CHAT :"" Counselling TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT 2023-2024 Registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) No 1135647
CHAT ":: Counselling TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT 5th April 2023 - 5th April 2024 Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity: Chair.. Co Chair.. Co Chair: Christine Mar5ters (Apr 23 to Jul 23) Craig Wilcox (Jul 23 to Apr 24) Di2ne Boyd aul 23 to Apr 24} Sarah Taylor Gwen Radcliffe Michael Jakeways Peter Burrows Lita Gray Kathryn Newell Secretary: Treasurer- Name of Clinical Business Manager and names of staff members: CEOS: Denise Slater and Rachel Travers (Aus 23 to Mar 24) Se¢onded Clinical & Business Manager: Pauline Maxwell (Mar 24 to Apr 24) Professiona5 Counsellor5'. Elizabeth Bond, Pauline Maxwell, Natalia Mae Lavin Sessional Coun5ellor= Catherine Baines Finance Officer.. Karina Gilder Structure, Governance and Management Charity 15 constituted as: Charitable Incorporated Or8ani5ation Summary of objects: CHAT exists for.. The preseryition and protection of the emotional and mental health of young people, aged 9-25 years in Oundle, Thrapston and surrounding villages of North East of North Northamptonshire by.. l. Offering free information, counselling and mentoring services 2. Providing early support to individuals, a5 an alternative to or prior to NHS clinical intervention work, reducing the cases seeking access to NHS clinical services
Youth Counselling 3. Providing, maintaining and developing up-to-date quality information resources for young people 4. Working with other org2nisation5, in order, to strengthen the support available to young people. Trustee selection methods: The Trustees are local people with an interest and experience in counselling, youth work, local government or other relevant leadership and management experience. They are xppointed at the AGM, which reviews the appointments annuilly. Management: Trustee5 work closely with the charity CEO to ensure the smooth running of the chariry and Service delivery. Together, they are responsible for the strategic planning to ensure the dclivery of the client services in accordance with the Charity's objectives and for supporting funding applications to ensure the financial security and future of CHAT. They liaise with other professionals 2nd attend meetings, lifting CHAT'S profile. increasing the awarene55 of CHAT'S presence in the community, earning it recognition and respect. Trustees provide s*Jpport to the employed staff, for example personnel processes, financial management and health and safety advice. to ensure that CHAT is run in a professional and legal manner. The Trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit in all their decision making. The part-time employed CEO supports Trustees in the development and implementation of the strategic development plan, undertaking the key administrative tasks and client management. They maintain a close working relationship with the staff on operational and procedural issues. The CEO represents the Chariry at the Reach Collaborative meetings and other local community meetings. I n addition, the CEO acts a5 the Designaced Safeguarding Lead whilst the Chair is designated Ca5dicott Guardian and Data Protection Officer. Summary of Main Activities: CHAT Youth Counselling employs two part-time counsellors. A self-employed counsellor is available to enable CHAT to respond to periods of increased client waiting lists. They work primarily through local schools or from the CHAT office in the Courthouse, Oundle.
CHAT ::: Counselling Prince William School, an 11-18 secondary, has an annually reviewed Service Level Agreement. CHAT provide5 a confidential service 5 days a week in term times, in a designated protected space. A weekly outreach counselling provision takes place in the early evening in Thrapston. In addition. occasional work is undertaken at other Icc21 primary schoo15 in the Northeast of North Northamptonshire. M05t sessions are individual face-to-face with a professional. Online or telephone sessions are available on request for those clients encountering issues wich direct access. All counsellors are professionally qualified and undergo regular clinical supervision ind participate in orbgoing professional development activities. Referrals are taken through the CAMHS Referral Management Centre, direccly from GPS and other medical professionals, schools* pirents and the young people themselves. Following Ln initial asse55ment, professionals provide a six-session course of eirher counselling or therapeutic mentoring, as appropriate. At this poin[ there is a review resulting in one of the following outcomes- case closure. a referral to another support agency, or an extended counselling agreemen¢ &5 required. Achievements and Performance thi5 year (in terms of Objerts): l. Offering free information. counselling and rnentoring services 2. Providing early support to individuals, as an alternative to, or prior to NHS clinic21 intervention 3. Providing, maintaining and developing up-to-date quality information resource5 for young people 4. Working with other organi5ations in order to strengthen the support available to young people Summa of achievement5 and u ates for the ear CHAT Youth Counselling is commissioned by the NHS (Integrated Care Board) to provide a service for I1-18-year-olds and vulnerable clients up to the age of 25-yexr-old. The year has seen significant stsffing changes across 211 levels and a large amount of trustee & staff time has been spent ensuring the seryice was maintained whi15t recruiting for key roles. A new CEO was appointed in August 2023, however they then resigned in March 2024. The decision was made by the trustees to appoint a Clinical & Business Manager to replace the CEO in June 2024.
