2022-12-31-accounts - Way Widowed And Young

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Annual Report 2022

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

Registered Charity No: 1164988

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* Based on feedback from 357 members in WAY’s Impact Survey 2022
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	Chair of Trustees	2 Joanna Sedley-Burke(pictured above right)	Chief Executive	62 local groups. Stephanie Patrick(pictured above left)	are supported through digital platforms and WAY’s	choosing tovolunteer, ensuring that our members resilience, compassion and generosity of spirit.	our community. We had an 11% increase in those to inspire and motivate us every day with their	putting themselves forward to help others in incredible community of members, who continue	This year also saw more members than ever Finally, and most importantly… thank you to our	others who have experienced the unique loss of being widowed young. forward WAY’s vision to ensure that everyone who needs WAY can fnd us.	– the special support that can only come from day-to-day operations and are key in driving	wisdom, kindness and understanding to each other team, who provide the structure for the charity’s	need for WAY has never been greater. The return to ‘in person’ events allowed our members to ofer Sincere gratitude goes to all of our committed volunteers, fellow trustees and dedicated staf	welcomed 1,725 new members into our fold. The	welcomed 1,725 new members into our fold. The	2022 saw ourmembership rise by 9%and we sadly activities continue, but also allows us to reach out to people who may need us in the future too.	nearly 100 members in Glasgow. support not only ensures that our current member	WAY’s birthday celebrations continued to provide a theme for the rest of the year and there were events in each of the four nations of the UK. This included WAY’s frstface-to-face AGMsince before the pandemic, which was attended by incredible£105,654through a range of activities and donations this year. Without the eforts of our incredible fundraisers, donors and corporate partners, WAY simply could not sustain the vital peer support to our 4,650+ members. This	Despite these challenges, WAY members raised an	Despite these challenges, WAY members raised an	members.	swan and &) to help reach out to new and younger members than ever.	refreshed WAY’s branding and gave the charity a new, more modern look and even created our very own bespoke Swanpersand (a cross between a Memorial Fund– which was set up to support members who are struggling fnancially – saw a 43% increase in applications and supported more	around the country, including the charity’s founder Caroline Sarlland some of the very earliest WAY pioneers. To mark this milestone anniversary, we cost-of-living crisis hit WAY members hard – 63% of members in our 2022 survey reported being concerned about their fnances.* WAY’s	A birthday party was held 25 years to the day of the charity’s very frst members’ meeting in Cardif – the city where WAY was born in 1997. We were delighted to be joined by members from from diverse cultural backgrounds to help make changes to ensure that WAY is welcoming and inclusive to all. We were also painfully aware that the	As the country fnally eased out of lockdown restrictions, 2022 began with huge celebrations for WAY as we marked the charity’s 25th anniversary. Diversity and inclusionwas a strong focus for our charity in 2022. We introduced member working groups representing the LGBTQ+ community and	Executive and Chair of Trustees	WAY’s Chief	A word from				Introduction
* Based on survey responses for 2022 from 381 members in May 2023.		3														WAY Ambassador, Karen (pictured below, far right)	loss. However, I am sure I wouldn’t be where I am today without WAY.”	“Being a member of WAY has changed my life and helped me to rebuild. I will always miss Paul. And sometimes I still can’t believe the story of what is actually my life. Yet somehow, I have found happiness and life again after					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.	WAY also raises awareness of issues afecting those widowed young, campaigns on current issues such as changes to bereavement benefts and seeks out opportunities to	As well as ofering a secure members only website and opportunities to meet and chat online and in person, our members also have access to a confdential telephone helpline ofering bereavement support, legal, fnancial and health advice.	WAY ofers 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.	Founded in 1997, it’s a club that nobody wants to be eligible to join, but we are so glad that our members fnd us. We provide a safe space for people who have been widowed at a young age – ofering friendship, support and understanding.	aged 50 or under when their partner died.	WAY is the only national charity in the UK for people	value for money.*	somewhat good	£25 per year is good/	Our Story 93% of WAY members said that WAY membership of

