2024-03-31-accounts

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With Thanks to our Funders

HELP Counselling Services Charity Number: 1174668

To make an appointment, enquire about our services or make a donation

HELP Counselling Services

Trowbridge

Annual Report 2023 — 2024

Kestrel House

7 Mill Street

BA14 8BE

01225 767459

enquiries@helpcounselling.co.uk

www.helpcounselling.co.uk

About Us

Introduction - Our Origins

HELP Counselling Services (HCS) was set up in 1983 by the local churches and town leaders of Trowbridge. They had seen the effects of solvent abuse on young people in the town and wanted to provide a safe place for users to come and talk and receive support. The service proved to be very successful, and found that other people were starting to use the charity— those who needed support with their mental health. Over time HCS developed into the counselling charity it is today and, whilst we are no longer working with solvent abuse, the aim to provide a safe and supportive space, has remained at our very core.

Our Purpose

At HCS, we believe that everyone deserves to have the opportunity and space to grow, change and heal. We are dedicated to serving our community and providing every client with respect and the opportunity to improve their mental health.

We aim to promote a positive view of mental health and provide services that are accessible, relevant and empowering to the people using them. Our services aim to contribute to mental and emotional wellbeing and reduce stigma and discrimination.

Our Objectives

We are a donation based counselling service for the people of Wiltshire and surrounding areas. As an organisation we have membership of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and follow their ethical framework.

To deliver our objectives, our services are designed to promote wellbeing and recovery, foster self-awareness and resilience, encourage openness and trust, recognise each individual’s role in their own recovery, provide a resource for all people in Wiltshire with mental health or emotional support needs, promote emotional and mental wellbeing by delivering high-quality services directly and in partnership with others, raise awareness and positive views about mental health issues, and ensure our services are as accessible as possible.

Jenny’s Journey: From Trauma to Empowerment

When Jenny came to Help Counselling Services at age 28, she was grappling with the aftermath of a life-changing event: a terrifying sexual assault on her way home from a night out. While the case was progressing through the legal system, the trauma had forced Jenny to move back in with her parents, putting her once vibrant life on hold. Her career, social life, and self-confidence had diminished.

Despite this, Jenny’s spark was still there—a determination and humour that shone through her pain. Counselling began by creating a safe and trusting space where she could confront the assault and unpack the layers of guilt and shame it left behind. Through psychoeducation, Jenny learned how trauma impacts the brain, how it alters perceptions of safety, and how perpetrators often exploit victims’ guilt to maintain silence. This understanding allowed Jenny to shift some of the blame she had placed on herself and begin exploring her anger—an emotion that helped her reclaim energy and agency over her life.

Jenny has still to face the court case, which may bring with it more pain and require her to return to counselling. For now, though, the focus was on rebuilding her confidence and taking back control.

As the work progressed, deeper layers of Jenny’s life came into focus. Counselling revealed a pattern of toxic relationships—from domestic abuse and stalking to workplace bullying and manipulative friendships. Moving back to the countryside and engaging in therapy gave Jenny the space to reflect on these dynamics. She began to see how her desire to accommodate others and avoid conflict had kept her stuck in damaging situations.

Over 14 weeks, Jenny committed wholeheartedly to the process, exploring how she could build healthier boundaries, say “no” without fear, and create relationships based on mutual respect. Her courage and willingness to reflect on her past and embrace change were remarkable.

Today, Jenny is taking steps toward a brighter future. Though her journey isn’t over, counselling has given her the tools to understand herself, redefine her relationships, and move forward with strength and clarity.

It was a privilege to witness Jenny’s growth and resilience—a testament to the transformative power of counselling.

(Names have been changed, and permission was granted to share this story.)

With Sincere Thanks

HELP Counselling Services could not provide this amazing service without the generosity and commitment of our Funders, Trustees and our Volunteer Counsellors. We thank them for their continued support:

Our Funders

Comic Relief
The National Lottery
Westbury TC
The Linnet Trust
Ray Harris CT
Wiltshire Community Foundation
BOA TC
Albert Hunt Trust
St James Trust
Wessex Water
Ladbrokes
Walter Guinness CT
Trowbridge TC
Syder Foundation
Melksham Without PC
Edward Gosling Foundation

Our Counsellors & Staff

Craig Lilburn Kateland Burbidge Jessica Sheppard Kila Konja Jo Fear Laura Mercer Rose Tidy Jess Shephard Anna Parker Bates Ollie LeCluse Kirsty Field Ele Dickson Laura Mercer Josie Grabham Rachel Mayer Gary Uffendell Lynne Gregory Allen Daniels

Fiona Hind-Senior Grief Counsellor Fiona Rowland-Senior Counsellor Lindy Coggan-Senior Grief Counsellor Anna Parker Bates

Staff

Amanda Wilkes—Executive Director Rachel Davis—Client Co-ordinator Laura Smith—Counsellor Co-Ordinator

Accessing our Services

There is no fee to use our services. We do promote donations wherever possible, but no client should ever feel that they are prohibited from using our charity because of cost.

