Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 1 January 2021 Period start date To 31 December 2021 Period end date
Charity name: Sycamore Counselling Service
Charity registration number: 1179039
Aim and purposes
Our aim during counselling at Sycamore Counselling Service is to enable positive change through a professional caring relationship, working within clearly agreed boundaries.
Our counselling service is offered regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnic or cultural background, to people of any faith or none. We work with adults on an individual basis, and do not currently offer couples counselling or family therapy.
Each counsellor has a different way of working depending on their training and model used, and all are trained to Diploma level or above. Our counsellors are Christians and are motivated by their faith to seek to serve the community. Whilst all those working at Sycamore share a world view that is drawn from the Christian faith, there is no expectation that clients will hold the same world view.
Objectives and Activities
Sycamore Counselling Services is committed to enabling as many people as possible to access professional counselling that can enable a route forwards for individuals struggling with mental health issues.
We do not charge individuals who access the service, but ask for donations if they are in a position to do so.
Achievements and Performance
Marketing
Business cards and leaflets have been circulated to local GP practises, Banks, Building Societies, Churches, Community Centres and Public Libraries.
Sycamore Counselling has a website and a listing on the Counselling Directory.
Fund Raising
Individual donations following counselling sessions, and financial gifts given by supporters of the Charity.
Accommodation
We rent one room, weekly, in Trinity Methodist Church, Hexham.
During this year, we have continued to use telephone and Zoom Counselling options as well as face-to-face.
Recruitment
The existing accommodation is currently too small to have additional counsellors. We are trying to find alternative, more flexible, accommodation in the area.
CPD
CPD has been completed in line with professional guidelines from the Association of Christian Counsellors.
Financial Review
As per the examined accounts Sycamore is funded by donation sufficient to maintain the service
Volunteers
We would like to thank all the volunteers who work so hard to make Sycamore Counselling operate effectively.
Structure, governance and management
The Trustees and the Counsellors meet every 2 – 3 months. An agenda is sent out in advance, and the meetings are minuted.
Administrative Information
| Jenny Tabori | Chairman, Manager and Trustee |
|---|---|
| Ann Attwood | Vice Chairman and Trustee |
| Vicky Herod | Treasurer, Counsellor and Trustee |
| Esther Russell | Secretary and Trustee |
| Jill Taylor | Counsellor and Trustee |
| Brian Massey | Trustee |
| Margi McAllister | Trustee |
SYCAMORE COUNSELLING SERVICE Income and Expenditure For the year ending 31" Decernb, 2021 2021 2020 2021 Income Giving Client Cash Room Hire 630.00 550.00 36.00 1590.00 436.00 Donations 503.00 1216.00 2529.00 Expenditure Room Hire Printing Office&Equip . Phone Insurance Supervision Ico 790.00 71.62 440.39 141.12 169 40 450.00 186.60 169.40 330.00 35.00 35.00 1647A3 1261.71 IDeficitllSurplus Reserve 2021 Opening Bank Income Expenditure 2021 Closing Balance 1267.29 6011.39 1229.74 -1661.27 5579.86 The Trustees are spOnsible for the pparation of the accounts and consider that an audit is not required. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts. My examination was caTried out following the General Directiorjs of the Charity Commission and includes a review of the underlying accounts. I have examined the Income and Expenditure report for th¢ year endFng 31" December, 2021 along with supporting documentary evidence and in connection with my examination no matter has come to my attention that gives me reasonable cause to believe that tbe books and records are not an accurate reflection of activity. BRUCE NAPIER