OpenCharities

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

2021-12-31-accounts

Annual Report 2021

www.widowedandyoung.org.uk Support. Understanding. Friendship

Registered Charity No: 1164988

Introduction

Our Story

A word from WAY’s Chief Executive and Chair of Trustees

In spite of the many challenges, our WAY members raised more than £137,000 through a range of activities and donations – up 17.5% on the previous year. Without the efforts of our wonderful fundraisers, WAY simply could not operate. Their support not only ensures that our current members’ activities can continue, but also enables us to reach out to future members.

As we continued to navigate the pandemic, 2021 was hugely challenging for WAY and our members. The impact of Covid-19 continued to affect us all, especially those who lost loved ones – many of whom sadly became eligible to join our charity. The kindness and friendship shared between members was needed more than ever before. Despite the overwhelming obstacles presented by the ever-changing restrictions, our members came together to provide a listening ear, to lift each other’s spirits and to offer vital peer-to-peer support.

Sadly, more than 23,000 people aged 18-51 die every year.* This means that the need for WAY has never been greater. While it is sad to reflect that we welcomed more than 1,700 new members in 2021, we are pleased that so many young widowed people found our support.

The restrictions on face-to-face events acted as a catalyst for the huge expansion of digital engagement between our members. Online events and platforms removed all geographical boundaries, allowing our members to connect with each other across the UK.

However, we know that there is still much work to be done to make sure that everyone who needs WAY knows about our charity. In 2021, WAY launched a new five-year strategy plan that includes ambitions to reach out to more young widows, strive towards better engagement with underrepresented groups and continue to invest in our member services as we approach our 25th anniversary.

In 2021, we saw a 15.2% increase in the number of members joining WAY, and our army of member volunteers has grown to 150 – ensuring that our members are supported through digital platforms and through our 62 local homegroups across the UK.

A sincere and heartfelt thank you goes to everyone who has contributed to WAY in the most difficult of years – our outstanding members, dedicated volunteers, supportive trustee Board, committed staff and our generous fundraisers and donors throughout the UK.

In May, we waved goodbye to Rebecca Cooper , who did a wonderful job as Chief Executive for WAY for three years. Bill James also stepped down as WAY Chair in July after serving since 2017 – our thanks and gratitude is extended to them both for the wonderful work they did in leading the charity through this challenging time and building strong foundations for future growth.

Stephanie Patrick Chief Executive since August 2021

Joanna Sedley-Burke Chair of Trustees since June 2021

----- Start of picture text -----
2
----- End of picture text -----

WAY Widowed and Young is the only national charity in the UK for people aged 50 or under when their partner died.

Founded in 1997, it’s a club that nobody wants to be eligible to join, but we are so glad that our members find us. We provide a safe space for people who have been widowed at a young age – offering friendship, support and understanding.

WAY offers a unique peer-to-peer support network, led by volunteers who have all been bereaved at a young age themselves so they understand exactly what other members are going through.

As well as offering a secure members only website and opportunities to meet and chat online and in person, our members also have access to a 24-hour confidential telephone helpline offering bereavement support, legal, financial and health advice.

WAY also raises awareness of issues affecting those widowed young, campaigns on current issues such as changes to bereavement benefits and seeks out opportunities to publicise the existence of the charity wherever possible, through the media and other avenues, to show that there is support out there to help people navigate life after loss.

“I joined WAY over eight years ago and it has made a huge difference to my life – a safe place to talk, people to go on holiday with and a social life. Some of my best friends are still people I met through WAY, and it really has helped me rebuild a life in ways I couldn’t have imagined.”

WAY Member

----- Start of picture text -----
3
----- End of picture text -----

WAY in Numbers

WAY impacted the lives of 4,254 young widows in 2021

helping them to navigate their bereavement by offering support and advice, both online and in person.

WAY members organised 987 in person and virtual events that were attended by 3,392 people.

150 amazing volunteers helped to support our work across the year.

Generous supporters raised £137,000 helping us to reach more people in need of support.

173 young widows were gifted annual membership of £25, both from our Memorial Fund and through gift memberships.

----- Start of picture text -----
4
----- End of picture text -----

Our Impact in 2021

Our small team grew to 79% of members found 3 employed that meeting others in the members of staff, helping to same situation has helped.* better support our members.

