## Annual Report 2025
Ten years creating safety, belonging and brighter futures for women across Sussex
Registered charity 1172837 | Company number 09437477
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## Contents
04 Introduction from our Chair of Trustees 06
- Annual Report of the Board of Trustees
- 30 Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees 32 Annual Accounts 42 Our Funders
- 43 References & Administrative Information
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As Chair of Trustees, it is my pleasure to introduce Bramber Bakehouse’s Annual Report for the year ending 31 December 2025.
## Introduction from our Chair of Trustees
This year has been one of celebration, reflection and ambition as we marked ten years of supporting women across Sussex who have experienced abuse, exploitation and displacement.
Whilst this is my first Annual Report as Chair, Bramber Bakehouse has been part of my life for longer. I joined the Board of Trustees in August 2024, and throughout that time I have seen firsthand the extraordinary impact this charity has on the women it supports.
My decision to join Bramber Bakehouse was rooted in a longstanding commitment to women’s rights and gender equality. The values of this organisation - compassion, empowerment and equity - strongly align with my own. Like many who become involved with Bramber, I was drawn to its belief that every woman deserves the chance to rebuild their life, discover their strengths and realise their potential, regardless of the challenges they have faced.
Over the past decade, Bramber Bakehouse has grown from a simple but powerful idea into an award-winning charity that has supported hundreds of women to rebuild confidence, improve their wellbeing and create brighter futures. Whilst our programmes have evolved, our purpose has remained unchanged: to create safe, nurturing spaces where women feel accepted, valued and empowered to move forward.
I am incredibly proud to serve as Chair of an organisation that places women at the centre of everything it does. I stepped into this role at a time of significant growth and opportunity for Bramber Bakehouse, but also during a period when many women are facing increasing uncertainty in their lives.
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In a world where too many people continue to experience isolation, inequality and insecurity, the need for safe, supportive communities has never felt more important.
Reading the stories shared throughout this report, and particularly those captured in our anniversary book, TEN: Portraits of Resilience, I have been reminded that lasting change is rarely the result of a single intervention. It is built through relationships, belonging, encouragement and opportunities to rediscover strengths that may have been hidden by trauma and adversity. Time and again, women tell us that Bramber Bakehouse offers something they have struggled to find elsewhere: a community where they feel safe enough to be themselves and hopeful enough to imagine a different future.
This year, we continued to see the impact of that approach. Women reported increased self-esteem, improved wellbeing and a stronger sense of belonging. Demand for our services remains high, demonstrating both the need for our work and the trust that referral partners place in our team.
Alongside delivering lifechanging support, 2025 also marked an important step in our own organisational journey.
The launch of our social enterprise bakery represents an exciting step towards creating future pathways for women, whilst testing a new income stream which can be reinvested into our charitable work.
As charities across the country continue to face an increasingly challenging funding environment, developing sustainable income streams is essential if we are to continue supporting women for the next ten years and beyond.
I am also proud to be leading a Board that is committed to ensuring Bramber Bakehouse remains both mission led and financially resilient. As we enter our second decade, we are focused not only on the impact we create today, but on building an organisation that will be here for women for many years to come.
As a Board, we have continued to strengthen governance, support the talented team who make this work possible and ensure the organisation is well placed for the future. Their compassion, expertise and unwavering commitment to the women we serve continue to inspire me.
I would also like to thank our volunteers, funders, corporate partners and individual supporters. Your belief in our mission enables us to provide lifechanging opportunities for women who are rebuilding their lives. We are deeply grateful for your continued support.
Most importantly, I would like to thank the women who place their trust in Bramber Bakehouse. Their courage, resilience and determination shape our organisation every day. It is a privilege to witness their journeys and to learn from their experiences.
As we look ahead, we do so with confidence and purpose. The need for our work has never been greater, but neither has our determination to create communities where women can heal, grow and thrive. Together, we will continue building a future where every woman has the opportunity to lead a healthy and purposeful life.
Gabrielle Field Chair of Trustees
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## Welcome to Bramber Bakehouse
Bramber Bakehouse exists because recovery rarely happens through crisis support alone. Women who have experienced abuse, exploitation and displacement often need time, safety and consistent relationships to begin rebuilding confidence, wellbeing and a sense of possibility.
Through baking, wellbeing and life skills programmes, alongside befriending and mentoring, we create spaces where women can learn, connect, be heard and rediscover their strengths. Baking provides the practical focus, but it is the combination of skill-building, emotional support and safe community that helps women move forward.
Our mission is to support every female survivor to lead a healthy and purposeful life.
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## BAKING LESSONS
Our baking lessons provide a therapeutic environment where women can learn together, build a community and grow in confidence.
## LIFE SKILLS
Person-centred support helps women create a pathway to independence, identifying strengths and goals whilst gaining skills for education, volunteering or paid employment.
## WELLBEING SUPPORT
Trauma-informed wellbeing sessions are designed to equip women with the tools they need to improve their mental health and wellbeing.
## LASTING COMMUNITY
Women graduate and receive regular oneto-one support through a befriender or mentor, offering further social connection and support accessing safe, sustainable volunteering, education and employment opportunities.
Over the past ten years, women have repeatedly told us it’s the combination of practical skills, emotional wellbeing support and genuine connection which creates lasting change. The stories shared in our anniversary book: TEN are a clear demonstration of these ideas coming together, helping women move from isolation to belonging, from uncertainty to confidence.
## Charitable Objectives
Bramber Bakehouse works for the public benefit, the relief and assistance of women who are victims of oppression, domestic abuse and/or any form of violence or discrimination in any part of the world by providing support, opportunities and/or internships with Bramber Bakehouse (or any other partnered bakery) to encourage the development and learning of new skills to enable integration back into the community and society as a whole.
The Trustees have had due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit when deciding which activities to undertake.
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## Why Our Work Matters
Women do not arrive at Bramber Bakehouse because they need a baking course.
They arrive following experiences which fundamentally change how safe they feel in the world.
Many of the women referred to us have experienced gender-based violence, sexual exploitation, domestic abuse, displacement or multiple forms of disadvantage. Some are rebuilding their lives after years of coercion and control. Others are navigating the asylum system whilst trying to recover from trauma. Many are parenting, managing poor mental health, living with financial insecurity or facing profound isolation.
