2024-03-31-accounts

Knitted Knockers UK

Annual Report and Accounts for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Charity Number: 1161125

Contents

Charity Details ................................................................................................................... 1 Trustees Annual Report ..................................................................................................... 2 Structure, governance and management ................................................................ 2 Objectives and activities ......................................................................................... 3 Achievements and performance ............................................................................. 4 Financial Review .................................................................................................... 4 Reserves ................................................................................................................ 5 Independent Examiners Report ......................................................................................... 6 Receipts and Payments Account ....................................................................................... 7 Statement of assets and liabilities .................................................................................... ..8 Notes to the accounts ................................................................................................... 9-13

Charity Details

Charity Name: Knitted Knockers UK Also known as: KKUK Registered Charity Number: 1161125 Address: 25 Aylesbury Drive Sunderland SR3 2XT Current Trustees: Mrs Deborah Wright Chair Mrs Sandra Ground 12 June 2023 Mrs Pamela Blythe Secretary 13 July 2023 Mrs Gillian George 13 July 2023 Other Trustees serving during the financial period: Mrs Lynne Hawksworth Deceased 8 June 2023 Mrs Mary Mochan Resigned 11 July 2023

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Trustees Annual Report

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

The Trustees have pleasure in presenting their report for the year ended 31 March 2024

Structure, governance and management

The charity is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation which is governed by a constitution dated 10 January 2015, updated December 2016, October 2019 and September 2023.

The charity is governed by its Trustees. In addition, advice is available from Non-Trustee Advisory Board members.

New Trustees are invited and voted by majority.

The charity has no employees, with everyone acting in a voluntary capacity in all roles.

The charity’s organisational structure is given below:

----- Start of picture text -----
TRUSTEES
NON-TRUSTEES
ADVISORY BOARD
MEMBERS
P VOLUNT SHOP ADMIN
R EERS ONLINE
Knitters Applicati
PR Shop
and ons Team
Events Team
Crocheters
Display Fundraiser Orders team
Packs s
Social
Supporter Approvals Team
Media
s
Team
Supplies
Team
----- End of picture text -----

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Objectives and activities

The objective of KKUK is to ‘provide free of charge, a prosthetic to any woman who has undergone mastectomy or lumpectomy due to breast cancer’.

Summary of activities:

• Provision of knitted and crochet prosthetics for recipients In order to do this, our teams of volunteers are involved in:

• responding to general enquiries received via the website ‘enquiry’ forms

• collating and filling of orders from recipients for knitted prosthetics

• selection, approval & mentoring new volunteers and ensuring the required product standard is met & maintained

• Provision of display packs of knitted and crochet prosthetics to healthcare and other services aimed at women who have undergone mastectomies or lumpectomies

• completing display pack requests for organisations requesting sample packs

• Liaising with these organisations, and offering speakers to talk to health professionals, staff and potential recipients

• Raising Awareness of Knitted Knockers UK and the service we provide In order to do this, our teams of volunteers are involved in:

• advertising and promoting KKUK CIO through website, direct contact with healthcare organisations, support groups, retail outlets & bespoke lingerie stores

• profile raising through social media & mainstream media

• Organisational admin and management

In common with all charitable organisations behind the scenes a huge volume of other work goes on, to keep the organisation running and develop it to meet the needs of beneficiaries now and in the future

• ordering and purchasing yarn and other items to make the prosthetics

• developing and building on the Charity’s identity – developing ‘house style’ for flyers and promotional material

• engaging with volunteers with skills or knowledge not held by Trustees or Board members for the advancement of the charity (e.g. web design)

The charity is reliant on the hard work and effort of our volunteers: without whom the charity would not exist. The charity continues to rely primarily on the work of our approved volunteers to:

• knit & crochet

• fundraise

• raise awareness by attending events across the country

Whilst providing the prosthetics is the key purpose of KKUK, a real depth of understanding and the spirit of community has developed amongst the volunteers. Being spread all over the UK has made it difficult for every volunteer to meet up but efforts continue for ‘pockets’ of volunteers to meet.

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Public benefit statement

The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Trust’s aims and objectives and in planning future activities and setting the grant making policy for the year.

Achievements and performance

The Trustees consider the following to be the key achievements during the year:

• maintaining volunteers numbers through periodic recruitment (110 approved knitting and crocheting volunteers)

• number of individual knockers made and delivered were 5664 in the year to 31 March 2024 (5320 31 March 2023)

• total orders were 4092 (3762 31 March 2022)

• publicity events in John Lewis stores and talks at WI groups

• continued success of the online shop with limited edition minis and specially designed notecards being offered for sale

• introduction of a new website with back end functionality that supports the processing of orders

Raising Funds for the Charity

When KKUK was established it relied upon the donations and the generosity of its volunteer members to operate. We soon became aware that the unique design of our prosthesis made a talking point and as they could be made smaller, we started to make and sell mini knocker keyrings. They are ‘made with love and filled with hope’ by the knitters in the same way as the standard knockers.

