REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 06588338 (England and Wales)
REGISTEREO CHARITY NUMBER: 1162349
rt of the Truste
Unaudilecl Financial Sialernenis f r the Year Ended 31 March 2025
St
Ston
Lulon
Hicks and Company
Chartered Accounlanls
Vaughan Chambers
Vaughan Road
Harpenden
Hertfordshire
AL5 4EE
111
11
*AE8ZSWIY
2710912025
COMPANIES H(JJSE
#170

Ste
Stones
Luton
Contents ol the Financial Statements
tor the Year Ended 31 March 2025
Page
Report ol the Tnjstees
Independent Examinerfs Report
10
Statement ol Financial Activities
Sialemenl ol Financial Posilwjn
12 to 13
Statement of Cash Fkjws
14
Notes to the Statement ol Cash Flows
15
Notes lo the Financial Sialefflenls
16 to 22
Detailed Statement of Financial AclNilies
Z3 to 24

Sie
in
Si
Re
ort ol the Trustees
lor the Year Ended
1 March 2025
The Trustees who ale also directors ol ihe chafity for the purposes ol the Companies Act 2006, present their
report with the financial slalemenis ol ihe charity IOT the year ended 31 March 2024.
The financial slalemenls compty with the Charities Act 2011. the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and
Articles ol Association and the A¢¢ounling and Reporting by Charities- Statement ol Recommended Praclice
applicable lo charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicablo
in the UK and Republic ol Ireland IFRS 1021{effeclive 1 January 20191-
OBJECTIVES AND ACTlVtTIES
Obieclives and aims
To empower every vulntrrable woman that walks through our dcM)r with the opw)rtunrty and freedom to
translorm her life and the lives of her children and family.
Vision:
As a direct Te5uh of our work we will have bjih stronger communities by putting systems in place thai enable
women lo thrive and be their best selves.
Mission:
Stepping Slones {Lulon} is an innovative woman-cenlred seNice Ihal is driven by passion gnabling vulnerable
women to transform their lives and reach their full polential. We empower and inspire women lo make posilNe
choices, creating a better lulure lor Ihemselves. their chih1￿n. their lamilies and the communities in which they
live.
Guldlng principles:
Important lo Stepping Stones ILutonl=
11 Gender.. A service that acknowledges Ihat sex makes a difference.
21 Environment.. Salely. respect and dignity.
31 R81ationships= Policies. praelices. and programmes thal are relational and promote healthy connections to
hildren, tamily, signihcanl others and the community-
41 SeNices- Addressing drugs, alcohol, domestic abuse. and antisocial behaviour sometimes demonstrated
by the most vulnelable for example. homeless women. and mental health issues through comprehensive,
integrated services.
51 So¢ioe¢onomic status: Providing women wilh opportunities to improve their so¢loe￿nomic conditions.
61 Community." To partner wilh other key lead services in providing support and services to address unmet
needs and overcome barriers.
Charitable Oble¢ts:
Stepping Stones ILutonl Obje¢ls are for the public beneltl and are reslricled lo Ihe lollowing:
To relieve physical and menial sickness and linancial hardship and lo promote and preserye good health
through the provision ol SUF)Wrt services of any kind. for women and their children and lamilies sullering from
drug addiction and substance abuse and who may have ollended or re-olfended or be victims ol domestic
abuse, living in Lulon or such other parts ol Bedfordshire or the United Kingdom as the trustees from lime lo
lime may Ihink fil.
Pago 1

Sle
Siones
Lulon
Re
ort ot the Trusiees
Publlc beneflt
The Trustees are aware of the Charity Commission's guidance on publ￿ benefit including the guidance 'public
benelil.. running a charity.. As explained further in th• Achievefflenls and Performance section sel oul below,
the charity has addres%d the activities undertaken in relation to lis objects arKI their relalion5hip lo achjressing
Ihe public benefit.
Princlpal areas ol work
Since 2008 Stepping Slones (Lthonl has been dedi¢ated to helping women and Iheir children rea¢h their
polenlial ar)d ¢reale healthier. happier lives. Through tailored one to one suF¥)ort, group therapy and
counselling, our team ol experienced Pfactilioners woik collaboratively to equip and empower women to make
the changes needed lo create a t*ller lulufe lor themselves, their children, Iheif families and communilies.
Uniquely, we provide Iree chikjcare with Ofsied registered chiklcare ensuring all women can access our
services.
The charity aims to-
Improve Ihe health and wellbeing ol vulnerable women arKI their chihsren
- Improve Ihe life prospects ol vulnerable women and their children
- Cfeale stronger and more cohesive
2024125 Summary
During the 2024125 financial year we have been a￿e lo support a lolal 01295 vulnerable women, and delivered
4,013 houts ol support which is an increase on last year. We saw more diverse and Complex referrals into our
services. and the lime spent on each case grew to an average of over 7.5 months.
We continue to look al ways to expand and extend our sur4K)rt to include new course programmes, advocacy,
and mental healih crisis intervention lo ensure that we meet the women where they are on their respective
journeys lo freedom Irom domestic abuse, substance misuse and offending. We are buikrting partnerships with
other not-lor-prolil organisations across the community lo collaborate and ensure that beneliciaries receive
the best SUFJPOrt for their unique needs. We continue lo be Ihe only women's Service wilhin Lulon Ihal is
contracted by the Ministry of Justice lo support women who ￿e subject lo community orders or being
discharged from custody lo the local area. All services have been lully operational this year and our childcare
facility is available live days a week.
This year our largest referral source was still through sell-referral with 27% of our servi¢e benefi¢iaries refe￿Ing
themselves into service. Our se¢ond laigesl number ol referrals this year was still from Children's Social Care,
18Y., followed by probation seThices, 13Y.. We are also seeing an increase in the number ol women referred
by Ihe IDVA service, 8Y., and directly from Ihe police, 8Y*. The complexity ol need presented by our service
beneficiary community has risen - 29 women had alcohol Sup1￿ needs at time of referral and 31 disclosed
drug support needs. 186 had menial health supwrt needs.
The maionty of the women we supported experienced more than one vulnerability. Efflolional and physical
abuse and coercive control remained Ihe three most comrnon types of abuse. atlhough we have seen an
increase in slalkinglliarassment and fi"nan¢ial abuse.
Stepping Stones (Lulonl part￿Ipated in several pan<ounly strategic partnerships which continued lo ensure
that the current issues lacing local women and their chiklren allecled by domestic a￿se are accurately
reflected in the seThices provided by both the slalulory and voluntary sector. We have been consistently
advocating lor our service beneficiary comTnunity locally and ensurin9 that the voices ol this marginalised
collective are heard and acknowledged through system changes and process modificalion. We have continued
lo train our siaft team to undersiand and respond ellectively to the needs ol women directly affected by FGM,
honour-based violence. gang violence and sexual exploitation.
Page 2