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What WAY does
4
- up
9%
4,650
and in person.
offering support on 2021
their bereavement by young widows in 2022
and advice, both online
helping them to navigate WAY impacted the lives of
saw a 194 166
43%
Generous supporters raised throughout the year. WAY members organised
young widowed people
1,164
increase in applications. reach more people in need of support. events in 2022, which had more than
£105,654 groups local 62
5,390 across the UK
attendees.
membership of £25 through our Memorial Fund, which were gifted annual , helping us to amazing volunteers helped to support our work in person and virtual
were generated press articles 71 76%
throughout the year. 83%
bereavement.
that they had better
28,000 of members felt
Based on survey responses for 2022 from 400 members in May 2023. * Based on survey responses for 2022 from 372 members in May 2023. channels. helped us to More than knowledge about grief and same situation has helped. that meeting people in the of members found
our social media
following us across spread the word by people
79%
with
117,681 updated isolated.
107,340 communications Members were 5 employed
throughout the year.
Our small team grew to
during the year. of members felt less better support our members. members of staff, helping to
5 visited our website people
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How WAY helped

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6
69% 1,725
30% Male 20%
children without
Gender
80% Female
Our Members
70% with children Demographics membership
renewed their
of members
With/without children
identify as LGBTQ+ 4% new members 50+ 31%
Age
Diversity 47% 40-49
30-39 19%
2% 20-29 9%
new members joined WAY’s peer support network in 2022.
WAY’s membership grew by
ethnic communities come from minority 12.7% of new members
101 71% 197
of similar ages.”
Pete, WAY Member (pictured on left) Memorial Fund. 190More than a positive change. 400More than accessed by 83%
also now flying solo with two children many of the same ways as me and was about the same time, was struggling in proud to call a friend. He was bereaved Zoom chat, I met someone I’m now up the courage to join a new members’ want – no more or less. Having plucked what you want, and you give what you The beauty of WAY is that you get out ourselves, no matter how tough it gets. means we can share and support walking the path alongside others “There are no shortcuts in grief but
online events, with navigate their bereavement journey, including:
417
of members.
Our Member Services
Our members’ only website, which listed
events for new members were held, with counselling services, legal and financial advice.
213 members attending. 1,164
members to connect and communicate privately with each other.
members were supported financially through our members attending. of members used the telephone counselling service experienced people made use of the telephone helpline offering Our closed Facebook group and a large range of subgroups, which were events, and allowed
7 WAY continued to provide a range of vital services and support for all of our members as they
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8 • • • • • • • •
weekend to make new memories. anniversary celebrations. Scotland to South Wales. Wales. birthplace of WAY.
Based on survey for 2022 of 338 WAY members in May 2023. are a lifeline for so many of our members:
first face-to-face AGM since the pandemic. children to our first activity weekend in two years.
the return of more and more face-to-face WAY events, which As the pandemic restrictions eased, it was wonderful to see
holiday from our grief.”
In February, we were able to welcome 100 WAY members and
Steve, WAY member (after Welsh activity weekend)
of WAY 73%
meetings
WAY services face-to-face members rated
as one of the top 5
know each so easy and provided what felt like the perfect setting to have a humour in any situation. The environment and activities all made getting to shared their stories with me, the constant laughter and ability to find “My lasting memories of the weekend are the open way other WAY members
In October, a group of 15 WAY members and children enjoyed an activity weekend in Scotland. In September, more than 100 WAY members headed to Glasgow to take part in the charity’s In June, 50 WAY members and children got together in Derbyshire over the Father’s Day Also in May, we held our first ever Community Fun Day in Birmingham as part of our members and supporters getting together at 30+ picnic locations across the UK, from In May, we held our first in-person Big Picnic weekend since 2019 – with more than 400 In April, we organised a highly successful adult-only adventure weekend for our members in In February, we also hosted 50 people at our 25th anniversary celebrations in Cardiff, the