For many women, the abuse itself is only part of the story.
Long after violence ends, its impact can remain. Confidence is eroded. Trust becomes difficult. Relationships can become strained. Opportunities are missed. Something as ordinary as joining a group, entering a new building or meeting unfamiliar people can feel overwhelming. Women are often expected to move forward whilst still navigating housing challenges, immigration processes, poverty, poor health and the ongoing consequences of what has happened to them.
Over the last decade, we’ve learned recovery is rarely driven by a single intervention. It happens through relationships, consistency and the opportunity to experience something different. It happens when women are welcomed without judgement, when they are reminded of their strengths and when they begin to see themselves as more than the worst thing that has happened to them.
In 2025, the most commonly recorded experiences among women referred to Bramber Bakehouse were gender-based violence, sexual exploitation and domestic abuse, with more than one in five women having experienced multiple forms of exploitation and/or disadvantage. Women ranged in age from 22 to 78 and included British citizens, refugees, asylum seekers and women with other immigration statuses.
This is why our work matters. Baking alone doesn’t change lives, but it does create a safe and practical space where women can rebuild confidence, develop meaningful connections, strengthen their wellbeing and begin to imagine a brighter future.
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“Nationally, violence against women and girls has been described as a growing and urgent issue, yet our experience shows recovery is often shaped not only by what has happened to women, but by the support, opportunities and relationships available afterwards.” Lucy Butt, CEO & Co-Founder, Bramber Bakehouse
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## Our Impact
## Reach
319
people and organisations engaged with Bramber Bakehouse, including women, referral partners, volunteers and staff.
62 women applied to join Bramber Bakehouse, with demand exceeding available places by more than 2:1.
223 referral partners engaged with our work.
26 volunteers supported programme delivery, befriending and mentoring services.
70%
of women who started a programme completed it.
## The Women We Supported
Women referred to Bramber Bakehouse are often navigating multiple and overlapping challenges.
Women referred ranged in age from 22 to 78.
Around 70% of women referred were British citizens.
Nearly one in five women referred were asylum seekers or refugees.
More than one in five women (21%) had experienced multiple forms of exploitation and/or disadvantage.
The most commonly recorded experiences were gender-based violence (65.2%), sexual exploitation (26.1%) and domestic abuse (17.4%).
All women referred had experienced abuse, exploitation, displacement and/or other forms of trauma.
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## Outcomes & Impact
Our evaluation data shows meaningful improvements across the areas which matter most to women’s recovery and wellbeing.
Average self-esteem increased by 52%, with nearly four in five women reporting an improvement.
Average self-esteem increased by 52%, with nearly four in five women reporting an improvement. Motivation increased from 4.00 to 5.11, suggesting women felt more hopeful, purposeful and ready to take positive steps towards their future.
Women also reported practising wellbeing activities more frequently, with the proportion engaging in wellbeing practices at least monthly increasing from 53% to 89%.
95% of women felt accepted or that they belonged to a community.
Alongside these changes, overall quality of life improved, particularly in relation to self-confidence, health, energy levels and overall life satisfaction.
95% of women felt they had learned how to look after their mental wellbeing.
100% of graduates would recommend Bramber Bakehouse to another woman in need.
“I got to smile and feel very happy after a very long time. I felt very safe around them. I learned that there are good people out there.” Bramber Bakehouse graduate
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TEN
P O R T R A I T S O F R E S I L I E N C E
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## Achievements
## Celebrating Ten Years of Bramber Bakehouse
In 2025, we celebrated ten years of Bramber Bakehouse. Our anniversary book, TEN: Portraits of Resilience, co-produced with Katherine Maxwell-Rose, IMIX and photographer Sarah Weal, captured a decade of courage, resilience and transformation through the voices of the women who have shaped our organisation.
Whilst every story was unique, common themes emerged throughout the book: belonging, confidence, hope and the importance of being believed. These themes are reflected in women’s stories and in the outcomes we continue to see across our programmes today.
“My mental health has stopped me from completing things in the past. I now know I can learn new skills and I’m not as useless as I used to believe I was for so long.” Bramber Bakehouse graduate
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## BLOSSOM
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It’s hard to describe how much my life has changed over the last few years. I used to be in such a dark and lonely place. Attending the baking classes at Bramber was the start of my life totally turning around.
I migrated from Nigeria to London several years ago. At first, I felt so isolated. I used to be very shy – I was always scared and nervous. I kept to myself and didn’t like leaving the house. I never met or talked to new people and only had a small circle of friends.
It was a really hard time in my life; I wasn’t happy at all. All my friends were going to university but I didn’t have a way to go. They were all doing something and I wasn’t able to, with what was going on in my life at that time. I just felt like I wasn’t doing anything.
It wasn’t the best situation but I didn’t have a choice. If you are living life without choice, what is the point? It caused a lot of down moments, a lot of anxiety. I had to go to the GP all the time.
Then my support worker suggested I attend the baking classes at Bramber Bakehouse because he knew I liked cooking. Although I didn’t want to go, I went along because my Mum and I would be doing it together. If it was just me, I wouldn’t have gone because it was quite a distance.
Honestly, my first impression of the class was that it was amazing! It was very, very welcoming. I felt like I knew these women and that I had been there before. The atmosphere was not hostile at all, it was relaxing and very peaceful. It was really important to me to be in a place where I felt safe. At Bramber, the vibe was instantly great and it felt like we were a little family.
I met lots of people, some were older than me, which meant I was able to learn from them. It meant a lot to be around
people facing similar challenges and I was able to relate to their experiences. Everyone was lovely. Every single person.
Whatever was happening in my life, it didn’t matter in that space. I could just go there and feel okay. I could be myself without feeling judged and didn’t have to hide. It was a mini-escape from reality, even though it was only a couple of hours a week. I knew I could get away from it all there. I never felt down or alone for any moment. The team at Bramber Bakehouse gave me so much support in every area of my life. I always knew they were there for me.
We all gathered round a big, circular table together. We baked lots of different things: bread, cake, pastries, croissants. Focaccia - that was good! I loved getting my hands to do something. It was interesting to see what we had all created: if someone baked something a bit wonky, we would all laugh and then we’d look at all the great baking too. I felt like a pro-baker by the end! I still treasure the book of recipes I was given.