Ste
in
Stones
Luion
Re
rt ol the Tius
Year
1 March
25
During this reporting period, 2,983 hours ol chilthare were delivered lo 56 children This is a decrease on last
year due lo some stalling issues eady in the financial year, however every woman who has needed ¢hildcare
support by the charity has received it. We are also able lo accept non-client children. al a fixed cost. In the
laller part ol the year we have regisiered lo lake govemmeni funded children and this has proved successful
with 4 children signed up lor the summer temi. Our childcare facility coniinues lo provide a thorough lea¥ning
¢urri¢ulum cognilion appropriate to the children we sU￿}rt and retains ils Otsted rating. Children are
encouraged to leain. play, and socialise appropriately with their peers taking part in a calendar ol events.
We advocate lor (he women we support- many ol whom are slruggling to navigate Ihe cornplexilies of social
care and family court procedures. We make sure their voice is heard regardless of Iheir background and we
activety challenge discrimination within siaiutory inst"rtuth)ns and the community.
Our Lulon hub is a place that women feel safe and can benefit from lood, cblhes and loilelries donations as
well as access lo specialist employment support. We have strong partnerships wilh other agencies including
Social services, drugs a￿￿ alcohol services, probation and sexual heatth services. We are part ol the Luion
Council Warm Hub initiative and any woman is able to drop in. for any ￿aSOn. on a Friday moming and receive
a hol drink and some social inleraclion.
Previous informal partnerships and ¢ollalJ)ralions Io SUFPQrt specific menlal heallh interventions with our
clients were lorrnalised in 2022123 and continue lor 2024125. Azalea, a k)cal charity which SUPFX)rts men and
women caught in sex Iralficking provided a lully qualified Menlal Health praclilioner who works 50910 with
Azalea and 50V/o wilh Stepping Stones clients. We received funding from NHS England as a 2 year pilot, to
ensure that this vital work ¢an continue.
52Yo ol our service users are from a non-white group. We speak some ol the main local languages, access
Iranslalor services and have slrong links lo organisalions who work with marginalised groups such as Cenlre
lor Youth & Community Development ICYCDI and Links Community CIC. 76.10 of the women and lamilies that
we supported were claiming benefits and 8% had no recourse lo public funds.
The women supported ranged from 18 10 66 years old. Following an initial assessment, all women receive
1=1 support and Ihe majority attended one or more groups. particularly the Own my Life and Parenting
programrnes. With services lailored lo meet individual needs, we lind that suppM)rt lasls between 6 months
and 2 years. For yourbger women. needs cenlre on understanding healthy relationships.. exploitation through
gang membership,. sell-harm-. anxiety., drug dependency.. parental pressures- ￿aVIng care and securing sale
accommodation- Cultural expectalions.There can be an increased Irequencylintensity of support lor younger
women, parti¢ularly offenders and we conlrnue to provide support to sustain education. Older women
accessing our support also benefit from bolh gioup and individual support and often need support lo
understand and overcome long-standing abusive relationships (increasingly by their children). All women are
given a support plan lo guide them through their support and a salely plan.
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
During 2024125 the lolbwing seNices were provided..
Interventlon I services
One to one SUFPOrt ILulon)
One to one support (Central Beds)
Probation
Group programmes lin¢1 Own My Lile. Serentyl
Education, Training and Employment support
Counselling
Mental Healih support (Healthy
mind)
No. of women
228
36
39
197
17
32
Page 3