voices are being heard at the highest levels. Government subsequently appealed this ruling. young”.
WAY member
helping me come to terms with my own grief.”
supporting a campaign to extend payments to cohabiting couples without children too. Remedial Order designed to extend payments to cohabiting couples with children.
rebuild their lives after such a profound loss has been so important in “Meeting people who ‘get it’ and seeing how others have been able to slowly
9 We will continue to campaign on behalf of young widowed people across the UK to make sure their due to disability, had not paid enough National Insurance contributions during her lifetime. The that he was denied Bereavement Support Payments because his wife, who was not able to work In 2022, one of our members also won a landmark legal challenge when it was deemed unlawful At the end of the year, we were still waiting for this legislation to become law. And we were also married couples. In autumn 2022, we were delighted when the Government finally introduced a For many years, WAY members have been campaigning to extend bereavement benefits to non- A key part of WAY’s mission is “to raise awareness of the needs of people who are widowed and
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Becky, WAY volunteer and winner of our 2022 Mandy Burrows Award	10	by being there for them.”	WAY family because there are people out there who haven’t got a family as a result of what they’ve been through. We really can make a big diference	“Every single week, someone else joins our group. I see it very much as a	that they had been welcomed by a volunteer in the area.	82% of new members reported in their 3-month survey	members.	of areas having more than one volunteer to help support	88% of regions have at least one volunteer, with 68%	88% of regions have at least one volunteer, with 68%			166 volunteers covered188 volunteering roles – with some volunteers helping in multiple roles.						2021.	11% more people helped to volunteer in 2022 than in	online activities.	account is open to any volunteer wishing to host regular	to all without incurring any costs. Our volunteer Zoom	encourage people to host online events that are accessible	volunteers by providing a freevolunteer Zoom accountto	adversely. Over the winter months, WAY supported our	The cost-of-living crisis impacted many of our members		how to support WAY’s LGBTQ+ members and members from diferent cultural ethnicities.	who are eligible to join WAY from all communities – and	these groups, which are focusing on how to reach people	Twelve members volunteered their time to take part in	with the addition of twoDiversity Working Groups.	2022 saw another increase in volunteering opportunities,		from local area contacts to online volunteers .	166 members covering 188 diferent volunteering roles –	WAY had more volunteers in 2022 than ever before, with		them navigate their bereavement.	support both the charity and other members to help	own lived experience, WAY members step forward to	Volunteering is the ultimate in peer support. Using their
If you’re interested in fundraising, please get in touch atfundraising@widowedandyoung.org.uk	11							How your support helps		South Essex Crematorium.	Cemetery and Crematorium Recycling (ICCCM) fromBangor Crematoriumand	• WAY also received two donations totalling £30,000 through the Institute of	• Mainstay Recruitment, who walked a marathon and jumped out of a plane – raising over £2,000. • Purple Goat Agency, whose fundraising crowdfunder raised £2,500 in 2022.		– raising over £1,700.		• Irwin Mitchell Solicitors, who joined in our Dragon Boat Race and our Santa run		We’d also like to thank the following companies and foundations that have supported WAY in 2022:									Huge thanks to all our fantastic fundraisers who help make our work possible!	• And last but not least,Simon’s Hot Stars Cycling Teamraised over £4k.	marathon events across the country.	• Five inspirational WAY supporters raised £4k by taking part in theLondon Marathonand half	• Three brave members raised over £3k by jumping out of a plane.	nearly £5k.	• Three members took part in theRideLondon100 mile cycling challenge – together raising	£8,000.	• A team of six walkers took on theLondon2Brighton100km Ultra Challenge – raising over	• Four brave Scots took on theAberdeen Kiltwalk, raising £6k for WAY.		the year raising an incredible£105,654between them, including:	2022 saw some amazing achievements from individual supporters – with 22 challenges throughout		raised through memberships, donations and fundraising.	WAY receives no Government funding and so the money we need to support members must be