When the course finished, I cried. I was so sad it had all ended but I had gained so much. So much of my fear had disappeared; I had all this confidence and had discovered my own voice. I was more vocal and expressive.
## Honestly, I felt free as a bird.
While on the course, I applied for a scholarship to go to university and found out I was successful. I was able to share that celebration with my class, which was incredibly special.
Read Blossom’s full story
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MAZ
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I love spending time with my daughters and grand-daughters. I also like visiting different places and gardening. I’ve got a little bungalow now with a small border outside my front window. I’ve just fertilised it and put my plants in. That’s my project.
Last year, I left a controlling and coercive relationship, which I had been in for a long time. A few months later, I had a minor stroke, which really affected me. I lost all my self-confidence and self-esteem.
When I was with my ex-partner, I used to have to walk on eggshells. I tried to keep the peace. If I sensed an argument brewing, I tried to diffuse the situation. I pushed all my emotions down. After a big row, I would go into the toilet, hold my head in my hands and say to myself, “What have I done?” Then I’d have to pull myself together and get on with it.
When I moved in with him, things escalated. He would bring me down when good things were happening in my life. He threatened my son-in-law and pushed my family away. He would trash the house and smash things off the wall like pictures or a clock. I was worried I was going to be next and knew I had to get out. I packed a bag and went to stay with my daughter. Three days after I left, without telling me, he had our cat, Tiggz, put down. It just floored me.
Looking back, the red flags were there, but I thought it would be okay. I did love him – now I just pity him. I don’t ever want to see him again.
Just as I was getting my life back together and reconnecting with people, I had a minor stroke. I had to spend 11 weeks in the hospital. It changed my eyesight and affected my ears. The relationship had been so destructive, it was overwhelming for my body. That might be why I had the stroke – it was a warning. I thank my lucky blessings because it could have been worse.
Afterwards, it was challenging to go out. I could only go for little walks. It’s taken me quite a while to get on a bus because it affects my vision and makes me feel nauseous.
The social prescriber at the GP surgery encouraged me to do the baking course at Bramber Bakehouse. I wasn’t sure but eventually said, “Yes I’ll do it.” And, my God, I was so pleased I did.
When we first went into the community kitchen, I thought, “oh, this is a lovely, light, airy building”. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. They even made you a cup of tea when you got there. The volunteers helped when I struggled because of my arthritis. I was baking things I’d never baked before. The professional bakers made mistakes too – which made us feel better!
I was the first one to open up about what happened to me, which started the ball rolling. Other people began talking about their problems too. That was the best therapy I could ever have. There were ladies there who had experienced what I had gone through, or they knew other people who had. They made me feel I wasn’t alone.
At the beginning it wasn’t easy. I had flashbacks. I kept asking myself, “why did I stay so long? Was I all these things he said I was? Was it my fault?”. Eventually, with encouragement, I realised it wasn’t.
Each week we did different breathing techniques, which helped to bring my adrenaline and anxiety down. I still use the exercises.
Before the course, I had really nothing in my life, only appointments. Bramber got me out of my comfort zone. I went on to have a befriender who I spoke to once a week on the phone. It made my week chatting to her and she has become a good friend. I am hoping to join their mentoring programme soon.
Read Maz’s full story
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## Achievements (continued)
## Delivering Safe, Trauma-Informed Support Amid Growing Demand
We continued to deliver our baking, wellbeing and life skills programmes for women across Sussex, while demand for places remained higher than we could meet. Sixty-two women applied to join Bramber Bakehouse during the year, with demand exceeding available places by more than 2:1.
Women referred to us were often navigating overlapping experiences of abuse, exploitation, displacement, poor mental health, financial insecurity and isolation. Against this backdrop, maintaining safe, consistent, traumainformed programmes was a significant achievement in itself.
## Strengthening Long-Term Support
During the year, we continued to develop opportunities for women to remain connected after graduating from our core baking and wellbeing programme.
Five women completed our befriending service in 2025. Of those who provided feedback, 100% said befriending had met their hopes and expectations and 100% said they would recommend it to others. Women described the value of having someone consistent to talk to, helping them feel less lonely, more socially motivated and more confident to reconnect with the world around them.
One woman described how “checking in once a week, focusing on the positive” had exceeded her expectations and helped her feel more socially motivated. Another said that having someone ask about her hobbies helped her “engage in them and find myself again.” For another woman, the routine of talking every week helped her confidence grow, supporting her to go out more, speak to new people and feel more able to do things independently.
Alongside befriending, Flourish Mentoring was relaunched to provide a clearer pathway for women who are ready to explore volunteering, education and employment. Both services are shaped by feedback from women with lived experience, helping ensure long-term support remains relevant, relational and centred on women’s goals.
## Creating Pathways & Building Sustainability
A significant milestone in 2025 was the early-stage launch of our social enterprise bakery.
Over the last decade, women have consistently told us they want opportunities to continue growing, contributing and progressing beyond the programme. The bakery has been developed in response to this learning, with the longer-term aim of creating opportunities for women to build skills, confidence and experience whilst exploring volunteering, training and employment pathways.
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In 2025, the bakery remained in its early development phase. During the year, we began testing products, systems and routes to market, learning what is needed to build a model that is both mission-led and financially sustainable.
As charities continue to face an increasingly challenging funding environment, the bakery also forms part of our wider commitment to diversifying income. Over time, we hope it will generate unrestricted income that can be reinvested directly into services for survivors.
Whilst still in its early stages, the bakery reflects our commitment to creating opportunities for women whilst building a stronger and more resilient organisation for the future.
## Strengthening the Organisation Behind the Work
Bramber Bakehouse continued to build financial resilience, develop relationships with long-term funders and invest in the systems, people and partnerships needed to sustain safe, high-quality support for women.
This work matters because trauma-informed support depends not only on good programmes, but on a stable, well-governed and sustainable organisation behind them.
## Contributing to the Wider Conversation
Alongside delivering services, we continued to contribute to conversations about recovery, trauma and violence against women and girls.
In January 2025, we spoke at the Sussex Domestic Abuse Conference, sharing insights from our work with survivors and highlighting the role that trauma-informed, strengthsbased approaches can play in supporting recovery.
