Ch8rlty règistration number 1177043 (England and WalÈs} MINDSONG ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 mindsong
MINDSONG LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Trustees Angela Willls (Chairl Martyn Smlth Khady Gueye (Appointed 3 Fèbwary 20251 (Appointed 19 May 20251 Charlty registratÈon Eng18nd and Wales 1177043 Reyi8tered offlce 28 Vine Way TewkBsbury Gloucestershire United Kingdom GL20 5FJ Independent •xamlner BK Plus Lirrited 6 Manor Park Busin8ss Q8nlre Mackenzié Way Chellenham Gloucestershire England GL519TX
MINDSONG CONTENTS Page Trustees, repc>rt Independent examiners report 21 Slalern8nt of financial activilles 22 stal8mont of financial p(Isilion 23 Notès to the financial 51alements 24-28
MINDSONG TRUSTEES. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 Thè trustees pres6nl their annu81 report and financlal slalemenls for the year ended 31 Décember 2025. The financial statements hav8 been prepared In 8ccordance wllh the accounting pollcle5 sel out in note 1 to Ihe financlal statements and comply with the ¢harily's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 'The Financlal Reporting Slandard applicable In the UK and Republlc of Ireland" and the Charities SORP Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statem8nl of Recommended Practice applicable lo charities preparing their awounts in accordance with the Finanelal Reporting Slandard applicable in th6 UK and Republ1¢ of lieland IFRS 1021" Objèctives and activltles About Mindsong We have been in existence since 2007, became 2 charity in 2012 and changed lo a CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisalionl in February 2018. Our Coro services are Music Therapy in someone's own home. Singing Groups both in the community and in care homes, Music Therapy in care homes, support for carers and talking groups for people with dementia al lime of diagnosis. Alongside this we work with chronic lung conditions, Long Covid and heart failure. Though we are prfmarlly dementia focussed Mindsong slls predominantly wthln th8 CreatVe health sector and is part of Arts on Prescription (Social Prescribing) in Gloucestershire. We are founding members of Gloucestershire Creative Health Consortium. We also provide training and ssjpport to professional musicians in running demenlia-sensilive session8 in care homes. Our Misslon statement Meaningful music-making and singlng lies al the heart of what we do. In an uncertain WOTld, we aim lo provide supportive presence for the people we work with. whether they live with dementia or other health conditions, alw£ys listening with open ears and offering comfort and companionship. All our work springs from a music therapy ethos of always seeing the strengths, abilities and potential in everybody we encounter. Our approach is based on ever-evolving knowledge and research about the potential for music lo be used as a powerful tool in healthcare. Our values W8 want lo see music 8ccepled as an integral part of older peoples, care,, appearing in strategy documen15 and embedded in care plan thillking. We aim to lead the way in making music accessible for people with dementia acr058 the CDunty 8nd regionally.
MINDSONG TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 Accordlng to our constltution: The objecls sha11 be lo promote and protect the physical and mental health of people living with dementia and other n8urDdegenerdlive conditions. and other health conditions where musiG would have a significanl impact, and those that care for tham. through the provlsion of music therapy, meaningful rnuslc, support, education and practical advice. Who we work wlth Mlndsong creates and provides services across Gloucestershire that are tailored for peoplè living with a derapnlia and their famlW and friends, helping to support wellb¢ing, dècrease isolation, develop new relationships, and bring joy through muslc. We offer clinical rllusic therapy sessions, community singing groups and voluntéèr-led singing with residents in care hom8s. We also aim lo increase awareness and understanding of dèm8ntia Ih¥ough training nd education. The openness of our approach has enabled us to use the skS11s and experi8nc8 gglnéd within our demenlia work to support people with other health wndilion5. We currèntly deliver supportive singing groups to improve breathing and quality ol life for people with respiralory conditions, Long Covid and aphasia. Wh08ver we are working with, Theaninglul music-maklng and singing lies al the heart of ivhat w8 do. All Dur work springs from a music Iherapy ethos of always seging thè strengths, abilities and potential in everybody we encounter. Our approach is based on ever-8volving knowledge and research about the potential for muslc to be uséd as a powerful tool in healthcare. Hundreds ol volunteers use IheiT skills to work with us, alongside an employ8d staff team, a board of Iruslees and 8 bank of freelance music Iheiapisls and vocal leaders. The spectrum ol services we offer, along with our fluid, connécled. personalised appioach at all levels of the organisalion, makÈs Mindsong unique. In an uncertain worfd, we aim to provide a supportive presence for Ihe people we work wlh. always listening with open Oars and offering cornlort, companionship 8nd, of course, muslc. How we meet our Objects Mindsong provides a range of seNices lo people with dementia, and olh6r neurological disorde such as Parkinson s and Huntingdon's disease, who live in care homes and their own homes or who ar8 resident on hospital wards or attend day cenlr8S. W8 U88 hlghly skilled, HCPC IHeallh & Care Professlons Councill registered Musio Therapists (all of whom are educaled lo post-graduate level) to provide our Music Therapy setvices. Our Togelh8r in Song Singing Group servlce is prowded by our volunteers who are trained and supwrted by our DireGlor tsf VolunleeT-Led Services and her team. Our Sing 2 Remember groups are led by dem8ntia awareness trained vocal leaders and supported by trained volunteers. We regularly SUPPDrt dementia awareness sessions across the county and sil on relevant dinical programme groups. We atso takè on additional prolects where music can have a signific3nl Impact on health.
MINDSONG TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 Public beneflt The Truslees ar8 aware of thplr rssponsibililies wilh resp6cI to public benefit ès d8finedby the Charities Act 12006J and they ars Gonfi6ent th81 Ihe aclivilies ofihe charity deliversignificantpublic aenefil to participanls drawn from a wicle varigty of sources wlthin Ihe local Br88. We act to ensure that no p8rson is excluded from our aGlivily where Ihor6 is space forthem and the apprDpriale support is available. Achievements and pÈrfonnance An Overvlew 2025 was a year of change in th8 county and we m8de il a priodty to b8 part of thé conversation. Our NHS Integrated Care System IICSI and IntegratEd Care Board IICBI b8gan the process of merging with Bristol. South Glos and North Somersel. This has me8nl changes in personnel and the potential loss ol mutually benefiaal relationships we have built over years. Our local government bodies were also in flux. with several options open. This loo has meant that funds have been more challenging lo sÉcure. However. the woik we have put in over the past 16 years has meant that we are alr6èdy ernbedded in the coujty as a trusted and hlghly valued organlsalion, so our ability lo navigat& change proved prety robust. We are optimistic that change can bring opportunilles for growth loo, as national and regional slrat8gles look towards health and wellbeing in neighbourhoods and Lommunilies, which is where we Ihiive. We increased all our Se1¢e8 In 2025, despitè th8 challenges In flnding funding, meaning we cover more of the county Ih8n ever before. We have also added new staff members, volunt8ers and trustees. We want lo thank all our lunders, both through grants and donations, such as the Julba Rauslng Foundation, Syncorsa Foundation, The Foxley Charitable Trust, The Pgars Foundation, The National Lottsry, Zurich Gommunily Trust, The NHS and Gloucestershir8 CoLJnty Council. Our gralltudg kriows no bounds lo the many, many wonderful choirs, volunt68rg, local groups and those who have loved people with a dementia, who have rais&d money for us with such passion and kindne&%. The donations from this group ol supporters are what keep us going. We also want lo thank everyone who works and volunt8ets for Mindsong, You are exceptlonal people, filled with compassion and the desire to mzke life beller. NCF organisalion Gould wish for mor8 than that. What follows is the detail of what these funds have allowed us lo deliver. Il's not until we write il all down that we fully appreciate Ihe breadth and scope of what Mindsong is and does. We believ8 we Sre uriique in the UK and we aim to be here lor as long as we are need@d. Mindset 'Vory good. I dffdn'tknow what l ¥vas letting myself In for. I really wantèd my husband's support, arnl he s now realised I need hls 5UPPOrt. Wetre now pul Import8rrt thlngs in place like our wills. Best thing Is the stjpporf from thè group., Mind5el Participant Mindset Is 3 10-w8ek post4i8gnoslic support course for people who have recently rp.rEived a dew8ntia diagnosis, and their family supporters. We provide etnolional, psychological and practical support, helping people lo come lo tÉrms with their diagnosis, and to share challengès and coping strategies in order to Ilve as well as possible. Family supporters are given space and lime lo talk tO9elher, as well as specific support and personalised signposting. 'Th• course has been good. It helped me see Ihlngs from a dlfferentpt0f view. I don'tfeel as Isolatsd., Mlndset Partlclp8nf
