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2023-07-31-accounts

T R U S T E E S ' A N N U A L R E P O R T 1 S T A U G 2 0 2 2 - 3 1 S T J U L Y 2 0 2 3

Be Me Project has bridged the void that exists in providing support for some of the vulnerable students in our society. Be Me celebrates the worth of every individual, strives to give selfesteem and encouragement to all the young people whose life it touches. I have watched my students grow, feel able to express themselves and own their individual successes, no matter how small.

A Head of Year

C H A L L E N G E S

O U R R E S P O N S E

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WE HAVE
SUPPORTED
540 PEOPLE
THIS YEAR
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CHAIR'S REMARKS

It has been a tremendous privilege to be involved with Be Me Project these last nine years. Over that time we have seen Be Me Project grow not just numerically and financially, but also grow in terms of confidence, impact, and reputation. What started as a small group of girls in one school has now grown to 113 courses this year, impacting 540 young people, boys, girls and young women. Not only that, but the results, especially in our new post-covid world, have been wonderfully heartening, as we see young lives grow in confidence, armed with the tools to face the challenges of life. Be Me is now more widely known, not only in schools but also amongst other charities and organisations, and there is a growing interest in how and what we do.

Our team has grown too. From Lu on her own, we will have 4 employees in the coming year, 5 senior leaders, over 20 course leaders and helpers and several volunteers. The increase in funding, particularly the more longterm funding and grants, are enabling us to invest in people

and expand the payroll. Our back-up systems, safeguards and procedures are robust, and are reviewed vigorously to make sure we take care of those within Be Me, and those who Be Me take care of. Be Me is ultimately about people. The care, compassion and love shown by our

carefully chosen leaders and helpers are the backbone to who we are, and it impacts those we work with who are struggling with life, to give them courage, hope and a future. We are in an increasingly strong position to continue that into the foreseeable future.

Alison Thomas, Chair

My daughter has been going to weekly sessions with Be Me and I want to say a massive thank you. She loved it. We feel her confidence and self esteem have got a lot better, the last few weeks.

Parent

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OUR STORY

Be Me Project has grown significantly since it started in 2014 in one school in Dorking. In 2021-22 we ran 70 courses; in 2022-23 we expanded by 52% to 113 courses, working with 540 beneficiaries. We more than doubled our provision in Surrey, consolidated our previous year’s growth in Cumbria and are establishing Kent as a viable hub. Our strategic plan is to consolidate to 2024-5 in terms of locations and number of courses. We will continue to focus on Surrey as the core hub, whilst supporting a satellite hub in Cumbria and courses in Kent.

We have a strong team in place, including experienced leaders who provide oversight and training to newer paid or voluntary workers.

Our programme is based on the following values:

We continue to receive excellent feedback from participants, parents of participants and schools, and from local councillors.

Our courses are ‘free of charge’ for the host organisation and participants so that they can be accessed by vulnerable or disadvantaged members of the community. We will continue to ensure that a high proportion of our courses are in areas of social deprivation such as North Leatherhead, Goodwyns and Chart Downs in Dorking, and lower income areas of Tonbridge in Kent and Barrow in Cumbria.

“Be Me Project is a brilliant charity that supports young people and women to build their confidence and self-esteem. They help people to recognise their self-worth and realise their full potential, whilst spreading positivity along the way. They provide a caring and compassionate environment, a safe space where everyone can be candid about the pressures they are facing, be themselves and be proud of who they are.”

Joanna Killian, Chief Executive Leadership Office, Resources - surreycc.gov.uk

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3
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My son has come on leaps and bounds since taking part in Be Me project Parent

HOW WE HELP

We run two different courses for groups and 1:1 sessions. The ‘She Is’ course is craft-based as well as discussional, and designed specifically for girls and young women. Who Am I? is a slightly shorter course that works well with either boys or girls, and over 20% of our provision is now for boys. In each course we try to ensure that the participants relate to each other, to help them get the best out of the sessions and to keep up long term encouraging friendships.

OUR MISSION

Be Me Project exists to give young people a better start in life. It is based on a theory of change; the outputs from our courses are improved self esteem and confidence, and greater positivity in young people. As a result, they are able to better recognise and value their self worth, enjoy an improved educational experience, strengthen family/peer relationships, and ultimately they have a better start in life with improved mental wellbeing.

OUR AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Be Me Project uses its bespoke discussion-based courses to improve the mental wellbeing of vulnerable people in our community. Specifically, we aim to

Participants complete an emotional barometer survey at the start and end of the course. This means we can measure change and impact of the course against the key outcomes. Improvements in these areas benefit beneficiaries in the short term by

In the longer term the impact is an improved educational experience and more confident and able members of the community.

