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2023-03-31-accounts

WYTHENSHAWE SAFSPOTS CIO

End of year report

Year ended 31 March 2023

Agreed by the Trustees on the 17[th] May 2023

1

Reference and Administration Information

Charity number:

1183646

Registered office and operational address:

Suite 2/3 Alderman Downward House

Civic Centre Wythenshawe Manchester M22 5RF

Trustees

Trustees, who are also directors under company law, serving during the year of this report: Patricia Hawkins (Chair)

Anne Burns Jennifer Lambden Denise Pollard

Bankers

TSB Civic Centre Wythenshawe Manchester M22 5RB

Objects

The objects of the CIO are to preserve and protect the health of women and relieve the distress and suffering experienced as a result of domestic abuse in, but not exclusively, South Manchester by the provision of outreach and drop in services which include advice, guidance and practical support.

2

The Trustees report a significant growth of the organisation over the last 12 months. The growth is in response to survivor support needed due to the increase in reported incidents of Domestic Abuse.

Staffing levels have increased from:

The organisation utilised part of the National Lottery funding on a strength review, which was completed by two independent parties. The final report was extremely positive and highlighted the great work undertaken by the organisation.

The National Lottery also provided funding for addition professional growth training for employees, enabling them to complete accredited facilitator training for the delivery of several weekly in house courses.

The Tudor Trust grant has been used to support the delivery of more and varied in-house sessions each week, thus increasing the number of individuals attending the centre.

Centre Figures - includes calls and visitors - does not include emails
Month 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Jan 0 50 30 73 90 76 429 664
Feb 33 42 21 78 93 163 471 594
Mar 52 69 28 107 106 165 546 598
April 46 38 18 85 182 256 548 643
May 44 61 44 111 267 116 406
June 77 35 53 129 205 161 593
July 56 33 40 132 98 108 570
Aug 23 22 45 112 45 104 615
**Sept ** 46 21 58 125 117 170 826
Oct 71 31 58 125 127 289 575
Nov 62 29 72 103 102 436 630
Dec 34 23 48 86 61 221 723
Total 544 454 515 1266 1493 2265 6932 2499

(1[st] April 21 – 31[st] March 22 – 3307)

Centre Figures 1[st] April 22 - 31[st] March 23 - 7342

3

End of year report 31 March 2023

Challenges :

Outcomes :

Collaborative working

Systems

Additional inhouse services provided

4

Human Outcomes/Impact

Below are examples of the achievement’s we have celebrated this year with our clients. Following this we have included a number of case studies.

Summary :

We have walked with women equipping and empowering them, providing emotional support and advocacy. As a result, we have noted their personal growth, improvement in safety for them and their families, life impacting changes in mindset leading to, improved problem solving and decision-making skills. With many, we have been privileged to see them recalibrate their lives, pushing through difficulties, redefining their experiences and walking into brighter futures.

Provision for:

5

Ring Doorbells

Ring doorbells provide at home security for the families we work with. In addition, they act as a deterrent and can provide evidence to progress cases. Their impact is huge and immediate.

We provided a doorbell for a young mother in her new home, previously she and her children had been in refuge. She had separated from her abusive partner following domestic abuse and violence. She was still experiencing difficulties with him around contact with her two young children. Mum was extremely anxious and had developed trauma related responses which were now impacting her life and that of the children. They had been living in refuge prior.

Whilst working with Mum it became apparent that she had also been exposed to adverse childhood experiences due to domestic abuse as a child. One clear memory involved a knock at the door resulting in her mother telling the children to hide under the table. This memory had triggered a fearful response from Mum if there was an unexpected knock at the door. She was distressed not only at her own response and inability to cope, but also seeing her fear reflected in her children. Both children were upset and fearful when someone knocked at the door. This made things even more difficult for Mum as she realised their response was based on her reaction.

The ring doorbell allowed Mum to see who was at the door before opening it. This allowed her to take a breath, reduce her own anxiety and make a safe decision about answering the door. By role modelling a different behaviour the children became calmer and less anxious when someone called at the front door. The calmer they became the happier and more relaxed Mum became. After a short time, Mum reported she felt more confident and had noticed a considerable improvement on the children’s responses too. This particular Mum also benefited from attending the Freedom course.

