MumsAid Maternal Mental Health Support
Report and Accounts Year ended 31 March 2025
MumsAid Maternal Mental Health Support
Charity Number: 1179849
Welcome from Dr Miriam Donaghy, our Founder and CEO
Reflecting on the past year at MumsAid, I am proud to review what has been a landmark year of recognition, growth, and impact. A significant highlight was the independent validation of our effectiveness through the Pro Bono Economics "Pregnant then Blue?" report, which demonstrated that 76% of mothers supported by our services experienced significant improvement in their mental health, with an estimated economic benefit of £10,000 per recipient. We were also delighted that the report showed that the improvement achieved through our services compared very favourably to NHS Talking Therapies in both efficacy and cost-effectiveness.
This year brought significant recognition of our work's importance through a number of other channels. I was invited to join Lord Darzi's expert reference group for his Independent Investigation of the NHS in England, had an article published in the British Journal of Midwifery outlining our model and our impact, and our young mothers' work was featured on BBC News for Children in Need. The Maternal Mental Health Alliance and Mental Health Foundation published their "Creating Connections" report for policymakers on supporting young mums, which further raised our profile as it featured our work as an exemplar and acknowledged my contribution to the knowledge base.
We also continued strengthening our strategic partnerships that position MumsAid as experts in perinatal mental health intervention, particularly with marginalised groups.
Notable developments include our role as VCSE representative on the South London Perinatal Partnership Programme, contributing to NIHR-funded research led by York University on young women's perinatal support, and membership of both the GABI research steering group (a longitudinal cohort study investigating the impact of General Anaesthetic Caesarean Section on mothers’ mental health, with Kings College London) and the Young Parent Network, advocating nationally for young parent families. I was also pleased to be asked to provide clinical supervision and consultancy for a team of specialist midwives based in the Midlands during the last year. It was a privilege getting to know them and to support the amazing work they do.
1
This year also saw us welcome our first Patron, Dr Trudi Seneviratne, and our new Ambassador, Laura Richmond, and we were honoured to have them join us. We were also delighted to host a visit from Deputy Mayor of London Joanne McCartney—all testament to the growing recognition of our vital work.
Despite ongoing funding pressures, we achieved a 22% increase in service provision and strengthened our team structure with new Counselling Coordinator and Clinical Lead roles. Our specialised services continue delivering outstanding outcomes: 100% of young mothers reported improved parent-baby bonding, while 98% of mothers in our Akwaaba service felt less isolated and more positive.
Looking ahead, we are now very well-positioned to build on our strong track record and the recognition this year has brought, to expand our impact and to advocate for systemic change to ensure all mothers receive quality care.
I extend heartfelt gratitude to our trustees, staff, volunteers, and partners. Their expertise and dedication continue driving MumsAid's success as we transform individual lives while demonstrating how effective, inclusive maternal mental health services should be delivered.
Welcome from Angela Smith-Morgan, our Chair
I look back over the year’s achievements of MumsAid with great pride. The MumsAid team has again delivered life-changing impacts for hundreds of families, meaning that the start in life of their babies is the best they can give. The measuring of this impact by Pro Bono Economics simply underlines what the team see day to day as our mums grow in confidence and build essential bonds with their babies.
Despite the cost-of-living pressures which impact securing funds, our small team has again responded to growing demand. Our charity relies on our incredible supporters, donors and volunteers to continue our vital work.
Thank you!
2
1. Administrative Details
Registered office
184–186 Westcombe Hill, Blackheath, SE3 7DH
Trustees
-
Polly Jahan Ali (Treasurer)
-
Renu Assi
-
Beverley Bernstein (appointed 2 November 2023, resigned 11 July 2024)
-
Clare Harland
-
Stephen McDermott
-
Grishma Patel
-
Hazel Pearson
-
Zenah Shuhaiber (Resigned 11 September 2024)
-
Angela Smith-Morgan (Chair)
-
Jill Thompson
Key Staff
- Dr Miriam Donaghy, Founder & CEO
| Contents | Page |
|---|---|
| Welcome from CEO and Chair | 1-2 |
| Charity Information | 3 |
| Trustees' Annual Report | 4-17 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 18 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 19 |
| Balance Sheet | 20 |
| Notes to the Accounts | 21-28 |
3
Trustees’ Annual Report 2024-25
2. Structure, Governance and Management
MumsAid is a CIO (Constitution registered 2018, updated 2023). Trustees are appointed by the Board following a skills-based recruitment and approval process. There are currently 8 Trustees, and all new trustees receive an induction pack, including links to Charity Commission guidance, and are given opportunities to participate in governance training.
Public Benefit statement
The Trustees have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Charity's aims and objectives and in planning MumsAid's future activities. In particular, the Trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to MumsAid's charitable purpose.
The organisation is led by CEO & Founder, Dr Miriam Donaghy, supported by a small staff team (7 FTE) and a Clinical Lead, with 17 volunteer counsellors across the year (12 active at any one time), and associate therapists.
Operational matters are managed by the CEO and the Service Manager. The Trustee Board meets quarterly, as do the permanent subcommittees for Finance & Risk, Fundraising and Governance. Ad hoc Board subcommittees are formed on occasion as need arises.
MumsAid is an organisational member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
4
3. Objectives and Activities
The charity was set up to provide specialist counselling and therapeutic support to pregnant women and new mothers experiencing emotional or mental health challenges, and to raise awareness of perinatal mental health.
MumsAid’s vision is of a future where all mothers are supported in giving their babies the best start in life.