Sle
Stones
Lulon
Re
lor
ort ol the Trustees
rch 2025
Servl¢es:
one.to￿ffte support:
Following an initial assessmenl, our Irwned Women's SuFVOrt Praclitioners IWSPS) work collaboratively with
the client lo identify and develop an appropriate and dynamic support plan which accuralely relle¢ls and meets
the client's immediate and longer-terffl lleeds. One-to-one support continues lo be the most wmmonly ollered
service. which is underpinned by a holistic. theTapeulic approach lo building the client's mental. physical.
emotional, and psychosocial wellbeing.
A typical support plan would If￿lUde the following-
Enabling the client to understand and move beyond domestic abLsse
• Fostering wsilive and healthy relationships and support networks
Support and advocacy lo navigate sialulory services such as Probation. Social Services, Local Authority
housing and Ihe OWP
Acknowledging and addressing subsiance misuse
Education and empowerment around parenting
Group programmes:
The charity offers an increased number and variety ol programme$ 10 our clieni ¢ommunty whi¢h are designed
lo inform, empower, and support ¢lients experien¢ing spe¢ili¢ issues. A summary of our groups Imany ol which
can be delivered by a lully trained WSP on a one-to-one basis dependent on the client's needs) are as follows:
Own My Llte - a 12-week course lo'support clients, who have suffered abuse, regain ownership ol their lives.
11 looks al sexism, rape Cullure. violence. misogyny. dis￿Spect in relationships and abusive behaviour. All
practitioners are trained to deliver this wogramme.
Beyond Anger- explores anger and violence in differenl areas ol the client's lives, focus5ing oll Slrenglhs and
how clients can express slrong emotions in a safe and apprOPr￿te manner aTha make positive Changes lo Iheir
lives.
Reslllence Parenting - enables and empowers clients lo understand parenting arKI how lo move towards
sale, appropriate, and responsive parenting. 8uilding Sirong bonds be￿eeft parent and child.
Serenity
authored by the charity to support clients affected by anxiety and stress. enables clients to
understand and recognise slress and lo resFond lo distressing environs and panic in a Pfoaclive, meaningful
manner.
Non-violent Re$l$tan¢e - NVR is designed specifically lor parents who are experiencing abusive behaviour
from their child lor childienl. It enables parents to respond lo Ihese challenges in a proven, peaceful way that
seeks to impiove the parenvchild relationship.
Love L8nguages - this was developed to enable clients io undersland the way they give and receive k)ve in
both intimate and familial relationships. It K1entifies ways to navigate and respond lo possible red ffags in
relationshps that have the potential to become harmful.
Other achievements in the year
This is a significant year for the Charity as it marks its l Oth anniversary ol registering as a Charity and an open
day nelwoiking session fof professionals was hosted in the morning with a drop in event lor service users and
their children held in the afternoon. We conlinue lo provide seryices arKI engage in community activities around
International Women's Day to celebrate and share knowledge and ski115 around women's seryices within our
local community. During 16 days ol Action againsl gender-based Y￿lenCe. we also hosted an event lor our
own clients lo celebrate and share their su¢¢esses locussing on slrenglh and hope in Ihe lulure.
Page 4

in
Sion
on
rt ol the Trustees
rEn
ed31M
Partnership working
Working in partnership with cornplemenlary organisations ￿th within Luton and across Central Bedfordshire
remains critical lo ensure effeclive service delivery {linking lo housing. drug and alcohol and other
complementary services) and lo maximise resources. We continue io enjoy strong working relaiionships with
Women's Aid Lulon, Luton All Women's Centre and Victim Support to narne bul a lew within the voluntary
wornen's sector. We also work very ck)sely wilh both Lthon Council and Central Bedffordshire Council, as
well as the Police and Probation services, all ol which lomi a significant proportion ol OLsr referrals. We have
an important presence on many of the local lorums al a strategic and operalional level, ensuring that we can
identify and oller the ￿st wssible support IOT our service beneficiaries.
Volunteering
The Iruslees wish to record thanks to the many volunteers without whom the charity woukl be unable to
maintain the quality ol service al the level ol lunds Ihal is currently received. In 2024125 we benefited from
the work 016 volunteers who supported paid siaff in various ways including administrative support lunctions,
IT and social networking. One ol the volunteers went on lo join the paid staff. Extemally training volunteer
counsellors also support the Se￿iCe users.
Organisation Structure
Management Team
Charlotte Lockley ICEOI
Shazia Shah (Manager Women's Servi¢esl
Samera Arshad Imanager Children's Seryicesl
The new CEO slarted in April 2024 and the management team continues to develop and go Irom strength lo
strength. ably supported by the Ollice Manager. There were 17 staff members - 10 lull lime and 6 part lime.
All our stall are highly trained and regularly ￿1resh and expand Iheir learning Ihrough both accredited and
non-accrediled courses and webinars. Three Women's Support Pra¢tttioners are qualified IDVAS, and 2 more
are working lowards this qualilicalion. Mandatory training is refreshed annualty oi if legislation changes.
Operational challenges during 2024125
Funding.. There has been continuin9 urt￿rtainty around funding. The eThling ot several larger mulli-year
funding streams in this year and previous years has signilicanlly impacted our funding sustainability- We are
actively identifying dillerenl roules to lundraising as well as different lunders.
Remote working-. Remote wothing pfactices were adopted during the Covid pandemic and although the offices
are open 5 days per week there are still slalf supporting clients from home over the phone and via video calls.
8usiness Development, Fundrol$lng and In¢ome Generalion
The CEO continues lo invest lime in lundraising with Trustees. SUFWrt where possible.
The Charty conlinues lo receive linancial swrt from Community fundraising events and will continue to
wolk on its increasing meclia presen￿. The Charity has been fortunate lo be chosen as Charity ol the Year
by Lulon Town Foolball Club which has increased visibility during the year. We also received gengrous
donations from Ihe Three Valleys Club, the Rosmarinus Tnjst. Battour Bealty and Bedlordshire Police. The
continued cost of living crisis which has alle¢ted both serwice usets and the Charity Colltinues to identify diverse
funding streams and partnership funding applications where appropriate.
Partnership working, particularfy for the provision ol mental heatth Se￿￿$ has been an area which has
slfenglhened the Charity's ollering. It will continue lo aclively pursue other appropriate partnerships and
continue lo build stronger professional netrffjrks.
Page 5