These mini knocker key-rings are normally on display at events, and special editions are made for Christmas and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. They can be bought along with our specially designed notecards and Christmas cards from our online shop at www.knittedknockersuk.com

Financial Review

Receipts decreased from £28,228 in the year ended 31 March 2023 to £18,479 in this financial year. The UK is going through a cost of living crisis caused by high levels of inflation and rising costs in all sectors. This has led to less donations being made to all charities. Also in the previous year KKUK had benefited from one large personal donation of £6,879.

Voluntary donations reduced from £21,590 last year to £13,663 this year. Fundraising and Trading Activity Income reduced from £6,638 to £4,816.

The cost of our charitable activity increased from £18,459 to £22,161. This does include part payment (£2,550) for the new website but also reflects the large rises in costs due to the cost of living crisis.

We managed to end the financial year with a loss of £3,683 and the charity's unrestricted funds carried forward to next year are £77,539 (£81,221 last year).

We rely predominantly on donations with a significant source of donations being recipients, family or friends who choose to donate in thanks for the prosthesis they have received. All Prostheses are supplied free of charge to recipients.

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The other source of donations comes via fundraising sites, which supporters use to collect donations as sponsorship for undertaking a challenge type event.

Fundraising is primarily from sales of mini knocker keyrings and cards via the online shop. The mini keyrings are replicas of the real prosthesis but knitted in 4ply with a tag bearing the charity’s strap line and logo attached to a key fob. These are available at information events at a price of £3 with a post and packaging price added when purchased online. The cards are in a pack of 5 for £3 plus P&P.

Funds are used to purchase yarn and distribute it to volunteers to make the prosthesis, small/medium organza bags which are used to hold the knitted knockers and also mailing bags for posting knockers are sent to recipients. Volunteers purchase stuffing for the knockers and incur the costs of posting the knocker orders to the recipients. These costs are claimed back on a monthly basis via an expense claim form.

Reserves

The charity’s unrestricted reserves are £77,539 (2023: £81,221)

Currently the charity does not have an official policy regarding reserves, and in general only incurs expenditure when funds are available.

During this financial year the charity relied heavily on Facebook in order to manage orders, volunteers and supplies of knitted knockers, however, our new website went live on 2 April 2024. The website includes a sophisticated back end area where we can process our orders. It affords the trustees with a better oversight of the operations of the whole organisation.

This report was approved by the Trustees and signed on behalf of the Trustees by

Signed Dated 25.06.2024

Mrs Deborah Wright

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES

For the year ended 31 March 2024

I report on the financial statements of for the year ended 31 March 2024, which are set out on pages 7 to 13.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2022 ("the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:

• h examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,

• h to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act), and

• h to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner's statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. 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’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

• h the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or

• h the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or

• h the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a "true and fair" view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

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

Doug Maltman FMAAT Fellow Member of the Association of Accountancy Technicians Connected Voice Business Services One Strawberry Lane Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4BX Date: 26.06.2024

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Receipts and Payments Account

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

		Year to 31 March 2024		Y/E 31
				March 2023
	Note	Unrestricted	Total Funds	Total Funds
		Funds
		£	£	£
Receipts
Donations	4	13,663	13,663	21,590
Receipts from Funding &	5	4,816	4,816	6,638
Trading Activities
Total Receipts		18,479	18,479	28,228
Payments
Cost of Generating Funds	6	1,066	1,066	1,489
(Fundraising & Trading to
Raise Funds)
Cost of Charitable Activities	7	21,096	21,096	16,970
Governance Costs
Total Payments		22,162	22,162	18,459
Net Receipts/(payments)		(3,683)	(3,683)	9,769
Transfers to/(from) Funds		-	-	-
Surplus/(deficit) for year		(3,683)	(3,683)	9,769
Opening Cash & Bank Balance		81,221	81,221	71,452
Closing Cash & Bank		77,539	77,539	81,221
Balance

The Receipts and Payments Statement includes all gains and losses recognized in the year. All receipts and payments derive from fundraising and charitable activities.

At present the charity only holds unrestricted funds and therefore no restricted funds column is shown

The notes on pages 9-13 form part of these accounts.

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Statement of Assets and Liabilities

AT 31 MARCH 2024

		At 31 March	2024	At 31 March
				2023
		Unrestricted	Total	Total Funds
		Funds	Funds
	Note	£	£	£
Cash, Bank and Deposit		81,221	81,221	71,452
Balances at start of year
Movement in the Year
Surplus/(deficit) of Receipts over		(3,683)	(3,683)	9,769
payments for the year
Cash, Bank and Deposit	12	77,539	77,539	81,221
Balances at end of the year
Other Assets Estimated
Gift Aid Recoverable	11	400	400	400
Total Other Assets Estimated		400	400	400
Liabilities	13
Volunteer expenses for March 2023		738	738	793
for Post & Packing & materials to fill
knockers.
Independent Examiners’ Fee	9	144	144	144
Total Estimated Liabilities		882	882	937

As the Charity holds only unrestricted funds, no restricted column is shown.

The notes on pages 9-13 form part of these accounts

Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by

Signed Dated 25.06.2024

Mrs D Wright

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Notes to the Accounts

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1. Basis of Preparation

These accounts are prepared on the Receipts and Payments basis.