MumsAid takes a holistic approach to the needs of mothers experiencing Perinatal Mental Health (PMH) challenges. Our services encompass individual counselling and group support plus outreach and advocacy, including help with housing, finance and employment. We also play a vital role in helping mothers access other support via our network of partners. Group services are free to users in Greenwich. Additional support available includes creche, text support, and private counselling sessions.
Our main activities aim to provide support to the most marginalised women who would not otherwise find the assistance they need. We have developed our group services to respond to the needs of our local Greenwich area:
-
YoungMumsAid programme for mothers aged 16–22
-
Akwaaba group for global majority mothers and babies
-
Mighty Acorns Plus for babies with disabilities and complex medical conditions
-
Restore, for mothers who have experienced a traumatic pregnancy and/or birth
-
Art workshops, open to all, giving clients the opportunity to express their emotions through creativity, create friendships and combat isolation
In addition to our provision of free counselling services and our group work with parents, we aim this year to extend the availability of private counselling to those who can afford to pay for counselling, and reinvest any surplus in our free provision.
5
Our Volunteers
MumsAid could not achieve the impactful and much needed services it continues to deliver without the support and involvement of our hardworking and committed volunteers. This year we are so pleased and grateful to have had even more volunteers joining the MumsAid team.
a) MumsAid Volunteer Counsellors
We were able to offer a total of 17 volunteer counselling placements over the year, with each volunteer counsellor offering up to 3 weekly sessions. Our Mighty Acorns group has also benefited from the crucial and much valued support throughout the year of their dedicated team of 5 volunteers. In addition, we have been fortunate to have had a further 4 volunteers supporting the work of MumsAid’s core staff with administrative tasks, marketing and fundraising, making a total of 26 volunteers over the year.
b) MumsAid Community Champions
We continue to be especially proud of our three MumsAid Community Champions. They are all ex-service users who are keen to give back by volunteering their time for fundraising and public-speaking events, sharing their passion and belief in the transformative impact that being given the right support at the right time can achieve. Our champions also feature prominently in our promotional videos.
c) MumsAid Ambassadors
We are grateful for our two Ambassadors, Zoe Tapper, an actress who is passionate about supporting perinatal mental health and has been so supportive to the MumsAid cause for over a decade now. Joining Zoe this year, as another Ambassador, is Laura Richmond, a celebrated author, who has written a deeply moving memoir about motherhood and mental health.
6
MumsAid Patron
We were also delighted that one of our previous Ambassadors, Dr Trudi Seneviratne (OBE, FRCPsych), a consultant adult and perinatal psychiatrist, who has held national and international roles promoting PMH services, agreed to become a Patron for MumsAid.
4. Performance and Achievements
This year we worked with 532 service users, which is a 22% increase on last year. Outcomes by services:
Generic counselling service
-
85.05% of mums had improved scores on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), with the mean score going from 14.84 to 9.53
-
91.97% showed improvement against the Perceived Stress Scale, with the mean score going down from 34.15 to 26.92
-
87.47% showed improvement in confidence as a parent and 91.32% reported improved bonds with their baby; mean score went from 5.97 to 4.09
-
Satisfaction score for the overall service was 4.6/5
-
100% of them would recommend the service to others
YoungMumsAid service (counselling)
-
86.75% of mums reported improved mental health and wellbeing
-
86.25% reported feeling better able to cope, less isolated and more positive
-
100% reported improved parent-baby bonding
-
83.75% reported improved parental confidence
-
100% of mums felt they have benefited from the programme/support received
Case study
Ruby is a 21-year-old mother to a two-year-old son. She is a care leaver who entered the care system at age six following sustained abuse from her mother and others. With no local family support—her foster placement was in Kent—she now lives with her son in temporary semi-supported housing. Ruby has low-level learning needs and is awaiting an ADHD assessment. She has also been diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to her experience of early childhood trauma.
7
When she first engaged with YoungMumsAid, Ruby found it extremely difficult to trust professionals. She frequently avoided appointments and disengaged from services, which led to concerns from other agencies about the potential impact of unresolved trauma on her son.
YoungMumsAid used a trauma-informed, relationship-based approach to slowly build trust. Over time, Ruby began to open up and express her feelings, rather than avoiding conversations or becoming angry. We advocated on her behalf, working with mental health teams to ensure a coordinated response and helping her access an ADHD assessment via the Right to Choose pathway. We supported her during assessments with the ADAPT team, enabling her to access the right therapeutic care for PTSD and complex trauma.
As a result, Ruby is now receiving long-term support from the ADAPT team. She has started group therapy and will be referred to Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to address her trauma.
Ruby’s son recently completed his first year at nursery and is thriving, described as a happy, playful child with a strong bond with his mother. Ruby has developed meaningful relationships with professionals and peers, reducing her isolation and expanding her support network. She attends the YoungMumsAid drop-in group and has completed The Freedom Programme and Strengthening Families through the local Children’s Centre. Ruby said:
“I don’t think I could’ve gone through the last year if it was not for YoungMumsAid’s support. I would not be the mum I am to my son without being able to look after my mental health—something I was really struggling with, as I didn’t know where to go for the right support. I had to keep telling my story over and over again to different professionals and got passed around with no real help. YoungMumsAid advocated for me, helped me find my voice, and gain the right support.”
Ruby’s journey is ongoing. Her goals include securing permanent housing, receiving a confirmed ADHD diagnosis, and completing her EMDR treatment. She has also expressed a desire to help others by sharing her story and is now attending the Young Mums Active group at MumsAid with hopes of training as a peer supporter.
