Ji
Cambridge
Acorn Project
ANNUAL REPORT
2023 - 2024

TABLE OF
CONTENTS
Reference and Administrative Details
Letters from our Chair and CEO
7-10
Summary
Our work with children
Our work with adults
Street Level Trauma Response
System
28
Case Study
29
Priorities for 2024/5
30
How you can get involved
Trustees Report
37-38
Independent Examiner's Report
39
Statement of Financial Activities
Balance Sheet
42
Statement of Cash Flows
43-59
Notes to the Financial Statements
Ji
Cambridge
Acorn Project

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE
DETAILS OF THE CHARITY. ITS
TRUSTEES AND ADVISORS
YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
Trustees
E Boggis (appointed 10 October 2024)
P Ecclestone (resigned 31 August 2024)
N Gibson
R Lindsay (appointed 25 Jonuory 2024)
F M Nolan
CNPugh
D Scott (appointed 5 October 2023. resigned 11 October 2024)
T D Willioms (appointed 5 October 2023)
Company registered number
09187469
Charity registered number
1175019
Registered office
Cambridgeshire Music
New School Road
Histon
Cambridge
CB24 9LL
Independent examiner
C P J Dougherty FCA
Lakin Rose Limited
Chartered Accountants
Cambridge House
Camboro Business Park
Girton
Cambridge
CB3 OQH
Cambridge
Acorn Project

A LETTER FROM OUR CHAIR
As I reflect on my new role as Chair of Trustees at Cambridge Acorn
Project, I feel an immense sense of pride and gratitude. This year marks
our tenth anniversary - a signif icant milestone that speaks to the
enduring importance of our mission and the deep commitment of our
staff. Their dedication, compassion and resilience continue to inspire me
every day.
This year has also seen a strengthening of our governance. We now have
a larger. highly engaged board of trustees who bring energy. insight and
responsiveness to their roles. It has been a privilege to work alongside
such thoughtful and committed individuals.
Looking ahead, one of our key priorities as a board is to support with
diversifying our fundraising efforts. Together with f undraising staff, we
aim to grow our unreserved funds. ensuring the charity has the f lexibility
and sustainability it needs to meet the growing needs of the communities
we serve.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this remarkable
organisation - staff. trustees including Pippa Ecclestone our previous
chair who has now retired. partners. funders. and the families we work
with. Here's to the next chapter.
Nichole Gibson. Chalr
Cambridge
Acorn Project

A LETTER FROM OUR CEO
August 2024 marked our tenth anniversary (although we legally became a charity in
October 2017). Our charitable missions remains "to relieve the suffering of children
and families in Cambridgeshire and surrounding localities facing trauma or emotional
distress by the provision of a theropeutic model of social work" There are four key
words that j ump out. -suffering- "troumo- -therapeutic- ond -social work" capturing
our approach to that mission perfectly.
Children should not suffer. They should live happy, enriched. joyful, ond fulfilling lives.
Unfortunately. we know that this is not always the cose ond the suffering of children
is increasing currently - the NHS now estimotes that 1 in 5 children have a -probable
NH
mental disorder" U,2Q2S). This. then. amounts to around 20/0 of all our children in
the UK. There o]re rTiuriy reusuiis why Lhildreri Lur), uiid du, suffer, uiid Co]rTibridge
Acorn Project works with a wide range of children, across different projects, to
support them when they are in distress. Our work is dedicated to the principle that no
child should suffer. and we odapt ond innovate projects to meet and address
suffering where we find it. In relation to this, our core work, as it has been since we
first begon. is to provide long-term therapy to children and young people who hove
suffered trauma. typically as a result of abuse and/or neglect. Back in 2019 we
started to develop our 'Moon Project. to offer a new and innovative approoch to
support these children in o panoramic way as the consequences of trauma and
obuse ripple across the lifecourse ond beyond. The children we support on this
project have not only experienced trauma and abuse, they also come from
financially disadvantaged backgrounds. which leads to a double jeopordy in terms of
their experiences. but also in terms of lack of access to some of the tools evidence
suggests can help to address. and to overcome, suffering, For exomple, the
project suggests parents and caregivers to 'encourage the
interests, of their children. Yet, it is not always possible. through no fault of their own.
for all families to do this. In the Moon Project, therefore, we take o holistic, panoramic,
opproach to supporting these children. offering support around enrichment octivities.
education. resources for the home. ond more. in order to help promote recovery from
trouma and abuse over the longer term.
This leads into another key word. or phrase. from our mission. -sociol work" Our
charity was founded on sociol work principles - os described by the Jln
rn
ti
"sociol work is a practice-based profession and an
academic discipline that promotes social change and development. social cohesion.
Cambridge
Acorn Project

ond the empowerment and liberation of people" One of the key implications of this is
that suffering cannot be addressed in the therapy room alone as it often has
environmental. or ecological. causes and our work is designed and set up to address
this as you will see from the panoramic model featured in the summary section of
this report. This brings us on to the final term. 'therapeutic', What unites all of our
projects. and all of our work. is the suffering of children and young people. What also
unites all these is our bedrock. namely a therapeutic approach which. when correctly
opplied, can tackle suffering in many of its awful forms. However. a true therapeutic
approach is unique and bespoke to an individual person. Some people find nature
wolks, for example. therapeutic, for other people it is gaming, or for others, playing
competitive sports and there ore naturally different reasons people find each of
these things healing and therapeutic because each of us is unique os a person and
we all have different personality traits.
Cambrldge Acorn Project believes, to our deepest core. thot. whllst any chlld can
suffer, none should. Belief in this idea is centrol in the therapeutic process. In the
Ideal and the concept of heoling. of ending suffering and tackling distress in oll its
forms. No one organisation could ever hope to end the suffering of children alone. it
requires a collective effort and a collective belief in the therapeutic ideal, and the
human actions behind that ideol empathy. compassion. kindness. understanding.
ond personalisation. Central to this is the spread of therapeutic messaging, and a
tliei-apeutic appi-oocli. ocross our societies. so tliere is less bloiTie. less judgeiiieiit.
less cruelty. less coercion. less molice. A key task over the coming years is to help
spread of a kind of therapeutic mycorrhizal network, a constellation of caring
individuals and communities who invite compassion and understanding into the lives
of children and young people. Children and young people deserve better thon the
lives we are currently giving them - Cambridge Acorn Project's core mission, in our
own small corner of the world. is to be part of the process of describing. and
delivering, what that world may ultimately look like.
Thank you to every single child and fomily who we hove had the privilege of
supporting over the last decade ond thank you to our stoff. students ond volunteers
ond every person. partner. ond funder who has made this possible.
Matt Edge. CEO
Cambridge
Acorn Project

IN THE ACADEMIC YEAR
2023 - 2024
we provided support to more than
700 children and families
this is a
103% increase in the amount of children
we supported compared to last year
we worked with children in more than
100 schools
across Cambridgeshire
we supported
11 training placements
for therapy and counselling students
Combrldge
Acorn Project

SUMMARY
At Cambridge Acorn Project we envision a world where every child hos everything
they need to thrive. In working towards this. we provide support to children and
fomilies offected by trauma and finonciol hordship. We listen to whot people tell us
they need and we work compassionately with them to provide meaningful
therapeutic support. Our Panoromic Model follows the National Institute for Health
and Care Excellence (NICE) Guidelines for working with children and families following
abuse and neglect, and offers different strands of support:
Long term
theropy
Research and
odvocacu .
Enrichment
Panoramic
Model
Life-admin
Safe homes
School
and education
In the
community
"It Lvas reaLLy heLpfuL because l Learnt Lots of thin9S
to help me when being angry or sad or Luhen
something is going on at home. And. 'couse I really
missed my dad we taLked about it and noLU I'm in
touch u)ith him and I think these Isessionsl have
heLped me for that. Everythin9 Lvas amazin9 and I'm
reaLLy thankfuL"
ChiLd
Cambridge
Acorn Project

