2025-08-31-accounts - The Absolute Music Trust

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The Absolute Music Trust

Registered in England and Wales - Charity number: 1174528

Registered Office:

FRANCIS CLARK LLP Towngate House 2-8 Parkstone Road Poole Dorset BH15 2PW

Mr A D Barclay The Absolute Music Trust Units 3-5 Knighton Heath Industrial Estate 855 Ringwood Road BOURNEMOUTH Dorset BH11 8NE

Dear Sirs

Receipts and Payments Accounts of The Absolute Music Trust for the year ended 31 August 2025

The following representations are given to you in connection with your review of the charity’s receipts and payments accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025.

We confirm that the following representations are made on the basis of enquiries of management and staff of the charity with relevant knowledge and experience (and, where appropriate, of inspection of supporting documentation) sufficient to satisfy ourselves that we can properly make each of the following representations to you.

1. Responsibility for the Financial Statements

We acknowledge as trustees our responsibility for the receipts and payments accounts which you have prepared on our behalf for the charity.

We also acknowledge our responsibilities for:

a. Keeping adequate accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity.
b. Safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

2. Assets

We confirm that all assets have been included in the statement of assets and liabilities and exist.

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We confirm that the charity has satisfactory title to all assets, and there are no liens or encumbrances on the assets except for those disclosed in the financial statements.

We confirm that the cost (or value) of all the assets in the statement of assets and liabilities is fairly stated.

3. Liabilities

The charity has no knowledge of any pending litigation or other claims against the charity.

The charity has no charitable commitments or contingent liabilities, other than as included or disclosed in the financial statements.

4. Income and expenditure

We confirm that all income and expenses have been fully recorded and correctly classified in the correct fund.

We confirm that all grants, donations and other income, including those subject to special terms or conditions or received for restricted purpose, have been notified to you. There have been no breaches of terms or conditions during the period regarding the application of such income.

5. Completeness of Information

All the accounting records have been made available to you for the purpose of preparing the financial statements and all the transactions undertaken by the charity have been properly reflected and recorded in the accounting records. All other records and related information, including minutes of all management and trustees’ meetings (held during the year and up to the date of this letter) have been made available to you.

6. Going Concern

We confirm that, in our considered opinion, the charity is able to continue for the foreseeable future and for at least one year from the date of this letter. In arriving at this opinion, the trustees have considered the charity’s current financial position, its current level of activity and all other relevant information.

7. Post year end events

There has been no event since the balance sheet date which requires disclosure or which would materially affect the amounts in the accounts, other than those already disclosed or included in the financial statements.

8. Laws and Regulations

We confirm that there are no Laws or Regulations that are central to the charity’s ability to conduct its business that may have an impact on amounts or disclosures in the financial statements.

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9. Reporting to regulator

We confirm that we are not aware of any matters of material significance that should be reported to the Charity Commission.

Yours faithfully

…………………………………………. [Signed on behalf of the Board]

�� …………………………………………. [Date]

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THE ABSOLUTE MUSIC TRUST CHARITY NUMBER: 1174528

REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED

31 AUGUST 2025

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THE ABSOLUTE MUSIC TRUST

YEAR TO 31 AUGUST 2025

INDEX

3-6 Trustees’ Annual Report 7 Receipts and Payments Account 8 Statement of Assets and Liabilities 9 Independent Examiner’s Report
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THE ABSOLUTE MUSIC TRUST