*Any identifying information has been changed, and we have been granted permission by the mums to include their stories in this report.
8
Akwaaba counselling
-
89% of mums reported improved mental health, depression and anxiety
-
79.7% reported improved resilience
-
98.33% reported feeling better able to cope, less isolated and more positive
-
75.39% reported improved confidence and well-being
-
100% of mums felt they have benefited from the programme/support received
Case study
Anna, a 31-year-old Black African woman, married to a White British man, was referred to MumsAid’s service by her health visitor following the birth of her daughter. Although she described loving and caring feelings toward her baby, Anna experienced intense anger rooted in the absence of a nurturing relationship with her own mother. She was also managing a complex personal history, including depression, anxiety, a diagnosis of ADHD, childhood sexual abuse, and previous suicidal thoughts. At the time of referral, she was estranged from her family.
MumsAid contacted Anna within 24 hours of her referral and carried out a full telephone assessment within a week. She was quickly offered a place in our counselling service and received 12 sessions of face-to-face counselling.
Working with her MumsAid therapist, Anna explored the deep emotional impact of her past: her feelings of abandonment, her role as a mother, and the influence of intergenerational trauma. Together, they examined her relationship with her husband and considered what a safe, culturally-meaningful connection with her wider family, particularly for her daughter, might look like. Anna engaged fully in the work, showing openness and deep reflection. In time, she came to recognise that her anger masked profound sadness. This shift enabled her to reconnect with her mother. For the first time, Anna was able to speak openly and be heard. The healing that followed helped her begin to rebuild a relationship with her mother—one that now allows her daughter a meaningful link to her heritage. Anna said: “ I found having someone to talk to regularly very helpful… This is a very important service. ”
She attended her 3-month follow-up session and will be offered another at 6 months. While she may not need further support, MumsAid will continue to offer signposting if required. Her therapist reflected:
9
“ This client came to us after years of counselling during which she addressed significant trauma from abuse. She was extremely reflective and self-aware and displayed openness and empathy. Working intersubjectively was a very effective way for her to connect with her own feelings as well as her daughter and her mother. ”
*Any identifying information has been changed, and we have been granted permission by the mums to include their stories in this report.
Mighty Acorns
-
100% of mums reported improved mental health and wellbeing
-
100% reported feeling better able to cope, less isolated and more positive
-
75% reported improved parent-baby bonding
-
75% reported improved parental confidence
-
100% of mums felt they have benefited from the programme/support received
Case study
Juliana was first referred to MumsAid after struggling with anxiety following the loss of her mother and a difficult relationship with her father. She received one-to-one counselling with us, which helped her begin to rebuild her confidence. Later, after the birth of her daughter, F, she self-referred again. F had been born with a bleed on the brain and underwent surgery at just one day old. Her parents were told she would have lasting brain damage, though the extent was uncertain. Juliana found it difficult to connect with other mothers whose children did not share these challenges, and she felt increasingly isolated.
Through the Mighty Acorns service, Juliana was introduced to other families with children who have disabilities. She received practical advice on specialist toys and equipment, childcare, benefits, and returning to work. Though travelling across the borough was not easy, Juliana attended regularly and quickly built friendships with other parents who understood her situation. She now contributes actively to the Mighty Acorns WhatsApp group, sharing her experiences and supporting other families.
The impact has been significant: Juliana reports a reduction in isolation, has childcare in place and plans to return to work, and has applied for Disability Living Allowance
10
for F. Her daughter has also benefited from access to specialist toys and resources through Charlton Toy Library. Reflecting on her journey, Juliana said:
“Everyone is so friendly and helpful… the best thing about the service is meeting parents who share the same worries and uncertainties about the future as I do.”
Today, Juliana continues to attend Mighty Acorns, both in person and online, and has become a welcoming presence for new families joining the group.
*Any identifying information has been changed, and we have been granted permission by the mums to include their stories in this report.
Restore Birth Trauma Service
- 100% of mums showed an improvement in EPDS scores, with one third showing significant improvements in their mental health
Case study
Jane was referred to Restore by her NHS Perinatal Mental Health Midwife while pregnant with her second child. Previously, she had a traumatic birth experience, resulting in high anxiety, panic attacks, and intrusive thoughts about her first birth. Despite not having a formal diagnosis, Jane believed she had faced postnatal depression and was apprehensive about giving birth again. Her anxiety stemmed from feelings of losing control during her initial labour, and she struggled to ask for help due to concerns over judgment, which contributed to her isolation.
After an in-depth assessment by Restore, Jane decided to have six individual sessions before joining a group. These sessions included trauma psychoeducation and introduced somatic tools to help regulate her nervous system. Although she cancelled two sessions due to anxiety and balancing full-time work, attending four sessions laid a strong foundation for her understanding of trauma.
11
In the eight-week Restore Birth Trauma Group, Jane engaged in various therapeutic techniques, including somatic interventions, psychoeducation, trigger identification, and peer support. These activities helped her manage anxiety and prepare for antenatal appointments with increased confidence. She became empowered to ask questions about her upcoming birth, feeling more in control of her choices.
Ultimately, Jane successfully planned a home birth, aligning with her needs for safety and autonomy. Following the birth, she reported an “amazing birth” and felt empowered and supported, no longer requiring ongoing help. Her journey illustrates the significance of providing a safe space for mothers to process birth trauma, emphasizing how compassionate support can transform perinatal experiences and improve mental health outcomes for families.
*Any identifying information has been changed, and we have been granted permission by the mums to include their stories in this report.