Traumo can steal opportunities from children and families. We work to break
injustices and inequality stemming from trauma. adverse childhood experiences and
financial hardship by promoting emotional recovery for children and families. We
work in Cambridge (city). East Cambridgeshire. South Combridgeshire and
Huntingdonshire. Many of the neighbourhoods in these districts that we work fall into
the 20-300/0 most deprived neighbourhoods in the UK (Index of Multiple Deprivation,
2019). ond Cambridge continues to be the most unequol city in the UK (Centre for
Cities. 2018). In addition. this year 59.3% of the children we hove supported have
accessed Free School Meals (FSM) and/or Pupil Premium (PP). While FSM and PP are
not the only indicators of poverty - many families who do not qualify for FSM still live
below the poverty line - this doto highlights the severe economic hardship faced by
the children and families we support.
A fundamental prlority for Cambridge Acorn Project is to hove a brood understanding
of trouma and adverse childhood experiences to ensure thot we can support chlldren
ond their families who struggle to access support elsewhere. This year we have
supported more than 700 children and fomilies including those who hove experienced
domestic homicide. and domestic. sexual. emotional and physical abuse and neglect.
As well as this, we have supported children who have experienced single-incident
trouma such as house fires. floods or traumatic loss. Many of the fomilies we support
have experienced profound intergenerational trauma ond therefore it remains vital
that we work within and beyond the therapy room. working to support whole families.
to tackle these inequolities.
"This service has provided a LifeLine to our children.
The difference this hos made also hos a systemic
and positive impact on the LuhoLe familf School

During 2023/24. we continued to expand our Street Level Troumo Response System
which comprises our rapid-response wellbeing drop-in hubs embedded in local
communities in Cambridge. Soham. Huntingdon. and Northstowe. where families can
drop-in and access on the day support delivered by qualified therapists. social
workers and trained peer support volunteers. We continue to work towards tackling
healthcare inequalities by visiting children in whatever school they ore based to
ensure equitable access to our support. As evidence of this. we have provided support
to children and young people in more than 100 primary and secondary schools and
colleges across the county this year. We have also continued to expand our bespoke
Panoramic model which utilises flexible funding to put in place long-term. bespoke.
needs-led therapeutic support following NICE Guidelines for working with children and
fomilies post abuse and neglect. As part of this we hove grown our enrichment and
casework provision to meet the needs of more children and families.
' It's really supportive and helpful. KnoLuin9 r can
off load any concerns r have and feeL l am
Listened to. The advice given has helped me
tremendousLf'
-Parent at drop-in hub
We have also strengthened our links with other local organisations and groups, which
has helped us expand our enrichment projects and provide more children with direct
access to enrichment opportunities. This year. we lounched our own school ond
community projects such os 'Artscaping'. in partnership with Cambridge Curiosity ond
Imagination. and 'Conservation and Conversation, in collaboration with Abbey People.
Building on our enrichment work. we have also been able to provide a Children and
Young People's Social Prescriber. focilitated by NHS East Cambs Integrated
Neighbourhood, to work with schools and the primary care network in East Cambs.
Finally. we hove reinforced our research focus and service evaluation. including
through a collaboration with Anglia Ruskin University examining the use of a block
stacking mobile game as a preventative wellbeing intervention. This has been kindly
funded by Cambridgeshire County Council. Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS
Integrated Care System and Anglia Ruskin University.
'The reLationship between my child and her
therapist was wonderfuL"
parent
10
Combridge
corn Project

OUR WORK WITH CHILDREN
In the academic year 2023 - 2024 we worked with 711 children (including through our
research projects and those currently going through our assessment process). This is a
103% increase in the number of children supported, compored to the previous year.
Across all of our projects. only 2.8% of children disengaged during their treatment.
demonstrating our exceptionally high adherence rates and reinforcing the positive
experience we provide for children.
Almost half of children (346) were supported through our district level projects providing
therapy ond/or panoromic packages of support to children and their families. 99 children
were supported through our torgeted abuse recovery project 'The Moon Project, which
supports children who hove experienced sexual and/or domestic abuse. 189 children were
supported via our enrichment projects (including social prescribing) and o further 75 vio
our research projects. 2 children were supported vio our specialist servlces accessing
either Video Interaction Guidance (VIG) or casework.
"1 got my thoughts and feeLingS Out that I needed to
and it heLped me get stronger. Nothing needs improvin9"
Child
We support children across the county taking our provision to where the children ore
based ensuring easy occess to support and tackling healthcare access inequality. The
following chart shows which districts in Cambridgeshire the children we support live.
Out of County
12.5%
South Combs
1.1%
159.2%
Combridge City
40.6%
were of primary
school age
Huntingdonshire
15.6%
Fenlond
38.30
were of secondary
school age
Easi Combs
29.2%
11
CambrSdge
Acorn Project

"It LUQS good because they didn't jud9e me on
anythin9 1 said about my life and stuff ChiLd
We continue to aim to reach children who are most in need.
as well as children from diverse bockgrounds.
identified as
female
Extant data shows that 24¥0 of children we supported in
2U23 - 2U24 had an ￿dUCation. Health and Lare Plan
(EHCP) or a formal diagnosis. 12.5% were on the school
Special Educational Needs (SEN) register. 16.2¥0 had
suspected but undiognosed Special Educational Needs
and/or Disabilities (SEND).
48%
identified as male
59.3¥0 of children accessed Free School Meals. similarly
610/0 of children occessed Pupil Premium.
Dota for the Moon Project, a specialist project
supporting children who have experienced
domestic and/or sexual abuse shows that 72.40/0
of children accessed Free School Meals and
77.8% accessed pupil premium.
identlfled os
transgender, non-
binory, or any
other idenger
identity
16 children supported
also had a Child
Protection plan, 14 had
Child In Need plans
(CIN), 94 were accessing
Targeted Services
(Early Help)
17 children were a
Looked After Child
(LAC), 6 children had
been adopted and 9
were living with
extended family
under a Special
Guardianship Order
12
Cambridge
Acorn Project

Iri 2023 - 2024 we supported 87.1 % of Lhildreri with a White buckgrourid (iricludirig
children with Roma ethnicity). 2.10/0 of children with a Black. Block British. Caribbean or
Africon background. 1.6% of children with an Asian or Asion British background. 8.4%
of children with a Mixed or Multiple Ethnicity background and 0.8% of children
identifying as other. Our dato shows that we reach children with backgrounds broadly
in line with residents of Cambridgeshire as reported in the 2021 Census. However, we
continue to have an over representotion of children with Mixed or Multiple Ethnicity
backgrounds and an underrepresentation of children from on Asian backgrounds.
We continue to explore how we engage with different communities and work to
ensure that our staff body represents the communities that we serve.
The following bar chart summarises the frequency
of referral reasons across the entire child cohort we
hove supported this year. The most frequent
referrol reasons was mental health and/or physical
health difficulties occurring in 68.9Yo of all referrals.
Abuse was the second most common reason for
referrol occurring in 35.4% of coses. The table to the
rlght highlights different types of obuse and how
the frequency with which these were cited as a
reason for referral into our service with domestlc
abuse being the most common. Behavioural
difficulties were the third most common referral
reason being cited in 28.8¥0 of all cases referred.
Abuse
% of referrals
Domestic
29
Emotlonal
14
Physlcol
Neglect
Sexual
CSE
Slngle incident trauma: animol ottock. burglory. house flood/fire. rood troffic occident
Slbling difficulty: sibling mentol health. sibling with complex needs
Attachment difficulties: disruptive ottochment. ottachment diff iculties
Parent difficulties: porent childhood troumo. porent mentol heolth difficulties. parent
substonce misuse. parent ill health. porent in prison
Family breakdown: obondonment, seporotion/divorce
Mental and physicol heolth difficulties: anxiety. emotional regulation difficulties. low
confidence. low mood. self harm. relationship difficulties. troumotic medical procedure
Environmental difficulties: sociol isolotion/deprivotion. housing. family low difficulties. debt
Educationol difficulties: leorning disobility/SEND. school refusal
Behavioural difficulties: inoppropriote sexuol behoviour. child to parent violence. substonce
misuse, behavioural dif ficulties
Bereavement: troumotic bereovement. bereovement
Abuse: child sexvol exploitation. domestic abuse. neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse
War: war
13

Frequency of referral reasons
(percentages)
70
69.8
60
50
40
35.4
30
28.8
20
17.8
10
14