Clients can self refer or be sign posted through another service, like their GP.

Whilst we encourage clients to make contact in person, we also understand that this is not always possible, and welcome contact from carers, family and other organisations.

However, it must be stressed that the work that is done within the counselling room and the service, as a whole, remains confidential.

Our Counsellors

Our staff and volunteer counsellors provide accessible, relevant and empowering services that contribute to emotional and mental wellbeing and promote social inclusion.

We recognise the importance of challenging stigma and discrimination and working alongside others towards a socially just society that supports good mental health for all.

Our current services include:

• One to One Counselling (for Adults of 16+ yrs.) • Ongoing Group Therapy for those with long term mental health needs • Sign Posting and Advocacy

The Counselling Process

Our Counsellors have a wide range of skills and experiences, and we undertake an initial appointment process to ensure that we match clients to counsellors with the skills they need.

Once in counselling clients receive up to 12 to 18 weeks to work with their counsellor. Whilst building a trusting and non judgemental space, counsellors facilitate clients to work on the issues they have brought, to recover from trauma, explore their lives and relationships, to build their personal awareness and re-build their strength and resilience. This can be a revelatory and transformative process, as is demonstrated by the case history at the end of this Report.

Meet the Trustees

Catherine Hamp our Chair, joined HCS as a trustee in 2019, having previously worked as a civil servant. She was a Trustee for 6 years at the national anti-poverty charity Turn2Us, ending her time there as Chair of the Operations Committee. She has also worked at the Stroke Association, advising on governance and Board development issues and carrying out specific review projects. She sums up her commitment to HCS simply as ‘supporting mental wellbeing and resilience has never been more needed

Lindsay Driscoll is our resident expert in charity law and governance. She has held posts with National Council for Voluntary Organisations, was the legal commissioner for the Charity Commission, a consultant with the leading charity law firm of Bates, Wells and Braithwaite. She is a trustee of a local church, a theatre company, the national charity for community organising and a Canadian foundation

Sarah Cope is our eagle-eyed Treasurer, and bookkeeper to several local firms. A busy mother of 2 young children.

When Sarah isn’t giving up her free time to the HELP Counselling Services, she is a very keen and strong indoor and outdoor swimmer, having swam both the Thames, Lake Windermere, and wild swims throughout the year. Most recently she completed a 5k obstacle challenge with her daughter raising funds for HCS.

What Our Clients Say

“I was feeling utterly lost and down and all the other emotions of depression. I was referred to iapt but didn't want CBT, I felt i needed to work through my traumas . But to hear no one could help then someone mentioned Help Counselling, when I just about given up hope of ever feeling happy again. From start to finish the process was great with people who listened and had empathy and compassion. I was put on a waiting list and a had phone call during the time whilst i was waiting and had the opportunity to ring if i felt i needed to whilst i was waiting to start the Counselling.“

“I arrived feeling in a state of complete overwhelm & distress. I feel Josie has helped me navigate my way out of this in a gentle, caring way. I have much more clarity of thought & a new awareness of what is & isn’t mine to carry & deal with.” .

“I have gained a greater strength within myself and feel more of who i should be. The journey was deep at times with my sessions but i knew it had to be to become where i am at now. I embraced every moment even though there were times i struggled. No pain no gain.”

“I have really benefitted from my counselling and it has transformed my life. I was finally able to break patterns of thought and get strong g enough to help myself. I have left with a number of tools to refer back to yo support me.”

“It's really changed the way I approach things, I could not have gotten through a really difficult family situation without counselling. It has improved my marriage, my relationship with my parents and my own self worth”

“Jo was amazing she has helped me realise and come to terms with so much. I have had counselling before but this has been the best so far”

“Allen opened my eyes to being aware of how things affected my life and how I thought and dealt with what went on in my head, and over the weeks the relationship improved but in the beginning I did struggle as it was a new experience.”

Karen Hoose is a Senior Pensions Adminis- ~~To~~ trator, a very busy mum & step-mum of 3, and is a keen fundraiser for various charities and causes. Karen joined the charity because she is deeply passionate about making sure anyone with a mental health issue are able to access services quickly when they are needed. Karen recently took part in South West Coastal Path Challenge, walking 80 miles and raising £840 for Dementia UK, as well as various running and sponsored events. In Karen’s spare time she loves to sew, read and run.