79% of members felt that 70% of members felt less they were better able to cope isolated. with their grief.

----- Start of picture text -----
24,332 people Members were
helped us to spread kept updated
the word about with
WAY by following 117,663
us across our communications
various social across the year.
media channels.
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
12,000 people
visited our website
82 press articles which was an
were generated with incredible
90 WAY members
taking part. 44% up
on the previous
year.
5
Based on survey responses from 446 members in May 2022
----- End of picture text -----*

Our Members

----- Start of picture text -----
1,732 new members joined in 2021.
Some were newly bereaved,
whilst others reached out for further
support during the pandemic.
----- End of picture text -----

WAY’s membership grew by 15.2%

121 people used WAY’s 24/7 helpline, 70% of members enabling them to access counselling renewed their services, legal and financial advice. membership and retention rates continue to increase year on year.

Demographics

----- Start of picture text -----
Gender Age
3% 20-29
20%
18%
Male 20%
50+
30-39
80% Female
49% 40-49
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
Diversity
----- End of picture text -----

With/without Children

----- Start of picture text -----
3.4% LGBTQ+ 9.3% BAME communities
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
30%
without
children
70% with children
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
6
----- End of picture text -----

Our Member Services

In spite of the challenges presented by the ongoing pandemic in 2021, WAY continued to provide a range of vital services and help for all of our members as they navigated their bereavement journey, including:

Kirsty’s Story

“During the pandemic, I quickly became very conscious of the fact that widowed people were already cut off from much of ‘normal life’. To be stuck in our houses, in our own heads, was not a good prospect during lockdown. I decided to set up a Saturday Zoom session for members which very quickly expanded.

I also set up a buddy system, which provided members with a buddy who they could contact during lockdown, someone they could check in on and someone who could check in on them. I have made amazing friendships from WAY and wanted other members to experience that too.

WAY has become my support network for so much of my life. It has integrated into my ‘normal’ life and, during lockdown, it was one of very few constants.” 7

Events

Many of our face-to-face meet ups were still on hold during 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic, particularly in the first half of the year. However, we adapted quickly, and a huge number of meetings went online with some smaller gatherings going ahead towards the end of the year.

3,392 people attended 987 events listed across the year - up 14% on the previous year.

75% of members said that face to face meetings and events are one of the most important services that WAY offers.*

“When Rob died, I didn’t know anyone in my situation and suddenly my social life changed too. WAY gave me both social contact and contact with people who I could talk to about Rob and who genuinely understood

what I was going through.”

WAY Member

Here are just a few events from across the year.

Virtual Spring Festival

Big Picnic

With restrictions beginning to lift in May 2021, we were able to hold our annual Big Picnic event both in person and online – with 30 picnics taking place up and down the country.

The day included yoga, quizzes, games, and tips on healthy eating. With 21 different sessions throughout the day, the festival was attended by more than 100 people.

Bingo

Lots of members across the year joined in various online events including bingo and quizzes.

Creating Change

Every year, around 3,000 young, widowed men and women with children are unable to access bereavement support payments to help support their families because they were not married to their partner when they died.

WAY has been campaigning on this issue for many years alongside other charities. In July 2021, we were thrilled when the Government finally responded by introducing draft legislation to extend bereavement support payments to cohabiting couples with children.

We are very disappointed, however, that the legislation has still not been finalised at the time of writing. We continue to campaign on this issue to make sure that our members both with and without children get the support they are entitled to – as well as highlighting other injustices that affect those who’ve been widowed young.

----- Start of picture text -----
9
----- End of picture text -----

8

Our Volunteers

Volunteers are absolutely central to WAY’s peer-to-peer support network, with 150 volunteers covering roles up and down the country and online.

We are pleased that we have been able to increase our support to volunteers in 2021. Our National Volunteer Manager Veronica Currie is now in a permanent position with WAY and works tirelessly to ensure volunteers are kept informed and offers ongoing support, training and practical guidance for our growing network of volunteers.

In June, we hosted our first Volunteers’ Festival – an online event open to volunteers with a variety of activities throughout the day. This included a presentation from author Caroline Lloyd as well as a cookalong along with Masterchef contestant Theo Michaels.