MINDSONG TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 Since starting Mindset in May 2022, we have delivered 20 course5 across the c4Junty, 7 of them in 2Q25. 110 people dlagnosed with a dementia have attended, with most having a family supporter allending alongside. We rea1ise the different 8nd sometimes additional challenges pgople diagnos8d with Young Onset Domenlla IYODI can lace. and so worked wlth family supporters ol poople wilh YOD to tailor our course material lo make il mor8 approprlale In addressing the r)eeds of people diagnosed at a yong6r age. So far, we have lun iwo courses speclflcally tailored for people with a YOD diagnosis, and their lamily supporters. '1 fL)und the course a good en¢ouragemenf and It Is good to know otherpeople wlth slmllar health experienc8S to my own. I have found usaful ways of d88llrtg wlth thé frustratlons thot come qulte often on some days., Mindset Participant We follow LJP wlth 8v6ryone that allends Mlndset after 6 months, lo sée how they are doing and If we can help with suggestlons of signposting or referring lo r818vant organisations. We 8lso welcome them into our other setwices in their location. so they can Gonlinue to be supported in the Community by Mindsong. There is the opportunity lo fbw IhroLJgh c>ur different offers as a demenlia progresses, F>uildlng trust and a relationshlp wlth family carers and with the person with demenlla. '1 c&n't èxpress how much of a rellef Ithas been to share experlenc$s frankly with others who truly understand., Mindset Famlly Supporter 'Thls has bèen such a lifeline., Mlndset Family Supportèr We use the Positlve Psychology Outcamè Measure IPPOM., Sloner et 81, 20171 lo measure hL)p6 and resllience before and after each course. Results Show Ihal 72Yo of SCOTes incr88s8d at post-assessmenl, indicating that the course helps lo improv8 fe8lings of hc>pe and resilienoe. .1 was pleased that he was comfortable with the group ofmen and was able to Ilsten and express his f8elings and thoughf8. Up untll thAs point'dementla, had been the elephant In the room. Now we can talk about It., Mlndset Famlly Supportèr The rn051 common feedback Is that pèople greatly value the opportunity to meet others in sitnilai siluGltions, whlch lessens feelings of isolation that often 8ccompany a dementl8 dlagnosis. Having a safe space to Share feelings, hallenges and strategies arÉ also common aspecis thal participants find helpful. The maln themes that have arisen from the courses are.. Helping participants lo acEepl their diagnosis Exploring different feelings follc>wing diagnosis Giving participants confidence to talk about their demenlla Empowering psrticlpants lo try new Ihings and meet new people Helplng participants lo focus on the positive things they can still do and enjoy 'The opportunity to sit wlth othér carers has be8n prlc8lèssl Chatting wlth someone who fully knows what 24ll carlng is like ha5 given chances to laugh, sharè and learn-maklng new frlends. Thank you I have loved it., Mindsèl Famlly Supporter Thé course ilsell encourages lastin9 bEnefils- il is about a change of 'mindsel', both for the person with a di8gnosls and the family supporter. A change from the devastating feellngs that can accompany a diagnosis lo how lo live well and reach out ltsi support. As well as changes for individual particip8nls, we see changes bètwèen couples as well, as family supporters 93in more understanding of dementia, how il might bè affecting their lovtsd one, and hoiv they can work together lo plan and pul things in p18c8 lo keep living as well as they can, both as individuals and as couples l a family. '[My husband ISJ better able to acceptthisj diagnosis and[hasJ more willingnèss to talk about this., Minds¢t Family Supporter Our YOD bAinds8t courses have provided similaT Opportunities for people to feel less isolated and lo share challenges and difficult feelings, Participants exprossed strong feelings around b$lng diagnosed, grief about thè loss of work and a sense of forebodlllg about what th8 future might hold. Beillg able lo express these feellngs In 8 sale space wlth others going through slmilar times was cath2rtic and helped participants to move through some difficult feelings, lo thinking about what thlnos they could control anLI pul In place lo live w811 with the diagnosis.
MINDSONG TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED} FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 '1 think the course has b8en excellent. Ihave learnt a lot aboul myself. It has given mé time to reflect on things. Sometime5 1 can feèl qulte upset about a 51tualiTon butglven time to process my feellngs, I hovè felt better.. Mindset YOD PArticipant '1 thlnk It h8s been great. helplng people and we have helpedeaeh other. I have been through a lof and am abl8 to share my expori&n¢es andwhat helps me. I would lo to come back and help others in future.. Mlndset YOD Participant Together in Song and Sing 2 Remember '1 love, lovè, love volunteering with Mindsong. Of Gourse Ihls Is a 9èneralisatlon, buti feel thal olderpeople andp8rticularly those ltiving with demèntia can become invislble in modern socffetyand I béliévè th8t what do goes a long way towards showAng those people how much they are valued, how w8 Care and how much wg want to make thelr life better. Any smlle, show of emollon, movement andstory lold is. for me. what it must be Ilke scorlng 8 try in the SIX Natlons Rugby Tournamenll, TIS Voluntèer Toyether in Song and Sing 2 Remember are Mindsong's ServIS that are led or supported by volunteers. These Services support people livlng with a demènlla both at home and in a care homè sèttlng. They also support carers, family members and frlends and those who have been bereaved by dementia. When a person is glven diagnosis of dementia, those around them are affected by that diagnosis. Evaluatlon During th8 flrsl half of 2025 we carried out an evaluation of both Df these seNices. We evaluated over 1.200 raspon58s to a folio of appropriate forms given lo care home residents. carers, family members. care home stafl, volunteers and community partners. Thè results of our sutvey were encouraglng and reinforced our belief that what thes& serv1$ provide is oveNhelmingly posillve whilst highlighting areas where we need lo try harder, thè main one being in nurturing relationships with care homes. We have good relationships with Activities Coordinators but il is haTder to make connections with m8nagemenl slaff and this is som8thing we will be worklng on golng foward. Together Sn Song Al present we hav8 66 singing groups in care homes hospitals. These groups, which are called Together in Song, are led by trained volunteers who visit thè home On a week or once a fortnight to sirig with residents as part of a communal activity rather than a performance. Although our volunteers are not mu51c Iherapisls, Ihoy Work from the music Ih8rapy ethos thal is al the heart ol Mindsong. Engagement equals benefit and our rnission is to support and encourage residents to access and engage with tho singing to the best of their abilities. We have a team of over 350 volunteers who vlsil the care home local to them. Our volunteers have regular updates lo thèir tr2lning. The singing is unaccompanied, spontaneous. oftan IDyful, atways emotional, and as rewarding for voluntgprs as il is beneficial for residents and staff too. There is a 1 of chat which is almost as important as the singing and staff have repeatédly tdd us Ihat the residents, moods be lifted for hour5 after volunteers have left. Whether il is Elvis, The B&atles, Vera Lynn or Tom Jones, the sosslons ara about remembering, friondship and wellbeing. The conclusion of our avalLJallon cited dementia ¢hampion Wendy MItGhell'. 'The writer. Wendy Mitchell, who lived with youllg onsel demèntia, said in a lelevlsion Interview I'Lorralne' ITVI-. 'Whenever people hear th8 word dementia Ihey thlnk of the end... They tsrget that there's a beginnlng and a middle andso muclj life stlll to bè lived., Mindsong's Volunteer-Led Senqces st¥ive to give people living with a dementia. and those around them, enhanced quality of life and the tools and support to make the most of the period of Ih@Ir Ilves lived with demerilia~ beginning, middle and énd. '1 always come away from a Mindsong session on a hlgh, S2R partlclpant Sing 2 Romember groups are for people living al home with a dementia and their carIpSrtners', fDr people experlencing loneliness or isolation,. lor anyone who would benèfit from the friendship and CAJrnmunity of a regular slnging group arKI lor those who m8y no longer feel comfortable singing in a morg foTmal choir. The groups are
