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2025-09-30-accounts

FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE, FREE FROM ABUSE

TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

REGISTERED CHARITY: 1177687

SAFE STEPS CIO ANNUAL REPORT | FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

Contents

Reference and administrative details of the Charity, its Trustees and advisers ~~1~~
Trustees’ Report ~~2-17~~
Independent Auditors’ Report on the Financial Statements ~~18-21~~
Statement of Financial Activities ~~22~~
Balance Sheet ~~23~~
Statement of Cash Flows ~~24~~
Notes to the Financial Statements ~~25-42~~

REGISTERED CHARITY: 1177687

SAFE STEPS CIO ANNUAL REPORT | FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

Safe Steps CIO

Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity, its Trustees and Advisers

Trustees M Aydeniz (resigned 27 May 2026) T Watson (appointed 2 April 2025,
E Daughters resigned 24 September 2025)
L Parks L Skinner (appointed 2 April 2025)
L Dye, Chair R Eighteen, Treasurer (appointed 22
January 2025)
S Kilbey (resigned 18 June 2025) A Cardy (appointed 25 March 2026)
K Imber
Charity registered number 1177687
Principal ofce 4 West Road
Westclif-on-Sea
Essex
SS0 9DA
Contact Details enquiries@safesteps.org www.safesteps.org
Chief executive ofcer Sarah Conlon
Finance manager Angela Hickman
Independent auditors Venthams
Chartered Accountants
Statutory Auditor
Millhouse
32 - 38 East Street
Rochford
Essex
SS4 1DB
Bankers Charities Aid Foundation
25 Kings Hill Avenue
West Malling
ME19 4JQ
Solicitors Paul Robinson Solicitors
Old Bank
470-474 London Road
Westclif-on-Sea
Essex
SS0 9LD

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REGISTERED CHARITY: 1177687

SAFE STEPS CIO ANNUAL REPORT | FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

Safe Steps CIO

Report of the Trustees

For the Period

01 October 2024 to 30 September 2025

The Trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the period 01 October 2024 – 30 September 2025. The Trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standards applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102 effective 01 January 2019).

From Our Chair

As Chair of Trustees, I am proud to present this year’s Annual Report and reflect on another year of remarkable commitment, reliance and impact.

This year has brought both significant challenges and important achievements. Demand for domestic abuse services continues to grow, with increasing complexity in the experiences of survivors seeking support. Rising financial pressures, housing insecurity and wider societal challenges have created additional barriers for those escaping abuse. Against this backdrop, our staff have remained steadfast in their commitment to ensuring survivors and their children receive compassionate, expert and life-changing support.

I have been continually inspired by the professionalism, dedication and determination shown across the organisation. Every day, our teams work alongside survivors to improve safety, rebuild confidence and create pathways to recovery and independence. Whether through crisis intervention, community advocacy, refuge accommodation, therapeutic and programme support or partnership working, the impact of this work cannot be overstated.

This report demonstrates not only the scale of our work, but the difference it makes. Behind every statistic is an individual or family whose life has been changed – someone who has moved from fear to safety, from isolation to support and from surviving to rebuilding.

We have also continued to strengthen our partnerships with statutory agencies, community organisations and commissioners, recognising that tackling domestic abuse requires a coordinated and collective response. Effective partnership working remains fundamental to improving outcomes for survivors ensuring systems respond more effectively to their needs, thanks to our fellow EViE members we have delivered this consistently across Essex.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our staff, volunteers, supporters, funders and partners. I also wish to recognise the courage and resilience of the survivors who place their trust in us and our services and whose ~~another year~~ voices continue to shape and ~~of remarkable~~ strengthen our work.

~~another year of remarkable commitment, reliance and impact~~

While challenges remain, we ~~reliance and impact~~ are committed to improving access to support, strengthening survivor voice, developing innovative responses to complex needs and advocating for all to be and feel safer.

Thank you for supporting Safe Steps and sharing our vision of a brighter future free from domestic abuse.

Lesley Dye, Chair of Trustees

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REGISTERED CHARITY: 1177687

SAFE STEPS CIO ANNUAL REPORT | FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

About Safe Steps

Our Vision, Mission and Values

Our Vision

Our Mission

~~For a brighter future free from domestic abuse~~

Working with and for survivors, and those at risk of, domestic abuse in all its forms to be and feel safer. Together with our partners we will increase awareness of domestic abuse and advocate for change.

Our Values

Individuality

We recognise and value difference, placing client needs at the centre of all we do. We celebrate that people are individuals, appreciate the value of diversity and recognise some sections of community need different interventions to achieve equality.

Integrity

We understand the importance of an atmosphere of openness and honesty throughout Safe Steps that promotes confidence and collaboration with our clients, colleagues, stakeholders, funders and regulators.

Excellence

We review and improve our service delivery to ensure we remain a centre for excellence, going above and beyond, to support survivors of domestic abuse.

Empowering

Empowering survivors to drive positive change by listening, believing and being led by their experiences and insight. Empowering staff to achieve and reach their full potential, investing in staff talent and initiative.

Responsive

We strive to be responsive to survivors needs applying a trauma informed response to all we do. We are responsive to changing service demands and a changing landscape, by being an organisation that is sustainable and scalable.

Objectives

Safe Steps are here to provide support to survivors, those at risk of, domestic abuse in all its forms to be and feel safer. We aim to ensure that everyone who comes to us is supported to be and feel safer.

The charity’s objectives are:

Relieve the needs of victims of domestic abuse from Essex by aiding provision on temporary accommodation, items, services or facilities and by any other means at the Trustees discretion.

To preserve and protect the mental and physical health of adults and children in necessitous circumstances in Essex.

To educate the Essex public in the causes and effects of domestic abuse and the prevention thereof, including by understanding or contributing to research and to publish the useful results of such research.

We continue to be a provider that is able to support survivors of domestic abuse throughout their journey. From our prevention and awareness work in schools, to supporting those in crisis with our IDVA teams, to accommodating those with an emergency need in our refuge, to our bespoke recovery programmes and counselling. We continue to be able to provide holistic support, at any point in someone’s journey, a journey that is seamless and not fragmented. We understand survivors have differing needs and experiences, but once a survivor begins with us, they can remain until our practical and emotional support is no longer needed.