We also appointed four new Ambassadors to our team of WAY members who help to promote WAY and raise awareness of the diverse and inclusive nature of the group.

16% more people helped to volunteer in 2021 compared to 2020.

150 volunteers covered 175 volunteering roles.

These volunteers helped to support WAY across the UK in 62 regions.

Raising Funds for WAY

Although many of our usual fundraising events continued to be on hold during 2021, WAY’s members and supporters did an incredible job of raising funds for our charity. Together they helped to raise more than £137,000 by taking on amazing challenges and through generous donations including gift aid.

London to Brighton

Virtual Marathons

Walking Wingwalking

----- Start of picture text -----
A
team
----- End of picture text -----

£33k!

We’d like to thank the following companies and foundations that have supported WAY in 2021:

Austin, Davis & Sons Funeral Directors Bakerwell Ltd Decanter Irwin Mitchell Masterserve Foundation

78 amazing fundraising challenges took place across the year.

Sandwell Council via the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) scheme S.E.A. Building Compliance Limited

How your support helps

82% of WAY regions are covered by a local volunteer member with 68% of them having more than one volunteer.

57% of members said that they have found it helpful being able to support peers.*

----- Start of picture text -----
10
----- End of picture text -----

Interested in fundraising?

Please get in touch with us at fundraising@widowedandyoung.org.uk

----- Start of picture text -----
11
----- End of picture text -----

Financial Review

WAY’s Board

Accounts to the end of December 2021

Income & Expenditure Account

Balance Sheet

----- Start of picture text -----
12
----- End of picture text -----

Trustee Appointed
Stuart Scarbrough 2016
Bill James 2017
Chris Lima 2018
Graham Briscoe 2018
Jo Sedley-Burke
Jacqueline Dewdney		 2018
2019
Kate Siegler
Louise Dodds
Mike Etherington		 2019
2019
2020

Meet some of the people who make decisions about our strategic direction.

In 2021, our Board took on an ambitious brand refresh, holding 5 Board meetings and 10 working group meetings across the year looking at our website and branding.

We would like to thank Bill, who stepped down as Chair and Chris who stepped down as a Trustee at the end of the year, and all of our trustees, all of whom are volunteers and do a fantastic job.

AGM

We were delighted that our online AGM was attended by more than 150 WAY members , who had the chance to hear updates about the charity from the comfort of home.

WAY has helped me a lot, particularly when I was newly widowed, and I see the help it provides to many other people today. I’d like to help the team in their quest to reach as many eligible widows as possible across the UK, so we can help to provide support to even more folks at a time when they most need it.

Mike Etherington, Trustee

----- Start of picture text -----
13
----- End of picture text -----

Strategy and Charity Objectives

Our members help to shape our future and after going through an organisational transformation in 2018, WAY carried out a range of consultations with our members to help inform the direction our charity should take in future. We carried out an extensive survey of our members and volunteers to work out the best way forward as our charity continues to grow.

From this, our 2021-2026 five year Strategic Plan was born and reflects the views of all our members and volunteers to make sure the charity meets their needs, to draw out our long-term ambitions, to help outline our organisational priorities and to reflect our new structure.

WAY’s new Strategic Plan has been developed in line with recommendations drawn from reports and takes on feedback from our members, staff and volunteers.

We would like to thank everyone who offered their valuable input – from completing WAY surveys to attending meetings, from talking to our team to taking part in working groups.

Our new strategic plan is split into three key areas:

Sachel’s Story

Sachel (pictured above left) joined WAY in August 2021 after her 52-year-old husband died of Covid-19. Here’s her story…

“I caught Covid in December 2020 and then a couple of days later my husband and nine-year-old son got ill too. My husband got worse and then was admitted to hospital on 6 January and died the following week. It was a lot to take on board – from having a fantastic Christmas together one minute to him not being there.

I don’t know whether I coped or not in those first few days and weeks – I just existed. I just did what I had to do to get through the day. I found WAY through a Google search. I found I was in a pretty good head space, considering – but I didn’t want to suddenly explode because I hadn’t dealt with my grief or talked to anyone else who understood. I needed to be whole for my son.