in
Re
ort ol the Trusiees
lor the Year En
As members ol Luton BID, Lulon Fairness Tasklorce, Luton All-women's N8lworking, Lulon Domestic Abus•
Partnership, Women's Aid Regional Netr•ork, CEO network, Beds Community Sentence Treatment
Requirernenls sleerirrfJ group, Bedlordshire Domeslic Abuse Partnership. All Bedlordshire Online networking
forum, Lulon VCSE Menlal Health Alliance, the Survivors group, and Ihe VARAC Strategic Board, we continue
10 ensure Ihal the needs ol our service users a￿ accuraiety reflected at regional level. The charity continues
lo work closely with other third sector provKlers within the local community as well as slalulory agencies wilh
the statutory care remit for many ol our service users. We work in partnership with the relevant NHS Trust,
Social Services direclorale (both adult and child) and the local Criminal Justice System.
Princlpal rlsks uncertainties
Financial sustainability ol the organisation continues lo be our locus and we will seek continued diversification
ol our funding streams and an increase in partnership working. We have ￿vieWed the main areas ol risk and
are working on a Tevised Business Continuity Plan. The main areas ol risk lor the charity are-
. Loss of workspace - building damage. unexFeCted stvuctural faults. heating I plumbing failure andlor loss of
• Loss ol IT I data - fai￿re ol computer hardware andlor IT systems, hackiryJ or security breach, damage lo
phone lines l internel a￿e$s.
Loss of key staff - inability ol staff lo attend wthplace or permanent / temF)orary loss ol staff.
• Loss ol income - inabilty lo secure sufficienl lunding lor the year, not receiving expecl&J funding on time,
not receiving funding at all.
Plans lor future periods
For the 2025126 peri¢xl we will be focusing on:
Continuing lo promote our chikJcare seThi￿S through a series ol open mornings lor relefring agents. the
provision ol SEND places, the publicalion ol newly developed promotional malerials and outsourcing these
services at cost where the caregiver is not a client ol ihe charity. The Charity will have a newwebsile developed
during the year and increase its visibility via social media. There is a conlinued review ol whelher development
ol our oller lo potential clients including those OLrtside the Luton area and living in rurally isolated areas ol
Cenlral Bedlordshrre can be undertaken.
Looking lo further devgbp and innovate our services by considering how these rnay be ollered lo external
l¢e-paying organizations
Invesli9ating suslainable sources ol furKling with less reliance on grants mving loThyard.
Reposilioning the charity as Ihe reg￿n.$ leading provthr of services lo women
Page 6

nes
Lulon
Re
ort ol the Trusle
loi the Year Ended
1 Mar
h 2025
NANCIAL REVIEW
Financial posilion
The detailed figures lor the year ended 31 March 2025 are set out in the financial statements that lollow this
Trustges, Report. During the year. the Company received £483.122 12024= £415.902) and spent £557,333
12024.. £476,744} leaving a deficit of £74,211 {2024.' delicit 01 £60,842).
The primary sources ol income being from service agreement eontracts with Advance Charty and NHS
England, arbd grants from BLCF. The National Lottery. The Ministry ol Justice, The Triangle Tiusl, The Rosa
Stand by me Fund. and The Henry SmTlh Charity. We were also fortunate lo receive a capital grant from
Groundwofks UK enabling us to implement luel saving inilialives through the installation of new radiators and
secondary glazing, Income lor the year was in line wrth budget.
Expenditure lor the year was wlhin budget due lo cost savings during Ihe year made whilst still maintaining
service provision.
Rèserve$ pollcy
The ¢urrenl reseThes policy is to keep aF¥Jroximalely 20Y. 25Yo ol operaling costs as resetves (excluding
those relating to reslricled incorne funds, endowment funds, tangible assets held lor the Company's use and
amounts designated lor essenlial lulure sperKlingl to ensure that the Company can continue to operate in the
short term should it suller an unexpected lall in incoming lunds. Al Ihe balance sheet dale, the Company held
£105.70812024= £179,535) in reseNes under Ihe above delinilion. which represenls 19.OY•12024.. 37.6Yol ol
cyeraling costs lor the year.
Investment policy
The Iruslees have decided to maintain a low risk invesiment strategy. The main PUTpose ol the Company is lo
provide support services to vulnerable women and their child￿n and families and because ol the uncertainly
of income streams, it is necessary to ensure Ihal funds are readily available to ensure that services are not
adversely alfecled by short term income falls. As such the trustees choose not to risk funds in potentially higher
return inveslmenls.
STRUCTUR& GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
Siepping Stones {Lulonl is a company IFmiled by guaranle8 governed by its Memorandum and Articles ol
Association dated 8 June 2015 {amended 11. January 20171. li is registered as a charity wilh the Charity
Commission. The maximum contribulion required by members ol the company is an amount not exceeding £1
in the evenl ol the company being wound up. The Company was originally incorporated on 8 May 2008 as a
Community Interest Company and passed a special resolution on 8 June 2015 to convert to a Charitable
Company.
Appointment of trustees
New Trustees are appointed by a malorily balk)l of the existing Trustees or by ordinary resolution ol th8
members in general meeting. New Trustees appointed by the existing Trustees only hold ollice until Ihe next
AGM al which lime they may seek re-appoinlfflenl. The Iruslees awe eligible lo serve tor a ihree-year period
and may Ihen be re-elected lor further three-year periods. One third ol the TnJslees reiire from ollice by iolalion
al each AGM following the lirsi AGM and may seek re-aFP)intment.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DEfAILS
Reglslered Company number
06588338 {England and Wales)
Reglstered Charity number
1162349
Page 7