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REGISTERED CHARITY: 1177687

SAFE STEPS CIO ANNUAL REPORT | FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

About Safe Steps

History

Safe Steps current position is in part due to the vision of local survivors of domestic abuse who set up Southend’s first women’s refuge, later becoming Southend Women’s Aid in 1976. SOS Domestic Abuse Projects was formed out of Southend Women’s Aid in 2009 and from there Safe Steps was established in 2018. This year we celebrate being part of the 50 year

legacy of supporting survivors of domestic abuse and their children in Southend-on-Sea.

This year, we extended our reach and under the Pan Essex Domestic Abuse Commissioning, we are proud to support those in Castle Point and Rochford also.

At a Glance

The Difference Made This Year

From 1 April 2025, we expanded our community support services into Castle Point and Rochford, extending our adult IDVA, youth IDVA, and child and family support across South East Essex. During the year, Safe Steps responded to 2,120 adult referrals and 566 referrals relating to children and young people.

This year, we saw increasing complexity in the vulnerabilities experienced by our clients. The nationwide cost of living crisis has compounded these challenges, with more people facing mental health pressures, insecure housing, and reduced access to Legal Aid while trying to stay safe.

~~30%~~

~~54%~~

of our clients had a support plan with a housing need

told us they had a mental health need

~~7%~~

~~5%~~

of clients were pregnant at the point of referral into Safe Steps

told us they had support needs due to mental health plus drugs or alcohol

~~88.2%~~

~~65%~~

of our clients told us they felt their safety had improved

said they felt more optimistic about the future after working with us

~~97%~~

~~97%~~

said they felt better able to recognise abusive behaviour

told us they felt more confident in asking for help if they needed it

Our Child and Family Service expanded this year, extending delivery into Castle Point and Rochford and increasing access to our programmes for families across the area. The number of children we supported also rose during the year, and we expect this to continue as our services become more established and widely known in these new communities.

We supported ~~362~~ children directly in our refuge, child & family support and youth IDVA

…and ~~1607~~ were supported indirectly

~~8165~~ children were indirectly supported through COMPASS helpline

~~3220~~ young people learned about healthy relationships

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REGISTERED CHARITY: 1177687

SAFE STEPS CIO ANNUAL REPORT | FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

About Safe Steps

We were pleased to retain the Essex Compass Helpline and Triage Service as part of the Pan Essex Domestic Abuse Commissioning 2025–2030. This year, the team responded to a significant 10,426 referrals, continuing the year-on-year growth seen since the service launched in 2019. Essex Compass is now recognised across Greater Essex as the central point for domestic abuse referrals. During the year, the service was also expanded to include a pathway for individuals seeking support to address their own abusive behaviour. We welcomed Cranstoun into Essex and have worked closely with them to develop the referral pathway and strengthen practitioner support as we begin this important area of behaviour change work.

Following the successful delivery of the Essex Safe Start Fund pilot, we were pleased to learn the local authorities would be continuing and extending this fund with the coordination of it included in the delivery of Essex Compass. This year the fund has allocated £130,315 to support clients meet the costs of accessing safe accommodation.

Partnerships

This year, we formalised the EViE Partnership, building on an established foundation of shared principles and collaborative ways of working. Following the award of the Pan Essex Domestic Abuse Contract to the partnership, Safe Steps, Next Chapter and Changing Pathways have committed to delivering services across Greater Essex in a way that is consistent, high quality and responsive to both shared and locally differing needs.

~~Delivering services across Greater Essex in a way that is consistent, high quality and responsive~~

We have worked hard over the years to foster positive working relationships with our Complex Needs support partners; HARP, STARS, Aspirations and Trust Links to name a few. These are essential partnerships if we are to deliver trauma informed responses that meet our collective clients needs in finding solutions that improve their safety. We extended our portfolio of recovery programmes this year, with the support of the Southend Drug & Alcohol Small Opportunities Fund, we developed the Reconnect Toolkit, an adapted recovery programme that meets clients needs better.

By extending our reach in Castle Point and Rochford we have increased the number and range of partners we are working alongside. Our IDVAs began seeing clients in the community, basing themselves within CAVS office. They have connected with the local Job Centres and have reached out to schools and colleges in the area.

Cranstoun entered Essex following their success in securing the contract to deliver perpetrator and behaviour change programmes. They are an experienced provider, working across the UK and we were pleased to welcome them into Essex. We have worked with them to establish the pathways for new referrals coming through Compass and have worked with EViE in developing a Victim/Perpetrator Assessment Panel.

Awareness and campaigns are an essential element of our partnership work to keep the community informed about domestic abuse, how to access support and how to stay safe. This year we have worked with Essex Police and SET Domestic Abuse Board on campaigns highlighting older victims of domestic abuse and the #REFLECT campaign which holds a mirror up to abusers and asks them to reflect on the impact of their behaviours. Our Communications Lead, throughout the year, has highlighted our successes, focused comms around relevant awareness weeks and our engagement locally.

Since becoming Safe Lives Leading Lights accredited in 2023 we have worked tirelessly to build systems and maintain the high standards set to ensure we are a provider delivering high quality services in Southend, Castle Point and Rochford.

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REGISTERED CHARITY: 1177687

SAFE STEPS CIO ANNUAL REPORT | FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

Overview

Overview of Services

At Safe Steps we offer specialised programmes, interventions, and resources designed to support individuals who are experiencing, have experienced or are at risk of experiencing abuse. Our services aim to ensure safety, provide emotional and practical support, promote recovery and help survivors rebuild their lives.

Our service provision consists of:

~~1. Crisis intervention and emergency support~~

~~4. Recovery and Therapeutic Services~~

~~2. Advocacy and Legal Support~~

~~3. Practical Support~~

~~5. Specialist Support~~

~~6. Prevention and Education~~

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REGISTERED CHARITY: 1177687

SAFE STEPS CIO ANNUAL REPORT | FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

Safe Steps

Community Support

Adults

~~The Dove Centre~~ is our main site and has been associated with domestic abuse support in Southend for more than 30 years. Many of our community-based services are delivered from here, including our adult team. This includes High Risk IDVAs, Community IDVAs and co-locted IDVAs based within Southend Council Housing Teams and Southend Hospital. Together, they ensure we can respond to referrals at any stage of a survivor’s journey.

The team supports survivors at every stage of abuse and recovery. Some clients are in immediate crisis, while others need support after already making changes to improve their safety. During the year, the adult teams worked with 908 clients, 807 of whom were new to Safe Steps, providing advocacy and practical support where needed. Of all referrals to this team, 31% were assessed as high risk and required more intensive multi-agency work with our MARAC partners to help them reach safety.