Thom Aylesbury

a

Having been fortunate enough to have had therapy myself, I knew the benefits and whilst undertaking my counsellor training, I had the pleasure to practice at Help, as a student counsellor.

It was incredibly flattering to be approached for a trustee role, and given the opportunity to contribute to the success of HCS.

Tony Ward is an associate professor of counselling psychology at the University of the West of England, and also works in private practice as a psychology practitioner. He was a volunteer at HELP from 2017 - 2019 and now runs a research clinic at the university in Bristol. He said "I am delighted to have the opportunity to be a trustee at HELP and contribute to the excellent work it does in supporting our communities across

Report from the Chair

In my fourth year of reporting as Chair of Help, I am struck, as always, by the way in which individual efforts, both voluntary and paid, come together and coalesce to form strong working relationships which in turn ensure the effective delivery of empathetic and genuinely life changing services. Across our communities, statutory services are increasingly underpinned by the work of charities and their volunteers - and if we sometimes wonder why others volunteer so willingly or give so much of their time, the case studies and testimonials in this report speak loudly in reply.

This has been a year of ever growing demand for our services, with increasingly complex and challenging situations for our Counsellors to address with their clients. Given how busy and pressurised the service was, it became a concern for the Board of Trustees that we were receiving unclear and (in some cases) inappropriate referrals from other agencies. The team set up meetings with a number of GP surgeries and others who make referrals in order to explain both our capacity and capability. This was a productive professional dialogue which has resulted in better working relationships and high quality referrals.

We were once again glad to be able to recruit new Counsellors, ending the year with more than at anytime. Our responsibility as an organisation is to support them, provide training and professional development and ensure that we are making the best possible use of their skills and knowledge in matching them with clients and deciding the appropriate length of therapeutic journey.

We could not help and support so many without the support of generous Funders and Donors - both national and local. It has been a joy to meet some of those funders face to face this year and our door is always open to others who want to see how we do things.

As always, the warmest of thanks go to our office team for their professionalism, empathy and efficiency - you’re the best!

Catherine Hamp Chair of Trustees

Wheel Of Life

The Wheel of Life focuses on 8 key areas of our clients’ lives. Clients are asked to rate their feelings towards each area, before, and at the end of counselling. Rating 0 –10 with 10 being excellent.

Report from the Executive Director

This year has been one of progress and development for Help Counselling Services. We’ve settled into our new rooms, which have been widely appreciated by clients and counsellors. The additional space has allowed us to generate more income through room rentals, supporting the charity’s financial stability.

We’ve strengthened our team with the addition of six new volunteer counsellors—Kirsty, Lynne, Ollie, Rachel M, Anna, and Gary—whose commitment ensures we can continue delivering vital mental health support. To enhance our services further, we provided targeted training on bereavement and loss, trauma, and suicide, equipping our counsellors with the skills to meet diverse client needs.

A highlight was welcoming Jerry and Rowan Suenson from the Linnet Trust, one of our key funders, to visit the service. They were able to meet trustees, counsellors and clients and It was a great opportunity to demonstrate the impact of their support directly. We invite all of our funders to visit us and see how they are making a difference.

Presenting Problems

As an generic counselling service, we see a lot of presenting issues in the counselling room. As you can see, not only are we seeing relationships, anxiety and depression, we are seeing clients with traumatic and difficult stories. The case study, is an perfect illustration of that.

The case for good training also is perfectly highlighted in the range of work we see. This year we have provided trauma training, suicide, bereavement and loss and next year we plan on neuro diversity training, some addiction training and working with low mood.

On the next page you will see various pie charts measuring the information we collect. The preferred method of counselling shows that most people want face to face work, but a third still want to work remotely, and this is often because of illness, disability or their working hours and/or family life make it difficult to attend face to face sessions.

Community engagement has remained a priority. Kirsty, one of our group members, raised £500 through a raffle, and we ran a stall at Trowbridge Job Centre and delivered presentations to Victim Support and Melksham Town Council. As well as making connections with GP surgeries, Health and Well being Teams, and other Charities.

This year, we also applied for two significant projects: one with Wiltshire Council to support workplace mental health and another with Wiltshire Community Foundation to address health inequalities across the county. We look forward to seeing if we are successful.

Finally, I would like to thank our funders for their continued support, our Trustees—especially Catherine, our Chair who supports my wellbeing— and my colleagues Laura and Rachel for their invaluable contributions. Most importantly, thank you to our volunteer counsellors, whose hard work underpins everything we do. Together, we are making a real difference in the communities of Wiltshire.