Art Workshops
MumsAid continues, for the 6[th] year, to run a successful therapeutic art group. Clients said of the group:
‘The group gave me confidence back that I can do hard things even if I never had done art before.’
‘It gives me some time to think and to express ourselves in new ways. Tanaz is amazing, such a kind and generous and talented person that has helped us reconnect with a younger and more carefree self—full of ideas and courage.’
‘The group gave me the time to talk about life and take time for art. My baby can see and play with new people.’
‘I loved all members and mums like me, and it gave me time to relax, doing some art.’
12
“Pregnant then Blue” Report
In December 2024, Pro Bono Economics published the “Pregnant then Blue?” report highlighting the value of MumsAid’s perinatal interventions.
Key takeaways include:
-
1 in 5 new or expectant mothers experience depression.
-
Up to 50% go undetected, with barriers for minority ethnic women.
-
MumsAid’s services result in:
-
1 in 3 achieving sustained recovery
-
76% significant mental health improvement
-
Estimated economic benefit per participant: ~£10,000.
The report gives significant evidence that MumsAid offers a highly cost-effective model.
In conclusion, at a time of growing need and stretched public services, MumsAid continues to deliver high-impact, trauma-informed care to mothers and babies who are too often overlooked. This year’s 22% increase in provision is both a challenge and a call to action, and one that we’ve met with compassion, clinical rigour, and strategic growth.
Our outcomes remain consistently strong, our policy voice is growing, and our model is now delivering not just emotional transformation, but proven economic value.
13
5. Financial Review
We are grateful to receive grants, donations, funding via local authority commissioning, and private counselling fees.
The financial strategy aims for a sustainable funding model with a mix of income streams, with a focus on increasing unrestricted income and developing programmes with partners to broaden the specialist perinatal mental health offer.
Our funding is largely made up of grants from charitable trusts and locally contracted services.
Income during the period, primarily from grants and contracts, totalled £388,547 (23-24: £384,775), of which £278,536 (23-24: £283,786) was restricted. Expenditure exceeded income for the financial year resulting in a deficit of £43,715 (23-24 surplus: £10,550). The increase in expenditure is largely attributable to increases in staff and support costs.
Notable funding received includes: £20,000 from the National Lottery Fund; Propel £85,400; Royal Borough of Greenwich commissioning £88,060; BBC Children in Need £15,000; City Bridge suicide prevention grant £10,000; and BACP £10,000.
We continue to successfully deliver commissioned perinatal services for the Royal Borough of Greenwich and this service is currently funded to April 2027.
As for many smaller charities, our key challenge is achieving long-term financial sustainability.
We are working to diversify our funding mix and the range of partners we work with even further. In 2025-26 we will continue our focus on increasing unrestricted income, including community fundraising and MumsAid organised events as new income streams, as well as applying for unrestricted grants from trusts and foundations.
14
We have a fundraising events officer in post; this will assist to drive more eventsrelated income streams. We also aim to expand our work in partnership with organisations with similar aims, to reach more mothers than ever before.
Reserves policy
The trustees have set a reserves policy that requires reserves to be maintained at a level that would enable MumsAid's activities to continue during times of unforeseen difficulties. We hold reserves to manage cashflow and enable investment in new services and ideas. We aim to hold a minimum of three months' charitable expenditure as general reserves, approximately £128,340, based on current forecasted activity in the next financial year to March 2026. The free reserves at March 2025 were £141,523, which is in line with policy.
We have budgeted to build our general reserves over the coming years to support the foundations for growth; our business strategy for the next three years is targeting substantial growth in response to growing demand, and thus our underlying reserves requirement to support sustainability will increase. The budget for 202526 is for a surplus.
Unrestricted reserves of £25,434 (2024: £35,305) carried forward are designated. These funds shall be designated to support further improvements to finance processes and continue to fund fundraising activities.
£101,512 of the total restricted funds £195,754 at the year ending 31[st] March 2025 are carried forward from the CGCC fund.
Challenges
Key challenges relate to increasing demand at times of income pressures, and inflationary pressures, which will be managed via prudent planning.
15
6. Future Planning
As demand for our services continues to grow, our following priorities will enable us to focus our resources on the areas of greatest impact, ensuring we deliver our vision effectively:
-
Sustain current service capacity and quality while expanding to meet emerging need
-
Build financial resilience
-
Strengthen infrastructure
-
Increase profile, reputation and influence
-
Enhance services for SEND and Global Majority clients.
7. Risk Management
Key risks are managed by the Board and reviewed at each Trustee meeting. A full register of risks is held and risk responsibility allocated amongst key staff and Trustees for mitigating action and reporting. The key risks facing MumsAid include income sustainability and diversification. We have significant funding from the local council and a small number of trusts and foundations, so we are actively working on a programme to diversify income and develop new income streams, from things like offering a private counselling service and also building our community following.
Risks
Funding gaps are highlighted in our regular updates to the Board and the Finance and Risk Subcommittee so that mitigating actions can be planned. Another key risk common to many small charities is that of losing key staff. We are very conscious that in this time of very high demand the pressures on our staff team can be high. In parallel with the high demand, we are seeing high numbers of safeguarding instances, for which we have a highly-qualified staff team, who also receive supervision.
16
Mitigation
The Trustees review the risks as well as reviewing the agreed mitigating actions. For example, our plans to offer private counselling (for parents who can afford to pay) in order to generate unrestricted income are well underway, and we regularly review our policies and policy compliance in order to ensure our team and services are appropriately and clearly managed.