CHAT :"" Counselling These roles have now been filled 2nd the coming yexr will bring positive improvements within the team and performance. Between April 23 April 24 we delivered 1516 individual counselling sessions to 208 11-18 year olds. Predominantly chese originated from Prince Williarn School, however sessions were also delivered in a number of primaries (Thrapston, Oundle, Na55ing¢on) and in the office and online. Of these 1516 sessions, 29 were referrals from the RMC and 397 were deemed to be Tier 2.5, these are all the young people whose needs are more complex and who would perhaps have seen CAMHS in the past. In addition 84 Rapid Response sessions were delivered, which are high risk cases that must be seen within I week. At Thripston café, we delivered 51 cafes becween April 23-24 to 62 ind ividuals. Of these 38 young people made multiple vi51ts to the cafe. The café 15 Staffed by 2 full time counsellors and a volunteer. There are discussions at REACH about the Cafes extending their age range from 8-25. which should make them even busier in the new year. CHAT continue5 to use a range of social media plarfornis to improve communication with potential clients. Its Instagrxm has 218 followers and 93 followers on Facebook. The CHAT website provide5 links to other councy-based and local websites, e.g., Northamptonshire Health Care Partnership Directory. CHAT'S area of operation covers a wide rural area in North Northamptonshire. This yeLr, focus has remained on improving access for young people and their families in the Thrapscon area. It has proved positive with continued clients accessing CHAT'S range of services from the Thrapscon are< along with continued use within Oundle and other local areas. Counsellors report that the issue5 being presented by clients at initial assessment remain similar to those of previous years, with self-harm, family issues and anxiety remaining high. BereavementJLoss and relationships continue to be present as issues. Low moodlself-esteem
CHAT ":" Counselling issues increased 2$ CHAT widened counselling access to clients in the younger age group 2nd with the continuing impact of the pandemic on young people. It has been noted that clients do not always define the issues clearly at the initial assessment, with underlying issues appearing during support, e.g., self-harm and suicidal ideation. Client evaluative feedback on CHAT services still remains l 00% positive, with nc complaints being received. This is expected to continue due to the professional service that is provided. CHAT staff provide various information leaflets, guides and online links to clients and families. covering a range of mental health issues. These continue to be updated and distributed as required. Staff maintain their expertise and knowledge through their membership of BACP., through Subscription to emailed newsletters. e.g. NAYC, Youth Access, Barnardo's. NSPCC, ICO., and through the research and development in mental health provision published both nationally and Ioc211y. All staff have up to date with training on the Lamplight recordir)g sy5cem. Admin staff have had extended data training to ensure ill reports and data submitted to MHSDS are accurate. Topics covered in CPD events have included autism and ADHD. and iccessibility awareness for how young people access mental health services, in particular those with ASD. These training opportunities help CHAT to continue to deliver a high-quality service to its clients. Performance reviews for all staff took place in January and were directed toward5 SUStainin8 and embedding good practice. Stsff sugge5tion5 for enhancing its services were sought during these meetings. CHAT continues to work c105ely with the other local youth counselling charities via the Reach Collaborative. Regular meeting5 have taken p12ce with CEOS and Chairs of Trustees to develop continuiry ar¢d consistency of counselling coverage. to submit joint bids for funding,. and to plan the delivery of shired counselling and therapeutic interventions, emotional supporr and other activities to young people and their families living within Northamptonshire. A shared Strategic Plan has been developed, reviewed and updated to steer the direction of the Reach Collaborative. Resources have been eo-produced and shared to the benefrt of young people within the counry. e.g., Self-Harm bags and Mood Boost booklets. A common Safeguarding recording and reporting system, Myconcern, has been explored by Reach. The CHAT CEO ha5 continued to represent the charity with local groups, GP 5urgerie5, local government bodies, the Northamptonshire Early Help Service, CAMHS and with all local Schools. CHAT continues to be 2 member of the Mental Health Transformation Board, as all member5 of Reach have.