The advice was the best part, and feeling like I was actually listened to. I would recommend this course to other people who need to get stuff off their minds.

APPROX. 2 BENEFICIARIES PER GROUP ARE REFERRED WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND A HIGH PROPORTION ARE NEURODIVERSE

13 year old

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540 BENEFICIARIES 113 COURSES IN 13 SCHOOLS 4 COMMUNITY-BASED COURSES 65 COURSES IN SURREY 31 IN CUMBRIA 17 IN KENT

Be Me Project supports people struggling with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and vulnerable young women in the community struggling with their mental health. Those who work with us have all experienced difficult times and can often empathise with our participants and not judge them.

Over the last year we have increased our focus on longer term follow up. We have always had individuals who go on to become course assistants, mentors or even help in our office, but we now actively seek to follow up all beneficiaries with the option of drop in sessions and a contact six months later on, along with providing them with some positive reminders on our social media platforms.

Two years ago you allowed my daughter who was struggling in Y10 to be a mentor with a Y8 group. She still talks about Be Me two years on, how she found help, and how the younger girls when they are struggling still come to her, and she can help them. It dramatically changed her life, making her feel better about herself and more positive.

Parent

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IMPACT

We are in our second year of impact data, and have some strong evidence of success. Participants are asked to rate themselves on various characteristics both at the start and the end of the course.

PRE COURSE VIEWS:

Since April we have a new streamlined questionnaire that enables us to get faster, easier to read and actionable results. Early results from the first 100 responses show:

Lack of self esteem

POST COURSE VIEWS:

I can be myself

RECONNECT

Our six month reconnect project is in its infancy but we have found that whilst wellbeing nowadays varies, most who chose to recontact say that their confidence has improved, and their self esteem and resilience. All would recommend Be Me to a friend.

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Would you recommend Be Me to a friend?
75%
50%
25%
0%
% Score 1- % Score 5- % Score 8-
4 7 10
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Three-quarters would definitely recommend Be Me to a friend.

Rating of wellbeing was at an average of 4.8/10 pre course. Post course, it rose to an average of 7.4/10 –

an increase of 50% on the starting average.

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% rating BEFORE course % rating END of course
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Significant increase in most areas post course , particularly in liking self, confidence and managing emotions.

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I like being me
I am generally understood
I am really confident
Don't struggle with anxiety
I'm very resilient & bounce-back
I manage my thoughts well
I don't worry about how I compare to others
Good at managing emotions
0 1 2 3 4
Pre course Post course
6
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OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

We have had lots of fundraising and awareness events; our biggest event was a June summer band night, which raised over £2,200. Lots of other people have been very creative and generous in how they have fund raised for us, including Cotswold Ultra Challenge 100k walk : 6 people raising over £3000

BE ME SUMMER FUNDRAISER

A local GP did the Hever Castle run and raised over £500

For the third year, Be Me Project was invited to have a stall at the Surrey Mental Health and Wellbeing Festival ‘Mindfest’. We also spoke at the event about emotions to an audience of 100.

We spoke at a parents evening at one of our beneficiary schools, giving tips for young people’s mental health .

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’ ST GEORGE S NIGHT

RADIO

Our CEO Lu, was interviewed live on UCB radio on the Ruth O’Reilly-Smith show about her life story and how and why she founded Be Me.

We were invited to a lovely performance by Abi F Jones, local singer-songwriter, where we were the nominated charity and for which over £400 was raised.

BE ME CONFERENCE

We had our annual Be Me conference for the South East in July; Cumbria is in September. We celebrated what we have achieved in the year, learnt more about specialist areas including autism, worked on some course material improvements and had lunch together.

LOCAL COUNCIL

In May, we were invited to lunch at Surrey County Council where we were awarded a certificate in recognition of Be Me outstanding contribution to Surrey and its residents. We have also been networking with local councillors. We have enjoyed inviting them to our offices, and showcasing our work.

AUTISM CHAMPION TRAINING

Thank you for the ‘Who Am I’ project sessions. They were really helpful and it was nice to just speak to some new people who understood where I was coming from.

Lu Mason completed the 2022-24 programme delivered by Autism by Experience CIC. We are incorporating her learning into our courses.

Participant

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FUTURE STRATEGIC AIMS AND DEVELOPMENTS

The work that the Be Me project has delivered in our school has been transformational for many of our pupils, most of which were identified as vulnerable pupils who needed extra help and support to develop their self-esteem, confidence and social skills.

Deputy Head Teacher

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GOVERNANCE & LEADERS

Our Governance Plan sets out how we as a charity are governed and considers the requirements and guidance laid down by the Charity Commission and Companies House where applicable.

