0 49,749 28,424 27,554
Hampshire 7,026 35,625 132 35,757 34,785 7,998
Isle of Wight 12,945 23,145 1,305 24,450 30,362 7,033
Care Home
Friends		 15,735 0 0 0 2,000 13,735
Alexa IOW 1,126 0 0 0 569 556
Flowers of
Blessing		 92 500 0 500 219 373
Adopt a Care
Home		 24,032 18,645 0 18,645 24,854 17,823
Christmas Gifts 231 0 0 0 0 231
Carers Connected 4,438 10,000 0 10,000 15,049 0
West Sussex 28,122 12,580 100 12,680 21,140 19,663
Training Videos Dr
Ian		 0 4,900 0 4,900 4,900 0
Total 99,976 155,144 1,537 156,681 162,302 94,966

2024 Restricted Funds
Projects Brought
Forward
£		 Restricted
Received
2024 £		 Designated
2024 £		 Total
Restricted &
Designated £		 Total Spent
2024 £		 Carried Forward £
Richmond 0 22,158 10,000 32,158 25,929 6,229
Hampshire 4,805 20,000 15,650 40,455 33,429 7,026
Isle of Wight 8,288 23,075 13,670 45,033 32,088 12,945
Care Home Friends 15,735 0 0 15,735 0 15,735
Alexa IOW 1,126 0 0 1,126 0 1,126
Flowers of Blessing 92 0 0 92 0 92
Adopt a Care Home 41,188 12,000 0 53,188 29,156 24,032
Christmas Gifts 231 0 0 231 0 231
Carers Connected 5,387 10,000 3,500 18,887 14,449 4,438
New Area - West
Sussex		 20,000 20,000 0 40,000 11,878 28,122
Total 96,852 107,233 42,820 246,905 146,928 99,976

9. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

There were no related party transactions.

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11 | Looking Ahead: Our Ambitions for 2026

With new leadership firmly established, a record year behind us and growing demand for our services, Embracing Age enters 2026 from a position of real strength.

Expand our reach Raise our profile Scoping a fifth region and Investing in communications building the volunteer pipeline. and storytelling capacity to Aiming to reach 2,500+ grow our public presence and residents across England. attract new supporters Each area project is supported nationally. by a paid coordinator.

Deepen partnerships

Building a wider network of partners across voluntary organisations, statutory bodies, faith groups and carer support organisations, including developing the Preventative Pathway pilot on the Isle of Wight.

Ensuring Sustainability

Underpinning all of this is our commitment to diversifying our funding base. Multi-year grant relationships provide the stability to plan strategically, and we will continue to invest in funder relationships, build our evidence of impact and seek income from a broader range of sources.

The majority of funds held at year end are restricted for specific projects and future delivery commitments and cannot be used for general operating costs.

Our financial position at the end of 2025 gives us a sound platform from which to pursue these ambitions with confidence.

Growing old doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy life. Our role is to make sure no one has to do it alone.

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12 | Acknowledgements

None of this would be possible without our amazing army of volunteers, our donors and funders, the care homes and churches who open their doors to work with us, and our trustees, ambassadors and staff team.

THANK YOU all for your incredible commitment, time, generosity and support!

Our volunteers contribute in so many ways:

Care Home Manager

Embracing Age

ETNA Community Centre, 13 Rosslyn Road, Twickenham TW1 2AR 020 3778 0035 | embracingage.org.uk | info@embracingage.org.uk Charity No. 1160400

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