8. Declaration
16th Oct Approved by the Board of Trustees on __ 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
Angela Smith-Morgan, Chair of Trustees
Signature: ________ Date: 05/11/2025
17
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF
MUMSAID MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT ('the Charity')
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31/03/2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent Examiner’s statement:
The charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: •the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
•the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
• the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content o accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Heather Dunlop FCA (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales) Contando Limited
7 Bell Yard London WC2A 2JR
Date:
18
MUMSAID MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Note INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM: Donations 3 Charitable activities 4 Interest income Total income and endowments EXPENDITURE ON: Charitable activities 5 Cost of raising funds 7 Total expenditure Net income/(expenditure) 10 Transfers between funds 16 Other recognised gains/(losses): Other gains/(losses) Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 16 |
Unrestricted Funds £ 79,896 27,702 2,413 110,011 24,318 47,294 71,612 38,399 - 38,399 - 38,399 130,866 169,265 |
Restricted Funds £ 278,536 - - 278,536 360,650 - 360,650 (82,114) - (82,114) - (82,114) 277,868 195,754 |
Total Funds 2025 £ 358,432 27,702 2,413 388,547 384,968 47,294 432,262 (43,715) - (43,715) - (43,715) 408,734 365,019 |
Total Funds 2024 £ 369,109 13,546 2,120 384,775 338,290 35,935 374,225 10,550 - 10,550 - 10,550 398,184 408,734 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
All income and expenditure derive from continuing operations.
The notes on pages 21-28 form part of these accounts.
19
MUMSAID MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
| Note FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 11 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 12 Cash at bank and in hand 13 CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year 14 Net current assets / (liabilities) Total assets less current liabilities CREDITORS: Amounts falling due after more than one year Net assets / (liabilities) TOTAL NET ASSETS FUND BALANCES 16 Unrestricted Funds General Designated Restricted Funds TOTAL FUNDS |
Unrestricted Funds £ 2,308 2,308 7,718 163,986 171,704 (4,747) 166,957 169,265 - 169,265 169,265 143,831 25,434 169,265 - 169,265 |
Restricted Funds £ - - 24,020 203,396 227,416 (31,662) 195,754 195,754 - 195,754 195,754 - - - 195,754 195,754 |
Total Funds 2025 £ 2,308 2,308 31,738 367,382 399,120 (36,409) 362,711 365,019 - 365,019 365,019 143,831 25,434 169,265 195,754 365,019 |
Total Funds 2024 £ 1,063 1,063 118,540 316,167 434,707 (27,036) 407,671 408,734 - 408,734 408,734 95,561 35,305 130,866 277,868 408,734 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and were signed on its behalf by:
______Angela Smith-Morgan, Chair of Trustees 05/11/2025 Date __
Charity number: 1179849
The notes on pages 21-28 form part of these accounts.
20
MUMSAID MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1 Statutory Information
- The charity is a charitable incorporated organisation registered with the Charity Commission in England & Wales. The charity's registered number and principal address can be found on the Charity Information page.
2 Accounting Policies
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant notes. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2015) - (Charities SORP - FRS102) and the Charities Act 2011.
- The Charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.
The principles adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are set out below.
a) Going concern The trustees have assessed whether the use of the going concern basis is appropriate and have considered possible events or conditions that might cast significant doubt on the ability of the charity to continue as a going concern. The trustees have made this assessment for a period of at least one year from the date of approval of the financial statements. In particular the trustees have considered the charity's forecasts and projections and the possible implications should projected income and / or expenditure vary unexpectedly. The trustees have concluded that there is a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue to operate for the foreseeable future. The charity therefore continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements. b) Income Income including income from government grants is recognised in the period in which the charity becomes entitled to receipt, the amount receivable can be measured reliably, and receipt is probable. Donations are generally recognised when they are received. Income is only deferred when the charity has to fulfil conditions before becoming entitled to it.
Gift aid income are recognised when claims are submitted to HMRC. Gift aid that has not been recovered by the balance sheet date is included as a debtor.
Income from charitable activities represents income receivable from goods, services and facilities supplied in furtherance of the charity's charitable objects. It includes income from traded private and low cost counselling services, training and consultancy provision.
- c) Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised when it is incurred and it includes attributable VAT which cannot be recovered.
Support costs have been apportioned between the cost of raising funds and charitable activities based on the proportion of direct costs.
Governance costs, which are included in support costs but are identified separately in the notes to the accounts, includes costs associated with the independent examination of the financial statements, compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements and any other expenditure incurred on the strategic management of the charity.
The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts.
Termination benefits, including redundancy costs, are recognised when the charity has an obligation to pay the benefits and they can be measured reliably.
- d) Donated goods, services and facilities Donated goods, services and facilities are included at the estimated value to the charity.
e) 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. Restricted funds are donations which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors. Employment costs, including pension costs, may be allocated to restricted funds where this is allowed by the terms of the restricted donation.
f) Tangible fixed assets Items purchased or donated for the charity's own use are capitalised when the cost of purchased items is equal to or more than £500 and the item is expected to benefit the charity over more than one accounting period. Depreciation is charged on a straight line basis so as to write down the value of each asset over its expected useful economic life. To achieve this objective the following depreciation periods are used:
ICT Equipment Between 3 and 7 years
The carrying values of tangible fixed assets are reviewed for impairment in periods when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.
21
MUMSAID MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
g) Debtors, creditors and provisions
Debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any discounts offered.
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably.
- h) Basic financial instruments
Financial assets and liabilities: Financial assets and financial liabilities, including debtors and creditors, are recognised when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Additionally, all financial assets and liabilities are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. Financial assets and liabilities are initially measured at transaction price (including transaction costs) and are subsequently re-measured where applicable at amortised cost.