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Net Deficitp/()Surlus FINANCED BY: TOTAL Assets Events Liabilities Gift Membership Set Aside Funds yLess Uncleared Pa Current Accounts pyPreaments Gift Aid Debtors IT Equipment Fixed Assets CURRENT ASSETS pNet sur Other Memorial Fund pHelline Website Staff costs penditureEx TOTAL INCOME Gift Aid Other income pMembershi fees Income
lus for the
/(ments year TOTAL EXPENDITURE Publications/media PR Other office/admin costs Donations & fundraising
for the Year
)Credits
Accumulated Surplus Brought Forward
CURRENT LIABILITIES AND DEFERRED INCOME ()52,968 317,956 9,163 5,635 8,663 22,415 51,305 29,638 191,137 264,988 35,860 2,799 105,654 120,675 £ 2022
Balance Sheet
(,8 (,8 £ £
2021 Income & Expenditure Account
640 720 400 )363 (197,627) )742 (7,991) (22,132) 2022
( ( ( ( £ , 26 , 227 , 2 , 3 , 9 , 32 , 38 , 29 , 110 , 254 , 31 , 3 , 105 , 113
),243094 ,53758 (296,852) ),243094 ,3601 400 ),205990 ),38865 420 607 287 575 595 922 532 789 906 026 679 173 725 450
February 2022. Thanks to Burke Janack
and Trustee
Jacqueline Dewdney
Kate Siegler’s
and reach out to more potential members. We were also very pleased that Chair communications experience to the Board. appointment of our newest Trustee procedures around Trustee recruitment.
years’ service as a WAY Trustee and stood down in her intention to resign from the Board following two , who gave notice of continue their great work in helping WAY to grow were confirmed at our AGM so that they can reappointments Joanna Sedley- , who brings a wealth of marketing and Rammi In 2022, we were pleased to announce the Constitution to streamline it and update some of the to approve proposed changes to the charity’s At our 2022 AGM in Glasgow, WAY members voted
We were delighted to appoint
Caroline Sarll Rammi Janack Mike Etherington Jacqueline Dewdney Louise Dodds Kate Siegler Jo Sedley-Burke (Chair) Graham Briscoe Bill James (Treasurer) Stuart Scarbrough Trustee
Quite simply, to be able to say: ‘I know’.”
WAY was born in Cardiff in 1997 with 30 members:
2022 2020 2019 2019 2019 2018 2018 2017 2016
up to two non-member Appointed
13 loss to understand and have compassion for those experiencing the same. others in the same position. I felt you had to have gone through an untimely “I was adamant that WAY’s focus would be on those widowed young helping and widowers. So Caroline decided to set up her own group in South Wales and were still no organisations offering specific support to young bereaved widows her sister but was shocked to find that, 25 years after her father’s death, there been for her mother, a young widow in the 1960s, she looked for support for sister Amanda was widowed at the age of 35. Remembering how hard it had of our 25th anniversary celebrations. Caroline started WAY in 1997 after her as our Founder Patron as part to be appointed on its board. Trustees with specific skills, WAY’s constitution allows Trustee after joining in 2018. the Board as a non member Graham Briscoe remains on
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before all this.”
Sarah, WAY member hugely important to
that I’m not who I was figuring out who I am now both of these have been can give it to others – and where I both get help and board for me. It’s a place “WAY provided a sounding
Ben, WAY member their own losses.”
others working through advice and opinions from offered a great place to get question, the WAY groups knowing that, if I did have a helpful, as well as also down the line – was really early stages to further widowhood – from the at all different stages of “Hearing from people
Jonathan, volunteer
including those of the “Volunteering for me,
LGBTQIA+ community.” there’s a place for everyone I can help people see that me proud. I am proud that especially for WAY, makes
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have made.”
fundraiser (below)
Nicola, WAY member and BEST widow decision I has’. Joining WAY was the that can happen, it already thought ‘what’s the worst of the moment thing. I Joining WAY was a spur and my hopes and dreams. lost my identity, my future January 2021, I felt like I’d “Losing John to Covid in
Gavin, WAY member and to know you’re not comforting to connect It’s both reassuring and talking to other widows helpful for me. At first, I Widowed and Young “Discovering the WAY
understood and supported.” tool that allows me to feel alone… WAY is a very good through similar experiences with others who have gone could help. But I was wrong. was resistant, unsure how community has been really
away.”
and Ambassador
Norman, WAY volunteer more than a mouse click and connections are never going through. Friends understand what you’re are other people who going on your own. There You don’t have to keep to reach out for support. anyone who’s struggling lifeline for me and I urge “WAY has been such a
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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