"Really felt Itherapistl went above and beyond
with aidin9 a chaLLenging and upsetting Situation.
The team u)ere shinin9 Stars,
School
Referrals continue to be made directly via our website and through our drop-in hubs
ensuring eosy access to our support. Schools remain our largest referrer. however.
the Local Authority and NHS made 104 referrals highlighting the continuing lack of
support for children who have experienced complex trauma within statutory and
commissioned services. In the Moon Project (supporting children who have
experienced domestic and/or sexual abuse) referrals from the Local Authority and
N HS account for more than 40% of all referrals).
500
488
400
300
200
100
12
14
69
92
"MY counsellor was very respectfuL, not treating
me differentlyllookin9 down on me because of my
situation, and I feLt very comfortable speaking UP
about concerng...I really enjoyed it, and it Loag the
most relaxing and comfortabLe part of my Lueek. It
was very emotionaL partin9 U)ClYS.'
ChiLd
15
Combrldge
Acorn Project

UNDERSTANDING OUR IMPACT
WITH CHILDREN
To better understand the impact of our services and to enhance them in a way that is
client-led and meaningful. we utilise a variety of evaluation tools. These include
feedback forms from clients and fomilies. qualitotive reseorch. and standordised
ossessments like the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires (SDQ) and the Measure
Yourself Concerns and Wellbeing (MYCaW). In thls impoct report, we present a
snapshot of the feedbock collected this year. focusing on our family and school
survey. as well as the evaluation of a long-term service. 'The Moon Project., ond a
new initiative. 'Social Prescribing for Children and Young People.,
"Just fantastic, highly recommend"
Parent (family survey)
94% of responding families said it was
certainly true that our services were good.
6% said this was partly true (family survey)
90.0¥o of responding schools said it was
certainly true that our services were good.
9.1 % said this was partly true (school survey)
16
Cambridge
corn Project

96.1 % of responding schools said that we had
helped students with their mental health
(school survey)
78.8% of responding schools said that our
services helped children increase their
attendance and 90.9% reported
improvement in engagement
(school survey)
we worked with children in more than 100
schools across Cambridgeshire
"The longevity of the support is extremeLy beneficial
for the students thot need that Level of support
and helps reassure those youn9 peopLe who need to
buiLd workin9 relationships before therapeutic
support can be fully successful. The service overaLL
was excellent, I have estabLished a 9reat workin9
relationship with Itherapistl and am immensely
confident that the support she is providin9 Student
is of extremely high quaLitf SchooL (school survey)
17
Cambrldge
corn Project

MOON PROJECT
In 2023 - 2024 this project supported 90 children in Cambridge who had experienced
domestic and/or sexual abuse. Panoromic support including long term therapy was
provided along with enrichment opportunities and case work support for families.
Our paired t-test reported in the toble below shows statisticolly significant positive
improvement in the SDQ subscale of emotional problems. The SDQ emotional problems
subscale is made up of five items relating to depression, worry. fear, nervousness, and
somatic symptoms. Although the chonge in this cohort does not meet the commonly
recognised threshold for clinical significance (a 3-point change). its statistical significance.
combined with the severity of the young people's complex trauma, illustrates its
importance and highlights the positive impact of this service, It is important to recognise
that for this cohort of young people. o small change can still have meaningful and real-
world positive implications.
SDQ Emotional Subscale
Number of completed SDQ results by parent/carer
(total number of CYP in projett 90)
15
Mean change.
-1.067
P volue"
0.050
'tut off value for ￿atisti￿?1 ggnificorKe is PsOJ)S ttE p value is less than 0.05 then the null
hupolhe575 Yhere 15 ￿ differe￿ belween pre <1￿ posr cun be rejeLled (5ulivon. 2016)
' The therapist Luas incredibLe with my son. Takin9 time to nurture him so
he LL)as comfortable talking about his trauma and abuse but also vitally
supportin9 us in the best professional capacity she could. She was open.
honest, and supported myself re9ularly too. She has been the only
therapist that's fully understood. empathised and validated the
complexities my son has been. and is 90in9 throu9h. She's a real asset
to the or9anisation and always went above and beyond to support us
and ensure continuity with his therapy. sourcin9 the much needed
funding to continue supporting him rather than leaving it to come to on
end. Just outstandin914
Parent of a child accessing Moon Project
18
Cambridge
Acorn Project

SOCIAL PRESCRIBING.
In 2023 - 2024 the East Cambridgeshire NHS Integrated Neighbourhood generously
f unded o Social Prescriber for Children and Young People hosted by Combridge Acorn
Project. This Social Prescriber worked within schools ond the primary core network in
East Cambs supporting 70 children and young people providing personalised
packages of support and running a youth club provision in Soham.
The top 5 categories of concerns across oll the themes were: school and education
(69% ). fomily and relationships (23%). physical activity or exercise (21 %). sociol
interaction (18 %) and emotional concerns (160/0). Importantly, this project has received
further funding from East Cambridgeshire Integrated Neighbourhood enabling the
contlnuation of CYP social prescribing across East Cambs secondory schools and
primary care networks in 2024- 2025. In coses where there was no chonge or there
was deterioration in the MYCOW. this was due to a significant and traumatic life event
such as a bereavement or where the practitioner was not fully oble to respond to the
concern e.g. supporting with hoving a bigger house.
Concern 1
Concern 2
Wellbeing
Number of results (total CYP supported
through social prescribing project - 70)
56
47
56
Mean change.
P value"
<0.05
<0.05
<0.05
% of partiapants showing improvement
64%
% of partlclpatns showlng no change
13%
27%
% of participonts showing deteriorotion
6Yo
'greater than 1 change Is consldered to be cllnlcolly slgnflcant (Guyott et al.. 1998. Junlter et al.. 1994)
"'cut off value for stotistlcol significonce is P-0.05. When the p value is less thon 0.05 then the null
hypothesi5 Yhere is no difference between pre ond post scores- con be rejerted (Sulivon. 2016)
'This analysis has been undertaken externally by NHS East Combridgeshire
Integrated Neighbourhood who funded this project.
19
Cambridge
Acorn Project

OUR WORK WITH ADULTS
Cambridge Acorn Project provided support to
94 parents and carers
including long term counselling. casework support. and regular
weekly support at a hub.
The data in this section does not include adults who accessed one-off or less frequent
support via the wellbeing hubs thot are part of the Jtreet-Level Trauma Flesponse
System (see following chopter).
' So kind ond patient and understandin9, it reaLly feels
like they LL)ant to help and are there for you, not just
a number. ft's invaluable, so heLpfuL, an absolute
LifeLine Lvhen the LvorLd feels crazy and impossibLe to
navi9atc'
Parent
We support adults across the county through our panoramic support model as well
as offerinq adult counsellino delivered bu our student practitioners at our new head
office in Histon.
uth Camb
10.6
89.9%
Combri
ge Citu
27.7
of adults
supported
identified os
female
Huntingdo
25.5%
10.1Yo
of adults
supported
identified as male
Fenlond
2.1%
Eost Co
20

Referral Reasons (Yo)
1. Domestic Abuse (35)
2. Parent Mental Health (30)
3. Anxiety (22)
4. Emotional Abuse (19)
5. Parental Separation (18)
6. Low Mood (17)
7. Low Confidence (14)
8. Child's Behaviour (13)
9. Family Law Diff iculties (13)
10. Relationship Diff iculties (13)
82.5% of adults
supported reported
experiencing
signf icant financial
hardship
10 adults provided
with long term
counselling through
our trainee placement
programme
The adults supported were aged between 18 and 74 highlighting the range of
adults supported including extended family such as grandparents with Special
Guardionship Orders (SGOS).
98.5Yo of adults identified as White and 1.5¥0 of adults identified as hoving a Mixed
of Multiple Ethnicity. Our data shows thot we support an over representotion of
White odults compored to the general population of Cambridgeshire according to
2021 census data. We continue to explore how we engage with parents from
different backgrounds ond ensure we hove diversity within our staff body.
'The support has chon9ed my life in many ways,
that I can shoLU up whoever l om thot day. That
I'm heard. The people really try and do make such
a difference. They Listen without any jud9ement,
just woys to heLp. They re so kind, olways
LueLcomin9 and aLLUayS at your pace. Forever
9rotefuL. Truly heort feLt thank you.
Parent
21
Cambr5dge
corn Project