The charity takes care to organise and control its affairs reasonably, responsibly and effectively with adequate risk management systems.

The Governance Team will work with the staff, volunteers and supporters to ensure the best implementation of the charity’s objectives and purposes for the benefit of all participants of Be Me Project and those with whom we are associated.

Trustees are appointed solely by existing trustees (having considered the views of the CEO), subject to a minimum 75% agreement of the Trustees. All Trustees are interviewed, referenced and DBS checked.

RESPONSIBLITY OF TRUSTEES FOR FINANCIAL STATEMENT

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KEY INFORMATION FROM OUR FINANCIAL REPORTS YEAR TO 31ST JULY 2022

Risk Management

The Trustees acknowledge that they have a responsibility for the identification and proper management of risks faced by the Charity in achieving its primary aims. The Trustees have therefore assessed the major risks to which the Charity is exposed, in particular those relating to the specific operational areas of the Charity, its investments and its finances. The Trustees believe that, by monitoring reserve levels, by ensuring that controls exist over key financial systems, and by examining the operational risks faced by the Charity, they have established effective systems and procedures to mitigate those risks.

In the last year, we have conducted a full risk assessment and revised our policy, and have initiated a business continuity plan.

Financial Review

Funding for the Charity comes primarily from donations from charitable trusts and individuals.

Financial Activity and Financial Position

The Charity has had a very good year financially and has met its ambitious goals in terms of the numbers of those it has helped. It has also been successful in terms of grants received, financial management and the continued building of awareness of our work. We have been delighted to be in receipt of a wide range of generous grants this year, which include several that are multi-year, enabling us to build our sustainability. These include a five-year scale-up fund from Surrey Community Foundation, and three-year grants from Benefact Trust, Frances Scott, St Faiths Trust and Cumbria Community Foundation.

Reserves Policy

The Trustees have examined the requirements for free reserves, in other words those unrestricted funds not invested in tangible fixed assets. The Trustees consider that, given the nature of the Charity’s work, free reserves should be equivalent to approximately 3 months’ budgeted routine expenditure, plus committed future expenditure on other projects, where funds permit. The Trustees are of the opinion that this provides sufficient flexibility to cover temporary shortfalls in incoming resources and will allow the Charity to cope and respond to unforeseen emergencies whilst specific action plans are implemented. At 31 July 2023 the Charity had net free reserves of £xs follows:

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BE ME PROJECT Report of the Independent Examiner to the Trustee5 of Be Me Project I report on the accounts of the Be Me Project for the year erbded 31 Juty 2023. This report is made solely to the Trustees in accordance with sectyon 145 of the Charities Act 2011 {'the Att"). My independent examination h35 been undertaken so that I mi8ht srate to the Trustee5 those matters l am required to 5tste to them in an independent examiner s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by the law. I do not accept responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the Trustees for my independent examination, for this reporL or the opinions I have fornied. Respectlve responsibilltles of Trustees and examiner The Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under section 14412) of the Attl and that an independent examination is needed. It is ry responsibiliEy to.. examine the accounts (under section 145 of the Act). follow the procedures laid down in the General Direction gNen by the Charity Commission (under section 145151{bl of the kt)., and state whether particular matters have come to my attention Basls of Indèpendént •xamlnees rtatemwt My examination was carried out in accordance with Generdl Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by rhe Charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes considerats'on of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts. and seeking explanations from the Trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all rhe eviden¢e thai would be required in an audiE and ¢onsequenrty I d¢ express an audir opinion on the a¢¢ounrs. Ind¢pendent ￿*￿Iner'S s¢at¢m¢nt I have completed my examination. I confirni that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examinaiion giving mè causè 10 beli￿è that in any martrial rtSWL . accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Affj or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records: or 3. the actounis do not comply with the applicable requiremenrs concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Chariiies (Accounrs and Reports} Regularions 2Cth other than any requirement thai Ihe accounts give a 'true and fair view. which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concern5 and have come acro55 no other marrers in c￿ne(lI¢￿ V￿th the examinavon to which attenuon should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understsnding of the accounts to be reached. John Helm ACA 21 November 2023 12

