Charity Number: 1154746
The Leanne Pero Foundation
Financial Statements Year Ended 31st August 2024
The Leanne Pero Foundation
For the year ended 31 August 2024 Contents
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees annual report | 1-4 |
| Independent examiner's report | 5 |
| Statement of financial activities | 6 |
| Balance sheet | 7 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 8-10 |
The Leanne Pero Foundation For the year ended 31 August 2024 Trustees Annual Report
Legal and administrative information
Charity number 1182365
Unit 419, Peckham Levels
Peckham Town Centre Car Park Peckham London SE15 4ST
Trustees:
Sharon Green (Chair) Egon Cossou
Roosevelt Pero
Independent Examiners:
Count On Us CIC
Venn Farm Tudwick Road Tiptree CO5 0SD
1
For the year ended 31 August 2024 Trustees Annual Report
The Leanne Pero Foundation
Trustees Annual Report
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the reporting period 1 April 2023 to 31 August 2024. The financial statements presented here are, therefore, for a 17 month period and this should be borne in mind when making comparisons with previous annual reports and accounts. We changed this to better align with the start of our activity year. This adjustment ensures that our financial reporting more accurately reflects our operational cycle, improving clarity and consistency in our planning and reporting. We believe this change will enhance transparency and support more effective decision-making moving forward.
Trustee Recruitment and Induction
Trustees are identified through advertising in local charity networks and each candidate is interviewed and signs an eligibility declaration. Trustees receive a Trustee Handbook (including a code of conduct) and copies of all relevant policies including complaints, safeguarding, equalities etc. Where required, training on charity governance is also made available.
Objectives and Activities
The charity’s objects are “For the public benefit, to relieve the physical and emotional distress of cancer patients and survivors in particular but not exclusively by providing or assisting in the provision of support services, information and practical advice to such persons.”
We aim to do this by providing a range of support for, primarily, people of colour living with cancer including online support groups, coffee mornings, weekly telephone support lines, a podcast, a wig fund, social events, a bi-annual magazine and a hardback portrait book.
Public Benefit
The Trustees confirm that they have had regard to the Charity Commission Guidance on public benefit in directing the work of the charity.
Summary of Main Achievements
During the reporting year the charity has increased membership to over 700 and our 100 Women Survey continues to be used and quoted nationally to evidence inequalities in cancer care for Black and marginalised communities.
A key focus during this time has been around strengthening our governance, financial controls and impact reporting. With thanks in part to grant funding from Macmillan Cancer Care and Walk the Walk we have been able to do this as well as continue to deliver and grow our support activities (many under our programme brand “Black Women Rising”) for beneficiaries including:
Monthly support groups and coffee mornings
We provide 6 groups each month with average monthly attendance across all support groups of 80, reaching over 750 unique visits per year of which over 400 are physically seen by us. The groups provide support to the entire membership as well as to sub-groups such as those under 40 and those living with an incurable cancer diagnosis.
Feedback includes the following:
“BWR literally saved me from a dark place.”
“I attended my first coffee morning, having been selected to receive a wig donation. My first impression was so overwhelming when l saw all those beautiful faces and a room filled with love. It was such an uplifting moment and listening to each other's stories gave everyone in the room so much strength.”
2
The Leanne Pero Foundation For the year ended 31 August 2024 Trustees Annual Report
“A common phrase I heard during my cancer journey was that I was “so young” to be diagnosed. That imprinted the rhetoric in my mind that I was too young to get an illness like this and I was all alone. Attending the under 40’s support group helped me combat these challenges. The forum created a sense of belonging and a safe space to share my thoughts and feelings about my journey knowing that the ladies could relate.”
Untold Cancer Stories Podcast
We have launched 5 podcast series, including one recorded in front of a live audience, featuring guests that align with creating a safe, empowering space where voices, often overlooked in mainstream healthcare systems, are heard and valued. Through honest conversations, expert insights, and personal stories, we have helped break the silence around cancer, reduce stigma, and provide culturally relevant support. Many listeners have shared how the podcast made them feel seen, informed, and connected. Fostering community, confidence, and hope in their cancer journeys.