The team also provided shorter-term information, advice and guidance to 377 survivors, professionals and third parties. SafeLives Leading Lights praised our IDVA services for being highly accessible and for operating a ‘no wrong front door’ approach. Co-located IDVAs show the value of taking support to survivors, rather than expecting survivors to come to us. Our Health IDVA, based in Southend Hospital, has been able to build relationships with 88 survivors at the earliest opportunity and often support them in times of crisis.

~~Next year, we will introduce Duty IDVAs~~ to help the adult team respond more efficiently to increasing demand. This is particularly important given that 74% of referrals involved active abuse at the point of referral. Controlling and coercive behaviour was reported by 84% of clients, 92% had experienced emotional abuse and 68% had experienced physical abuse. Timely contact is essential, and we achieved positive contact within 24 hours in 99% of cases.

“Being able to speak to you has made such a massive difference to me during an incredibly difficult time. Having someone who not only understands what I’m going through, but also knows exactly how to help and pushes to make things happen- it’s meant more than I can put into words. You’ve made me feel supported, heard and not alone. Knowing someone’s in your corner, who believes in you and actually cares is honestly invaluable”

“I know a lot more about domestic abuse, and feel 100% more confident to ask for help when I need it. It’s made me realise what’s right, and what’s wrong, and when I need help. I used to leave it too late and get hurt but now I can see what’s happening before something bad happens”

“I can’t believe the support I am receiving in such a short space of time within 48 hours. It’s given me hope, and I honestly can’t thank you enough for what you’ve already done.”

“You haven’t given up on me, and you haven’t stopped trying to find a way to get me out of my situation. So many people have misunderstood and judged me because of my history. I can’t believe all the good things that are now happening. Thank you.”

“I didn’t feel ashamed by telling Safe Steps, I felt understood and that was important to me because I didn’t get that from other people. The support validated my feelings, and I feel more confident to trust my instinct”

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REGISTERED CHARITY: 1177687

SAFE STEPS CIO ANNUAL REPORT | FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

Community Support

Recovery

~~Our recovery programmes add signifcant value~~ by taking support

beyond immediate crisis response and into longer-term healing, safety and independence. They give clients space to process trauma, rebuild confidence and regain control of their lives. By helping survivors understand patterns of abuse, recognise warning signs and strengthen boundaries, this work can also reduce the risk of repeat victimisation.

Domestic abuse often leaves survivors with damaged self-esteem. Our programmes help rebuild identity, self-worth and decision-making, while also supporting practical recovery in areas such as parenting, finances, housing, education and employment. Many clients also benefit from meeting others with similar experiences, which reduces isolation and builds a sense of belonging. Once immediate risk has reduced, we can focus on helping clients sustain the progress they have made.

Last year, we further expanded our offer by introducing Reconnect Toolkit, a trauma-informed recovery programme for survivors of domestic abuse who are also experiencing problematic substance misuse. Alongside rebuilding self-esteem and reducing the risk of repeat victimisation, the programme aims to encourage continued engagement with local drug and alcohol services, this year 14 survivors completed this programme; 6 said they had engaged, re-engaged or improved their engagement with drug and alcohol services, 10 said they had improved coping strategies, 8 said they felt they had better mental health and 8 reported fewer symptoms of anxiety.

~~This year, 229 clients joined one of our recovery programmes and a further 60 received counselling.~~

By offering a broad recovery portfolio, we provide a more holistic service model that demonstrates sustained outcomes, not just crisis intervention. Survivors tell us they feel better supported by having ongoing help as they navigate post-separation abuse and use the tools they have gained to manage their recovery.

“It has been invaluable to my recovery/step in the right direction - not only fully understand the mechanics of abuse but to be heard and understood”

“I understand coercive control, manipulation and abuse so much more now. I have learnt that I don’t need to change for others. I have stronger boundaries. I regularly refer to the bill of rights which I find really useful. This service has really enabled me to reflect talk openly, learn, and not put myself as last on the list.”

“Being heard and validated with what I’ve been through, experienced was unsure of and am still going through. It’s given me a much better understanding of domestic abuse, what to be aware of and again to clarify what I’ve been through. I feel stronger, more knowledgeable and able to get through this in time”

“This space was an immediate safe space and an extremely supportive environment. It’s helped me to understand domestic abuse in the way that allows conscience awareness, with more compassion and application of knowledge, especially in ways that will support me in relationships”

“Art recovery programme. I loved it ! All the women should do this programme after RTK, the art programme was so relaxing. Everyone was talking about getting through certain things in their life and we all shared this through our art. The art programme helped me take the steps to sign up to METAL art classes at Chalkwell park. I now have enrolled into a teacher assistant training course with Southend college too”

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REGISTERED CHARITY: 1177687

SAFE STEPS CIO ANNUAL REPORT | FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

Community Support

Children and Young People

~~Our child and family support service, Fledglings,~~ is now in its 25th year of delivering high-quality support to children and their non-abusing parents. As one of the first services of its kind, Fledglings has long been a leader in this field. Demand for support for children affected by domestic abuse continues to grow, and the service plays a vital role in improving safety, stability, emotional wellbeing and long-term outcomes for both children and parents. When parents are well supported in their recovery, children’s emotional security and family stability can also improve.

We know that even when a relationship has ended, the abuse may continue. Fledglings helps families assess risk, plan for safety and reduce both immediate and ongoing harm. Children can be affected emotionally, socially and developmentally, so we support them in their own right. Our Together We Can and Together We Thrive programmes help children and parents understand the impact of abuse and begin recovery through age-appropriate emotional support, therapeutic work and recoverybased interventions. Because domestic abuse can undermine a parent’s confidence, our work also helps rebuild trust, attachment, communication and routines. Families tell us this support also helps with practical issues such as school engagement, housing and family court, creating a more stable foundation for recovery.

~~This year, we directly supported 362 children and 226 parents~~ through our Fledglings Child and Family Service. Of the children we worked with, 91% said they had learned more about staying safe and 92% said they knew more about how to get help. In addition, 36% were also open to Social Care, highlighting the increasing complexity of need among the children and young people we support.

Multi-agency working remains essential. We work closely with schools, health professionals, social care and other partners to provide coordinated support. We are particularly grateful to Essex Police, who have supported every children’s group we have delivered this year— 15 groups in total. During safety week, officers attend to show children how to call for help and what to do until help arrives. This gives children an opportunity to meet police officers, ask questions and understand that the Police are there to keep everyone safe with children their number one priority. We also supported our key partner, Changing Pathways, by sharing our programmes and helping to strengthen their developing Child and Family Team across their delivery area.