Caring

Respectful

Innovative Valued

Transparent

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 2022

3S Accountancy Services Chartered Accountants

WAY Widowed and Young

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

CONTENTS	Page
Members of the board and professional advisers	1
Annual report of the trustees	2
Independent examiner's report	4
Statement of financial activities (incorporating income	5
and expenditure account)
Balance sheet	6
Notes to the financial 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
	Ramanjit Janack	Appointed 25/06/2022
	Jacqueline Ann Dewdney	Resigned 10/09/2022
	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	Stephanie Patrick	Chief Executive appointed Aug22
Registered office	Advantage House
	Stowe Court
	Stowe Street
	Lichfield
	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

WAY Widowed and Young ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

The trustees present their report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2022. 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, 18th September 2021 and 10th September 2022. The Charitable Objects were updated on 10th September 2022 to include 'gender, race and religion.

The trustees meet at least five times a year, trustees serving during the period 1st January 2022 to 31st December 2022 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, trustees who have served a term of 3 years are required to retire, but they are permitted to be re-elected or reappointed by the members for a maximum of 3 consecutive terms or 9 years. 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, inclusive of sexual orientation, gender, race and religion. 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 4,650 members across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland at the end of 2022. The charity aims to provide peer-to-peer support to young widowed people – married or not, with or without children, inclusive of their sexual orientation, gender, race and religion – as they adjust to life after the death of their partner.

As the country finally eased out of lockdown restrictions, 2022 began with huge celebrations for WAY as we marked the charity's 25th Year Anniversary. To recognise this milestone, we refreshed our branding and gave the charity a new, more modern look and even created our very own bespoke 'swanpersand'. WAY's birthday celebrations continued to provide a theme for the rest of the year and there were events in each of the four nations of the UK, including a Birthday Event in Cardiff, where the charity was founded, and WAY's first face-to-face AGM since the pandemic, which was held in Glasgow. As the effects of the pandemic continued to impact us all, demand for our services continued to increase and we were able to increase the operations team to help meet this demand. The existing team was restructured to include the addition of a Digital Marketing Officer, a Community Fundraiser and a Membership Officer. We reviewed our budgets and forecasts and were able to invest funds raised in developing member services and activities to increase the reach of the charity. 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 4,650 members, which included 1,725 new members. We have seen an increase in member retention rates, with 70% 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 166 volunteers across the UK, up 11% year-on-year. WAY volunteers are the backbone of the charity and WAY is incredibly fortunate to have so many members who are so passionate about supporting WAY. WAY's Volunteer Manager has provided invaluable support to our volunteers and has offered them chance to network and access training. There has also been the development of new roles such as social media Facebook Admins for WAY's many closed WAY Facebook groups which provide invaluable support to our members. Events - As the pandemic restrictions were lifted our members were able to host face-to-face meet-ups. Through our members-only website, our volunteers and members can organise their own in-person meet-ups - from walks in the park, to group meals. Virtual events continued to happen as well and between them, our volunteers and our members there were 1,164 events hosted in 2022, of which 197 were online. Website – Over the last few years, many members have fedback that the members platform is difficult to use, and the charity has worked hard to raise funds to invest in this area of member services. The Working Website Group responded by developing plans for a new platform and a tender document was produced. A tender process followed with resulted in BinaryFold4 being appointed to deliver this project which is due to be launched in the summer of 2023. During this time we have continued to make improvements to the members area and the public facing pages.

Social Media - We continued to make great strides on all our social media platforms, having a combined following which exceeds 28k. All of our social media platforms showed a strong performance in 2022, helping us to reach out to new audiences and we were delighted to host 25 Instagram Lives in recognition of the charity's 25th year.

Media Coverage –WAY was featured in 73 media opportunities throughout the year including TV, Press and Radio, which is higher than the previous year.

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. WAY hosted a stand at various national events including the National Sucide Conference, London Pride, National Funeral Exhibition and National Hospice Conference which directly reached over 700 professionals. 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 2022 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 several successful fundraising campaigns, including participation in events such as the London2Brighton walk and London Marathon. Corporate partners who also raised funds included Irwin Mitchell, Mainstay Recruitment and Purple Goat.

Strategic plan - WAY's five-year strategic plan was unveiled to members in early spring 2021 and KPI's were set and achieved by the staff team and trustees.

WAY AGM 2022

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. WAY's 2022 AGM was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Glasgow and was attended by over 88 members in person and 17 virtually, this being the first 'hybrid' AGM.

WAY Widowed and Young ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES continued YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

Income

As previously, income for the current year came from three main sources:

Membership Fees
Fundraising
Donations and Grants

The continuing growth of our membership has been such that we now have over 4,600 members for the first time. Income from new memberships and renewals has therefore grown to £120,675 (2021 - £113,450). Membership fundraising activities showed limited growth over the previous year at £49,256 (2021 £47,007) but are now back to pre-pandemic levels. And during 2022, despite the sector-wide difficulties in generating charitable donations, we saw only a small decline in revenue from external donations and grants to £56,408 (2021 £58,718)

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 2022. This support is invaluable in providing the resources needed to continue the charity's 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 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 just under £200K at the end of the year, our reserves remain above that level.

