Trustees. Annual Report for the period 01 04 2024 31 03 , 2025 Section A Reference and administration details Charity name Veterans in Sefton CIO Other names charity is known by NIA Registered charity number (if an.y.) 116812 Charity's principal address The Brunswick Y&CC Marsh Lane Bootle Merseyside Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity Trustee name Office (if any) Dates acted. if n.ot f.or wh.oje ear Na.me o.f. person (or bo.dy) e.n.titled. to. oint trustee rfan Jon Price Steve Calderbank Phil Sorrell im Carey 30.1.25 30.1.25 Names of the trustees for the Gharity, if any, (for example, any custodian trustees) Name Dates acted,if not for whole ear Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) e of adviser Name Address Name of chief executive or names of senior stsff members (Optional information) Dave Smith CEO Section B Structure, Description of the charity's trusts Type of governing documen Constitution How the charity is constituted Charitable Incorporated Organisation ppointed by a quorate meeting of the Trustees properly notified as per our constitution and considered to have skills valuable to the charity Trustee selection methods Additional governance issues (Optional infomiation) You may choose to include Ti"ustee Induction and Training additional information, where relevant, about: Veterans in Sefton CIO has an establislied process for the induction and rainingy of trustees. New trLlSt¢es rec,eive a comprehensive indiiction pack policies and procedures conlaining the charity, s governing doclllnent, c urrent strategic plan, Icey pol- adopted for the induction and icies, and recent financial and operational reports, Iiiduction meetings are training of trustees" held with the Chief Executive Officer to outline the charity's history, ethos, the charity's organisational and ongoing proj ects. Trustees are encoiiraged to coinplete relevant Charity structure and any wider Coininission online training Inodules, atten.d saf-eguarding and data protec- network with which the charity works; ion briefings, and participate in peer-leaming opportunities with partner or- gani,sations such as Sefton CVS. Ongoing developm.ent.is supported throLigh, . relationship with any related periodic governance workshops and briefings on legislative or regyul atory parties" changes affecting the Arined .Forces charitable sector. trustees, consideration of major risks and the system and procedures to manage them. Organisational Structure and Network The charity operates under the strategic oversight of the Board of Trustees, who meet regylilarly to review performance, coinpliance, and future develop- ment. Day-to-day operations are delegated to the Chief Executive Officer who is supported by a small. teain of staff and volunteers responsible for de- livery of welfare., wellbeingy and outreach progTraJnines across Sefton and. the wider Liverpool City Region. Veterans in Sefton is eillbedded within a strong partnership network including Sefton MBC, One Vision Housing, FQIS/Op Courage, Sefton CVS, and other voluntary and statutory orgyanisa- ions under the Arnied Forces Covenant. These partnerships ensure a joined- up, holistic approach to supportinL7 veterans and their famili es. Related Party .Relationships veter￿lS in Sefton Inai.ntai.ns transparent and accountable relationships with all related parties. Soine trustees and volunteers are theinselves veteraiis or Ineinbers of partner organisations, but all related interests are declared and InanagTed in accordance with the charity's Conflict of Interest Policy. .No trustee or related paty has received any personal benefit from the charity's funds diiring the reporting period, beyond the reiinburseinent of approved out-of-pocket expe,nses. Risk Man,a.IFem¢nt The trustees reco&ynise that effective risk manageinent is essential to gFood overnance. The Board re ularl revi,ews a risk. ie ister that i dentities and assesses major operational, financial, and reputational risks. Key risks cur- rently include the susta.inability of gFrant funding, safeguarding of beneficiar- ies, vol unteer capacity, and health and safety during outdoor and retreat- based activities. Mitigation tneasw.es include m.aiiitainin&) diverse funding streains, robust safeguarding policies, coinprehensive insurance coverage, regular risk assessments for all activities, and ongoing Inonitoring of conipli- ance with the charity's policies and procedures. The trustees are satisfied that these systeins and control s are effective and proportionate to the scale o the chanty's, work, Section C Ob'ectives and activities The objects of Veterans in Sefton CIO, as stated in its governing docuinent, are: .10 /'cliL)ve the nLed and advanc'c) Ilie w&l/are ofmeinher,s' c)f't17e A.rnied -07'ce,I' Lon7muniiy und theirfi17ff iliL,s' wiihin ,S'e/ion a.nd Ihe ,s'urroundin&y ar- ea,%', in parliL'u/ar byprc)vidin&y udvic'e. guidanc'e, pracliLa/ and emc)tic)ncil ,s'zipporl, and c)ppc)rlui?itiL,y.for ,I'i)L'ia,l iiic/u,s'i017 aiiLlpLr3'c)nal dLv,Ll()pmeii. 