2024-03-31-accounts - Refreshing Minds

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Annual Report and Accounts 31 March 2024 Charity Number 1166079

Chair’s Statement Planting the seeds of change How we help Growing through nurture Feedback

Metamorphosis in action The butterfly taking flight Future plans The power behind the wings Financial Review

Notes to the financial statements

Dear Members, Friends, and Supporters,

As we reflect on the past year at Refreshing Minds, we celebrate a year of true transformation.

Much like the remarkable journey of a butterfly, we have witnessed growth, change, and empowerment in every aspect of our work. “A Year of Metamorphosis” has been a time of sowing seeds, nurturing growth, and embracing the profound shifts that empower our young participants to take flight.

At the heart of our mission, we continue to create opportunities for young girls to unlock their potential and discover their inner strength. Our projects have flourished with the energy and passion of those involved, particularly the Hub of Hope. This initiative, led by young leaders, remains a shining example of how small steps can lead to monumental change. Offering vulnerable girls a safe space, emotional support, and nourishing meals, the Hub has made a lasting difference in their lives.

Our efforts have been guided by the belief that each child has a unique journey, and our programs provide the safe environment and encouragement they need to evolve.

This year, we also witnessed the power of our dedicated volunteers and staff, whose unwavering support ensures that our girls grow, thrive, and emerge as confident, capable young leaders. Many of our volunteers began as participants in our programmes themselves, and through the opportunities and guidance provided, they developed into leaders in their own right, now giving back to the community that once supported them. Their journey of growth and transformation embodies the very essence of our mission, inspiring the next generation to take flight.

As we present our Annual Report, “A Year of Metamorphosis” we are proud of the many milestones we’ve achieved, thanks to the collaborative spirit of our young participants, volunteers, donors, and supporters. Your commitment has been integral to our success, and together we have created an ecosystem of care, empowerment, and opportunity.

Looking forward, we are filled with excitement for what the next stage holds. We remain focused on helping each girl embrace her potential and fly towards new heights.

With your continued support, the metamorphosis of young lives will continue to inspire and uplift our communities.

Thank you for your dedication to this journey of transformation. Together, we will continue to plant seeds, nurture growth, and celebrate the beauty that emerges from it.

Warmest wishes,

Mr. Joel Wider

Chairman of Refreshing Minds

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Just as an egg holds the future of a butterfly, our mission plants the seeds of change, creating a space for growth and opportunity.

Refreshing Minds was established in 2016 by a group of concerned mothers addressing the lack of youth programs for local girls. At Refreshing Minds, we empower girls aged 6-16 to discover their talents, build confidence, and share their gifts with others. Through programmes tailored to their needs and aspirations, we provide a safe, supportive environment where every girl can shine.

Our mission is simple: to transform lives by unleashing talents, boosting confidence, and strengthening community.

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Refreshing Minds has profoundly impacted the lives of the vulnerable children I work with. Their holistic approach fosters confidence, social skills, and overall wellbeing. From productions and extracurricular activities to camps and tailored programs, the results are outstanding. Mrs P. Labin, SENCO

The Egg: Opportunity

Refreshing Minds opens doors for girls by offering a safe space where ideas can take root, talents can emerge, and friendships can bloom.

The Caterpillar: Growth

Through diverse programmes, girls learn, develop and display their talents, building resilience and gaining confidence along the way.

The Chrysalis: Transformation

Girls undergo profound internal change as they partake in programmes that build their emotional well-being and offer a warm environment supported by licensed therapists, volunteers and mentors.

The Butterfly: Empowerment

With their newfound skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging, girls can take flight, spreading positive change within their communities.

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600+ 40+
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Girls impacted Active volunteers
Core projects
14,000 100 45
Nourishing meals Hours of youth support children with SEND
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Category of Disadvantage Physical Disabilities Neurodivergence & Learning Disabilities Emotional & Psychological Challenges Behavioural & Social Challenges

Percentage 2% 40% 35% 23%

83%

of beneficiaries said it was their first time performing their talents for the public.

87%

74%

Of volunteers said that through volunteering they discovered new skills and talents which they did not know they had.

Of performers reported feeling more confident in their abilities after participation.

97%

Of volunteers said they would like to volunteer again for Refreshing Minds.

84%

Of parents, teachers and carers said their girl is happier and more confident.

94%

Of beneficiaries said they has gained significant skills in their unique area of talent. Many said that if given the chance they would take this further.

100%

Of parents/carers said they would like to see their girl perform again with Refreshing Minds’ next year.

98%

Of girls involved said they feel more connected to their community and culture.

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Hub of Hope Homework & Supper Club

Summary: A safe after school space for girls where they receive academic assistance alongside hot nutritious meals, in direct response to the cost of living crisis.