Sle
Stones
Lulon
Fle
rt ol Ihe Trustees
lor the Year Ended 31 March 2025
Registered ollice
9a George Slfeel West
Lulon
Bedfordshire
LU1 2BW
Cornpany Trust￿$ and Directors
The directors ol the charitable company are 51$ ITuslees lor the purFose ol Charity law. The trustees arKI ofli¢er$
seNing dufing the year and since the year end We￿ as follows:
Sandra Brown (Chairl
Rosernary Hughes Ico-vice Chairl
Claire M¢lnally ICo-Vi¢e Chair)
Aimee Clarke
Claire Hackwood lappoinled 16.9.24)
Victor Akunna lappoinled 16.9.241
Seyelar Clernenl lappoinled 16.9.24)
Helen Campbell latp)inted 7.10.24)
Independenl Examlner
Philip Dean, FCA (Member ol ihe Insiilute of Chartered A¢¢ouniants in England and Wales)
Hicks and Company
Chartered Accountsnts
Vaughan Chambers
Vaughan Road
Harpenden
Hertfordshire
ALS 4EE
Patron
Meryl Oolling
Bankers
CAF Bank Lid
25 Kings Hill Avenue
Kings Hill
Wesl Malling
Kent ME194JQ
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES. RESPONSIBILITIES
The Iruslees (who are also the directors ol Stepping Stones (Lulon} lor the purposes ol company lawl a
responsible lor preparing the Rewrt ol the Trustees and the financial slalements in accordance with applicable
law and United King(Jom Accouniing Standards (Uniied Kingdom Generally Accepied Accounting Practicel-
Company law ￿qUIreS the trustees lo p￿pare financial statements lor each financial year which give a true
and fair view ol the slate of aftairs ol the charitable company and ol the incoming resources and application of
resources, including the income and expenditure. ol the chaiitable company lor thai penod. In preparing those
financial stalemenls, the trustees are required lo
select suitable accounting policies and then appty them consislently-
obserye the methods and principles in the Charity SORP:
make judgements and eslimales Ihal are reasonable and prudenl.,
prepare the financial slalemenls on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the
charitable company will Continue in business.
Page 8

Stones
Lu
Re
ort ol the Tru
tees
r Ended 31 March 202
The Iruslees are responsible for keeping proper aecouniing re¢oTds which dis¢lose with reasonable a¢¢uraey
al any lime the linancial position ol the charitable company and lo enable them to ensure that the financial
slalemenls comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are aLso resFonsible lor safeguarding the assets ol the
charitable company and hence lor taking reasonable Steps lor the prevention and deieclion of Iraud and other
irregularities.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions ol Part 15 01 the Companies Act 2006
relaling lo small eompanigs.
Approved by ordor of the board ol trustees on 19 September 2025 and signed on its behall by..
Sandra 8rown (Chair) - Trustee
Page 9

Inde
Sie
endent Examiner's Re
Stones
Lul
rt to the Trustees ol
Indopendont exami￿r.$ roport to the Iwst•e$ ol Stepping Stones (Luton) (Ihe CompanYI
report to the charity Iruslees on my examination of Ihe accounts ol the Company lor the year ended
31 March 2025.
Responsibillties and basis of report
As the charity's Iruslees of the Company land also Its directors tor the purposes of company law) you are
responsible lor Ihe preparaiion ol the accounts in accordance with the requirements ol the Companies Act
2006 Ilhe 2006 A¢l').
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 01 the
2006 Act and are eligible lor independent examination, I rewrt in respect ol my examination ol your charity's
accounts as carried oul under Section 145 01 the Charities Act 2011 {'Ihe 2D11 Acl'l. In carrying out my
examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Cornmiss￿)n under Section 145151 Ibl ol the
2011 Acl.
IndepeTrdent examiner's statement
Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,0￿ your exarniner musl be a rnember ol a listed body. I
can confirm ihal l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a memlxr ol ihe Institute ol
Chartered Accountants in England Wales. which is one ol the Iisied bodies.
I have completed my examinalion. I confimi that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the
examination giving me Cause to believe=
accounting records were nol kept in resFeCt ol the Company as required by Section 386 01 the 2006
Ihe accounts do not accord with Ihose records- or
the aceounls do not comply with the a¢¢ouniing requ1￿mentS of Section 396 01 Ihe 2006 Act other than
any requirement that the accounts gwe a tnJe and lair view which is not a matter considered as part of
an independenl examination,. or
the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with Ihe melhods and principles ol the Statement
ol Recommended Piactice lor accounting and reporting by charities lapplicdble to charities preparing
their accounts in accordance wilh the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in Ihe UK and Republic
ol Ireland IFRS 1021).
I have no concerns and have Come across no other mallers in connection with the examination to which
attention shoukl be drawn in this report in Ofder to enable a proper understanding ol the a¢counls lo be
reached.
Philip Dea
FCA (Member ol the Inslilule ol Chartered Accountants in Engla￿1 and Wales)
Hicks and Company
Chartered Accounlants
Vaughan Chambers
Vaughan Road
Harpenden
Hertfordshire
AL5 4EE
19 September 2025
Page10

