2025-03-31-accounts - Breastfeeding Together

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

Charity registration number: 1164333

BREASTFEEDING TOGETHER TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

ADC Accountants Limited

Breastfeeding Together Contents

	Page
Trustees' Report	1—6
Independent Examiner's Report	7
Statement of Financial Activities	8
Comparative Statement of Financial Activities	9
Statement of Financial Position	10
Notes to the Financial Statements	11—16
The following pages do not form part of the statutory accounts:
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities	17

Breastfeeding Together Trustees' Report For The Year Ended 31 March 2025

The trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Objectives and Activities

Aims and Objectives

Breastfeeding Together is a registered Charity founded in 2015 for the advancement of health, for the public benefit, through the provision of information, skilled help and support for the advancement of health and wellbeing of children and families both in the antenatal and postnatal period.

Breastfeeding Together provides pregnancy, parenting and infant feeding support to parents and families. We are a small, independent, user-led charity, not affiliated with any larger charity or organisation. Our strong organisational structure includes a board of trustees and a management committee who provide strategic leadership, vision and direction. They oversee finance, operations and compliance to ensure Breastfeeding Together is sustainably resourced, operating safely and legally.

The objects and purpose of the charity is to:

Improve health and wellbeing
Improve parental mental health
Support the transition to parenthood
Supporting optimal feeding practices
Reduce health inequalities
Improve family circumstances

Our long-term aim is to create a community environment in which pregnancy, parenting and infant feeding support is easy to access and free or low cost, and results in improved outcomes for all families.

Staff and Volunteers

The charity is supported by 9 staff and 55 registered volunteers, each bringing a wealth of knowledge and lived experience. All staff and volunteers live within, and are deeply connected to, the communities in which they work or volunteer.

Pregnancy, Parenting and Infant Feeding Support

Pregnancy and Parenting Sessions

We deliver a range of accessible, evidence-based sessions including:

▪ Preparing to Breastfeed

Plan and Prepare for Parenthood

▪ Safer Sleep for Babies

▪ Breastfeeding Your Newborn

▪ Introducing Solid Foods to Your Baby

Infant Feeding Support in the Community

Families can access both face to face and online support in the community, offering both practical and emotional support, feed observations and feeding assessments.

Breastfeeding Peer Support in the Hospital

We provide one to one information and support in the hospital setting, ensuring families receive timely and skilled help at the earliest stages.

...CONTINUED

Page 1

Breastfeeding Together Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025

Aims and Objectives - continued

Breastfeeding Peer Support Groups

We run weekly, in-person pregnancy and breastfeeding drop-in groups under our Bumps, Boobs & Brews programme.

Online Support Group

A weekly online version of Bumps, Boobs & Brews provides a safe, accessible space for parents who prefer or require virtual support.

Parenting Peer Support Groups/Courses

We run groups/courses to provide families with evidence-based parenting information and effective parenting strategies.

Online Parenting Forum

Our online parenting forum offers peer support around pregnancy, parenting and infant feeding, enabling parents to connect, share experiences and receive information and support in a caring and non-judgemental environment.

Live Web Chat

Our live chat services operates 365 days a year from 7pm-10pm, allowing families to access reliable information and support when they need it most.

Breastfeeding Friendly Scheme

We support local businesses and venues to create breastfeeding-friendly environments, helping parents and families feel more comfortable feeding their babies when out and about.

Training and Education

We provide a wide range of accredited face to face and online training courses focused on peer support, breastfeeding, optimal infant feeding practices and how families can be supported.

Breastfeeding Peer Support 1, 2 & 3 Training -

These courses are designed for individuals who are breastfeeding, providing breastmilk, or have previously done so, and aim to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to support others.

Breastfeeding Awareness 1 & 2 Training -

Aimed at individuals with little or no prior knowledge of breastfeeding, for those wanting to learn more including students of health and social care, midwifery, doulas, or nursery nurses.

Infant Feeding Education Sessions for Schools and Colleges -

Tailored sessions for KS4/5 students to improve understanding of infant feeding within an educational context. Specially designed to provide education around infant feeding within a school or college setting at KS4/5.

...CONTINUED

Page 2

Breastfeeding Together Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025

Aims and Objectives - continued

Breastfeeding Training for Businesses -

Designed to increase awareness and understanding of breastfeeding practices among businesses and staff who may interact with breastfeeding families.

