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2025-03-31-accounts

Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From 1 April 2024 Period start date To 31 March 2025 Period end date

Charity name: Mast Cell Action

Charity registration number: 1164917

Objectives and Activities

SORP reference
Summary of the purposes of
the charity as set out in its
governing document		 Para 1.17 To relieve sickness for the public benefit of people with mast cell activation disorders
by:
•
the advancement of research into the causes of mast cell activation disorders;
•
engaging with the research community and raising funds to enable them to develop
•
better diagnostic tools and treatments for mast cell activation disorders;
•
providing a supportive community through the provision of practical advice, support
•
and information for everyone affected by mast cell based disease;
•
raising awareness and improving education in respect of mast cell based diseases
•
and act as a resource hub, hosting seminars and workshops;
•
publish information to educate medical professions in order to increase diagnosis andto educate
patients and families and thegeneralpublic about mast cell based diseases
Summary of the main
activities in relation to those
purposes for the public
benefit, in particular, the		 Para 1.17 and
1.19		 The charity’s activities during the year continued to focus on expanding and strengthening the services,
support, and resources we offer to people living with MCAS.
Our community have once again been clear about the challenges they face and the support they need,
activities, projects or services
identified in the accounts.		 and it has been our privilege to grow our provision in direct response.
This year, we have seen significant growth, innovation, and connection across all areas of our work. In
particular, we:
•
continued to grow and nurture our virtual support groups, which now include more than 6,000
participants
•
expanded our peer support offer by launching dedicated Peer Support and Parent Support
services, creating safe spaces for people affected by MCAS and those caring for children and
young people
•
broadened our wellbeing programme with new virtual sessions including Pilates, Yoga, Mind to
Move, Movement to Music, and other activities supporting physical and emotional wellbeing
•
strengthened our mental health support through expanded mindfulness, Rest and Unwind, and
creative wellbeing sessions, all of which received exceptional feedback from attendees
•
developed and launched a range of new supportive resources, including our MCAS and Higher
Education Pack, secondary school resource, workplace reasonable adjustments guide, testing
leaflets, and a travel resource
•
deepened engagement across our social media platforms, helping to reduce isolation, encourage
connection, and share trusted information with a growing global audience
•
achieved PIF Tick accreditation and embedded robust new processes to ensure our information
remains clear, accurate, and trustworthy
•
launched the first ever international Mast Cell Disease Awareness Month, strengthening global
collaboration and raising visibility of MCAS and related conditions
•
continued to grow the supportive content on our website, enhanced by new accessibility features,
improved navigation, and increased video resources
•
expanded our medical and dietetic advisory capacity, welcoming new expert members and
broadening our clinical reach
•
delivered training and awareness sessions for healthcare professionals, including post-COVID
MDTs, primary care teams, and clinicians attending major conferences
•
engaged with Integrated Care Boards and national stakeholders to advocate for improved care
pathways and highlight medication safety concerns
•
progressed our data migration into the Beacon CRM to strengthen supporter care, streamline
processes, and support future service development
Statement confirming
whether the trustees have
had regard to the guidance
issued by the Charity
Commission on public
benefit		 Para 1.18 The Trustees of Mast Cell Action confirm that they have had due regard to the Charity Commission’s
guidance on public benefit when carrying out their duties and in planning the charity’s activities
throughout the year. In particular, the Trustees have ensured that all projects, services, and strategic
decisions are aligned with the charity’s aims to advance understanding of mast cell diseases, support
those affected, and promote improved diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life. The Trustees are satisfied
that the charity’s work provides clear, identifiable public benefit in accordance with the statutory
requirements.

Additional information (optional)

You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

SORP reference Para 1.38 Policy on grant making Para 1.38 Policy on social investment including program related investment Para 1.38 Contribution made by volunteers Other

Achievements and Performance

SORP reference
Summary of the main
achievements of the charity,
identifying the difference the
charity’s work has made to
the circumstances of its
beneficiaries and any wider
benefits to society as a
whole.		 Para 1.20 This year, Mast Cell Action made significant progress in expanding and strengthening the support
available to people living with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), while also raising wider
awareness and improving understanding of the condition across society.
We reached more people than ever before, with our virtual support groups growing to over 6,000
participants, our website attracting 270,000 visitors, and more than 83,000 individual downloads of
trusted information. Our expanding programme of wellbeing sessions—including mindfulness, movement
classes, creative workshops, and peer support groups—provided thousands of people with practical
tools to manage symptoms, reduce stress, improve wellbeing, and feel less alone. Feedback shows that
95–100% of attendees across sessions gained improved wellbeing, new coping techniques, and a
greater sense of connection.
Our new Peer Support and Parent Support services created safe, understanding spaces for individuals
and families navigating the challenges of MCAS. We also responded to more than 2,100 emails and
distributed 219 Casper resource packs, offering personalised guidance and emotional support at times
when people often have nowhere else to turn.
The charity strengthened its role as a trusted provider of high-quality, evidence-based information by
achieving PIF Tick accreditation, embedding new quality processes, and expanding our medical and
dietetic advisory expertise. We launched new resources - including education packs, workplace
guidance, testing leaflets, and travel support - to help people advocate for their needs in healthcare,
education, employment, and daily life.
Alongside supporting individuals, we invested in raising awareness and improving professional
understanding of MCAS. We delivered training to 140 post-COVID MDT clinicians, presented at major
medical conferences, and developed new resources for primary care. We also engaged national bodies
such as Patient Safety Learning to highlight medication supply issues and began work with Integrated
Care Boards to advocate for service provision.