“The Together we Can definitely helped and I now have strategies that I use and reflect in my book, The programme has been so so helpful for me and gave me a clear view of steps needed to take.

I think because my mind is so clouded, and this has helped me uncloud my mind. I could not have done this without Fledglings.” (Parent)

“It has given me the skills and toolset to feel more equip with dealing with situations that happen in my life. Thank you Excellent service, you were really helpful and understanding. The course is such an amazing opportunity to gain knowledge and be listened to.” (Parent)

“I really enjoyed sessions and it has helped me to know that it is ok to feel upset and angry I am feeling good” (Child)

“I know who to ask for help if feeling scared, I know my safety plan and will show mummy when I take book home today.” (Child)

This year, Fledglings extended delivery into Castle Point and Rochford, building relationships with new schools and professionals. We expect the service to continue growing in these areas over the course of the contract period.

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REGISTERED CHARITY: 1177687

SAFE STEPS CIO ANNUAL REPORT | FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

Community Support

Break The Cycle

In last year’s annual report, we highlighted the risk posed by the end of Lottery funding for ~~Break The Cycle.~~ We were able to extend the service while awaiting the outcome of the PEDACC commissioning decision, as retaining our trained, skilled and experienced IDVAs was a priority. We were therefore delighted that the PEDACC outcome enabled us to continue this vital service, which is now firmly embedded within the Safe Steps model. Break The Cycle supports young people aged 13–19 who have experienced domestic abuse, either in their own relationships or within the family. This year, we were also pleased to extend the service into Castle Point and Rochford, building on nine years of experience supporting young people affected by domestic abuse. The team has also been reaching out to schools and partner agencies to ensure young people know where and how to get help.

~~During the year,~~ the team continued to deliver healthy relationship workshops in a range of settings, including South Essex College, Shoeburyness High School, Belfairs Academy and St Nicholas School. They also supported the Prince Charming theatre group on its annual tour of Southend schools. In total, the team shared messages about healthy relationships and how to access support with 2,450 children and young people.

“Being able to speak to you has been really helpful as I knew there were no strings attached and no bias, it was comfortable and I felt I was able to express my self with no judgement.” (Young Person)

“You have helped me come a long way, helped me with a lot things and I would not be where I am now without your help. I appreciate everything thing done for me and couldn’t thank you enough for your service, have improved my confidence and helped me stay calm in stressful situations and always sorted them for me and am very grateful for help.” (Young Person)

“XX said she was having her last session with you, she has come on leaps and bounds, some days I barely recognise her. She hasn’t done it all herself, we have you to thank too. XX wouldn’t be half way to where she is today if it weren’t for you. You have been amazing, I can’t thank you enough.” (Parent)

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REGISTERED CHARITY: 1177687

SAFE STEPS CIO ANNUAL REPORT | FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

Safe Steps

Safe Accommodation

~~Safe Steps~~ provides 7 family refuge bed spaces, with access to a further 5 through dispersed accommodation. This year, we accommodated 23 families, including 33 children, providing safety, stability and support to help them recover from the trauma of abuse.

The average length of stay reduced this year to just over three months, although some families stayed longer. During the year, 15 families moved on from our accommodation, either returning to their home area or relocating elsewhere.

We also introduced an additional recovery programme for residents, Your Wellbeing, to further support wellbeing and recovery during their stay. Sessions include deep relaxation, breathing techniques and healthy eating.

We believe people living in refuge should have opportunities to enjoy new experiences, celebrate progress, build skills and have fun. This year, the team continued to offer creative sessions, crafts, children’s play activities, after-school clubs, art, music and outdoor activities. We also marked cultural celebrations and special occasions, including Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day, to help residents feel valued and connected.

“Being here has helped me understand domestic abuse and the signs to watch out for. You have been amazing and have listened to me in all situations and let me cry and let out my frustration. the community crafts they done with the kids helped us to bond as a family and get back to the love and fun that our family was missing”

“I have only been here for 3 weeks and I can’t believe the difference it has made to my life. I was really worried about coming here and for the first week I kept thinking I was going to go back but now I am seeing things much clearer”

We remain committed to increasing the number of refuge spaces in Southend and continue to seek suitable premises and partners to help make this possible.

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REGISTERED CHARITY: 1177687

SAFE STEPS CIO ANNUAL REPORT | FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

Compass

Compass Helpline

The ~~Compass~~ helpline provides immediate access to support and safety. It is often the first point of contact for people in crisis, offering emotional support, safety planning and practical advice. Each year, Compass enables earlier intervention for thousands of people by identifying high-risk cases and making rapid referrals to ongoing community support, refuge and, where needed, MARAC, police and safeguarding services.

Compass helps remove barriers to support, including rural isolation, mobility issues, caring responsibilities, fear of being seen accessing a service and work commitments. Being available seven days a week, 365 days a year, from 8am to 8pm makes support more accessible when it is needed most.

This year, Compass responded to 10,426 referrals, the highest annual total since the service began in 2019. Alongside risk assessment and safety planning, the team provides emotional support, understanding and validation for survivors, many of whom are speaking about their experiences for the first time. Because the start of someone’s journey can shape both the path they take and the outcome they achieve, it is essential that the team is highly trained and well supervised.

In addition to IDVA training, the team received training this year in criminal and civil remedies, technology-facilitated abuse, professional curiosity, navigating family courts, domestic abuse and the Deaf community, sexual abuse first disclosures, and domestic abuse in LGBTQIA+ communities.

Essex Police remained the largest referrer to the service this year, accounting for 51% of all referrals. We are proud to work closely with our policing partners, including through the Essex Stalking Intervention Partnership and the Claire’s Law Disclosure Panel.

“I wasn’t aware of any domestic abuse support during our relationship. I’m so grateful for all your help. Thank you so much—it has meant a great deal to be able to talk about the abuse without being judged.”

“Just having someone listen to me feels like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders. Thank you so much. I didn’t know who to turn to, but this has made me feel much better. I really appreciate the support and finally feel heard.”

“I wish I had spoken to you years ago. Back then, I felt no one listened. You have been so helpful to talk things through with—thank you for listening and for getting me help.”

This year, we were pleased to expand the helpline to include people seeking support to address their own behaviour. We also welcomed a new partner to Essex: Cranstoun, an experienced provider of behaviour change programmes. Referrals to this service can now be made through Compass.