It has, for a while, been a key challenge for the Charity to identify how and where to best use surplus funds to support our members and to reach more of those eligible to become members. To this end the Board has invested during 2022 in both new staff and in improving our website offering. This has resulted in a new deficit during the year of £53,758 (2021 surplus of £26,420) but this level of deficit is not expected to recur.

Risk management

The trustees have assessed the 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 . . .8th August 2023 . . . . and signed on its behalf

Joanna Sedley-Burke Chair

WAY Widowed and Young INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF WAY WIDOWED AND YOUNG YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

I report on the accounts of WAY Widowed and Young (the Trust) for the year ended 31 December 2022, 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:

· examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act

· to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and

to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

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:

(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:

· to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; or

· 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: 8 August 2023

WAY Widowed and Young

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (incorporating Income and Expenditure Account)

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

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 2022 Fund balances carried forward at 31 DECEMBER 2022 10	£ 263,704 1,283 264,988 32,929 285,027 317,955 (52,968) - (52,968) 296,061 243,094 Unrestricted	Restricted £ - - - - - - - - - - -	2022 £ 263,704 1,283 264,988 32,929 285,027 317,955 (52,968) - (52,968) 296,061 243,094	2021 £ 252,524 1,503
				254,027
				20,353 207,254
				227,607
				26,421 -
				26,421 269,641
				296,061

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.

WAY Widowed and Young

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2022

2022 £ £ 22,132 16,733 205,990 222,722 (1,760) 243,094 243,094 243,094 - 243,094	2021	2021
£ 22,132 16,733 205,990 222,722 (1,760)	£ 6,000 296,146 302,146 (6,085)	£ 296,061
		296,061
		296,061 -
		296,061

These financial statements were approved and signed by the trustees and authorised for issue on 8th August 2023

Joanna Sedley-Burke Chair

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

WAY Widowed and Young

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

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.

(i) The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) issued on 16 July 2014 and with the Charities Act 2011.

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.

(v) Tangible and Intangible Assets

Tangible and intangible assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. The only tangible asset of the charity is computer equipment and this is capitalised at cost and depreciated over three years reflecting the expected useful life. Intangible assets reflect the cost of the development of the new member portal and will be depreciated over three years from the date at which the new portal is launched, expected to be Summer 2023

2. Donations and legacies

Donations and Grants Gift Aid Membership Subscriptions Fundraising Coronavirus Pandemic Support Other	Unrestricted Restricted 2022 2021 £ £ £ £ 56,408 -56,40858,718 35,860 -35,86031,679 120,675 -120,675113,450 49,246 -49,24647,007 - --- 1,516 -1,5161,670
	263,704- 263,704252,524

In 2022 and 2021 all income from donations and legacies was unrestricted.

WAY Widowed and Young

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

3. Other trading activities

Income from activities Merchandise	Unrestricted Restricted 2022 2021 £ £ £ £ 1,283 -1,2831,503
	1,283- 1,2831,503

In 2022 and 2021 all income from activities was unrestricted.

4. Analysis of total resources expended

Analysis of total resources expended
Cost of generating funds Media & PR Charitable Activities Staff Costs Member Services - WAY Forward, Helpline etc Website Maintenance Merchandise Administration Bank charges & other fees Insurance Independent Examination & Legal Fees Volunteer Costs Members Events Project Swan Depreciation	Unrestricted Restricted 2022 2021 £ £ £ £ 32,929 - 32,929 20,353
	32,929 - 32,929 20,353 191,137 - 191,137110,906 27,039 - 27,03931,349 25,745 - 25,74536,572 5,278 - 5,278699 9,897 - 9,89717,406 7,117 - 7,1176,218 1,820 - 1,8201,096 1,788 - 1,788720 2,428 - 2,428- 12,370 - 12,3701,443 - - -845 408 - 408-
	285,027 - 285,027 207,254
	317,955 - 317,955 227,607

5. Governance Accountancy and professional fees

2022	2021
£	£
720	720
720	720

6. Trustees' remuneration

Except below, the trustees received £nil (2021: £nil) worth of emoluments during the period.