Going along to my first WAY event was nerve-wracking but it’s been hugely beneficial. I’ve gone along to dinners, cafes, walks and me and my son are going on a day trip to Hunstanton with fellow WAY members in future.

Our local group is very active but there’s no pressure to attend things if you don’t want to. The best thing is knowing you’re not on your own and that people have been through what you’ve been through. It’s a place where you can be without judgement or expectation. You can talk if you want to and if you don’t, that is also fine.

What I found I struggled with was making the right decisions about my son. When you’re on your own, it’s relentless. Through WAY, I joined a subgroup on Facebook for other WAY parents who had children with special educational needs. Suddenly I had people to bounce those decisions off, which has been really valuable.

----- Start of picture text -----
14
----- End of picture text -----

I would definitely encourage people to join WAY – it’s been so helpful to be with people who get you without any judgement.”

----- Start of picture text -----
15
----- End of picture text -----

WAY’s Mission

“To offer unique support for those aged 50 or under when their partner died, through an inclusive peer-led network based upon mutual self-help. WAY also campaigns to raise awareness and understanding of the issues affecting those widowed young, and to influence relevant policy.”

WAY’s Vision

“To ensure ALL those eligible to be members are aware of WAY and have access to the peer-to-peer network and support that WAY offers.”

WAY’s Values

----- Start of picture text -----
Caring
Respectful
Innovative
Valued
Transparent
----- End of picture text -----

www.widowedandyoung.org.uk

Registered Charity No: 1164988 Email: enquiries@widowedandyoung.org.uk | Telephone: 0300 201 0051 Registered Address: Advantage House, Stowe Court, Stowe Street, Lichfield WS13 6AQ

Charity Registration Number 1164988

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

3S Accountancy Services Chartered Accountants

WAY Widowed and Young

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

CONTENTS Page
Members of the board and professional advisers 1
Annual report of the trustees 2
Independent examiner's report 4
Statement of fnancial activities (incorporating income 5
and expenditure account)
Balance sheet 6
Notes to the fnancial statements 7

WAY Widowed and Young

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD AND PROFESSIONAL ADVISERS

Trustees Trustees who served during the year and up to the date of
this report were as follows:
Graham Briscoe
Chris Lima Resigned 18th September 2021
Jacqueline Ann Dewdney
Louise Jane Dodds
Mike Etherington
William Thomas James Treasurer
Katherine Denise Siegler
Stuart Alan Scarbrough
Joanna Sedley-Burke Chair
Secretary Current Vacancy
Key management personnel Rebecca Jane Cooper Chief Executive Resigned May 22
Stephanie Patrick Chief Executive appointed Aug22
Registered ofce Advantage House
Stowe Court
Stowe Street
Lichfeld
WS13 6AQ
Trading address N/A
Accountants 3S Accountancy Services
Chartered Accountants
5-8 Priestgate
Darlington
DL1 1NL
Bankers CAF Bank Limited
25 Kings Hill Avenue
Kings Hill, West Malling
Kent
ME19 4JQ
Charity number 1164988

1

WAY Widowed and Young ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

The trustees present their report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2021. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity's constitution, the Charities Act 2011 and 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 published on 16 July 2014. Legal and administrative information set out on page 1 forms part of this report.

STRUCTURE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

WAY was established in 1997 and is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) with an association Governing Document (the constitution). This was registered on 29 December 2015, amended on 4th March 2017 and 18th September 2021

The trustees meet at least five times a year, trustees serving during the period 1st January 2020 to 31st December 2020 are listed on page 1. All trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no remuneration for duties carried out as a trustee. However, trustees claimed out of pocket expenses while undertaking volunteer duties during the year and reimbursement of any expenditure incurred purchasing goods and services required by the charity. The trustees may also be members of the charity but this entitles them only to voting rights. The trustees have no beneficial interest in the charity. At every Annual General Meeting, one third of the Trustees shall retire from office (The longest serving must resign first) but they are permitted to be reelected or re-appointed by the members. At any one time, the constitution stipulates there should be a minimum of five Trustees. Members are also able to appoint two Trustees that are not WAY members.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the Charity are:

i. To advance the education of the public to raise the awareness of the needs of people who are widowed and young.

ii. To relieve persons in need, following bereavement by offering a peer-to- peer support network for anyone aged 50 or under, at time of bereavement, who is overcoming the loss of a partner, married or not, with or without children, whatever their sexual orientation. ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

WAY is the only national charity in the UK for people aged 50 or under when their partner died. It’s a peer-to-peer support group operating with a network of volunteers who have been bereaved at a young age themselves, so they understand exactly what other members are going through.