MINDSONG TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 fortnighlly, and they are led by an experienced vocal leader supported by volunle6rs. We hav6 a team of 8 vocal leaders who also provlde Gover for each other where possible. Each Session sl8rts with stretches, brealhing exercises and warmups and we sing for about an hour followed by refreshments and chat. We sing well known songs, unaccompanied. and always include rounds, partner songs and songs which include sealed movement, We connect with local communily support wod(ers, such as Alzheimerfs Dernents'a Advisers 8nd Community Dementia Nurses, who will drop in lo catch up with clients and offer support and Infomialion. Th9 se551ons are free, and peopl8 are invited lo make donations if they are able lo. We hav8 16 Sing 2 Remember groups across the county. In 2025 we added new groups in Charfield, Malson, Bourton-on-the-waler la second group there). and rnosl recently in Winchcombe. Now that we have established group5 In all 2reas ol the counly. our IDGU5 is on providing our services in area5 where poopl8 may find il difficult to come out to the groups unsupported. There Is mole work involved in identifying people who would benefit from Ihe groups and then in helping those people to access them. There is also a weekly onllne slnglng groLJP that has mel every Frlday since the Apdl of Lockdown. One great 8SP8Ct of th8 onlinè group 18 that relatives who liv8 further £f181d can connect on a w88k1y or drop-in basls- and they dol We are also joined each week by the 20+ members of Kimbrose Day Centre who a¢¢ess th¢ group on their smart TV. '1 think I benefit and fake heart from Ihe love andcompassion, which the carers conslsténtly (In Ihe groupj show to Ihelr pèrtners, even though we know that they are hardly 8ver.off duty" S2R Volunteer To quote from the evaluation, 'The predominant request f¥om those who look part in the evaluation is that there is a need for more S2R groups and Ihat people wc>uld banÈfit from groups b8ing weekly rAther than fortnightly., Together in Song 'Itls nl¢e to hove the same people every w••k. They know me and wh•tl have., TIS participant Together in Song is a service which provides regular weekly or lortnighlly dementia Iriendty singing groups in over SO care homes in Gloucestgrshire. W8 also visit Willow Ward, the dementia ward al Charfton Lane Adult Menta1 Heallh Hospital in Che11enham. and Thames and Coln Wards at Cirencesler Hospital. and have groups in 6 Day Cellts. The groups are led by trained volunteers who, although not music therapists, work from the muslc therapy ethos that is al the heart of Mindsong. We have a team ol around 350 volurFleers, who visit the care home most local to them. Our volunteers have regular updates lo their training. '1 have had resldents who seldom connect with conversatlons because of speech or pmcesslng difficulties ssociated with dementia. who when atrending Mindsong singalongs suddenly Joln In the slnglng wlth all the right lyrics and melodies, acliyities coordinator The slnglng groups are Inclusive.. we slng 'wllh' not'lo,, at a pace and plteh that allows all residents to l0Sn In to th8 best ol their ability. Engagement- benefit. Ihe rnore they can join in the more they wi15 benefit from the sessions. The groups are about friendship, chat, fi¢)ding out about residents, connecting with them and using songs as our tool lo do that. Singing is Ihe key that helps to unlock memories, and the benefits from th6 singing can last long after that actlvity ilsell. often helping with memory, movem¢nl. eating, communication. Areas of change and growth in TIS Our aim this year has bean ID improve the Infrastructure of our servlces making11 fulLJreproof Should Sny of our team need lo slep away al any point. This has involved work on Our databases, rgorganisalion of our googl8 office from something that has evolved with the service, into something that is accessible by the team and fit for purpose. We have alSD upgraded the level of Iraining that we offeT to volunteers Including training Workshops lo roplaG8 our twice-ye8rly volunteer g8lherings. We hove encoutaged all our volunteers io allend 8 1-2 hour demenlla aw8ren¢ss training and a Level 1 Safeguarding training. Tralnlng
MINDSONG TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 As well 85 the recruitln9 and Irainlng volunteers we have continued off the following Irainlng across the county.. University of Gloucestershire Year 2 Popular Music students Term 2 project within the Music and Business module Dementia Awareness for Gloucester Academy of Mu51c Stand By Me mulligeneralional dementia groups vocal leaders. Creativity IrainSng session for Gloucestershire Dementia Education Strategy Team as the Ilnal part of their 12-week lone day a weekl Progression of Demenlla Iralnlng for dementi8 professionals in the county. Summary We are always looking to strengthen end lo grow. This year has been huge for both of those things. The evaluation has glven us a clear assessment of how our services are recelved by all users, volunl8ers and our own learns. This process consumed much of the first hall of the year bul we were still able lo start four new Sing 2 Remember Groups and 8 new Together in Song groups. We upscaled our trainings for volunteers and our delivery of dementia awarene55 S8ssions. We slrenglhened our links wilh community partners and other organlsalions through collaborations, inviting professionals from other groups to our training workshops 101garn from them and forge mutually useful relationships. On the ground level volunteers conlinue to get to know resid8nl$ and group merllbers, forming genuine friendships and understanding, and benefiting from the relationships every bil as rnuch as those in receipt of their kindnesses. 'It Is a wondèrful thlng to make people come together. sharing a common Ilklng for slnging the way they would have done it al home with their famllles and keeping not only their cognitive functions going but the memories tljat are brought back to them allve. Any activity coordinator can facilitate a singvalong but Mlndsong brlngs somethlng very speGi81 due to the wonderful unique people they are. A huge thank you to All for th& Joy your hard work, kindness. and compassion brings with every sesslon.. acllvltles Coordinator Music Therapy at Home {MT@H) 'tThe sessionsj were amazing. In 55 yèars of marrlagè, I$ never he8rd hersing and certainly never onsideredplaying an instrument. It was nice to hear andsee and she loved it. Before sessions, l used to walk In the kltchen and she'd be crying, but that all went. She's a blt more upbeatgènèrally. Shè loved [name of Musle Theraplstj. She was buzzing. She enjoyed the songs that Ihey sang. She's got a foldèr wlth list of all the songs., Family Carer, MT@H Mindsong's MT@H $8rvlce is for people living with an advanced dementia lor demenlla where th¢re are complex symptoms or cIrcumstans) being cared for at home by a family member, friend or profe55Ion81 carer. MT@H is now in ils 10 year, and has been supported every year with part-funding from Gloucestershire's Integrated Care Syslern IICSI via our NHS Dementia Commlssloners. We have recently achieved longer-term, 3-year part-lunding from Glouceslershlre'5 ICS. C:EII-I'II--ILA'I- Ipc NIHDSOMO
MINDSONG TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 In 2025, we were awarded Highly Commended in the'what Mallers Award, category of the NHS South West Personalised Care Awards. We are working wlh people who are at a vulnerable ond challenging point in their lives, and we provide a servi that listens, cares, and tailors Muslc Therapy and the wder support w6 offer lo each individual case. 'She is not as agitated and ènxious as she used to be. She seems a lol more relaxed now and is sleeping much better too. For me. I felt supported and the therapy has holped me through 50me rough tlmes., Family Carer, MT@H In 2025. we received 112 referrals from across the county into this service, 75 of which wenl forward for Music Therapy, wh8r8 we provided 12 weekly se55lons of Music Therapy in the home lor the person with a d8mentia, and carer alongslde, wherever this was possible. Outcomes The Music Therapy supports outcom85 5LJeh as a slrenglhened sense ol identity for the person with a dementia, improved or new way8 of communicating, slrenglhened relationships between f8mlly members, and an incr83se in feelings of wellbeing for all involved. Significantly, w8 are able to support family car8rs and reduce feelings of stress and carer burden. 'Sh8 is generally sleeping much better now- she doesn't walk now so she's not wand8rlng at nighl. I do play muslc at night time, so that 9oes through the night. Muslc definitely helps to sooth., Family Carer, MT@H In addition lo the therapy, our Iherapisls work with the fami1ylcouple to create personalised musical strategies lo support daily care and wellbeing beyond session lirne5. We gat to know the couplelfami5y and their situation, and signpost lo other support services that would b8 m05t helpful. We advocate for our elienls where appropriat8 and with their pemiission. 'She [the th8raplstJ has also been very helpful contacting Soclal Servlces forme, and just bèlng a real sounding board for me when I really needed It., Famlly Carer, MT@H As well as gathering feedback from the people we work wlh, we use the validated measure, 'MyCaW' (My COnM$ and Wellbelng,. Meaningful Measure5, 20201 to evaluate MT@H. Results show that 80/0 of conc8ms identified by family carers improve following the Music Therapy intervention. In addition, 58Vo of family carers, wellbeing scores also improve al post a5se55ment. This evidences that MT@H is successful in supporting people with advanced dementia and their carers, and addresses aspects that carers identify as the most important lo them and the person they are caring for. 'I've loved it myself, and he has. 11 w85 a Joy ftir me to watch him enjoylng It so much. He becamé so serious about the song slnging- oh, il was wonderful and brought tears to my eyes lo see him so Intent. Theré's nothing else that he tries hard with., Family Carer, MT@H 'I'm so grateful for what [Mindsong] does. It means a lot that someone shows they care, for me as well a5 for my husband.. Famlly Carer, MT@H 'The whole of Mindsong is great.. everyone I have dealt wlth have been so caring and supportive. It has all made such a differenGe to our Ilves., Famlly Carér, MT@H
