## **Forest of Hearts Annual Report** **----- Start of picture text -----**
2024
**----- End of picture text -----**
forestofhearts.com ## **Table of Contents** we1a4 SS **3** Introduction oma NSSNSS= : Our Year in **4** Numbers **12** Green Therapy Stratford **5 13** Talking Therapy Hospital **6** Nature Reserve **14** Rosalind Court **7** Tree Planting **15** Gardening Club **8** Volunteers **16** Harvest Share **9** Corporate Events **17** Funders **10** Secret Garden **18** Financials Tudor Grange **11 19** Acknowledgements Academy ## **Introduction** . Pee| It’s been another successful and impactful year fulfilling “ff .fea] a. ao oY a 4, aeae. en fi) aS AS . ‘J Sta ae : our aims to create places of purpose, build biodiversity, Ls wt Pe ag ae ei pyle b ' a Sh bs Po aes F a 5 improve mental health and wellbeing and make a a emer difference to protect the environment. a | ee ie Mf) J } Ss Pa rd This year we’ve created community gardens and green | . fs / i. : . eae spaces, delivered more Green Therapy sessions than ever, supported local individuals with mental health issues and | g : ) ran a multitude of environmental corporate team building re yf | i / Pa I and volunteering events. | ‘ ” hack h rs — : ir, ipa eek ce ~~i ‘ 4 . Pe gle z~~ utr **FOREST OF HEARTS** “4 ‘ ‘ : That : ae **3** ‘ 4 **Trustee Annual Report 2024** ‘ aya ike leare aarp att: tte es a one 5 »! . . ; A Fan nh pe eee a Pore s FOREST OF HEARTS OUR YEAR IN NUMBERS 189 2,668 Volunteers Volunteer hours I;Iliil; Forest Hearts 2,024 320 Trees planted Hours of Green Therapy Community gardens created 12 800 kg Barn Owl chicks Corporate Impact Days Fruit & veg grown. picked & donated 400kg Thank you for Supporting our charity in 2024 Green Therapy groups Litter collected & recycled vvo•yv 2024 FOREST OF HEARTS Trustee Annual Report 2024 ## **Stratford Hospital Garden of Wellbeing** We created a new garden area to provide a peaceful and healing environment for patients and NHS staff to help improve wellbeing. Other aims were to build the biodiversity of the area and create a green space to be enjoyed by the local community. We officially opened the garden to all of the above beneficiaries during an open day which consisted of garden tours, refreshments and music. It’s been fantastic to see the garden being used and enjoyed by so many throughout the year since it’s creation. **5** **Trustee Annual Report 2024** **FOREST OF HEARTS** ## **Nature Reserve** Our dedication to building biodiversity and nurturing nature continues at our nature reserve. We were delighted to welcome three new barn owl chicks to our barn owl box, adding to the charm of our sanctuary. The swallows once again returned to their nest, a testament to the safe haven we are aiming to provide. Our orchard area is thriving, bursting with new growth, and promising a bountiful future. In our ongoing commitment to enhance the reserve, we invested in hard landscaping to improve the facilities for both corporate and community use, ensuring that our space remains inviting and functional for all who visit. **6** **Trustee Annual Report 2024** **FOREST OF HEARTS** ## **Tree Planting** During this year's tree planting season, we successfully planted 2,024 trees at our nature reserve in Snitterfield, just outside Stratford-uponAvon. We planted a variety of fruit trees in the orchard area, a mixed hedgerow around the perimeter of the five-acre plot, and majestic oak trees, enhancing the landscape's biodiversity, promoting local wildlife habitats, and creating a sustainable and beautiful environment for future generations. **7** **Trustee Annual Report 2024** **FOREST OF HEARTS** ## **Volunteers** With the invaluable contribution of 189 volunteers, who collectively gave 2,668 hours to our charity, we've seen a tremendous positive impact, enhancing our projects and strengthening our community bonds in profound ways. We sincerely thank all our volunteers for their time, effort, and expertise throughout the year. **8** **Trustee Annual Report 2024** **FOREST OF HEARTS** ## **Corporate Events** This year, 8 companies supported us by involving their staff in 12 of our corporate team-building and volunteering days, aligning with their CSR commitments, ESG strategies, and volunteer programmes. Their collective efforts have significantly advanced our projects, fostering a stronger community and more sustainable environment. We deeply appreciate their commitment and dedication. **FOREST OF HEARTS 9 Trustee Annual Report 2024** ## **Bishopton Community Centre Secret Garden** We designed and created “The Secret Garden” as an accessible, lowmaintenance area, perfect for up to 20 visitors at the community centre to use as an inviting outdoor meeting space. After visiting the site at the beginning of the year to measure up and plan, we put our designs together to incorporate a smart seating area with an accessible pathway, a retaining wall, raised bed planters, wildflower planting and beautiful biodiverse habitats. After creating the garden, we enjoyed an open day and set up a Green Therapy group at the location with members of the local community to help maintain the garden and find joy in nurturing