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

1. Background, reference and administrative details

1.1. Name: The Absolute Music Trust (‘AMT’).
1.2. Charity Number (Charity Commission): 1174528.
1.3. Principal Office: 855 Ringwood Road Knighton Heath Industrial Estate, Bournemouth BH11 8NE.
1.4. Trustees: (As at the date of this Annual Report) Lisa Coley, Johnathon Denton, Richard Gosler, Joe Musker, Matthew Payne and Mark Wilton-Patrick.
1.5. Other key personnel:
Chief Executive (Alan Barclay)
Chief Facilitator/Music Session Organiser (Jamie King)
Co-ordinator of Peripatetic Teaching (Maxine Katori)
1.6. The Charity banks with HSBC.
1.7. The Charity does not currently have Solicitors. Legal advice, where necessary, has been provided by Mark Furber (retired Trustee) who is a retired Solicitor.
1.8. Independent Examiner – James Robinson (a partner of) PKF Francis Clark, Towngate House 2-8 Parkstone Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 2PW.
1.9. Main objects:

The Charity’s objects (as recorded at the Charity Commission) are:

‘The advancement of music education for the benefit of the public in the Dorset/Hampshire area, in particular but not exclusively for the benefit of disadvantaged persons and in particular but not exclusively by the provision of:

(i) Musical instruments;
(ii) Tuition or instruction.

For this purpose ‘Disadvantaged Persons’ shall include any individual or group of individuals who (i) suffer from a physical, mental or other impairment; or (ii) who, for whatever reason whether financial or otherwise, have restricted access to music and musical instruments; or (iii) whom the charity trustees believe would benefit from greater access to music’.

2. Structure, governance and management

2.1 How the Charity is constituted: Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
2.2 Organisational structure: The Charity was established on 24 August 2017 by adopting the Model Constitution for a CIO (as amended) (‘the Constitution’) and registered with the Charity Commission on 6 September 2017.
2.3 During the relevant period there were six Trustees (see paragraph 1.4 above). The Charity has no subsidiaries. It has no co-operation agreements or formal understandings with any other charities or other bodies. However, the Charity does have a number of informal relationships with other organisations including local schools and educational establishments which help the Charity to identify groups and individuals who might benefit from the Charity’s activities.
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THE ABSOLUTE MUSIC TRUST

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

2.4 How Trustees are appointed and trained: The Charity has no formal policy on the induction of Trustees. It does have an ongoing policy to identify and encourage people with useful skills and from different backgrounds and walks of life to join either as Trustees or volunteers. In the event that new Trustees are appointed it will have regard to both its Recruitment Policy and Section 10(2) of the Constitution which states:

‘In selecting individuals for appointment as charity trustees, the charity trustees must have regard to the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the CIO’.

Because the Charity is small it has no formal policy on the training of Trustees except that all Trustees and other personnel providing services to it (e.g. freelance teachers) are DBS checked. Training opportunities are identified and Trustees are encouraged to attend if they wish.

2.5 Decision – making/delegation: Trustee meetings are usually held bi-monthly to discuss both strategic and operational matters. Decisions are taken on the basis of one person, one vote. Decisions concerning the day-to-day implementation of the Charity’s activities (i.e. the musicmaking sessions) are taken by Jamie King, the Chief Facilitator, in consultation with the other Trustees. Ad-hoc meetings take place between Mr King and the other Trustees between formal bi-monthly Trustee meetings in order to keep funding and operational matters under review.

The Trustees are well aware of Section 9 of the Constitution which states:

‘It is the duty of each charity trustee: (a) to exercise his or her powers and to perform his or her functions in his or her capacity as a trustee of the CIO in the way he or she decides in good faith would be most likely to further the purposes of the CIO……’

2.6 Other staff: The Charity has no direct employees. All staff are either freelance or employed by Absolute Music Solutions Ltd and are paid out of the teaching income.
2.7 Other than the staff referred to in paragraph 2.6 above, all other people giving time and services to the Charity do so on a voluntary basis, including the Trustees.
2.8 Factors within and outside the Charity’s control which are relevant to achievement of its objectives:
2.8.1 on the positive side, the Charity benefits from the following:
having a low-cost base. The Charity benefits from being able to use the premises and facilities at Absolute Music in Bournemouth, from which it rents studio space at a competitive rate;
the Charity also has the use of musical instruments and other equipment largely for free. This includes electric guitars, keyboards, full drum kits etc.…. together with state-of-the-art recording equipment which allows the Charity to provide participants with a quality musical experience;
there are on hand experienced musicians into whose knowledge and expertise the Charity can tap;
the time and services given to it by its Trustees and other volunteers.
2.8.2 at the same time, the Trustees have identified two main operational risks which it is seeking to address:
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THE ABSOLUTE MUSIC TRUST