BE ME PROJECT Statement of Financial Activities For the year ended 31 July 2023 Unrestricted Restrlrted Funds Fund5 2023 2023 Unre5trirted Rertrlcted Fund5 Funds 2022 2022 Total 2023 Total 2022 Note Income from: Donations and legacies Income Trading Inve5tment5 39.419 178 91 137.273 17&692 178 28.334 430 141788 171.122 430 Total Incomo 39,088 137,273 176,961 28,765 142,788 171,553 Expenditurè on: Raising funds Charitable acrivitie5 827 29.2n 20.988 121.954 21.815 151.226 652 11.1721 3.084 98,Crf)S 3,736 96,833 Total Expenditure 30,099 142,942 173,041 (520) 101,089 100,569 Net incomel(expenditure) before tax 9.589 <5,669) 3.920 29.285 41,699 70.984 Tax payable Net Incomel(èxyndlture) after tax 9.589 {5,669) 3.920 29,285 41,699 70.984 Transfers between funds Other recognised gains and losse5 Net movement in fvnds 9,589 (5.669) 3,920 29,285 41,699 70.984 Total fvnds brought forward 54,826 99.391 154,217 25,541 57,692 83,233 Total funds carried forward 64.415 93,722 158,137 54,826 99,391 154,217 13

BE ME PROJECT Balance Sheet As at 31 July 2023 Unrestricted Funds 2023 Restricted Funds 2023 Total Funds 2023 Total Funds 2022 Fixed Asyets Tangible Assets 1,680 1,050 1.680 1.050 Current Assets Stock Debtor5 Cash ai Bank and in Hand 6.298 1.620 57.119 6.298 1.620 150,841 7,663 7,098 140.186 93.722 65.037 93.722 158.759 154,947 Crèditors - Amounts Fallln8 Du• Within One Year 2.302 2.302 1.780 Net Currnnt As*ts 62.735 93.722 156.457 153.167 Net Assèts 64,415 93,722 158,137 154,217 Represented By: Unrestricced Income Funds Restricted Income Funds 64.415 64,415 93.722 54,826 99,391 93.722 Total Funds 64,415 93,722 158.137 154,217 These financial Statements were approved by the Trustees on 21" November 2023 and syied on their behalf by.. Allson Thomas Trurtee Company Registration Number: 7548705 14

BE ME PROJECT Notes to the Financial Ststements For the year ended 31 July 2023 l. Accounting Policles The principal accounting policies adopted. jUdgeW￿￿￿ and key sources of esumation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are a5 folSov Basis of accounting The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011. the Companies Act 2006 and in accordance with the Charities Scatement of Recommended Practice (Charityes SORP IFRS 102)) and Financial Reporting Standard 102 (FRS 102). The financial Statements are drawn up on the historical cost ba515 of accountirsg. The Charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity ￿)der FRS 101 Going Concern There are no material uncenainties about the charity's ability to continue as a Jing concern and accordingly thè accouncs have been drawn up on a going concern basis. Income recognltlon Voluntary income and dona¢ions (including legacie5) are accounted for once the Charity ha5 enritlement to the income. it is probable the income will be received and rhe amouni of income receivable can be reliably measured. Income from the recovery of rax on ¥ft aided donations is atcountèd for in the perts)d to which the relevant donation is received. Grant income is recognised on a receNable basis. Interest on fund5 held on dep051t is irKluded when recei￿ble and the amount can be measured reliably by the Charity: this is normally upon notification of the inreresr paid or payable by the bank Expendlture recognition Expenditure 15 accrued as 509n as a liabiliry is considered probable. and the amount of obligatlon ¢an be measured reliably. Longer ¢erni liabilitie5 are discounted to present value. The Chariy 15 nor regis*red for VAT and accordingly expenditure includes VAT where appropriat& Expenditure included in Raising Funds includes amounts incurred in obtaining grants and other donations. Charitable expenditure indudes those costs in fulfilling the Charity's principal obiects, as outiined in the Report of the Trustees. Charitable expenditure includes governance costs and an apportionment of support costs. Governance costs comprise all costs involving the public accountability of the Chariry and its compliance with rÈgulation and good prdcrice. Thèsè costs includè costs rÈlaEèd 10 the indepèndent examirbation and legal fees. Stock Srock is valued at the lower of cost and ner realisable value. Debtors Debtors are included at the settlement amount the. Prwyments are valued at the amount prepaid. Cash at bank and in hand Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short tern) highty liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of openirE of the deposiL Creditors and provisions Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a presa)t obltgatw)n arising from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to setde the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Credr¢ors and provis￿5 are recognised at their setdement amounL 15