Sie
Statement ol Financial Activities
he Year Ended 31 March 2025
31.3.25
Total
funds
31.3.24
Total
lunds
UnresiriciedReslri¢ied
fund
lunds
Notes
INCOME AND ENDOWMETrW6 FROM
Donalions and lggacies
14.192
14,192
10,187
Charltsble actlvltles
Support seNices for vulnerable women
410,515
468.523
405,362
Investment income
407
353
Totsl
410.515
415902
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable o¢tivities
Support services lor vulnerable women
476,744
NET INCOM￿{EXPENDlTuRE)
Transfers between funds
124,264)
(49.947)
174,211)
160,8421
15
Nel movement in funds
(74.264)
(74.211)
160.842)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
180.848
4993
185.841
246.683
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
111 630
185841
The notes lomi part of these financial statements
Page 11

Sie
Stones
Lulon
Statement ol Financial Position
31.3.25
Total
funds
31.3.24
Total
funds
Unrestr￿te￿RestrtIed
fund
funds
Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
876
1,313
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
Cash al bank and in hand
12
13.074
4.513
17.587
151 903
39,284
178,294
116.262
169.490
217,578
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
13
{10.554}
(48,182)
(58,736
133,050}
NET CURRENT ASSETS
110754
184 528
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES
106.584
111,630
185,841
NET ASSETS
111 630
185 841
FUNDS
Unresiri¢led lunds=
General fund
Reslricled funds:
Support services lor vulnerable women
106,584
180.848
4,993
TOTAL FUNDS
The charitable company is enlbiled to gxemption from avdil under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 lor
the year ended 31 March 2025.
The members have not required the company lo obtain an audit ol its linancial statements lor the year ended
31 March 2025 in accordance wilh Section 476 01 the Companies Act 2006_
The trustees acknowledge their iesponsibihties lor
lal
ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting r￿IdS that comply with Sections 386 and 387
ol the Companies Act 2006 and
preparing financial slalemenls which gNe a true and lair vi8w ol th8 stale ol affairs ol the charitable
company as al the end ol each financial year and ol its surplus or deficil lor each financial year in
accordance with the requiremenls of Sections 394 and 395 and which olhetwise comply with the
requirements ol the Companies Act 2006 relating lo financial slatemenls, so lar as applicable lo the
charitable company.
Ibl
The notes fomi part ol these financial statements
Page 12
continued...

in
Luton
Stal
l Financial P sili
31 March 2025
n - continued
These linancial slalements hav8 been prepared in a¢¢ordance with the provisions applicable to charilable
companies subject to Ihe small ¢ompanies regime.
The financial statements were approved by Ihe Board ol Trustees and authorised for issue on
19 September 2025 and were signed on ils behalf by..
Sandra Brown (Chairl - Trustee
Rosemary Hughes - Trustee
The notes lorrn part ol these financial statements
Page 13

Ste
Stones
Luton
Sialemenl ol Cash Flows
lor the Year Ended 31 March 2025
31.3.25
31.3.24
Notes
Cash Ilowg from operaling aclivilies
Cash generated from operations
Interest paid
126.235)
156
1109,8261
92
Nel cash used operating activities
1099181
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase ol tangible Ibxed assets
1.749
Nel cash provided byl{used inl investiro activities
Change In cash and cash equivalenls
in Ihe reporting peri¢)d
Cash and cash equivalents al Ihe
beglnnlng of the reporting perlod
(26.391)
{111,6671
289 961
Cash and cash equlvalents at Ihe end
of the reporting period
178.294
The noles lorrn part ol ihese financial statements
Page 14

Ste
in
Stone
ul
Notes to the Siaiemen
of Cash Flows
lor the Year
1 Maich 2025
RECONCILIATION OF NET EXPENDITURE TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING
ACTIVITIES
31.3.25
31.3.24
Net expenditure lor the reportlng perfod (as per the Statenwjt
of Flnanclal Actlvltles)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
InleTesl paid
Decrease/{increasel in debto
Increaselldecreasel in creditors
{74,211)
{60.8421
437
156
21,697
92
(22,5131
Net cash used In operations
26.235
109.8261
ANAL YSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNI)S
At 1.4.24
Cash flow
At 31.3.25
Net cash
Cash at bank and in hand
Total
151903
The notes fomi part ol these financial siatements
Page15

Notes lo the Financial Statemen
lor the Year Ended 31 Mar
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial 5talemenls ol the charitable company. which is a Wb1￿ benelil entity under FRS 102.
have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP IFRS 1021 'Accounling and Reporting by
Charities= Slalemenl of Recommended Practice applicable lo charities preparing their accounts in
accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFFIS
1021 lefleclive 1 January 20191.. Financial RetK)rting Siandafd 102 The Financial Reporting Standard
applicable in the UK and Flepublic ol Ireland. and the Companies Acl 2006. The financial statements
have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Income
All incoming reswrces are in¢luded in Ihe Sialement of Financial Aclivilies when the charity is eniilled
lo Ihe income and the amount can be quaniilie¢J wilh reasonable accuracy. The lollowing specific
policies are applied lo particular categories ol income=
Volunlary income is received by way of granls, clonalions and gifts and is included in lull in the
Slalemenl ol Financial Aelivities when re¢eivable. Granls, where enlitlemenl is not condrtional on the
delivery ol a specific performance by the charity. are recognised when the charity becomes
uncondilionally enlilled lo them.
Donated servi¢es and ta¢ilitie5 are included at Ihe value lo the charity where this can be quantilied. The
value ol services piovided by volunleers has not been included in Ihese accounts.
Inveslfflenl income is included when receivable.
Incoming resources from grants, where related lo performance and specilic deliverables. are a¢¢ounled
for as the charity earns the right to consideraiion by ils performafice.
Expenditure
Expenditure is accounted lor on an accruals basis and has been Classified under headings Ihal
aggregate all cost related to the eategory. Where costs cannol be directly attributed lo particular
headings they have been allocated lo activities on a basis consisienl with Ihe use ol fesources.
Costs ol generating funds comprise the costs associated with attracting voluntary income.
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by Ihe charity in Ihe delivery ol its activities and
services lor its beneficiaries. 11 includes tjolh costs that can be alb¢aied direclly lo such activities and
those Costs ol an indirecl nature necessary lo support them.
The charity has one main actNity being the provision ol swort services lor vulnerable women.
Allocation and apportionmenl of cosls
Cosls have eilher been diieclly allocaled or have been althated on the basis oflhe yopjrtion of income
to which Ihey relate. Where deprecialion is property chargeable lo restricted fund activities, this has
also been allocated on ihe basis ol ihe proportion ol income between reslricled and unreslricied
activities.
Tangiblo fixed assets
Depreciation is provided al the following annual rates in order to write off each assel over ils estimaied
useful life.
Short leasehokl
Fixtures & ewipment
l O°k on cosi
25% on cost
Taxation
The charity is exempt from corForalion lax on its Charitab￿ actwities.
Page 16
conlinued...