"Just being abLe to speak and get what's in my
head out and getting help and support to try heLp
my situation, bein9 able to get advice has heLped
me loads, feelin9 more comfortabLe just having
someone to speak to LueekLy has heLped me to not
keep it all to myseLf makin9 me doLun. I feeL a Lot
better in myself knowin9 1 have someone here I
can talk to. I can't thank everyone enough for
listenin9 and heLpin9 me and my famiLy'
Parent
The table below reports our referral sources with our internal referral pathway
continuing to be the most popular route for adults to be referred with more than 50%
of adults accessing services after having contact with us through our ongoing work
with their child or vio our Street Level Trauma Response System.
Almost 10 % of referrals for odult support were made by the NHS or Locol Authority
with Targeted Support (Early Help) being the most common referrer within this group.
60
50
52
40
30
30
20
Cambridgè
Acorn Prolect

UNDERSTANDING OUR IMPACT
WITH ADULTS
To ossess our impact and ensure our services remain client-led and meaningful. we
use vorious evaluation tools. including client and fomily feedback forms. qualitotive
research. and standardised assessments like Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires
ond Measure Yourselt Concerns and Wellbeing. In this impact report. we are
presenting a snapshot of the feedback received this yeor focussing on our feedback
surveys and in depth onalysis of our rapidly growing casework support. There is more
on our impact delivered through our family support in the next chapter on Street
Level Trouma Response System.
' All my troubles before Christmas has partLy
disappeared because of Cambrid9e acorn project and r
couldn't be more 9ratefuL."
Parent (CageLuork)
1000/0 of responding adults reported they felt
listened to and 100% would recommend our
service to a friend who needed similar support.
"It was quite dauntin9 for me ot first but I honestly con't
believe the pro9ress I have made Luithin myseLf. I feel Lilfe I
hove healed and made sense of some past traumas and
even though they sometimes stiLI haunt me. I noLU knou)
that feeLing LuiLI pass.
Parent (AduLt CounseLLing)
23
Combrldge
Acorn Project

CASEWORK
The following table demonstrates (using paired T tests) that our casework project
achieved clinically and statistically significant positive change improving both the
primory concern and overoll wellbeing. This was not achieved for the secondary
concern.
Concern 1
Concern 2
Wellbeing
Number of results (totol number of
families supported is 52)
Mean change.
-0,67
-1.53
P value"
0.0033
0.2354
0.0165
% of portlclpants showlng
Improvement
88.89
50
77.78
% of partlcipatns showing no change
11.11
33.33
11,11
% of particlpants showlng
deterloratlon
16.67
11.11
Life clrcumstance..
56%
Family &
Relationships.. 22%
tk)mestic Abuse:
11%
Llfe
clrcumstance..
83Yo
Mental Health
Concern.. 17Yo
Concern Themes
'greoter thon 1 chonge Is considered to be clinicolly signficont (Gvyatt et 01.. 1998. Juniter et al.. 1994)
-cut off value for statlstlcal slgnlficonce is P¥EO.05. When the p value Is less than 0.05 then the null
hypothesis ￿here Is no difference between pre and post scores- can be rejected (Sullvon. 2016)
This dota identifies clinically and statistically significant effects for the people for whom
we have complete data. In addition, it provides relevont trends and insights into the
possible positive impact for the wider population supported through this project. As this is
o small sample. it is hard to distinguish precise and generalisable conclusions with high
levels of confidence for the whole project population" however, as this sample is
representative. this increases the trustworthiness of the results and mitigotes bias.
24
Cambridge
Acorn Project

STREET LEVEL TRAUMA RESPONSE
SYSTEM
Our Street Level Trauma Response System is designed to provide immediate. on the day.
access to help and support for families, This is o vital service using a local community based
model to tackle the current mental health crisis. where access to support is limited and
waiting times are long. This system of support is delivered through our five family wellbeing
drop-in hubs and outreach services embedded within local communities across
Cambridgeshire. The hubs operate across the week in Huntingdon (Moody Mondays). Soham
(Teo. Toast & Chat). Cambridge (Welcoming Wednesdays & Frazzled Fridoys) and
Northstowe (Thoughtful Thursdays).
'They listened to me and made me feeL like my
feeLin9s were vaLid. They offered help and support
which I so desperately needed. I could also take
my son to 9roup u)hen he was suspended and they
u)ere reolly good u)ith him too. You are aLL so
Lvelcomin9 and friendly. You've helped me u)hen I
was at completeLy rock bottom and I am incredibly
9ratefuL for everythin9 they've done and continue
to do for me ond my famil
Parent ot drop-in hub
Our hubs are stoffed by sociol workers. therapists. caseworkers and troined peer support
volunteers enabling us to provide a range of support to families to tackle the inequalities
stemming from trauma and poverty including.. emotional support. assessments for accessing
panoramic support, cose work and life admin support including theraplonning (attachment
and therapeutic activities and psychoeducation to support families). free legal clinic referrals.
and onward referrals to other services.
25
Cambrldge
Acorn Project

392 family contact sessions delivered
across our hubs in 2023/24. Children were
present in 141 sessions.
The most frequently discussed concerns
were: child mental health. child
behaviour. schooling difficulties. EHCP
difficulties. housing and domestic abuse
We provided extended casework
and life admin to 52 families to support with
maintaining safe homes.
f+r
We delivered 18 legal clinic sessions for
families in partnership with Tees Law.
26
Cambridge
Acorn Project

'When I walk into the drop in sessions it's just
amazing the staff that run it and olso the amount
of support I've been 9iven is so 9ood I've had so
many problems re9ardin9 my son and the heLp has
made me feel Like I'm not alone. I'm glad I found
the drop in sessions. if I hodn't I wouldn't be os
far along with my son as l am now and also the
help Luith 9ettin9 me moved to a more suitabLe
house"
Parent at drop-in hub
Two of our hubs are run In collaboration with local portners to ensure that our hubs are
sustalnable ond Increose communlty Infrostructure. In Huntlngdon we work with Huntlngdon
Community Action Projects. Huntingdon Town Council. and Huntingdon Parish. In Cambridge.
we work with Abbey People ond are kindly supported by Cambridgeshire County Council's
Llbrary services.
As part of our Cosework service we run a legal clinic bosed in Cambridge in partnership with
Tees Law. Through this multi-year partnership we are able to provide Family Law and SEND
legal advlce to support the families we ore working with.
A number of other services also provide services ot our hubs so that families can get support
using a single front door, preventing additionol time and lobour being spent on going from
servlce to service to find the right support. These services include: Richmond Fellowship. Arts
and Minds. SENDIASS, IMPAKT. SUN Network. ond Cambridgeshire Skills..
"I hope Cambrid9e Acorn Project continues forever
so it can find people Like me and change their Lives
too."
Parent supported by the Street LeveL
Trauma flesponse System and CaseLuorker
27
Cambridge
Acorn Project

CASE STUDY
Paul camc to our drop-in hub looking for urgcnt hclp during o rcally difficult timc. Hc
is the grandfather of Jimmy. who had recently been ploced in his care by children's
social services because of domestic abuse and traumo in Jimmy's birth family. Paul
was in crisis, both he and Jimmy needed immediate therapeutic support to cope with
the effects of Jimmy s troumo. which was understondably affecting the whole family.
We were able to offer a wide range of help through our panoramic support model.
This included long-term therapy for both Jimmy and Paul. as well as Paul visiting our
weekly hub sessions during particularly challenging moments. We also introduced a
part of our service called "theroplonning," which involves creating resources to
strengthen the impact of theropy at home. For Poul ond Jimmy. this meant making a
therapeutic nightlight together. to help Jimmy feel sofer ot night and overcome his
fear of the dark.
The support had positive results. Jimmy was able to work through some of his
trouma. ond. eventually. he was able to return to live with his mother once her
situation became stable.
"I wanted to email to say o hu9e thank you on behalf of
lJimmyl and me. I knoLU Jimmy has reolLy benefitted
from his weekLy Sessions with Itherapistl. He spoke
highly of Itherapistl and enjoyed his weekly sessions...
He has started to understand Lvhat Lvent on. I have
been on a mossive journey thonks to Itheropistl. I knoLU
I had to do Lots of the work but Itherapistl was
instrumentaL in heLpin9 me. Her thoughtfulness, memory,
kindness and awareness were astonishing. The broken
man you saLU aLI those months ago at Icentre namel has
been healed and repoired. I stiLI have a journey to travel
but am in o place to achieve this..
Grondporent
28
Cambridge
corn Project