Impact: Improve girl’s academic levels which simultaneously build their confidence as they feel better about their school work. A nutritious meals helps alleviate the stress of hunger which in turn improves their emotional wellbeing.

Breakfast Club

Summary: A morning club where girls receive a kick start to their day through a nutritious breakfast which they prepare themselves. Impact: Girls develop practical food skills like meal planning, tablesetting and practical food skills. Nutritious meals in the morning support their focus and concentration in school.

Teen Shabbos Zone

Summary: Weekly session geared for teens includes workshops, structured game or social and facilitated discussions.

Impact: Adolescents stay safe and engaged, avoiding potential dangers and troublesome situations by participating in structured, fulfilling, and enjoyable weekend activities.

Explore and Empower Retreat

Summary: A one day retreat for our 40 volunteers in the beautiful countryside of Kent. This includes activities like nature walks, workshops, and team-building games aimed to teach outdoor skills and sustainability. They also plan structured activities and a menu prior to the project. They then cook and prepare their meals during camping.

Impact: Volunteers gain valuable outdoor skills while receiving a well-deserved boost of appreciation to continue their impactful work.

In the Limelight pantomime

Summary: 200 girls participate in rehearsals where they practice for a production of song, dance and drama. This is led by 40 volunteers. This production is watched by an audience of 3000 attendants. Additionally 100 girls are involved with the preparation behind the scenes and are involved in the props, murals and sewing costumes.

Impact: Girls’ emotional well-being improves as they gain confidence and a sense of accomplishment through showcasing their talents.

Adventure Awaits - annual day trip

Summary: Participants are rewarded for positive behaviour with fun day trips including sightseeing cruises, tobaggoning and Woburn Safari. Impact: This form of positive reinforcement encourages future good behaviour and makes participants feel valued and motivated.

Spring Swingout

Summary: A week long enrichment programme during the spring break where girls partake in arts, sports, and social activities with a focus on culture and heritage.

Impact: The program enhances girls’ creativity and cultural awareness while fostering social skills and helping them make new friends.

Winter Holiday playscheme

Summary: This project offers girls a range of engaging winter activities, including drama and singing classes, alongside providing hot meals.

Impact: This project support girl’s emotional well-being, boost creativity, and ensure they are wellnourished during the winter holiday break.

The Great Escape

Summary: A 2 week summer holiday sleepaway camp in the beautiful countryside of Suffolk for 180 of our beneficiaries. It features a wide range of sports, performing arts, day trips and skill building activities.

Impact: The camp improves girls’ confidence by endless opportunities which helps them discover and nurture their talents, helping build up resilience for the upcoming school year.

Discover how each girl’s journey takes flight, from challenge to transformation.

EGG The Challenge

Sara Takes the Stage

“I never thought I could do that before. I felt safe, and I was proud of myself.” – Sara

Sara, 15, was living in foster care after facing family struggles. She had a low sense of self-worth and was often withdrawn. Her foster family discovered The Great Escape and encouraged her to join, hoping it would offer her new experiences and support.

Rosie & Esther’s Holiday of Hope

“They came home with big smiles and new skills. I’m so impressed by the confidence they gained.”

– Mrs. Cohen, mother of Rosie and Esther

Rosie and Esther, sisters from a single-parent family, had never been able to take part in holiday activities due to financial struggles. Their mother, overwhelmed with work and responsibilities, was worried about how they would spend the spring break.

Naomi’s Breakthrough

“I was amazed to see Naomi calm and still, something we hadn’t seen before. It is amazing how a small rabbit could accomplish more than her therapists.”

A young girl dealing with severe emotional difficulties, was often angry and aggressive. Her behaviour was challenging for both her family and teachers, and she struggled to engage with others in a meaningful way.

– Sarah Lead volunteer

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CATERPILLAR The Growth

CHRYSALIS The Transformation

At The Great Escape, Sara joined in arts and sports activities. She slowly began connecting with others and taking part in group challenges. Her confidence grew through small victories, like speaking up in group discussions and trying new activities.

Sara’s breakthrough came when she bravely sang for the entire group during a talent show. “I never thought I could do that before,” Sara said, her voice trembling but filled with pride. This moment marked a significant shift in her self-esteem, showing her that she could face her fears.

When the girls joined Spring Swingout, they were introduced to new experiences, including arts, crafts, and learning about cultural heritage. The programme gave them structure, support, and a safe space to explore their creativity and build friendships.

By the end of the programme, Rosie and Esther had gained confidence. Rosie proudly told her mom, “I made something beautiful with my hands today. I feel so proud of myself.” Their sense of achievement and joy marked the shift in their self-worth and outlook on life.

Through Farmyard of Relief, Naomi had the opportunity to interact with animals in a therapeutic setting. The experience gave her a calm environment to process her emotions. Over time, she became more patient and began to show an interest in the animals’ wellbeing.