Feedback includes the following:
“These podcasts introduced me to the world of Black Women Rising. They covered a variety of topics, and I learned a lot. It was empowering listening to those going through their journeys, and how they are able to live life despite their challenges. Truly inspirational”
“I love listening to * and ** and guest speaking about the trials and tribulations of what us people of colour face going through a cancer diagnosis. The Untold Cancer Story is the realest raw relatable cancer podcast out there for me!”
Weekly phone line
We have a weekly phone line available for our members. The average is 20 calls per month and rising. Many of our members also communicate with us via WhatsApp messaging. We have a comprehensive list of organisations and professionals in place to where we can sign post enquiries to ensure they are receiving the correct level of support. This list is constantly updated to ensure they are relevant.
Feedback includes the following:
“The phone line provides me with a monthly professional source of support alongside my other therapy, this is an invaluable service that Black Women Rising runs.”
Book
We published our first ever hardback book titled “Black Women Rising Through Cancer”, which powerfully features the portraits and stories of 100 British Black women who have had a cancer diagnosis. The initial print run was 200 copies.
Each story is a unique and personal account of the individual woman's experience, allowing them to share their story in their own words and on their own terms. The portraits provide a visual representation of the strength and resilience of these women. The book provides a platform for them to share their powerful stories and inspire others who may be going through a similar journey. It is a powerful and uplifting tribute to the strength and resilience of these women and a reminder of the importance of supporting and uplifting marginalised communities.
3
The Leanne Pero Foundation For the year ended 31 August 2024 Trustees Annual Report
Feedback from those featured includes:
“I feel seen and heard.”
“So grateful to be a part of the '100 Women Book ' amongst other Black women. When I went through treatment, there was little representation, so this is truly special to see and read about other women who look like me, it reminds me I'm not alone. THANK YOU Black Women Rising.”
Future Plans
We are committed to meeting the growing demand for our visual resources. We hope to do this by publishing a new edition of our magazine, facilitating additional print runs of both our existing magazine editions and the recently published hardback book to ensure broader accessibility to these valuable resources. We will also be looking to develop digitised versions of all printed materials to increase reach and enhance accessibility.
In tandem with expanding our publications, we are also planning a comprehensive website revamp and relaunch.
These efforts will help make our content and services more widely available and accessible to our growing community.
We have recognised the changing needs and constraints faced by our younger members, particularly around time and accessibility. In response, we aim to support these evolving needs by offering more flexible and accessible support options to our under 40’s members.
Key Risks
The key risks facing the charity are:
●Insufficient funds raised to meet all budgeted costs – mitigated by careful management of expenditure and use of expert fundraisers.
●A safeguarding incident at any of our online or face to face sessions – mitigated by a robust safeguarding policy, DBS checks on staff and volunteers and high quality training.
Reserves Policy
During the reporting period the charity raised £390,455 (which on a pro rata basis equates to annual income of £275,615, compared to £216,402 in the previous year i). With expenditure of £388,247 (which on a pro rata basis equates to annual expense of £274,056, compared to £191,429 in the previous year) we made a small surplus of £2,208 (compared to £24,792 in the previous year), which has contributed reserves towards our policy target level.
The charity’s aim is to build reserves that equate to 3-6 months expenditure. The charity has very low fixed overheads and, therefore, this is primarily to enable cashflow to be managed and services to continue in periods when income is lower. Current reserves are £40,454 (£38,275 in the previous year), comprising £0 restricted and £40,454 unrestricted.
This report were approved by the trustees on ….11.06.2025.........................................
Signed by; Sharon Green
4
For the year ended 31 August 2024 Independent examiner's report on the accounts
The Leanne Pero Foundation
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31/08/2024.
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 FMAAT.
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 of 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.