PRIORITIES FOR 2024/25
Street Level Trauma Response System
In the coming year we wlll continue to focus on developing our Street
Level Traumo Response Systems including expanding our hub
infrostructure ocross the county. Increasing our outreoch capocitu and
reloted casework support tackling inequitable access ond ensuring that
more fomilies can access support quickly when they need it. We will focus
on growing the hubs as a single front door through which children and
families can access onwords referrals for our more intensive services.
Research and Academic Partnerships
A key focus is expanding our impact beyond our direct front line services
through our research activities and ocademic partnership. Building on the
success of our previous and current research projects. including our quosi-
experlmentol study wlth Anglia Ruskln Unlverslty, we wlll contlnue to work
with acodemic portners in leading universities across the country in order
to ensure thot our research activities ore rigorous and reliable. We will
continue to work with universities in order to provide real-world research
opportunities for Master's students os well os undertaking and publishing
our own Innovative theropeutic research octivities.
Panoramic Model
Our evidence based panoramic model which follows NICE Guidelines on
working with children post obuse ond neglect is central to our
commltment to continue to deliver transformative children's mental health
support. Through this way of working we can ensure thot children and
families can access a constellation of therapeutic services delivered
through an overarching therapeutic plon bespoke to their individual needs.
Key to delivering this model is obtaining flexible funding ond advocating
that funding should not be siloed to specific interventions but rother be
used in o person-centred way thot meets indivlduol children and families
in a way that is meaningful ond effective for them.
29
CambrSdge
Acorn Project

HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
Become a corporate partner
By partnering with us. your organisation can make a real difference in
your local community. As a small chority working on the front line, your
support has a direct and lasting impact. Whether you organise
workplace fundraisers. toke on team challenges. or choose us as your
Charity of the Year. every contribution counts.
We'll be with you every step of the way. offering support. sharing
updates. and celebrating the difference you are making. To find out more.
contact Kate Weir at kOl£W￿￿On)￿￿gRa£￿A[OJ￿￿L0rg.
66
Working with the charity has provided an opportunity for our creative team
to develop their skills.. It has been really rewarding seeing how our skills and
fundraising have supponed the team to establish themselves within the
community and reach as many people as possible.
Rachel Pomfret, Senior Manager at Just Digital
99
Support us in the community
There are so many woys you con help, whether on your own or with
frienos. colleagues. or communiTy groups. Take pan In a iocai eveni. run
your own fundraiser. or volunteer your time at one of our octivities.
However you choose to get involved. you'll be helping us to support
children and families when they need it most.
Settlng up a JustGiving page is quick and easy. and Gift Aid can boost
your donations at no extra cost. If you'd like to make o long-term impact.
consider setting up a small monthly donation-every little bit helps us plan
for the future.
GET IN TOUCH TODAY
We'd love to hear from youl Get in touch with our Fundraising
MuiiL]ger. KL]te Weir. ut kate.weir@cambridgeacornproject.org.uk
to chat about how you or your organisation can support our work.
30
Cambridge
Acorn Project

TRUSTEES. REPORT
Tkie Tr ustees preserit tkieir uririuul i epur t tugethei with the firiuriiiul stuterTieiits uf tkie ikiur ity
for the year1 September 2023 to 31 August 2024. The annual report serves the purposes of
both a Trustees, report and a directors, report under company law. The Trustees confirm that
the annual report and financial statements of the charity comply with the current statutory
requirements. the requirements of the charity's governing document and the provisions of
the Statement of Recommended Proctice (SORP) applicable to charities preporing thelr
accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Stondord applicable in the UK and
Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2019).
Since the charity qualifies as small under section 382 of the Componies Act 2006. the
vtrotegic report required of medium and large companieoe under the Companie
Act 2006
(Strategic Report and Directors, Report) Regulations 2013 hos been omitted.
Objectives and activities
Pollcles and objettives
The principal objects of the charity are to relieve the needs of children and families in
Cambridgeshire and surrounding localities suffering from in particular but not exclusively
traumo or emotional distress by the provision of a theropeutic model of social work.
In setting objectives and planning for activities. the Trustees hove given due consideration to
general guidance published by the Chority Commission reloting to public benefit, including
the guidance 'Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'.
Activities vndertaken to achieve objectives
The charity s prime concern is the mental health of children and fomilies and we work to
address inequalities in wellbeing due to distress (historical/traumatic and/or
contemporary/environmental) across Cambridgeshire. Our main octivity is one to one
therapeutic work with children who have experienced trauma and/or emotional distress and
we also offer support to their families. including. as an activity. whole family work. We also
offer 'structural' sessions to address emerging inequolities in wellbeing connected to the
environment. We also undertake groupwork and we are looking to pilot new initiative"
connected to children's mental health and wellbeing. such as looking at environmental and
emotional enrichment. Typically. our principle activities involve direct. face-to-foce. work with
vulnerable children and families.
31
Cambridge
Acorn Project

Achievements and Performance
Review of activities
This has been another year of significant financial growth for Cambridge Acorn Project.
Income has increased from £438.466 to £656.835 (a growth of 500/0) ond expenditure from
£434.797 to £657,605 (a growth of 51Yo). Drilling down further into these figures. salaries. by
for our greatest expenditure as we prioritise frontline work. increased by a lorge 67/0. from
£274.386 to £457,161. Further. theropist expenses and mileage increased by a significant 47%
(from £15,125 to £22.239) and supervision costs by 68Yo (from £7.370 to £12,379) reflecting
both organisational growth and the Cost of Living crisis. Other significant increoses in
expenditure included Employerfs Notional Insurance (63% increase). Pensions (51 % increase)
ond Rent (59Vo increase). Despite our growth. and the signiflcant Increoses in expenditure. we
hove managed to grow our free reserves to £38.479 in line with the below policy. with our aim
to increase this to £52,000 by the end of financial year 2025. which would leave us £38.000
from our target of £90.000,
However. we have to be aware that thls Is currently o very challenging time for the charitable
sector. Our reserves were impacted heovily in the finoncial year 2022-2023 as a result of our
growth, emergence from the Covid-19 pondemic and the cost of living crisis and recovery
from this is slow. however we do have a considered plan to help us emerge from this and
look towards a more sustolnoble future. A further challenge has been thot. alongslde
constant challenges raising funds. the need we serve has continued to grow. During the
flnanciol year 2022-2023. we worked with oround 350 children and young people. At the end
of August 2024, which is also at the end of our financial year 2023-2024. we held over 650
open cases (570 children and 84 adults) across the whole organisation and worked with more
than 700 children and fomilies ocross the year.
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank every child and family who has engaged with our services this year. In
oddition. wc would wovld likc to olso thank cvcryonc who hos cnoblcd ovr work by
generously contributing funds or donating resources and time to support Cambridge Acorn
Project In the academlc year 2023 - 2024 inclvding:
Funding for Individual Families: Buttle UK. Cambridge Aid: Littleport Town Lands. Thomas
Parsons Charity
32
Cambridge
Acorn Project