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REGISTERED CHARITY: 1177687

SAFE STEPS CIO ANNUAL REPORT | FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

ESSF

Essex Safe Start Fund

Following the successful pilot, Southend, Essex and Thurrock local authorities committed to continued investment in this essential, accessible fund. The ~~Essex Safe Start Fund~~ was then incorporated into the Compass contract, enabling Safe Steps to continue leading its delivery. The fund provides small, rapid and practical support to survivors of domestic abuse to reduce immediate risk, secure safe accommodation or make their current home safer.

This year, the fund covered safety and security measures such as lock changes, CCTV, doorbell cameras, window locks and alarms, as well as safe transport, moving costs and emergency overnight stays. For those needing to flee, it also helped pay for emergency food and household essentials, school uniforms, replacement phones, duplicate ID documents, travel to court and the costs of serving protective orders.

The fund is designed to improve safety, prevent homelessness, reduce financial hardship, support recovery and independence, and strengthen engagement with support services.

The ESSF has clear eligibility criteria, same-working-day decisions, preagreed approval limits, simple evidence requirements, and strong fraud and safeguarding controls.

This year, the ESSF received 835 applications and approved 817, demonstrating how accessible the fund is for survivors. Of these, 537 were for security measures, 157 for emergency food and clothing, 53 for emergency travel, and 45 for emergency overnight accommodation. In total, the fund distributed £130,315, with an average award of £159.50 per application.

“The locks have been changed now. Thank you for getting that sorted for me and the kids. I already feel much better knowing he can no longer use the key to get into my home. Thank you so much.”

“I feel safe. I do not have to open the door; I can check the video camera to see who is there. At night, I am sleeping better.”

“The ESSF is an invaluable resource that has enabled me to support a large number of clients. It has helped families who needed to flee, while also enabling others to remain safely in their homes through additional security measures. The team managing the fund are incredibly helpful, knowledgeable and responsive. Thank you for all your support and for making it possible to help so many clients effectively.”

REGISTERED CHARITY: 1177687 bu

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SAFE STEPS CIO ANNUAL REPORT | FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

Safe Steps

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

~~Safe Steps recognises that domestic abuse afects people across all demographics;~~ however, its impact and each individual’s pathway to safety are shaped by intersecting characteristics and needs, including race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, immigration status, age, health and addiction. We are committed to fostering an inclusive community and designing our services so that all victims and survivors of domestic abuse can access support and feel recognised, understood and supported by Safe Steps. Our Annual EDI Report is reviewed by the Board with an overview of progress made and future priorities to ensure our services continue to be fully accessible.

Delivering Public Benefit

Volunteers

Safe Steps began a Volunteer Programme this year, following a grant from ~~Awards For All,~~ we have built a recruitment, training and induction programme for volunteers to support many elements of our charitable work. Volunteers currently support our counselling service and the co-facilitation of our recovery groups.

‘BY AND FOR’

Safe Steps current position is in part due to the vision of local survivors of domestic abuse who set up ~~Southend’s frst women’s refuge,~~ later becoming Southend Women’s Aid in 1976. Our focus as an organisation that began as, and remains committed to, being a ‘by and for’ service for those affected by domestic abuse continues to help as many people as possible whilst contributing to Southend and Essex’s understanding of the complex nature of domestic abuse.

Trustees can confirm that they have complied with the ~~duty of Section 4 of the Charities Act 2006~~ and have paid due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit.

The main activities of the charity are described above. The activities are undertaken to further our charitable purposes for the public benefit. Further information regarding the charities achievements is provided in the Trustees report.

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REGISTERED CHARITY: 1177687

SAFE STEPS CIO ANNUAL REPORT | FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

Financial Review

Principle Funding Sources

The charity is principally funded by ~~commissioned contracts,~~ and charitable grant making trusts and lotteries. The majority of this funding is restricted for projects providing measurable outcomes.

Investment Policy and Objectives

~~The Trust Deed~~ authorises the Trustees to make and hold investments using the general funds of the charity. The Trustees have the power to invest in any way that is appropriate and in the interests of the charity and its service users.

Reserves Policy

The Trustees have a reserves policy which states that the charity will hold reserves equal to ~~3 months of unrestricted expenditure plus £20k for cancelled contracts~~ to cover expected costs in the event of having to close the charity.

Unrestricted reserves have increased substantially in the past year meaning that the levels stated in the reserves policy have now been met.

Future Plans

Future Plans

We will continue to deliver ~~high-quality accredited services~~ through our core contract with the Pan Essex Domestic Abuse Commissioning Collaborative (Essex County Council, Southend City Council, Thurrock Council, and the Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner).

We will continue to expand our services in Castle Point and Rochford, strengthening our reputation as a trusted provider of domestic abuse support across schools, health services and social care.

We plan to improve our infrastructure, with a particular focus on our site for recovery and child and family programme delivery, so that survivors receive support in an environment that is welcoming and conducive to recovery.

We intend to work with local partners to increase the number of refuge bed spaces in Southend. Building on nine years of experience delivering specialist Young Person IDVA services, we plan to develop safe accommodation for young people seeking safety.

Safe Steps has been working to become a more environmentally sustainable charity. For our clients, staff and community, we will continue to make positive changes that benefit everyone.

We intend to retain our Safe Lives Leading Lights accreditation. Since achieving this in 2023, we have continued to work hard to maintain the high standards that give clients and funders confidence in our services.

As Southend enters its 50th year of having a dedicated domestic abuse service, we will mark this milestone by ~~honouring the past and protecting the future of specialist independent support for survivors of domestic abuse.~~

15

REGISTERED CHARITY: 1177687

SAFE STEPS CIO ANNUAL REPORT | FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

Structure, Governance and Management

Governing Document

The charity operates under a governing document, a deed of trust and is constituted as a ~~Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).~~

Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees

As set out in the Constitution, The Chair of Trustees is nominated by their fellow Trustees. New Trustees are interviewed by a panel of existing Trustees to assess suitability for the charity.

Organisational Structure

The day-to-day operations of the charity are delegated to the Chief Executive Sarah Conlon. The Chief Executive appoints appropriate staff to ensure services and projects are delivered to a high standard.

Induction and Training of New Trustees

Related Parties

~~Safe Steps~~ have relationships with related parties and other charity and organisations with which it cooperates in the pursuit of its charitable objectives.