Signed
Shelley Rudling FMAAT Venn Farm Tudwick Road Tiptree CO5 0SD
Date 17.06.2025
5
For the year ended 31 August 2024 Statement of Financial Activities
The Leanne Pero Foundation
----- Start of picture text -----
Note Unrestricted Restricted Total
Funds Funds Funds 2024
£ £ £
Income and Endowments from:
Charitable activities 2 390,455 - 390,455
Total income 390,455 - 390,455
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities 3 360,392 27,855 388,247
Total expenditure 360,392 27,855 388,247
Net income/(expenditure)
30,063 (27,855) 2,208
Transfer between funds - - -
Net movement in funds 30,063 (27,855) 2,208
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 10,391 27,855 38,246
Total funds carrried forward 40,454 - 40,454
----- End of picture text -----
Notes on pages 8-10 form part of these accounts.
6
The Leanne Pero Foundation
AS AT 31 August 2024 Balance Sheet
| Note Tabgile assets 6 Current assets Debtors 4 Bank balances Creditors, amounts falling due within on year 5 Net current assets Net assets Funds of the charity: Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds |
2024 £ 2,269 43,222 9,273 54,764 14,310 40,454 40,454 40,454 - 40,454 |
|---|---|
These accounts were approved by the trustees on … 11.06.2025
Signed by; Sharon Green
7
The Leanne Pero Foundation For the year ended 31 August 2024 Note to the Financial Statements
1. Basis of the preparation of the accounts
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement on Recommended Practise applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Rpeorting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (Effective 1 Janaury 20219). (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and Companies Act 2006.
Cash flow statement
The trustees have taken advantage of exemption in Financial Reporting Standard 1 (revised) from including a cashflow statement in the financial statements on the grounds that the charity is small.
Previous year
The previous year was produced on receipts and payments basis, this was due to the charity income being under £250,000 threshold, due to this there are no comparatives avaliable.
Period of accounts
The period of these accounts are from 1st April 2023 to 31st August 2024 this is 17 months due to the charity changing the year end.
Incoming resources
All icnoming recources have been included on a receivable basis.
Resources expended
Liabilities are recognised as resources expended as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to the expenditure. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis.
Going concern
The charity is operating on a going concern basis.
Tangible fixed assets
Individual fixed assets cost £1,500 or more are initially recorded at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depcriation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost of valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following basis:
Office equipment 20% oer annum straight line basis
8
The Leanne Pero Foundation For the year ended 31 August 2024 Note to the Financial Statements
----- Start of picture text -----
2. Income for charitable activities Unrestricted Restricted 2024
£ £ £
Charitable activities 166,162 - 166,162
Donations 106,613 - 106,613
Grants 117,680 - 117,680
-
390,455 390,455
3. Total resources expended
Unrestricted Restricted 2024
£ £ £
Advertising 2,161 2,161
Depreciation 567 567
Donations 2,703 2,703
Food and refreshments 2,833 2,833
Fundraising expenses 15,939 15,939
Insurance 157 157
Miscellaneous 4,441 4,441
Office expenses 2,652 2,652
Printing, postoage & stationery 3,768 3,768
Professional fees 14,072 14,072
Project expenses 139,615 139,615
Rent & Rates 15,144 15,144
Telephone 1,580 1,580
Travel 23,393 23,393
Wages 131,369 27,855 159,224
360,394 27,855 388,249
4. Current assets 2024
£
Prepayments 17,990
Trade debtors 25,232
43,222
5. Creditors 2024
£
Accruals 900
Tax and social security 10,658
Trade creditors 2,753
14,311
----- End of picture text -----
9
The Leanne Pero Foundation For the year ended 31 August 2024 Note to the Financial Statements
----- Start of picture text -----
6. Tangible fixed assets Office
Equipment
Cost
-
As 1st April 2023
Additions 2,836
As 31st August 2024 2,836
Depreciation
-
As 1st April 2023
Charge for the year 567
As 31st August 2024 567
Net book value
As 31 August 2024 2,269
As 31 March 2023 -
----- End of picture text -----
7. Staff
Leanne Pero Foundation employed an average of 4 staff during the year ended 31st August 2024
8. Trustees Remuneration
No trustee received any remuneration during the year.
9. Related Party Transactions
No trustee or other person related to the charity had any personal interest in any transaction entered into by the charity during the year.
10