Feedback from Mum:

“I was referred through by Family Action after being relocated to the area. I had been living in a refuge for 4 months with my 2 children in Jan 2022. I plucked up the courage to press the famous bell. I was in a bad broken point in my life and needed support. After my first visit I felt I could finally breath and didn’t feel alone anymore.

I now attend on a weekly basis, can answer my phone and know I have a strong support system. I now realise that abuse is not normal in any way, and by doing the freedom programme it has taught me to recognise the signs of a bad relationship.

I’m able to talk about things, I don’t suffer in silence, I’ve learnt that earth angels do exist, I always feel better when I leave. There’s not other services like it. The environment feels like home and my children feel safe. I’m now in a better life (place).”

6

The Freedom Course

The Freedom Programme is an 11 week certificated course which examines the roles played by attitudes and beliefs on the actions of abusive men and the responses of victims and survivors. The aim is to enable an understanding of what has been experienced rather than being overwhelmed by it. The Freedom Programme also describes in detail how children are affected by being exposed to domestic abuse, together with how their lives are improved when the abuse is removed. The sessions have explored identifying controlling and coercive behaviours, warning signs and red flags indications of abusers.

Below is feedback from one of our graduates:

“In November 2021 I left my abusive marriage after 16 years. The first six months I coped surprisingly well but then I began to struggle with the loneliness of the separation. I was seriously thinking about reconciling with my husband and so initially I reached out to Manchester Women’s Aid and asked for help and support. They provided me with one weekly phone call for 4 weeks. These calls were quite impersonal and felt very much like a box ticking exercise rather than the support I was looking for. After the 4 calls they suggested I complete the Freedom Programme. I don’t drive and the session they offered was an hour and a half away on public transport which meant that I would have to take a day’s leave from work each week to attend them.

I looked online for more local facilitators and found Wythenshawe Safe spots. I called the number and was immediately offered a place on the course and asked to come in for a chat. I was very apprehensive before my first visit to Safe spots because I was still in a lot of denial about some the abuse within my marriage and so I didn’t really see myself as ‘worthy’ of the support they offered. The very first time I walked in the door I was greeted with such warmth, kindness, care, and understanding from all of the workers and it immediately felt like I belonged there. Being in an abusive relationship for such a long time is extremely isolating so to have that feeling of belonging was invaluable to me at a time when I was considering reconciling with my ex-husband.

“I was very desensitised to the extreme abuse I was experiencing, and so taking part in the Freedom Programme and talking with the workers has helped me to recognise and understand the different types of abuse that I was being subjected to. This in turn has helped me to understand that I did not cause and am not responsible for the abusive behaviour of my ex-husband and most importantly that I cannot change his behaviour. Gaining this understanding is the reason I have not and will not reconcile with my ex-husband.

Initially, the more open I became about the abuse I suffered, the more shame and embarrassment I felt about the things that happened to me and the ways in which I reacted to some of the things my ex-husband did. The non-judgemental support and encouragement given by the workers at Safe spots has helped me to understand that my reactions at the time of the abuse were coping mechanisms to help keep me safe. This has helped me to feel less ashamed and to recognise just how strong and resilient I am which has really helped to build my confidence and encouraged me to keep going on the days when I am struggling.

Most importantly, Safe spots have helped me to see that I am not alone. Knowing that the workers understand what you’re going through and have first-hand experience of recovering from abusive relationships themselves makes their support feel so much more sincere.

The support provided by Safe spots has helped me find the strength I needed to ensure that I did not reconcile with my husband and so ultimately, the main difference to my life is that I am now safe. I am safe from being physically, mentally, emotionally, and sexually abused on a daily basis.

7

Taking part in the freedom Programme has helped me to understand different types of abuse and recognise abusive behaviours that I once thought were normal. This has had a huge positive impact on me and has enabled me to maintain my boundaries during any contact I have with my ex-husband and has again, ensured I am safe. I feel that completing the course will also help me to recognise these behaviours in any potential future relationships I might have and help me to understand what a healthy relationship should look like.