Notable relationships exist with Essex Police, MARAC, Southend Essex and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Board (SETDAB), Essex County Council, Essex Police Fire and Crime Commissioner and more locally Southend City Council, Castle Point Borough Council and Rochford District Council. Direct partnership working with The Next Chapter and Changing Pathways as part of the EVIE Partnership and Cranstoun at delivery partners of the PEDACC Contract. Working with our statutory partners such as Southend, Essex and Thurrock Children’s Social Care and Adult Social Care, Education and Health providers to safeguard clients and their families. We have close working relationship with our voluntary sector partners; SAVS, RAVS and CAVS, HARP, Southend Treatment and Recovery Service, Welcome to the UK, SAFE Partnership and British Red Cross amongst many others who assist us in providing the best possible outcome for clients.

Risk Management

The Trustees confirm they ~~regularly review the Risk Register~~ and are satisfied systems are in place to manage and mitigate the risks identified. The Trustees consider the main risks to the Charity currently are;

Reserves: The Board have agreed that increasing the reserves held by Safe Steps is a priority.

The Trustees maintain a good working knowledge of charity law and best practice by attending charity courses run by outside providers. New Trustees are supplied with an induction folder containing copies of the Constitution, current annual report, business plan and leaflets of guidance from the Charity Commission to perform their role diligently. Trustees attend two working days each year and complete ~~Safeguarding training and Safeguarding In Practice training.~~

16

REGISTERED CHARITY: 1177687

SAFE STEPS CIO ANNUAL REPORT | FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

Safe Steps

Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the CIO Association. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Disclosure of information to auditors

Each of the persons who are Trustees at the time when this Trustees’ report is approved has confirmed that:

Auditors

The auditors, Venthams, have indicated their willingness to continue in office. The designated Trustees will propose a motion reappointing the auditors at a meeting of the Trustees.

Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

L Dye Chair of Trustees

Date: 24 June 2026

17

REGISTERED CHARITY: 1177687

SAFE STEPS

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF SAFE STEPS

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Safe Steps (the 'charity') for the year ended 30 September 2025 which comprise the Statement of financial activities, the Balance sheet, the Statement of cash flows and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standards applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has been withdrawn.

This has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Page 18

SAFE STEPS

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF SAFE STEPS (CONTINUED)

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the Annual report other than the financial statements and our Auditors' report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the Annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the Trustees' responsibilities statement, the Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements which give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the charity's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Page 19

SAFE STEPS

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF SAFE STEPS (CONTINUED)

Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an Auditors' report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

Based on our discussions with the charity’s management and the Trustees, we identified that the following laws and regulations are significant to the entity:

• Those laws and regulations considered to have a direct effect on the financial statements include UK financial reporting standards and Charity Law.

• Those laws and regulations for which non-compliance may be fundamental to the operating aspects of the charity and therefore may have a material effect on the financial statements include compliance with the charitable objectives, public benefit, fundraising regulations, safeguarding and health and safety legislation.

These matters were discussed amongst the engagement team at the planning stage and the team remained alert to non-compliance throughout the audit.

Audit procedures undertaken in response to the potential risks relating to irregularities (which include fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations) comprised of: enquiries of management and the Trustees as to whether the entity complies with such laws and regulations; enquiries with the same concerning any actual or potential litigation or claims; inspection of relevant key risk assessments and inspection reports; review of Member meeting minutes; testing the appropriateness of journal entries; and the performance of analytical review to identify unexpected movements in account balances which may be indicative of fraud.

No instances of material non-compliance were identified. However, the likelihood of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is limited by the inherent difficulty in detecting irregularities, the effectiveness of the entity’s controls, and the nature, timing and extent of the audit procedures performed. Irregularities that result from fraud might be inherently more difficult to detect than irregularities that result from error. As explained above, there is an unavoidable risk that material misstatements may not be detected, even though the audit has been planned and performed in accordance with ISAs (UK).

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Auditors' report.

Page 20

SAFE STEPS

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF SAFE STEPS (CONTINUED)

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charity's trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and its trustees, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Venthams

Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor Millhouse 32 - 38 East Street Rochford Essex SS4 1DB 29 June 2026

Venthams are eligible to act as auditors in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

Page 21

SAFE STEPS

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

Note
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
Charitable activities
4
Other trading activities
5
Investments
6
Other income
7
Total income
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
8
Total expenditure
Net income
Transfers between funds
16
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Net movement in funds
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted
funds
2025
£
17,047
97,947
270
7,922
240
123,426
94,294
94,294
29,132
463,157
492,289
79,378
492,289
571,667		 Restricted
funds
2025
£
600
1,599,144
10,500
68
-
1,610,312
1,557,366
1,557,366
52,946
(463,157)
(410,211)
585,693
(410,211)
175,482		 Total
funds
2025
£
17,647
1,697,091
10,770
7,990
240
1,733,738
1,651,660
1,651,660
82,078
-
82,078
665,071
82,078
747,149		 Total
funds
2024
£
10,410
1,459,686
4,238
7,889
240
1,482,463
1,422,054
1,422,054
60,409
-
60,409
604,662
60,409
665,071

Page 22

SAFE STEPS

BALANCE SHEET FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

Note
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
13
Current assets
Debtors
14
Cash at bank and in hand
Current liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
15
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Total net assets
Charity funds
Restricted funds
16
Unrestricted funds
16
Total funds		 291,050
529,620
820,670
(94,147)		 2025
£
20,626
20,626
726,523
747,149
747,149
175,482
571,667
747,149		 200,767
525,240
726,007
(85,845)		 2024
£
24,909
24,909
640,162
665,071
665,071
585,693
79,378
665,071

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

L Dye Chairperson Date: 24 June 2026

Page 23

SAFE STEPS

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash used in operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Net cash used in investing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year		 2025
£
20,138
(15,758)
(15,758)
4,380
525,240
529,620		 2024
£
60,882
(15,501)
(15,501)
45,381
479,859
525,240

Page 24

SAFE STEPS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

1. General information

Safe Steps was registered in England and Wales on 26 March 2018 under registration number 1177687. It is constituted under a CIO Association, amended 17 April 2019 and 14 October 2021.

The Charity's website address is: https://www.safesteps.org.

2. Accounting policies

2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair' view. This departure has involved following the Charities SORP (FRS 102) published in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

Safe Steps meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.

2.2 Income

All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable.

Other income is recognised in the period in which it is receivable and to the extent the goods have been provided or on completion of the service.

2.3 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.

All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.

Page 25

SAFE STEPS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.4 Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.

2.5 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.

Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.

Depreciation is provided on the following basis:

Fixtures and fittings - 25% straight line
Office equipment - 25% straight line

2.6 Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

2.7 Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

2.8 Liabilities and provisions

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.

Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.

2.9 Financial instruments

The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

2.10 Pensions

The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the Charity to the fund in respect of the year.

Page 26

SAFE STEPS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.11 Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.

3. Income from donations and legacies

Donations
Gift aid
Donations
Gift aid		 Unrestricted
funds
2025
£
16,702
345
17,047
Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
8,957
255
9,212		 Restricted
funds
2025
£
600
-
600
Restricted
funds
2024
£
1,198
-
1,198		 Total
funds
2025
£
17,302
345
17,647
Total
funds
2024
£
10,155
255
10,410

Page 27

SAFE STEPS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

4. Income from charitable activities

Grants
Commissioning income
Training fees
Grants
Commisioning income
Training fees		 Unrestricted
funds
2025
£
96,447
-
1,500
97,947
Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
72,937
-
500
73,437		 Restricted
funds
2025
£
171,693
1,427,451
-
1,599,144
Restricted
funds
2024
£
528,896
857,353
-
1,386,249		 Total
funds
2025
£
268,140
1,427,451
1,500
1,697,091
Total
funds
2024
£
601,833
857,353
500
1,459,686

5. Income from other trading activities Income from fundraising events

Fundraising
Fundraising		 Unrestricted
funds
2025
£
270		 Restricted
funds
2025
£
10,500
Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
4,238		 Total
funds
2025
£
10,770
Total
funds
2024
£
4,238

Page 28

SAFE STEPS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

6. Investment income

Unrestricted
funds
2025
£
Interest receivable
7,922
Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
Interest receivable
7,866		 Restricted
funds
2025
£
68
Restricted
funds
2024
£
23		 Total
funds
2025
£
7,990
Total
funds
2024
£
7,889

7. Other incoming resources

Rental income
Rental income		 Unrestricted
funds
2025
£
240
Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
240		 Total
funds
2025
£
240
Total
funds
2024
£
240

Page 29

SAFE STEPS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

8. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities

Summary by fund type

Community support services
Community support services		 Unrestricted
funds
2025
£
94,294
Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
111,935		 Restricted
funds
2025
£
1,557,366
Restricted
funds
2024
£
1,310,119		 Total
2025
£
1,651,660
Total
2024
£
1,422,054

9. Analysis of expenditure by activities

Community support services
Community support services		 Activities
undertaken
directly
2025
£
1,622,985
Activities
undertaken
directly
2024
£
1,404,987		 Support
costs
2025
£
28,675
Support
costs
2024
£
17,067		 Total
funds
2025
£
1,651,660
Total
funds
2024
£
1,422,054

Page 30

SAFE STEPS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

9. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of direct costs

Staff costs
Rent and venue hire
Insurance
Light and heat
Telephone
Postage and stationery
Staff training and welfare
Travel and motor
Recruitment and redundancy
Project costs
Premises, water and security costs
Subscriptions
Repairs, renewals and cleaning
Sundries and refreshments
Legal and professional
IT and computer expenses		 Community
support
services
2025
£
1,321,617
24,746
5,346
4,314
12,820
10,762
17,285
8,980
1,226
119,343
29,827
2,698
725
6,268
20,822
36,206
1,622,985		 Total
funds
2025
£
1,321,617
24,746
5,346
4,314
12,820
10,762
17,285
8,980
1,226
119,343
29,827
2,698
725
6,268
20,822
36,206
1,622,985

Page 31

SAFE STEPS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

9. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of direct costs (continued)

Staff costs
Rent and venue hire
Insurance
Light and heat
Telephone
Postage and stationery
Staff training and welfare
Travel and motor
Recruitment and redundancy
Project costs
Premises, water and security costs
Subscriptions
Repairs, renewals and cleaning
Sundries and refreshments
Legal and professional
IT and computer expenses		 Community
support
services
2024
£
1,151,124
24,207
4,236
4,304
12,904
14,385
29,772
9,962
5,446
72,616
8,502
1,279
833
7,691
25,259
32,467
1,404,987		 Total
funds
2024
£
1,151,124
24,207
4,236
4,304
12,904
14,385
29,772
9,962
5,446
72,616
8,502
1,279
833
7,691
25,259
32,467
1,404,987

Analysis of support costs

Bank and finance charges
Depreciation
Governance costs		 Community
support
services
2025
£
624
20,041
8,010
28,675		 Total
funds
2025
£
624
20,041
8,010
28,675

Page 32

SAFE STEPS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

9. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of support costs (continued)

Bank and finance charges
Depreciation
Governance costs
Auditors' remuneration
Fees payable to the Charity's auditor for the audit of the Charity's annual
accounts
Fees payable to the Charity's auditor in respect of:
Payroll services		 Community
support
services
2024
£
630
8,625
7,812
17,067
2025
£
6,930
1,080		 Total
funds
2024
£
630
8,625
7,812
17,067
2024
£
6,732
1,080

10. Auditors' remuneration

11. Staff costs

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes		 2025
£
1,186,708
111,782
23,127
1,321,617		 2024
£
1,045,107
87,092
18,925
1,151,124

Page 33

SAFE STEPS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

11. Staff costs (continued)

The average number of persons employed by the Charity during the year was as follows:

Management
Administration
Service delivery		 2025
No.
2
2
36
40		 2024
No.
2
2
34
38

No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.

12. Trustees' remuneration and expenses

During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2024 - £NIL) .

During the year ended 30 September 2025, no Trustee expenses have been incurred (2024 - £NIL) .

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SAFE STEPS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

13. Tangible fixed assets

Cost or valuation
At 1 October 2024
Additions
Disposals
At 30 September 2025
Depreciation
At 1 October 2024
Charge for the year
On disposals
At 30 September 2025
Net book value
At 30 September 2025
At 30 September 2024
Debtors
Due within one year
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income		 Fixtures and
fittings
£
3,381
1,655
(243)
4,793
1,917
1,575
(109)
3,383
1,410
1,464		 Office
equipment
£
47,686
14,103
(10,362)
51,427
24,241
14,242
(6,272)
32,211
19,216
23,445
2025
£
273,801
298
16,951		 Total
£
51,067
15,758
(10,605)
56,220
26,158
15,817
(6,381)
35,594
20,626
24,909
2024
£
189,255
254
11,258
291,050 200,767

14. Debtors

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

15. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Trade creditors
Other taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 2025
£
14,541
26,120
4,603
48,883
94,147		 2024
£
7,687
22,346
3,911
51,901
85,845