1,. and tc) i?rc)Jiiole ilie 17ealtl? and wel/bL)ing of Ihal coin171unily 1177'0ug/i Illi pr()vi,s'ion o]'ho/i3'liL', peL)r_led ,s'erviL'L),s' und L'oinmunily-bu,s'ed aL'livilie,s'. Summary ofthe objects of the charity set out in its governing document In fulfillingy these charitable objects, Veterans in Sefton aiins to: Provide direct suppo,rt to veterans and t.heir fainilies through welfare advice, housiiig assistance, wellbeing inteTVfflltions,"and peer men- toring. Reduce social isolation by facilitating regular NAAfJ Breakn, coin- Inunity events, and day trips. Deliver therapeutic and restorative opportunities such as the Moun- tain Hut Retreals and holistic allotment projects. Work col laboratively with statutory and voluntary partners-includ- ingy Sefton MBC, One Vision Housing, the NHS/Op Cou,rage net- work, and Sefton Cvs-under the principles of the Arnied .Fo.rces Covenant to ensure joined-up support path,vvays. Promote gyreater understanding within the wider coniinuiiity of the contribution and needs ot:ex-service personnel and their fainilies During the year, Veterans in Sefton continued to deliver a wide range of practical and einotional support services desigyned to iinprove the wellbeing, resilicnce, and incliision of veterans and their fainil_ies across Sefton and the wider LivLrpool City Regsion. Our work is firinly rooted in a holistlcg peer-led model that recognises the uniq.ue challenges faced by those transitioning froin Inilitary to civilian lit.e. Activities undertaken to achieve our charitable aims in.cluded: Welfare, Housing and Wellbeing Support: 'Individual casework and sigynpostin(¥ to specialist partners, includingT Sefton MBC Housing, DWP, Veterans UK, NHS/Op Couragie and . local cominunity Jnental Iiealth teams, This ensured that beneficiar- ies accessed the right help at the right time for issues includi,ng hoiising, benefits, debt, and health needs. NAAFI Breaks and Drop-Ins: Twice-weekly infonnal coffee Inorningys provided safe, welcoining spaces for veterans of alI ages to connect, share experiences, and ac- cess on-site advice. These se,gsions reinain at the heart of Vis's peer-support etli.os and l.iave helped reduce social isolation and im- prove coinmunity cohesion. Mountain Hut Retreats and Outdoor Activities: A rolling progyrai]Mne of structured retreats in Wales and Scotland offered small groups of veterans the chance to talie part in refleclive, te￿n_baSed activities that build confidence, resili¢nc¢, and trust. Each lrip includes guided walks, coininunal cookingy and wellbein(r discussions led by Irained slaff and volunteers. Allotment and Holistic Gai'den Project: Our longstanding allottnent space continues to offer a calin, thera- peutic environinen.t for veterans to learn new skills, comiect with others, and experien.ce the mental-health benefits of outdoor activity and routine. C:ommunity Outreach and Partnership Work: Vis played an active rol.e in th.e Sefton Armed Forces Covenant net- work., workinLY closely with partners such as One Vision Housing, Seftoii CVS NHS/Op Courdgye, and the Veteraiis Foundati()11. We also expanded collaboration with neighbouring groLlPS in Liverpool an.d West Lancashire to eiisure no veteran "falls through the cracks." Volunteer Development and Mentoring: Many of our volunteers are veterans who have progressed througyh Vis's ,qupport pathways. They contribute as Inentors, event organig- ers, drivers, cooks, and peer supporters. Vis provides thein with 'training in s'afeguarding, food 'hygiene, and merital-health awareness to enhance both personal growth and service quality. Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objects (include within this section the statutory declaration that trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit) You may choose to include further statements, where relevant, about: policy on grantmaking. policy programme related investment; coritributior) made by volunteers. Throughout all activities, the charity eilsures that equality, safegyuarding and health and safety standards are upheld. Trustees regularly review deliv- ery plans to confirm that all activities directly SLlPPOrt the ch:arity's objects and deliver measurable outcomes for the Arined Forces coininunit Summary ofthe main achievements of the charity during the year Duringy the reporting period, Veterans in Sefton continued to strengthen its position as a leading local provider of holistic, peer-led support for the Arined Forces coininunity. Our services reached a reLord number of veter- dns and fainily Ineinbers, reflectingy both tlie ongoings need for trusted, coininunity-based provision and the reputation Vis has buil.t since becoin- ing an indepeiident charity in 2016. Key Achievements Over 400 veterans and family members engaged directly with Vis services'througihoiit'the year, receivingT one-to-one welfare SLIP- port, housÉng advice, or wellbeing assistance. More than 160 NAAFJ Bx'eak sessions were held across Sefton, providing regular poinls ot"contact and rediicin.&y social isolation, ainong attendees. Light Mountain Hwt Yet.reats were SUCGessfiilly deliv¢red, ¢ach supporting up to ten veterans. Participant feedback consistently highlighted iinprovements in Inental wellbeing, confidence, and re- neived sense of belonging. Two-day trips per moiith on average were org)anised, i ncluding visits to museuins, reineinbrance events, and outdoor activities de- signed to Lncourage social interaction and shared experiences. The Allotment and FIolistic Garden reinained a vital coiThnunity asset, hosting weekly sessions for veterans who benefit froin the therapeutic valu.¢. of Lyard¢ning, teamwork, and tiipe outdoors. Vis volunteers collectively contribiiled over 2,000 hours to service delivery, eiiiril organisation, InLntoring, cooking, and Iransport - an outstanding reflection of community ownership and sustainabil- ity. Partnership and Collaboration Our work continues to be rooted in strong partnership networks. We main- tained active Service Level Agreeinents with Sefton MBC (Housino and Health & Wellbeing) and strenLYthened our collaboration with One Vision Housing? Sefton CVS, ,NH,S/OI) Courage, the Veterans Foundation, the Steve INTorgan Foundation, and the National Lottery Community Fund. These relationships ensure seainless pathways of care and avoid dLTpI.ica- t.ion of services. Vis also played. a key role in re-launching the local Arw.ed Forces Cov¢- nant, working with Sefton Counci,1 to proinote awareness among GPS an,d frontline services of the needs of veterans and thei.r 'families. Impact and Outcomes Feedback and monitoringi data demonstrate that Vi S continues to achieve s.igi,nifEc&nt posi,tive.out.ooines for beneficiaries, including." Reduced soLia] isolation and loneliness. Iinproved Inental health, confjdence, and self-esteem. Better accLss to housingr welfare, and healthcare services. Increased community engagement and voliinteering, Strengthened family relationships an,d peer connections. Several participants have proLyressed froin receivingj support to volunteer- ing and Inentoring others - clear evidence of Vis's einpoweringy veteran- led approach. Resilience and Learning The trustees recognise tliat the operating environment reinains chal.lengying, particularly with i.ncreasing deinand and pressure on public funding. De- spite this, Vis has continued to meet all coininitinents and deliver s.tro.ng OLltcomes through careful tinancial Inan£2geinent, volLinteer dedication, and stronLTr coininunity partnerships. The lessons froin this year reinforce the value of flexibl.e, person-centred approaches that address not jiist iminediate need, but long-term recovery, wellbeinLY and belonging. Section E Financial review Brief statement of the charity's policy on reserves Details of any funds materially in deficit Further financial review details. (O,p.tio.nal info:rmatio,n) You may choose to include additional information, where The charity reinains in a stabl.e finaiicial .posItio￿ supported by a coinbina- relevant about: tion of gyrant funding, service-level agreeinents, and coniinunity donations. the charity's principal Durings the reporting year, Veterans in Sefton con.tinued to manage its fi- sources of funds (including nances prudently whi le ensuring that all avail able resources were d.irected any fundraising); towards .frontline delivery for N'eterans and Iheir families. how expenditure has I.ncome supported the key objectives of the charity. Total incoine for the year was derived priinariIy t"roin: investment policy and objectives including any ethical investment poficy adopted. The National Lottery Community Fund (core continuation grant), providing multi-year support for stafling, operational deliv- ery, '&nd'organisational developiiient. Service .Level Agreements with Sefton MBC for HousiiiLY and Health & Wellbeing projects. Project-specitic grants from the Veterans Foundation, Steve Mor- gan Foundation, Awai"ds I'or All, and One Vision H,ousing, sup- porting initiati.ves siich as the Mountain .Hut retreats, the A.Ilotment & ,Ho.listic Garden, and vollinteer developinent. Additional donations and in-kind contributions t.rom coinmunity Froups, partner organisations, and local supporters. This diversified fuiidiiigj Inix helped ensure continLllty of services and resil- .ience in delivery despile increasing deinand. El xpenditure Expenditure dLwing the year was priinarily t"ocused on charitable activities, including: Staff salaries and operational costs directly related to welfare, well- being, and peer-support delivery. Accoininodation, transport, and activity costs associated with re- treats, day trips, and comin.unity events. Voliinte¢r training, travel, and subsistence. Premises, insiirance, and essential adininistrative expenses required to maintai.n service standards dnd compIianLe. The charity operates a lean adininistrative model, with the majority of ex- penditure directed to di,rect beneticiary support. Reserves Policy The trustees review the reserves pol icy annually to ensure the charity Inaintains SLifficient unrestricted reserves to meet ongoing comimitm.ents and manage any unforeseen financial challenLyes. The target is to hold a Ininiinuin of thi.ee months, operating eosts in unreslr.icted reserves. As of year end, the reserves held were considered adLcIuate and in lin.e with this policy. Risk and Financial Management Regiilar finan¢ial InonitOrinLY is condiicted by the CEO and reviewed. a.t quarterly trustee meetingTs. Budgyets, gyrant conditions, and expenditure re- ports are carefLilly tracked to ensure accountability and coinpliance with funder requireinents. The Board reinains alert to potential financial risks, including reliance on grant income, cost inflation, and changing public-sector funding priorities. To mitigate these, Vis continues to diversify its t-unding base, bLiild rela- ,t.ionships with cor.porate,and cominunity supporters, and explore .new ,long- term income streains. Going Concern The trustees consider the Lhdrity to be a going LonLern. Confi.rnied funding for the next financial year from the National Lottery, Sefton MBC, and the Veterans Foundation provides a secure foundation to sustain current ser- vices while exploringy opportunities for further developjn.ent across Sefton and West Lancashire. Section F Other optional information Lookingy ahead, th.e trustees of Veterans in Sefton reinaiji cominitted to strengthening and expanding the char- ity's Iiolistic, peer-led Inodel of support for the Ar,med Forces coininunity. The coining year will focus 011 building sustainability, deepening partnerships, and continuing to respond flexibly to the evolving needs of veterans aiid Iheir fdinilies. Strategie Priorities for the Year Ahead l. Sustain and Secure Core Funding The trLlStees will continue to develop a long-terni funding strategy to ensure financial stability beyond the current Lottery cycle. This includes e.xp.lorinLr new multi-year funding opportunities, corporate P(lrtnerships, and social value investinent linked to.the Arined Forces Covenaiit. 2. Strengthen Partnership Networks Vis will continue to work closely with Sefton MBC, One Vision Housing, Sefton CVS, NHS/Op Courage, and wider Liverpool City Regioii partners to deliver integrated support pathways. A t.ocus will be placed on re-launchingy the local Armed Forces Covenant and improvinLY GP and frontline .awareness of veteran-specific servic,es. 3. Expand Retreat and Wellbeing Programmes B uilding on the success of the Mountaiii Hut retreats, Vis plans to extend the seasonal prograinme to include "Turkey & Tinsel" wellbeing breaks and Iiew collaborative excursio.ns with partner organisa- tioiis such as Evertoii iii tlie Conimunity. 4. Enhance Volunteei. Development and Peer Leadership The charity will invest in volunteer training - includingy food hygiene, safeguarding, and trauina-in- forined care - enabling Inore veterans to move from receiving support to delivering it. A structured mentoring pathway will be introduced to support progression froin P