-
The Charity only holds basic Financial Instruments. Financial Instruments are classified and accounted for according to the substance of the contractual arrangement as financial assets or financial liabilities. The financial assets and financial liabilities of the Charity are as follows:
-
Debtors – trade and other debtors (including accrued income) are financial instruments and are debt instruments measured at amortised cost as detailed in the note to the accounts. Prepayments are not financial instruments.
-
Cash at bank – is classified as a basic financial instrument and is measured at face value.
-
Liabilities – trade creditors, accruals and other creditors are classified as financial instruments, and are measured at amortised cost as detailed in the notes to the
-
accounts. Amounts due for taxation and social security are not included in the financial instruments disclosure. Deferred income amounting is not deemed to be a financial liability, as the cash settlement has already taken place and there is simply an obligation to deliver charitable services rather than cash or another financial instrument.
i) Pension scheme arrangements The charity operates defined contribution pension schemes for its employees. Obligations for contributions to these schemes are recognised as an expense when the liability arises. The assets of these schemes are held separately from those of the charity in independently administered funds.
j) Taxation
The charity has taken advantage of the various reliefs from taxation available to charities and no tax is payable on the charity's income.
k) Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement
The trustees do not consider that there are any material sources of estimation or uncertainty at the balance sheet date that could result in a material adjustment to the carrying values of assets and liabilities in the next reporting period.
3 Donations and legacies
| Donations Grants and contract income Donated goods, services and facilities |
2025 £ 22,296 320,536 15,600 358,432 |
2024 £ 15,685 337,824 15,600 369,109 |
|---|---|---|
Grants above includes government grants of £109,206 from the Royal Borough of Greenwich (2024: £249,711 from the Royal Borough of Greenwich). Further details of the nature of the grants are in the note 16 below.
Donated goods, services and facilities include £19,720 for rooms and creche in children's centres for sessions and groups, (2024: £14,100 for rooms and creche in children's centres for sessions and groups, £1,500 Pro-bono consultancy). The corresponding costs have been included in the relevant expenditure headings in note 5.
- 4 Income from charitable activities
| Private Counselling Low Cost Counselling Consultancy Other income |
2025 £ 8,580 1,740 6,900 10,482 27,702 |
2024 £ 9,991 480 3,000 75 13,546 |
|---|---|---|
22
MUMSAID MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
5 Charitable expenditure
| Costs incurred directly on charitable activities Staff costs Costs to deliver client activities Client Support Digital Services Costs Memberships/Insurance Supervision Training Marketing/Advertising Travel IT development Depreciation Support costs 6 Costs incurred on support & administration Governance costs Support staff costs Accounting fees Office rent Insurance Printing, postage and stationery Telephone Sundry Professional fees 7 Cost of raising funds Fundraising costs Support costs 8 Gross wages and salaries Employer's National Insurance Pension costs Redundancy and termination payments Total Staff Costs Analysis of staff costs, the cost of key management personnel and trustee remuneration and expenses |
2025 £ 191,081 22,050 2,235 5,880 5,542 900 2,615 418 949 11,142 475 141,681 384,968 2,984 141,423 1,035 7,061 1,310 789 1,946 543 1,996 159,087 2025 £ 29,888 17,406 47,294 2025 £ 277,690 17,648 34,805 - 330,143 |
2024 £ 162,797 17,468 3,899 6,125 3,626 780 1,267 8,064 549 5,159 378 128,178 338,290 3,058 120,489 6,885 6,352 884 689 1,580 (38) 4,026 143,925 2024 £ 20,188 15,747 35,935 2024 £ 231,412 15,513 35,179 7,875 289,979 |
|---|---|---|
The total staff costs in this note excludes non payroll related staff cost such as sessional staff and recruitment which are included in notes 5 -7.
Termination payments totalled £NIL for the year (2024: £7,875) paid as a result of the restructuring the Charity went through), of which £NIL was non contractual (2024: £4,240). £NIL was accrued at year end (2024: £4,240).
The average monthly number of employees during the year was 13 totalling 7 FTE (2024: 10 totalling 6 FTE). A significant proportion of the charity's activities are carried out by volunteers.
No staff received salaries at a rate of more than £60,000 per annum (2024:£NIL).
The charity's key management personnel comprise the trustees, the CEO, service manager, fundraiser and Senior Finance Officer (2024: the trustees, the CEO, service
During the year key management personnel received employment benefits totalling £181,585 (2024: £117,377).
No trustees received any remuneration or other benefits from an employment with the charity or a related entity in either the current or preceding year.
MumsAid counselling placements continue to be in high demand. Over the past year, a dedicated team of 17 volunteer counsellors has supported the organisation, each contributing a minimum of three hours per week. Requests for trainee counselling placements are received on an ongoing basis, reflecting the strong reputation of the service. We have also had some volunteers within our Restore group and our YMA groups.
Both face-to-face and online counselling sessions have been delivered. The closure of a number of children’s centres has, however, limited venue availability, resulting in additional costs for face-to-face delivery going forward.
A further six parent volunteers have worked closely with the Mighty Acorn group, all of whom bring valuable lived experience to their roles. In addition, MumsAid has benefitted from the contribution of volunteers providing support in administration and human resources, strengthening organisational capacity.
9 Transactions with related parties During the year the charity: a) Received donations totalling £NIL (2024: £95) from related parties (which includes trustees, any other members of key management and anyone closely connected to them).
b) No expenses (2024: £NIL) were paid to, or for, the trustees.