Amanda Wilkes Executive Director

Accounts Summary Income Source 2021124 2022123 Town Councils Bank Interest Grants & DonatioTrs Room Rentsl Sponsorship Grants RècèNed 75514 55.450 14.194 7220 clnt and Other DoThaiions Outs2 ServKe5 149 ati Tot•1 Grants & DonaliM5 663 76.864 Oth•w Incorne RentReCeil Inierest ReceNed Gift Aid Sponsor5htp Total Oth•f Incorn• 4181 756 1.028 114 1602 173 Bank Interest Cllent Donatlons • Grants 193 Sponsorship Room Rental Town Councils 130 3.917 80.781 Total Incorn• IOL793 Exp•nd1r• Barbk FEe5 613 S95 Cosi DI Out51de Seriicei Duts &Substriptiorts Insurancè iooo 3310 872 810 7200 2.lJ5 4.173 Income Generated byyear Towncounclts Oth'ce Supwiès. Whc Prirtti. Postai• • Rent Repwr5 afbd Rerbewali Recruitmeni SHries. PeTh510ny & NIErs Sundry Eypenses inc Volunteer EXPeS Superyision Telephone & Imernei Training Travel Expenses Uiiliiies & Managemeni CharEtB Wèbsite 1.$63 5.000 1311 RODM Rentsl 78 Sponsorship 45.£00 2.282 1&171 821 Lotttrry 2505 Grants 16532 783 3795 1734 GIftAld 4.59) Contract5 1.537 &558 3720 Ciierrt Donation5 246 Banklntsrest Total Expènditure Surplu51lOefi¢iil 8¢lty Dopr•¢iion D?preciation FtureS & Fillj CompLrter Equipment Trtal D¢pre¢iaiio surp10fIcIlIAft•roepT*¢l1ITr 132 7.661 89.030 18,2491 £10,000.00 £20,000.00 £30,000.00 £40,000.00 £sOL¥).00 £60,000.00 Amount22123 ll Amount23124 796 628 203 1424 &237 842 19,0911

Treasurer’s Report

The Current Assets at the year-end amounted to £74954 at 31[st] March 2023 compared to £68717 at 31st March 2022 of which £22974 is restricted funds for specific services. After we had a deficit last year Help Counselling Services is back where it was in 2022 and is in a good financial position. There has been an increase in grants (£75,514 from £55,450) and an increase from client donations (£21,149 from £14,184), a steady amount from sponsorship (£193 from £173) and from outside services (£7270 from £6006) and a increase in rent income (£4181 from £1028). Outside services which brought in £7270 last year was not continued this year.

Budget for 2024/2025 is estimated at £110,000 from £90k, increase due to many bills going up and an extra staff member. The planned opening of two new sites in other towns for more counselling services will cause an increase in the budget for next year, covering rent and expenditures related to renting new premises. Due to having more counsellors volunteer expenses are expected to increase again next year along with supervision costs.

Ahead to 2024/25 we need to maintain our fundraising success, so the service can protect clients and have a secure future for many years to come.

My thanks to Jenny Budgell from Natural Numbers for completing our accounts.

Thank you to all our funders, volunteers, staff and fellow trustees for their commitment to Help Counselling Services and the vital mental health work it does in Wiltshire

Sarah Cope Treasurer

Cost of Outside Services/ Subcontractors

Outside Services relates to the Counsellor payment costs of providing the White Horse Care Trust

Subcontractors relates to paying HCS counsellors to provide Initial Appointments during our busiest periods.

I confirm that I have examined all the files and records for the year ended March 31[st] , 2024, and consider that these figures show a true position of the finances of Help Counselling Services at that date.

Reserves Policy

This policy aims to give a clear understanding of our Reserves Policy, why it is needed, and the amount that is needed.

Our reserves policy is needed:

5 months full running costs, as well as covering the current cost of any potential redundancies, and liabilities such as removal costs.
To weather any dips in funding and maintain continuity.
To ensure that all clients, many who are very vulnerable, will be able to complete their work with us.
In the event that the service is no longer needed, we are able to fulfil all our financial obligations

How is it funded?

All funds raised for the express use of our clients are used for the aims of the service and our clients. All of our reserves have been raised through renting our space to other organisations and individuals.

What is the current reserves fund?

At present our reserves are £45,000

What is needed?