Achievements and Performance

Main Achievements

This year, Breastfeeding Together have supported more than 11,500 people. Over 4,000 through direct support and over 7,500 indirectly through partners, children, and wider family. Through early intervention and continuous support from pregnancy into the early years, we have ensured every family we have had contact with, has had access to evidence-based information and compassionate peer support. Our support has strengthened families, helping them gain confidence, make informed decisions, and feel supported as they navigate the journey of parenthood. Throughout the year, at all of our provisions, Breastfeeding Together have created a safe and inclusive environment where parents feel welcomed, safe and listened to in a non-judgemental space. We have built connections with families whom we support which reduces isolation, supports positive early childhood development and enhances mental wellbeing. Our peer support activities are delivered by trained individuals with lived experience, and this year, alongside our staff, we had 72 active volunteers who contributed over 3,400 voluntary hours, playing a vital role in extending our reach and ensuring our services made a real difference in families’ lives. The impact of our work is evident with families reporting that they have had more positive feeding experiences, an increase with their parental confidence, stronger family relationships and improved mental wellbeing. In addition, we had 66 participants who completed our accredited Breastfeeding Peer Support or Awareness training, boosting skills, workforce capacity, and the quality of support we provide to families.

Financial Review

Financial Position

As we close the year, the charity is pleased to report a strong and stable financial position. We ended the year with healthy reserves, steady growth, and efficient use of funds in direct support of our mission. Through careful budgeting and cost management, we kept administrative expenses low, ensuring that the majority of resources went towards projects and services that create meaningful impact. Our financial performance positions us well for the year ahead, enabling us to meet our objectives, expand key initiatives, strengthen community partnerships, and continue building long-term sustainability. We are deeply grateful to our funders, staff, volunteers, and partners whose ongoing support and confidence in our mission have made this progress possible.

Reserves Policy

In the Trustees’ view Breastfeeding Together needs reserves in order to:

Maintain continuity of service provision.
Meet redundancy liabilities should staff need to be made redundant.
Ensure there are sufficient cash reserves in the current account to cover day to day running costs.
Replace equipment as it wears out and carry out necessary work/maintenance.
Relocate the Charity from its current location/premises.

...CONTINUED

Page 3

Breastfeeding Together Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025

Reserves Policy - continued

In calculating these amounts, Breastfeeding Together assumes the following:

Salaries and roles as of March 2025.
Notice period for staff.
Redundancy payments if applicable.
No redundancy payments for staff members with less than 2 years of service.

Breastfeeding Together trustees have agreed that the charity needs at least nine month’s expenditure (estimated at £126,000) in reserves plus a sum which covers the calculated redundancy liability (estimated at £10,000). Breastfeeding Together believes that this minimum level of reserves is prudent and necessary to ensure that the charity can run efficiently and meet future needs. The trustees will review and monitor the actual level of reserves and compare with the target level no less than once a year (at the financial year end). In the event of reserves falling significantly below the target level, Breastfeeding Together will aim to restore the reserves as soon as possible by increasing funding, fundraising, increasing earned income, or reducing expenditure. Similarly, if reserves are significantly above the target level, the trustees will put in place a plan as soon as possible, aiming to eliminate the excess within four years by spending money to enhance the quality of Breastfeeding Togethers’ provision, or otherwise further the aims of the charity, or by reducing fundraising.

Going Concern

The Trustees have concluded that Breastfeeding Together holds sufficient reserves to continue operating as a going concern. Following a comprehensive review of the charity’s budgets, financial forecasts, cash flow projections, reserve position and funding arrangements, the Trustees are satisfied that there are no material uncertainties that would compromise the organisation’s ability to operate for at least the next 12 months.

Structure, Governance and Management

Governing Document

Breastfeeding Together, a UK Charity, is governed by the Constitution of a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). This constitution sets out the charity’s legal framework, including its purpose, governance structure, and the responsibilities of its trustees. It outlines how decisions are made, how trustees are appointed, and how the charity must manage its resources to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with UK charity law. By operating under a CIO constitution, Breastfeeding Together benefits from a clear organisational structure and limited liability, enabling it to carry out its charitable activities effectively while protecting its members and ensuring good governance.

When appointing charity trustees, Breastfeeding Together considers the specific skills, knowledge and experience needed to ensure the effective administration of the CIO. The selection process aims to ensure that, collectively, trustees bring the competencies required for strong governance, robust financial oversight and informed strategic decision-making. This approach helps safeguard the organisation’s integrity, supports efficient and responsible management, and ensures the board is well-equipped to meet its legal duties and achieve its charitable objectives.