The first day I made the first made the call to Safe-spots I remember feeling absolutely terrified of the future and completely broken. The support and encouragement I receive from every single person at Safe spots is helping me to build myself back up week by week and I can finally see and look forward to a safe and happy future for me and my son.”

8

Parenting Course (AWNTY) AreWeNearlyThereYet?

AWNTY is a five week certified course designed for those who care for children aged 4-10 years. The sessions are helpful, fun and practical. They use an informal, workshop style with lots of relevant content, and plenty of time for discussion and laughter about our role as parents. It’s designed to help you thrive – not just survive.

Session topics:

Feedback from our graduates:

“The course felt peaceful and supportive I enjoyed being able to talk and share other thoughts” “I not only enjoyed the course, but learnt so many new techniques. I enjoyed everyone else’s experiences and knowing I wasn’t alone.” “I have enjoyed everything, especially learning how to be a better parent. The course was organised and presented very well.

One of the graduates is a mother of two primary school age children. She had been in an abusive marriage for over 10 years, experiencing coercive control and physical abuse. The children are also survivors of coercive control from their father. Safeguarding at school referred Mum to us for support. We were able to support her and the children to leave the relationship successfully. In addition to completing the Freedom Course Mum has recently graduated from AWNTY Parenting course. Mum has recognised the continued coercive control from Dad during contact and has been able to ask questions and receive support specifically around this.

This has helped Mum re-establish boundaries for successful parenting after very difficult circumstances. Having applied some of the suggestions from the course Mum is calmer and has noted that her relationship with the children has improved, she feels more empowered to care for them.

9

Groups and Activities year ending 31.03.2023

Activity Duration (weeks) How many rounds
to date		 Total individual
sessions		 How many
attendees
Freedom Program 11 5 55 71
Freedom Forever 10 1 10 7
ParentingCourse 5 2 10 16
Coffee Morning 50 50 50 204
Yoga/Mediation 10 10 10 33
Legal Clinic 20 20 20 22
Provision Volume
RingDoorbells 46
Personal Alarms 25
EmergencyFood Vouchers 14

10

Oasis Reporting

Report - Referral Source

Referral Source Value %
Childrens Centre 50 20.00
Drop in 24 9.60
Drug and Alcohol Support 2 0.80
Faith Organisation 1 0.40
Friends and Family 7 2.80
GP 1 0.40
Housing 24 9.60
Legal Support 13 5.20
MARAC 3 1.20
Mental Health Support 14 5.60
National Domestic Abuse Helpline 1 0.40
One to One support 8 3.20
Peri natal / anti natal 3 1.20
Police 7 2.80
Safeguarding Adults 19 7.60
Safeguarding Children 17 6.80
Self Referral 46 18.40
Specialist Domestic Abuse Support 10 4.00

11

0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Total		 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Total		 Referral Type
Referral Source
Referrals by Month
Value
%
April 15
6.00
May 19
7.60
June 10
4.00
July 14
5.60
August 23
9.20
September
35
14.00
October
22
8.80
November
16
6.40
December
18
7.20
January
28
11.20
February
25
10.00
March
25
10.00

In conclusion

This unique organisation provides a bespoke, safe space and critical emotional and practical support for Domestic Abuse survivors