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

16. Statement of funds

Statement of funds - current year

Unrestricted funds
General Fund
A Better Start Southend -
IDVA
Postcode Lottery
Restricted funds
Ministry of Justice - Stalking
Essex County Council -
Compass Project
Southend City Council -
Refuge
ECC IDVA Project
Essex Safe Start Fund
Ministry of Justice - Critical
support
Active Essex
Ministry of Justice - Victim
Support Grant
Ministry of Justice - IDVA
PEDACC - South
Essex County Council - DA
Grant Housing
PEDACC - MoJ
Southend City Council -
Housing
National Lottery - Volunteer
Programme
PEDACC - Compass
Other small restricted funds
Total of funds		 Balance at 1
October
2024
£
79,298
80
-
79,378
20,300
61,884
282,845
24,990
72,126
5,523
359
21,900
19,347
-
3,579
-
67,324
-
-
5,516
585,693
665,071		 Income
£
26,979
36,447
60,000
123,426
12,500
126,000
127,539
125,695
102,471
16,000
-
55,652
78,070
401,572
17,794
151,503
126,337
20,000
214,541
34,638
1,610,312
1,733,738		 Expenditure
£
(57,847)
(36,447)
-
(94,294)
(28,702)
(95,725)
(73,926)
(123,957)
(133,463)
(21,523)
(359)
(74,661)
(97,417)
(356,024)
(21,373)
(135,956)
(189,230)
(151)
(184,972)
(19,927)
(1,557,366)
(1,651,660)		 Transfers
in/out
£
463,237
(80)
-
463,157
(3,353)
(92,159)
(336,458)
(19,585)
(4,280)
-
-
(2,891)
-
-
-
-
(4,431)
-
-
-
(463,157)
-		 Balance at
30
September
2025
£
511,667
-
60,000
571,667
745
-
-
7,143
36,854
-
-
-
-
45,548
-
15,547
-
19,849
29,569
20,227
175,482
747,149

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

16. Statement of funds (continued)

Where contracts allow for profit and there has been a surplus once the requirements of the contract have been completed to a sufficient standard to meet the contract conditions, a transfer from the relevant restricted fund to unrestricted funds has been made.

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

16. Statement of funds (continued)

Statement of funds - prior year

Unrestricted funds
General Fund
A Better Start Southend -
IDVA
Restricted funds
Ministry of Justice - Stalking
Essex County Council -
Compass Project
Essex Community Foundation
- Website
Southend City Council -
Refuge
ECC IDVA Project
Essex Safe Start Fund
Ministry of Justice - Critical
support
Active Essex
National Lottery Community
Fund - Break the Cycle (2)
Ministry of Justice - Victim
Support Grant
Ministry of Justice - IDVA
Essex County Council - DA
Grant Housing
Various Youth and Childrens
funds
Southend City Council -
Housing
National Lottery - Volunteer
Programme
Other small restricted funds		 Balance at
1 October
2023
£
85,538
-
85,538
2,500
42,408
824
226,302
15,720
-
16,000
970
25,502
37,051
19,280
3,071
2,654
122,584
-
4,258
519,124		 Income
£
22,121
72,872
94,993
27,900
252,072
-
255,078
152,910
173,681
32,000
-
-
111,304
153,414
35,587
-
179,500
-
14,024
1,387,470		 Expenditure
£
(39,143)
(72,792)
(111,935)
(10,100)
(228,996)
(824)
(198,535)
(140,965)
(100,648)
(42,477)
(611)
(25,502)
(124,641)
(153,347)
(35,079)
(493)
(232,974)
-
(14,927)
(1,310,119)		 Transfers
in/out
£
10,782
-
10,782
-
(3,600)
-
-
(2,675)
(907)
-
-
-
(1,814)
-
-
-
(1,786)
-
-
(10,782)		 Balance at
30
September
2024
£
79,298
80
79,378
20,300
61,884
-
282,845
24,990
72,126
5,523
359
-
21,900
19,347
3,579
2,161
67,324
-
3,355
585,693

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

16. Statement of funds (continued)

Total of funds 604,662 1,482,463 (1,422,054) - 665,071

17. Summary of funds

Summary of funds - current year

Balance at
Balance at 1 30
October Transfers September
2024 Income Expenditure in/out 2025
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 79,378 123,426 (94,294) 463,157 571,667
Restricted funds 585,693 1,610,312 (1,557,366) (463,157) 175,482
665,071 1,733,738 (1,651,660) - 747,149
Summary of funds - prior year
Balance at
Balance at 30
1 October Transfers September
2023 Income Expenditure in/out 2024
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 85,538 94,993 (111,935) 10,782 79,378
Restricted funds 519,124 1,387,470 (1,310,119) (10,782) 585,693
604,662 1,482,463 (1,422,054) - 665,071

18. Analysis of net assets between funds Analysis of net assets between funds - current year

Unrestricted
funds
2025
£
Tangible fixed assets
20,626
Current assets
645,188
Creditors due within one year
(94,147)
Total
571,667		 Restricted
funds
2025
£
-
175,482
-
175,482		 Total
funds
2025
£
20,626
820,670
(94,147)
747,149

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

18. Analysis of net assets between funds (continued)

Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year
Unrestricted
funds
2024
Restricted
funds
2024
£
£
Tangible fixed assets
24,909
-
Current assets
140,314
585,693
Creditors due within one year
(85,845)
-
Total
79,378
585,693
19.
Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities
2025
£
Net income for the year (as per Statement of Financial Activities)
82,078
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
20,041
Increase in debtors
(90,283)
Increase in creditors
8,302
Net cash provided by operating activities
20,138
20.
Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
2025
£
Cash in hand
529,620
Total cash and cash equivalents
529,620		 Total
funds
2024
£
24,909
726,007
(85,845)
665,071
2024
£
60,409
8,625
(32,668)
24,516
60,882
2024
£
525,240
525,240

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

21. Analysis of changes in net debt

At 1 At 30
October September
2024 Cash flows 2025
£ £ £
Cash at bank and in hand 525,240 4,380 529,620

22. Pension commitments

The charity operates a defined contributions pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the charity to the fund and amounted to £23,127 (2024 - £18,925). Contributions of £4,603 (2024 - £3,911) were payable to the fund at the balance sheet date.

23. Related party transactions

The Charity has not entered into any related party transaction during the year, nor are there any outstanding balances owing between related parties and the Charity at 30 September 2025.

During the year key management personnel received remuneration of £58,653 (2024 - £57,013).

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