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

The Charity is currently looking to recruit volunteers, both at Trustee and staffing level, with a passion for music and who will widen the Charity’s base of expertise. In particular, the Charity is looking to recruit Trustees from different backgrounds, ethnicities etc.……;
at present the Charity is being run on a limited budget. Various fundraising initiatives were undertaken during the period in question, but these only provided limited funds and the Charity does not yet have the profile to attract major private donations. The Trustees are working hard to secure long-term funding through (for example) available grants.

3. Financial Review

3.1 The Charity’s accounting reference date is 31 August. The annual accounts (‘the Accounts’) are for the period 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2025.
3.2 Reserves Policy:
The Board of Trustees has examined the Charity’s requirements for reserves in light of the main risks to the organisation. The charity has no staff no buildings and no ongoing commitments therefore it has established a general reserve target of £5000 to cover operational cash flow requirements and 3 months overheads.

At the year end the charity held total unrestricted reserves (excluding designated funds) of £1,737 (2024: £12,428) and restricted reserves of £6,737 (2024: £21,444). Since the year-end £2,885 in unpaid invoices relating to 2024/25 have been received which contribute towards the reserves target the adjusted unrestricted reserve is therefore £4,622 which is deemed sufficient

3.4 The Charity has no investments.
3.5 Source of funds: The Charity is funded by a combination of the following:
private donations;
surplus income from private lessons in local schools;
grants; and
small fundraising activities.
3.6 Statement of principal financial management policies: The Charity has a formal Financial Management Policy. It states that the Charity will follow ‘best practice’ including, in particular:
3.6.1 Financial records will be kept so that the Charity can:
meet its legal and other obligations e.g. HMRC and charity reporting;
enable the Trustees to have control over the organisation's finances; and
demonstrate appropriate use of funds to funders and others;
3.6.2 Any payment of £500 or more must only be made on the joint instruction of the Chief Executive and at least two Trustees one of whom is not employed by, or connected with, Absolute Music Limited;
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THE ABSOLUTE MUSIC TRUST

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

3.6.3 A financial summary of income and expenditure is presented to the Trustees at each bi-monthly Trustee meeting; and
3.6.4 All expenditure can be made only in the direct or indirect furtherance of the charitable objectives and in line with (if applicable) funders' requirements.

4. Public Benefit statement

The Trustees are satisfied that the Charity has, during the period in question, carried out its charitable purposes for the public benefit.

In particular:

(1) The Charity has pursued its charitable purpose of encouraging participation in music of all kinds particularly amongst groups of disadvantaged persons who, for whatever reason, have limited access to music-making facilities. A list of some of the key activities undertaken is set out at paragraph 4.7 above.
(2) The Trustees are satisfied that the charitable activities have been carried out for the public benefit in that:
the charitable purpose is beneficial and no harm results from the pursuance of the charitable purpose;
the charitable purpose benefits a sufficient section of the public (particularly anyone who is ‘disadvantaged’ and who - for whatever reason, whether health or finance-related or otherwise
does not have easy access to music-making facilities); and
(3) The Trustees are aware of the Charity Commission's public benefit guidance (‘the Guidance’) and have complied with their duty to have due regard to the Guidance when exercising any powers or duties to which the Guidance is relevant.