WAY was founded in 1997 and had 4254 members across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland at the end of 2021. The charity aims to provide peer-to-peer support to young widowed people – married or not, with or without children, whatever their sexual orientation – as they adjust to life after the death of their partner.

In 2021 we continued to respond to the pandemic, adapting the way that we worked as a charity by continuing to implement procedures to protect the health and safety of our staff, volunteers and members including working from home and operating both online and face-to-face events. We met increased demand for our services and were able to offer innovative ways to support both members and volunteers.

We also reviewed budgets and forecasts to take account of the expected financial impact of the pandemic. This initially forecast a significant deficit for the year due to an aniticpated loss of fundraising income, however this is mitigated in full by increased engagement of our members in fundraising activities. We expect that demand for WAY services will continue to be high as the effects of the pandemic continue to take effect. Whilst it is difficult to summarise everything that WAY has been involved in over the last 12 months, we have included key achievements below.

Membership – the year closed with 4254 members, which included 562 new members. We have seen an increase in member retention rates, with 68.3% choosing to renew their membership this year. We are pleased that the time we have taken to listen to our members and respond to their needs is really helping to create a service that members truly value.

Volunteers - WAY ended the year with 150 volunteers across the UK, up 65% on pre-pandemic levels. WAY is incredibly fortunate to have so many members who are so passionate about the charity. The appointment of a volunteer manager in 2019 has meant that volunteers have been offered the chance to network, access training and support and there has also been the development of new roles such as Ambassadors and online volunteers.

Events- Although our members were unable to host face to face meetups, through our members only website, our volunteers and members are able to organise their own virtual meet ups – from chats to bingo. Between them, our volunteers and members organised 987 events hosted in 2021.

Website – We continued to make improvements to the members area and the public facing pages, with an understanding that wider investment is required to develop the members area to continue to meet member needs. The WWG continue to meet to set out future developments which are expected to be rolled out in 2022.

Social Media - We continued to make great strides on all our social media platforms, having a combined following which exceeds 24k. All of our social media platforms showed a strong performance in 2021, helping us to reach out to new audiences.

Media Coverage –WAY was featured in 65 media opportunities throughout the year including TV, Press and Radio. Whilst slightly lower than the previous year, the number of members and volunteers taking part increased, with 90 people helping to raise awareness of WAY.

Awareness-raising - WAY continued to work alongside other bereavement charities and networks to achieve our shared goals. Our staff spoke about WAY to Irwin Mitchell, Anthony Collins Solicitors and continued to meet with Hospices including hosting a stand at the National Sucide Conference which was held in Manchester. WAY also continues working alongside other bereavement charities as part of the National Bereavement Alliance and to promote National Grief Awareness week. We are also a member of the all-party parliamentary group for bereavement support.

Fundraising - Despite 2021 being such a challenging year for fundraising with so many organised events having to be cancelled, WAY members continued to find innovative ways to raise money for the charity. The year saw a variety of individual virtual fundraisers and a growth in Facebook Birthday Fundraisers. WAY members ran a number of successful fundraising campaigns, including participation in events such as the London2Brighton walk which 16 members particiated in.

Strategic plan - WAY's five-year strategic plan was unveiled to members in early spring and initial KPI's were set and achieved by the staff team and trustees.

WAY AGM 2020

Every year since WAY was launched in 1997, the charity has held an Annual General Meeting (AGM). The annual gathering incorporating the AGM is the biggest WAY event of the year and has become a fixed and key point in the charity’s social calendar. Sadly, in light of coronavirus and government guidance at the time we had to cancel the planned 2021 face-to-face AGM in Glasgow. Instead, this event was held online in September 2021, being attended by over 150 members and the constitution was amended to allow this and future AGM’s to take place in this manner.