plants. **10** **Trustee Annual Report 2024** **FOREST OF HEARTS** ## **Tudor Grange Academy Growing Hub** This gardening endeavour brought together the Forest of Hearts team, volunteers from BAM Construction, Community Governors and Tudor Grange Primary Academy teachers and students. Over two productive days, we laid the groundwork for a vibrant vegetable garden right within the school grounds. The aim was to create a growing hub to get children interested in growing vegetables and learning about sustainability. Through hands-on experience and learning the whole growing process, they cultivated crops for the school kitchen and integrate harvesting crops and cooking them into their design and tech classes. **11** **Trustee Annual Report 2024** **FOREST OF HEARTS** ## **Green Therapy** We delivered 320 hours of Green Therapy this year, marking the beginning of our service expansion to more locations across Warwickshire to include Stratford-upon-Avon Hospital, Bishopton Community Centre, Mary Anne Evans Hospice, Stratford Train Station, Lavender Meadows and Rosalind Court. Our Green Therapy programme has significantly enhanced individuals' mental health and wellbeing, provided valuable horticultural and environmental education, enhanced new skill development, facilitated meaningful connections, and empowered participants to contribute to their communities. **12** **Trustee Annual Report 2024** **FOREST OF HEARTS** ## **Talking Therapy** We worked in partnership with **Coventry, Warwickshire, and Solihull NHS Talking Therapies** to signpost and support people in the local community to access and make referrals to their free NHS service to help individuals with mild, moderate and severe symptoms of anxiety and low mood. We promoted the Talking Therapies service through online platforms, engaging events, interactive workshops, and personalised 1-1 coaching sessions to enhance mental health and provide essential support for those seeking valuable help. **FOREST OF HEARTS 13** **Trustee Annual Report 2024** ## **Rosalind Court** As part of a new initiative, we added raised bed planters made from recycled railway sleepers at Rosalind Court in Stratford-upon-Avon. This project marked the beginning of a new Green Therapy group, bringing together staff and residents in a shared effort to create and maintain garden spaces and community spirit. These planters provided a sturdy and rustic charm, perfect for growing a variety of plants, from vibrant flowers to pollinator friendly plants to attract bees and butterflies. The use of recycled materials also very much aligned with our commitment to sustainability and innovation in gardening practices. **14** **Trustee Annual Report 2024** **FOREST OF HEARTS** ## **Gardening Club** We continued our Green Therapy Gardening Club at Mary Ann Evans Hospice in Nuneaton to keep offering support to local residents who have experienced bereavement. This year the group created a sensory garden, grew vegetables, planted and maintained the other garden areas, crafted bug and bee hotels, made a mosaic table and expertly weaved willow bird feeders. **15** **Trustee Annual Report 2024** **FOREST OF HEARTS** ## **Harvest Share** This year, we successfully grew and harvested vegetables, which were donated to local community groups and Stratford-upon-Avon Hospital Café. These contributions provided fresh, nutritious food to those in need, supported local health initiatives, and created a sense of community wellbeing and sustainability. We also visited local orchards to pick apples and other fruits, which we donated to care homes in the community, helping to reduce food waste and provide fresh produce to residents. **16** **Trustee Annual Report 2024** **FOREST OF HEARTS** ## **Funders** Thank you to the following funders who have helped us to continue to do what we do. - The Simon Rivett Carnac Trust - The Social Investment Bank - Heart of England CF Postcode Lottery Trust - Aston University – Social Economic Growth Programme – Grow Grant Rethink (Coventry & Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust) Warwickshire County Council Green Shoots - NHS Coventry & Warwickshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) Aviva Community Fund **17** **Trustee Annual Report 2024** **FOREST OF HEARTS** ## **Financials** ## **FOREST OF HEARTS FINANCIAL REVIEW** **BRIEF STATEMENT OF THE CHARITY’S POLICY ON RESERVES THE POLICY FOR HOLDING RESERVES IS TO HAVE AT LEAST 6 MONTHS RUNNING COSTS IN RESERVE** **DETAILS OF ANY FUNDS MATERIALLY IN DEFICIT : N/A** **THE CHARITY IS IN A STRONG POSITION WITH CASH IN THE BANK WHICH IS NEEDED TO DELIVER THE VARIOUS PROJECTS. WE ARE IN OUR EARLY YEARS AND ARE TAKING A PRUDENT VIEW OF OUR FINANCES.