Grants: National Lottery Community Fund. UK Youth Fund.. BBC Children in Need.
Cambridgeshire Community Foundation" Huntingdon Freemen's Trust,. Combridgeshire
County Council,. NHS Health Inequolities Challenge Prize,. Alon Boswell Charitable Trust: The
Church Schools of Cambridge Trust. Help For Children: Leothersellers Foundation: Garfield
Weston Foundation: Masonic Choritable Foundation. Schreirer Foundation; South
Cambridgeshire District Council. Kelly Charitable Trust: The Brook Trust.. PEM Charitable Trust.,
NHS Healthier Futures Fund
8uslness Partners: Broadfield. Cambridge Charity Fundraisers. Co-op. Histon Feast, Ingleton
Wood, Just Digital, Northstowe Holf Marathon 2024, PEM. Simon Watson, Singing Allowed.
Soham carnival. St Wendred Masonic Lodge Newmarket, Sustainable Tech 4 Good, Tees Law,
The Big Give, Velocity Commerce
Partners: Abbey People. Active Ploy Educotion. Arts ond Minds. Cambridge Curiosity and
Imagination, Cambridge United Foundation. Cambridgeshire County Council, Cambridgeshire
County Councll Library Servlces. East Combs Integrated Neighbourhood, Fullscope.
Huntingdon Parish, Huntingdon Community Action Projects (HCAP), Huntingdon Church,
Huntingdon Town Council. Red Hen, Romsey Mill. and oll the schools we hove worked with to
support children and families.
Going Concern
After making appropriate enquiries. the Trustees hove o reosonable expectation that the
charity has adequate resources to continue in operotional existence for the foreseeable
future. For this reason, they continue to odopt the going concern basis in preporing the
financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can
be found in the accounting policies.
Reserves policy
We hove been discussing. at Trustee Level. a clearer and updated reserves policy now that
we have grown as a charity ond our monthly spend is typicolly in the region of £55.000.
Whilst three months reserves under this measure would equote to £165.000. it would not
demonstrate prudent and coreful thinking if we were just to aim for this level of unrestricted
reserves as it would not ref lect any 'Plan B, thinking. Therefore, our current plon is to target
holding £90,000 in unrestricted reserves which would reflect the organisationol structure we
had in 2021- 2022 when our annual income was £398,929 and our reserves were also in a
33
Cambridge
Acorn Project

robust place. This would mean that we would be able to maintain a reduced. but not o pure
skeleton. service whilst we recovered should we get into finoncial difficulty. We ended
2023/24 with £38,479 in unrestricted reserves and we are targeting a growth of our reserves
by £15.000 each year. meaning that we hope to reach our torget of having £90.000 in reserve
by 31/08/2028. We have recently taken on a full-time fundraiser. in January 2025. to enable
us to meet this target and become more sustainable over the longer term.
Surplus
The Statement of Financial Activities covers the year ended 31 August 2024. The results of the
year's operations are set out in the attached finonciol stotements, The net outflow of funds
for the year amounted to £770 (2023 - inflow of £3,669). The retained reserves at 31 August
2024 amounted to £114.507 (2023 - £115.277).
Principol risks and uncertainties
There remain significant ongoing risks for small charities such as ourselves, We begin the new
year in a solid financial position. However. we are aware that applications to funders have
increased, already limited financiol resources are in high demand and, alongside that.
demand for our work is increosing everywhere. Therefore. we will remain cautious and
prudent regarding any financial decisions which are mode including increasing our staff
costs. However. there is also no doubt that the mental heolth of children. young people and
tomilies is going to be challenged, disrupted and frogmented like never betore. We stand
reody to do what we can to support our beneficiaries and work tirelessly to increose our offer
and improve our services.
We would also like to extend a huge thank you to our incredibly passionate, loyal, caring and
dedicated workforce - they are the ones who continue to make CAP what it is.
Structure. governance and management
Constitution
Cambridge Acorn Project Is registered os a charity limited by guarontee ond was set up by a
Memorandum of Association.
Methods of appointment or election of Trustees
The management of the charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-
opted under the terms of the Memorandum of Association.
34
Cambridge
Acorn Project

Organisational Structure
Day to day running of the charity is delegated by the Trustees to Dr Matt Edge, CEO and
Therapeutic Proctitioner. who holds ultimate responsibility and oversight over the charity. Our
CEO is closely supported in the doily running of the chority by our Deputy CEO Dr Hannah
Chapman. The CEO and Deputy CEO oversee o wide range of clinical and non-clinical staff
from a range of backgrounds.
Policies adopted for the Induction of Trustees
I rustee recruitment ond induction. stewarded under our Sofer Recruitment Policy. is currently
carried out by our Deputy CEO in partnership with the existing board of Trustees.
In selecting o person to be oppointed as a trustee. considerotion is given to how their
residence. occupotion. employment. specialist knowledge. ond personol or professional
qualifications moy contribute to delivering against the objects of the charity. A periodic
trustees, skills audit is also conducted to assess any areas where additionol expertise may be
required.
New Trustees ore formally appointed by the Board of Trustees.
All new Trustees are provided with comprehensive induction and training to become familiar
with thelr roles and responsibilities and Cambridge Acorn Project's work.
Pay Policy for Key Management Personnel
Pay rates for senior staff are set by the Board of Trustees.
Related Party Relationships
No significant/disclosable transactions with related porties.
Financial rlsk management
The Trustees have ossessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed. in partlcular
those related to the operations ond finances of the charity. and are satisfied thot systems
and procedures are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
Members. Llablllty
Combridge Acorn Project holds insurance which indemnifies Trustees as standard. The
Members of the chority guarantee to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 to the assets of
the charity in the event of winding up.
35
Cambridge
Acorn Project

Statement of Trustees, responsibilities
The Trustees (who are also the directors of the charity for the purposes of company law) are
responsible for preparing the Trustees, report and the financial statements in accordance
with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Stondards (United Kingdom Generally
Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the Trustees to prepore finonciol statements for each financiol year.
Under company law. the Trustees must not approve the financial stotements unless they are
satisfied thot they give o true and fair view of the stote of affairs of the charity and of its
incoming resources ond applicotion of resources. including its income ond expenditure, 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 ond principles of the Chorities SORP (FRS 102):
make judgements and occounting estimotes that are reosonable and prudent..
state whether applicable UK Accounting Stondards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject
to any material deportures disclosed and exploined in the financial statements:
prepare the financiol stotements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to
presume that the charity will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping odequote occounting records that are sufficient to
show and explain the chority's transactions and disclose with reasonable accvrocy ot any
time the financial position of the charity and enoble them to ensure thot the financial
statements comply with the Componies Act 2006. They ore olso responsible for safeguording
the assets of the charity and hence for toking reasonable steps for the prevention ond
detection of froud and other irregularities.
Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees on 23 Moy 2025 and signed on
their behalf by:
CNPvgh
Trustee
36
Cambridge
Acorn Project

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S
REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
Independent Examinerfs Report to the Trustees of Cambridge Acorn Project ('the
charity,)
I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year
ended 31 August 2024.
Responsibilities and 8asis of Report
As the Trustees of the chority (ond its directors for the purposes of company low) you are
responsible for the preporation of the occounts in accordance with the requirements of the
Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act,).
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the charity ore not required to be audited under
Pai-t 16 of tlie 2006 Act arid ol-e eligible for indepeiideiit exoiiiiiiatioii. I i-eport iii i-espect of iiiy
examination of the charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011
('the 2011 Act,). In corrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the
CharitLJ Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent Examiner's Statement
Since the charity's gross income exceeded £250.000 your examiner must be a member of a
body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that l am qualified to undertake the
examination because l am a member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England
and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in
connection with the exomination giving me cause to believe:
1.accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of
the 2006 Act; or
2.the accounts do not accord with those records. or
3.the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006
Act other than any requirement thot the occounts give o 'true and fairf view which is not a
matter considered as part of an independent examinotion: or
4.the occounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of
the Statement of Recommended Proctice for accounting ond reporting by charities
37
Cambridge
Acorn Project

[applicable to charities preporing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting
Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Irelond (FRS 102)].
I have no concerns and have come across no other motters in connection with the
exomination to which ottention should be drawn in this report in order to enable o proper
understanding of the accounts to be reached.
This report is made solely to the chority's Trustees. as a body. in accordance with Part 4 of
the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that
I might state to the charity's Trustees those matters l om required to state to them in on
independent examinerfs report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by
law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other thon the charity and the
charity's Trustees as a body. for my work or for this report.
Dated.. 23" May 2025
C P J Dougherty FCA
Lakin Rose Limited
Chortered Accountants
Cambridge House
Camboro 8uslness Park
Girton
Cambridge
CB3 OQH
38
Cambridge
Acorn Project

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL
ACTIVITIES
(INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNTS) FOR THE
YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
Total funds
2024
Total funds
2023
Note
funds 2024
funds 2024
Income from-
Donations and legacie5
336.074
177.182
513.256
336,341
Choritoble octivities
77.291
66,288
143.579
102,125
Total income
413.356
243,470
656B35
438,466
Expenditure on..
Raisin9 funds
5.389
5.389
Charitable ortivities
436.827
215389
65Z.216
434,797
Total expenditure
436.827
220,778
657.605
434,797
Net movement in funds
123.4621
22,692
{770)
3,669
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought
forward
99.490
15.787
115.277
111,608
Net movement in fund5
123.4621
22,692
{770)
3,669
Totol funds curried
forward
76.028
38.479
114.507
115.277
The statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 43 to 59 form port of these financial statements.
39
Cambridge
corn Project

BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 AUGUST 2024
CAMBRIDGE ACORN PROJECT (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
REGISTERED NUMBER: 09187469
2024
2023
Note
Fixed assets
Tangible ossets
io
34
Sub totol
23
34
Current assets
Debtors
li
23.512
17,166
Cash at bank and in hand
140,968
147.128
Sub total
164,480
164.294
Creditors: amounts falling
due within one yeor
12
149.9961
149, 051)
Net current assets
114.484
115.243
Totol net ossets
114.507
115.277
Charity Funds
Restricted funds
13
76.028
99.490
Unrestricted funds
13
38.479
15.787
Total funds
114.507
115,277
40
Cambridge
corn Project

The charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act
2006.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit for the year in question in
accordance with section 476 of Companies Act 2006.
The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the
Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordonce with the provisions applicable to
entities subject to the small companies regime.
rd
The financial statements were approved ond authorised for issue by the Trustees on 23 May
2025 and signed on their behalf by:
CNPugh
Trustee
The notes on pages 43 to 59 form part of these financial statements
41
Cambridge
Acorn Project

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
2024
2023
Cash flows frorn operating Octivitses
Net cosh used in iJperaling oct1vil￿5
(&160)
5.897
Chonge in cash und c¢Jsh equivolents in the yefr
(fi160)
5.897
Cash ond cash equivolents ot the Winnin9 of the yeor
147.128
141.231
Cash and cash equivalents atthe end of the ye(r
141.231
The notes on pages 43 to 59 form part of these finoncial statements.
42
Cambridge
Acorn Project

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
1. General information
The charity is a company limited by guorantee and is incorporated in England and Wales,
The address of the registered office is Cambridgeshire Music. New School Road. Histon.
Cambridge, CB24 9LL.
2. Accounting policies
2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements hove been prepared in occordonce with the Charities SORP (FRS
102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice
applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Fleporting
Standard applicable in the UK ond Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).
the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and
the Companies Act 2006.
Cambridge Acorn Project meets the definition of o public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets
and liabilities are initially recognised ot historicol cost or transaction volue unless otherwise
stated in the relevant accounting policy.
2.2 Income
All income is recognised once the charity hos entitlement to the income. it is probable that the
income will be received and the omount of income receivoble con be measured reliably.
Grants are included in the statement of financial activities on a receivable basis. The balance
of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the
relevont funds on the balonce sheet. Where income is received in odvonce of entitlement of
receipt. its recognition is deferred ond included in creditors os deferred income. Where
entitlement occurs before income is received. the income is accrued.
Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant
is recognised at the time of the donation.
Other income is recognised in the period in which it is receivable and to the extent the goods
have been provided or on completion of the service.
43
Cambridge
Acorn Project

2.3 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer
economic benefit to o third party. it is probable that a tronsfer 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 are made up of the total of
direct costs and shared costs. including support costs involved in undertaking each activity.
Direct costs ottributable to a single activity ore allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs
which contribute to more thon one activity ond support costs which are not attributable to a
single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of
resources. Central stoff costs ore allocated on the basis of time spent. and depreciation
charges allocated on the portion of the asset's use.
Expenditure on raising funds includes all expenditure incurred by the chority to roise funds for
its charitable purposes and includes costs of all fundroising octivities events and non-
charitable troding.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the octivities which
further the chority's objectives. as well os any associated support costs.
2.4 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
l angible fixed ossets are initially recognised ot cost. After recognition. under the cost model.
tangible fixed ossets ore measured at cost less accumuloted depreciation and any
accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its
intended working condition should be included in the meosurement of cost.
Depreciation is chorged so as to ollocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual
value over their estimated useful lives. on a reducing balance basis.
Depreciation is provided on the following basis:
Computer equipment
33Yo reducing balance
2.5 Llabllltles and provlsion
Liobilities ore recognised when there is an obligotion at the balance sheet dote as a result of
a past event. it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement.
and the amount of the settlement con be estimated reliobly.
Liabilities ore recognised at the amount that the charity anticipates it will pay to settle the
debt or the amount it has received os odvanced payments for the goods or services it must
provide.
44
Cambridge
Acorn Project

Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation.
Where the effect of the time volve of money is material. the provision is based on the present
value of those amounts. discounted at the pre-tax discount rote that reflects the risks specific
to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the statement of financial
octivities as a finance cost,
2.6 Pensions
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge
represents the amounts payable by the charity to the fund in respect of the year.
2.7 Fund accovnting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the
Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity ond which have not been
designated for other purposes.
Restrlcted funds are funds which are to be used in accordonce with specific restrlctions
imposed by donors or which hove been raised by the chority for particular purposes. The
costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim
and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
S. Income from donation and legacies
Restrirted fund$
2024
Unrestrirted fund5
2024
Totol funds
2024
Totol funds
2023
Donations
306
84,806
85.112
74.737
Gronts
335.768
92.376
428.144
261,604
Total
336.074
177.182
513.256
336.341
Total 2023
230.879
105.462
336.341
45
Cambridge
Acorn Project

4. Income from charitable activities
Restricted funds
2024
Unrestricted funds
2024
Total funds
2024
Total funds
2023
Theropy fees
77.291
66.288
143,579
102,125
Total 2023
34,500
67,625
102,125
5. Expenditure on raising funds
Costs of raising voluntary income
UnrestTlcted funds
2024
Total funds
2024
Totol funds
2023
Costs of raisin9 voluntory income
&389
6. Analysis of expenditure by activities
undertaken
directly
2024
Support costs
2024
Total funds
2024
Total funds
2023
Provision of
theropy
618,614
33.602
652.216
434,797
Totol 2023
409,504
25.293
434.797
46
Cambridge
Acorn Project

6. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)
Analysis of direct costs
Provision of therapy
2024
Total funds
2024
Totul funds
2023
Stoff costs
496.197
36.197
298.705
Therapist fees
66.053
6&053
85.193
Supervision fees
12,379
12.379
7.370
Theropist expenses
22.239
22.239
15.125
Enrlchment expenses
21.746
21.746
2.732
Creative packs
379
Total 2024
618.614
618.614
409,504
Total 2023
409.$04
409.504
47
Cambrldge
Acorn Project

6. Aiiolysi5 Of expeiiditure by octivitie5 (continued)
Analysis of support costs
Provision of theropy
2024
Total fund$
2024
Total funds
2023
Depreciation
li
li
17
Computer costs
5.582
5.582
6.380
Insurance
1.709
1.709
1.700
Stoff training
3.221
3,221
256
Subscriptions
284
284
30
Oad debts
1.360
1.360
9GO
Room hire
8.463
8.463
5.316
Generol office expenses
3,472
3.472
2.100
Consultancy
2.636
Z.636
3,166
Govemance costs
6,864
6.864
5.368
Totol 2024
33,602
33.602
25,293
Total 2023
25293
25.293
48
Cambridge
Acorn Project

7. Independent examiner's remuneration
2024
2023
Fees payuble to the charwty's
independent examiner for the
independent examinotion of the
chority's annuol occounts
2,250
8. Staff costs
2024
2023
Wages ond solories
457,161
274.386
Sociol security costs
30,105
18,421
Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes
8.931
5.898
Totol
496.197
298.705
The average numbers of persons employed by the charity during the yeor was os follows
2024
No.
2023
No...
Employees
25
13
No employee received remuneration omounting to more than £60,000 in either yeor.
9. Trustees. remuneration and expenses
During the year ended 31 August 2024. no Trustees received any remunerotion or other
benefits (2023 - £NIL).
During the year ended 31 August 2024. no Trustee expenses have been incurred (2023 - £NIL).
49
Cambridge
Acorn Project