MINDSONG TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 Mu$lc Therapy at Home IMT@Hl Ca89 Study This case study is shared by one of our Music Therapists, Rachel Knowles-matlhews, and glves an illustration of how MT@H can support a person1Sving with a dementia and their family member. Every case is very drff8r8nt, bul I hope th15 gives a flavour of our work. Consent to share this story was gained from Ihe participants and thèrapisl who facililaled the woik. I have changed the names of the participants to prot8Qt confidentiality. Margaret and Colin 'Margaret was referred lo Mindsong for MT@H by her Alih8imer's Society D8mÈntla AlSer. The maln reason for rèferral was lo support with mood and communlcallon. Margaret w85 diagnosed with Younq Onset Dernentia with Alzheimef s Disèase. Margarel's husband, Colin, is her main carer. They also receive stjpport from a carer who visits for a couple of hoLJrs a week. Margaret had MT@H previously bul was re-relerred as her damentla has deterlorat8d and she struggles significantly with her speech. which has e2Used a lol ol tearfulness and anxiety. ycaw (My CDncems and Wellbeing, Meaningful M8asures, 20201 We use Mycaw lo evalu81e our work. Using this tool, one or two concem8 that we rnay ba Ab18 to help with are identified and rated as lo how conceming they are for the csrer. In the first Music Therapy session, Colin shared two concerns.. 1.. Communkation 2. Mood On a sca16 of O to 6, where O -"nol bothering me at all 8nd 6 ="bolhers me greatly Colln rated th8 first conGern al 4 and the second concern at 5. Where O - as good as It could be and 6-"as bad a5 11 could be. he rat8d Margaret's overall wéllbeing al 5. 161usic Therapy S•sslons I saw M8rgarel for 12 sessions between June and Sopt8mbeT. Each session18slgd approxirnately an hour. Colln was not present during sessions but was in tho next room just in case Margaret fell she needed him. Summary of Kèy Outcomes q. Communlcatlon & Engagement.. Through music therapy, wè were able lo find a new way of communicating. I modelled ways of connection thrDuqh sounds and songs al Margaret's pacè, through voice, keyboard and IStenIng to music. During the initial sessions Marg2ret sang, a5 this was her musical bxckgTound and her ¥nain form ol expressitsn, but sgemed unrtain about new ways of explorlng music, such as the keyboard. Margaret also presented anxiety when commtjnicatlng with me and she sometimes shared 'my hBad isn't. 'and 'I'm not very good,. There was a physical distanc8 belween us. bul sh8 fo11 rnore comfortable and secure having a Highland cow plush loy named 'Ha¥rylGr8ham' in sessions. I woulof communicate with HarrylGraham and Margaret would respond cumlortably through the plush toy. As sessions progre8sed. Margaret showed confid8nc8 in exploring beyond singing. She would independently play th8 keyboard whilsl singing along lo her keyboard playing. She WOLild aFso make choices by using single words or through body languageleyes moving towards her rnusicxl choice. The physical distsnce closed between us and M8rgaret seemEd to feel more trusting ol me as I sat next lo her and we created music together. 2. Wellbeing.. Once we had created a trusting ielationship, l obseNed that the music we shared Ilfted M8rgaret's mood, Margaret, having a love for music and singing throughout her lifè, enjoyed using her voicg in Sessions. During the earlier sessions, Marqerel would sing softly, normally to herself, looking away and choosing not Ic* engage with me. As th6 weeks went on, Mawarel offered me smiles, and miriored body movements, and she shared her voice with confidencè. When slnging, Margaret often wouldn't sing the words, arKI she seemed conscious of Ihls in my presence. Sul as I mirrored her way of singing, Ihls seemed lo valldale her and give her confidenTr lo be in the morlleTrl Mqlh me. During the lalsr Sessions, Margaret filled the room with her voice and opened a space for me lo sing vjith her. Colin shared that giving Margaret more music fin her Ilfelhas be&n the best Ihing,.
MINDSONG TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 3. Identlty-' Over the twelve w6eks Margaret becamè more confident in her communication wSlh me. and she would initiate conversations with me directly. She somgtimes reflected on the musltt we created. 5haring.that was fun,, 'good'. 'yes I liked Ih81'. Margaret also comtnented on things she experienced around her, such as. the weather. slaling'il's a lovely day, or'oh look,, il il's raining heairily, or'oh can you hear that?. if there were strong winds. Our interactions become more playkjl as time went on, bringing out Margarèt's inner chlld. Colin shared that Margaret's Inner chSld has shown Ilsell on recent (KGa5ions, so it seemad positive and beneficlal for Margaret to have a spatt where she wa5 free to be child-like. Margaret shared her sense of ttuwtsuT Wlth me. as we listened to som8 of her lavourile sonys from musica15, such as. The SouT)d ol Music and Disney. When Ihere were funny parts in the songs, Margarel WDuld become IrI81y 8nd act them out and laugh. I shar8d this experience vthlh her by matching her energy and Ihls would sometimes see us in fits of Saughter or dancing in a silly way. Mycaw Follow.up Form On revisiting this with Colln during sesslon 12, Colin, post score lor the first concern was 3 (improved by 21 and for th& second concern was 3 Ilmproved by 11. The wellbeing score was 4 (improved by 11. Colin and M8rgarel shared hoiv b8n8ficial it was lo have MT@H agaln saying it was a positiv8 experience,. Colln emphasised how the MT@H senqce 'h61ped Mawarot wilh her Bnxiely, as grouplchoir settings have become too oveNhelming for her. Furthermor6. Colin shared how'giving mor8 music to Margaret h88 be8n the best thing,. Beyond Music Therapy Margaret currently sees her friend Joan for weekly singing lessons which support Margaiet's lov8 for singing. I offerèd Colln and Margaret various ways to introduce more music Into their home. As Margaret engaged so well wlth lh6 keyboard, I recommended Colln lo Invest in this instnjment. As Margaret used lo pl8y piano and Colin enloys technology, I f811 this wa5 a nice aclivlly they could enjoy together. The keyboard is accessible for Margaret, and il cotnes with apps which Colin can explore. Colln and l also discussed th8 potential benefit ol playlng music during mea11imes. Thesè sÉom to be an anxlDus Ilme of day, so having music iri the background may support Margaret's mood. In addition to thè musiclradio slalions Ihey listen lo, I recommended BBC Maklng Memories and Music4DemenlSa. It was a pleasure working with Margaret and g8tting to know both Colin and Margaret ov8r the ttvelve week8. I'm grateful lo them welcoming me into their home each week. I wish them all the best lor the future.. RachEI Knowles-Matth8WS Muslc Therapist. Mindsong Dat8.' 1510912025 Further feedbaek from Colln: In Gonversation with 8 member of the team foll(swing the MT@H Snlervention, Colin commented that Margaret bec8mÈ much more confident with Rachel as th8 sessions progr85s8d. 'She simply loved the se5slons. She became more frlendly and relaxed. These $esslons colnclded with a new 8ntl.anxlety drug, and the muslc helped thls transltlon. Colin said that they found in Ihe sessions that Margaret's fingers were still able lo work and play th8 kayboard, so they have bought one. 'And nowshe Is maklng music and vèry happy. It has made me so happy to see her so happy. Muslc Is Margaret's one rèmainlng pleasure., Creative Health - Breathe In Sing Out Breathe In Sing Oul IBISOI is Mindsong's respiratory programme, providing gTOUP SUPPOrt for people with a wide range of lung ctrndilions. helping them to manage breathlessness, support wellbeing and create new social contacts. In 2025 we also opened up the groups to peop16 diagnosed with heart failLsre. who can equally benefit from opb'mising breaihinu through tailored ex8ru5es and Singing. Groups continu6 to in communlty venues in Clr6ncester, Ch81tenham, Dursley, Gloucester, Slroud, Tewkesbury, Lydney and online. We were very pleased to bring all the groups together in Sèptember for one ol our BISO celebration events al the Farmer'8 Club Ilasl held in 2022). This was 8 Ilvely afternoon co-led by Ihe four vocal 10
MINDSONG
TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
1è8ders Emily, Kirsty, Rose and Ruth and allended by particlpanls from most of the groups, wllh plenty of positive
feedback=
"Great to meet othgr groups.... Enloyable and uplifting... Thankyou all, grèat aftemoon...Excltlng nèw
people...Wonderful afternoonl Gan't walt fornextyearl
There continues lo be a steady flow of referrals, increaslngly from Social Prescribers and respiratory nurses who
are becoming rnore awarg of what we offer. All the groups are w811-attended. As well as visiting PR sessions
(exercise classes fcjr COPDI we were asked to provide taster sessions for olher groups including the Heart Failure
team, the Breathe Easy group in Gloucester and Ihe Pulmonary Fibrosis support group at Sue Rydgr Hospice in
Leckhamplon. All of these were very well received and help to promote what we doi.