23
MUMSAID MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| 10 This is stated after charging: Amount paid to independent examiner for examination (inc VAT) Depreciation 11 Tangible fixed assets Cost At 1 April 2024 Additions Disposals At 31 March 2025 Accumulated depreciation At 1 April 2024 Charge for the year Eliminated on disposal At 31 March 2025 Net book value At 31 March 2025 At 31 March 2024 12 Debtors Falling due within one year: Trade debtors Prepayments and accrued income Net Income/Expenditure for the year |
2025 £ 2,880 475 ICT Equipment £ 4,484 1,720 - 6,204 3,421 475 - 3,896 2,308 1,063 2025 £ - 31,738 31,738 |
2024 £ 2,700 378 Total 2025 £ 4,484 1,720 - 6,204 3,421 475 - 3,896 2,308 1,063 2024 £ 7,322 111,218 118,540 |
|---|---|---|
The accrued income relates to income recognised in advance of receipt for planned delivery in the coming financial year of £24,020. The relevant grant agreements show that MumsAid has entitlement to the income, thus it has been recognised.
| 13 Cash at Bank and in Hand Bank operating accounts Petty cash 14 Creditors: liabilities falling due within one year Trade creditors Accruals and deferred income |
2025 £ 367,328 54 367,382 2025 £ 1,867 34,542 36,409 |
2024 £ 316,113 54 316,167 2024 £ 727 26,309 27,036 |
|---|---|---|
15 Pension commitments
During the year employer’s pension contributions totalling £35,806 (2024: £35,179) were payable to defined contribution personal pension schemes. No pension contributions were owing at the balance sheet date (2024: £NIL).
24
MUMSAID MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
16 Funds
During the year the movements in the charity's funds were as follows:
| General Unrestricted Funds Designated Funds - Finance & Administration Designated Funds - Fundraising Designated Funds - Charitable Activities Total Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Central Greenwich Children's Centres (CGCC) City Bridge Trust Greenwich Peninsula Fund National Lottery Awards for All Propel Fund RBG Commissioning RBG (Mighty Acorn Plus) RBG (Young mums project) RBG (Akwaaba group) BBC Children in Need Mr & Mrs Smith and Mount Trust City Bridge Suicide Prevention Grant BACP C19 - Lloyds Bank Foundation Total Restricted Funds Aggregate of funds Analysis of net assets by fund |
Opening balance 01-Apr-24 £ 95,561 3,149 18,730 13,426 130,866 101,512 28,424 9,544 - (20) - - 72,142 66,099 - - - - 167 277,868 408,734 |
Incoming resources £ 110,011 - - - 110,011 - 12,263 14,000 20,000 85,400 88,060 21,146 - - 15,000 2,667 10,000 10,000 - 278,536 388,547 |
Outgoing resources £ (61,741) - - (9,871) (71,612) - (40,687) (13,044) (12,222) (85,380) (88,060) (21,146) (41,224) (32,303) (11,250) (2,667) (10,000) (2,500) (167) (360,650) (432,262) |
Transfers in the year £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Gains and losses £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Closing balance 31-Mar-25 £ 143,831 3,149 18,730 3,555 169,265 101,512 - 10,500 7,778 - - - 30,918 33,796 3,750 - - 7,500 - 195,754 365,019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The assets and liabilities of the various funds were as follows:
| Tangible fixed assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand Creditors falling due within one year Creditors falling due after one year |
Unrestricted funds £ 2,308 7,718 163,986 (4,747) - 169,265 |
Restricted funds £ - 24,020 203,396 (31,662) - 195,754 |
2025 £ 2,308 31,738 367,382 (36,409) - 365,019 |
|---|---|---|---|
25
MUMSAID MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
In the previous year the movements in the charity's funds were as follows:
| General Unrestricted Funds Designated Funds - Finance & Administration Designated Funds - Fundraising Designated Funds - Charitable Activities Total Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Central Greenwich Children's Centres (CGCC) City Bridge Trust Greenwich Peninsula Fund National Lottery Community Fund (Mighty Acorn) Propel Fund RBG SEND group (Mighty Acorn project) RBG Commissioning RBG Winter Support Grant RBG (Young mums project) RBG (Akwaaba group) C19 - Lloyds Bank Foundation Total Restricted Funds Aggregate of funds |
Opening balance 01-Apr-23 £ 83,242 11,800 39,395 51,561 185,998 129,746 76,409 - 3,816 - - - 1,823 - - 392 212,186 398,184 |
Incoming resources £ 100,989 - - - 100,989 - - 12,725 - 21,350 3,661 88,060 - 82,448 75,542 - 283,786 384,775 |
Outgoing resources £ (88,670) (8,651) (20,665) (38,135) (156,121) (28,234) (47,985) (3,181) (3,816) (21,370) (3,661) (88,060) (1,823) (10,306) (9,443) (225) (218,104) (374,225) |
Transfers in the year £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Gains and losses £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Closing balance 31-Mar-24 £ 95,561 3,149 18,730 13,426 130,866 101,512 28,424 9,544 - (20) - - - 72,142 66,099 167 277,868 408,734 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Analysis of net assets by fund
In the previous year, the assets and liabilities of the various funds were as follows:
| Tangible fixed assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand Creditors falling due within one year Creditors falling due after one year |
Unrestricted funds £ 896 7,857 132,678 (10,565) - 130,866 |
Restricted funds £ 167 110,683 183,489 (16,471) - 277,868 |
2024 £ 1,063 118,540 316,167 (27,036) - 408,734 |
|---|---|---|---|
26
MUMSAID MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Purposes of restricted funds:
Central Greenwich Children's Centres (CGCC)
Grant supporting the delivery of MumsAid's charitable services in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. City Bridge Trust Two year funding towards support of Young MumsAid Trauma and advocacy service, enabling us to continue the Restore trauma group and provide individual trauma counselling.