10. Tangible fixed assets
Computer equipment
Cost or valuation
At I September 2023
540
At 31 August 2024
540
Depreci(rtion
At I September 2023
506
Chorge for the year
li
At 31 Au9LlSt 2024
517
Net book vglue
At 31 August 2024
23
At 31 August 2023
34
11. Debtors
2024
2023
Due within one yeor
Trode debtors
14.748
10,942
Other debtors
&764
Prepoyments ond accnjed income
6,224
Total
23.512
17,166
50
Cambridge
Acorn Project

12. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
Trode creditors
9.605
8.050
Other taxation ond social securty
9.139
5,999
Accruols ond deferred income
31.252
35,002
Totol
49.996
49,051
51
Combrldge
Acorn Project

13. Statement of funds
Statement of funds - current year
Baknnce ￿ I
Balance at 31
Au9USt
2024
Income
2023
Unrestricted fvnds
General Funds
IS787
243.470
1220,778)
38.479
Restrirted Funds
Environmental Enrichment
10301
110.301)
Huntingdon Flexible FundiThJ
19,640)
Tetris Proiert
37MIS
127.664)
9.351
Moon Project
18.1521
16,848
Soclol PrescribiNJ
136.068)
23.932
Flexible Funding
10.000
14000
15,248)
18.752
Eost Combs Street-Lev
Trauma Response System
202n
IIL773
1127,621)
4.424
Huntingdon Street-Level
Troumo Response System
58.512
158.512)
Cambridge Cty Street-Level
Trouma Response System
6j￿1
94,407
198,14n
2.341
SoLrth Combs Street-Level
Troumo Response System
9,IC
3L816
140,924)
Individuals in Need
Ll57
4376
15,533)
52
Cambridge
Acorn Project

13. Statement of funds (continued)
Statement of funds - current year (continued)
Balance ot I
September
2023
Balance at 31
August
2024
Income
Expenditure
Communty Therapy
7￿97
17.897)
Other
LS00
11,1201
380
Subtotol (Restrirted fvnds)
99.490
413.365
1436B27)
76.028
Total of funds
115.277
656,835
1657,6051
114,507
Details of the moin funds are os follows:
The Envlronmental Enrichment (EE) Project is an emotional wellbeing project funded by BBC
Chlldren In Need, alongside other funders including the Church Schools of Cambridge Trust,
promoting children's mental health through the promotion of enriched experiences.
The Tetrls Project. funded in 2022 by the NHS Health Inequalities Challenge Prlze and
Cambridgeshire County Council's Public Health Team. uses a block stacking gome to support
Cliildi"¢ii oiid Youiig people experiencing intrusive memories ond/or general sti-ess.
The Moon Project, funded in 2022-2023 by Ely South PCN and Cambridgeshlre County
Council Domestic And Sexual Violence Project (DASV). utilises bespoke pockages of support
to provide therapeutic and enrichment interventions for children ond young people who have
experienced Domestic Abuse (DA) post-trauma.
East Cambs Street-Level Trouma Response System (SLTRS) our vanguard project, funded by
the National Lottery Community Fund. provides a community-based support system to
respond to childhood troumo in East Cambs. Funding bespoke. panoramic. packoges of
support for children ond young people who have experienced trauma. In 2023. this was
expanded to Huntingdon.. Cambridge City and South Cambs.
Flexible Funding, funded by Help for Children alongside other funders. enables flexibly funded
bespoke therapeutic packoges to support economically deprived children. who
53
Combrldge
Acorn Project

have experienced abuse aiming to reduce symptoms of trouma and promote long-term
recovery.
Social Prescribing, funded by East Combridgeshire NHS Integrated Neighbourhood enables a
Social Prescriber. hosted by Cambridge Acorn Project, to work with Children and Young
People in East Cambs.
Statement of funds - prior year
Balance ot I
September
2022
8olance ot 31
August
2023
Income
Expenditure
Unrestricted funds
General Funds
49.386
173,087
{206,6861
15,787
Restrirted Funds
Environmental Enrichment
11.887
(11,8871
Huntingdon Flexible Funding
10.000
10,000
Tetris Project
3.489
40,000
(6,4741
37,015
Empothetic Communf(ies
49.442
(49,4421
Moon Project
33.072
(33,0721
Flexible Funding
14.000
(6,0401
7,960
East Combs Street-Level
Troumo Response System
63.167
(42,8951
20,272
Huntingdon Street-Level
Troumo Response System
40.600
(40,6001
Combridge Cty Street-Level
Traumo Response System
6,300
(2191
6,081
54
Cambridge
Acorn Project

13. Statement of funds (continued)
Statement of funds - prior year (continued)
Balance at I
September
2022
Balance at 31
August
2023
Income
Expenditure
SoLrth Combs Street-Level
Troumo Response System
iO.OL))
18921
9,108
Theropeutic Support
8,483
1.370
19.853)
Individuals in Need
1.339
3C
1482)
1,157
Inequalty Work
6.857
(6.8579
Communrty Therapy
7,142
12,3C
114.340)
5,102
Porenting Project
1,840
(1.8401
Troum¢J Fund
295
295
Other
718
13.218)
2,500
Subtotal (Restricted funds)
62,222
265,379
[228,1111
99,490
Total of funds
111.608
438.466
(434.797)
115,277
55
Combrldge
Acorn Project

14. Summary of funds
Summary of funds - current year
Balance at 31
August
2024
2023
Generol funds
15.787
243.470
1220.778
38,479
Restricted fund5
413365
1436.827)
76.028
115277
656A35
1657.605
114,507
Summary of funds - prior year
Bolonce ot I
September
2022
Balance at 31
August
2023
Incoff
Expenditure
Generol funds
49.386
173.087
(206,6861
15,787
Restrirted funds
62.222
265.379
(228,1111
99,490
111.608
438.466
1434.7971
115.277
56
Cambrldge
Acorn Project

15. Analysis of net assets between funds
Analysis of net assets between funds - current period
Restricted funds
2024
Unrestricted fiinds
2024
Total funds
2024
Tangible fixed assets
23
23
Current assets
104.641
59.839
164.480
Credwtors due wtthin one yeor
128.6131
121.3831
149.996)
Total
76.028
38.479
114,507
Restricted funds relote to the following grants receivoble which hove been deferred and will
be released in future periods as the grant performance conditions are achieved.
East Cambrldgeshlre Street-Level Trauma Response System £19.800
Cambridge City Street-Level Troumo Response System £8.813
Analysls of net assets between funds - prior period
Restrfcted funds
2023
Unrestrfrted funds
2023
Totol funds
2023
Tangible fixed assets
34
Current 05sets
132.244
32.050
164.294
Creditors due within one yeor
132.754)
(16.297J
149.0511
Total
99.490
15.787
115,277
Restricted funds relate to the following grants receivoble which hove been deferred and will
be released in future periods as the grant performance conditions are achieved.
Various Street-Level Traumo Response System Funds £27.414
Other restricted funds £4.500
Indlviduals in Need £840
57
Cambrldge
Acorn Project

16. Reconcilliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities
2024
2023
Net incomelexpenditure for the period Ios F
Statement of Financial AcU"vitiesl
1770)
3.669
Adjustments for.
Depreciotion char9es
li
17
Increose in debtors
(6346)
fl.308)
Increase in creditors
945
3.519
Net cash provlded byllused in) operatiNJ CKti¥i
(6.160)
&897
17. Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
2024
2023
Cash in horKi
140.
147.128
Total cash and Cash equivalents
140.968
147,128
18. Analusls of changes in net debt
At I September
2023
Co5h flow5
At 31 August
2024
Cash at bonk and in hond
147.128
(6,1601
140,968
147.128
(6.160)
140,968
58
Combrldge
Acorn Project

19. Pension commitments
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are
held separately from those of the chority in an independently administered fund. The pension
cost charge represents contributions payable by the charity to the fund ond amounted to
£8,931 (2023 - £5,898). Contributions of £nil (2023 - £nil) were payable to the fund at the
balance sheet date and are included in creditors.
59
Cambridge
Acorn Project

Get in touch
www.cambridgeacornproject.org.uk
info@cambridgeacornproject.org.uk
@cambridge_acorn project
This document was produced on 23rd May 2025
Cambridge Acorn Project
Cambridgeshire Music. New School Road, Histon, Cambridge,
CB24 9LL
Registered Charity No: 11750191 Company No: 9187469
Illustrations O Polly Allburn 2023
60