WAY Widowed and Young ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES continued YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

Income

Income for the current year came from three main sources:

The continuing growth of our membership has been such that we now have over 4,200 members for the first time. Income from new memberships and renewals has therefore grown to £113,450 (2020 - £97,825). As noted elsewhere, pandemic restrictions continued to hinder membership fundraising activities but even so funds raised in 2021 at £47,007 (2020 £41,841) are almost back to pre-pandemic levels. During 2021 we did see a substantial fall in revenue from external donations and grants, since in 2020 we secured additional funds from the Coronavirus Community Support Fund distributed by the National Lottery Community Fund.

As always we wish to take this opportunity to say thank you to all those who have worked hard to raise funds or make a donation in 2021. This support is invaluable in providing the resources needed to continue the charitys work.

Public benefit

The trustees have complied with the duty in the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission.

Reserves

Reserves - The Charity's policy, as decided on by the Board of Trustees is to maintain reserves at the level of 50% of anticipated running costs for the coming year. With total funds of almost £300,000 at the end of the year our reserves remain well above that level.

It remains a key challenge for the Charity to identify how and where to best use these funds to support our members and to reach more of those eligible to become members. To this end the Board is working hard to improve our website offering, has recently concluded a brand update and is expanding our staffing to better serve and support our membership.

Risk management

The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks

Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities

The charity trustees are responsible for preparing a trustees' annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom accounting standards 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 these financial statements the trustees are required to:

a) select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

b) observe the methods and principles in the applicable Charities SORP;

c) make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

d) state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; e) prepare the Financial Statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to assume that the charity will continue operating.

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the Financial Statements comply with

the Charities Act 2011 and the applicable Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations, and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Approved by the board on 7th May 2022 and signed on its behalf

Joanna Sedley-Burke Chair

3#

WAY Widowed and Young INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF WAY WIDOWED AND YOUNG YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

I report on the accounts of WAY Widowed and Young (the Trust) for the year ended 31 December 2021, which are set out on pages 5 to 10.

This report is made solely to the trustees of the charity, as a body, in accordance with section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). My examination has been undertaken so that I might state to the trustees of the charity those matters I am required to state to them in an independent examiner’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the trustees of the charity as a body for my examination, for this report or the opinions I have formed.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the 2011 Act and that an independent examination is needed. The charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner’s report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the 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 you as 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 matteras have come to my attention:

· to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements concerning the format 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),

have not been met; or

(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Catherine Milbanke BSc BFP FCA

3S Accountancy Services, Chartered Accountants 5-8 Priestgate Darlington DL1 1NL

Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4

WAY Widowed and Young

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (incorporating Income and Expenditure Account)

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

Note
Incoming Resources
Income from:
Donations and legacies
2
Other trading activities
3
Total
Resources Expended
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Charitable activities
Total
4
Net income / (expenditure)
Transfers between funds
Net movement in funds
Fund balances brought forward at
1 JANUARY 2021
Fund balances carried forward at
31 DECEMBER 2021
10		 £

252,524

1,503
254,027
20,353
207,254

227,607
26,421
-
26,421
269,641

296,061
Unrestricted		 Restricted
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 2021
£
252,524
1,503
254,027
20,353
207,254
227,607
26,421
-
26,421
269,641
296,061		 2020
£
299,313
1,437
300,750
13,469
198,434
211,903
88,847
-
88,847
180,794
269,641

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

The notes on pages 7 to 10 form part of these financial statements.

5

WAY Widowed and Young

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2021

Note
Current assets
Debtors and prepayments
8
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors
Amounts falling due within one year
9
Net current assets
Net assets
Funds
Unrestricted Funds
Restricted funds
Total charity funds
10		 2021
£
£
6,000
296,146
302,146
(6,085)
296,061
296,061
296,061
-
296,061		 2020 2020
£
6,000
296,146
302,146
(6,085)		 £
9,169
276,627
285,795
(16,154)		 £
269,641
269,641
269,641
-
269,641

These financial statements were approved and signed by the trustees and authorised for issue on

Joanna Sedley-Burke Chair

The notes on pages 7 to 10 form part of these financial statements.

6

WAY Widowed and Young

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

1. Accounting policies

The following accounting policies have been used consistently in dealing with items which are considered material in relation to the charity's accounts.