Signed on behalf of the Trustees who held office during the relevant period:

��"�� Jonathon Denton Date: ……………………

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THE ABSOLUTE MUSIC TRUST

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

		2025
	Unrestricted	Restricted	Total	2024
	£	£	£	£
RECEIPTS
Peripatetic Teaching Income	57,059	-	57,059	60,915
Donations	3,009	-	3,009	5,406
Workshop income	47,401	-	47,401	29,911
Grants	-	21,201	21,201	34,015
	__	__	__	__
TOTAL RECEIPTS	107,469	21,201	128,670	130,247
PAYMENTS
Teaching Salaries	(56,627)	-	(56,627)	(57,132)
Overheads	(11,746)	-	(11,746)	(4,662)
Workshop	(49,669)	(35,908)	(85,577)	(45,600)
Donations	(118)	-	(118)	-
	__	__	__	__
TOTAL PAYMENTS	(118,160)	(35,908)	(154,068)	(107,394)
	__	__	__	__
NET RECEIPTS / (PAYMENTS)
BEFORE TRANSFERS	(10,691)	(14,707)	(25,398)	22,853
TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS	-	-	-	-
	__	__	__	__
NET RECEIPTS/(PAYMENTS) FOR
THE YEAR	(10,691)	(14,707)	(25,398)	22,853
	__	__	__	__
CASH FUNDS BROUGHT FORWARD
AT 1 SEPTEMBER	12,428	21,444	33,872	11,019
	__	__	__	__
CASH FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
31 AUGUST	1,737	6,737	8,474	33,872
	=======	=======	=======	=======

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THE ABSOLUTE MUSIC TRUST

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

AS AT 31 AUGUST 2025

		2025
	Unrestricted	Restricted	Total	2024
	£	£	£	£
MONETARY ASSETS
Bank and Cash Balances
HSBC AMT current account	1,737	6,737	8,474	33,872
	_	_	_	_
	1,737	6,737	8,474	33,872
	_	_	_	_
NET ASSETS	1,737	6,737	8,474	33,872
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��"�� The accounts on pages 7 to 8 were approved by the Trustees on………………………..and signed on their behalf by:

Jonathon Denton

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THE ABSOLUTE MUSIC TRUST

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT

YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of The Absolute Music Trust

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Absolute Music Trust (the CIO) for the year ended 31 August 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the CIO you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the CIO’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

accounting records were not kept in respect of the CIO as required by section 130 of the Act;

the accounts do not accord with those records.

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 accounts to be reached.

James Robinson FCA FCCA A Partner of PKF Francis Clark Chartered Accountants Poole

� �� Date: ……………………..

Towngate House 2-8 Parkstone Road Poole Dorset BH15 2PW

AMT the absolutemusictrust CHARITY NO.I 174528 limpact Report 2021- 2025

Who we are

At the Absolute Music Trust, we are deeply passionate about the transformative power of music. As educators, performers, and musicians, we witness daily how music can profoundly impact lives. Our mission is to create opportunities for those who may not otherwise have access to musical experiences, spreading joy, hope, and enrichment through the universal language of music. We are dedicated to bringing musical enjoyment and engagement to the Dorset and Hampshire region, offering hands-on activities, interactive workshops, and personalized tuition for individuals and groups. We work with a diverse range of people, including children with physical disabilities, the elderly, young carers, individuals facing financial hardship, hospice patients, and those dealing with mental health challenges or addictions. Through our work, we strive to enrich the lives of everyone we reach, helping them—and their families—discover and experience the profound benefits that music can bring. We believe that music has the power to uplift, connect, and heal, and we are committed to making it accessible to all.

What We Do..

Self-funded, one-to-one support across a range of clients. Self-funded, SEN enrichment for schools. Grants funded, music making and performance opportunities for people in recovery from substance misuse issues. Grants funded, therapeutic music making for adults and young people with mental health conditions. Recycling instruments through volunteering. Peripatetic instrumental tuition.

500+ People have directly benefited from participation 300+ Workshops, 1-2-1 sessions 19 delivered Musicians and music teachers have benefited from paid work through teaching and projects 2024 - 2025 Our impact

Growth

AMT Income has stabilised in the last year, while we continue to see ..