Sio
ncial Slalemenls continu
lor ihe Year Ended 31 M h 2025
ACCOUNTING POLICIES- ¢onllnued
Fund a¢¢ountlng
Unresirieted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the
Iruslees.
Restricted funds Can onty be used lor partiojlar reslricled purposes Ythhin the objects ol the charity.
Reslrtclions arise when specified by the donor or when lunds are raised for particular reslricled
purposes.
Further explanation ol the nature and purp)se ol each fund ￿ included in Ihe noles lo the financial
slalemenls.
Penslon costs and other post-retirement benefits
The charitable company operates a defined ¢onlribution pension scheme. Contributions payable lo
the charitable Company's pension s¢heme are charged lo the Statement ol Finan¢ial Activities in ihe
period lo which they relate.
DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
31.3.25
31.3.24
Donations
10,187
INVESTMENT INCOME
31 J.25
31.3.24
Interest received
407
353
INCOME FROM CHARITABLE AcnvmES
31.3.25
31.3.24
Activity
Support services lor vulnerable women
Support services lor vulnerable women
Support services lor vulnerable women
Support seThices lor vulnerable women
Servi¢e agreement
Sundry income
Granls
Childcare services
97.248
2.761
368,165
349
56,384
503
348.475
405 362
Grants received. included in the above. a￿ as follows:
31.3.25
31.3.24
Luton Rising 18LCF
Ministry Of Justice
The Henry Smith Chartty
Women's AKI
National Lottery
National Lottery Cost Of Liviro Fund
Groundwoths UK
Rosa Fund
Triangle Trust
128.198
60,746
65,000
9,900
55,161
143,200
60.746
32.500
54,729
57,300
15,305
24.855
Page 17
continued...

Stones
Lut
Notes lo the Financial Statements - continu
lor the Year Ended 31 March 2025
CHARITABLE ACTlVtfiES COSTS
Supwrt
costs (see
nole 61
Direct
Costs
Totals
Support services for vulnerable
women
111414
SUPPORT COSTS
Other
Suppjrt services lor vulnerable women
111 414
NET INCOMEI{EXPENDITURE}
Net in¢omel{expenditu￿) 1$ stated after chargin￿{crediting)=
31.3.25
31.3.24
Depreciation - owned assets
Independent Examinerfs remuneration
437
480
3.300
TRUSTEES. REMUNERATION AND BENEFtTS
There were no Iruslees, remuneration or olher benefits for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor lor the
year ended 31 March 2024.
Ttustees. expenses
Ouring the year ended 31 March 2025, £9 12024- £115) expenses was paid in connection with one
Truslee.
STAFF COSTS
31.3.25
31.3.24
Wages and salaries
Social secuiity costs
Other pension costs
357,699
22,956
325,653
19,422
5.346
350.421
Pension costs are allocated to a￿l¥ll1eS in proportion 10 the related stalling costs incurred.
The average monthty number ol enwoyees during the year was as follows..
31.3.25
17
31.3.24
18
SupF(fyrt seryices lor vulnerthe women
No ernployees received emoluments in excess of £60.CKJO.
The employee benefits ol key management personnel lor the company were £93.050 {2024: £102.4261.
Page 18
continued...

Stones
LLJton
Notes lo
he Finan
ial Statements - coniinued
lor the Year Ended 31 March 2025
10. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMEiif OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted
lund
Reslricled
lunds
Total
lunds
INCOME AND ENL)OWMEpifs FROM
Donatrons and legacies
10.187
10,187
Charltable 8¢tivities
Support services tor vulnerable women
56,887
348,475
405.362
Investment income
353
353
Total
348,475
415 902
EXPENDITURE ON
Charilable activities
Support services lor vulnerable women
389.790
476 744
NET INCOMEI(EXPENDITURE)
119,5271
141,3151
(60,842)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds broughl forward
200.374
46,309
246,683
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
180,847
4,994
185,841
11. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Short
Fixtures
leasehold & equiwent
Totals
COST
At 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025
DEPRECIATJON
At 1 April 2024
Charge lor year
129.247
46,522
437
175.769
437
At 31 March 2025
NET BOOK VALUE
Al 31 March 2025
875
876
At 31 March 2024
Page 19
conlinued..-