We have also taken up other opportunitiès tD promote and publicise th6 service at local and al national level. In the
spring l joined a p8nel of presenters al a webinar corivened by the Singing for Health Network. There was much
interest from a national audience In our seNice and especially in how we have aGhieved long-term NHS
ornmissioning. During the gulLimn the local IC8 invited us lo attend a sérles ol Slaying Well in Winterf, events for
peOe with long-lerm conditions. These were hosted kcr05s the county by Primary Care Neiworks (GPS) and were
a groat opportunity to network wllh other organisatbns, and io meet rnany people interested in using our services
IdÈm8nlia a5 W911 a5 respiratory).
In December our Long Covid support group that we hsve wn online since 2021 came lo an end, following a period
of review and consullalion. There had been a very signiffc2nl drop in referrals and inlereslingly, those we have
received recently all expressed 8 preferenTr for in-person groups. This also apppars to be the recommendslion
from the n8w Long Covld $8Nice run by G-DW. We have spent lime Working with group members to ensure that
they ar8 signposted to other services 8nd in particular lo our BISO groups. Some have taken this up and are
conllnulng lo benelit, while olh6rs feel they can manage without further inpul, as outlined in this email from onè
participant-.
I thlnk thal the prevlous Iwo groups have helpedme enormously and that I have probablyualned as much
l Gan from thè exGellentadvlce and exerclses. It's b88n great fun andhas rostored my enjoymant ola
eryslmplo yèt challenglng activity. Your fherapists are excellent.
My Iun9s have improved Ihelr capaelty slightlyA' lam breathlng correctlyrather than panting and l am group
slnglng once a week again whlch is most enjoyable.
Th8nks very much Mindsong and I will not bè Joffning any further groups Ihank you. Allgoorl wshos to you
and your wonderful Éherapl$ls.
Last bul not16agt, in Septembar we welcomed L8ura Lynch in the new role of BISO Services Co-ordinator, Laura
works 14 hours a week and has already done an amazing job ol taking the administrative reins from Julia and
myself. Working in close collabor81ion with Julia and Shirley, a major focus has been getting to grips with NHS data
submlssion and ralionalising how we use Charity Log nwsl efficlently for the BISO servi. In the èarfy spring we
wlll start more stratpgic planning for how we promote
MINDSONG TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 .1 am happy to endL)rse Sounds of the Soul project and believe ills a positive inlliahve to help Muslim palienls with dementia. The playllsl Gonsists of beaullful Qur'an recitation by w811-known Imams and Qurra, andpopularvoG81 only N8sheeds. Exposing peopl8 living with dementia to th& noble words ofthe Holy Qur'an and soul-slirring Nasheeds recited in sweel. melodious lonés will nol only soothe Ihe heart and mind of th6 INsfener, bring much needed spiritU81 solace. Mo0vEr, l am hopeful this will be a powerfulslimulus for affIrMIng personal identily and conn8cledness with e8rflerperlods of life. l am grateful lo Mindsong forsupporting Ihls projecl formuslim p8ople with a demsntia. Juwairfyla and l are conlinuing our work together, jolned by Saleha Moolla (Community Engagement, GCCI and Music Therapist Rachel KM, lo complete a similar project with the Older People'5 group al the Hindu Community Centre in Chell8nham. Our playlist ha5 already been drafted and we are looking fotward to reviewing il and collaborating furthèrwith the group in 2026, wllh a view lo launching il during Dementia Awareness Week n8Xt May. 2. Togèther in Mu51c- Working with L8UFa Morris from the Alzhèlmer's society, the aim of this has been to provide a dementia- lilendly community music and singing session that caters specifically for a more elhnically diverse population. FDllowing the launGh in Dementia Awareness Week, we run a monthly group al Charter Courl in GIoUSter, with date5 sel into Spring 2C>26. The Alzheim6rf5 Society fund and manage the session and Mindsong provides training and ongoing support for a small team of musicians of Black Carlbbean heritage whci f8¢ilil8te the sessions,18d by Pastor Charles Campbell. We are still looking lo increase rnombership and promote the group further as w651 as recruiting and tralning more musicians from the local communlty. Durlng the year I have conllnu8d to visit the monthly Barton & Tredworth Memory Café, run by volunteers from Ebony Carers. A couple ol limes a year they ask me lo provide a music session lorthe group and al the final meeting b&for8 Christmas our therapist Rathel Knowles-Mallh8ws cam8 along lo support tpe for the first lime wsth Ihls. 11 was a successful and wèll-8ttended event. In SeplembBr. Juwair¢yia and I met with the Muslim Chaplain Atiq Miah and hrs leam of Volunteers at Gltsucester Royal Hospital. Some of them support people on the matemity wards and this work can be very challenging. We had a very engaging dlscusslon wlth them about how the Sounds of the Soul playlist might b8 used to support older people on Ihe wards and also talked more generally about the role of musldsound in supporting mental health and wellbeing. Following this meeting I look up Atiq's invitation lo conlribul8 to Gloucester Interfalth Open Mic Evenlrkg which he organised and hosted during Interfaith week in November at Roots Café in GIOUSter. There were 25 contiibutors (including myself) of different faiths or none. who shared poems, readings and music. Being a part of this event felt both affirming and meaningful lor me and11 was particularly good to heer the voice5 of so many dSffèrent community members in a safe. welcomlng space. Impact of E&D work.. I'm very plcased to note that as a result of my ongoing outreach work with the communities menlloned above, w8 have had 3 families receivlng our Music Therapy at Home seNice this year. Sn one case, there is no other engagernenl with dement18 serviTrs 81 present, bul as trust Is building th the therapist, we are beginning to sea openness Its accepting furth8r support. Finally, l am looking forward lo presenting the Sounds of the Soul project at the World Mu$S¢ Therapy Confèr8nc• in Bologna. 118ly In July 2026. Ruth Melhui5h Deputy-Oirec¢or of ThAusic Therapy 2025 New Trainlng from the Mindsong Music Therapy Team During 2025, Ruth and MaggSé worked with Mindsong Mu8lc Therapist, Nick Alklns. lo develop a Iralnlng for professional care staff, to help them to us8 muslc as a tool in carlng for people living with a dementia. Nick delivèr6d the trainir)g lo staff at Wentworth Court, Cheltenham. and also to staff on the acute ward for dementia al Charflon Lane hospllal. The training was delivered with an gxp¢riential approach, and Included encouraging staff to reflect on Ihelr own responses lo music, through to modelling ways of using mu8lC spontaneously in the momènt to support care and wellb8lng. The training went very well, and we received this feedback from Wentworth Court.. 12
MINDSONG TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 'Mlndsong devlsed a training progress to ourbrlèf, whlGh was dellvered by Mindsong Musk Theraplst, Nick, over a perlod of tsvo days In August and September 2024. Wlth a number ofsesstions over the Iwo days. more than IOO staff were able to be trained. Befor8 the Iraining, colleagues did not know what lo expect, and even had some reticencè about the tralnlng. Nonetheless, on the day the experlènce was highly Inleractive andpartiGipatory. It wa5 clear from observing and partlelpating in the sesslons, that colleagues were fully engageol, soon losln9 their inhibitions to join in with music m8king and sharing their thoughts on how best to implement the music into th8 daily lives of our residents. Nick's stylè was pitGhedperfeetly for our staff, and Ihe feedback we received was extrèmely favourable. Taam members have increased thelr awareness of th& value of using music their delivery of everyday care, as well as being encouraged to draw upon thelr own personal experlences to empathise with residents and recognise Ihe role that music can play. The muslc therapy sesslons wlll be includedas part of our Induction programm& for new staff.. Mindsong Music Therapist, Nick Alkins, delivering training al W8ntworth Court Nursing Home, Chellenham. Dementia Education Films During 2025, our ICS Dementia professlonals partnered wlth the University of Glouceslershire, Wentworth Court Chellenham, and Hanover Court Cheltenh8m, working with the film and TV producer, Kimberfey Litt18More, lo produce 10 short dementia edLJc&lion films. These films are on different topics, and can be accessed at Kimberley's Pocket Medic website.. poeketmedic.org We were thrilled to be asked lo be part of a film looking at meaningful engagement for people living with a dementia., our part obviously focus85 on engaging people with musicl Mindsong volunteers Philippa Dany, Angela Willis and Jo Simons were filmed a5 they sang with residents al wenOrth Court, and there are sorlle clips of me talking about how and why music can help. Mindset l Livlng Well with Dementla Fllm We were also thrilled to be asked lo collaborate with Prof Rik Cheslon 8nd Dr Ernily Dodd at UWE Bristol, on a film about Mindset. This lovely and very posilwe film aims to show people what is involved in a Mlndsel course, and Is available on our website. Gloucestershire Creative Haalth Consortlum We have worked together with our partners in the Gloucestershire Creative Health Consortlurll on many different projects over Ihe year, and il feels as il the Consortium itself has become more consolidated, with strengthened rèlationships beNveen partners and a shared vision lor Glouceslershire. Areas ol work have includ8d working together on a bid lor the Summerfield Trust looking at how we can further errbed and uphold Art5 and Culture in GIoLJceslershire, and pioviding a joint creative health workshop lor the new Arts, Health and Wellbeing Centre at the University of GIOUstershIre. 13