The accounts ahave been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the notes to these accounts.

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS102.

(ii) Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes.

(iii) Incoming resources

Income is accounted for on an accruals basis. Grants are recognised as an incoming resource when the conditions for the receipt have been met and are accounted for in accordance with the headings they have been allocated to on a basis consistent with the use of the resources.

(iv) Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to the expenditure, it is probable settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

2. Donations and legacies

Donations and Grants
Gift Aid
Membership Subscriptions
Fundraising
Coronavirus Pandemic Support
Other		 Unrestricted Restricted
2021
2020
£
£
£
£
58,718 -58,718126,035
31,679 -31,67927,447
113,450 -113,45097,825
47,007 -47,00741,841
- --5,000
1,670 -1,6701,165
252,524 - 252,524299,313

In 2020 £40,752 donations and grants were restricted.

7

WAY Widowed and Young

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

3. Other trading activities

Unrestricted
Restricted
£
£
Income from activities
Merchandise
1,503 -
1,503 -
In 2021 and 2020 all income from activities was unrestricted.
4.
Analysis of total resources expended
Unrestricted
Restricted
£
£
Cost of generating funds
Media & PR
20,353
-
-
-
-
-
20,353
-
Charitable Activities
Staf Costs
110,906
-
Member Services - WAY Forward, Enews, Helpline etc
31,349
-
Big Picnic
-
-
Website & IT Expenditure
36,572
-
Merchandise
699
-
Administration
17,406
-
Bank charges & other fees
6,218
-
Insurance
1,096
-
Independent Examination
720
-
Committee Expenses
-
-
Members Events
1,443
-
Project Swan
845
-
207,254
-
227,607
-
In 2020 expenditure of £40,752 was restricted.
5.
Governance
Accountancy and professional fees		 Unrestricted
Restricted
£
£
1,503 -		 2021
2020
£
£
1,5031,437
1,503 - 1,5031,437
2021
2020
£
£

20,353
13,469
20,353
-
110,906
-
31,349
-
-
-
36,572
-
699
-
17,406
-
6,218
-
1,096
-
720
-
-
-
1,443
-
845
-		 20,353
13,469

110,906 111,834

31,349 26,349

151

36,572 25,343

699 1,801

17,406 16,769

6,218 4,351

1,096 997

720 1,000

86
1,443- 198
845
9,950
207,254
-		 207,254
198,434
227,607
-		 227,607
211,903
2021
2020
£
£
7201,000
7201,000

6. Trustees' remuneration

Except below, the trustees received £nil (2020: £nil) worth of emoluments during the period.

Expenses amounting to £0 (2020: £86) were reimbursed in 2021

8 8

WAY Widowed and Young

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

7. Staff costs

Staf costs
Wages and Salaries
Employer National Insurance
Employer Pension Contributions (Defned Contribution Scheme)
Temporary Staf
Other Payroll costs
TOTAL		 2021
£
90,698
5,526
5,934
-
8,748
110,906

By the end of 2021 there were three permanent members of staff (2020: 3).

8. Debtors

Gift Aid
Other		 2021
£
6,000
-
6,000

9 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Accruals and deferred income
Other creditors		 2021
£
6,085
-
6,085

2020 £

98,972 6,655 3,655 1,359 1,193 111,834

2020 £ 9,169 - 9,169

2020 £ 16,154 - 16,154

9

WAY Widowed and Young NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

10 Statement of Funds

Unrestricted funds - general
Designated - Memorial Fund
Designated - Project Swan
Designated - Gift Membership
Designated - Operating Fund
Total unrestricted funds
RESTRICTED FUNDS
Total restricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS		 Balance
b/fwd
£
143,539
1,852
3,775
475
120,000
269,641
-
-
269,641		 Incoming
£
252,304
1,723		 Outgoing
£
( 220,232)
( 3,575)
( 3,775)
( 25)
(227,607)
-
-
( 227,607)		 Transfers
£
-
-
-
-
-		 Balance
c/fwd
£
175,611
-
-
450
120,000
254,027 296,061
- -
- -
254,027 296,061

The designated Gift Membership represents funds received to cover membership costs for the recipient of the voucher

The designated Operating Fund represents 50% of our projected operating costs in 2021, in line with our reserves policy