The turning point came when Naomi sat quietly with a rabbit for the first time, focusing on calming the animal. Her group leader recalls, “I was amazed to see Naomi calm and still, something we hadn’t seen before.” This shift in behaviour marked a significant change in how Naomi managed her emotions.

Thank you, Frankie Foundation, for funding the Farmyard of Relief!

Galaxy of Talent 2025

Community Champions

The Oasis

A new homework and supper club focused on emotional health and academic support. The club will provide individualized plans for each participant, with licensed therapists on a rotational basis offering tailored support. Our goal is to create a nurturing space where girls can excel academically while strengthening their emotional well-being.

An enhanced training programme, known as ‘Meet & Greet’, for 40 volunteers aged 17–21, offering workshops in leadership, teamwork, conflict resolution, and problem-solving, inspired by the Goldstar Soft Skills programme. Participants will gain access to social events, feedback sessions, appreciation awards, and career support. This initiative aims to inspire more volunteers, strengthen community bonds, and create a ripple effect of positive impact.

Our annual performance, with a continued focus inclusivity, ensuring every child is given a role that suits their strengths. We will continue fostering confidence, teamwork, and a sense of achievement for all participants, both onstage and behind the scenes.

Partners in Transformation

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES

The trustees have pleasure in presenting their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024.

The Trustees are positive that the activities and surplus reflects a significant increase in the demand and operations of the charity. The Trustees would like to take this opportunity to express their gratitude for all the financial support of our funders and private donors this year.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Reference and administrative details are shown in the schedule of trustees and professional advisors on page 1 of the financial statements.

THE TRUSTEES

The trustees who served the company during the period were as follows: H Krausz

J Wider

T Grunbaum

K M Rapaport

A Lebrecht

All major decisions are taken collectively by the Trustees who meet quarterly. The Trustees are volunteers and details of any related party transactions are disclosed as applicable in the notes to the accounts.

Secretary to the Trustees: Mrs M Landau

Mrs M Landau is the Treasurer and Compliance Officer who ensures Refreshing Minds runs its operations in line with all its governing and operational policies.

4 part-time staff are employed to manage the administration and activities of the charity. This is managed by Market2Success Ltd. We have a team of 25 Volunteer Ambassadors who encourage 40+ young volunteers to be involved in the daily programmes of Refreshing Minds and form the foundation of our work.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Refreshing Minds is constituted under a deed dated 19 August 2014 as amended on 22 Feb 2016. It is a registered charity number 1166079 and was registered on 15 March 2016.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees would be in line with the Trust Deed and with the consent of the trustees. The criteria set for the suitable candidate would be someone who is sensitive to the needs and demands of the organisation.

RISK REVIEW

The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the Trust, and are satisfied that systems are in place to manage our exposure to the major risks.

PUBLIC BENEFIT

The trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit.

RESERVES POLICY

The Trustees aim to hold unrestricted reserves to cover 6 months of core running costs. In 2024 this was £88,575 and the unrestricted reserves of £56,125 represent 6 months of core costs.

TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT

The charity’s Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

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

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any dmaterial departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate dto presume that the charity will continue in operation.

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charity (Accounts and Reports( Regulations 2008. The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The Trustees’ Annual Report was approved on 11 January 2024 and signed on behalf of the board of Trustees by]

Joel Wider Trustee

66 Durlston Road London E5 8RR

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024 set out on pages 18 to 23.

RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUSTEES AND INDEPENDENT EXAMINER

The charity’s Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s

Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”( and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

examine the accounts under section 145 of the Act;
to follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charity CCommission (under Section 145(5((b( of the Charities Act(; and
state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

BASIS OF INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S STATEMENT

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 the 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 matter has come to my attention:

a( 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 Charities Act; and
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the Caccounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met; or

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

Balazs Nezmi FCCA

JS & Co Accountant Ltd

26 Theydon Road London

E5 9NA

12th January 2025

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Unrestricted £ 194,718 260,881 68,248	Restricted 2024 Total funds £ £ 0 194,718 260,881 140,600 208,848	Restricted 2024 Total funds £ £ 0 194,718 260,881 140,600 208,848	Restricted 2024 Total funds £ £ 0 194,718 260,881 140,600 208,848	2023 Total funds £ 54,750 419,459
523,847 32,951 420,662 55,624				474,209 7,141 420,919 25,419
509,237 14,610				453,479 20,730
41,515	0 41,515			20,785
56,125	63,968 120,093			41,515
	£ 15,363	2024 £ 15,363 104,730		2023 £ 15,153 26,362 41,515 0 41,515 41,515
	100,000 8,927		43,038
	108,927 -4,197		43,038 -16,676

		120,093
		63,968 56,125
		120,093

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Accounting convention

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (FRSSE) (effective January 2015). In preparing the accounts, the charity follows best practice as laid down in the Statement of Recommended Practice “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” (SORP) issued in March 2005. Where there is a conflict between the FRSSE and the SORP, the SORP has been adopted in accordance with paragraph 419ff of the SORP.