MINDSONG TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 Voluntary, Communlty and Social Enterprlse Strategic Partnershlp Member 11 has been an honour lo have been elected onlo IhSs Partnership and l arn enjoyillg tneeting members Irom other organisgtions across GIDuceslershire, finding out more about their work. also how systems operate in the county. As part of thls role, l am part of Gloucestershire ICS'S Neighbourhood Portfolio Board, which has been created to help support the vision and shift to community and place-based Services, in whlch the VCSE will play a key role. Maggie Grady 211112026 Charilylog- an investment in Mindsong's future, funded by Zurlch Community Trust An ov8Mew of Mindsong'8 journey in implementing Charitylog as our core clS8nl and service management syslem. Why the change was needed, whal we have learnad, and how the system now supports our 51raleglc goals. governan responsibilities. and future growlh. When l joined Mindsong in April 2019 as Administration Assistant lo the Music Therapy @ Home seNice, the organis8tion was supporting a stnall number of famllies, and all adThinistralion was managed by Maggi8 Grady. Cli8nt infomialion was stored in Dropbox. The In1rcKluctsn of recording th8 increasing amunl of informalion we were holding onlo Spreadsheets was implemented enabling us to begin capturlng data that had prevlously been unrecorded. At that lime, this system worked, bul11 was never designed to 8UPPOrt growth. As referral numbers incTeased, from around three per month. lo seven, and now an average of Iwelve per month, and as the nufflber tsf Iherapisls and sewice strands expanded, it became clear th8t spresdsheels were no longer a sustainablB way to manage client information. They w8r8 lime-consuming, pron810 etror, and limited in what they could track or report. We needed a solution that Gt>uld handle both the volLJme and complexity ol oui wtsrk. while helping us demonstrate our impacl. Al the same lime, exl8rn81 léquiremenls grew. Funders and the NHS increasingly required robust qualitative and quanlilalive data, evidence of impact, and clear reporting 11 of which were Ilme-consumlng and difficult to Éxtract from our existing system5. In 2021, we began a search lo try lo identify a system th3t could replace Dropbox and spadsheetS while meeting Mindsong's specific needs. One early option explored was Upshot, 8 Monitoring, Evaluation and Learnlng system. Although this option was ultimately nsUccessfUl, il pioved lo be a valuable leainlng curve, helping us to Clarify exactly what ive required in terms of functlonalily, flexibility, and ¢osl. What became ear w8S that no off-the-shelf system would fully m861 our needs unless il could be tailored to how Mindsong actually works In 2Q23, Charitylag was recommended to iJ5 as a potential solution. Charitylog is One of the UK5 leading suppliers ol cloud-based IT solullons designed specifically for the charity sectoi. They have been operating since 2004 and support tens of thousands of users across more than 1,000 charllles. not-for-profils, counclls. and comrnunlty interest companies. Charilylog stood out becau89 Il offered a syslem th81 could be shaped around Mindsong's seNices, rather than forcing us lo change our way of wod(ing to fit the software. 14
MINDSONG TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 We began our relationship wllh Dizions (Charilylogl in 2024 with implaméntalion and migration of data Caréfully phased and SLtpported. with three slruclured training sessEons', 19 June 2024- First training me8ling 1 August 2024- Second liaining meeting 2 July 2025- Hall-day training sesslon, with a further half-day still to be scheduled for all admlns Charitylog's features align perfeotly with our needs= case and contact manageEnenl, robust reporting, impact measurement, and GDPR compliance, alongside strong support and training. The system enables us to.. Control referrals and cases and recor(£ all interactions in one pla Record sessions and attendanS Cuslomiso flelds so we capture the exact d8ta we need Anonymise data where required Link inform8llon 8nLf signpasl lo other organisalions efficiently A particularly important feature lor us 15 impact assessment. Charilylog gllows us lo create our own assessments and outcome-500ring systems, monitor change over lime, and bulld in recognised impact rneasuremenl tools where required. This is vital for 8videncing impact lo lunders, who oftèn have differing and very specific reportlng requirements. Reportlng, which h8s historically been one of the rnosl tirn8-intenslve administrative tasks, is now far more m8nageable. Charitylog provides a comprehensive range o18asy-to-use reports, including dashboards wlh charts and graphs, progress and intèrv81 reporting, and the ability to extract data on,. Clients we are currently working wllh Open and ¢losed cases Consent slalus lacross all slrar)ds of workl Numbers ol clients accessing setvicas A particularly valu8ble d8veknpmenl has been integratèd web referral forms, allowing enqulrles lo feed directly from our websi18 into Charitsdog. This reduces duplication and improves accuracy Ènd allows practitioners and those who self-refer lo easily 8ccess our senA $ vla our website One of the key strengths of Charlwog has been thè level of supwrt provided. They work wllh us as an organisalion to ensure we gel Ihe best Irom the syslem. We hav9 access lo an in-house support t8¥m who know the system inslde out. alongside in-depth manuals, online self.help vidèos, and quartedy update video prasènlations. Data security and GDPR compliance have been central considerations throughout this process. Charflylog uses one of the most ptable data cenlres in the UK and provides us wilh strong 10018 lo manage compliance effectively. The system allows.. Unlimited user accounts Multiple u58r groups with dlfferenl pemiission levals Configurable CDPR cons8nt rules. includlng oxpiry notifir2tlon5 Field-level vislbllily, 80 users only see information relevant lo their role Overall, the move lo Charitylog represents a significant improvemenl in how Milldsong captures, manages. and reports on olienl data. It supports our day-to4Jay work, slrenglhens our ability to evidenc8 impact, improves GDPR compliance, and ulllmately helps ensure we car) continue to grow while malnlaining high standards of care and accountability. 15
MINDSONG TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 GharSlylog provides a strong foundation for data management, govemance, and organisational resilienTr. Key polnts of assurance Include.. S8cure UK-based data hosling and GDPR-CDmpliant tools Reduced resiance on individual st3ff knuwledge Accurate and tim8ly reporting for fundg¥s, commissioners, and NHS partners Ability lo evidence s@Nice impact consislenlly Clear audit Iralls and role-based acttÈss lor staff The phased approach lo implemenlalion. with individual Iraining for our Iherapisls and staff, combined with extemal support, has ensured the system is b8lng usèd effeclively and suslalnably. Whlle the system is now in plac8, it is important to acknowledge potential Tisks and how we are managing IheEn'. l. Staff Capaclty and Adoptlon Risk.. Staff may feel under pressur8 or be slow to adopt new workflows. Mitigalion.. Phased training, in-syslem guidanc8, manuals, and planned follow-up training for admins. 2. Data Quallty and Conslstèney Risk.. Inconslslent data entry could affect reporting and impact meaguTement. Mitigation.. CLSStotnised f181ds, clear workflows, ongoing c>versighl. and standard reports to highlight gaps. 3. GDPR and Dats Protection Risk.. Growing volumes of sansilive data increase compliance risk. itigatlon.. Role-based access, eonfigurable consent rule5, secure hosting, and data anonymizalion where appropriat8. 4. Over.R6llance on a Single System Risk.. Op8rational disruption if th8 system Is unavailable. A4ituation.- Gharllylog's established reliability, Dngolng support, adrnin knowleijge sharing. and exportabla daia for backup. 5. FutLEre Servtce Expansion Risk. New seNices could outpace system design, Miligation.. Flexible workffows and phased development allow new strands. such 88 S2R, to be added wilhoul disruption. January 2026, our Music Therapy@ HDme Service, BISO and Mindset are confidently using the system with ongoing training and updates being Shared by all semce admillislralors. Sing 2 Remember is identified as a Tulure developmènt. The journey lo Charilylog has mlrror8d Mindsong's growth from a Small service managed by spreadsheets lo a mature organisalion wilh robust systems and govemanee. 11 has been 8 consIded. reflective procesg. We have balanced ambition with risk managerllenl, ensured staff are supported, and built a system thal grows with us. Charilylog now underpins our operational and governance framework. Ireeing us lo focus on the clients and participan15 who are al the core of what we do. Shirley Walhen January 2026 16
MINDSONG TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 Or Maggle Grady PhD We are delighted to say that in June 2025, Maggie passed her PhD Viva with no amand8. She graduated in November 2025 al the 8rislol Beacon. Her PhD is based on Mindsong's worf('. exploring the lived experiences ol family carers of people living with an advanced dèméntla, their experien¢¢s ol caring and their experSenoes ol our Music Thor8py al Home Service. Ths study offers de8p InshtS into PEople's OXP8riences, and has h81p8d lo further our understanding of what it might be likts lo be a family carer. Some strong recommendations for practice cam? lo light which have b68n discussed in the theTrpy team. She has b88n sharing the findings ol her work Mfjlh our local ICS Oemenlia Steering Group, NHS Frailty and Ageing Well teams, as well as students and colleagues al UWE 8rislol. In March 2026, she will be delivoring Iwo interactive workshops based on her PhD findings at the University of Glouceslershire. Maggie is very graleful for Mindsong's collaborallon on this study, and for the support from Karen, Ruth, our Core Tèam and Trustees during this lime.