We are working towards reserves of £55,000. This is 55% of our total yearly expenditure and will cover all eventualities, from funding dips to the closure of the service. Our aim is to slowly increase the fund over the next 5 to 8 years by £1,500 to £2,000 per year, and then every subsequent year by £500 to meet annual cost increases. Whilst we will work diligently to see the success of this plan, we must be flexible and meet our funding constraints to fully fund the service first and foremost

HELP COUNSELLING SERVICES ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024

Help Counselling SeNices- Charity 1174668 Year End Accounts- 31st March 2024 Independent Examlners Report I reportto the trustees on my examination of the accounts ot HELP Counsellinesemcesfor theyearended 31st March 2024 As the charitys trustees, you are responsible forthe PfeparaD"on ol the accounts in accordance with the fequirement5 of the Chaiities Act 20111.fhe Act'l I report in respectof myexamination of the Charitys accounts carrie(J out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have lollowed all the applicable di¥ectsonsgiven bythe Charity Commission under sectson 14515llbl ol theAct. I have completed myexamination. I confirm thai no rnaterial matters havecome to my attention in connection with the examination l ttave no concerns and have come aCTOSS no otherrnattets in connectionvh Ihe examination to which attention should be drawn in this report In order to enab a proper under5tandingol the accountsto be reached Signed= lenny BudgeLIACMA Dated..

Help Counselling Services - Charity 1174668 Year End Accounts-31st March2024 INCOME & EXPENDITURE 3110312024 3110312023 Grants & Donatlons Grants Received Client and Other Donations Outside Services 75514 55.450 14,194 7,220 21149 Total Grants & Donations 76,864 otherlncome Rent Received Interest Received Gift Aid Sponsorship 4181 756 1,028 114 2.602 173 193 TotalOtherln¢ome 5,130 3,917 Total Income 101,793 80,781 ExpendTture Bank Fees Cost ofoutside Semces Dues & Subscriptions Insurance Off ice Supplies. incl Printing. Postage etc Rent Repairs and Renewals Recruitment Salaries. Pensions & NIErs Sundry Expenses incl Volunteer Expenses Supervision Telephone & Intefnet Training Travel Expenses Utilities & Management Charges Website 613 695 iooo 2.145 4,173 3310 872 810 7200 1,663 5,000 3,311 78 45.600 2,282 13,171 821 4.590 1,557 3.558 2505 16532 783 3795 1734 3720 246 Total Expenditure 94,132 89.030 SurplusllDefeclt} Before Depre¢latlon 7,661 {8,2491 Dcpr¢¢iatlon Fixtures & Fittings Computer Equipment 796 628 203 639 Total Deprecialion SurplusllDefecit) After Depreciation 6.237 19.0911

Help Counselling Services - Charity 1174668 Year End Accounts- 315t March 2024 BALANCE SHEET 3110312024 3110312023 Flxed Assets{Note l) 4,274 4,721 Current Asset5 Debtor and Prepayments Cash in Bank 77 71524 Total Current Assets 72,385 64,623 Current Llabllltles Sundty Creditors 11,7051 16271 Total Current Llabilities {1.705) {6271 Net Current Assets 70,680 Total Assets less Current Llabilities 74,954 68.717 Represented By: Balance Brought Forward Restricted Funds Unrestricted Funds Restricted & Unrestricted Funds 14.100 54,617 77.808 SurplusllDefecitl After Depreciation 6.237 19,0911 Balance Carrled Forwaid 74,954 68,717 Represented By (Note 21 . Restricted Unrestricted 22.974 51,980 14,100 54.617 Total 74.954 68,717

Help Counselling Services- Charity 1174668 Year End Accounls- 315t March 2024 Fixed Assets (Note 11 Furnltvre and Computer Equipment 25% Flttings 25% Total Cosl AI 01104123 4,830.00 3,732.00 978.IXI 8.562.00 978.00 Additions Disposals AI 31103124 4.830.00 4.710.00 9.540.00 Depreclation At 01104123 11,646.001 1796.00) 12,195.001 1628.751 13,841.001 11,424.751 Depreciation for the Year Disposal At 31103124 12.442.001 12,823.751 15,265.751 Net Book Value At 01104123 3,184.00 2.388.00 1,537.00 1,886.25 4.721.00 4,274.25 At 31103124

Help Counselling Services- Charity 1174668 Year End Accounts-31st March 2024 Reserves (Note 2) 3110312024 3110312023 Restricted Funds Unrestricted Funds 14,100 54,617 77.808 Surplusl{Defeclt) After Depreciatlon 6.237 19.0911 Balance Carried FoThvard 74,954 68,717 Represented By: Restricted (See below) Unrestricted 22.974 51,980 14.100 54,617 Total 74.954 68,717 Restrlcted Funds Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner White Horse Care Trust Employees Ladbrokes 6453 1200 321 National Lottery 15000 Total 22974