Made up of:
Current assets
Stock
Debtors and prepayments
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors		 2021 2020
Restricted
-
-
-		 Unrestricted
-
6,000
296,146
302,146
(6,085)
296,061		 Total
-
6,000
296,146		 Restricted

-
-
-
-
(52)
(52)		 Unrestricted
9,169
276,627
285,795
(16,102)
269,693		 Total
9,169
276,627
-
-		 302,146
(6,085)		 285,795
(16,154)
- 296,061 269,641

10

WAYTMdowed and Young INDEPENDENT LWINER'S REPORTTO THETRUSTEES OFWAYWIDOWED AND YOUNG YEAR ENDEO 31 DECEMBER 2021 l Teport on th8 ao)Junts ofWAYWidthd wd Ytyjng Trust) fcfjthe year erJed 31 December2U21. are set outm pages S to 10. Thts report 15 made solety to Ihe tNStees of the tharity, as a W, in accordance se(on 145 of the Chariltes ArI2011 Ithe 2011 Artl. My examina￿On has been undertaken so thal l rnight state lo the trustees ol tharity those matters l am required lo stale to them In an independent 8xamlnerf$ report and lor no other puw. To the fulltsl extent pemiitted by law. I do ￿1 8￿Pt or assume responsibilty lo anyone other than the tharity and the trustees of the canty as a bjdy for my examinatim, for this rewt ¢¢ the opin￿n8 I have fonned. Re9￿CO¥e r•sponslbllltF•8 ottrustè¢s #nd examlner The trustees are responsib￿ forthe preparation ofthe 4￿)UThts. The trust￿ o)￿￿￿erthal an oudit is not required foTthis year undef 144 ofthe 2011 Act and that an indewndenl examinati￿ 1$ needed. th8ritys gr05s inrxjmfr exc8ded £250,1￿0 and l am qualified to undertake the examination by being 8 qualrfied mernber ol the Institute of Chartered Aco)untants in ErrfJland and Wale5 IICAEW). Hawing Satisfied my3eJfthat the chaiity is not 5ubjec to audit and is e1vJ1￿ef0r independent examiThaion, it 15 my respon&lylty to.. examine the aeownls underse¢on 145 olthe 2011 Aet to follrYwlh& prwedures laid in the general DIreC￿￿S byth& Charty Commlsshjn under section 14515llbl oflhe 2011 Art and to statewhether paiUrJJlar matters havocoma lo my attents)n. Basis of ind•pend•nt•xaminorf$ rèport My examination was carried oul in accordancel￿th Ihe general Directions gNen bythe Charity C(￿MIssI)n. An exarnination inrAudes a rewewofthe aC￿Unting re￿rdS kept by the charity and a cornparison ofthe accounts presented with those reMrds.11 also I￿ude￿ cork8Kleration olany Unusu￿ items cf disdosure5 in the a￿￿nts, and seeking eyplanakns frvm you aslrustees o)nceming any such matters. The procedures undertaken do noi provide all the evideno that woukl be ￿Uired in an audit and con5equenty noopinion is glven asto whether Ihe aCc￿Unts present a Irue and fairwew aTrJ the report is limited lo those rnatiers set ¢yJl In Ihe statement below. Indep8ndontex•mlnerfs statsment In connection mytramination. no material matteras haw comg to my attention.. 111 thich gives me re8$0nabb ￿U$I0 believe that In any merial ￿Spec1th￿ rquirements.. lo keep a￿U￿ting records in 8rxordan¢eiwlh sethon 130of the 2011 Act,. or lo yepare a¢o)unts which accord wth the ac￿unI1ng records and ￿Mplywith the ao>)untiro requirements concemi#g the fomiat and content of aco)unts set twt in Ihe Charibes {A￿unt5 and Rèports) Regulations 2QJ8 lotherlhan any requiremenllhallhe ao>)unts gNe a Inje and fairf ￿eW￿1th 15 not a matter considered as part of an independent examinalionl, have not been metr, or 121 towhKh, in my Opi[￿￿, attenti￿ shwld be dravm li orderto enablp a PYOFor understandlng of ths accounts to be reachod. Catr*1￿M11b0nke B8c8FP FCA 11