Increase in demand for self funded projects, meaning we are becoming more sustainable in the future. Continuation of grant funded projects, and successful applications We have recruited an additional volunteer facilitator who we hope can develop into a paid role in the future.

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Total Income 2024/25
£107350
300000
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0
Item 1 Item 2 Item 3 Item 4 Item 5
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Self Funded Projects We work with groups, schools and individuals that pay our charity to provide therapeutic music sessions

Closer 2 Home

Dorset Children’s Foundation

St Annes

We provide regular, fully inclusive music experiences for groups with profound and multiple learning disabilities, who face significant challenges with communication and may experience difficulties with vision, hearing, speech, and mobility. Many also have complex health and social care needs, so our sessions are thoughtfully tailored to enrich the lives of both our clients and their caregivers. These immersive experiences offer a joyful and creative outlet, fostering connection and enhancing quality of life for everyone involved.

This project has proven to be remarkably successful, with the patient now participating in ongoing weekly sessions at AMS. For many involved, the experience has fostered a renewed sense of voice and belonging within a group—an especially rare and meaningful outcome in the context of forensic patients. Staff have expressed genuine excitement and pride in the musical output of their patients. The creativity and emotional depth showcased through these compositions have not only exceeded expectations but also offered staff a new perspective of their patients. This enthusiasm reflects a growing recognition of music as a powerful medium for connection, expression, and recovery.

As part of our growing collaboration with mental health departments across the NHS, we recently completed a 15-week pilot programme focused on supporting young people experiencing poor mental health through musicmaking. This initiative was designed to explore how regular creative engagement could positively influence emotional wellbeing and resilience.

While a full evaluation will be conducted at the end of the programme, early feedback has already highlighted its positive impact. Notably, there are indications that consistent participation in music sessions may have contributed to some young people remaining in the community rather than requiring hospitalisation. If this trend continues and is supported by evaluation findings, the programme has the potential to evolve into a rolling series of weekly sessions. These would be available for mental health professionals to refer young people into as part of their ongoing care and support strategies.

Self Funded Projects We work with groups, schools and individuals that pay our charity to provide therapeutic music sessions

Neuro Notes

SWRAC

Bournemouth & Poole Council

This peer-mentored band project is designed to support young people with Autism in engaging with regular music-making and structured band rehearsals. The initiative aims to nurture their musical abilities and build confidence, with the long-term goal of guiding those who show promise toward meaningful employment opportunities within the music industry. The participants have already performed at several gigs, showcasing their growth and talent. Thanks to a combination of external funding and self-generated support, the project is now thriving—allowing the group to benefit from double the input and guidance from their dedicated and inspiring mentor.

AMT has a longstanding partnership with SWRAC, providing short courses focused on group-based music-making. These engaging, performance-centred sessions often culminate in the creation of an original recorded song produced by each cohort. Designed to build self-esteem and foster a "can-do" culture, these sessions offer hope and motivation to young people aged 16 and over who are not currently in education, employment, or training, inspiring them to envision new possibilities for their future.

We provide music sessions for pupils, many of whom face challenges within traditional school environments. These sessions offer a supportive and creative outlet where students can feel more at ease. Music has a powerful calming effect, helping them to relax, regulate their emotions, and improve focus. As a result, they often show enhanced concentration and engagement in other areas of their education.

Self Funded Projects

We work with groups, schools and individuals that pay our charity to provide therapeutic music sessions

SEN Schools

We are delighted to provide tailored music enrichment programs in several SEN schools, offering young people the chance to explore and create music beyond the standard curriculum. These inclusive sessions are designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and inspire creativity, helping students engage more fully not only in music but also in other areas of their education.

The opportunity to access music with a professional musician has been hugely beneficial to my class. They have been able to experience composing a soundtrack to animations, turn their sounds into music and compose their own songs. These are beyond my skills and resources, so Jamie's presence has opened new avenues in which the students can develop skills and engage in music in a far more fun way than I could offer. Over the past two/three years the students have grown from not particularly acknowledging Jamie, and refusing to engage, to actively taking part, making their own songs, playing instruments, and singing. Music has become one of their highlights of the week.