Throughout the year, we participated in a range of events and conversations, using our platform to amplify survivor experiences and advocate for approaches which recognise women’s strengths, resilience and potential.
“My biggest fear was making friends, but now I am with friends that I like. I am so happy that fear is no more.”
Bramber Bakehouse graduate
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## SUNSHINE
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I was photographed with a sunflower because they are the sunshine flower and very beautiful. Its bright yellow petals evoke feelings of cheerfulness and happiness. I love the bright yellow of sunshine because it reminds me of my home country. Sunshine symbolizes joy and adoration. You always feel happy when you look at a sunflower.
I came to the UK some years ago and have since claimed asylum recently receiving my refugee status. I first discovered Bramber Bakehouse when I was living in a safe house. I was frustrated because I could not work at that time and was tired of doing nothing, so I was really happy when the baking class was suggested.
I wasn’t sure what was going to happen in the class but once it got going, I found I was good at it. I’ve been in love with baking ever since!
The day after the first class, I immediately started baking for the other people from my house. I began with the cookies we had made from the leftover dough which I shared within the house.
In the classes I learnt how to make cakes, cookies, foccacia – before that I had only made a few pastries from my country a couple of times. I liked the foccacia so much.
The people at Bramber were lovely, beautiful people. They made us feel so welcome and always asked us, ‘How are you, how has your week been?’ The teacher and volunteers taught us gently how to bake, correcting us if we made mistakes. If I was making bread and included too much water, they would say, ‘No problem, you can add some extra flour.’ If we didn’t know how to do something, we always had support.
I enjoyed talking with the group and eating together. It was interesting to get to know other cultures with women from different countries. Before that I was always on my own or just speaking with the people in my house. For the first time in my life, I went to the beach which I loved. I learnt about the mindfulness technique of focusing on my five senses: taste, touch, smell, sight, hearing.
## I worked on personal affirmations like, I am happy, I am bold, I can do it, I am beautiful. I still speak these words to myself.
I found it hard to go back to my house when it was time for the class to end. I just wanted to stay. Most of us did not want it to come to an end. I was pleased to get the recipes and often lucky to get some of the leftover ingredients like an egg or some butter. It was great because I was always baking, baking, baking!
My favourite is carrot cake. I bake to share - with my neighbours and friends. When I Iived in a big city, I would call up my friends to tell them I was baking and even if they were far away, they would come to my house to collect it from me. My housemates are always happy when they see me in the kitchen cooking and taste my food first before it goes out elsewhere. It makes me feel good using my hands to produce something from a few simple ingredients. Baking brings me so much joy – and I love getting positive reviews of what I have made.
After doing the class, I started volunteering with Bramber and some charity shops. I went onto college to study English and Maths. The programme made me feel like I could do activities without feeling afraid or insecure. I was able to talk to people, go out and seek the support I needed.
I am now working in the care sector. I love looking after people to make sure they are safe, and have everything they need. It makes me happy to help them feel better.
Read Sunshine’s full story
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## WUMI
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When I first went to Bramber Bakehouse, I was at a place in my life where all my confidence had gone. I couldn’t do anything. I had given up and felt I had no future. If you had asked me what my skills were, I would have said, I don’t know.
I was depressed and didn’t feel physically or emotionally well. It was like being in a tiny canoe in open waters. If I was to summarise how I was feeling in one word, it would be drained.
At that time, I was living in a safe house after being referred there by the NRM (National Referral Mechanism) which identifies and supports people who have been victims of modern slavery and human trafficking. I was in a safe place with a bed where I could rest, but I had a lot of time to reflect. I was out of immediate danger but everything I had been through was just dawning on me.
When I was 12 years old and my sister was 14, we were brought from school in Nigeria to the UK, where our passports were taken. Instead of staying with family, we were forced into domestic work and faced abuse with no protection.
It wasn’t until we were 16 or 17, that we started to realise this was not normal. We wanted to apply to university, but when we asked for our passports, we were told that it was not possible to give them back to us. At the same time, we were also warned not to tell anyone because we’d be in trouble for having no ID.
With a friend’s help, we escaped and went to the police. Even though they could see that we had clearly been victims of passport fraud, nothing else was done to support us.
What followed was a 13-year battle for our immigration status. We were relentlessly exploited in insecure work and housing and at one stage my sister and I lost contact because we couldn’t live together. We were both just trying to survive. For years no one listened, not even the many lawyers we spoke to.
In 2018, at a women’s refuge, I met a barrister and told her what had happened. She was the first person who called it exploitation and referred me to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM). It was then, I went into the safe house where I claimed asylum and discovered Bramber Bakehouse.
I was in a vulnerable place, thinking that I couldn’t do anything good. Then within an hour or two, I would have created this baking masterpiece that I never thought I could make.
The environment Bramber created was so friendly. We would have lunch together around a table: it was a safe, positive space and created a sense of belonging. It was interesting talking with the other women and hearing each others’ stories. Everyone had similar experiences. My friends who I went to school with in the UK could not comprehend why I was not doing anything with my life. It was a relief to be with people who understood my situation.
There were so many types of women there, some that couldn’t speak English or who had never been to school. The course gave us so much confidence. I started to realise that I do have skills, I could learn something new. I began to believe I had a future.
The Bramber Bakehouse graduation was a turning point because I had achieved something even during the darkest time of my life. It helped me to get back to myself and believe I could do anything. I don’t think anything else could have pulled me out of that bleak time.
Read Wumi’s full story
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## Key Learnings
## Recovery Takes Time
The stories in TEN, combined with our impact data, case studies and conversations with women, remind us there is rarely a single turning point or moment when everything changes. More often, progress is built through small but significant steps: attending a session, making a new connection, trying something unfamiliar, rediscovering confidence or beginning to believe that a different future is possible.
## Relationships Create the Conditions for Change
Again and again, women spoke about feeling accepted, listened to and understood. Whilst baking provides a practical focus, it is often the relationships built with staff, volunteers and peers which create the conditions for recovery and growth.
## Sustainable Organisations Matter
## Readiness Takes Time
Demand for our programme continues to grow, but women are often navigating complex barriers before they can start or sustain support. These barriers include childcare, work or college commitments, clashes with English lessons, ill health, mental health instability, relocation, anxiety about group settings and not feeling ready.