MINDSONG TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 Financial Revlew Our pollcy on finances and resèrvès Where posslb18 alm to begin each calendar year with funds In pla lor that year, although th8 eurrent financial climate h2S made this difficult to achieve since the pandemlc. We do however begin our year wllh 680/0 of funding in place. We look for a broad portfollo of funding which includes grants and trusts, philanthropic giving, donations and èamed income. We ask any fulld8r to see any grÈnl or donation as an investm8nt in Ihe work that we do and Its progre.%slan. We r8rely seek projecl funding unless we are plloting new work. Where 11 Is Ihé wish of donors that funding is designated lo specific projects, the Iruslees segregate money as appmpriale with B view lo allocating it to such projects as soon as practicable. It Is our intention to retain SLtch reserves that will lulfll our oblSgations as employers, offer f16xlbllily when offwing our SeNlces lo those In crisls and lo provid8 Stabillly wh8n a grant ands. Monitoring and Management The16v&l ol reserves is reporled lo the Boerd ol Trustees at each board meeting, as will a forecaslof reseNes for al188sI six months ahead. 11 reseNes fall significantly below or rise substantially above the largel range. or look as though they are likely to, the Tru51ee5 will agree on a plan lo r8plènish or reallctate funds approprialely. Any use of reseThes musl be approved by the Board and rnusl not leopardise Ihe charity's ab111ty to m86t its commilmgnls. Use of Exces$ Reserves If res8rves exceed the targel range wilhoul justifiable reason, the Board may: Invest in service improvement initiatives Fund strategic projects that support the cha¥ity's mission Build a deslgnated fund lor future projects or 8clivitios R•vlew of Pollcy The PDllcy is reviewed annually, or sooner Sf there Is a SSgnEficanl chang8 in the charivs financial p051tion, risk profile, or operational model, Future Plannlng We continu8 to dov6lop, refine and expand the services we offer within the boundaries of staff c8paeity and our finances. We also look to form beneficial partnerships with like-minded groups or organisalions that will enable us t do more at shared cost. Wher8 Ihgre are gaps in provision both geographically and demographically, and if there Is need we will do our best to address it. We will look at any opportunities Ihat are offered to us and, where they use our ski118 and r81ate to our Objects. we will sgok lo fjnd innovative ways to take on new challenge5. We also believe in shared learning from all of our work and in developing ¢odesign and collaboraliori with our partlcip8nts. This acquired knowleofge is happily sh8r8d in knDwledge exchange wilh olheY5 to enable our mudel to be used outside ol GlouGestershire. structur81 govèrnance and management The charity is established as a Charitable Incorporat8d Organisation and is controlled by its goveming document as Foundation CIO registered on 7 February 2018, as arnended 1 March 2019. Is
MINDSONG TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 How we work and govern oursalvès Mindsong is run by a team of experienced professionals and pa8sionate volunteers, r6portSng lo a board of Itustees. Otsr goveming document is our con51ilulion and we ar8 8 CIO. We believ6 w8 ar8 an excellent employer, offering a range of part-lime roles wlh flexible hours. We prize arid ancllrage a good workllife balance, We actively sèek lo appoint skilled Iwslees who lake part not only in OLJr plonning and decision making, bulwho also take the time to volunteer with our Singing groups and to support our dglivery. A large part of our work is delivered by our team of trained volunteers who donate their lime and skllls to benefit people with dementia. We do not rent or own prèmlses so we can use our funding lo develop and axpand the senqces w& provid6. Our Core Team Karen Lawton JulSa Glaudol Chief Executive Business Adminislralor & Vocal Leader Dr Maggie Grady Ruth Melhuish Sh5rfey Grant D1clOr of Music Therapy Deputy Director of Music Therapy Admlnlstrator Imusic Therapy) Kale Hicks 8eaGh Amanda Chappell Laura Lynch Director of Volunte8r-Led Services SeNices Co-ordinator Breathe In Sing Out Adminlslralor Maggie and Ruth managc our team of 16 music therapists and 2 Vocal Leaders Irespiraloryl KatÈ man8ges our team 017 Area Coordinators and logether thgy SUPPOrt and traln our amazlng team of 360 volunteers working in care homes. Kale and Amanda both manage and sel up our Slng 2 Remember groups and their vocal leaders. How lo contact us Administration Office= PO Box 205. Tewkesbury GL20 9EL Email,. admin@mindsong.org.uk Wob511e'. mindsong.org.uk 19
MINDSONG TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 statsmènt of trustèès, rosponsibilitfies The l¥ustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report and thè financial slalements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Acctsunling Standards (United Kingdom GenerallyAcGepledAccounling Practice). Thg law applicabl& lo charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to ppare financial stalem6nts for each financial year which give a true and lair view of the slate of affairs of the charity and ol the inccsming resources and application of iesources ol the charity for that yÈar. In prepallny these financial statements, the trustee5 are required to.. selÈet suitable accounting policie3 and Ihen apply them consislenlly., observo the methods and principles in the Charities SORP., mske judgements and eslimatèg that are reasonable and prudent.. slate whelheT applicable accounting standards have been followed, Subject to any malerfal departures disclosed and Èxplained in the financdal statements,. and prÈpare the financial statements on the going ¢oncern basis unless it is inappropriste to presume that the oharily will continue In operalion. The IrustÉes are responsible for keeping 8dequale acoounling records that disclose with reasonable accuracy al any lime the financial position of the charity and enable them lo Ènsure that the Iingncial statements comply with thè Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for $8leguarding the a55ets of the charity and hence foi taking reasonable steps lor the prevention and deloction of fraud snd other irregulaiilies. Thè trustees. report was approvèd by the Board of Trustees. Angol8 Ihfillis (Ghairl Trustee Dale.. 20
MINDSONG INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF MINDSONG I report lo the trustees on my examinallon ollhe finan¢ial slalements ol Mindsong Ilhe Chafityl foT the y88r ended 31 DeceTllber 2025. Responsrbilities and l)asis of report As the tiuslees ol the charity you are rosptsnsible for the proparalion of thè finanaal statements in accordancè with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011. I report in respect of my examination of the charity's finan¢ial statements carried out under section 145 ofthe Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Dirèctitsns given by the Charty Commigslon under section 14515)Ibl ol the Chaiilies Act 2011_ Indèpendent èxaminer's statemont Since the charity's gros5 income exe&eded £250,000, the independent examiner must be a member of a body listed in 8eclion 145 of the Gharilie5 Act 2011. 1 confirm that l am qualified lo undertake the examination because l am member of the Inslilule ol Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. which is one of the li8led bodies. Your attention Is drawn to the fact that th& charity has prepared the financial slalements in accordance with the relevant version ol the Statement of Recommènded Practice applicable to chanlies preparing their financial slalemenls in accordance wilh IhB Financial Rèporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic ol Ireland (FRS 1021 IrTr PTeference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is rèferred lo in the exlanl regulations bul has now been wilhdrawn. l understand that this has been done in order for the finènrial slalemenls to provide a true and fair view in accordan wilh UK Generally A¢cepted Acctsunling Practic6. I h3vg compl6ted my examination. I confirm th81 no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause lo believè that in any materi81 respect.. accoLJnting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of thè Charities Ad 2011. the financial slatemenlg do not a¢cord with thos& rè¢ords,' or the financial statements do not comply with the applicable Yeouiremenl$ concerning the form and contént of financial statements Sel out in the Charities (Ateounts and Reports) Regulslions 2008 other than any requirement that the financial statements give a truè and fair view, which 1$ not a maller wnsidered as part c)f an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no (>lher mattels in connection wslh the examinallon lo which attenlic>n should be drawn in this report in order lo enable a proper understanding of the financial Slalements Its be reached. Roger F Downes FCA BK Plu5 Limited Chartered Certified Accountants 6 Manor Park BLJslness Centre Maekenzie Vvay Cheltènham Gloucestershir GL519TX England Dale". 21