CHAT ::: Counselling CHAT Youth Counselling has focused its developments on the areas identified in its Strategic Development Plan. These are reviewed periodically by Trustees with a new updated plan ready to implement in the first part of the next year. The key priorities are to extend the access for young people to youth counselling 5UPPOrt within our geographic area. CHAT staff have embedded the core services and contributed to the additional independently funded projects ready to move iT)to Weldon Academy in the near future. PrDmctional reports. Posters and advert5 continue to be placed in the local pre55 and printed publications, and regular presentations are made within school contexts communicating the free nature of CHAT'S services. Thi5 has contributed to the InCree in self and family referra15 being received. It is planned to expind on CHAT'S social media presence over Ihe forthcoming ye2r which will assist in providing greater acce55 to the service provided. We have continued to attract funds from Thrapston Council, Waitrose, The Freemasons, Ind the Oundle & Distritt Care charity to permit the sUPPOrt of young people aged 9-1 O and 19-25-year- olds. The support from local organisations has been much appreciated. CHAT has continued to review its policies. These hive included Health & SifetylRisk Assessments, Volunteering and Client Care, Data protection, Grievance xnd Problem Solving, and Whistleblowing, as well as Safeguarding & Child Protectiorb and financial policies. These activities have resulted in the ongoing development of the charity's operating practice5. There have been no serious incident5 during this financial year. The Board 15 looking to expand on its solid crvstee base to help grow the service and ensure targets are achieved in the forthcoming year ahead. They are also looking ahead with the appointment of a new CBM {Clinical & Business Manager]- Financial Review The Trustee5 aim to hold a reserve fund of 6 months expenditure against the time when NHSIIC8IPublic Health funding is no longer available, to provide time for further funding applications, whilst withdrawing from client work in 2 profe55ional manner. The current calculation is that reserves should not fLII below £75k allowing for redundancy provision. During the financial year the reserve was reduced by £34,220.46. Of this, £14k was money received in advance the previous year for core work, £12419.72 was returned to funders on the
CHAT ":: Counselling closure of the Happier Families project and £6075 was re211ocated to REACH partners following CHAT session targets being missed in 22-23. Trustees review the reserve holdings on a regular basis. Cash flow was a problem in the first half of the year, following the changes from monthly to quarterly invoicing for tier 2.5 payments. Therefore, Trustees decided to move to short notice or shorter fixed term accouncs on the maturity of one-year fixed term deposits held on the CAF Deposit Platform, managed by Flagstone investments. This provides further flexibility and has taken advintage of rising variable interest rates. Further detai15 can be found in the examined accounts, appended. Declaration The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustee5' Report above. Signed on behilf of the charity'5 trustees Signature Full name Position Craig Wilcox Co-chair SILI¥ Gwen Radcliffe Treasurer {121802
CHAT """ Counselling TH STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR YEAR ENDED 5 APR 2024 Restricted Unrestricted Funds Funds Total 2023124 Total 2022123 Note Incomlng Resources NHS Contract +2.5 Projecl Funding Data FIw4 Donations Interest REACH Reallocations Total Dlrect'charitable. Expenditure Sal8ries, Pensions & NIC Travel costs - Staff Travel costs - Volunteers £78,643 69 £26,476 00 £6,650.00 £D.00 £0.00 -£25,490.72 £86,278.97 £0.00 £78,643.69 £000 £26,476 00 £0.00 £6,650.00 £6,700.46 £6,700.46 £3,500.00 £4,435.37 £4,435.37 £3,017.96 £O.OQ -£25,490.72 -£16.951.00 £11,13S.83 £97.414.80 £104,261.91 £78,618.00 £36,076.95 -£98,611.88 -£10,956 88 -£109,568.75 -£1,111.77 -£123.53 -£1.235.30 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 -£99,723.65 -£11,080 41 -£110,804.05 -£95,403.77 -£2,466.32 £0.00 -£97,870.09 Support Costs Supervision & Training Communications Data & Safeguarding gysterns Accommodation AdvertisinglRecruilment -£2,6g3.88 -£1,641.99 -£1,166.40 -£8,229.28 -£1,596.30 -£15,327.85 -£299.32 -£2,993.20 -£130.84 -£1.824.43 -£129.60 -£1,296.00 £0.00 -£8,229.28 £0.00 -£1.596.30 -£559.76 -£15,887.61 -£4,343.40 -£2,420.66 -£550.00 -£8,092.08 -£484.50 -£15 890.64 Managernent and Administration Govemance Accounting IT EquipmenUDepreciation SLJndry Office Costs -£1,904.69 -£1,260.90 £0.00 -£1.322.41 -£4.488.00 £0.00 £0.00 -£554.25 £g8.65 -£455.60 -£1,904.69 -£1,260 90 -£554.25 -£1,223.76 4,943.60 1,473.82 £0.00 -£884.57 -£916.94 -£3,275.33 Total Resources expended 119,539.49 Q12,095.77 4131,635.26 4117,036.06 Net incoming resources -£33,260.52 -£959.94 -£34,220.46 -£12,774.15 Transfer between funds Total funds brought forward Total Funds carried fonNard -£68,368.67 £68,368.67 £0.00 £0.00 £143591.19 £34,613.34 £178.204.53 £190.978.68 £41,962.00 £102.022.08 £143.984.07 £178,204.53