Stones
Lulon
Notes to the Financial Slalements - continued
I r the Year EThJed 31 March 2025
12. DEBTORS: AMoUTr￿s FALUNG DLIE WITHIN ONE YEAR
31J.25
31.3.24
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments
11,250
900
5.437
28,762
10,522
13. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALUNG DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
31.3.25
31.3.24
Trade creditors
Social securiiy and other taxes
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
9.564
9,502
27.370
6,380
3.075
20.786
14. LEASING AGREEMENTS
Minimum lease paymenis under non<ancellable operaiing leases fall due as follows..
31.3.25
31.3.24
Within one year
Between one and five years
In more than live years
20,000
80,000
20,000
80.000
55,000
135 000
155 000
15. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Nel
movement
in funds
Transfers
between
lunds
At
31.3.25
Al 1.4.24
Unrestricted funds
General fund
180,848
{24,2641
{50,0001
106.584
Restrlcted funds
Support services lor vulnerable women
4,993
{49.947}
50.000
TOTAL FUNDS
Page 20
continu8d...

in
Sion
ul
Note
lo the Financial Slalem
I rtheye
r Ended
1 Maich 202
continued
15.
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS- ¢ontlnued
Net movement in lunds. incluclgd in the ab)ve are as follows..
Incoming
resources
Aesources
exp¢nded
Movement
in funds
Unrestrlcted lunds
General lund
72.607
196,871)
(24.264)
Restricted funds
Support services lor vulnerable women
410,515
(460.462)
(49,947)
TOTAL FUNDS
Comparatlves lor movement In lunds
Net
movemenl
tn lunds
At
31.3.24
At 1.4.23
Unrestricted funds
General fund
200,374
119,5261
180,848
Re51ricled funds
Support services lor vulnerable women
46.309
141,3161
4,993
TOTAL FUNDS
60.842
185841
Comparative nel movement in funds, included in Ihe above are as follows:
Ir￿ning
resources
Resources
expended
Movernent
in funds
Unrestricted lunds
General lund
67,427
186,953)
119,5261
Reslrlcted tunds
Support services lor vulnerable women
348,475
1389.7911
141,3161
TOTAL FUNDS
Purpose ol resiricied lun(ts".
The restricted funds are held and applied tOT the overall objects ol the company. Due lo the complex
needs ol all service users. it is not possible to alh)cate income and costs to specific services provided
by the company.
Page 21
continued...

in
Notes lo the Financial Slalements - continued
lor the Year Ended 31 March 2025
16. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSUFIES
There were no transactions with relaied parties during Ihe year ended 31 March 2025.
17.
ULTIMATE CONTROLLING PARTY
In the opinion ol the truslees. there was no controlling party during the year.
18. GENERAL INFORMATION
The company is a private company registered in England and Wales. It is limited by guarantee and has
no share capital. In the event ol a winding up. every member has undertaken to contribute a sum nol
exceeding £1. The company's registered number and registered ollice address can be found in the
Report ol the Trustees.
Page 22

Sie
iones
Luton
Detailed St tement ol Financial Activ
Ended 31 March 2
31.3.25
Total
funds
31.3.24
Total
funds
Unrestricled
funds
Reslrtcled
funds
INCOME AND ENDOWMEtr¥rs
Donations and lega¢le$
Donations
14,192
14,192
10,187
Inveslrnenl income
Interest received
407
353
Charitable a¢tlvllle$
Servi¢e agreement
Sundry income
Grants
Childcare services
44.998
2.761
9.900
349
Sl250
97.248
2,761
368,165
349
56,384
503
348.475
358,265
410515
405 362
Totsl in¢omlng resources
72,607
410,515
483.122
415,902
EXpEND￿VRE
Charltable a¢llvlties
Salaries
Social security
Pensions
Staff training
Agency stall
Recruilmenl costs
DBS costs
Relreshfflenls & Canteen expenses
Travel expenses
Supetvision costs
Malerials
Service user support expenses
Accountancy
Trustee expenses
60,808
3.903
1,152
296.891
19,053
5.624
357,699
22,956
6.776
3.268
30,139
7,535
325,653
19.422
5,346
2,217
30.139
1.281
1,999
530
2,606
548
5,819
602
191
6,769
115
743
533
1,704
879
5,634
745
879
958
127
892
4,227
4.676
618
1560
6,787
78028
367,091
445,919
371,817
Support Cogts
(Xher
Fundraising and promotion
Rent & parking payable
Rates & waler rates
Insurance
Carried forward
47T
47T
20,000
2,575
6,876
29,928
10
20.000
1,983
6,319
28.312
16,61X)
2,137
5,707
24,444
438
1,169
This page does not lomi part ol the slalutory financial stalemerts
Page 23

Sie
on
De
Sta
ement l Financial Activ
rEn
31.3.25
Total
funds
31.3.24
Total
funds
Unresiricted
funds
Reslricled
funds
Oiher
8rought forward
Te18phone
Printing. postap & stationery
Repairs. renewals & alleralions
Fuel elliciency expenditure
Light & heal
computer & sofvare expenses
Subscriptions
Professional lees
Volunteer expenses
Refuse colleclion & cleaning
Sundry expenses
Depreciation ol fixtures & equipment
Bank charges & interest
24.444
5.753
3.OTI
2.845
15,305
6.028
27.813
2.947
1373
29.928
6.932
3,707
3,428
15,305
7.263
33.510
3.550
2.859
176
3.358
28,312
11,955
1,943
3,270
1,179
7.059
27.768
2,736
17,597
21
3.661
33
480
92
5.697
176
572
2.786
437
156
437
156
111 414
Total resources expended
Net lexpenditurellincome
This pag& does noi fomi part ol the slalutory financial statements
Page 24