Expenses amounting to £1,603 (2021: £0) were reimbursed in 2022

8 8

WAY Widowed and Young

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

7. Staff costs

Staff costs
Wages and Salaries Employer National Insurance Employer Pension Contributions (Defined Contribution Scheme) Temporary Staff Other Payroll costs TOTAL	2022 £ 162,975 11,973 3,882 - 12,307 191,137	2021 £ 90,698 5,526 5,934 - 8,748
		110,906

By the end of 2022 there were six permanent members of staff (2021: 3).

8. Debtors

Gift Aid Other Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Accruals and deferred income Other creditors	2022 £ 7,991 8,742 16,733 2022 £ 1,760 - 1,760	2021 £ 6,000 -
		6,000
		2021 £ 6,085 -
		6,085

9 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

WAY Widowed and Young NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

10 Statement of Funds

Balance b/fwd £ 175,611 - 450 120,000	Incoming £ 224,813 - 1,175 39,000	Outgoing £ ( 316,730) - ( 1,225) -	Balance c/fwd £ 83,694 - 400 159,000
296,061	264,988	( 317,955)	243,094
-	-	-	-
-	-	-	-
296,061	264,988	(317,955)	243,094

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 2022, in line with our reserves policy

	2022			2021
Restricted - - - -	Unrestricted 22,132 - 16,733 205,990	Total 22,132 - 16,733 205,990	Restricted - - - -	Unrestricted - 6,000 296,146 302,146 (6,085) 296,061	Total - 6,000 296,146
- -	222,722 (1,760)	222,722 (1,760)	- -		302,146 (6,085)
-	243,094	243,094	-		296,061
		Tangible IT equipment - 2,273 -	Intangible Website - 20,267 -		TOTAL - 22,540 -
		2,273	20,267		22,540
		- - 408 -	- - - -		- - 408 -
		408	0		408
		1,865	20,267		22,132
		-	-		-

Charity Registration Number 1164988

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

3S Accountancy Services Chartered Accountants

WAY Widowed and Young

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

CONTENTS	Page
Members of the board and professional advisers	1
Annual report of the trustees	2
Independent examiner's report	4
Statement of financial activities (incorporating income	5
and expenditure account)
Balance sheet	6
Notes to the financial 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
	Ramanjit Janack	Appointed 25/06/2022
	Jacqueline Ann Dewdney	Resigned 10/09/2022
	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	Stephanie Patrick	Chief Executive appointed Aug22
Registered office	Advantage House
	Stowe Court
	Stowe Street
	Lichfield
	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

WAY Widowed and Young ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

STRUCTURE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

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.

Media Coverage –WAY was featured in 73 media opportunities throughout the year including TV, Press and Radio, which is higher than the previous year.

Strategic plan - WAY's five-year strategic plan was unveiled to members in early spring 2021 and KPI's were set and achieved by the staff team and trustees.

WAY AGM 2022

WAY Widowed and Young ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES continued YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

Income

As previously, income for the current year came from three main sources:

Membership Fees
Fundraising
Donations and Grants

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

Risk management

The trustees have assessed the 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

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;

Approved by the board on . . .8th August 2023 . . . . and signed on its behalf

Joanna Sedley-Burke Chair

WAY Widowed and Young INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF WAY WIDOWED AND YOUNG YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

I report on the accounts of WAY Widowed and Young (the Trust) for the year ended 31 December 2022, which are set out on pages 5 to 10.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

· examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act

· to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and

to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner’s report

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no material matteras have come to my attention:

(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:

· to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; or

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: 8 August 2023

WAY Widowed and Young

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (incorporating Income and Expenditure Account)

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

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 2022 Fund balances carried forward at 31 DECEMBER 2022 10	£ 263,704 1,283 264,988 32,929 285,027 317,955 (52,968) - (52,968) 296,061 243,094 Unrestricted	Restricted £ - - - - - - - - - - -	2022 £ 263,704 1,283 264,988 32,929 285,027 317,955 (52,968) - (52,968) 296,061 243,094	2021 £ 252,524 1,503
				254,027
				20,353 207,254
				227,607
				26,421 -
				26,421 269,641
				296,061

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.