Reference and Administrative Details

Trustees

Page 4

Breastfeeding Together Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025

Ms Allana Hutchinson Ms Danielle Daley Ms Kimberley Horlick Ms Sarah Harrison Mrs Elinor Halliwell

Charity Number

1164333

Principal Address

Wigan Investment Centre Waterside Drive Wigan Greater Manchester WN3 5BA

Independent Examiner

Mr. Steven Hodson FCA ADC Accountants Limited Association of Chartered Certified Accountants 15 Market Street Standish Wigan Lancashire WN6 0HW

Page 5

Breastfeeding Together Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025

Statement of 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 (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing the financial statements the trustees are required to:

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP;
make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at anytime the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charity's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

The trustees' report was approved by the board of trustees and signed on its behalf by:

Ms Allana Hutchinson

Trustee 12/12/2025

Page 6

Breastfeeding Together Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Breastfeeding Together For The Year Ended 31 March 2025

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Breastfeeding Together (the Trust) for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Responsibilities and Basis of Report

As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent Examiner's Statement

Since the Trust’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or 3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and contents 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 no concerns and 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.

Mr. Steven Hodson FCA 12/12/2025 15 Market Street Standish Wigan Lancashire WN6 0HW

Page 7

Breastfeeding Together Statement of Financial Activities For The Year Ended 31 March 2025

Unrestricted funds £ 2,050 - 234	Restricted funds £ - 251,018 -	2025 Total funds £ 2,050 251,018 234	2024 Total funds £ 8,899 166,565 431
2,284	251,018	253,302	175,895
(4,101)	(167,488)	(171,589)	(128,429)
(1,817)	83,530	81,713	47,466
(1,817) 92,951	83,530 61,186	81,713 154,137	47,466 106,671
91,134	144,716	235,850	154,137

The notes on pages 11 to 16 form part of these financial statements.

Page 8

Breastfeeding Together Comparative Statement of Financial Activities For The Year Ended 31 March 2025

Unrestricted funds £ 8,899 4,068 431	Restricted funds £ - 162,497 -	2024 Total funds £ 8,899 166,565 431
13,398	162,497	175,895
(8,024)	(120,405)	(128,429)
5,374	42,092	47,466
5,374 87,577	42,092 19,094	47,466 106,671
92,951	61,186	154,137

The notes on pages 11 to 16 form part of these financial statements.

Page 9

Breastfeeding Together Statement of Financial Position As At 31 March 2025

Unrestricted funds £ 2,744	Restricted funds £ -	2025 Total funds £ 2,744	2024 Total funds £ 1,583
2,744 88,390	- 158,998	2,744 247,388	1,583 163,405
88,390 -	158,998 (14,282)	247,388 (14,282)	163,405 (10,851)
88,390	144,716	233,106	152,554
91,134	144,716	235,850	154,137
91,134	144,716	235,850	154,137
		144,716 91,134	61,186 92,951
		235,850	154,137

On behalf of the board

Mrs Elinor Halliwell

Trustee 12/12/2025

The notes on pages 11 to 16 form part of these financial statements.

Page 10

Breastfeeding Together Notes to the Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31 March 2025

1. General Information

Breastfeeding Together is a charitable incorporated organisation registered with the Charity Commission, registered charity number 1164333. The principal address is Wigan Investment Centre Waterside Drive, Wigan, Greater Manchester, WN3 5BA.

2. Accounting Policies

2.1. Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) "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 2019)", Financial Reporting Standard 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities Act 2011.

The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

2.2. Incoming Resources

All incoming resources are recognized when the Charity has entitlement to the funds, certainty of receipt and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability.

Grants Receivable

Grants are included in the Statement of Financial Activities on a receivable basis. The balance of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the balance sheet.

Where income is received in advance of entitlement of receipt its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued. Donations

Donations are recognized on a receivable basis where there is certainty of receipt and the amount can be reliably measured.

Other Income

Other income is recognized in the period it is receivable.

2.3. Resources Expended

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings, they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with use of resources. Grants are reflected in the balance sheet when a constructive obligation exists, notwithstanding that they may be paid in future accounting periods.

2.4. Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation

Tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of the fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases:

Computer Equipment 50% on reducing balance

2.5. Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assets and include cash in hand and deposits held at call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments that mature in no more than three months from the date of acquisition and are readily convertible to a known amount of cash with insignificant risk of change in value, and bank overdrafts.