This reinforces the importance of flexible, traumainformed pathways: pre-programme engagement, waiting list support, befriending, mentoring and opportunities to rejoin when the timing is right. For many women, support is not a one-off intervention but a relationship built through trust, patience and second, third and fourth chances.
As demand continues to grow, we know delivering meaningful support requires resilient organisations.
Exploring the potential of a social enterprise bakery reflects our commitment to exploring new ways of building a stronger and more sustainable Bramber Bakehouse, with the aim of supporting women for years to come and developing future opportunities for survivors themselves.
Ten years on, we remain convinced that women thrive when they have access to safe relationships, meaningful opportunities and communities where they feel they belong. Our role is to continue creating those spaces and listening carefully to the women who shape them.
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## Looking Ahead
As Bramber Bakehouse moves into its second decade, 2026 will be a significant year of reflection, strategy and long-term planning. Having marked ten years of supporting women across Sussex, we will now begin developing a new organisational strategy and a bold 10-year ambition.
This work will be shaped by the voices and experiences of the women we support, alongside learning from staff, volunteers, trustees, referral partners and funders. It will help us consider both how we continue delivering safe, trauma-informed support and what Bramber Bakehouse could become over the next decade as the needs of women and communities continue to change.
We will continue strengthening our long-term support offer, including the development of Flourish Mentoring as a clearer pathway for women who are ready to explore volunteering, education, training or employment. We will also keep listening carefully to women about the support they need before, during and after the core programme.
The social enterprise bakery will remain an important area of learning and development. Having begun exploring its potential in 2025, the year ahead will focus on testing products, systems, routes to market and capacity, with the longer-term aim of creating future opportunities for women and developing a sustainable source of unrestricted income.
Financial sustainability will remain a key priority. We will continue to diversify income through trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, individual giving and early-stage trading activity, while ensuring that any growth is carefully managed and aligned with our charitable purpose.
Above all, our focus will remain on protecting what makes Bramber Bakehouse distinctive: safe relationships, meaningful opportunities and a community where women feel accepted, valued and able to imagine a different future.
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## Structure, Governance & Management
## Induction & Training of New Trustees
## Governance
Bramber Bakehouse is a company limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006, and is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 12 February 2015.
All new Trustees receive a comprehensive induction designed to equip them with the knowledge and tools needed to fulfil their governance responsibilities effectively. This induction includes an overview of Bramber Bakehouse’s mission, vision and values, an introduction to our work with female survivors, safeguarding and an outline of financial duties, with an emphasis on building financial resilience.
The Trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year are set out in the reference and administrative information on page 43.
New Trustees are briefed by existing Board members and provided with the Bramber Bakehouse Trustee Welcome Pack - a document reviewed annually which details their legal obligations and the specific governance structure of the charity. They are also referred to the Charity Commission’s guidance, The Essential Trustee, to further support their understanding of their role.
## Recruitment & Appointment of New Trustees
Regular reviews are conducted to assess the skills and expertise of the current Trustees, identifying any areas for development to ensure we continue delivering lifechanging services for female survivors. New Trustees are carefully selected through a formal recruitment process, with interviews conducted by the existing Board members to ensure alignment with the charity’s needs and strategic goals.
Operational responsibility for day-to-day management is delegated to the CEO, ensuring a clear distinction between strategic oversight and operational delivery.
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## Organisational Structure & Decision Making
The Trustees oversee and approve all organisational policies and are guided by a three-year strategic plan, due for renewal in Autumn 2026. They meet quarterly to monitor progress, provide governance and ensure alignment with the charity’s objectives. In addition, two annual away days are held to review and refresh the strategy, reflect on impact and undertake any necessary training or development.
## Policies
We hold a comprehensive suite of policies covering all key operational and governance areas, including Safeguarding Adults at Risk, Privacy (including GDPR), Health & Safety, Conflict of Interest, Complaints Handling and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion. These policies are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain up-to-date, legally compliant, and aligned with best practice.
## Volunteers
The Trustees are deeply grateful for the invaluable contribution of our dedicated volunteers, whose commitment and generosity enable Bramber Bakehouse to deliver lifechanging support to women across Sussex. In the 2025 accounting year, we were supported by 26 volunteers, who played vital roles across our core services, including the baking and wellbeing programme, as well as our befriending and mentoring support services.
To ensure the highest standards of safety and safeguarding, all staff and volunteers are required to complete an enhanced DBS check and provide two satisfactory references before engaging in any work with Bramber Bakehouse or the women we support. Alongside this, they also participate in a series of training sessions, led by our expert in-house services team.
All staff have access to the Staff Handbook, which includes clear summaries of each policy and guidance on their implementation. This handbook is also provided to all new Trustees as part of their induction, ensuring consistent understanding and accountability across the organisation.
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## Financial Review
Bramber Bakehouse ended the year with a surplus of £41,602 (2024: surplus of £23,257), resulting in a year-end balance of £82,322 (2024: £69,814) in unrestricted funds and £79,701 (2024: £50,607) in restricted funds.
Restricted funds held at year-end relate primarily to programme funding committed to delivery in 2026, ensuring continuity of support for women already referred or awaiting places.
As we continue to diversify our income streams, Bramber Bakehouse currently remains supported by three key sources: grants from trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, and regular contributions from our valued individual donors.
The social enterprise bakery is also being developed as an early-stage trading activity, with learning from 2025 helping the Charity test its potential as a future source of unrestricted income.
Our primary expenditure is dedicated to supporting female survivors across Sussex. This includes significant investment in staff, enabling us to operate as a trauma-informed organisation and meet growing demand through our baking and wellbeing programmes, alongside long-term support services such as befriending and mentoring.
Additional expenditure covers essential costs including fundraising and administration - core elements in building a resilient, sustainable charity positioned for continued growth and impact.
## Reserves Policy
In line with its strategic objectives and commitment to financial resilience, the Trustees have reviewed and updated the Charity’s reserves policy. The revised policy establishes a target range for unrestricted reserves equivalent to three to six months of annual expenditure.
The Trustees consider this range appropriate given the current funding environment. It provides flexibility to manage temporary income shortfalls, ensures continuity of services and enables the Charity to respond effectively to unforeseen challenges.