2. Fund Accounting

Unrestricted Funds are funds which can be used at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the charity’s objectives.

Restricted Funds are funds which can only be used for specific purposes as specified by the donor or when funds have been raised for a specific purpose. Currently the charity holds only unrestricted funds.

3. Debts and Guarantees

The charity has not given any guarantees where there is an outstanding liability at the date of this statement

The charity has no outstanding debts at the date of this statement which are secured on the assets of the charity.

4. Analysis of Donations Receipts

		Year to 31 March2024	Year to 31 March2024	Year to 31
				March 2023
	Note	Unrestricted	Total Funds	Total
		Funds		Funds
		£	£	£
Corporate Donations		1,591	1,591	3,261
Voluntary Donations direct to		6,275	6,275	11,392
Charity
Donations via Just Giving		2,227	2,227	1,966
Gift Aid via Just Giving		435	435	378
Donations via Charitable Giving		123	123	123
Donations via PayPal		3,012	3,012	4,450
PayPal Giving Fund		-	-	20
Total Donations		13,663	13,663	21,590

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5. Analysis of Fundraising & Trading Receipts

	Year to 31 March 2024	Year to 31 March 2024	Year to 31
			March 2023
Note	Unrestricted	Total Funds	Total
	Funds		Funds
	£	£	£
Sales of Mini Knocker Keyrings	4,064	4,064	5,658
Sales of Cards/Notelets	130	130	63
Postage charges for online	403	403	612
sales
Easy Fundraising	93	93	112
Amazon Smile	126	126	193
Total Fundraising & Trading	4,816	4,816	6,638
receipts
6.Analysis of Cost of Raising Funds
	Year to 31 March 2024		Year to 31
			March 2023
Note	Unrestricted	Total Funds	Total
	Funds		Funds
	£	£	£
Cost of Mini Keyrings	123	123	324
Cost of Cards	148	148	100
General online shop costs	337	337	475
PayPal/Just Giving Cost	458	458	591
Total F/R Activities Costs	1,066	1,066	1,489

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7. Analysis of Cost of Charitable Activity

		Year to 31 March 2024	Year to 31 March 2024	Year to 31
				March 2023
	Note	Unrestricted	Total Funds	Total
		Funds		Funds
		£	£	£
Cost of Knitted Knockers
Cost of Yarn		3,634	3,634	3,650
Cost of Filling for Knockers		1,541	1,541	1,289
Postage & Packaging Knockers		9,775	9,775	8,835
Cost of Display Packs		214	214	198
Cost of Helpful Hearts
Beads		93	93	41
Postage		305	305	179
Other Postage		474	474	431
Promotional materials		50	50	141
Educational Events		91	91	423
Phone		211	211	202
Insurance		425	425	415
Website, software & IT		3,633	3,633	992
Accounting & Independent		324	324	90
Examiner
Printing		196	196	-
Misc.		40	40	-
Bank Charge		90	90	83
Total F/R Activities Costs		21,096	21,096	16,969

8. Trustee Remuneration and Expenses

No remuneration was paid to any trustee or related party. Trustees are reimbursed for expenditure incurred on behalf of the charity - this amounted to £3,657 in the year ended 31 March 2024.

9. Fees for examination of the accounts

	2024	2023
	£	£
Independent examiner’s fees for	144	144
reporting on the accounts
Total	144	144

10. Corporation Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objectives.

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11. Assets (receivable within 1 year)

	2024	2023
	£	£
Gift Aid receivable	400	400
Total	400	400
12. Cash at bank and in hand
	2024	2023
	£	£
Current Account	77,309	80,737
PayPal Account	230	485
Deposit Account	-	-
Cash in hand	-	-
Total	77,539	81,221
13. Liabilities (payable within 1 year)
	2024	2023
	£	£
Volunteer expenses	738	793
Accruals
Independent Examination of	144	144
accounts
Total	882	937

14. Events after the end of the reporting period

No events (requiring adjustment to the accounts) have occurred after the end of the reporting period but before the accounts are authorised which relate to conditions that arose after the end of the reporting period.

15. Analysis of Charitable Funds

Analysis of movements in unrestricted funds As at 31 March 2024

	Fund				Fund
	Balances				Balances
Unrestricted	Brought	Incoming	Resources	Transfers	Carried
Funds	forward	Resource	Expended		Forward
	£	£	£	£	£
General	81,221	18,479	(22,162)	-	77,539
Unrestricted Fund
Totals	81,221	18,479	(22,162)	-	77,539

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Analysis of movements in unrestricted funds As at 31 March 2023

	Fund				Fund
	Balances				Balances
Unrestricted	Brought	Incoming	Resources	Transfers	Carried
Funds	forward	Resource	Expended		Forward
	£	£	£	£	£
General	71,452	28,228	(18,459)	-	81,221
Unrestricted Fund
Totals	71,452	28,228	(18,459)	-	81,221

Purpose of unrestricted funds

General unrestricted funds: Free reserves of the charity

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