WAY Widowed and Young

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2022

2022 £ £ 22,132 16,733 205,990 222,722 (1,760) 243,094 243,094 243,094 - 243,094	2021	2021
£ 22,132 16,733 205,990 222,722 (1,760)	£ 6,000 296,146 302,146 (6,085)	£ 296,061
		296,061
		296,061 -
		296,061

These financial statements were approved and signed by the trustees and authorised for issue on 8th August 2023

Joanna Sedley-Burke Chair

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

WAY Widowed and Young

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

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.

(i) The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) issued on 16 July 2014 and with the Charities Act 2011.

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

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

(v) Tangible and Intangible Assets

2. Donations and legacies

Donations and Grants Gift Aid Membership Subscriptions Fundraising Coronavirus Pandemic Support Other	Unrestricted Restricted 2022 2021 £ £ £ £ 56,408 -56,40858,718 35,860 -35,86031,679 120,675 -120,675113,450 49,246 -49,24647,007 - --- 1,516 -1,5161,670
	263,704- 263,704252,524

In 2022 and 2021 all income from donations and legacies was unrestricted.

WAY Widowed and Young

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

3. Other trading activities

Income from activities Merchandise	Unrestricted Restricted 2022 2021 £ £ £ £ 1,283 -1,2831,503
	1,283- 1,2831,503

In 2022 and 2021 all income from activities was unrestricted.

4. Analysis of total resources expended

Analysis of total resources expended
Cost of generating funds Media & PR Charitable Activities Staff Costs Member Services - WAY Forward, Helpline etc Website Maintenance Merchandise Administration Bank charges & other fees Insurance Independent Examination & Legal Fees Volunteer Costs Members Events Project Swan Depreciation	Unrestricted Restricted 2022 2021 £ £ £ £ 32,929 - 32,929 20,353
	32,929 - 32,929 20,353 191,137 - 191,137110,906 27,039 - 27,03931,349 25,745 - 25,74536,572 5,278 - 5,278699 9,897 - 9,89717,406 7,117 - 7,1176,218 1,820 - 1,8201,096 1,788 - 1,788720 2,428 - 2,428- 12,370 - 12,3701,443 - - -845 408 - 408-
	285,027 - 285,027 207,254
	317,955 - 317,955 227,607

5. Governance Accountancy and professional fees

2022	2021
£	£
720	720
720	720

6. Trustees' remuneration

Except below, the trustees received £nil (2021: £nil) worth of emoluments during the period.

Expenses amounting to £1,603 (2021: £0) were reimbursed in 2022

8 8

WAY Widowed and Young

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

7. Staff costs

Staff costs
Wages and Salaries Employer National Insurance Employer Pension Contributions (Defined Contribution Scheme) Temporary Staff Other Payroll costs TOTAL	2022 £ 162,975 11,973 3,882 - 12,307 191,137	2021 £ 90,698 5,526 5,934 - 8,748
		110,906

By the end of 2022 there were six permanent members of staff (2021: 3).

8. Debtors

Gift Aid Other Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Accruals and deferred income Other creditors	2022 £ 7,991 8,742 16,733 2022 £ 1,760 - 1,760	2021 £ 6,000 -
		6,000
		2021 £ 6,085 -
		6,085

9 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

WAY Widowed and Young NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

10 Statement of Funds

Balance b/fwd £ 175,611 - 450 120,000	Incoming £ 224,813 - 1,175 39,000	Outgoing £ ( 316,730) - ( 1,225) -	Balance c/fwd £ 83,694 - 400 159,000
296,061	264,988	( 317,955)	243,094
-	-	-	-
-	-	-	-
296,061	264,988	(317,955)	243,094

	2022			2021
Restricted - - - -	Unrestricted 22,132 - 16,733 205,990	Total 22,132 - 16,733 205,990	Restricted - - - -	Unrestricted - 6,000 296,146 302,146 (6,085) 296,061	Total - 6,000 296,146
- -	222,722 (1,760)	222,722 (1,760)	- -		302,146 (6,085)
-	243,094	243,094	-		296,061
		Tangible IT equipment - 2,273 -	Intangible Website - 20,267 -		TOTAL - 22,540 -
		2,273	20,267		22,540
		- - 408 -	- - - -		- - 408 -
		408	0		408
		1,865	20,267		22,132
		-	-		-