As at 31 December 2025, the Charity’s unrestricted funds totalled £82,322 (2024: £69,814), of which £2,283 (2024: £4,614) was invested in fixed assets. This leaves free reserves of £80,039 (2024: £65,200), representing approximately ten months of unrestricted operating expenditure.
To support the planned use of these reserves, the Trustees have established a designated fund entitled ‘Sustainability’. As at 31 December 2025, £28,418 of unrestricted reserves has been designated to this fund. The purpose of the fund is to support investment in the Charity’s people and fundraising capacity, strengthening organisational resilience and ensuring the Charity’s longterm financial sustainability. The Trustees expect this designated fund to be utilised during the financial year from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2026.
Following this designation, the Charity’s remaining undesignated free reserves amounted to £51,621 at 31 December 2025. The Trustees remain committed to maintaining an appropriate balance between safeguarding service continuity, investing in the Charity’s future, and ensuring that funds are applied responsibly for the benefit of the women the Charity supports.
## Risk Management
The Trustees continue to assess the major risks to which the Charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
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## Trustees’ Responsibilities Statement
The Trustees, who are also the Directors of Bramber Bakehouse for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company Law 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, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company 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;
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate 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 Companies Act 2006. They 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’ report was approved by the Board of Trustees on 16th July 2026, and signed on its behalf by:
Gabrielle Field Chair of Trustees Bramber Bakehouse Thursday 16th July 2026
- [state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards ] have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
- [prepare the financial statements on the going ] concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in operation.
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## Independent Examiner’s Report
I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Bramber Bakehouse (the charity) for the year ended 31 December 2025.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
## Responsibilities and basis of report
As the Trustees of the charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.
## Independent examiner’s statement
Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000, the independent examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies.
1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the Companies Act 2006.
2. the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
3. the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 other than any requirement that the financial statements give a true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
4. the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
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I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
## Michelle Westbury FCCA
West & Berry Limited Nile House Nile Street Brighton BN1 1HW
24/07/2026
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## Accounts
## Statement of financial activities including income and expenditure account
For the year ended 31 December 2025
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds 2025 £ funds 2025 £ 2025 £ funds 2024 £ funds 2024 £ 2024 £
Income from: Notes
Donations and legacies 3 118,634 174,981 293,615 97,394 132,908 230,302
Charitable activities 4 2,520 – 2,520 271 – 271
Investments 5 846 – 846 – – –
Total income 122,000 174,981 296,981 97,665 132,908 230,573
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 6 45,190 – 45,190 47,072 – 47,072
Charitable activities 7 64,302 145,887 210,189 48,550 111,694 160,244
Total expenditure 109,492 145,887 255,379 95,622 111,694 207,316
Net income and movement in funds 12,508 29,094 41,602 2,043 21,214 23,257
Reconciliation of funds
Fund balances at 1 Jan 2025 69,814 50,607 120,421 67,771 29,393 97,164
Fund balances at 31 Dec 2025 82,322 79,701 162,023 69,814 50,607 120,421
**----- End of picture text -----**
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
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## Balance Sheet
## As at 31 December 2025
**----- Start of picture text -----**
2025 £ 2024 £
Fixed assets Notes
Tangible assets 12 2,283 4,614
Current assets
Debtors 13 1,623 900
Cash at bank and in hand 163,151 121,137
164,774 122,037
Contents
Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year Introduction from our Chair of Trustees and CEO 14 -5,034 -6,230
Annual Report of the Board of Trustees for the year
Net current assets ended 31 December 2024 159,740 115,807
Independent Examiner’s Report To Te Trustees of
Total assets less current liabilitiesBramber Bakehouse 162,023 120,421
Financial Review
The funds of the charity Annual Accounts
Restricted income funds Our Partners 16 79,701 50,607
Unrestricted funds References & Administrative Information17 82,322 69,814
162,023 120,421
**----- End of picture text -----**
The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 December 2025.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the y ear in question in accordance with section 476.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on Thursday 16th July 2026
Gabrielle Field Chair of Trustees
Company Registration No. 09437477 (England and Wales)
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## Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 December 2025
## Accounting policies
## Charity information
Bramber Bakehouse is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is C/o West & Berry, Nile House, Nile Street, Brighton, BN1 1HW.
## 1.1 Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity’s governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” and the Charities SORP “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 (FRS 102)”. The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a statement of cash flows.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
## 1.2 Going concern
## 1.3 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
## 1.4 Income
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
Donated goods are measured at fair value, with an equivalent amount recognised as charitable expenditure.
The charity relies significantly upon volunteers. However in line with the Charities SORP, volunteer contributions have not been included as income.
At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
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## 1.5 Expenditure
## 1.7 Impairment of fixed assets
At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity Contents are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, 1.8 Cash and cash equivalents including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated Introduction from our Chair of Trustees and CEO Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments Annual Report of the Board of Trustees for the year more than one activity and support costs which are not with original maturities of three months or less, and bank ended 31 December 2024 attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Independent Examiner’s Report To The Trustees of current liabilities. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, Bramber Bakehouse 1.9 Financial instruments and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the Financial Review asset’s use. Annual Accounts
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
## 1.6 Tangible fixed assets
Our Partners References & Administrative Information
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Financial instruments are recognised in the charity’s balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Computers 20% straight line
Tangible fixed asset purchases above £500 are capitalised.
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.