City Bridge Suicide Prevention This funds our 4 groups - Akwaaba, Mighty Acorns Plus, Restore and Young Mums Aid. It focusses on reducing isolation, building resilience and creating a safe community. Greenwich Peninsula Fund We are providing 5 weekly sessions of free, specialist counselling for perinatal women living in the Peninsula area. This will deliver up to 12 sessions of our evidencebased counselling to an estimated 15 mothers per annum. BACP This is a one year fund from the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy. It funds a therapist for our Akwaaba service , increasing the diversity of our therapists enabling us to respond to the cultural needs and sensitives of our mums.
National Lottery Community Fund (Mighty Acorns) Mighty Acorns project is a holistic support service for parents of babies aged 0-2 with medical conditions, additional needs or disabilities. Propel Fund This mentoring project is being delivered as part of the Mayor’s New Deal for Young People mission. The project will support the aim of the mission by delivering quality mentoring for young Londoners most in need. We will provide our award-winning programme of support (YMA) for young women aged 14-21 in Greenwich, who are pregnant or have a child under two. We will deliver: key worker home visits / needs assessment; trauma-informed psychotherapy; practical help; a 24-hour text service; and peer support groups with a psycho-educational programme. The project will be delivered in the borough of Greenwich. RBG (Akwaaba group)
This is a transformative initiative aimed at addressing the critical gaps in mental health care for Black and Global Majority (B&GM) families and mothers during the perinatal period. B&GM women face unique barriers that hinder access to timely and culturally sensitive PMH support. This project seeks to establish a specialised service that recognises and addresses these challenges, ultimately fostering improved mental health outcomes for B&GM mothers and their families. RBG (Young mums project) We are supporting the needs of young mothers aged 25 years and under, who are experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties during the perinatal period. We will do this by providing weekly, drop-in well-being/support groups which will provide light-touch activities for parents not yet ready to engage with counselling, or who require ongoing support after counselling, and will include our psycho-education approach which has been proven to reduce isolation, enhance emotional well- RBG Commissioning Local authority commissioned services to provide counselling and therapeutic groups to women in Royal Borough of Greenwich. We work in partnership with Bromely, Lewisham and Greenwich Mind who deliver groups for new mums under this grant. RBG SEND group (Mighty Acorn project) Project run from The Bridge CIC: This is a service that offers a holistic support for parents of babies under 2 years old with medical conditions, additional needs or disabilities.
BBC Children in Need
This funds 10% of our CEO's salary and 27% of the Finance Officer's salary supporting our core organisational capacity.
RBG Winter Support Grant Supporting young mums with help to keep their homes warm, with household items such as rugs curtains and quilts and to provide vouchers towards utility costs of electricity and gas etc. Awards for All This fund employs our Counselling Coordinator who will enable us to help more people (mothers) to reach their potential, by supporting them and their babies at the earliest possible stage. Also it will significantly enhance the effectiveness, capacity and accessibility of our therapeutic services. Mr & Mrs Smith and Mount Trust
This funds a Clinical Lead, identified as an important next step in our recent structural review, in order to enhance capacity and maintain clinical excellence and organisational robustness as we expand to meet increased demand. This application will fund 50% of the salary for three years. C19 - Lloyds Bank Foundation
Bridging grant furthering the support provided by our Lloyds Bank Foundation Enhance grant including provision for investment in IT capacity and capability and additional business development manager hours to support effective continuation of services during Covid-19 pandemic.
Purposes of designated funds:
Finance & Administration
To support further improvement of finance processes and replace IT hardware.
Fundraising
To fund the recruitment and salary of a fundraiser for one year.
Charitable Activities
To support the following activities for 6 months from April 2023 to September 2023: Young Mums Aid, Mighty Acorns and Motherhood group.This represents the difference between the total cost to run these services for this period, less funding secured specifically for these services for the same period.
27
----- Start of picture text -----
MUMSAID MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES WITH COMPARATIVES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Unrestricted Restricted Unrestricted Restricted
funds funds Total funds funds Total
2025 2025 2025 2024 2024 2024
Note £ £ £ £ £ £
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM:
Donations and legacies 3 79,896 278,536 358,432 85,323 283,786 369,109
Charitable activities 4 27,702 - 27,702 13,546 - 13,546
Interest income 2,413 - 2,413 2,120 - 2,120
Total income and endowments 110,011 278,536 388,547 100,989 283,786 384,775
EXPENDITURE ON:
Charitable activities 5 24,318 360,650 384,968 120,186 218,104 338,290
Cost of raising funds 6 47,294 - 47,294 35,935 - 35,935
Total Expenditure 71,612 360,650 432,262 156,121 218,104 374,225
Net income/(expenditure) 38,399 (82,114) (43,715) (55,132) 65,682 10,550
Transfers between funds 16 - - - - - -
38,399 (82,114) (43,715) (55,132) 65,682 10,550
Other recognised gains/(losses):
Other gains/(losses) - - - - - -
Net movement in funds 38,399 (82,114) (43,715) (55,132) 65,682 10,550
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward 130,866 277,868 408,734 185,998 212,186 398,184
Total funds carried forward 16 169,265 195,754 365,019 130,866 277,868 408,734
----- End of picture text -----
28