Page 11

Breastfeeding Together Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025

Income from Donations and Legacies

3. Income from Donations and Legacies
Donations and gifts 4. Income from Other Trading Activities Income from other trading activities 5. Net Income/(Expenditure) The net income is stated after charging/(crediting): Depreciation of tangible fixed assets - owned 6. Analysis of Expenditure Breastfeeding Services Breastfeeding Services	Activities undertaken directly £ 4,389	2025 Unrestricted funds £ 2,050	2024 Unrestricted funds £ 8,899
		2025 Unrestricted funds £ 234	2024 Unrestricted funds £ 431
		2025 £ 2,226	2024 £ 333
		Support costs (see note 7) £ 167,200	2025 Total £ 171,589
	Activities undertaken directly £ 2,759	Support costs (see note 7) £ 125,670	2024 Total £ 128,429

Page 12

Breastfeeding Together Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025

7. Support Costs

2025 £ 840 - - -	2025 Breastfeeding Services £ 146,886 4,417 13,671 2,226	2025 Breastfeeding Services £ 146,886 4,417 13,671 2,226
	167,200
	2024 Breastfeeding Services £ 110,486 5,452 9,399 333
		125,670
		2024 £ 840 - - -
840		840
2025 £ 128,285 5,032 6,274		2024 £ 98,660 3,656 4,621
139,591		106,937

8. Independent Examiner's Remuneration

9. Staff Costs

Staff costs were as follows:

Page 13

Breastfeeding Together Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025

No employees received employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) for the reporting period of more than £60,000.

10. Average Number of Employees

Average number of employees during the year was: 9 (2024: 6)

11. Tangible Assets

Cost As at 1 April 2024 Additions As at 31 March 2025 Depreciation As at 1 April 2024 Provided during the period As at 31 March 2025 Net Book Value As at 31 March 2025 As at 1 April 2024 2. Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year Other creditors Taxation and social security	2025 £ 10,595 3,687 14,282	Computer Equipment £ 1,916 3,387
		5,303
		333 2,226
		2,559
		2,744
		1,583
		2024 £ 8,991 1,860
		10,851

12. Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year

13. Pension Commitments

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.

During the year the charge to the statement of financial activities in respect of defined contribution schemes was £6,274 (2024: £4,621).

At the statement of financial position date contributions of £NIL were due to the fund and are included in creditors.

Page 14

Breastfeeding Together Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025

14. Movement in Funds

As at 1 April 2024 £ 18,951 74,000	Income £ 2,284 -	Expenditure £ (4,101) -	As at 31 March 2025 £ 17,134 74,000
92,951	2,284	(4,101)	91,134
61,186	251,018	(167,488)	144,716
154,137	253,302	(171,589)	235,850
As at 1 April 2023 £ 13,577 74,000	Income £ 13,398 -	Expenditure £ (8,024) -	As at 31 March 2024 £ 18,951 74,000
87,577	13,398	(8,024)	92,951
19,094	162,497	(120,405)	61,186
106,671	175,895	(128,429)	154,137

15. Transactions with Trustees

During the year the expenses reimbursed to the trustees or paid directly to third parties were as follows:

Page 15

Breastfeeding Together Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025

2025	2024
£	£

Related Party Disclosures

Page 16

Breastfeeding Together Detailed Statement of Financial Activities For The Year Ended 31 March 2025

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM: Donations and legacies Donations and gifts Charitable Activities: Breastfeeding Services Grants Other trading activities Income from other trading activities EXPENDITURE ON: Charitable Activities: Breastfeeding Services Other trading activities Wages and salaries Employers NI Employers pensions - defined contributions scheme Travel and subsistence expenses Rent Computer software, consumables and maintenance Repairs, renewals and maintenance Insurance Training seminars and workshops Telecommunications and data costs Accountancy fees Bank charges Sundry expenses Depreciation of computer equipment NET INCOME	2025 Total funds £ 2,050	2024 Total funds £ 8,899
	2,050 251,018	8,899 166,565
	251,018 234	166,565 431
	234	431
	253,302 (4,389) (128,285) (5,032) (6,274) (7,295) (4,417) (3,785) (1,573) (1,246) (1,487) (2,632) (1,440) (149) (1,359) (2,226)	175,895 (2,759) (98,660) (3,656) (4,621) (3,549) (5,452) (2,276) (1,467) (671) - (2,056) (1,440) (128) (1,361) (333)
	(171,589)	(128,429)
	(171,589)	(128,429)
	81,713	47,466

Page 17