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## Notes to the financial statements (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2025
## 1.10 Employee benefits
## Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
## 1.11 Retirement benefits
## Basic financial liabilities
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
## 2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements
In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
## Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
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**----- Start of picture text -----**
3 Income from donations and legacies
Unrestricted Restricted Unrestricted Restricted
Total 2025 £ Total 2024 £
funds 2025 £ funds 2025 £ funds 2024 £ funds 2024 £
Donations and gifts 13,428 6,544 19,972 14,288 4,717 19,005
Grants 105,206 168,437 273,643 83,106 128,191 211,297
Total 118,634 174,981 293,615 97,394 132,908 230,302
Donations and gifts
Contents
Donations 10,375 6,544 16,919 11,650 4,717 16,367
Gift aid Introduction from our Chair of Trustees and CEO 3,053 - 3,053 2,638 - 2,638
Annual Report of the Board of Trustees for the year
ended 31 December 202413,428 6,544 19,972 14,288 4,717 19,005
Independent Examiner’s Report To Te Trustees of
4 Income from charitable activitiesBramber Bakehouse 5 Income from investments
Financial Review
Baking and wellbeing Annual Accounts Unrestricted Unrestricted Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds 2025 £ funds 2024 £ funds 2025 £ funds 2024 £
Our Partners
Sale of goods References & Administrative Information2,520 271 Interest receivable 846 -
6 Expenditure on raising funds
Fundraising and publicity Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Unrestricted funds 2024 £
CRM system 3,639 -
Fundraising platform fees 1,957 1,890
Fundraising agents - 3,059
Advertising 7,353 1,311
Subcontracted staff 32,241 28,860
Staff costs - 11,952
Total 45,190 47,072
**----- End of picture text -----**
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## Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2025
**----- Start of picture text -----**
7 Expenditure on charitable activities
Direct costs 2025 £ 2024 £
Staff costs 141,276 100,196
Depreciation and impairment 2,331 2,238
Workshops 19,595 13,883
Travel 5,220 3,666
Communication and marketing 791 755
Events 6,177 -
Postage, freight and courier 576 566
Staff training and reflective practice 3,215 1,198
Office equipment and storage 1,000 2,895
Interest payable - 19
Premises rent 14,207 18,148
Other staff costs 1,886 786
196,274 144,350
Share of support and governance costs (see note 8)
Support 7,221 9,311
Governance 6,694 6,583
210,189 160,244
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 64,302 48,550
Restricted funds 145,887 111,694
210,189 160,244
**----- End of picture text -----**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
8 Support costs allocated to activities
2025 £ 2024 £
Subscriptions and professional fees 1,964 1,930
Sundry expenses 959 764
Technical support 2,628 2,752
Insurance 805 771
Recruitment 864 3,094
Governance costs 6,695 6,583
13,915 15,894
Analysed between:
Charitable activities 13,915 15,894
Governance costs comprise
Accountancy 3,034 3,133
Legal and professional 1,252 1,751
Bank fees 56 70
DBS checks 591 309
Payroll fees 864 1,320
Trustee meeting and training costs 898 -
6,695 6,583
**----- End of picture text -----**
Included within accountancy fees are fees payable to the Independent Examiner for accountancy and independent examination of £2,500 + VAT (2024: £2,500 + VAT).
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## 9 Trustees
None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration during the year, but £58 was spent on safeguarding training for trustees (2024 - no expenses reimbursed to trustees).
**----- Start of picture text -----**
10 Employees 12 Tangible fixed assets
2025 2024 Cost Computers £
The average monthly At 1 January 2025 11,654
number of employees 5 4
during the year was: At 31 December 2025 11,654
Contents
Depreciation and impairment
Employment costs £ £
Wages and salaries 133,053Introduction from our Chair104,186 of Trustees and CEO At 1 January 2025 7,040
Annual Report of the Boar d of Trustees for the year Depreciation charged in the year 2,331
Social security costs 4,581 4,836
ended 31 December 2024 At 31 December 2025 9,371
Other pension costs Independent Examiner 3,642 3,126 ’ s R e port To Te Trustees of
Carrying amount
141,276Bramber Bakehouse112,148
Financial Review At 31 December 2025 2,283
The remuneration of key management personnel was Annual Accounts At 31 December 2024 4,614
£42,705 (2024: £40,531). There were no employees whose Our Partners
annual remuneration was more than £60,000.References & Administrative Information
13 Debtors
11 Taxation
2025 £ 2024 £
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because Amounts falling due within one year:
all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
Trade debtors 1,623 -
Other debtors - 900
1,623 900
**----- End of picture text -----**
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## Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2025
**----- Start of picture text -----**
14 Creditors 15 Retirement benefit schemes
Amounts falling due within one year 2025 £ 2024 £ Defined contribution schemes 2025 £ 2024 £
Trade creditors 1,144 3,230 Charge to profit or loss in respect
of defined contribution schemes 3,642 3,126
Other creditors 890 -
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying
Accruals and deferred income 3,000 3,000 employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the
charity in an independently administered fund.
5,034 6,230
**----- End of picture text -----**
|16 Restricted funds
The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specifc
conditions by donors as to how they may be used.|16 Restricted funds
The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specifc
conditions by donors as to how they may be used.|16 Restricted funds
The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specifc
conditions by donors as to how they may be used.|16 Restricted funds
The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specifc
conditions by donors as to how they may be used.|16 Restricted funds
The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specifc
conditions by donors as to how they may be used.|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||At 1 January 2025 £|Incoming resources £|Resources expended £|At 31 December 2025 £|
|Programme costs
50,607
154,981
-130,275
75,313|||||
|CRM system
-
5,000
-612
4,388|||||
|CEO salary
-
15,000
-15,000
-|||||
|50,607
174,981
-145,887
79,701|||||
|Previous year:|At 1 January 2024 £|Incoming resources|Resources expended|At 31 December 2024 £|
|Programme costs
29,393
132,908
-111,694
50,607|||||
The Programme costs fund represents monies given towards staff and other running costs of workshops. The CRM system fund represents monies given towards a CRM system. The CEO salary fund represents monies given towards the CEO’s salary.
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17 Unrestricted funds - The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject
to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of
unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
At 31 December
At 1 January 2025 £ Incoming resources Resources expended Transfers
2025 £
Sustainability - - - 28,418 28,418
General funds 69,814 122,000 -109,492 -28,418 53,904
69,814 122,000 -109,492 - 82,322
At 31 December
Previous year: At 1 January 2024 £ Incoming resources Resources expended Transfers
2024 £
Reserve Fund 55,000 - - -55,000 -
Property Fund 30,000 - - -30,000 -
General funds -17,229 97,665 -95,622 85,000 69,814
67,771 97,665 -95,622 - 69,814
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In the year ended 31 December 2024, designated funds were transferred across to build the charity’s undesignated reserves.
|18 Analysis of net assets between funds|18 Analysis of net assets between funds|18 Analysis of net assets between funds|18 Analysis of net assets between funds|18 Analysis of net assets between funds|18 Analysis of net assets between funds|18 Analysis of net assets between funds|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||Unrestricted
funds 2025 £|Restricted
funds 2025 £|Total
2025 £|Unrestricted
funds 2024 £|Restricted
funds 2024 £|Total
2024 £|
|Tangible assets
2,283
-
2,283
4,614
-
4,614|||||||
|Current assets/(liabilities)
80,039
79,701
159,740
65,200
50,607
115,807|||||||
|82,322
79,701
162,023
69,814
50,607
120,421|||||||
|19 Operating lease commitments
At the reporting end date the charity had outstanding
commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-
cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:|19 Operating lease commitments
At the reporting end date the charity had outstanding
commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-
cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:|19 Operating lease commitments
At the reporting end date the charity had outstanding
commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-
cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:|
|---|---|---|
||2025 £|2024 £|
|Within one year
3,285
7,765|||
## 20 Related party transactions
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).