MINDSONG STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 Unrè&irlcted lund Rfy5trltted funds 2025 Tolal Llnrestrl¢tod Re$iri¢led funds fufids 2024 202$ 2025 2024 2024 Notes Income from: Don81ions and legacies Charitable activities 85,976 173,281 85,976 250,066 36,032 194,099 36,032 310,099 76,805 116,000 Total income 259,237 76,805 336.042 230,131 116.000 346,131 Expefidlture on: Charitable activitltrs 272,079 80,503 352,582 255,701 72,037 327.738 Total expènditure 272,079 80,503 352,582 255,701 72,037 327,738 Net incomellexpendlture} and movement in funds 112.8421 13,8981 (16,5401 125,570} 43.963 18,393 Re¢onclliation ol funds: Fund balances al 1 January 2025 182,938 54.624 237,562 208,508 10,661 219,169 Fund balan¢os at 31 Decembgr 2025 170,096 50,926 221,022 182,938 54,624 237,562 22
MINDSONG STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS A T 31 DECEMBER 2025 2025 2024 Notes Current assets Debtors Cash al bank and in hand 1,696 224,824 1,250 241,022 226,520 242,272 CredÉtQTS: amounts falllng due withln one year 10 {5.4981 14,710} Net currènt assets 221,022 237,582 The funds of the chayify Re8lri¢led income funds Unrestricted funds 11 12 50,926 170,096 54,624 182,938 221,022 237,562 The financial statemen15 were approved by the Iruslees C . Angela Vlfillis ICh8irl Truste9 Marty Trustee 23
MINDSONG NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 Aeeountlng pollcles 1.1 Accounting convention The financial slalemenls have beeri prepared in accordan wth the charity's goveming dooumenl, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard 8ppll¢able in th8 UK and Republic of Ireland. and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Slalemenl of Recommended Praclice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in ihe UK and R6public of Ireland IFRS 1021 The charlty is a Public Benefit Entlly as defined by FRS 102, The financial statements have deparled from the Charities (Aeeounls and Reports) Regulations 2008 only lo the extent required lo provide a true and fair view. This departura has involved following Ihe Slalement of Recommended Prac15C8 for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the vèrsion of the Slalement of Recornmttnded Practice which Is referred to in the Regulations bul which ha5 since been withdrawn. The financial statements are prepared in s18rling, which is the functional currency Df the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded lo the nearest £. Th8 financial slalernents have been prepar8d under th8 historical cost convention. Thè principal a¢cDunling policies adopted are set out below. 1.2 Golng concern At the lime ol approving the financial slatements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the ttustees conllnue to adopt the going concern basls of accounting in preparing the flnancial slatÉments. 1.3 Charitable funds Unrestricted funds rAn be used in accordance wilh the charitable objectives al the discretion of the Iruslees. Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects af thecharily. Restrictions arise when SPEcified ty the donor or when the funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. IA Incomg All income is recognised in the Statement Df Finanaal Aclivities On th8 charity has entitlement to the funds. il IS Probablè thal the income will be rts¢eived and th8 amount can be measured reliably. Revenue grants receivablg are recoonised as Income on receipt unless thèy relate lo seNice prowsion, In which case Ihey arc credSted to income Dver the contracted period of service delivery. Clinical commisslonlng incom8, care home contributions and donalior55 are credited to Income on rèceipt. 1.5 Expenditure Liabilities are rec(Ignised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or conslrLKlive clbligalion commilling IhB charity to that expenditure. it is probable Ihal a transfer of econofnic benefits will be requlTed in seltlem6nt and the amount of Ihe obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditu is ac¢ounled lor on an Xccruals b8515 and has been classified und8r headings that aggregate all cost relaled to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been 8SloGated tcj atttivities on a basis consistent with the use of resour5. 24
MINDSONG NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 Income from donatlons and legacles Unreslrlcted funds nr881rlcièd fund8 2025 2024 Donations 85.976 36,032 Ineome from charltable activitles Unrestricted Reslrl¢t8d funds T4)tal Unre8trl¢téd lunds R8stvÉcted Total funds lunds 2024 2025 2025 2D25 2024 2024 Care homè contributions Other delivery Other musio therapy Grants Clinical Cc>mMiS5ioning 5,205 12,304 1 D,775 114.977 30.000 5,205 12,304 10,775 139.977 81,805 7,650 12,929 5,432 108,088 60,000 7,650 12,929 5,432 118,088 166,000 25,0(10 51,e05 10,000 106,000 173,261 76,805 250,066 194,099 116,000 310,og9 Giants analysis Total 2025 Total 2024 Julia Rausing Trust Gloucestershire County Council Syncona Foundallon NHS Glc>uceslershiie Zurich Foundation Gloucester Community Foundation GIouc8slershire Gateway Trust National Lollery Community Fund Summerfield Trust Thrivlng Communities Cirencester Town Councll Tewkesbury Borough Council 40.000 25,000 25,0 24,877 17,500 5,000 2,600 4CS,000 27,500 22,838 18,000 7,500 1,250 1,000 139,977 fj18,088 25
MINDSONG NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 Expendlture on charitablo acllvities Tol81 2025 Total 2024 Dlrect costs Staff costs Insurance Marketing Cc>st of fundraising VolLinleer cosls and exp6nses Delivery of music therapy Other delivery Training Equiprrent Travel Administration Bank charges 11,702 7g6 1,404 215 52,300 206,ID7 3,905 7,290 2,815 2,163 68,139 240 11,944 788 1.116 59,626 158,161 6,764 2,182 299 1,979 83,219 240 351,076 326.316 Sharè of support and governance ¢osts Ise? note 51 Govemance 1,506 1.422 352,582 327,738 Analysi5 by fund Unreslricled funds Restricted fLinds 272,079 80,503 255,701 72,037 352,582 327,738 Support costs allocated to actlvltles 2025 2024 GovemenGe c051s 1,506 1,422 Analysed between: Accountancy 1,506 1,422 Trust8e8 None of the tru51ees lor any persons connected with Ihernl received any remuneration or benefits from the charity duting the year. 26
MINDSONG NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 Employees The average Month number of employees during the yearwas.. 2025 Number 2024 Number 12 14 Tax8tlon Th8 charity is exempl Irom taxation on its £ctlvllies becauso all of Ils Income Is applied for charitable purposes. Debtors 2025 2024 Amounts falling duè wlthin onè y83r'. Other deblo 1,696 1,250 10 Creditors.. amounts falling du• wlthln onè yèar 2025 2024 Other taxation and stsclal securlly Accruals and deferred income 4,063 1,435 3,347 1,363 5.498 4,710 11 Restrlcted funds The restricted funds of th8 charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and gi8nls held on trust subject to speGiliG condition5 by donors as lo how they may be used. At l January 2025 Incomlng resources Restsurces expended At31 Decemljer 2025 NHS Gloucestershire CCG Mindset Zurich Sustalnabilily Grant 17,752 33,800 3,072 51,805 25.QlOO 151,6671 125,7641 {3.C1721 17,890 33,036 54.624 76,805 180,$031 50,926 27
MINDSONG NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 11 Restricted funds Previous year: At 1 JaE)uary 2024 Incoming resource5 Resources expended At31 December 2024 NHS Gloucestershire CCG Mindset Zurich Sustainability Grant 7,436 3,225 56,000 50,000 10,000 145.6841 119,4251 16.9281 17.752 33.800 3,072 10,661 116.000 172,0371 54.624 Reslrlct6d fund - NHS Gloucestershlre CCG Funding forlhe charity's'Arts on Prescription. seNIC8, 'Breathe In Sing out,, 8UPPOrting people with chlonlc lung cc>ndilions through singing groups. Reslricted fund Mlndset A 10-week course for a group of SIX to eight people who h8ve recently Iwilhin 12 months) been diagnosed with 8 lorFn of dementia, with 2 sesslons for carers to attend aswell. It provides emotional and practical support and can often help people adjust to living with tha i11ngss. The courses aTe fr88 lo attend and accept both clinical and sglf-referrals. Mindsét offers boih praclKal Information about livlng with dementia alongsido 8 supportive environment for people to share and express their conGems about their diagnoses. Reslricled fund - Zurich Sustsinèbility Grant This one-off grant is to be used speciftcally lo invest in a bespoke system that wlll encompass all our s8rvices. rnaklng us more sustainable, effiGlenl and paperless. 12 Unrestrlcted funds The unreslricled funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and granls which are not subject lo specillc conditions by donors and grantors as to how they rnay be used. These include designated funds which have been sel aside out ol unrestricted funds by thé trustees for specific purposes. At 1 January 2025 Incomlng rasources Resoureè$ expend At31 December 2D25 General funds 182,938 259,237 1272,0791 170,096 PreviotEs year: At l January 2024 Ineomlng resources Resources expended At31 December 2024 General funds 208,508 230,131 1255,7011 182,938 13 Relatad party transactlon5 There wer8 no disclosable related party transactions during the year12024- nonel. 28