CHAT ::: Counselling Balance Sheet at April 5th 2024 April 5th 2024 April 5th 2023 Computer Equipment Accumulated Depreciation Net Book Value £4,953.67 -£3,961.67 £992.00 £4,519.91 -£3,407.66 £1,112.25 Current Assets Debtors Cash at bank Cash on deposit Cash in Hand £0.00 £59,061.52 £84,451 96 £1 50 £143,514.98 £0.00 £11,028.67 £166,735.27 £1.50 £177,765.44 Less current liabilities Creditors Suspense Account -£522.91 £0.00 $22.91 -£673.16 £0.00 673.16 Total Net Assets Represented by Restricted funds Unrestricted funds £143 984.07 £178 204.53 £41,962.00 £102,022.08 £143,591.19 £34,613.34 Total Assets £143,984.07 £178,204.53 io
CHAT ":: Counselling TH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR YEAR ENDED 5 APR 2024 l. Project Funding In 2023-24, in addition to core funding from NHS, funding was received via REACH partners for the following projects. Tier 2.5 Rapid Response Data Flow Wellbeing Cafe Total Fund holder Service Six the lowdown Youth Works the lowdown REieived 23-24 £37,973.70 £5000.00 £650D.OD £21476.00 £70947.70 Unused at 5.4.2024 'Tier 2.5, funding from NCCG airlls to extend youth counselling provision to offer emotional wellbeing support and counsellin8 to children and young people referred to REACH who exceed the threshold of Tier 2, the core colltract, but do not meet the threshold for CAMHS atTier 3. £12420.00 £3625.00 £194.00 £o.w £16239.¢ Rapid Response funding IS to deliver emergency counselling for young people referred by A & E departments. Wellbeing Café. Friendly mental health professionals are on hand to listen to and help individuals in their time of need, providing advice. support or signposting / referTa15 to the relevant team or organisation. Parents and carer5 are also welcotne to drop-in. 2. REACH reallocations The Happier Families project c105ed in this area during the year. The sum of £ 12410.72 unused was returned to Youth Works. In addition reallocations of 2022-23 funding were agreed by REACH resulting in a payment to the Lowdown of £6075 and £8062 to Youth Works. Restricted funds at 5.4.2024 Current projects Previous project funding to be used to meet defitit budget for 2024-25 Totsl £16,239.00 £25.703.00 £41,962.1)0 Consequently, a further transfer from restricted to unrestricted funds has been made.
CHAT ":: Counselling 3. Staffing Staff costs include salaries, employers NIC and employers pension contributions plus payments to sessional counsellors. CHAT Youth Counselling applies for, and receives, the NIC Employer's Allowance of £5000. The unrestricted expenditure shown on the financial activity sheet is the proportion of these Staff costs which are associated with counselling clients not covered by the N HS contract. CHAT Youth Counselling applies for. and receives, the NIC Employerf5 Allowance of £5000. 4. IT Equipment Depreciation of computer hardware is calculated using the double depreciation tllethod based on their residual values at the end of a 4-year period. Tangible Fixe(l Assets Purchased Value Aprll 22 Orlglnal Cost Value Aprll 23 £0.00 Value April 24 £0.00 Laptop Treasurer Laptop Manager Laptop Finance Off 41 pads" Jan 19 £431.60 £50.00 March 21 £1,149.97 £648.98 £699.99 £475.00 £250.OU April 21 April 20 August 23 £374.49 £237.25 £ioo.00 £2289.36 £872.34 £400.OD £400.00 Laptop CEO £434 £242.00 £4.953.67 £1.996.82 £1.112.25 £992.00 ACCOUNTING POLICIES D Incone is recognised as received or when receipt is certain. Dirett charitabl& Èxpenditure represents the salaries and expenses reimbursements for staff and volunteers. T Support costs represent the accornmodation and cotnmunication infrastructure required t0 5UPPOrt the staff and volunteets. Mèn£g&ment and administratlon CDsts represent @xpenditure not connerted with the costs of the staff and volunteers. 12
Youth Counselling Inde ndent Examiners Re ort to the Trustees of CHAT Youth Counsellin I report on the accounts of Oundle CHAT Youth Counselling charity number 1179806, for the year ended 5th April 2024. Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's Iruslees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 Df the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. Itisrny responsibility to.. examine the accounts under seclion 145 of the Charities Act.. follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145151{bl of the Charities Act). and state whether particular matters have corne to rny attention. Basls of Independent examlnerfs statement My examination was carried out in accordance with General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by Ihe charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records, It also includes consideration of any unusual iterns or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you the trustees Concerning any SLJch malters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fairf view and the report is limited to those matters sel out in the statement below Independent examiner's statement In the course of my examination, subject to not having seen the Trustees Report, no matter h8s come to my attenb'on.. which gives me reasDnable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the trustees have not mel the requirements to ensure that- proper accounting records are kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Acl and accounts are prepared which agree with the accounting records and comply with the accounling requirements of the Charities Act- or 2. 10 which in my opinion attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts lo be reached. Signed.. Graham Darbourne TC Group The Old Town Hall Oundle PE8 4AL Date.. 5th February 2025