Our launch of the first ever international Mast Cell Disease Awareness Month united charities, clinicians, researchers, and patient communities across the world, raising visibility on a global scale and contributing to better recognition of mast cell diseases within society.

As a result of these achievements, thousands of people affected by MCAS experienced improved wellbeing, greater connection, reduced isolation, more equitable access to trusted information, and enhanced ability to navigate complex healthcare needs. At the same time, increased clinician awareness and stronger advocacy contributed to wider societal benefits, helping to improve understanding of MCAS, influence service development, and promote safer, more informed care for people living with this complex condition.

Additional information (optional)

You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Achievements against objectives set Para 1.41 Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set Para 1.41 Investment performance against objectives Para 1.41 Other

Financial Review

Financial Review
Review of the charity’s
financial position at the end
of the period		 Para 1.21 At the end of the reporting period, the Trustees consider the financial position of Mast Cell Action to be
stable and appropriately managed in line with the charity’s objectives and strategic priorities. The
charity continued to operate within its financial means, maintaining close oversight of income,
expenditure, and reserves throughout the year.
Statement explaining the
policy for holding reserves
stating why they are held		 Para 1.22 Mast Cell Action’s Reserves Policy outlines the charity’s approach to maintaining financial stability by
holding free, unrestricted reserves—excluding restricted and designated funds—to safeguard its ability
to provide essential services for people affected by MCAS. The charity aims to hold six months of core
operating costs, to manage income volatility, funding delays, and unavoidable operational
commitments. Reserves may be used with Trustees’ approval to cover temporary income gaps,
unexpected costs, or planned transitions, but not to support ongoing deficits. Trustees may designate
funds for future strategic purposes, and reserves are monitored through regular management accounts,
reviewed annually, and reported transparently in line with Charity Commission guidance.
Amount of reserves held Para 1.22 The reserve held as at year end is £177,313.
Reasons for holding zero
reserves		 Para 1.22 Not applicable
Details of fund materially in
deficit		 Para 1.24
Explanation of any
uncertainties about the
charity continuing as a going
concern		 Para 1.23 The Trustees have assessed Mast Cell Action’s ability to continue as a going concern and recognise
that, while the charity remains committed to delivering its core services, there are inherent uncertainties
linked to its reliance on grant funding, voluntary income, and project-based support. The timing and
availability of future funding cannot be guaranteed with the current market condition, and this creates
some uncertainty regarding income levels in the medium term. However, the Trustees monitor the
financial position closely, have maintained an appropriate reserves policy, and continue to take steps to
source new grant and manage costs prudently. Based on current plans and available information, the

Trustees consider that the charity has sufficient resources to continue operating for the foreseeable future, although they acknowledge that the external funding environment presents ongoing risks that will require continued active management.

Additional information (optional)

You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

The charity’s principal
sources of funds (including
any fundraising)		 Para 1.47
Investment policy and
objectives including any
social investment policy
adopted		 Para 1.46
A description of the principal
risks facing the charity		 Para 1.46
Other

Structure, Governance and Management

Description of charity’s
trusts:
Type of governing document
(trust deed, royal charter)		 Para 1.25 Constitution
How is the charity
constituted?
(e.g unincorporated
association, CIO)		 Para 1.25 CIO
Trustee selection methods
including details of any
constitutional provisions e.g.
election to post or name of
any person or body entitled
to appoint one or more
trustees		 Para 1.25 Elected by resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the Trustees.

Additional information (optional)

You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and Para 1.51 training of trustees The charity’s organisational structure and any wider Para 1.51 network with which the charity works

Relationship with any related
parties		 Para 1.51
Other

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name Mast Cell Action
Other name the charity uses
Registered charity number 1164917
Charity’s principal address Suite 2, 4 Castle Quay
NOTTINGHAM
NG7 1FW

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20		 Trustee name Office (if any) Dates acted if not for whole
**year **		 Name of person (or body) entitled
to appoint trustee (if any)
Dr Alexandra Croom 02 July 2025
Tom Wright 12 December 2024
Claire Bounds MSC
HRM		 08 July 2024
Eric Davis Grounds
CHRIS WOOD BA
OXON

Corporate trustees – names of the directors at the date the report was approved Director name NA

Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity

Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year
NA

Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

Description of the assets
held in this capacity		 NA
Name and objects of the
charity on whose behalf the
assets are held and how this
falls within the custodian
charity’s objects		 NA
Details of arrangements for
safe custody and
segregation of such assets
from the charity’s own assets		 NA