Incoming resources

All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.

Resources expended

Expenditure is accounted for on accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity.

Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation

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

Fixtures & Fittings 20% reducing balance

2. TRUSTEES REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

No trustee received remuneration, allowance for or reimbursement of expenses.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 (CONTD)

3. INCOMING RESOURCES FROM GENERATED FUNDS

			Total	Total
	Unrestricted	Restricted	Funds	Funds
	Funds	Funds	2024	2023
	£	£	£	£
Parental contribution	194,718		194,718	54,750
Donations	260,881		260,881	335,246
Grants	68,248	140,600	208,848	84,213
	523,847	140,600	664,447	474,209
Restricted funds received from:		£
Frankies Foundation For Children		600
Skipton Building Society		2,970
London Borough of Hackney		24,213
Tesco Community Grants		500
Jewish Children Holiday Fund		5,000
The National Lottery Community Fund - A		10,000
Webb Family Charitable Foundation		2,000
Jewish Child’s Day		2,500
The National Lottery Community fund -Mi		10,000
CAF-Bentley Advancing Life		500
All Aboard		250
Haringey Giving		4,640
Rank Foundation		1,000
Hackney Giving		5,060
Caring Family Foundation		6,400
Big Give Trust		41,108
The Childhood Trust		18,509
The National Lottery Commun		4,350
Stagecoach Group PLC		1,000
Total:		140,600

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 (CONTD)

4. FUNDRAISING COSTS

Fundraising Costs	Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Total Funds Funds £ Funds £ 2024 £ 2023 £ 32,951 0 32,951 7,141
	32,951 0 32,951 7,141

5. COSTS OF DIRECT CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Hub of Hope Great Escape Volunteers Meet & Greet Season Sprinkles In the Limelight Buddy Group Donations given	Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Total Funds Funds £ Funds £ 2024 £ 2023 £ 101,714 11,820 113,534 251,749 140,000 20,000 160,000 109,189 26,410 10,000 36,410 20,605 43,398 19,812 63,210 14,976 90,380 10,000 100,380 0 12,500 5,000 17,500 24,400 6,260 0 6,260 0
	420,662 76,632 497,294 420,919

Average number of employees during the year was 4 (2023 : 4)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 (CONTD)

6. GOVERNANCE AND ADMIN COSTS

Bank charges Depreciation Accountancy fee Professional fees Advertising Training Printing Postage Office supplies Insurance Telephone Travel Repairs	Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Total Funds Funds Funds 2024 2023 2,887 2,887 2,408 3,841 3,841 3,788 1,140 1,140 864 5,183 5,183 7,221 22,600 22,600 0 6,220 6,220 0 1,697 1,697 4,028 2,111 2,111 1,493 2,378 2,378 2,196 584 584 501 3,050 3,050 1,259 1,312 1,312 768 2,621 2,621 893
	55,624 0 55,624 25,419

7. FIXED ASSETS

COST: At 1 April 2023 Additions At 31 March 2024 DEPRECIATION: At 1 April 2023 Charge for year At 31 March 2024 NET BOOK VALUE: At 31 March 2024 At 31 March 2023	£ 18,941 4,051 22,992 3,788 3,841 7,629 15,363 15,153	£ 18,941 4,051
		22,992
		3,788 3,841
		7,629 15,363
		15,153

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 (CONTD)

8. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Other Creditors Accruals		2024 £ 3,057 1,140 4,197	2023 £ 15,812 864 16,676

9. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Restricted funds General fund Unrestricted funds General fund TOTAL FUNDS Restricted funds General fund Unrestricted funds General fund TOTAL FUNDS Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:	At 1.4.23 Net movement in funds £ £ 0 63,968 41,515 14,610 41,515 78,578 Incoming Resources Resources expended £ £ 140,600 76,632 523,847 509,237 664,447 585,869	At 31.03.24 £ 63,968 56,125
		120,093
		Movement in funds £ 63,968 14,610
		78,578

10. TAXATION

Refreshing Minds is a registered charity and therefore is not liable to income tax or corporation tax on income derived from its charitable activities, as it falls within the various exemptions available to registered charities.

REGISTERED CHARITY NAME

Refreshing Minds

CHARITY NUMBER

1166079

PRINCIPAL OFFICE

66 Durlston Road London E5 8RR

TRUSTEES

H Krausz J Wider T Grunbaum K M Rapaport A Lebrecht

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER

Balazs Nezmi FCCA JS & Co Accountants Ltd 26 Theydon Road London E5 9NA

BANKERS

NATWEST 198 Stoke Newington High St London N16 7GA