BE ME PROJECT Notes to the Financial Ststements For the year ended 31 July 2023 l. Accounting Policles (contlnued) Fund accountlng The fund5 held by the charity are either= Unrestricted general funds - these are fvnd5 whith can be uwj in accordance with the chariuble objects at the discretion of the Trustee Restricted funds . these are funds tha¢ can only be used for parricular res¢ritted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise vknen specified by the donor or when funds are rdised for particular restricted purposes. 2. Incom• Unrutrlct•d RÈrtrictsd Funds Funds 2023 2023 Total 2023 Total 2022 Donations & le￿(leS Donations Gift Aid tax reclaimed Gran¢$ 35,742 3,677 5,156 40,898 3,677 49,977 8,010 114.048 132.117 39.419 137.273 176.692 172.035 Other trading Sale of merchandise 178 178 430 Investments Bank IntÈrest 91 91 39.688 137,273 176,961 172,465 In 2022 the Charity received a granr of £38.363 Q023.. £nill from S￿￿eY Better ca￿ a local authority funded scheme. 3. Expendltyrn 3& Exptndlture on Ralslng Funds Unrestricted Rertricted 2023 2023 Total 2023 Total 2022 Fundrdising 827 20,988 21,815 3,736 16

BE ME PROJECT Notes to the Financial Ststements For the year ended 31 July 2023 3. Expendlture (contlnued) 3b. ExPendI￿re on Charitable activities Unrestricted Restrirted 2023 2023 Total 2023 Total 2022 Direct course expenditure Support costs Governance costs 3.230 24.884 1.158 89.113 32.841 92.343 57.725 1,158 53.471 42.440 922 29,272 121,954 151,226 96,833 3c. Staff Corts 2023 2022 Included within Expènditure on Raisin8 Funds and Expenditure Charitable Activities are the following staff costs: Gross salarie$ Social security costs Pension concriburions 32.430 23.015 674 526 33,104 23,S41 Of which: gr¢)55 Salaries and benefits paid ro Key Mana82rrenr Personnel.. 31,390 22,489 The averagè number ol employees during the year. Number Number Full time workers Part time workers No employèè received payments in excÈss of £60.OCKI during the ￿r. Trustees are not paid a salary or expènses. 4. Net lnwM￿{exP•ndItW•) Net incomel(expenditurel is stated after charwns un￿StrICted Restritttd 2023 2023 Total 2023 Total 2022 Depreciation Independent examination fee Other fees charged by independen¢ examiner 8S4 1.158 854 1,158 870 1.554 17

BE ME PROJECT Notes to the Financial Ststements For the year ended 31 July 2023 5. Taxatlon As a charity. Be Me Project 1$ exempt from w on income and gains falling within the provisions of the Corporation Taxe5 Act 2010 or the Taxation of Ch2rgeaEAe Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects. No tax charge5 have arisen on the Chariry. 6. Tanglble Flx¢d Assets Computer Equipment Cost At l August 2022 Additions Disposals 1.932 At 31 july 2023 3.416 D•preciation At l August 2022 Charge for Year Disp05als 854 At 31 july 2023 1.736 Net Book Valuo At 31 August 2023 1,680 At 31 Au8U5r 2022 1.050 7. D•btorJ 2023 2022 Gift Aid ttx receivable Accrued income 1.620 7.097 1,620 7,097 . Credltors- Amounts Falllng Due Vvlthln One Year 2023 2022 Accrua15 (￿er creditors 1.392 910 1.155 625 2,302 1,780 18

BE ME PROJECT Notes to the Financial Ststements For the year ended 31 July 2023 9. Restrlcted Funds Atl August 2022 At31 July 2023 9a Currnnt yoar Income Expenditure Transfe Course c05ts Core costs Income developmentlfundraising Management salaries Hub administrntion 57.858 86.119 16.747 (78.336) (13.169) (20.913) (20.345) (10.179) 65.641 3.578 8,737 4.690 11.076 2&650 11.860 1.023 13.175 20.232 99.391 137,273 (142,942) 93,722 Atl August 2021 Atjl July 2022 9b Prlor year Incom• Exp•ndithr• Transfers Course Cosrs Core Costs Income developmentlfundrai5ing Management salaries Hub adminisirdtion 47.537 734 64.154 15.556 28.rJ)o 28.790 6.288 (53.833) (16.290) (2,950) (22.751) (5.265) 57.858 28.650 5.821 1.023 57,692 141788 (101,089) 99,391 De5CriPtions of the restricted funds are as foll Course costs- funds fdised for Surrey, Cumbrii Kent and Brighton to run course Core costs - funds raised for central toordination and administration. Income developm•ntlfundralsln8 fijnds raisèd to assist with thè rdising of incomè. including for consultancy hours for 3n Income Developmenr Manager. Management salarles - funds raised fcr 5al2ries for the CEO and COO. Hub administration - fund5 raised for the local administrauon of courses and building of 5choo15' relauonships 10. R•lated Party Transact1( The aggregate unrestricted donations made by Trus￿$ to the Charity were £8.928 (2021. £6.3001. 19