** **INCOME: £183,225 EXPENDITURE: £151,091 CASH FUNDS: £109,068** **18** **Trustee Annual Report 2024** **FOREST OF HEARTS** ## **Acknowledgements** We extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our funders, donors, volunteers, corporate supporters, team members, and trustees for their invaluable contributions and unwavering support, which have made this year a remarkable success. To read more about our projects visit: **forestofhearts.com/blog** ## **Contact** **Carole Longden Forest of Hearts 15 Ensign, Westwood Way Coventry CV4 8JA 07774 424404 carolelongden@forestofhearts.com** **19** **Trustee Annual Report 2024** **FOREST OF HEARTS** **Forest of Hearts 1160589 Receipts and payments accounts For the period** 01/11/2023 31/10/2024 **To from** ## **CC16a** **Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total funds Last year funds funds funds to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest£ to the nearest£ A1 Receipts** Donations and Membership **2,488 - - 2,488 11,021** Interest **489 - - 489 359** Grants **49,556 - - 49,556 17,000** Income contract **114,590 - - 114,590 44,940** income events **16,072 - - 16,072 18,551** income hire **-** income general **30 - - 30 -** income social investment **-** _**Sub total (Gross income forAR)**_ **183,225 - - 183,225 91,871 A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table).** === **-** === **-** _**Sub total**_ **-** _**Total receipts**_ **183,225 - - 183,225 91,871** ————— **A3 Payments** Expenses &Maintenance **102 - - 102 1,483** cost of goods Advertising **41,374 - - 41,374 28,003** Salaries Travel Training **632 - - 632 800** Stationery & Rent **55,612 - - 55,612 19,534** Telephone insurance IT **245 - - 245 401** Costs Professional fee **210 - - 210 255** Motor Expenses **2 - - 2 1,017** Subscriptions **170 170 99** Subcontractors Donations **1,110 - - 1,110 781** Rates Light, Power, & **4,361 - - 4,361 3,274** Heating Bank Charges **1,252 - - 1,252 35 1,697 - - 1,697 1,720 485 - - 485 426 30,021 - - 30,021 57,462 26 - - 26 426 157 99 689 - - 689 792** _**Sub total**_ **138,242 - - 137,986 116,508 A4 Asset and investment Van 8,000 - - - - Office EquipmentBuilding ImprovementsComputer EquipmentPlant and machinery 4,849- - ------4,849 - -- 4,696914--** _**Sub total**_ **12,849 - - 4,849 5,610** _**Total payments**_ **151,091 - - 151,091 122,119** es _**Net of receipts/(payments)**_ **32,134 - - 32,134 - 30,248 A5 Transfers between funds - - - - A6 Cash funds last year end 76,934 - - 76,934 107,182** _**Cash funds this year end**_ **109,068 - - 109,068 76,934** —S=S= == CCXX R1 accounts (SS) 1 25/07/2025 25/07/2025 Doc ID: 7ce9bd9934f79e232f3f89d867b64c2cbaac1344 |||**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Endowment**| |---|---|---| |**Categories**|**Details**|**to nearest £**| ||Cash at Bank|**to nearest£**
**to nearest £**| |**B1 Cash funds**|**117,696**
**361**
**7,524**
**744**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
OK
**-**
OK
**-**
**109,068**
Carole Longden private Funds
Barclaycard
PayPal
**_Total cash funds_**
(agree balanceswithreceiptsandpayments
===|| ||account(s))|OK| |||**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Endowment**| |||**funds**
**funds**
**funds**| ||**Details**|**to nearest £**
**to nearest £**
**to nearest £**| |**B2 Other monetary assets**|**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
=—__=|| ||**Details**|**Fund to which**
**asset belongs**
**Cost (optional)**
**Current value**
**(optional)**| |**B3 Investment assets**|**Details**
**Fund to which**
**asset belongs**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**Cost (optional)**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**Current value**
**(optional)**
=
=|| |**B4 Assets retained for the**
**charity’s own use**|**12,150**
**14,045**
**2,701**
**170**
**399**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
Van
Building Improvements
Plant and Machinery
Office equipment
Computer Equipment (laptop)
Unrestrcited
Unrestrcited
Unrestrcited
Unrestrcited
Unrestrcited
qi|| |||**Fund to which**
**When due**
**Amount due**| ||**Details**|**liability relates**
**(optional)**
**(optional)**| |Signed by one or two trustees on
behalf of all the trustees
**B5 Liabilities**|Pension Liability
**277**
**850**
**-**
**-**
**-**
PAYE & National Insurance Liability
Unrestrcited
Unrestrcited
Signature
Print Name
Daniel Gate
Date of
approval
25 /07/2025
aa|| |CCXX R2 accounts (SS)|2|25/07/2025| |||Doc ID: 7ce9bd9934f79e232f3f89d867b64c2cbaac1344| CCXX R2 accounts (SS) CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trusteesl members of gsf OC H&A£TS SI," CLfoG£o 1019 On accounts for the year ended Charity no (if any) 1160589 Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (llhe Trust") for the year ended 31 / i o/ £oz Responsibilities and As the charity trustees of the Trust. you are responsible for the preparation basls of report of the a￿OUnts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 {°the Act"). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Di￿¢t10nS given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention (other than that disclosed below ') in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: accounting ￿CordS were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records Independent examiner's statement I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understsnding of the accounts to be reached. Please delete the words in the brackets rf they do not apply. Slgned: Date: 06/202s Name: Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any): Address: (knd i¥cU q8 7Sf IER October 2018