During the year the charity recognised lease payments as an expense totalling £9,234 (2024: £13,989).
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File 1 of 2, Page 41 of 44. Encyro E-Sign ID: mheDa0BAMTJKiXpp (2026-Jul-24 09:55:04 UTC)
## Our Funders
Bramber Bakehouse is generously supported by trusts and foundations, corporate partners and individual donors. Without them, we could not continue to impact the lives of female survivors across Sussex.
As we continue to diversify our income streams, we remain focused on achieving our charitable goals, expanding our reach and strengthening our financial resilience.
We are especially grateful for those who commit to long-term partnerships, providing multi-year funding and, where possible, offering unrestricted income. This kind of support is invaluable. It enables us to plan for the future, respond flexibly to emerging needs and cover the full range of costs involved in running a safe, traumainformed and sustainable charity.
To the public, businesses, and all those who have backed us in 2025, thank you. Your support is not only appreciated, it is transformative, helping women work towards a brighter future.
Join our community, support our journey and hear from the women we serve by signing up to our newsletter, Facebook and Instagram. We would love to hear from you!
Join our community, support our @bramberbakehouse journey and hear from the women bramberbakehouse we serve by signing up to our newsletter, Facebook and Instagram. funding@bramberbakehouse.co.uk 42 We would love to hear from you! bramberbakehouse.co.uk File 1 of 2, Page 42 of 44. Encyro E-Sign ID: mheDa0BAMTJKiXpp (2026-Jul-24 09:55:04 UTC)
## References & Administrative Information
Registered name: Bramber Bakehouse
Charity registration number: 1172837 Company registration number: 09437477
Corporate status: The Company is limited by guarantee
Registered office: West & Berry, Nile House, Nile St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1HW
## Principal address:
27 Edison Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN23 6PT
Telephone: 0333 344 7532
Website: www.bramberbakehouse.co.uk
## Current Trustees:
Gabrielle Field (Chair, appointed 21st August 2024) Frances Duncan (Trustee, appointed 19th July 2022) Priya Radia (Trustee, appointed 21st August 2024) Catherine Cullen (Trustee, appointed 5th December 2024) Morgan Griffiths (Trustee, appointed 5th December 2024) Jacqueline Clinton (Trustee, appointed 16th October 2025) Laura Neale (Trustee, appointed 5th March 2026) Alison Ring (Trustee, appointed 5th March 2026) Nils De Freese (Trustee, resigned 17th July 2025) Caitlyn McCarthy (Trustee, resigned 16th October 2025) Chanel Naidoo (Trustee, resigned 16th October 2025) Sophia Copeman (Trustee, resigned 16th October 2025) Kelly Davies (Trustee, resigned 11th December 2025)
## Independent Examiner:
Michelle Westbury FCCA, West & Berry Limited, Nile House, Nile Street, Brighton, BN1 1HW
## Bankers:
HSBC, 94 Terminus Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 3ND
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File 1 of 2, Page 43 of 44. Encyro E-Sign ID: mheDa0BAMTJKiXpp (2026-Jul-24 09:55:04 UTC)
hello@bramberbakehouse.co.uk
Learn more at
Charity Number: 1172837
File 1 of 2, Page 44 of 44. Encyro E-Sign ID: mheDa0BAMTJKiXpp (2026-Jul-24 09:55:04 UTC)
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## **File 1 of 2: BB_Impact_Report_2025_WEB.pdf**
## Signed By
**Signer:** Gabrielle Field (chair@bramberbakehouse.co.uk) **Identity Check:** Email Authentication **Signature Type:** Mouse or hand drawn
**Time Zone:** UTC+01:00, Europe/London (British Summer Time)
**Signer:** Michelle Westbury (michelle@westandberry.co.uk) **Identity Check:** Login with account **Signature Type:** Typed **Time Zone:** UTC+01:00, Europe/London (British Summer Time)
## Event Log
**Jul 20, 2026, 10:42:25 AM -** Email notification sent to Gabrielle Field (chair@bramberbakehouse.co.uk). **Jul 20, 2026, 10:42:25 AM -** Email notification delivered to Gabrielle Field (chair@bramberbakehouse.co.uk).
**Jul 23, 2026, 7:19:15 PM -** Gabrielle Field (chair@bramberbakehouse.co.uk) opened the email notification (estimated), from 142.250.32.97. **Jul 24, 2026, 7:16:25 AM -** Gabrielle Field (chair@bramberbakehouse.co.uk) viewed the document(s), from 82.132.222.17.
**Jul 24, 2026, 7:17:03 AM -** Gabrielle Field (chair@bramberbakehouse.co.uk) electronically signed or completed the document(s), from 82.132.222.17.
**Jul 24, 2026, 7:17:19 AM -** Email notification delivered to Michelle Westbury (michelle@westandberry.co.uk).
**Jul 24, 2026, 7:17:19 AM -** Email notification sent to Michelle Westbury (michelle@westandberry.co.uk).
**Jul 24, 2026, 10:54:39 AM -** Michelle Westbury (michelle@westandberry.co.uk) viewed the document(s), from 81.146.52.8.
**Jul 24, 2026, 10:54:49 AM -** Michelle Westbury (michelle@westandberry.co.uk) opened the email notification (estimated), from 81.146.52.8. **Jul 24, 2026, 10:55:01 AM -** Michelle Westbury (michelle@westandberry.co.uk) electronically signed or completed the document(s), from 81.146.52.8.
END OF LOG