121 mentoring and teaching

We provide vital support to individuals with multiple and complex needs by offering a safe, nurturing space where they can express themselves through music. Our personalised programme is designed to foster emotional wellbeing through songwriting and performance opportunities. By encouraging selfexpression and reflection, we help individuals build emotional resilience, deepen their understanding of their personal experiences, and move forward on their journeys with greater confidence, clarity, and empowerment.

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8
Schools across Peri Music Teachers
BCP Area Employed [9]
292
Children have benefitted by
learning new skills
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Peripatetic Music Lessons We provide a music service to schools, they can outsource the Peri Music lessons in school to us, we will manage the students and supply the teachers each week in schools, inspiring and teaching children of primary school age across Dorset.

Grant Funded Projects

We have continued to apply for grant funding in the last financial year with successful funding from ASDA Foundation, Dorset Community Foundation and Allen Lane Foundation. We have received in total £21000 from grant funding and hope to continue to find ways to source further funds to continue and expand our projects in 2026.

"With You" is a dedicated and inclusive commissioned service that provides vital support to individuals facing challenges with substance misuse and mental health. Their mission focuses on reducing the harm caused by alcohol, drugs, and mental health struggles, while fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all. As part of our collaboration with "With You," We continued to deliver this successful programme for a second year of music-making and songwriting sessions for their clients. These sessions have provided a creative and therapeutic outlet, allowing participants to express themselves, build confidence, and connect through music.

Thanks to the generous support from the National Lottery, AMT continues to deliver impactful weekly music-making sessions for the residents of Nightingale House. These sessions have become a vital enrichment activity, offering more than just recreation; they play an integral role in the psychiatric and mental health rehabilitation journey of patients.

By providing a creative outlet, the music sessions encourage self-expression, foster a sense of achievement, and promote social connection, all of which are essential components of mental health recovery. Staff have witnessed increased optimism and emotional well-being of patients while the sessions also contribute to a more positive and supportive atmosphere within Nightingale House. Furthermore, the benefits extend beyond the residents. The uplifting nature of these activities has had a profound effect on staff morale, instilling a greater sense of hope and fulfilment in their work. This dual impact underscores the importance of integrating creative arts into mental health care, demonstrating the far-reaching value of initiatives like this one.

"We are pleased to have secured additional funding to continue our successful collaboration with the Assertive Outreach Team East and the Community Rehabilitation Team East. This initiative has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from both patients and their carers, underscoring its profound and lasting impact.

The group supports individuals living with Severe Mental Illness, many of whom experience low motivation, distressing symptoms, and significant social isolation. Through shared musical experiences, participants have found a sense of belonging and purpose. Many have expressed that being part of a collective, united by a love of music, has been deeply meaningful reflected in their

consistent engagement and noticeable reductions in symptoms and isolation. Mental health practitioners have observed remarkable improvements in participants’ self-confidence, willingness to engage with services, and overall daily functioning. These positive changes have also led to increased independence and reduced reliance on intensive mental health support. In several cases, individuals have progressed to lower levels of care or have been successfully discharged from the Community Rehabilitation Team East. Practitioners strongly believe that involvement in the music group has been a key factor in these outcomes.

This initiative has filled a critical gap in community support, offering a resource that previously did not exist. Its success highlights the transformative power of creative, person-centred approaches in supporting individuals with severe mental health challenges.

I was fortunate to attend a session 16/10/24, and found the commitment and enthusiasm of the staff coordinating the group and patients inspirational and contagious.

Such interventions align perfectly with recovery-oriented care, promoting holistic healing and fostering resilience. The team’s dedication to delivering this group each week is commendable, as it contributes significantly to our patients’ journeys towards stability and recovery.

Thank you for making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we support.

AMT the absolutemusictrust CHARITY NO.I174528 THE waF Thank you or your support