12

Incorporated Organisation
1183646
Wythenshawe Safespots Charitable
Receipts andpayments accounts
01/04/2022
31/03/2023
To
For the period
from		 Incorporated Organisation
1183646
Wythenshawe Safespots Charitable
Receipts andpayments accounts
01/04/2022
31/03/2023
To
For the period
from		 Incorporated Organisation
1183646
Wythenshawe Safespots Charitable
Receipts andpayments accounts
01/04/2022
31/03/2023
To
For the period
from		 Incorporated Organisation
1183646
Wythenshawe Safespots Charitable
Receipts andpayments accounts
01/04/2022
31/03/2023
To
For the period
from		 Incorporated Organisation
1183646
Wythenshawe Safespots Charitable
Receipts andpayments accounts
01/04/2022
31/03/2023
To
For the period
from		 CC16a
For the period
from		 01/04/2022 To 31/03/2023
Section A Receipts and payments
A1 Receipts Unrestricted
funds
to the nearest
-
-
6,750
-
13,379
336
-
20,465
-
-
-
20,465
13,224
-
-
5,345
4,529
591
3,231
6,797
4,396
1,884
39,997
-
-
-
39,997
- 19,532
-
-
- 19,532		 Restricted
funds
53,500
15,000
-
27,620
-
-
-
-
96,120
-
-
-
96,120
56,270
4,277
2,987
3,566
-
-
-
1,870
1,400
70,370
-
-
-
70,370
25,750
-
-
25,750		 Endowment
funds		 Total funds
53,500
15,000
6,750
27,620
13,379
336
-
-
116,585
-
-
-
116,585
69,494
4,277
2,987
8,911
4,529
591
3,231
8,667
4,396
3,284
110,367
-
-
-
110,367

6,218		 Last year
TNL Funding - -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 53,500 -
Tudor Trust Funding - 15,000 -
WCHG Funding 6,750 6,750 -
MCC - 27,620 -
Donations 13,379 13,379 -
Sundryreceipts 336 336 -
- -
- - -
Sub total(Gross income for
AR)		 20,465 116,585 -
A2 Asset and investment sales,
(see table).
- -
-
-		 -
- - -
Sub total - - -
Total receipts
A3 Payments
- 116,585 -
Salaries/Contractors costs 13,224 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 69,494 -
Session Delivery/Supplies - 4,277 -
Training - 2,987 -
Rent,Rates and Insurance 5,345 8,911 -
Office Supplies 4,529 4,529 -
Marketing 591 591 -
Web hostingand support 3,231 3,231 -
FamilySupport 6,797 8,667
Security 4,396 4,396
Professional Fees 1,884 3,284 -
**Sub total ** 39,997 110,367 -
A4 Asset and investment
purchases, (see table)
- -
-
-		 -
- -
**Sub total ** - - -
Total payments
Net of receipts/(payments)
A5 Transfers between funds
A6 Cash funds last year end
Cash funds this year end
- 110,367 -
- 19,532 25,750 -
6,218		 -
- - -
-		 - -
- - - -
- 19,532 25,750 - 6,218 -

CCXX R1 accounts (SS)

29/01/2024

1

Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period

Categories
Signed by one or two trustees on
behalf of all the trustees
B1 Cash funds
B2 Other monetary assets
B4 Assets retained for the
B5 Liabilities
B3 Investment assets
CCXX R2 accounts (SS)		 Signature
Details
Details
Bank Balance
Details
Details
Total cash funds
Details
2		 Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
24,411
25,750
-
-
-
-
24,411
25,750
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Fund to which
asset belongs
Cost (optional)
-
-
-
-
-
Fund to which
asset belongs
Cost (optional)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Fund to which
liability relates
Amount due
(optional)
-
-
-
-
-
Print Name
Mrs Patricia Hawkins
Mrs Denise Pollard
3
3		 Endowment
funds		 Endowment
funds
-
-
-
-
Endowment
funds
-
-
-
-
-
-
Current value
(optional)
-
-
-
-
-
Current value
(optional)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
When due
(optional)
Date of
approval
0/01/2024
0/01/2024
29/01/2024

CCXX R2 accounts (SS)

29/01/2024

Independent examiner's report on the accounts

Report to the trustees/ members of Wythenshawe Safespots Charitable Incorporated Organisation On accounts for the year 31[st] March 2023 Charity no 1183646 ended (if any) Set out on pages 1 and 2

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above 31/03/2023

Responsibilities and As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation basis of report of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act .

under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have examiner's statement come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Date: 29/01/2024 Signed: Name: Karen L Hunter FCCA Relevant professional ICAEW qualification(s) or body (if any): Address: Nolan James Ltd Suite 1, Armcon Business Park, London Road South Poynton, Cheshire, SK12 1LQ

1

October 2018

IER