Additional information (optional)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of
adviser
Name
Address
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Joy Mason

Exemptions from disclosure

Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details

NA

Other optional information

NA

Declarations

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s) Chris Wood Full name(s) Chris Wood Position (eg Secretary, Chair Chair, etc) Date 28 Jan 2026

Mast Cell Action
Charity Name		 Mast Cell Action
Charity Name		 Mast Cell Action
Charity Name		 Mast Cell Action
Charity Name		 Mast Cell Action
Charity Name		 1164917
No (if any)		 1164917
No (if any)		 1164917
No (if any)		 CC16a
For the period
from		 01/04/2024
Period start date		 To 31/03/2025
Period end date
Section A Receipts and payments
A1 Receipts Unrestricted
funds
to the nearest £
25 510
2 730
-
-
-
-
-
-


28 240
-
-
-
28 240
42 800
5 112
29
31 610
8 538
2 123
-
1 048
108
4 023
3 847
-
191
11 266
-
52		 Restricted
funds
to the nearest £
-
-
7 356
75 512
21 090
-
-
-
103 958
-
-
-
103 958
47 834
-
2 102
975
90
-
-
1 778
-
2 093
-
-
951
141
7 265
-		 Endowment
funds
to the nearest £
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Total funds
to the nearest £
25 510
2 730
7 356
75 512
21 090
-
-
-
132 198
-
-
-
132 198
90 634
5 112
2 131
32 585
8 628
2 123
-
-
2 826
-
108
6 116
3 847
-
-
1 142
11 407
7 265
52
-
173 977
-
-
-
173 977
- 41 779		 Last year
to the nearest £
23 170
1 275
27 465
Donation
Gift Aid Recovered
Sport England
National Lottery Grant
Postcode Places Grant		 25 510
2 730
-
-
-
- -
- -
- -
Sub total(Gross income for
AR)

28 240		 51 910
A2 Asset and investment sales,
(see table).
-
- -
Sub total - -
Total receipts
A3 Payments
51 910
Employee cost
Charity management and administratio
Conference and event cost
Consultancy
Expenditure on raising funds
IT and hosting services
Independent examination
Medical journal
Print, design, postage and stationery
Sundry expenses
Telephone cost
Travel, accommodation and room hire
Website design and maintenance
Insurance
Donations made
Equipment
Subscriptions
Virtual events
Bank charges		 42 800 47 834 - 90 634 46 932
5 112 - - 5 112 4 660
29 2 102 - 2 131 2 208
31 610 975 - 32 585 28 845
8 538 90 - 8 628 900
2 123 - 2 123 1 693
- - - - 600
-
1 048 1 778 2 826 1 929
-
108 - 108 95
4 023 2 093 6 116 5 553
3 847 - 3 847 -
- - - 509
-
191 951 1 142 1 905
11 266 141 11 407 2 051
- 7 265 7 265 1 794
52 - 52 7
- - - - -
**Sub total ** 110 747 63 230 - 173 977 98 483
A4 Asset and investment
purchases, (see table)
-
-
**Sub total ** - -
Total payments
Net of receipts/(payments)
A5 Transfers between funds
A6 Cash funds last year end
Cash funds this year end
CCXX R1 accounts (SS)
98 483
- 41 779 - 46 573
- -
223 854 -
182 074 - 46 573
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
Categories
Signed by one or two trustees on
behalf of all the trustees
B1 Cash funds
B2 Other monetary assets
B4 Assets retained for the
charity’s own use
B5 Liabilities
B3 Investment assets		 Signature
Chris Wood
Cash at bank
Details
Total cash funds
(agree balances with receipts and payments
account(s))
Details
Details
Details
Details		 Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
to nearest £
to nearest £
103 996
78 078
-
-
-
-
103 996
78 078
OK
OK
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
to nearest £
to nearest £
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Fund to which
asset belongs
Cost (optional)
-
-
-
-
-
Fund to which
asset belongs
Cost (optional)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Fund to which
liability relates
Amount due
(optional)
-
-
-
-
-
Print Name
Chris Wood		 Endowment
funds
to nearest £
-
-
-
-
OK
Endowment
funds
to nearest £
-
-
-
-
-
-
Current value
(optional)
-
-
-
-
-
Current value
(optional)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
When due
(optional)
Date of
approval
Chris Wood Chris Wood 28-Jan-26

CCXX R2 accounts (SS)

2

Independent examiner's report on the accounts

Section A Independent Examiner’s Report

Report to the trustees Charity Name Mast Cell Action On accounts for the year 31/03/2025 Charity no 1164917 ended (if any) Set out on pages (remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)

Report to the trustees

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended DD / MM / YYYY .

Responsibilities and As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the basis of report 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 all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below *) which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

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.

Signed: Name: R Kolvankar Address: 40, Danson Crescent, DA16 2AR

Date: 25/01/2026

1

Oct 2018

IER

Section B Disclosure

Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).

Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .

2

Oct 2018

IER